Random Thoughts (January 9, 2010)

TheBostonInsider's Super Bowl pick is the Chargers over Saints. Get your bets in... With Pete Carroll on the verge of becoming the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, the USC will have to be filled. The names being bounced around the internet include Oregon State head coach Mike Riley, former Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti, Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, and Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian, and former Raiders and Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden. Both Riley and Bellotti were candidates for the job in USC before Carroll received the job in 2001. Fisher is a USC graduate and after 15 years with the Titans, could be looking to change jobs. Sarkisian was Carroll's offensive coordinator before moving on to Washington last season. Gruden spent last year in the Monday Night Football booth as a broadcaster. One name that will probably not receive serious consideration is that of recently fired Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. Leach found a way to win in Lubbock and with the vast resources of 'SC, he could continue Carroll's reign of excellence. However, he is probably too outspoken to get the job. Whoever gets the job will have to act fast to keep Carroll's vaunted recruiting class from fleeing the Trojans just a few weeks before the national signing day... Peyton Manning has won his fourth MVP. Manning had a tremendous 2009 season, throwing for 4500-yards and 33 touchdowns in leading the Colts to an NFL-best 14-2 record. With another individual trophy added to his mantle, the comparisons of Manning to Wilt Chamberlain grow even stronger. However unfair it may be, Manning looks to be going down a path in his career in which he is best remembered for statistical accomplishments and personal glory. Chamberlain also earned that place in people's memories. Within the Manning-Chamberlain comparison there needs to be a Bill Russell figure. And we all know who fills that role... College basketball fans were treated to an excellent game earlier today when UConn visited Georgetown in a clash of Big East powers. Georgetown was led by Autin Freeman's 33 points and Greg Monroe's 15 points and 10 rebounds. UConn was led by freshman Alex Oriakhi's 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Hoyas trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half but Freeman - who poured in 28 points in the second half - would not allow his team to lose... He may not Brady or Manning but Tim Tebow is a very good football player who knows how to win. Some NFL teams will pass on him in April's draft but one lucky team is going to reap the benefits of adding Tebow to their organization... Enjoy the end of the Wade Phillips Era...