Random Thoughts (January 12, 2011)

Just a few thoughts before I try and shovel out my driveway... Okay, TheBostonInsider was wrong about the Oregon winning the BCS National Championship. Auburn defeated the Ducks, 22-19, in what was a very exciting football game. Chip Kelly's team threw everything they had at Auburn but in the end, the Tigers had just a little bit too much for Oregon to overcome. I was very impressed with Oregon's defense - especially in slowing down Cam Newton's ability to create havoc with his legs - but I was even more impressed with Auburn's Nick Fairley. Fairley was a force of nature from his defensive tackle position and when Roger Goodell kicks off the NFL Draft in April, I expect the Carolina Panthers to be calling out his name as the first pick. Fairley is large (6-4, 300), fast (4.89 time in the 40-yard dash), and explosive. He basically shut down Oregon's vaunted running attack by himself. Auburn will struggle to replace Newton and Fairley and also remain a contender in the loaded SEC but Oregon - who return running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas - should be right back in the mix to get to New Orleans for the 2012 BCS Championship Game... While we are not going to get a playoff system in college football anytime soon, it would be nice if the major bowl games and the National Championship were played closer to the end of the season. Auburn won the SEC Championship Game on December 4, the same day that Oregon ended their regular season against Oregon State. Both teams then had to wait over five weeks to get back on the field to decide who would capture the crystal ball. I already know the answer to my question ($$$) but I will ask it anyways. Why can't the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl all be played on New Year's Day with the BCS National Championship Game being played the next day? New Year's Day is a day for the best college teams to showcase themselves to the entire nation and while the comprehensive coverage provided by ESPN/ABC and CBS allows fans all over the country a chance to see the top teams on a weekly basis, I want to wake up on January 1 and be able to watch the traditional bowl games. I also want the BCS to insert a clause that locks out the winner of one of the major conferences if they are not worthy of a spot in a BCS game. For example, UConn had no business playing in the Fiesta Bowl this year, regardless of winning the Big East. A team like Boise State or Alabama should have received that slot. The financial side of things is the reason why the BCS games are so spread out but I would guarantee that ratings would be higher if the big games were all played on January 1 and if the BCS Championship Game were played January 2... Michigan did not get Jim Harbaugh or Les Miles but when Brady Hoke gets settled, recruits in a few classes of players that fit his system, and starts beating Ohio State and competing for Big 10 championships, the Wolverine faithful will forget that his career record at Ball State and San Diego State was 47-50. Remember, Jim Tressel was not the first choice in Columbus when John Cooper was fired and I think that has worked out just fine for the Buckeyes. Hoke is an excellent coach and will make Michigan a contender once again... In his press conference this morning, Rex Ryan stated that Danny Woodhead "was in football because of the New York Jets." Well, Rex, it looks like Woodhead will have to credit the New England Patriots for why he will be in Super Bowl XLV. Woodhead was in training camp with the Jets but was cut and then signed by the Patriots. The shifty 5-6 running back has had a tremendous season in New England and has made many forget that Kevin Faulk - who has been Tom Brady's trusted third-down back for a decade - had his season ended by a knee injury during the Patriots Week 2 loss to the Jets. The Jets decision to cut Woodhead will bite them in the ass this Sunday because Woodhead causes matchup nightmares for opposing defenses in Brady's offense. If the Jets want to try and take away Wes Welker and Deion Branch with thier cornerback tandem of Darrelle Revis and Antonio "Mr. Dad" Cromartie, then Brady will tear apart the middle of the field with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez running up the seams and Woodhead releasing out of the backfield. I guess we will all have to thank Ryan and the Jets for giving Woodhead the opportunity to come to the Patriots. A nice "F-E-E-T ... FEET, FEET, FEET" chant should do the trick... There was another gem from Rex today. He claims that the Patriots are talking just as much trash in their lockerroom, it's just not being printed. Wow Rex, are you sure that you didn't graduate from Harvard? Of course the Patriots players are talking shit about your team amongst themselves, that's what football players do. The difference is that the Patriots are smart enough to keep it in their lockerroom and not give your team any bulletin board material. Their intelligence is why they are a better football team. It is why they will beat you on Sunday and advance to the AFC Championship Game while you will be heading to some fetish video convention with your wife... Enjoy Paul Pierce tonight...