NBA Playoffs

For those of you who do not watch NBA basketball playoffs on a regular basis, do yourself a favor and watch the Orlando Magic on Thursday night at 8:30 eastern. They have a 3 games to 1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had the best record in the NBA during the regular season. The Magic were underdogs coming into this series against the Cavs. I clearly remember the NBA "experts" say that the series would not be much of one - and that the Cavs should easily handle the Magic. I guess they got lost in all of the Lebron hype and forgot that it takes a team to win a championship and not one player. Lebron has been very impressive in the games but everyone else looks like they should be playing on the streets. Anyway, if you want to watch some good basketball check out the Magic-Cavs series. Do not get confused with what is going on in the other series playoff (Lakers-Nuggets). My prediction, which is not that bold of a pick, is the Magic will take the entire NBA championship.

Sports Talk Radio

I don't know about a lot of people but I really enjoy my sports talk radio. It helps pass the time in the car and always gives something new to think about. However, I find myself less and less in my car from day to day around town...which means my sports talk radio car time is very valuable. I remember the days of going to school, waiting for a parking spot, killing time and feeding my sports knowledge with the likes of ESPN radio and local FSU coverage. Fast forward to present day where there is no longer ESPN radio in town and local coverage is on at a time where I am away from the radio.

Now I am forced to listen to the Jim Rome "In the Jungle" program when I am in the car. After observing this program for about six months, I am not sure where the sports comes into play and where the insight comes from. He is always reading e-mails from listeners who sign some famous sport's name after blurting some stupid banter. It is mind-blowing that this guy has been around for so long and even has a television show. (I find myself admiring Jim Everett from 10 years ago for tackling him just for being his regular self.) I would say if you never heard him before to tune in, but wait. That would be stupid because it would help his ratings. Take it from me, if you enjoy real sports information and updates then do not listen to Jim Rome, it might just lower some IQ points.

Jermaine Thomas

This upcoming season for FSU football the player I believe will have the biggest impact for the team will be Jermaine Thomas. I feel like this will be the first year where seniority does not rule and the truly best player for that position will be the starter. Thomas will be the starting running back for FSU and is only a sophomore. He was electrifying last year when he was in the backfield and showed everyone glimpses of how great his future could be. With a much improved offensive line and the talent of Thomas, the combination could be deadly. This will allow FSU to not rely so heavily on passing the ball to move it down the field but have a balance on offense. The last statement was often stated in years past but I have a feeling this year it can be backed up. Finally, a running back that can be featured because he earned that title, not because he has been on the team longer.

College Football QB Rankings (Pre-season)

With about three months until college football dominates most of our time, I thought it would be fun to do a post spring ball rankings by positions. Leading up until the fall season, I will rank the top 10 players in QB, RB and WR and break them down by geographical location within the nation. I will judge the players by what they have done in the previous season and spring practice. By evaluating their work throughout the past year, I will be able to figure out who has the most potential to succeed next year and how they rank according to my calculations.

Southeastern Quarterbacks for 2009 - Fall:

1. Jevon Snead, Ole Miss. The best QB in the SEC this coming season, possibly in the nation. This guy is a winner and will have to do a lot himself for Ole Miss to win. You will hear a lot of his name this coming year because of his NFL potential and competing nationally with other QBs for individual awards.

2. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas. After sitting out a year because of his transfer from Michigan, Mallett is ready to start picking apart defenses in the SEC. Great pocket passer with a rocket of an arm and a huge presence under center. Resembles a lot like Matt Stafford but better I believe.

3. Austin Davis, Southern Miss. As a freshman he had huge numbers. Coached by Larry Fedora and with one more year under his belt he should have another great year. Don’t be surprised if you hear this guy’s name this coming year, along with Southern Miss.

4. Jordan Jefferson, LSU. I saw this guy play sparingly last year while LSU tried to figure out what to do with the QB position. After routing Ga Tech last year in the bowl game, it seems they have an answer.

5. Willy Korn, Clemson. Tough to say what will happen with this guy. I just have a gut feeling he is going to do pretty well in the ACC as long as the coaching staff doesn’t hinder him.

6. Nick Stephens, Tennessee. Even though as of now he is not the starter, more than likely he will be by the time the season starts. He seems to have more confidence than the starter Jonathan Crompton. Not sure how Crompton is still the starter, but not really sure about a lot of the things Tennessee has done in the off season.

7. Tyrod Taylor, Va Tech. Not a huge fan of his style of play, but I can not deny him. Really quick player and throws the ball if he has too. If he has matures a little more he should have a great year, however, history shows that Va Tech QB’s normally do not mature.

8. John Brantley, UF. The best QB on his team and he does not even play. Put on a show in the spring game, surrounded by speed, but because the guy in front of him was to selfish to move on, he will have to wait another year.

9. Cam Sexton, UNC. TJ Yates is transferring leaving the job to Cam Sexton, who led the team to several victories without skipping a beat when Yates went down with an injury.

10. Christian Ponder, FSU. Not completely sold on him. The only guy in the list that I saw in action at spring practice. I am just blindly hoping that somehow Jimbo Fisher does knows what he is doing.

The Future is Barry Sanders! Junior that is.

Many were disappointed when Barry Sanders hung up his shoes in 1998. After 10 years of highlights, the running back decided to retire. He still had mileage left in his legs and ankles to give fans a few more years. Fret not people, for Mr. Sanders has a son, Barry Sanders Jr. He is finishing up his freshmen year at Heritage Hall H.S. located in Oklahoma. His freshmen year he suited up for the varsity team, listed at 5-10 170lb. Remember this kid has 3 more years of high school and chances are he will go to an Oklahoma university once he is done with high school. Definitely keep an eye on this kid in the coming years. I know I will. I can still remember his Dad playing and being amazed by what he did on the football field. Now I can see a glimpse of that talent in his son and I am excited about the possibilities of seeing another Barry Sanders on the football field making jaws drop.

Check out the video of the young Sanders:

Third Time Not a Charm

For the third year in a row Deion Sanders was snubbed by the College Football Hall of Fame. The man who revolutionized the corner back position for any level of football is still not considered to be Hall of Fame material. He did not invent the self-promotion, but he perfected it. His self-promotion was only dictating the truth, that he is the best on the field. Who can say they taunted an entire team and fans about how he was going to take a punt return back for a touchdown and then actually do it? Umm...let me think Deion Sanders.

What is the criteria for a College Football Hall of Famer. Lets take a look at some of this year's inductees.
- Tim Brown, Heisman trophy winner, great receiver, and did not wear gloves throughout his career (only real receivers don't need the aid of gloves to catch footballs). Great pick by the hall.
- Gino Torretta, Heisman trophy winner, product of Miami's great teams in the from a couple decades ago. All right pick.
- Chuck Cecil, former walk-on at the University of Arizona. 21 career interceptions as a corner back. Kind of player you feared to catch a ball in his area. White guy. Feel good pick.
- Gordon Hudson, TE from BYU. Played in early 80's. Probably Mormon. Very weak pick.
- William Lewis, Center from Harvard. Harvard plays football? First African-American team captain.
- Curt Warner, not that Kurt Warner, the RB from Penn State. Good stats, only because he played 4 years. Confusion name pick.
- Dick MacPherson, head coach (UMass, Syracuse). 111-73-5 overall record. 11-0-1 record in 1987 season at Syracuse. Only coach to win at Syracuse pick.

In all there were 16 players and 2 coaches inducted into the hall.

Anyway whether you like Deion or not you can not deny his greatness on the football field. He would take away an entire section of the field for opposing offenses. There is no question he will eventually get into this Hall of Fame. But, the fact that he has been snubbed three times is pretty idiotic.

Check out the website of the College Football Hall of Fame. I am pretty sure it was designed by one of the board member's kids.