*Auburn over Mizzou, Ohio State over Michigan State -- and, absurdly, the SEC will be shut out of the national-title game.
*Northern Illinois: That's why you play the whole schedule. (And why you never know with Michigan State.)
*World Cup draw: Ouch. Yikes. Yeesh. That said! I predict we will beat Ghana (finally) and draw with Portugal, putting us in a position to advance to the knockout round.
*Cano did what he had to do: He'll regret not playing on a championship team, but -- then again -- it's not like he was playing on a championship team in New York.
*Malzahn staying at Auburn: In the absence of a not-forthcoming offer from Texas, he might as well lock it in while the getting is as good as it gets.
*Texans fire Kubiak: Anyone not see that coming? Good for Houston for dumping him now and giving themselves a running start to find a replacement. I'd try to hire Kevin Sumlin from Texas A&M (who just signed an extension but clearly would not be begrudged for leaving for the NFL), but that's just me. Trade the No. 1 overall pick for a couple of 1sts (hello, St. Louis) and pick Manziel plus Best Available (probably not in that order).
*Kentucky hoops: From what you can see, they don't look like an elite team that will be able to win six straight in March. They are certainly not last season's debacle, but they are much closer to the uber-talented Wall-Cousins-Bledsoe 2010 team that fell well short of a national title than the Davis-MKG team that won one in 2012.
*Can't wait for Kobe's return tomorrow.
-- D.S.
Saturday, December 07, 2013
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Sunday 12/01 Auburn December Quickie
It's a glorious morning for those of us who traffic in instant history: Auburn's jaw-dropping win over Alabama was the single-greatest finish in college football history.
If you consider the context, participants, stakes, history -- all of it -- nothing can match it. It not only ended Alabama's national-title hopes, but it elevated Auburn's.
All in a rivalry game and all in the single-most-stunning play you will ever see. Just when you think sports can't sports any more dramatically... sports.
Let's move on to what will be a cataclysmic debate this week: Given the SEC's string of national titles and given Auburn's -- or Missouri's -- (vastly) superior resume, should a 1-loss SEC champ get into the BCS title game ahead of an unbeaten "brand-name" team from a power conference?
The answer -- simply enough -- is absolutely.
When you compare Ohio State's resume -- devoid of literally any high quality wins, let alone the multiple high quality wins of either Auburn or Mizzou -- it simply doesn't compare.
Even if/when Ohio State beats Michigan State next week, the Auburn-Missouri winner will have racked up yet another high-quality win -- far more impressive than Michigan State.
(Forget top 2 in the country: Can we agree that Ohio State might only be the 6th-best team in the SEC, reasonably set behind Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Missouri and South Carolina?)
You could say that a BCS finale that shuts out a clearly superior 1-loss SEC champ in favor of two unbeatens with relatively paltry resumes is the fitting end to a flawed system.
I would prefer it if the BCS belied its checkered history and -- not unlike the way Breaking Bad ended things for Walter White -- sent itself out with a bit of dignity that comes with rejecting a kneejerk "But they're unbeaten!" rationale for what we all know to be true:
The Auburn-Missouri winner deserves a shot at the national title in a way that Ohio State simply doesn't. (OK: If you want to make it interesting, let Ohio State and Florida State play in two Saturdays for the right to face the Auburn-Mizzou winner... but that's a 4-team playoff, of course.)
None of this should overshadow the most remarkable finish to a college football game in the history of the sport.
-- D.S.
If you consider the context, participants, stakes, history -- all of it -- nothing can match it. It not only ended Alabama's national-title hopes, but it elevated Auburn's.
All in a rivalry game and all in the single-most-stunning play you will ever see. Just when you think sports can't sports any more dramatically... sports.
Let's move on to what will be a cataclysmic debate this week: Given the SEC's string of national titles and given Auburn's -- or Missouri's -- (vastly) superior resume, should a 1-loss SEC champ get into the BCS title game ahead of an unbeaten "brand-name" team from a power conference?
The answer -- simply enough -- is absolutely.
When you compare Ohio State's resume -- devoid of literally any high quality wins, let alone the multiple high quality wins of either Auburn or Mizzou -- it simply doesn't compare.
Even if/when Ohio State beats Michigan State next week, the Auburn-Missouri winner will have racked up yet another high-quality win -- far more impressive than Michigan State.
(Forget top 2 in the country: Can we agree that Ohio State might only be the 6th-best team in the SEC, reasonably set behind Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Missouri and South Carolina?)
You could say that a BCS finale that shuts out a clearly superior 1-loss SEC champ in favor of two unbeatens with relatively paltry resumes is the fitting end to a flawed system.
I would prefer it if the BCS belied its checkered history and -- not unlike the way Breaking Bad ended things for Walter White -- sent itself out with a bit of dignity that comes with rejecting a kneejerk "But they're unbeaten!" rationale for what we all know to be true:
The Auburn-Missouri winner deserves a shot at the national title in a way that Ohio State simply doesn't. (OK: If you want to make it interesting, let Ohio State and Florida State play in two Saturdays for the right to face the Auburn-Mizzou winner... but that's a 4-team playoff, of course.)
None of this should overshadow the most remarkable finish to a college football game in the history of the sport.
-- D.S.
Friday, November 29, 2013
11/29 Thanksgiving Hangover Quickie
(1) So, basically, Thanksgiving NFL in review comes down to whether you think Mike Tomlin intentionally tried to get in Jacoby Jones' way or not.
My instinct is no, because you can't fake Tomlin's "holy-smokes-I-better-scoot-over" reaction and because something like that becomes a thing that defines a coach (and not in a good way), which Tomlin wouldn't want. I appreciate that the entire thing looked iffy, but no.
(2) After watching yesterday's debacle in Detroit, we're all agreed that Aaron Rodgers is NFL MVP, right? (And a big/must win for Dallas, even if there should be no expectation they'll do anything if they make the playoffs.)
(3) It was an absurd moment, but $50K doesn't seem like enough of a punishment for Jason Kidd messing with the integrity of the game. (Then again, if the NBA suspended Kidd for a game or two, it would become apparent how much better the Nets are without him.)
(4) There isn't a more consequential inconsequential rivalry game than the Egg Bowl. Congrats to Mississippi State fans.
(5) Good weekend for rivalry games, but today is kind of threadbare. There's Arkansas-LSU at 2:30 if you want it, but Oregon-Oregon State should be worth it at 7.
(6) Otherwise, the best game you'll watch today is Warriors-Thunder at 8 on NBA TV (even if regular-season NBA is almost entirely inconsequential).
Get to that shopping, y'all.
-- D.S.
My instinct is no, because you can't fake Tomlin's "holy-smokes-I-better-scoot-over" reaction and because something like that becomes a thing that defines a coach (and not in a good way), which Tomlin wouldn't want. I appreciate that the entire thing looked iffy, but no.
(2) After watching yesterday's debacle in Detroit, we're all agreed that Aaron Rodgers is NFL MVP, right? (And a big/must win for Dallas, even if there should be no expectation they'll do anything if they make the playoffs.)
(3) It was an absurd moment, but $50K doesn't seem like enough of a punishment for Jason Kidd messing with the integrity of the game. (Then again, if the NBA suspended Kidd for a game or two, it would become apparent how much better the Nets are without him.)
(4) There isn't a more consequential inconsequential rivalry game than the Egg Bowl. Congrats to Mississippi State fans.
(5) Good weekend for rivalry games, but today is kind of threadbare. There's Arkansas-LSU at 2:30 if you want it, but Oregon-Oregon State should be worth it at 7.
(6) Otherwise, the best game you'll watch today is Warriors-Thunder at 8 on NBA TV (even if regular-season NBA is almost entirely inconsequential).
Get to that shopping, y'all.
-- D.S.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
11/28 Thankgsivukkah Quickie
*The best holiday tradition in sports is Thanksgiving day NFL.
(FWIW: No. 2 is Christmas Day NBA and No. 3 is New Year's Day NHL.)
*Don't forget to set your fantasy lineups.
*Lions over Packers, Cowboys over Raiders, Ravens over Steelers.
*I still think LeBron will eventually end up in Cleveland.
*This Jason Kidd "Hit me" thing is hilarious. He's a terrible coach otherwise, so more power to him.
*Katherine Webb should be rooting for Auburn.
*The No. 1 rule of Turkey Bowls: Don't get hurt.
-- D.S.
(FWIW: No. 2 is Christmas Day NBA and No. 3 is New Year's Day NHL.)
*Don't forget to set your fantasy lineups.
*Lions over Packers, Cowboys over Raiders, Ravens over Steelers.
*I still think LeBron will eventually end up in Cleveland.
*This Jason Kidd "Hit me" thing is hilarious. He's a terrible coach otherwise, so more power to him.
*Katherine Webb should be rooting for Auburn.
*The No. 1 rule of Turkey Bowls: Don't get hurt.
-- D.S.
Monday, November 25, 2013
11/25 Thanksgiving Week Kick-Off Quickie
*Best way to start off the week: Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. So basically I'm rolling with Nene.
*This is not just a good but a GREAT NFL season. Pretty amazing that over 7 days, the Patriots could be involved in two of the top 5 (top 3?) games of the season so far. Three other observations:
-- Gabe is a massive Carolina Panthers/Cam Newton fan, so the past 7 weeks have been kind of amazing for him (and for me to watch).
-- Mike Glennon: Offensive Rookie of the Year. Didn't see that coming.
-- We can debate his lack of ultimate (read: Super Bowl or even AFC title) success, but it's hard to think of a QB who makes the waning minutes of games more manic and fun than Philip Rivers.
*The Derrick Rose story is painful. The Kobe Bryant story is hilarious. The NBA will be so much worse for missing Rose this season -- but so much better with Angry Super-Paid Kobe the next two.
*My Football Four college football playoff ballot this week: (1) Alabama, (2) FSU, (3) Auburn, (4) Missouri. My protest abstention from listing Ohio State continues. They have a similar resume to Northern Illinois.
*College hoops is still ramping up, but Louisville ain't Louisville (clearly) and as impressed as I am with Duke's offense, the defense is going to keep them from winning the NCAA title.
*Nothing drives (self-)delusions of your child's exceptional athletic future like buying a pair of "youth small" wide receiver gloves.
-- D.S.
*This is not just a good but a GREAT NFL season. Pretty amazing that over 7 days, the Patriots could be involved in two of the top 5 (top 3?) games of the season so far. Three other observations:
-- Gabe is a massive Carolina Panthers/Cam Newton fan, so the past 7 weeks have been kind of amazing for him (and for me to watch).
-- Mike Glennon: Offensive Rookie of the Year. Didn't see that coming.
-- We can debate his lack of ultimate (read: Super Bowl or even AFC title) success, but it's hard to think of a QB who makes the waning minutes of games more manic and fun than Philip Rivers.
*The Derrick Rose story is painful. The Kobe Bryant story is hilarious. The NBA will be so much worse for missing Rose this season -- but so much better with Angry Super-Paid Kobe the next two.
*My Football Four college football playoff ballot this week: (1) Alabama, (2) FSU, (3) Auburn, (4) Missouri. My protest abstention from listing Ohio State continues. They have a similar resume to Northern Illinois.
*College hoops is still ramping up, but Louisville ain't Louisville (clearly) and as impressed as I am with Duke's offense, the defense is going to keep them from winning the NCAA title.
*Nothing drives (self-)delusions of your child's exceptional athletic future like buying a pair of "youth small" wide receiver gloves.
-- D.S.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
11/20 Wednesday Quickie
*Was the Panthers-Pats game-ending call right? The best analysis of the situation came from Grantland's Bill Barnwell, who explained how the Pats blew the game before the refs blew the call.
*Is Robinson Cano worth $300M? Put it this way: No player is worth $300M, except Bryce Harper hitting free agency at age 25 or 26. So: No, Cano is not worth $300M.
*Wiggins, Parker and Randle have (rightfully) gotten all of the attention, but OK St PG Marcus Smart put on a show last night, reminding everyone he is as NBA-ready as anyone in college hoops.
(But it doesn't feel like OK St has nearly the same "national title or bust" expectations as the Big Three frosh.)
Let's not overlook Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky, who had a school-record 43 last night. Wisconsin basketball is... fun?
*The Heat succeeding despite Dwyane Wade being out -- and, admittedly, this isn't the playoffs, but merely a mid-November game -- is a pretty good reminder that LeBron is amazing.
*The most fascinating player in the NBA is a guy who hasn't even played this season yet -- Kobe. Can't wait for that return.
*Big night tonight in the NBA: 13 games. If you enjoy schadenfreude, keep an eye on the Pacers routing the Knicks -- and the struggling Nets at the... Bobcats?
But the best game will mean staying up late: Grizzlies at Warriors, with a 10:30 ET tip time. Will have to catch the AM highlights for that one.
-- D.S.
*Is Robinson Cano worth $300M? Put it this way: No player is worth $300M, except Bryce Harper hitting free agency at age 25 or 26. So: No, Cano is not worth $300M.
*Wiggins, Parker and Randle have (rightfully) gotten all of the attention, but OK St PG Marcus Smart put on a show last night, reminding everyone he is as NBA-ready as anyone in college hoops.
(But it doesn't feel like OK St has nearly the same "national title or bust" expectations as the Big Three frosh.)
Let's not overlook Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky, who had a school-record 43 last night. Wisconsin basketball is... fun?
*The Heat succeeding despite Dwyane Wade being out -- and, admittedly, this isn't the playoffs, but merely a mid-November game -- is a pretty good reminder that LeBron is amazing.
*The most fascinating player in the NBA is a guy who hasn't even played this season yet -- Kobe. Can't wait for that return.
*Big night tonight in the NBA: 13 games. If you enjoy schadenfreude, keep an eye on the Pacers routing the Knicks -- and the struggling Nets at the... Bobcats?
But the best game will mean staying up late: Grizzlies at Warriors, with a 10:30 ET tip time. Will have to catch the AM highlights for that one.
-- D.S.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
11/16 Saturday Quickie
*Yes, #BatKid was the best story of the year.
*The most interesting player in college football is UCLA LB/RB Myles Jack, and it isn't close.
*The Pacers are legit. They won't beat the Heat in the playoffs, unfortunately, but they are legit.
*Duke is going to be even better next year when Jabari Parker sticks around to play with Okafor.
*Is it too much to ask for a Northwestern win over Michigan and Florida win over South Carolina? (Probably.)
*The Maryland-UConn women's game was a ton of fun. UConn is astonishing to watch up close.
-- D.S.
*The most interesting player in college football is UCLA LB/RB Myles Jack, and it isn't close.
*The Pacers are legit. They won't beat the Heat in the playoffs, unfortunately, but they are legit.
*Duke is going to be even better next year when Jabari Parker sticks around to play with Okafor.
*Is it too much to ask for a Northwestern win over Michigan and Florida win over South Carolina? (Probably.)
*The Maryland-UConn women's game was a ton of fun. UConn is astonishing to watch up close.
-- D.S.
Friday, November 15, 2013
11/15 Weekend Quickie
*I'm taking Gabe to see No. 1 UConn play No. 8 Maryland in College Park tonight. Should be an awesome atmosphere and a great experience for Gabe (and me).
*That Warriors-Thunder ending was as amazing as it gets.
*A few weeks after thinking the Colts were a darkhorse contender for the AFC title, I think they'll be lucky to win a playoff game. Maybe they only show up versus the good teams.
*While Miguel Cabrera was more deserving of AL MVP than he was last year, he still isn't as valuable as Mike Trout.
*Andrew McCutcheon as NL MVP caps a dream season for Pirates fans. What a wonderful player.
*The college football weekend slate is a relative dud, compared to last Thursday night. I guess Georgia-Auburn is the big game worth watching, if only to see if Auburn stays relevant in advance of its game with Alabama.
*Also a slow weekend in college hoops (especially relative to last Tuesday, which will be a recurring theme all season long). Ohio State-Marquette on Saturday, I guess? But not really.
-- D.S.
*That Warriors-Thunder ending was as amazing as it gets.
*A few weeks after thinking the Colts were a darkhorse contender for the AFC title, I think they'll be lucky to win a playoff game. Maybe they only show up versus the good teams.
*While Miguel Cabrera was more deserving of AL MVP than he was last year, he still isn't as valuable as Mike Trout.
*Andrew McCutcheon as NL MVP caps a dream season for Pirates fans. What a wonderful player.
*The college football weekend slate is a relative dud, compared to last Thursday night. I guess Georgia-Auburn is the big game worth watching, if only to see if Auburn stays relevant in advance of its game with Alabama.
*Also a slow weekend in college hoops (especially relative to last Tuesday, which will be a recurring theme all season long). Ohio State-Marquette on Saturday, I guess? But not really.
-- D.S.
Monday, November 11, 2013
11/11 Curbed Quickie
*Thank you to everyone who has served the country. My paternal grandfather served in the Pacific theater during World War II. We honor everyone who honors the rest of us with their service.
*The deal within which Vox Media is buying Curbed brings together two of my favorite companies and many of my favorite people. Really thrilled for everyone involved.
*Gabe's favorite NFL team is the Carolina Panthers, so he was beyond elated at yesterday's season-defining win. They're not winning the Super Bowl, but outperforming expectations is nice, too.
*The Wizards' loss in Oklahoma City last night was an epic disappointment, but it affirmed what I have been saying about Bradley Beal for two years: He will be a superstar NBA player.
*My fictional college football playoff foursome: (1) Alabama, (2) Stanford, (3) FSU, (4) Baylor. Ohio State's resume -- if you can even call it that -- is tantamount to an unbeaten MAC team.
*I appreciate why the Braves are moving to the 'burbs, but it feels like a mistake.
-- D.S.
*The deal within which Vox Media is buying Curbed brings together two of my favorite companies and many of my favorite people. Really thrilled for everyone involved.
*Gabe's favorite NFL team is the Carolina Panthers, so he was beyond elated at yesterday's season-defining win. They're not winning the Super Bowl, but outperforming expectations is nice, too.
*The Wizards' loss in Oklahoma City last night was an epic disappointment, but it affirmed what I have been saying about Bradley Beal for two years: He will be a superstar NBA player.
*My fictional college football playoff foursome: (1) Alabama, (2) Stanford, (3) FSU, (4) Baylor. Ohio State's resume -- if you can even call it that -- is tantamount to an unbeaten MAC team.
*I appreciate why the Braves are moving to the 'burbs, but it feels like a mistake.
-- D.S.
Friday, November 08, 2013
College Hoops Tip-Off
The opening day of the college hoops season always brings me back to my wonderful stint as college basketball editor for ESPN.com -- hey, it was only 17 years ago!
Last year, I totally whiffed in picking Kentucky to repeat as champs. That won't stop me from picking them to win it all again this year.
*Final Four picks: Kentucky, Michigan State, Duke, Creighton.
*Will Andrew Wiggins reach the Final Four? No.
Shortest. Preview. Ever.
-- D.S.
Last year, I totally whiffed in picking Kentucky to repeat as champs. That won't stop me from picking them to win it all again this year.
*Final Four picks: Kentucky, Michigan State, Duke, Creighton.
*Will Andrew Wiggins reach the Final Four? No.
Shortest. Preview. Ever.
-- D.S.
11/08 Stanford Quickie
(1) Stanford's win over Oregon was the single-best win by any team this college football season.
The win is not just enough to put Stanford in the theoretical "What if there was a 4-team playoff right now?" bracket, but enough for me to rank the Cardinal at No. 2 ahead of unbeatens like FSU, Baylor and (give me a break) Ohio State.
The consolation that Stanford will be shut out of the national-title game is that they will be matched up with a "But we're undefeated WAH!" Ohio State and absolutely destroy them.
Anyway, last night's game was a pretty amazing example of why college football is the best.
(2) If it wasn't already, the Redskins' season is over after last night's collapse -- I'm no fan of Mike Shanahan anyway (let alone the Redskins), so I'm looking forward to the inevitable regime change. If anything, the result felt like adding insult to insult.
(3) ICYMI, Grantland's Brian Phillips on the Incognito-Martin story is the best thing on it that I have read this week. Check it out here. But meanwhile, that bullying quote relayed by Martin lawyer David Cornwell -- cripes.
(4) I love my relationship with Georgetown's Sports Industry Management (SIM) program. Last night, I got to lead a conversation with PTI creator Erik Rydholm, and he only affirmed my opinion that he is the most brilliant person in sports media. There is not much better than listening to someone really smart talk about... well, basically anything, but certainly things you also think about a lot. Thanks for the time, Erik.
Enjoy your weekend!
-- D.S.
The win is not just enough to put Stanford in the theoretical "What if there was a 4-team playoff right now?" bracket, but enough for me to rank the Cardinal at No. 2 ahead of unbeatens like FSU, Baylor and (give me a break) Ohio State.
The consolation that Stanford will be shut out of the national-title game is that they will be matched up with a "But we're undefeated WAH!" Ohio State and absolutely destroy them.
Anyway, last night's game was a pretty amazing example of why college football is the best.
(2) If it wasn't already, the Redskins' season is over after last night's collapse -- I'm no fan of Mike Shanahan anyway (let alone the Redskins), so I'm looking forward to the inevitable regime change. If anything, the result felt like adding insult to insult.
(3) ICYMI, Grantland's Brian Phillips on the Incognito-Martin story is the best thing on it that I have read this week. Check it out here. But meanwhile, that bullying quote relayed by Martin lawyer David Cornwell -- cripes.
(4) I love my relationship with Georgetown's Sports Industry Management (SIM) program. Last night, I got to lead a conversation with PTI creator Erik Rydholm, and he only affirmed my opinion that he is the most brilliant person in sports media. There is not much better than listening to someone really smart talk about... well, basically anything, but certainly things you also think about a lot. Thanks for the time, Erik.
Enjoy your weekend!
-- D.S.
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
11/06 Election Hangover Quickie
*That Richie Incognito is loathsome is undisputed. I remain more fascinated with the culpability of head coach Joe Philbin -- not just "what did he know and when did he know it?" but this essential proposition: He either had no idea what was going on (which makes him stupid and negligent) or he did have at least some idea what was going on (which makes him a liar and fairly evil). So: Stupid or evil? Which is it, coach? I think he didn't know but SHOULD have known -- not that this is an excuse, but this was an inexperienced head coach overwhelmed by the full spectrum of the job.
*I think Nick Saban would leave Alabama for Texas -- I think that basically every college coach would leave their current situation for Texas. But WILL he? What other challenges does he have at Alabama? How much does the Big 12's relatively soft schedule factor in? I have long thought that the best college football coaches were wildly underpaid -- if I was Texas, I would offer him $10M a year for 10 years and force him to turn down the combination of unprecedented money and unprecedented resources.
*Too bad about Aaron Rodgers. Presuming he's healthy to return to full strength for the season's final 5-6 weeks, the Packers should still get into the playoffs, at which point he can resume falling short of another Super Bowl title. In the meantime, the Packers will likely not be fun to watch.
-- D.S.
*I think Nick Saban would leave Alabama for Texas -- I think that basically every college coach would leave their current situation for Texas. But WILL he? What other challenges does he have at Alabama? How much does the Big 12's relatively soft schedule factor in? I have long thought that the best college football coaches were wildly underpaid -- if I was Texas, I would offer him $10M a year for 10 years and force him to turn down the combination of unprecedented money and unprecedented resources.
*Too bad about Aaron Rodgers. Presuming he's healthy to return to full strength for the season's final 5-6 weeks, the Packers should still get into the playoffs, at which point he can resume falling short of another Super Bowl title. In the meantime, the Packers will likely not be fun to watch.
-- D.S.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
11/3 Sunday Quickie
(1) The only material change to the CFB top 4 is that FSU jumps back over Oregon for the No. 2 spot, on the strength of clobbering Miami. Oregon will vault back to No. 2 if/when they beat No. 4 Stanford on Thursday night. Baylor moves into the top 4 with a win over Oklahoma Thursday.
(Nope, don't want to talk about either Florida or Northwestern.)
(2) Today's NFL schedule lacks a good game between two good teams (Bears-Packers tomorrow night comes closest), but we're close to must-win territory for borderline would-be playoff teams -- Dallas, Baltimore, Carolina and San Diego.
(3) The Sixers are 3-0. This is the most amazing November storyline in the history of the NBA.
-- D.S.
(Nope, don't want to talk about either Florida or Northwestern.)
(2) Today's NFL schedule lacks a good game between two good teams (Bears-Packers tomorrow night comes closest), but we're close to must-win territory for borderline would-be playoff teams -- Dallas, Baltimore, Carolina and San Diego.
(3) The Sixers are 3-0. This is the most amazing November storyline in the history of the NBA.
-- D.S.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
10/31 Halloween Quickie
(1) Red Sox win the World Series. "Good. Crazy." I'm no Sox fan, but begrudging congrats to Sox fans.
(2) The presumptively tanking Sixers beating the Heat is the most delightful result possible of the NBA's slate of season-opening games.
(3) Happy Halloween. As Gabe said this morning: "Best day of the school year!"
-- D.S.
(2) The presumptively tanking Sixers beating the Heat is the most delightful result possible of the NBA's slate of season-opening games.
(3) Happy Halloween. As Gabe said this morning: "Best day of the school year!"
-- D.S.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
10/29 Tuesday NBA Tip-Off Quickie
(1) I have resigned myself to the idea that the Red Sox will win the World Series.
(2) I am committed to appreciating LeBron even more this season -- someone who is playing at the top of his game... and anyone's game, all-time.
(3) That said, LeBron's dominance and the presumption of yet another title for the Heat -- no different than last year -- is bad for the league.
(4) Finals pick: Heat over Spurs in 5. Then LeBron leaves for Cleveland and Bosh leaves for one of the teams in Texas, and Miami's moment is over.
(5) My favorite NBA storyline this year is the return of Kobe.
(6) I am pleasantly optimistic about my Wizards this season, despite mixed feelings about the Marcin Gortat trade. It's nice to say "Playoffs or bust."
-- D.S.
(2) I am committed to appreciating LeBron even more this season -- someone who is playing at the top of his game... and anyone's game, all-time.
(3) That said, LeBron's dominance and the presumption of yet another title for the Heat -- no different than last year -- is bad for the league.
(4) Finals pick: Heat over Spurs in 5. Then LeBron leaves for Cleveland and Bosh leaves for one of the teams in Texas, and Miami's moment is over.
(5) My favorite NBA storyline this year is the return of Kobe.
(6) I am pleasantly optimistic about my Wizards this season, despite mixed feelings about the Marcin Gortat trade. It's nice to say "Playoffs or bust."
-- D.S.
Monday, October 28, 2013
10/28 Monday Quickie
(1) Can you remember a stranger way back-to-back World Series games have ended? Walk-off obstruction, walk-off pickoff. The only question is how the Series can top this weekend in Games 5 and 6 (and 7*).
(2) The five best storylines coming out of yesterday's NFL games:
*Megatron's 329.
*Chiefs are 8-0.
*The Eagles are awful.
*Is Brees, not Manning, midseason MVP?
*This is one odd season so far.
(3) Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Stanford: That's my playoff foursome, if the college football season ended today.
Like the NFL? Don't forget to check out The Q, from USA TODAY Sports.
(2) The five best storylines coming out of yesterday's NFL games:
*Megatron's 329.
*Chiefs are 8-0.
*The Eagles are awful.
*Is Brees, not Manning, midseason MVP?
*This is one odd season so far.
(3) Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Stanford: That's my playoff foursome, if the college football season ended today.
Like the NFL? Don't forget to check out The Q, from USA TODAY Sports.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
10/23 Very Quickie
(1) "Your phone is the new Jumbotron." That was my pithy add to the OnDeck West conference in San Francisco this week. I interviewed Pac-12 commish Larry Scott to open the conference yesterday. It was a ton of fun -- thanks to the OnDeck folks for having me. Met a ton of great people and found myself thinking of a lot of great ideas.
(2) Ohio State over Mizzou? Really? My USA TODAY Sports colleagues have picked the latest "if the season ended today" college football playoff of Alabama, Oregon, FSU and Ohio State. I cannot understand how anyone can look at Ohio State's resume and rank them ahead of Missouri. This is the farcical side of the playoff system.
(3) Cardinals in 7.
-- D.S.
(2) Ohio State over Mizzou? Really? My USA TODAY Sports colleagues have picked the latest "if the season ended today" college football playoff of Alabama, Oregon, FSU and Ohio State. I cannot understand how anyone can look at Ohio State's resume and rank them ahead of Missouri. This is the farcical side of the playoff system.
(3) Cardinals in 7.
-- D.S.
Monday, October 14, 2013
10/14 Throwback Quickie
10 years ago today: The Bartman moment, one of the most indelible in baseball history.
Here is what I wrote the morning after, in the Daily Quickie -- note that "Steve Bartman" wasn't yet known as the name:
Then I had an item asking if Alex Gonzalez was the new Bill Buckner:
10 years later, Gonzalez's role in the debacle is still vastly underrated.
Yeesh: Whenever I read back through an old Quickie -- especially something from that first year or two -- I am reminded how tight I wrote, as compared to now. I got worse as I took more space....
Also: 10 years later, the Quickie is so mobile-friendly -- a decade ahead of its time, I guees.
-- D.S.
Here is what I wrote the morning after, in the Daily Quickie -- note that "Steve Bartman" wasn't yet known as the name:
Two Words For You:
BLAME. GAME.
He will forever be known as "That Fan," short for "That Fan Who [Nearly/Totally (TBD)] Cost The Cubs The World Series".
That Fan is an obvious (and worthy) scapegoat, but let's spread the responsibility around: Dusty, Gonzalez, the radio announcers, Prior, Farnsworth, Derrek Lee, the headset manufacturer, Pudge, Beckett, the masses on Waveland, Dick Jauron, Ernie Banks, Andre Dawson, the fans sitting around That Fan, Paris Hilton, Bernie Mac, Harry Carey's ghost, the media.
Whether the city has a complete meltdown depends on how Game 7 plays out tonight (understanding that Kerry Wood is as hot as they come right now, but on the flip side, so was Prior):
If the Cubs win:
All is forgiven ...
If they lose:
Yikes ....
Then I had an item asking if Alex Gonzalez was the new Bill Buckner:
Lost under the "That Fan" pile-on is Alex Gonzalez's Bobble -- this generation's Leon Durham moment, improbably from a shortstop who led the NL in fielding percentage.
What irony in his trendy name-shortening: "A-Gon." Because his error? Pure "AGony."
Rally-kindling instead of rally-killing: The Bobble doesn't quite rise to the mythic level of Buckner-esque proportions, but That Fan was merely guilty of amateurish behavior; what's the pro's excuse?
10 years later, Gonzalez's role in the debacle is still vastly underrated.
Yeesh: Whenever I read back through an old Quickie -- especially something from that first year or two -- I am reminded how tight I wrote, as compared to now. I got worse as I took more space....
Also: 10 years later, the Quickie is so mobile-friendly -- a decade ahead of its time, I guees.
-- D.S.
Monday, September 30, 2013
09/30 Anniversary Quickie
10 years ago today, I proposed to Mrs. Quickie.
If you've never read it, the (nominally zany) origin story was published on The Awl at the end of 2010.
Takeaway: I'm very lucky.
-- D.S.
If you've never read it, the (nominally zany) origin story was published on The Awl at the end of 2010.
Takeaway: I'm very lucky.
-- D.S.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
9/29 Sunday Quickie
With Lane Kiffin getting fired, it was always "when," not "if." Is USC still a great job? Yes.
Getting ready for a great Week 4 for The Q. Please pop by this afternoon to keep up with the best takes on the biggest storylines of the day (and there are plenty).
Meanwhile, off yesterday's day in college football, I am participating in a very cool USA TODAY Sports panel that is picking a "if-the-season-ended-today-and-the-playoff-was-in-place" four-team bracket.
After yesterday, mine is (1) Georgia, (2) Alabama, (3) Clemson, (4) Texas A&M. Georgia's win over a very good LSU team was so wildly entertaining and impressive that the combination of UGA's wins over LSU and South Carolina -- plus taking Clemson to the edge at Clemson in a toss-up first week of the season -- makes Georgia the clear-cut No. 1 team for me.
My explanation to my panel colleagues:
The whole point of the expanded playoff is that we are supposed to get beyond "and-oh" superficialities and reward the teams with the best resume — who did you play, who did you beat and what was the context?
This week, it is baffling that anyone could put any team but Georgia at No. 1. Where Oregon and Ohio State have yet to play anyone great, UGA has now beaten TWO superb teams and taken a third, on the road, right up to the edge. Their resume right now is so vastly superior to that of Oregon or Ohio State — or any other team that is "unbeaten" -- that if you don't have them ranked No. 1, it is hard for me to believe you are taking the new playoff process seriously, versus just propagating the legacy system of "Oh, your record is so sparkly!"
By the time Oregon and Ohio State finish their ENTIRE schedules, they won't have played as many tough games combined as Georgia has played before the end of September. If resumes matter, then Oregon and Ohio State don't.
-- D.S.
Getting ready for a great Week 4 for The Q. Please pop by this afternoon to keep up with the best takes on the biggest storylines of the day (and there are plenty).
Meanwhile, off yesterday's day in college football, I am participating in a very cool USA TODAY Sports panel that is picking a "if-the-season-ended-today-and-the-playoff-was-in-place" four-team bracket.
After yesterday, mine is (1) Georgia, (2) Alabama, (3) Clemson, (4) Texas A&M. Georgia's win over a very good LSU team was so wildly entertaining and impressive that the combination of UGA's wins over LSU and South Carolina -- plus taking Clemson to the edge at Clemson in a toss-up first week of the season -- makes Georgia the clear-cut No. 1 team for me.
My explanation to my panel colleagues:
The whole point of the expanded playoff is that we are supposed to get beyond "and-oh" superficialities and reward the teams with the best resume — who did you play, who did you beat and what was the context?
This week, it is baffling that anyone could put any team but Georgia at No. 1. Where Oregon and Ohio State have yet to play anyone great, UGA has now beaten TWO superb teams and taken a third, on the road, right up to the edge. Their resume right now is so vastly superior to that of Oregon or Ohio State — or any other team that is "unbeaten" -- that if you don't have them ranked No. 1, it is hard for me to believe you are taking the new playoff process seriously, versus just propagating the legacy system of "Oh, your record is so sparkly!"
By the time Oregon and Ohio State finish their ENTIRE schedules, they won't have played as many tough games combined as Georgia has played before the end of September. If resumes matter, then Oregon and Ohio State don't.
-- D.S.
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