Crennel, Marinelli and Mangini Out

Well, I am 1 for 2 so far.

Detroit fired Rod Marinelli this morning. No one should be surprised. Some people just aren't cut out to be head coaches and maybe Marinelli fits that bill. I think Detroit is bad, but I don't think they need help at EVERY position. Most positions, yes. Every position, no. They don't need a running back, they have Kevin Smith. They don't need a # 1 Wide Reciever, they have Calvin Johnson. I heard something interesting bantered about on ESPN 2's 1st & 10 last week. What if, the Patriots and Lions talked, and one said "Hey, you give us two 1st round picks (presumably this year's and next) and we'll give you Tom Brady."

Would you do this deal if you are the Lions? Would you do this deal if you are the Patriots? I think it has pros and cons for both sides. I'll discuss that in a later blog.

Eric Mangini out as the New York Jets head coach. Somewhat surprised, but not shocked. Rumors of him not getting along with Brett Favre kind of doomed him. If you don't get alone with the star, you are more expendable then the star. If I were the Jets, I don't know that I'd want Favre back for his football playing ability anymore.

Romeo Crennel out as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Once again not a surprise. 4-12 with the expectations they had, somebody had to take the fall. This team is probably not that far away, but there are some things that need to be done to get the Dog Pound going again.

More later on

NFL Coaches.. Will they Stay or Will they Go?

I am now going to analyze on a % scale, in terms of % chance the coach has to return. To make it easy, everything will be broken into 10 % increments. Some will have detailed explanations, others will not. If I think there will be anew coach, I will list who I think the new coach will be.

AFC East
Buffalo Bills-Dick Jauron: 40 % chance he returns. Anytime your owner says we are going to meet and discuss the coach's future once the season is over, I don't think that bodes well for you. I personally don't think Jauron should have ever been hired. I would have hired Jim Haslett for the job when it was open a few years back. I don't think Jauron will survive, but I am not sure that he will be a victim of Black Monday. New Coach: Jim Haslett

New England Patriots-Bill Belichick: I am going to say 100 %. Bill Belichick relocates when Santa sets up shop on the South Pole.

New York Jets-Eric Mangini: I am going to say 60 % he returns. If Brett Favre was coming back, I'd change it to a 30-40 % chance he returns, since everyone in the NFL decides to cater to Brett Favre's every need and whim. But, since I don't think Brett Favre returns, I think Eric Mangingi does return. However, if the Jets take a step backwards next year (which I think they will) then Mangenius departs.

Miami Dolphins-Tony Sparano: 100 % chance he comes back. Only remote situation that I see him not coming back would be if Parcells left Miami and took Sparano with him, but I don't see that happening because if Sparano leaves, it would probably cost another team a draft pick or two. Even though the Dolphins turnaround has been one of the best in NFL history, I don't see a team giving up a draft pick or two for Sparano.

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Tomlin: Unless Mike Tomlin decides he wants to leave the NFL and join the monastery, 100 % he's back in the Steel City.

Cincinnati Bengals-Marvin Lewis: 30 % chance Marvin returns to Cincy. If I was Marvin, I'd want to get fired, because I think (and I am probably not alone) Cincinnati is one of the worst jobs in the NFL. The Bengals problems are more then the head coach, but I think if you get rid of him, then you overhaul the rest of the team (Bye bye Ocho Cinco, T.J. Housh) and just start fresh. I think Marvin Lewis will get another job in the NFL, he might just have to go in the booth or studio for a year, or take a coordinator's spot. New Coach: Mike Hermerdinger

Cleveland Browns-Romeo Crennel: 0 % chance he returns. I hate to knock people from the Lynchburg area, but I don't think there is anyway in the world you can bring Romeo back to Cleveland. Especially when you lose your security blanket (General Manager Phil Savage). This Browns team has underachieved probably more then any other team in the NFL. Unfortunately, someone has to take the fall for the poor play by Cleveland, and it's going to be Romeo. I don't know that he gets another head coaching job for a long time. Coordinator, yes. Head coach, I just don't think he gets another shot for a long time. New Coach: Marty Schottenheimer.

Baltimore Ravens-John Harbaugh: 100 % chance he comes back. You normally don't get a pink slip when your team makes the playoffs, after missing the previous season. Harbaugh returns for season 2.

AFC South
Tennessee Titans-Jeff Fisher: 100 % chance he comes back. Fisher is probably the best coach in the NFL, and I think he has a job for as long as he wants it.

Indianapolis Colts-Tony Dungy: 60 % chance he comes back. If he wants to come back, it's 100 %. But, has Tony has enough of the league? I don't know, for the Colts sake I hope not. Even if Dungy steps out of the game, I can't say for certain hat he is done in the NFL. If he leaves, obviously Jim Caldwell is the guy who steps in.

Jacksonville Jaguars-Jack Del Rio: 60 % chance he comes back. If he has another one of the seasons, then I'll decrease it to about 20 %, but for now, I think Del Rio comes back. I don't really know why I am so certain he comes back. The Jags weren't really banged up this season or anything, they stayed healthy for most of the year, they just underachieved. Even though, I rank it at 60 % he comes back, I wouldn't be shocked if he got fired. But, I say he returns.

Houston Texans-Gary Kubiak: I say 70 % chance he is back. I think Houston has fared well this year, and next year I would actually give them a legitimate chance of making the postseason, But, I think Kubiak is safe for now and the foreseeable future.

AFC West
Oakland Raiders-Tom Cable: I am going to say 60% he returns. The Raiders did beat Tampa Bay, I think that's going to carry some weight in Al Davis' eyes. Plus, if Cable is going to listen to Al, bow to Al, and not be defiant like Lane Kiffin will, I think Cable returns.

Kansas City Chiefs-Herm Edwards: I am going to say 60 % chance Herm comes back. I don't know why I go with that number, but a good chunk of me is just saying Herm returns to rile up my friend and huge Chiefs fan, Jeff Fawver. I honestly think people like Herm, think he's a good motivator, things of that sort and I think that what keeps him hanging around. I don't know why all these people think these things but I think they do think these things.

San Diego Chargers-Norv Turner: I am going to say 60 % chance Norv comes back. I don't know that he should come back, because I think Norv is one of the more overrated coaches their is. Plus, the Chargers (in some people's eyes) had Super Bowl aspirations. If you have Super Bowl aspirations and finish 8-8, I don't know that you deserve to come back. Plus, if the Broncos don't go totally in the tank, then the Chargers aren't in the playoffs.

Denver Broncos-Mike Shanahan: I am going to say 70 % chance that Shanahan comes back. I know they folded like a house of cards down the stretch, but I think Shanahan has unbelievable job security. He has been there in the good and bad times, and I think he remains coach of the Broncos.

NFC East
Washington Redskins-Jim Zorn: I am going to say 40 % chance he returns. I know he squabbled with Clinton Portis (Dan Snyder's Boy) earlier in the year and the Redskins actually stepped backwards later in the season rather then continue to hold the line. This team was 6-2 and finished the season 2-6. That's 8-8. For a patient person like Dan Snyder, I don't know that 8-8 will satisfy, regardless if Zorn is in his first year or not. I am sure Snyder would throw big money at Bill Cowher if he came back. I don't know that Mike Holmgren would take a job with a meddlesome owner. Other names, I could see Snyder trying to lure Bill Parcells (but would Parcells want to take it after dealing with one meddlesome owner?). To be honest, I don't think Snyder is that meddlesome of an owner as long as you win. Guys like Jerry Jones and Al Davis want their hands in things win, lose or draw. But, I think Zorn doesn't come back and Snyder looks to make a splash with a big name. New Coach: I really don't know. I am afraid to guess, I think if he got rid of Cerrato, and gave total control to someone, I think he could get a Cowher or a Parcells. I really wonder if there is enough money in the world to get a Bill Belichick, which i'd be really curious to see. I think Snyder will go with a big name, but not a college guy. He went there and did that with Steve Spurrier. The only college guy I could see him going with is Pete Carroll. But, if I was forced to make a pick for Snyder, I would go with Steve Mariucci (I don't know that you could call Mariucci a big name, but that's just what my big, fat gut says.)

Dallas Cowboys-Wade Phillips: I am going to say 70 % chance he does not return. I know what Jerry Jones said prior to Week 17, but I don't think there is a way in the world you can justify bringing Wade back after yesterday. There's a ton of fighting in the locker room (depending on who you want to believe) and to me Wade has lost control of that team. I believe if you lose control of your team as a coach, at that point, you have to go. No if's, and's, or but's. New Coach: Again a tough one, it has to be similar to the Raiders, where I think it has to be a coach who is going to have to put up with Jerry in his ear all year. With that being said, I can't imagine it's a guy like Cowher or someone who would want both responsibilities. Neither of these names are sexy, but the Cowboys don't always go for the splash. I am going to say the 'Boys go with either Ron Rivera or Karl Dorrell.

New York Giants-Tom Couglin: 100 % he comes back. Funny, how a couple of years ago, he was on the chopping block and now he is probably considered one of the top 5 coaches in the league.

Philadelphia Eagles-Andy Reid: 60 % he comes back. I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't, but considering how the Eagles are ending the season, I think it's tough to justify him not coming back If Andy Reid doesn't want to come back that's one thing, but I think he will. I see him pulling a Holmgren at some point, where he announces prior to the season that he is not going to come back.

NFC North
Chicago Bears-Lovie Smith: 90 % he comes back. I thought the Bears would be terrible this year (I should listen to my friend, Mike Fisch more. Don't tell him I said that.) but they haven't been nearly as bad as I thought they would be and I credit Lovie Smith for that. The Bears offense is still what I'd call below average. But, I think Lovie is one of the more underrated coaches in the NFL. Lovie stays in Chicago, and this team could win the NFC North next year.

Green Bay Packers-Mike McCarthy: This is a tough one to me. I want to say 50 %, but that's really straddling the fence. So, I am going to say 60 % he comes back. Like Del Rio, it wouldn't shock me if McCarthy didn't return. I think the Jets missing the playoffs actually helps McCarthy's cause. If the Jets made the playoffs, I think McCarthy is axed. Also, if Green Bay lost to Detroit, I could also see McCarthy's head on the chopping block. But, I think McCarthy comes back, but he isn't on the sturdiest of ground as we head into the 2009 season.

Minnesota Vikings-Brad Childress: 70 % he comes back. The Vikings made the playoffs. In some ways, I think the Vikings are one of the more underachieving teams in the league, but in a way, I think they are working with the best they have too. I think people anointed the Vikings as a legit contender a little too quick though.

Detroit Lions-Rod Marinelli: 0 % he comes back. I'd love to give this a 10 %, because I have never really heard a bad word about Rod Marinelli, but you can't bring back a coach who has had a winless season. I mean you would think out of 16 games, you could find 1 win somewhere. I think Marinelli has to go, they need a GM, they need a quarterback, they need some defensive help. Lots of things the Lions need, but unfortunately they can't keep Marinelli. New Coach: Brian Billick. No reason, just a hunch.

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons-Mike Smith: 100 % he comes back. Do I even need to address this? Next question.

Carolina Panthers-John Fox: 100 % he comes back. Do I need to give reasons why? Next.

New Orleans Saints-Sean Payton: 80 % he returns. I think he's a good coach, just some bad breaks. The Saints will be back, I mean it's not like they were dismal. They did finish 8-8.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jon Gruden: 80 % he returns. I don't think they can get anyone better, plus Gruden's a good coach. I know they tanked down the stretch, but I am bringing Shanahan back and they tanked down the stretch also.

NFC West
San Francisco 49ers-Mike Singletary: 100 % he comes back. He just signed a 5 year deal.

St. Louis Rams-Jim Haslett: 40 % he comes back I don't think he did a bad job. Plus, it's never easy taking over during the season for the head coach, when you weren't the head coach (I know he was an assistant on the staff.) But, I like Haslett and I think he should come back and I think the Rams could be vastly improved next season. With that being said, I think Haslett will take over in Buffalo and won't be back with the Rams. New Coach: Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator for the Titans.

Seattle Seahawks-Mike Holmgren: 0 % he returns. He said he wasn't coming back, I believe him when he said he wasn't coming back. I think he will return at some point to coaching. New Coach: Jim Mora Jr. is coach in waiting, so I have to go with him.

Arizona Cardinals-Ken Whisenhunt: 100 % chance he returns. The Bidwell's are cheap and why put together another coaching search when you have a guy that took you to the playoffs.

More NFL talk to come in the future blogs.

NFL Coach of the Year.. Top 5 Candidates

There are 32 head coaching jobs in the NFL. I can name you about 3 or 4 people that will not recieve NFL Coach of the Year (Rod Marinelli, Herman Edwards, Mike Holmgren and Tom Cable). However, there are more then five qualified candidates out there to earn the distinction of the top coach in the National Football League. Here's a list of the five coaches (and why) they are in my five.

1. Mike Smith-Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were a disgraced franchise after last season. The Dirty Birds still had a cloud over their team called Michael Vick. Bobby Petrino had essentially embarrassed the franchise with the way he left and headed to greener pastures in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Enter a new front office, and a new head coach that most people had probably never heard of in Mike Smith. The first year man in Atlanta has done an excellent job of getting this franchise into the playoffs. Granted, Michael Turner is a talent, but Matt Ryan was an unknown and the wide recieving core had been a non factor headed into this season. Also, factor in that the Falcons play in one of the toughest divisions in football in the NFC South.

2. Tony Sparano-Miami Dolphins. If you read my post on the possibilities for the Most Valuable Player of the National Football League, you'll know how valuable I thought Chad Pennington was in a 1-15 turnaround of the Miami Dolphins. If you give Pennington credit, I think you may have to give Dolphins first year man, Tony Sparano equal if not more credit then Pennington. The Dolphins were 1-15 last season. They were 1 loss away from setting the record of 0-16. Sparano (and the front office that includes Bill Parcells) has this team one win away from a divisional title. I realize the AFC East is Brady-less right now but even if I told you that the Patriots would not have Tom Brady for the season, I dont think most people would have picked the Dolphins to win the division. Sparano deserves major credit for the turnaround that is going on in South Beach.

3. John Harbaugh-Baltimore Ravens. Similar to the Atlanta Falcons (except Steve McNair or Kyle Boiller were not involved in dog fighting rings, and their coach didn't jettison off to the SEC {he was fired instead}. Rookie head coach and rookie quarterback may be the new trend in the NFL. Obviously, that defense is still pretty good. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are still probably two of the best NFL defensive players that exist, but the Ravens also have recieved key contributions from non household names such as LaRon McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. The Ravens were certainly not considered a playoff contender by most.

4. Bill Belichick-New England Patriots. No Tom Brady, no running game, you would think no chance for the Patriots. This proves that a good head coach can do wonders, and Bill Belichick is not just a good head coach, he is a great head coach. Maybe the greatest of all time. I think most people thought like me once Brady went down, "The Patriots have no chance." That has proven to be false. When you have been winning with people like Matt Cassel and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, you have to give that guy some props as a coach of the year candidate.

5. Lovie Smith-Chicago Bears. The Bears have a shot at the playoffs. If you thought that was going to happen at the beginning of the year you are a die hard Chicago sports fan, or just a poor misguided soul. But, if you are a Bears fan, you are probably both. Lovie Smith has done a great job. The Bears have a very good running back in Matt Forte, but they still have no solid passing game. Kyle Orton is servicable at best, but the Bears have nothing to speak of at the wide recieves position. The Bears are almost similar to the Ravens but I'd take Flacco over Orton. With that being said, I'd still take Harbaugh as my coach of the year over Lovie. But you have to give the Texan credit for what he's done this season.

My choice for Coach of the Year is......Bill Belichick. What Belichick has done this year without Brady at quarterback is nothing short of spectacular. This would be like Don Shula winning with the Dolphins back up to Dan Marino. Even though I consider myself a major sports guru, I don't even remember who Marino's back up was during his prime. Belichick has also been coaching a banged up defense all year to add onto the problems. For a guy who has the personality of a Klondike bar, he is probably one of the top 5 coaches in NFL history. Bill Belichick, NFL Coach of the Year in 2009.

Honorable Mentions: Tom Coughlin-New York Giants, Jon Gruden-Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jeff Fisher-Tennessee Titans

NFL MVP... Top 5 Candidates?

As the NFL season draws to a conclusion, there is a lot of debate about what teams will make the playoffs, and who will win the Super Bowl? However, I am here to debate the MVP race and give you who my final five candidates for MVP.

1. Chad Pennington- The Dolphins were 1-15 last year. 1-15! Obviously, you have to give the Tuna (Bill Parcells) and Tony (Sparano) some credit for that. But, I think you have to give Chad Pennington the veteran quarterback some credit as well. Pennington has, in my opinion, outplayed the person that the Jets acquired (Brett Favre) and remember the Jets had serious discussions about who was the better choice for them, Kellen Clements or Chad Pennington? With all that being said, even if the Dolphins don't make the playoffs, (and I don't think they will, because I think they will lose to the Jets) you have to give credit for what they have done. This is not a postseason award. This is the NFL regular season MVP.

2. Matt Cassel- A guy that did not even start in college, was really probably never counted on to play with the Patriots, unless it was a 30 point margin with 2:15 to go in the 4th. All that being said, he has just stepped into a situation, where he is filling in for a guy who has won three Super Bowls. With the Patriots falling to the Giants last year, I think expectations with all key Patriots returning, were the Patriots were just going to pick up where they left off. Once Brady went down, I think most people (not just Patriots fans) thought "Well, the Patriots will be picking in the top 10 next year in the draft, this is now a throwaway year." Clearly, that has not been the case. Obviously most think Belichick is a genius. I don't dispute that, but as William Campbell High School's head coach Brad Bradley has told me before, "Coaches lose games, players win games". While I don't know that we can say that is always absolute, it does ring true more then it rings false. I think Cassel deserves strong consideration for MVP, because like I said earlier, this is the NFL MVP. It's a regular season award, not a postseason award.

3. Peyton Manning- The Colts were also somewhat left for dead. After a red hot start by the Tennessee Titans, and a very sluggish start by the Colts, most wrote the Colts off. Now, obviously they didn't win the division, but I think if you took a poll of 100 NFL fans right now, and asked them "What team would you not want your favorite team to face in the playoffs?", I think most would say Colts. Peyton Manning has led this team, and done most of this without Joseph Addai, and an aging Marvin Harrison. After the first few games of the season, I don't think most people would have given the Colts a chance. The quarterback is always the focal point of a team. He gets credit for the wins and blame for the losses. With all that being said, I think you have to give Peyton Manning credit for getting the Colts back to a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

4. Michael Turner- The Falcons success should be credited to a lot of people, Mike Smith, the rookie head coach. The rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan should also get some credit as well. However, Mike Smith wants to establish the run in each game, and Michael Turner has established that run for the Falcons time after time through the first 15 games of the season. Could Jerrious Norwood have done the same thing? Maybe, but I doubt it. Also, anytime you have people say, "Did the Chargers keep the wrong running back", that's pretty high praise. I realize that the topic is talk radio banter, but "burner" Turner has done a good job for the Falcons this year, and I think deserves serious consideration for the MVP as well.

5. Thomas Jones- I think that Brett Favre has helped this ball club get to a respectable point this year. But, Favre's year in the Big Apple has been aided tremendously by the running back from Big Stone Gap, Virginia. I think the other four candidates listed are probably stronger, but I think Jones deserves some votes. Everybody thinks "Brett, Brett, Brett" but number 4 is not nearly as effective and strong without Thomas Jones in the backfield.

My pick to win the most valuable player is...... Chad Pennington. To reiterate some previously stated points. The Dolphins were 1-15 last year. 1-15! Pennington has 1,230 less passing yards then Drew Brees, the leader. Pennington has 15 less touchdown passes then the leader, Phillip Rivers. However, Pennington took the Dolphins into a Brady-less Foxboro, where the Dolphins shouldn't have won, and they won. The Dolphins are in the playoff race and it's largely because of Chad Pennington. Pennington is a guy who was ripped in New York unmercifully. Most New Yorkers probably thought their paperboy had a better arm then Pennington. This Dolphins team was 0-2 headed into Foxboro, surely to go to 0-3 and Pennington and the Wildcat formation defeated the AFC East's Evil Empire. Granted, the Dolphins have only won one game against a team that will make the playoffs (the AFC West winner), but if you look at their five losses (Jets, Cardinals, Texans, Ravens and Patriots) one of those teams has already clinched a playoff spot, three have a chance in Week 17 and the Texans squeaked out a one point victory with 6 seconds left. With all this said, I think Chad Pennington is the league's MVP followed by Cassel, then I'd vote Turner and then Manning.

Disagree? You are free to think that way. But leave a comment and tell me why.

Update on "The Sports Buffet" and More

For all you devout fans of "The Sports Buffet" podcast, I just wanted to update you of the status. I have yet to meet with my webmaster yet, I will be hopefully over the winter break, or once the school year resumes after the New Year. I will be developing my own web site. The domain name has yet to be registered or decided. The reason the podcast is not active now, is the website I was using at My Podcast has really been giving me major headaches, and it has made it very difficult/near impossible to upload files. You can still check out the files that have already been uploaded at The Sports Buffet Podcast. The new site will still feature old broadcasts from "Talking High School Sports" and games that have been broadcasted on WKDE. The website will also try to have schedules/scores/results and provide somewhat of a high school sports almanac. I will also hopefully update the blogs and everything else on a more frequent basis as well.

Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and anything else, please e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

The Future of "The Sports Buffet" podcast

To all my loyal listeners of "The Sports Buffet" podcast, I appreciate you first off. I would love more comments on the podcasts, what you like, dislike and so forth and so on. You can always reach me by e-mail at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

With that being said, "The Sports Buffet" is going to be on a break or hiatus until probably the first of 2009. The site I have been using for "The Sports Buffet" is just not user friendly anymore and it has been very difficult to upload files. I encourage you to still go to the site and check out some of the older podcasts, to easier search for an episode (you can search by school, name, sport, whatever, by clicking here and typing in the keyword.

There are some other sites out there, but I just want to make sure the next site I go with is long term (even though My Podcast lasted me for longer then a year). I still intend to post "older" interviews and games from my days with WKDE and more. I firmly believe people want to hear new and fresh content, but I believe honoring those and featuring those that I have interviewed in the past should be featured across the world wide web as well. The "New" site is going to feature much more then just a podcast (hopefully) with hopeful links for all high school and college and pro sports fans, as well as stats and schedules and everything else a sports fan could want. I hope to make "The Sports Buffet" one stop shopping for all sports fans.

So, if you are a coach or athlete, and see that your interview has not been posted, please be patient. No one, but no one, is more fustrated by the lack of podcasts then yours truly. I have not forgotten about anything, as well as scheduling interviews and such. Hopefully, my blogs will take a more active role while the podcast is rebuilding, and will continue to be active after the podcast is reborn.

Finally, I also would like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches, athletes, athletic directors, sports information people, other media members and anyone else that I pester for interviews, information and requests on a random basis. Please know that I appreciate you all more then you think. Also, once again big thanks to the listeners to "The Sports Buffet". I know everyone might not be interested in every single topic I cover, but if I have conducted one interview that you have enjoyed, then I hope you will check back frequently and will tell others about an interview that you may have enjoyed.

Thanks for indulging me and any questions, comments or concerns, please address them to TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

Not my best Saturday... Pick Wise

It really appears I know nothing about college football from my Friday and Saturday picks.
Friday 2-3
Saturday 1-4
Total 3-7

Hopefully today will be better. It can't be much worse. Can it?

A Bonus 5 for the Holiday (plus my regular 5)

For the Thanksgiving Holiday, I felt we should all be so thankful, by me dishing out a "Friday Five". Here are 5 picks for Friday, plus my normal 5 for Saturday and NFL Sunday.

Friday 5
Pitt + 3 vs. West Virginia
Mississippi State + 18 1/2 at Mississippi
LSU - 4 1/2 at Arkansas
Nebraska - 18 vs. Colorado
Arizona State -10 vs. UCLA

My regular 5 for College Football
Virginia + 8 at Virginia Tech
Florida State + 16 1/2 vs. Florida
Maryland + 6 1/2 at Boston College
South Carolina + 1 at Clemson
Duke + 7 1/2 vs. North Carolina

The Sunday Five include
Denver + 7 1/2 at NY Jets
San Francisco + 6 1/2 at Buffalo
St. Louis + 9 vs. Miami
Atlanta + 4 1/2 at San Diego
Cleveland + 5 vs. Indianapolis

Notice on all of Saturday's and Sunday's games, I am getting points. I didn't feel like being in the Christmas spirit of giving.

Reviewing My 5

An actual good week for me pick wise. College picks, I was 3-2. Now granted, the two I missed, I missed bad (at least I didn't take Texas Tech). LSU and Minnesota were unkind to me. However, the Orange (Syracuse), the Blue Devils (Duke) and the Beavers (Oregon State) came through.

On the Pro side, I am going to say I was 3-1-1. The Redskins and Seahawks was a push. The Browns continue to underachieve, as they were my lone blemish. Tampa Bay, New England and Indianapolis came through like champs.

I know everyone is anxious for my Turkey Day picks.

Happy Gobbling.

Reviewing my Preseason NFL Picks

What type of genius am I? How foggy is my crystal ball? Let's find out here.

My Super Bowl pick: New England and Dallas.
That went out the window essentially when Tom Brady went down for the season. I don't know that I can make an excuse with Dallas, because they have had no devastating injury. Granted, Tony Romo was out 2-3 games, but they played the Rams during that stretch and lost. Brad Johnson couldn't beat the Rams? Brad Garrett should have been able to beat the Rams, but I digress. I don't think my Super Bowl pick is going to hit. If you are interested in my "revised" Super Bowl pick, I like the New York football Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

My AFC East Picks
1. New England
2. NY Jets
3. Buffalo
4. Miami

Current Standings
1. NY Jets (8-3)
2. New England (7-4)
3. Miami (6-5)
4. Buffalo (6-5)

No major blunders here. I am not going to sprain my right hand or anything, by patting myself on the back or anything. However, I think you gotta give Evil Bill some credit. If you had told our friend, Joe Fan, that the Patriots would be 7-4 without Tom Brady, I think you would have gotten some weird looks. Even more so, Matt Cassell may be playing himself into a starting job somewhere next year. His potential suitors I think could involve Detroit, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and you never know maybe even Philadelphia. I know, I didn't list any great teams (or top teams right there) but top teams normally don't need a new quarterback.

My AFC South Picks
1. Indianapolis
2. Jacksonville
3. Tennessee
4. Houston

Actual Standings
1. Tennessee (10-1)
2. Indianapolis (7-4)
3. Jacksonville (4-7)
4. Houston (4-7)

Alright, let's look at a couple points. If you said Tennessee would be 10-1 right now, I expect your nose just grew. If you said you thought Jacksonville would be 4-7 after 11 games, I think your nose has grown some more to where we can put a tray on it. Give the Titans credit, they are playing very good football. Even with a loss to the Jets, that shouldn't put a damper on the Titans season. The Colts came out of the gate trotting. Peyton Manning struggled to start, Joseph Addai has been banged up, so I think with the Colts being 7-4, that's not bad for them. However, the Colts also have a lot of games in the "should have lost" or "almost lost" category. Jacksonville, 4-7, has to be up there for the most disappointing team in the NFL. I don't think they are more disappointing then Cleveland, but they have to be up there in the disappointment category. With that being said, I don't think Jack Del Rio loses his job. Houston has battled injury with Matt Schaub being knicked up. However, the Texans can take Steve Slaton (a former West Virginia Mountaineer) as a major bright point. So, I don't think my AFC South predictions make me a colossal idiot. I think anyone's revised version would have to have Tennessee first. If the Titans don't win the division at this point, it's a major choke job.

My AFC North Picks
1. Pittsburgh
2. Cincinnati
3. Cleveland
4. Baltimore

Actual AFC North Standings
1. Pittsburgh (8-3)
2. Baltimore (7-4)
3. Cleveland (4-7)
4. Cincinnati (1-9-1)

Alright, let's just get this out of the way, I am an idiot. I don't know what extraterrestrial inhibited my body to where I picked the Bengals 2nd. Picking the Steelers first, that doesn't take a lot of sense, but even with an associates degree (I am not trying to knock anyone who has completed an associates degree) an individual shouldn't have picked the Bengals 2nd. True Bengals fans may have been able to warn me that I was going to be dead wrong coming into the season, but I apparently didn't listen. Coming into the season, I thought an offense with Carson, Ocho and T.J. couldn't be all bad. I didn't sense Ryan Fitzpatrick being the captain of the ship of delinquents. You have to give credit to the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh should get some consideration for AFC Coach of the Year. The Ravens have no true number 1 wide receivers in my eyes, Willis McGahee has not been a stud at the tailback spot, Todd Heap has been extremely disappointing (fantasy owners know what I'm talking about). But, Joe Flacco didn't get the memo that he's a rookie. The former Delaware Blue Hen has been excellent in his starting role. Flacco, who wasn't even suppose to be starting, has excelled in a role. I don't even think the most optimistic Ravens fan, would have pegged them to be 7-4. I love Romeo Crennel (you have to support Hill City natives), but I think the Browns have been the most disappointing team in the NFL. I didn't think there would be one game this year where the Browns would score under 21. The Browns haven't scored 21 in 6 of their 11 games this year, including 5 of their first 6, so therefore the Browns offense has disappointed me. Look at the schedule, I would have had the Browns at 7-4, not 4-7. The Browns should, in hindsight, have probably traded Derek Anderson while the iron was hot. Anderson struggled to start the year, and you knew when that happened, the Dog Pound was going to scream and holler for Brady Quinn. To say Braylon Edwards has had a case of the dropsies this season. I don't have exact numbers but anytime anyone watches a Browns game nowadays, even if you watch for only five minutes of real time, you can count on seeing an Edwards dropped pass. Anyways, my grade for picking the AFC North. Not good. I will slap myself in the face, back of the head or on the rump for poor AFC North picking.

My AFC West Picks
1. San Diego
2. Oakland
3. Kansas City
4. Denver

Actual AFC West Standings
1. Denver (6-5)
2. San Diego (4-7)
3. Oakland (3-8)
4. Kansas City (1-10)

Alright, I will raise my hand and a sign that says "I'm a dumbass", for picking the Raiders 2nd. I thought this division was so bad, that the Raiders would have a chance to be in 2nd place. Here's the sad part, they actually have a chance to be in 2nd place. Anyone who is a fan of an AFC West team, and has watched them for 11 games this season. My sympathies to anyone who has had to watch that. Let's sum up the division this way, the Raiders (who even with a 3-8 record are maybe the 2nd worst team in football) beat Denver 31-10 at Mile High. The division leading Denver Broncos lost to the Oakland Raiders, 31-10 at Mile High. 31-10! The Raiders, who hadn't scored a touchdown in over 200 plays, had the spirit of Kenny Stabler, Cliff Branch and everyone else who played for the Raiders that was a capable of scoring a touchdown (something this team has problems doing). Let's bottom line it this way, the AFC West stinks. Are my picks not dead on? Yes, but this division stinks.

My NFC East Picks
1. Dallas
2. Philadelphia
3. NY Giants
4. Washington

Actual NFC East Standings
1. NY Giants (10-1)
2. Washington (7-4)
3. Dallas (7-4)
4. Philadelphia (5-5-1)

Dallas has been somewhat disappointing. It's funny to say that about a 7-4 team, but the expectations were set so high for Jerry's group, anything short of 10-1 would have been underachieving. If you look at the last place team in the division, they are .500. The Eagles would be in contention for the lead in the AFC West. I don't really think there is a bad team in the division. Granted, the Eagles have problems (a few more after yesterday) but there problems are no worse then most teams. On that Eagles "controversy", at the end of the year, it may be time for Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid to go. McNabb to the Vikings, Reid can take the year off and then take another job after a year off. The Philadelphia fans are some of the most demanding fans in the world (in all sports). If they want to have some other coach and Kevin Kolb manning the ship to start next year. Good luck. I expect them to be a team under .500 at the week 11 mark if that happens. I am going to give myself an okay grade for this, but I really don't know with the way the NFC East is, if anyone could really screw up the NFC East prognostications.

My NFC South Picks
1. Carolina
2. New Orleans
3. Tampa Bay
4. Atlanta

Actual NFC South Standings
1. Tampa Bay (8-3)
2. Carolina (8-3)
3. Atlanta (7-4)
4. New Orleans (5-5 entering tonight's Monday night game)

Mike Smith should be the coach of the year for the Falcons. Anyone, who thought the Falcons would have 5 wins right now, stand up. Okay, now all those who are lying, sit down. Everyone should be seated. Matt Ryan, like Flacco, didn't get the memo about "playing like a rookie". Ryan, also can thank Michael Turner for a good portion of the team's success. The real coup would be if the Falcons could squeeze into the playoffs. The Saints have been disappointing, but not to the point where Sean Payton should be looking over his shoulder or anything. The Saints, wish list in the offseason, should be finding a corner and getting a running back who can just run the ball down someone's throat (granted a lot of teams would like someone like that), but I think Deuce McAllister has run his course. So, if you want Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker to be the bruiser, then that's fine. My NFC South shouldn't be viewed upon highly, but I'd be highly surprised to see anyone that had Atlanta finishing anywhere other then last.

My NFC North Picks
1. Minnesota
2. Detroit
3. Green Bay
4. Chicago

Actual NFC North Standings
1. Chicago (6-5)
2. Minnesota (6-5)
3. Green Bay (5-5 Entering tonight's Monday Nighter)
4. Detroit (0-10)

Alright, here's my rationale for having Detroit 2nd. I thought this division was so bad headed into the season. I said to myself, "Why not the Lions?". Well, I forgot Matt Millen was in charge (earlier) and this is the Lions. I thought the Bears would be God awful. They have not. I didn't think Minnesota would be that good. In my opinion, they are not that good, so I was right on that one. The Packers have been .500 (maybe below .500 after tonight-hopefully since I am a Saints fan). I still think the Packers will be fine in the long run with Aaron Rodgers has the pilot of the team. My NFC North picks. I should get a big fat F for picking the Lions 2nd. I should actually have my blog revoked for that, but that won't happen (and it's not like anyone reads it anyways.)

My NFC West Picks
1. Seattle
2. Arizona
3. San Francisco
4. St. Louis

Actual NFC West Standings
1. Arizona (7-4)
2. San Francisco (3-8)
3. Seattle (2-9)
4. St. Louis (2-9)

I was almost dead on. I picked one out of four teams correct. To call the NFC West a Professional football conference, is an insult to professional football. All the old timers from the NFC West (especially those who are involved with the bottom 3 teams) should be rolling in their graves. This division has been a disgrace to Professional football. I am not going to even say anything else about this division, I don't think I should have to defend or condemn myself on these picks, because anyone that watches a game involving a NFC West team, should be given the medal of honor just for that.

It's obvious I am going to be off on this as well. My top 10 NFL Draft picks.
1. Chicago
2. Atlanta
3. Miami
4. St. Louis
5. San Francisco
6. Denver
7. Houston
8. Baltimore
9. Kansas City
10. Green Bay

The actual top 10 picks right now would be
1. Detroit
2. Kansas City
3. Cincinnati
4. St. Louis
5. Seattle
6. Oakland
7. San Francisco
8-10. Several teams bunched at 4-7.

So, while I feel like a partial idiot on some of my picks, I guarantee there are people who are more stupid then me.

Alvis out

Are you in my 5?

Are you in my 5 this week for my locks of the week?

You are if you are the following
Oregon State + 2 1/2 at Arizona
Minnesota - 6 vs. Iowa
LSU - 3 1/2 vs. Mississippi
Syracuse + 19 1/2 at Notre Dame
Duke + 17 at Virginia Tech

The grown ups that play on Sunday, here is who I like
Tampa Bay - 8 at Detroit
Washington - 3 at Seattle
New England + 1 at Miami
Indianapolis + 2 1/2 at San Diego
Cleveland -3 vs. Houston

Happy wagering (or watching)

My Locks for College & Pro Football 11-15 & 11-16

okay, with time running out, i am just going to make picks, maybe I'll explain my picks later
College

1. Take Florida State. They are - 6 at home against Boston College.
2. Take Duke. They are + 11 at Clemson.
3. Take Notre Dame. They are - 4 against Navy in Baltimore.
4. Take USC. They are - 24 at Stanford.
5. Take Florida. They are - 22 1/2 at home against South Carolina.

NFL Picks

1. Take Indianapolis. They are - 8 at home against Houston.
2. Take Denver. They are + 6 1/2 at Atlanta.
3. Take Arizona. They are - 3 at Seattle.
4. Take Dallas. They are - 1 1/2 at Washington.
5. Take Jacksonville. They are + 3 at home against Tennessee (Jacksonville wins outright, and the Titans are no longer undefeated).

Happy picking.

Reviewing the Locks

If you add up my college and pro locks this week, I was 6 out of 10. I can live with 60 percent. Hey, it's better then 50 percent. Let's now view each individual game.

1. Rutgers - 14 against Syracuse. Check. Syracuse just isn't that good. But, really neither is Rutgers. Aside from the one big year they had under Schiano. This has been a very average Rutgers team. Schiano, if he wanted to leave, would have probably been best to strike when the iron was hot.

2. LSU + 3 against Alabama. This one was a big red X. But, really not a big red X, LSU was in the game had a chance to win and forced overtime. Had Alabama made the kick at the end of regulation, it would have been a push. I really did think LSU would win that football game. Nick Saban has been known to bounce around a little, I wouldn't exactly call him Bob Petrino or anything, but I think he sticks in Tuscaloosa for a while. Even though Saban spent some time in the NFL before giving it a shot as a head coach. I doubt he will go back.

3. Florida State - 5 1/2 at Clemson. Correct. To be honest, I am surprised Clemson beat Boston College. Once Tommy Bowden was removed from town, I didn't think the Tigers would win another game. Boy, I sure know how to pick 'em.

4. Michigan State - 9 1/2 against Purdue. To repeat, Purdue is not very good. Michigan State is definitely 10 points better then Purdue. Since the spread was 9 1/2, I felt it was safe to take Michigan State. Safety prevailed.

5. UCLA + 8 against Oregon State. This was a simple misreading. I thought the line said UCLA + 80. The Bruins looked so good in a comeback win in their opener against Tennessee at the Rose Bowl. However, all wins over Tennessee now do not look that good, considering the Vols gave up more points to Wyoming in the 1st quarter, then Wyoming had been aveaging per game. Anyways, bottom line UCLA is going to be good at some point with Rick Neuheisel. As my friend, Scott Wilson, has pointed out to me, believe it or not, Oregon State can still win the PAC 10, as they defeated the Trojans earlier in the season.

I will review the NFL locks later.

Get out the Keys: Locks of the Week

Last week I took a week off. Good thing, because I would have done poorly, taking Texas against Texas Tech, and it would just go down from there.

My college locks
1. Take Rutgers -14. Rutgers host Syracuse. Do I need more of a reason then that? Syracuse is known for producing good sportscasters, and some good football players (Marvin Harrison, Donovan McNabb, Dwight Freeney) but nothing has walked through that door lately to rave about at the 'Cuse.

2. Take LSU + 3. LSU is hosting Alabama. Nick Saban strolls back into Baton Rouge, where he brought a national title to the Tigers. Guess what Nick? Les Miles has done that too. The Tigers have been a little up and down this year, but they'll be up for the 'Tide. Tigers win the game outright (but I am only obliged in the lock to say they'll cover the number).

3. Take Florida St - 5 1/2. I know Bobby Bowden would never admit this publically, but you have to think deep down, that he'd love to roll the Tigers. Even if the guys still on Clemson, are "Tommy's Kids". No Tiger's player is calling Tommy daddy right now. Take the Seminoles to win (obviously if they are going to cover the number) in the powerhouse football conference known as the ACC.

4. Take Michigan State - 9 1/2. Joe Tiller's Purdue Boliermakers are just not that great of a football team this season. That being said, I like what Michigan State is doing. In East Lansing, I think the Spartans can win by 10 or more.

5. Take UCLA + 8. I know UCLA has been spotty this year with success, but I think the Beavers of Oregon State can't win by more then 4 at best in Los Angeles. I say take the Bruins, dam it.

NFL Picks
This is where I have made money (well theoretical money). Let's see if I got another good week in me.

1. Take Green Bay + 2 1/2 at Minnesota. I don't feel great about this pick, but I feel good enough to make it. I really don't have any reasons behind this pick, other then the fact that I think Green Bay gets it done in the dome. Plus, to cover they only have to lose by less then 3 or win outright. I feel pretty good that they will do one of the two.

2. Take New Orleans + 1 at Atlanta. I am not going to lie, I don't feel good about this one at all. I don't know why I made the pick. Full disclosure, I am a Saints fan, which makes me want to pick Atlanta more, but I just see the "dirty birds" falling off a tree branch in this one. Take the Saints to win outright.

3. Take Philadelphia - 3 vs. the New York Football Giants. I think the Eagles defense is going to make Eli Manning's night a long one. I like the Eagles offense to put up at least 28 points in this one, and on Sunday night, I like Philadelphia.

4. Take Tennessee - 3 vs. Chicago. Hear is why I am taking the Titans, or any other team that would be playing the Bears this week: Rex Grossman. Enough said. With that being said however, don't think the Titans will go undefeated. They will lose next week at Jacksonville, but I'll tackle that next week.

5. Take Jacksonville - 6 1/2 at Detroit. I know people have thought Jacksonville is the league's biggest dissappointment. I don't agree with that. Can Daunte Culpepper be the Lions savior this week? In a word, no. Take the Jags to win by about 9, which would cover the spread.

Good wagering to you all.

Podcasts being added today to "The Sports Buffet"

Many podcasts will be added today to "The Sports Buffet". Here is what you can expect to hear after 1:00 PM today.

Seven new podcasts being posted today on "The Sports Buffet". The podcasts will be posted between 12:30-2:00. Here is what you will hear, in addition to some Region III football.
Nathan Warters-Lynchburg News & Advance will talk Virginia Tech Football

Chris Lang-Lynchburg News & Advance will talk Liberty Football.

Jim Sacco-News Virginian will talk High School Football (Buffalo Gap, Riverheads, Stuarts Draft) and Volleyball (Waynesboro)

Scott Leamon-Friday Fooball.com The Highlight Show. Newschannel 10's Playoff Professor will talk Region IV and Region C Playoffs.

Don Rice-Head Coach, Jefferson Forest High School will preview this week's playoff game against Rockbridge County.

Doug Fischer-Max Boxing.com will preview this weekend's fight between Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe, as well as talk other boxing.

"The Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez-Wrestling Legend will talk about this Saturday night's "Night of Superstars" coming to Waynesboro High School.

Short Sleave Sampson-Midget Wrestler Extraoidnaire talks about this Saturday night's "Night of Superstars" coming to Waynesboro High School.

NFL Thoughts

- Watching the talking heads shows (1st & 10 on ESPN's First Take and others) debate the Derek Anderson benching is somewhat amusing to me. People argue that the Browns are performing a knee jerk reaction. I couldn't disagree more. The Browns obviously feel that Brady Quinn currently gives them a better chance to win then. I couldn't agree more. Anderson has underachived this year, but in reality, he probably overachived last year. Anderson is also being hurt by lousy play calling, and has been less then loved by the Browns fans. Plus, when you spend a first round pick on a player, you want to see them on the field in year one or two.

- Brian Urlacher is a little peeved at the Chicago fans for booing Rex Grossman. Keep in mind, the Bears did reach the Super Bowl under Rex Grossman, but Grossman is more associated with the worst of times, rather then the best of times. The best thing for Rex Grossman would be to get out of that city. I don't think Kyle Orton is the messiah either. I think Kyle Orton is a nice stopgap until they can find a long term solution. Grossman on the other hand, is a NFL backup at best.

- Rarely do you see what you saw on Sunday night football, Bill Bellichek with some very questionable coaching in the 2nd half. Bellichek called his 3rd timeout with 11 minutes left in the game. Then, going for it on 4th and 16 with 4:30 left. I understand you have no times out left, but you have the two minute warning. I think you put a little faith in the defense and you get it back with like 1:20 left. I guess Bellichek can win with any Tom, Corey and Randy. However, winning with Matt, Sammy and Randy is too daunting of a challenge.

- Daunte Culpepper retired, but then felt that the best fit for him was the Lions? I'd rather play with the Timberlake Lions Club team right now, then the Detroit Lions. I guess the Raiders didn't want Culpepper so he had to go with the next worse team.

More thoughts later

Reviewing the Locks

College Games
I picked the Yellow Jackets laying 12 to Virginia. WRONG. If anyone said Virginia would be leading the Coastal Division after they laid an egg to Duke a few weeks back. They are a big fat liar.

I said USC would cover the 16 points they were giving to Arizona. WRONG. I believe the final was like 17-10.

I said the Tennessee Volunteers would cover the plus 6 1/2 they were getting against the Alabama Crimson Tide. WRONG. Alabama won handily.

I said North Carolina would cover the 3 points they were laying against Boston College. RIGHT. I can't believe it, 1 for 4. Carolina crushed Boston College.

Now, for the BIG WRONG. I said Kansas would be okay. They were laying 1 1/2 to Texas Tech. I thought it said they were getting 51 1/2. Honest mistake, that could happen to anyone, misreading a line.

Now for the NFL picks

Take Kansas City. They were getting 13 1/2 against the Jets. RIGHT. Anytime you have a NFL line with double digits, I normally say take the 'dog.

Take Cincinnati. They were getting 9 points at Houston. WRONG. Anytime you have a NFL line where the Bengals are getting ponts, take the other team, unless the Bengals are getting triple digits.

Take Dallas. They were laying 2 1/2 against the Bucs. RIGHT. If you took the over, I'm sorry, because I feel it was probably more then 22.

Take Cleveland. They were getting 7 points against Jacksonville. RIGHT. The Browns won outright.

Indianapolis-Tennessee: They play tonight, jury is still out.

Records so far
College
This Week: 1-4
Total (Since started picking last week): 4-6

NFL
This Week (So Far): 3-1
Total (Since Started picking last week): 7-2

I think the basic message to all this is as follows. Don't listen to me on Saturdays, but Sundays I am okay.

Features to be heard on "The Sports Buffet" podcast

In case you don't know (or have been on Mars, Neptune or Uranus) I am the author, creator, producer, writer, director, host and any other superlative you'd like to throw in of "The Sports Buffet" podcast. I always look for feedback on "The Sports Buffet". If you have thoughts (what you think of current podcasts), comments or suggestions (who are your favorite teams and what guests do you want to hear), e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net. Also, I am going to be creating a mailing list to update you when new podcasts are added to "The Sports Buffet"."The Sports Buffet" features high school, college and professional sports. You will be able to hear new podcasts as well as older segments from "Talking High School Sports" and other games broadcasted throughout the years on WKDE.Here are some of the segments (most of these will be related to high school sports) that you will be hearing on "The Sports Buffet"

"The Sports Buffet" is going to be taking a lot of the segements/features that were spotlighted on "Talking High School Sports". "The Sports Buffet" (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com/) continues to add previous broadcasts from "Talking High School Sports" to the pod-cast site, however we also will be developing new ones as well. In order, to do that, Here is what you can expect in terms of segments on "The Sports Buffet"

* "Checking In": This segment features updates on former high school athletes from the Lynchburg area and beyond as they continue their athletic careers in college. You will hear from the athlete, as well as current and past teammates and coaches.

* "Where Are They Now": This is the segment where we catch up with former high school athletes, coaches, media members, officials, athletic directors, athletic trainers and more from the Lynchburg area and beyond to find out what they are doing now. You will hear from the individual as well as people that were associated with them during their time in high school sports in the Lynchburg area and beyond.

* "Teammates": This segment test two teammates from an athletic squad to see how well they know each other. With larger teams, it may become a contest to where it would feature 3 teams of 2, similar to ESPN's "Teammates", where they are competing against one another. But, with smaller teams it will feature two participants from a team to see how well they know each other with questions that pertain to questions away from the sport, i.e. favorite movie, favorite food and so forth.

* Know Your Coach...... New segment that will see how well a player knows their coach. This is very similar to "Teammates" but will instead feature 3 athletes from a team to see how well they know their coach.

* "One on One with Bob Alvis": This segement takes a personality from the sporting world and gives them 12 questions that they would not hear in their normal, everday life, such as "If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 movies would you want with you?"

* "Inside the Game": This segment is designed to take a fast pace look at a sport or conference and it's most recent happenings. The segment can also be designed to take a look at a specific night. For example, a Friday night in High School Football could be covered on one edition of "Inside the Game"

* "Bumps and Bruises": This segment is designed to allow athletic trainers to talk about a prevention, rehabilitation method, or anything they feel needs to be brought to the public's attention relating to the area of athletic training.

* Away from the Game...... Was to be known as "Off the Field" on "Talking High School Sports" but never really got off the ground. Segment is designed to highlight an athlete's good deeds away from the field. For example, an athlete that may help out at a nursing home, or tutors other students, or is just a good student and is actively involved in their school, church or another organization.

* "Coach's Corner": This is where a coach talks about a technique, strategy, or something that will allow the public insight on the game that they coach.

* "Rules of the Game": This is where a sports official talks about a rule of the sport they officiate. Nothing much more to say about that.

* "The Roundtable": This is where 3 coaches, media members, athletes or officials sit down and talk not so much strategy but more of coaching phillosphies and general sitatuions about sports.

* "Profile": Every now and again we will have a feature on a coach, player, official, athletic director, broadcaster, etc. You will hear from the person being feature, as well as other people talking about them.

You can go to the pod-cast of "The Sports Buffet" (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com/) and hear examples of the segments from the days of "Talking High School Sports" as well as the new segments that will be added to "The Sports Buffet"."The Sports Buffet" is a free pod-cast developed by Bob Alvis, a self described sports nut, as he looks to promote the great things in sports at all levels as well as to inform and entertain the general public. I do have one child (and another on the way) as well as working a 3rd shift job, so I apologize up front if I don't give as much coverage as I'd like to a certain team

Bob's Golden Locks

And I am not even blonde.

Here are the five college games I reccomend taking this week.
Take Georgia Tech. They are giving 12 points to Virginia in Atlanta.
Take USC. They are giving 16 points at Arizona.
Take Tennessee. They are getting 6 1/2 points at home against Alabama.
Take North Carolina. They are giving 3 points in Chapel Hill against Boston College.
Take Kansas. They are giving 1 1/2 points in Lawrence to Texas Tech.

Here are the five pro games that I like
Take Kansas City. They are getting 13 1/2 at the Jets.
Take Cincinnati. They are getting 9 points at Houston.
Take Indianapolis. They are getting 4 points on Monday night in Tennessee.
Take Dallas. They are laying 2 1/2 points at home against Tampa Bay.
Take Cleveland. They are getting 7 points in Jacksonville.

Last week 3-2 in the college ranks. The NFL was a little kinder at 4-1.

Idiot

One word is all that is needed to explain Jose Canseco.

Idiot!

Canseco was quoted on the A&E Network, speaking about his book "Juiceless", saying that he "regrets mentioning players [as steroid users]. I never realized this was going to blow up and hurt so many people."

That's like me being in front of a judge for murder and saying to a judge "Geez, your honor, i didnt think Joe was going to die, when i pointed the gun at him and pulled the trigger."

Canseco was bitter at baseball and threw people under the bus just to make himself feel better. Canseco can not plea insanity on this one, saying that he wasn't in right mind. Everytime, that I have seen Canseco interviewed, he's in control of his emotions and somewhat eloquent. This was not an oops. Canseco stated that he would like to apologize to every player in person, or wishes he could. If he was apologizing to eight players, by the time it was over, he'd either have 8 black eyes, bruises or stab wounds.

Now, if you make a mistake, what's the one thing you don't do? YOU DON'T WRITE ANOTHER BOOK. "Vindictated" followed "Juiceless" as a Canseco authored publication.

I have only one question. What's the next book, moron or idiot?

Stay tuned, more idiots to be spoken of shortly.

Lock Results for Oct 18-19

Four out of five NFL picks (the only miss being the Indianapolis Colts)

College: Three out of five. (Kentucky and Missouri didn't come through for me)

My locks

I have decided to start give some locks of the week (when I say locks, I am not talking about my hair). I will pick 5 college games that I like against the spread and I will pick 5 pro games that I like against the spread and we'll keep a running tally, so we can all see how smart I really am!

College Games
1. Take Missouri + 5 1/2 at Texas
2. Take Virginia Tech + 3 at Boston College
3. Take Tennessee - 7 1/2 vs. Mississippi State
4. Take Kentucky - 7 1/2 vs. Arkansas
5. Take Illinois - 15 1/2 vs. Indiana

Pro Games
1. Take Tennessee - 8 at Kansas City
2. Take Cleveland + 7 1/2 at Washington
3. Take Pittsburgh - 9 1/2 at Cincinnati
4. Take Indianapolis - 1 at Green Bay
5. Take Seattle + 10 1/2 at Tampa Bay

There we go, I'll pick 'em again next weekend.

Great News

Great News. "The Sports Buffet" podcast is back. All computer problems that have fixed, the recording studio has been updated and now "The Sports Buffet" podcast is ready to go again. So, what that means is this: You are going to hear new stuff, old stuff and all the stuff in between. The name and content hasn't changed, we are just back from a long sabbatical. Be sure to visit "The Sports Buffet" for all your high school, college and pro sports needs.

If there is anything you want to hear, be sure to email me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

Major League Baseball Predictions

Here are my playoff predictions

Cubs over Dodgers in 3.
Brewers over Phillies in 4.

Angels over Red Sox in 4.
White Sox over Rays in 5.

Cubs over Brewers in 5.
Angels over White Sox in 6.

Angels over Cubs in 7.

Brady, Brady, Brady

Unless you have been living under a rock, you may have heard Tom Brady will not be suiting up for another NFL game this season with the New England Patriots. I have heard several comments that I'd like to comment on in this wonderful blog.

Comment 1: The NFL losing Tom Brady is the equivalent to Golf losing Tiger Woods.

False. The NFL is more about the logo on the helmet rather then the name on the back of the jersey. No one in the NFL is bigger then the league, to where one injury is going to hurt or cripple the league. Back in the day, if Michael Jordan was lost in the 1st game of the NBA season for the whole season, that would hurt the NBA more then Brady's injury hurts the NFL. A lot of people watch golf just for Tiger Woods, I don't think many people watch the NFL just because Tom Brady is playing. Maybe if you are Gisele Bundchen you are watching because of Tom Brady, but that is 1 out of hundreds of million people that watch the NFL.

Comment 2: The system is the key, any quarterback will be successful in New England.

Matt Cassel may be okay. But, something tells me if you take the MVP off a team that lost one game last season, you can't just put in any Joe and have identical success. Now, I know that you can look at other team's who have lost quarterbacks due to injuries or what not and the backup has stepped in and succeeded. For instance, when Joe Montana was injured, Steve Young filled in admirably and eventually became the guy in San Francisco. Brad Johnson was injured in Minnestoa and Randall Cunningham stepped in and filled in, and took the team to within one game of the Super Bowl. A guy named Tom Brady filled in for someone named Drew Bledsoe, and like Steve Young never really looked back. Now, do I think Matt Cassel will make fans forget Tom Brady? No.

Comment 3: The only loss that would equal Brady's loss is if the Colts lost Peyton Manning.

True. Running backs and wide receivers can be replaced, starting quarterbacks can be replaced but only if their is backup is competent. Just about every team in the NFL is going to suffer some drop off if their starter goes down, but none as much as New England and Indianapolis. Now, before Dallas fans get in an uproar, Brad Johnson does have some starting experience and Tony Romo hasn't performed at the high level for as long as Manning and Brady have.

Those are the biggest comments I hear and those would be my thoughts on the above. Any comments on my comments, e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net. By the way, if you read my NFL predictions, I now would like to bump the Steelers up to the Super Bowl losers. The Cowboys still win the Super Bowl.

NFL Picks 2008

Time to make my NFL Predictions. Even with one game in the books, I am going to try and make them (heck, I'm not going to try, I am). I have not broken down each team by record, but here are my divisional predictions and playoff predictions.

AFC East
New England
NY Jets
Buffalo
Miami

AFC South
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Tennessee
Houston

AFC North
Pittsburgh
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Baltimore

AFC West
San Diego
Oakland
Kansas City
Denver

NFC East
Dallas
Philadelphia
NY Giants
Washington

NFC South
Carolina
New Orleans
Tampa Bay
Atlanta

NFC North
Minnesota
Detroit
Green Bay
Chicago

NFC West
Seattle
Arizona
San Francisco
St. Louis

AFC Wild Cards: NY Jets, Jacksonville
NFC Wild Cards: Philadelphia, New Orleans

AFC Wild Card Round
Byes: New England, Pittsburgh
Indianapolis over NY Jets
Jacksonville over San Diego

NFC Wild Card Round
Byes: Dallas, Carolina
Philadelphia over Seattle
New Orleans over Minnesota

AFC Divisional Round:
Pittsburgh over Indianapolis
New England over Jacksonville

NFC Divisonal Round
Dallas over New Orleans
Philadelphia over Carolina

AFC Championship at New England
New England over Pittsburgh

NFC Championship at Dallas
Dallas over Philadelphia

Super Bowl: Dallas over New England


Next year's Draft Order (Top 10)
1. Chicago
2. Atlanta
3. Miami
4. St. Louis
5. San Francisco
6. Denver
7. Houston
8. Baltimore
9. Kansas City
10. Green Bay

Coaches Fired: Mike Nolan (S.F.), Scott Linehan (St. Louis), Mike McCarthy (Green Bay)

I believe that would do it for my predictions. Enjoy the season

You can't spell Inconsistency without a NY

Inconsistency.



Definition: Scoring 12 runs one night, and one the next.

Example: New York Yankees



Hank Steinbrenner waved the proverbial white flag the other night, saying we are looking to '09. I know that if I had over 200 million dollars wrapped up in a team, and I am still within striking distance (granted they need to get hot now), I would say, "You know it's only $200 million, I'll wait 'til next year"



Granted, for the 2nd year in a row, the Yankees have been ravaged by injuries. Alex Rodriguez has spent time on the DL, along with Johnny Damon. Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui and Phil Hughes are some of those who have spent extensive time on the DL. I am sorry all these guys are hurt, but this is a major league team being paid more then 200 million dollars as a collective unit, so pardon me if I am not going to throw in the towel.



To use one of my favorite quotes from Al Davis. Just win baby! The Bombers may want to start applying that philosophy NOW!

The Sports Buffet: I'm Back!

I am the proud author, creator, producer, host, do all guy of "The Sports Buffet with Bob Alvis". I checked the podcast page the other day (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com) and saw where it had almost been 30 days since I had posted podcasts. Well, I'm back baby. You are still going to hear the best podcasts available, I'll be conducting high school fall sports previews here in the next week or so, as high school football practice starts around the commonwealth today. Other sports fall in line this week or by the start of next at the latest. I also will still be conducting interviews with the best in college and pro sports, whether it be media members, or we may strive for others as well. Another change you will find is this, as we add "classic" interviews and games from the days of "Talking High School Sports" and such. The current podcasts will be placed above those from "back in the day". Check the site, (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com) and you may understand what I'm talking about. As always, your comments and suggestions are appreciated and desired, just e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

Good Bye Friend

"Hey Murcer, grab a glove. The Dodgers are coming in on Thursday and we gotta be sharpe," yelled Joe McCarthy. The Heavenly Yankees were about to have another inner squad scrimmage.


"Great to see you kid," said Mickey Mantle, a fellow Oklahoman to his perceived successor as a Yankees center fielder.


Unfortunately, for those of us who remain on earth, we will no longer have Bobby Murcer with us, as Murcer succumbed to cancer on Saturday at the young age of 62. Murcer, is survived by his wife Kay, his son Todd, daughter Tori and five grandchildren.



For people of my age and generation, they will remember Murcer as an announcer. Another generation will think back to Bobby Murcer's heroics against the Orioles, the same day he eulogized friend and teammate, Thurman Munson. I link Murcer to Phil Rizzuto, as a guy who served his time on the field, and then further his legend in pinstripes, by serving time in the booth.

Several people from the broadcasting fraternity, such as Bob Costas and the YES Network's Michael Kay, have said often when you meet people in the public eye, they disappoint you. Murcer definitely lived up to the nice guy billing he filled on TV.

Current Yankees such as Jorge Posada, Alex Rodriguez, Jacon Giambi, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte, just to name a few, expressed what Murcer meant to the Yankees. Other Yankees, past and present, and YES Network personalities, such as Goose Gossage, Joe Girardi and Ken Singleton, were emotional when talking about their friend, teammate and colleague.

There are several times that I point to where Murcer's void will really be felt. Old Timers Day on August 2nd for one, and the last regular season game at Yankee Stadium will be another. Murcer's humor was on display as he was often mic ed at Old Timers Game, conversing with everyone from fans to teammates, to umpires to his "hitting instructors" who over the years included Giambi, Rodriguez and Matsui.

Watching Yankees telecasts won't be the same either. Even though Murcer hadn't spent much time in the booth this year due to his cancer, you'd always turn on YES, with the chance that Murcer would be right to the side of Singleton or Kay.

Even though, Murcer spent a time with the Cubs and Giants. It was only a sabbatical. Bobby Ray was a lifelong Yankee. He belongs in that Yankee lore with the legends. It's a great addition to that game in heaven featuring the legendary Yankees. Even though legends like Ruth, Mantle, Dimaggio, Munson and so on, won't be at the opening of the new Yankee Stadium next year, they'll all have great seats, looking down on Jeter and the cast of today. I can hear it now, "Thurman, can you pass the popcorn," says Murcer to his friend.

Good-bye Bobby Ray. All Yankees fans will miss you.

Random Notes and Thoughts from the World of Sports

At some point in time, the Boston Celtics need to win a road playoff game. The Celtics will not, repeat WILL NOT, win the NBA Championship by going 16-12 in the playoffs (their record if they win every series in 7). Now would also probably be a good time for Ray Allen to introduce himself to the team again, as he has virtually disappeared here recently. But, I have the Pistons winning the series anyway in 6.

Ask any of my colleagues at work (or anyone else who will listen to me) and I said the Spurs were going to defeat the Hornets in the Western Conference semifinals. I am crazy like a fox. The Spurs moved on, the Hornets are enjoying some gumbo. The Hornets will be back, make no mistake about it, but Chris Paul needs some scoring help from the 2 or the 3. Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson are not the answer. The only problem is I don't know what the Hornets can deal without breaking up their nucleus. Back to the Lakers and Spurs series, a lot of people are really high on the Lakers. I think they are good but not championship good yet. I like the Spurs in 6 to knock down the Lakers. Then, David Stern's smile turns upside down, as the dream of LA-Boston (the nostalgia and the big TV markets) are gone and San Antonio plays Detroit in the non anticipated finals.

Being a Yankees fan, I am not panicking. Some I am sure are, but I am not in that mass. The Yankees have been banged up (A-Rod, Posada, and now maybe Derek Jeter) and the young pitchers (Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy) have not materialized as expected. I am a man of reason and patience, therefore that is why I am not in panic mode. Hank Steinbrenner doesn't subscribe to the Bob Alvis panic mode. I expect changes could becoming shortly. I don't know what those changes are going to be, but Hank doesn't seem like the type to stand pat.

Until next time..

The Sports Buffet ONLINE

The Sports Buffet ONLINE is going to start to pick up steam here. Soon, thesportsbuffetonline.com will be up and running, where all sorts of information will be able to be retrieved. From "The Sports Buffet ONLINE" podcast, (which you can always access at thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com) to the blogs and more, you'll be able to find it at thesportsbuffetonline.com (the website will be online in a few days, but will really be updated during the summer). But for now, you will have to be able to tolerate the blogs.

Blogging has gotten some attention lately, (check out this http://deadspin.com/385770/bissinger-vs-leitch?autoplay=true) where Buzz Bissinger gives it to Deadspin editor, Will Leitch. While some blogs are malicious and malicious, not all blogs are that way. I don't claim to be a Pulitzer Prize winner, so I created my blogs, as more of an effort to improve my writing. If people agree with my opinions, fine. If you disagree with my opinions, that's your right as well. But, I don't intend with this blog (this is my blogging oath), to infuriate Buzz Bissinger, Michael Wilbon or any other journalist who makes their living by disgracing the art of mankind.

NFL Draft Predicitions

I love making predictions (so people can see what an idiot I am later) for various reasons. Right now, I will project the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft.

1. Jake Long (Michigan)-Miami Dolphins (At least I'll get one right)
2. Glenn Dorsey (LSU)-St.Louis Rams
3. Matt Ryan (Boston College)-Atlanta
4. Chris Long (Virginia)-Oakland
5. Vernon Gholston (Ohio State)-Kansas City
6. Darien McFadden (Arkansas)-NY Jets
7. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie (Tennessee State)-New England
8. Branden Albert (Virginia)-Baltimore
9. Keith Rivers (USC)-Cincinnati
10. Leodis McKelvin (Troy)-New Orleans

The NCAA:The rules that need to change

The NCAA has several rules that need to change. Let me examine one rule that bothers me the most and tell you why I think it needs to change.

- A coach can leave a university and not be penalized, unless a buyout has to be paid, but an athlete can't leave to play for another university within Division I. Whre is the logic in this? In my humbe opinion, nine times out of ten, the athlete is going to go to the university because the coach recruited them. But, yet when the person that essentially hires them to do their job, leaves, they must stay at the university and play for a coach who may not even want them. This rule needs to be changed. A student athlete should be permitted to leave their member institution if the head coach of that program leaves. Now, if the assistant coach, or recruiting coordinator, leaves, then tough luck for the player. I believe nine times out of ten, while you may have that bond with the recruiting coordinator, you are going to play for the head coach.

I can't think of an instance lately where my ire has been drawn by this, but I just figured I needed to start using my blog. But, you can look at any college program this year where the head coach is going to be a first year coach and the players he recruited at his previous place of employment are still there. Fair? You be the judge, but the Honorable Robert Harry Alvis IV says the NCAA is guilty of poor judgment on this.

Update on "The Sports Buffet"

Several updates/new segements are being added and changed around to "The Sports Buffet". The podcast will hopefullly be updated much more on a regular basis, as it had been previously. However, anybody with children, knows what a full time job that is. With two kids under the age of 1 1/2, I am working overtime. Your patience is appreciated.

Most of the segments that were on "Talking High School Sports" that were going to be renamed, aren't going to be renamed, they will stick with their original names. At the end of this explanation, you will find details of the segments.

Interviews with coaches, athletes that require no editing will be posted as soon as they are recorded, or soon thereafter. However, interviews that take editing are an ongoing work in progress. Stay tuned to "The Sports Buffet" podcast (http://bobalvis.blogspot.com/) for updates of interviews that will be coming from people who are not involved in the high school sports world. For those podcasts, that involve high school sports, follow my other blog "The Sports Buffet with Bob Alvis: Talking High School Sports" http://thss1000.blogspot.com/

"Checking In": This segment features updates on former high school athletes from the Lynchburg area and beyond as they continue their athletic careers in college. You will hear from the athlete, as well as current and past teammates and coaches.

"Where Are They Now": This is the segment where we catch up with former high school athletes, coaches, media members, officials, athletic directors, athletic trainers and more from the Lynchburg area and beyond to find out what they are doing now. You will hear from the individual as well as people that were associated with them during their time in high school sports in the Lynchburg area and beyond.

"Teammates" : This segment test two teammates from an athletic squad to see how well they know each other. With larger teams, it may become a contest to where it would feature 3 teams of 2, similar to ESPN's "Teammates", where they are competing against one another. But, with smaller teams it will feature two participants from a team to see how well they know each other with questions that pertain to questions away from the sport, i.e. favorite movie, favorite food and so forth.

"Know Your Coach": Segment that will see how well a player knows their coach. This is very similar to "Teammates" but will instead feature 3 athletes from a team to see how well they know their coach.

"One on One with Bob Alvis": This segement takes a personality from the sporting world and gives them 12 questions that they would not hear in their normal, everday life, such as "If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 movies would you want with you?"

"Inside the Game": This segment is designed to take a fast pace look at a sport or conference and it's most recent happenings. The segment can also be designed to take a look at a specific night. For example, a Friday night in High School Football could be covered on one edition of "Inside the Game"

"Bumps and Bruises": This segment is designed to allow athletic trainers to talk about a prevention, rehabilitation method, or anything they feel needs to be brought to the public's attention relating to the area of athletic training.

"Off the Field" : Segment is designed to highlight an athlete's good deeds away from the field. For example, an athlete that may help out at a nursing home, or tutors other students, or is just a good student and is actively involved in their school, church or another organization.

"Coach's Corner" : This is where a coach talks about a technique, strategy, or something that will allow the public insight on the game that they coach.

"Rules of the Game": This is where a sports official talks about a rule of the sport they officiate. Nothing much more to say about that.

"The Roundtable" : This is where 3 coaches, media members, athletes or officials sit down and talk not so much strategy but more of coaching phillosphies and general sitatuions about sports.You can go to the pod-cast of "The Sports Buffet" (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com/) and hear examples of the segments from the days of "Talking High School Sports" as well as the new segments that will be added to "The Sports Buffet"."

Also, other segments will be added with team previews, year end/season reviews, as well as profiles on coaches, players, media members, athletic trainers, officials, athletic director, sports information directors, and so on and so forth.

Send your e-mails with your thoughts and what you want to hear on "The Sports Buffet" to TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net or TheSportsBuffet@gmail.com

Also, look for "The Sports Buffet's" website coming soon. More information to follow.