Championship Games Review

Overall, I went 4-1 with my predictions, the only loss being East Carolina over Houston. All of my "X-Factors" played huge roles in their respective games. Here's a recap:

SEC Championship:
My Prediction: Alabama 24, Florida 21
Actual Score: Alabama 32, Florida 13
X-Factor Stats: Tim Tebow (QB Florida); 20-35, 247 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Big XII Championship:
My Prediction: Texas 28, Nebraska 10
Actual Score: Texas 13, Nebraska 12
X-Factors Stats: Colt McCoy (QB Texas); 20-36, 184 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT's. Ndamukong Suh (DT Nebraska); 7 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 4.5 sacks

Big East Title Game:
My Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Pittsburgh 35
Actual Score: Cincinnati 45, Pittsburgh 44
X-Factor Stats: Dion Lewis (RB Pittsburgh); 47 carries, 194 yards, 3 TD's

ACC Championship:
My Prediction: Georgia Tech 24, Clemson 21
Actual Score: Georgia Tech 39, Clemson 34
X-Factor Stats: C.J. Spiller (RB Clemson), 20 carries, 233 yards, 4 TD's

Conference USA Championship:
My Prediction: Houston 45, East Carolina 24
Actual Score: Houston 32, East Carolina 38
X-Factor Stats: Case Keenum (QB Houston); 56-75, 527 yards, 5 TD's, 3 INT's

My Picks for Championship Weekend

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP:

#1 Florida (12-0, 8-0)
#2 Alabama (12-0, 8-0)

Prediction: Alabama 24, Florida 21

I actually have had a hard time determining the winner of this game. Both teams are #1 and #2 in total defense. Mark Ingram will have a better time running against Florida since DE Carlos Dunlap is not playing.
X-Factor: Florida QB Tim Tebow.


Big XII CHAMPIONSHIP:

#3 Texas (12-0, 8-0)
#22 Nebraska (9-3, 6-2)

My Prediction: Texas 28, Nebraska 10

The blackshirts are back. Texas will struggle at first against the Cornhuskers, but Nebraska doesn't have an offense that can match Colt McCoy and the Longhorns. It will be close in the first half, then Texas will pull away.
X-Factors: Texas QB Colt McCoy and Nebraska DT Ndamakong Suh.


Big East Title Game:

#5 Cincinnati (11-0, 6-0)
#15 Pittsburgh (9-2, 5-1)

My Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Pittsburgh 35

This is going to be one hell of a game. Part of me thinks Pittsburgh will pull the upset, but I have seen Cincinnati play twice this year, and they are legit. Hopefully, for the Bearcats, Head Coach Brian Kelly is not going to be distracted about Notre Dame talks. Pitt has arguably the best RB in college football, Dion Lewis. The fabulous freshman has rushed for 1,446 yards and 13 TD's.
X Factor: Pitt RB Dion Lewis.


ACC Championship Game:

#10 Georgia Tech (10-2, 7-1)
Clemson (8-4, 6-2)

My Prediction: Georgia Tech 24, Clemson 21

Both teams are coming off of embarrasing losses. Georgia Tech lost to Georgia, giving up nearly 340 yards on the ground, while Clemson, lost to their archrivals South Carolina. It is going to be exactly like the game in early September, Georgia Tech gets up early, and Clemson scratches their way back into it. Specials teams will determine the outcome of this game. Clemson RB C.J. Spiller saw his Heisman hopes go down the drain in Columbia, only racking up 18 yards rushing (he have an 88-yard kickoff return for a TD).
X-Factor: Clemson RB C.J. Spiller.


Conference USA Championship Game:

#21 Houston (10-2, 6-2)
East Carolina (8-4, 7-1)

My Prediction: Houston 45, East Carolina 24

Houston QB Case Keenum is an unbelievable quarterback. If Oklahoma State had trouble stopping him, East Carolina will definitely have trouble.
X-Factor: Houston QB Case Keenum.

South Carolina/Clemson Memorable Moments

In 1961, members of USC's Sigma Nu fraternity pretend to be Clemson's football team.

In 1975, South Carolina QB Jeff Grantz racked up 280 yards and 5 TD's in a 56-20 route of Clemson.

"The Catch." South Carolina battled back from a 24-0 deficit to take the lead 27-24. Clemson QB Steve Fuller threw a TD to Jerry Butler to beat Carolina 31-27 in 1977.

William "The Fridge" Perry (66) barrels towards South Carolina's QB Mike Hold in 1984. South Carolina won 22-21.

In 1992, South Carolina freshman QB Steve Taneyhill autographed the tiger paw at midfield after South Carolina defeated Clemson 24-13. He bowed towards the Clemson fans after the game.

The 2000 game, also known as "The Push," Clemson WR Rod Gardner pushes South Carolina CB Andre Goodman to prevent him from making a play on the ball. Passing interference anybody?

2004 is probably the most infamous meeting between South Carolina and Clemson. As time was running out, a brawl broke out in Clemson Memorial Stadium. It's sad that this is how Lou Holtz ended his Hall of Fame coaching career.

In 2006, Jad Dean missed the game-winning field goal, preserving a 31-28 South Carolina win.

In 2007, Mark Buccholz hits the game-winning kick, unlike Jad Dean, to beat South Carolina 23-21.

Clemson vs. Carolina

I have one question, why does Clemson own South Carolina on the football field? You would think South Carolina would own the advantage, since every game was played in Columbia until 1960. Clemson's record in Columbia is 49-29-4, or roughly a 63% winning percentage. I am the biggest South Carolina supporter out there, but I'm tired of the excuses: "The SEC wore us down," "Clemson isn't an important game for USC because of the tough SEC schedule," and so on. If I think about it, in my 21 years of existence, South Carolina has only beaten Clemson 5 TIMES. Shenanigans. For once, I would like to have bragging rights in the state of South Carolina. I actually think it will be awhile before I can own some bragging rights. Dabo Swinney is one hell of coach, and he has united a Clemson football team. South Carolina needs to find a "Dabo" if they want to compete. Steve Spurrier has put the pieces in place to be contenders, but can he actually win at USC? Hopefully, we will see.

But, with all that said, here are 5 reasons why USC could possibly win the game.

1. Williams-Brice Stadium--Even though its a noon game, Williams-Brice stadium is still a pretty hostile environment to play. The students should be well "oiled-up", even at noon.


2. Stephen Garcia--Stephen Garcia is turning himself into an elite QB in the SEC. You can easily see the improvement from last year, and he is only going to get better. He doesn't turn the ball over.


3. Eric Norwood-- It's Eric Norwood's last game in Williams-Brice Stadium, and to you use his quote, "It's going to be real crazy. I'm pretty fired up to try to take my anger out on everybody." Watch out C.J., Eric is angry.


4. The kicking game-- I'm talking about field goals. Spencer Lanning has been automatic this year. On the other hand, did anyone see the Clemson/Florida State game? I think they started pulling fans out of the stands to try to kick extra points.


5. ACC Championship Game-- This might be the key to a South Carolina victory. Clemson might be looking ahead to their ACC champsionship rematch against the Ramblin' Wreck. Clemson might be thinking about the "phantom holding call" instead of the Gamecocks. We will see.

Week 12 Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (10-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts (10-0)
3. Minnesota Vikings (9-1)
4. New England Patriots (7-3)
5. Arizona Cardinals (7-3)
6. Cincinnati Bengals (7-3)
7. San Diego Chargers (7-3)
8. Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
11. New York Football Giants (6-4)
12. Green Bay Packers (6-4)
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
14. Denver Broncos (6-4)
15. Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
16. Atlanta Falcons (5-5)
17. Miami Dolphins (5-5)
18. Tennessee Titans (4-6)
19. Houston Texans (5-5)
20. San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
21. Carolina Panthers (4-6)
22. Chicago Bears (4-6)
23. New York Jets (4-6)
24. Washington Redskins (3-7)
25. Kansas City Chiefs (3-7)
26. Seattle Seahawks (3-7)
27. Buffalo Bills (3-7)
28. Oakland Raiders (3-7)
29. Detroit Lions (2-8)
30. St. Louis Rams (1-9)
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-9)
32. Cleveland Browns (1-9)

South Carolina and Maryland will be wearing special Under Armour jerseys this Saturday. It is for the Wounded Warrior Project and for Veteran's Day. The Wounded Warrior Project provides services and programs for injured military men and women. This effort will honor those who have served or are serving in the military and to promote the Wounded Warrior Project.

I think this a great idea. I want to thank the University of South Carolina and the University of Maryland for taking part in this great cause. As a country, I think we need to do more for our soliders and veterans. I want to thank all the current soldiers and veterans for protecting our freedom. These uniforms are way better than what Nike is trying to do with their "Pro Combat" uniforms (will be in a later post). I think we need to stop comparing football players to "soldiers" are say they are going into "combat" or a "war." I have never been to war, but I have played football, and I just want to say I wasn't stepping on land mines are getting shot at on the football field. Seriously stop it (I'm talking to the media and football players). Our men and women serving in the Armed Forces and our Veterans are the only soldiers.

Here are some pictures of South Carolina's jerseys:

Week 10 NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (8-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-0)
3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
5. New England Patriots (6-2)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
7. Denver Broncos (6-2)
8. Dallas Cowboys (6-2)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
10. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
11. Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
12. San Diego Chargers (5-3)
13. New York Football Giants (5-4)
14. Houston Texans (5-4)
15. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
16. New York Jets (4-4)
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
18. Miami Dolphins (3-5)
19. Chicago Bears (4-4)
20. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
21. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
22. San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
23. Tennessee Titans (2-6)
24. Seattle Seahawks (3-5)
25. Buffalo Bills (3-5)
26. Washington Redskins (2-6)
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7)
28. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
29. Kansas City Chiefs (1-7)
30. St. Louis Rams (1-7)
31. Detroit Lions (1-7)
32. Cleveland Browns (1-7)

Week 9 NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (7-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts (7-0)
3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1)
4. New England Patriots (5-2)
5. Denver Broncos (6-1)
6. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
7. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
9. Dallas Cowboys (5-2)
10. Houston Texans (5-3)
11. Baltimore Ravens (4-3)
12. New York Football Giants (5-3)
13. Arizona Cardinals (4-3)
14. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
15. San Diego Chargers (4-3)
16. Green Bay Packers (4-3)
17. Chicago Bears
18. New York Jets (4-4)
19. Miami Dolphins (3-4)
20. San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
21. Carolina Panthers (3-4)
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
23. Buffalo Bills (3-5)
24. Seattle Seahawks (2-5)
25. Washington Redskins (2-5)
26. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
27. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)
28. St. Louis Rams (1-7)
29. Detroit Lions (1-6)
30. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
31. Cleveland Browns (1-7)
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)

Week 8 NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (6-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts (6-0)
3. Denver Broncos (6-0)
4. New England Patriots (5-2)
5. Minnesota Vikings (6-1)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
7. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
8. New York Football Giants (5-2)
9. Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
10. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)
11. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
12. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
13. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
14. Houston Texans (4-3)
15. New York Jets (4-3)
16. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
17. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
18. Chicago Bears (3-3)
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
20. San Diego Chargers (3-3)
21. Buffalo Bills (3-4)
22. Miami Dolphins (2-4)
23. Carolina Panthers (2-4)
24. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
25. Oakland Raiders (2-5)
26. Washington Redskins (2-5)
27. Detroit Lions (1-5)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)
29. Cleveland Browns (1-6)
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)
31. St. Louis Rams (0-7)
32. Tennessee Titans (0-6)

Week 7 NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (5-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings (6-0)
3. Indianapolis Colts (5-0)
4. Denver Broncos (6-0)
5. New York Football Giants (5-1)
6. New England Patriots (4-2)
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
8. Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
10. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
11. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
12. Chicago Bears (3-2)
13. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
14. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
15. New York Jets (3-3)
16. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)
17. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
18. Houston Texans (3-3)
19. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
20. San Diego Chargers (2-3)
21. Carolina Panthers (2-3)
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
23. Buffalo Bills (2-4)
24. Oakland Raiders (2-4)
25. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
26. Washington Redskins (2-4)
27. Kansas City Chiefs (1-5)
28. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
29. Detroit Lions (1-5)
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-6)
31. St. Louis Rams (0-6)
32. Tennessee Titans (0-6)

Worst Uniforms ever?

Philadelphia's Baby Blue and Yellow

OR


Denver's Brown and Mustard


Which uniforms are the ugliest?

Week 6 Power Rankings of the NFL

Here’s something I’m going to try to do every week. So here we go...

1. New York Football Giants (5-0)— They are the most complete football team in the NFL. Even with Eli’s plantar fasciitis, he was able to throw for 173 yards and 2 TD’s. Also, Ahmad Bradshaw is quietly turning into an elite back in the NFL.

2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)— One name: Adrian Peterson. The guy’s a monster. Just ask Eric Wright of the Cleveland Browns. You can ask the Packers’ offensive line about Jared Allen.

3. New Orleans Saints (4-0)— They’re winning with DEFENSE. Drew Brees can put up insane numbers and win or he can throw zero TD’s and win. Big test this weekend against the Giants.

4. Indianapolis Colts (5-0)— Peyton Manning is making superstars out of his no-name receivers. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie are becoming household names because of Peyton.

5. Denver Broncos (5-0)—They took down the Pats, which is no easy task when Tom Brady is on the other sideline. Mike Nolan has a stout defense. Here’s a quick stat for everybody: Kyle Orton is a winner, his overall record is 26-12.

6. Atlanta Falcons (3-1)—Did anyone see the offensive explosion against the 49ers? Enough said.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) —Donovan McNabb went off on the Buccaneers. Jeremy Maclin, the rookie out of Missouri, had a coming out party with 2 TD’s and 146 receiving yards.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (4-1)—Who dey? Could easily be 0-5, but the Bengals are proving that they are clutch in key moments.

9. New England Patriots (3-2)—You can never count out the Patriots and Tom Brady. They have to start winning on the road though.

10. Chicago Bears (3-1)—Which Jay Cutler will come to play against the Falcons? Bears fans better hope it’s not the one that played the Packers in Week 1.

11. New York Jets (3-2)—This defense can stop anybody as long as they don’t run the Wildcat. The Jets shouldn’t have any problems with Buffalo, who could only muster up 3 points against the Browns.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)—The defense gave up 335 yards to the LIONS. And now they have to go the rest of the season without Aaron Smith. The Browns are coming to town, so mark it as a W for the Steelers.

13. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)—Joe Flacco is proving last year wasn’t a fluke. The defense is showing some signs that they are missing Rex Ryan.

14. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)—They finally have Michael Crabtree. But I don’t think he could have helped against Atlanta. Last week was the first time the defense looked “lost” to say the least.

15. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)—How ‘bout them Cowboys? Dallas had an ugly win against Kansas City, but I think Romo has found a go-to receiver in Miles Austin. It’s hard to think that with all the Cowboys’ great receivers, Miles Austin sits atop the list in the “most receiving yards in a game” category.

16. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)—Last year’s Super Bowl team went 6-0 on the road against NFC West foes. They have a trip to Seattle this week, which is key game for Arizona if they want a chance at another NFC West title.

17. Green Bay Packers (3-2)—The offensive line has got to play better if they want to contend.

18. Miami Dolphins (2-3)—The Dolphins ran the Wildcat to perfection against the Jets. They found their QB in Chad Henne.

19. San Diego Chargers (2-2)—They have a chance to knock off the Broncos on Monday. Norv Turner is not a head coach, he is a coordinator. Until they get rid of Turner, this team will continually be 8-8 every year, or worse.

20. Seattle Seahawks (2-3)—Seattle might have the best home field advantage in the NFL. They have had 2 shutouts at home this year. I doubt Arizona will be shutout this week though.

21. Houston Texans (2-3)—Is this team that some people picked to win the AFC South? I don’t think so.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)—41-0? That’s how bad they lost to Seattle. The Jags have got to be more consistent to win some more ballgames.

23. Washington Redskins (2-3)—Where do I start with my Skins? The offensive line is terrible. The play calling is terrible. The rushing game is terrible. Jason Campbell has approximately 0.1 seconds to throw the ball.

24. Carolina Panthers (1-3)—The Panthers finally got that first win, unfortunately against my Redskins, but they way they did it was impressive. Overcame a 17-2 deficit, and now they play the Buccaneers and the Bills. Carolina will be 3-3 when those games are done with.

25. Detroit Lions (1-4)—They played Pittsburgh great. The put up 335 yards of offense with 21 first downs.

26. Cleveland Browns (1-4)—Worst game ever against the Buffalo Bills. I’m still trying to figure out how Derek Anderson completes 2 passes and wins the game. SHENANIGANS.

27. Tennessee Titans (0-5)—Time for Vince Young?

28. Buffalo Bills (1-4)—Could only score 3 against the Browns. Wow.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (0-5)—Blew the lead against the Cowboys. The defense is the worst in the league. (worst in yards allowed)

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5)—This is definitely a rebuilding year for the Buccaneers.

31. St. Louis Rams (0-5)—2009 version of the Detroit Lions. They actually may break the record for consecutive losses.

32. Oakland Raiders (0-5)—Complete circus in Oakland.

Start of Something New

I am starting this thing called a blog. I have never done it before so bare with me. I got the idea from Chris Cooley's blog (tight end for the Washington Redskins). He is probably my favorite player in the NFL and has inspired me to blog.

This weekend kinda sucked for my sports teams. The only brightspots this weekend were the South Carolina Gamecocks knocking off Kentucky to become #22 in the nation. My alma mater, Greer High, beat Chapman. But, the Washington Redskins and Boston Red Sox lost within 5 minutes of each other. :(

Oh, well....more to come.