Posts in Sports
Happy Patriots’ Day
Posted on 4/20/2009 to Sports
Good morning, and happy Patriots’ Day to everyone! If you’re a runner, or from New England, you know what happens on Patriots’ Day—The Boston Marathon. The elite women will be starting in a little over 20 minutes (9:32 AM ET), with the men starting at 10 AM ET.
Continue reading Happy Patriots’ Day...
Texas Longhorns National Champions!!!
Posted on 1/5/2006 to Sports
Texas defeats USC, the best football team ever (according to USCPN -- I mean ESPN), 41-38, in the Rose Bowl to win the National Title!!!!
Longhorns, HOLLA!!! Hook 'Em!!!
Three-peat
Posted on 10/19/2005 to Sports
With all this three-peat talk, I'd just like to point out the fact that LSU, not USC, was the BCS Champion two years ago. So when talking of USC going for three championships in a row, let's be clear and say that they are gunning for their 3rd AP championship in as many seasons, but only their second BCS title in the last 3 years.
Officiating Fiasco in South Bend
Posted on 10/16/2005 to Sports
Can you believe this?
"I used all 200 pounds of my body to push Matt in," said Bush, who ran for 160 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns.
CBS Sportsline.com Article
Man, are those guys lucky! First, to have your QB fumble the ball out of bounds at the 1-yard line, stopping the clock, when had he held on to it and gone down, time would've expired, and then to try a QB sneak from the 1, get stopped, and then have your RB help push the QB into the endzone, without the officials seeing it, or at least without them caring. Isn't that supposed to be a 15 yard penalty?
4:30 PM And ou Sucks!
Posted on 10/8/2005 to Sports
What a day! For the first time in since before Jacob was born (2000), my Texas Longhorns have beaten ou in football (final score: 45-12). This has been such a long time coming, and how sweet it is. I am not sure what I feel more right now -- relief or joy. Certainly, I am happy for the win, but this year has a feeling like there is so much more -- this is not so much a season about a single win over a hated rival, as it is a season about every game being as big and as important as the next on the road to reaching the team's goals -- Big 12 South title, Big 12 Champion, and (fingers crossed) a Rose Bowl berth and victory. What a great day, Texas wins, but now it is time to focus on next week -- Colorado.
Hook'Em Horns!
ou fans
Posted on 1/3/2005 to Sports
I was watching one of the many College Gameday segments that's been on the last few days, and saw a shot from Miami. It was a horde of ou fans, with a number of them with their horns down. Their team is in the national title game against USC, and yet they still do the horns down? Is this just because they have no sign of their own so they adopt a modified version of their hated rivals sign? Or is it because even after 5 straight wins against Texas (mind you, Texas still leads the overall series by double digits), they still feel like they're fans of a second rate school, and are absolutely obsessed with Texas? It's almost cute, kind of like a little brother who is always trying to get the attention of their big brother. I'd think that they'd be thinking of how close they are to a national title, and focusing their energy on the opponent still standing in their way. I can never root for ou. Even last year, when a win by ou in the Big 12 Title Game would've likely put Texas in it's first BCS game, I found myself rooting for Kansas State. This season, I found myself being ok with not rooting for anyone in the title game, and just hoping for a good game, while wishing the best for all Big 12 schools. However, after seeing the idiot ou fans, I think that I might have to pull for USC.
How About Now, Bill?
Posted on 12/6/2004 to Sports
So now that the Cowboys are
It's 2:23 AM...
Posted on 10/9/2004 to Sports
...and ou still SUCKS!
The Paceline
Posted on 7/13/2004 to Sports
For your Tour de France/Lance Armstrong/USPS Cycling Team fix, check out ThePaceline.com. ThePaceline.com is the official fan club website for Lance Armstrong and the USPS Cycling Team. They've got tons of news, plus daily updates from the Tour by folks like Chris Carmichael, Graham Watson, Chris Brewer, and many more.
Welcome Land Thieves ;-)
Posted on 1/25/2004 to Sports
Just wanted to point out that I've updated a post from 2001. It seems that a land thief (sooner) came across it and decided to post it on one of their fan sites, resulting in a large amount of referral traffic. Anyway, thanks -- I guess.
The BCS, Computer Polls, and College Football
Posted on 1/5/2004 to Sports
I came across a post by Jason Salas concerning the BCS and it's use of computer polls to aid in determining a champion.
First a quick correction to his post, he's got the polls and their champs reversed...USC was voted #1 in the AP, or writer's poll, while LSU claimed the BCS championship, resulting in them being named #1 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, which is contractually obligated to name the BCS champion as their champion. The interesting thing is that three coaches didn't do this, rather they kept their #1 team from the final regular season poll (USC) intact.
The problem that I see with the computerized rankings is the same as with the human polls -- that is they are opinion based. Sure, from week to week, someone just plugs in a bunch of numbers and the computer spits out the rankings, but in the beginning of each and every one of the computer polls, the developer had to decide on the things that are important in ranking teams and how important each of those things are in relation to the other things. Like any other computer program, the computer polls are only as good as the people who designed and wrote them.
As far as the BCS goes, my gripe isn't with the computer polls, though I do scratch my head from time to time, after seeing some of their rankings, wondering what they were smoking when they put their system together. My problem is with the BCS itself, and with the AD's who insist on using it to determine a national champion, rather having a playoff as is done in every other college sport at every other level. Personally, if we have to have the BCS, I would make these changes...1) Remove strength of schedule as a BCS component. Strength of schedule is already factored in to each and every poll, including the human polls. (Don't tell me that the voters don't take into consideration who a team has played, and possibly who those teams have played, when voting.) 2) Put margin of victory back in. I just don't see how you can have one without the other. The kids playing the games have no control over who is on their schedule, but they do control the outcome. Shouldn't a team be able to offset a weak strength of schedule by a wide margin of victory? I think so. 3) Finally, remove the bonus points for quality wins. They should already be reflected by record and strength of schedule.
Congrats to USC, and to those 3 coaches who had the balls to vote against their contract. Now let's have a playoff.
Jacob And His First Mavericks Game
Posted on 11/17/2003 to Sports
Tonight I took my oldest son, Jacob, to his first Dallas Mavericks game (not counting the one he attended in the womb -- when we lived in Denver and the Mavs came to town to beat the Nuggets). I'd say that overall he enjoyed it. He even made it until halftime before asking when it would be time to go home.
The Mavericks won, by the way, beating the Portland Trailblazers 105-98. Oh, and Jacob got to witness a triple double in his first NBA game. Steve Nash pulled it off with 14 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Here's the Jacob-Junk-O-Meter from the game:
- 1 Jumbo Hotdog
- 1 Chicken Finger Basket w/Fries
- 1 Small Sprite
- 1 Bag of Cotton Candy
- 1 Bag of Peanuts
A lady sitting behind us was nice enough to take this picture.
Texas vs. K-State, ESPN College Game Day
Posted on 10/4/2003 to Sports
Just waiting for my ride down to campus. I'm in Austin for Texas' game with Kansas State. It's a big game, no doubt, with both teams in the top 20 and each with one unexpected, non-conference loss -- the loser can kiss their MNC hopes good bye. The game itself isn't until 2:30 PM, but we're heading down early for the ESPN College Game Day show, which is making their second ever appearance in Austin. So anyway, here's my ride, gotta go. Hook'em!
Texas vs. Tulane
Posted on 9/26/2003 to Sports
Jacob and I will be heading down to Austin this weekend for the Longhorns game versus the Green Wave of Tulane. This will be Jacob's second Texas football game (he went with me to Texas vs. Iowa State last year), and his fourth major sporting event (he also attended two Texas Ranger games over the last two years). As any three-year old boy would be, he is super excited about the trip and the game.
Hook'em!
The Redemption Tour
Posted on 9/18/2003 to Sports
The 1990 Longhorns had the “Shock the Nation Tour,” and while a repeat of that year's regular season would indeed shock most college football fans and “experts” across the nation, I've decided to label the rest of this season as the “Redemption Tour.” The first stop on the tour is this Saturday, in Houston, where Horns will face Rice -- yet another former Southwest Conference foe.
Saturday's game is the first opportunity for the Horns to begin the healing process that is so desperately needed -- for themselves, the coaches, and the fans -- in the wake of the blind-sided tail whipping they took last Saturday in Austin at the hands of the Razorbacks. Hopefully the healing has already begun in the locker room, where just this week the team's Leadership Committee (the fact that there is such a thing, even if it was just created, is good sign) banned all player interviews until after Saturday's game. Of course motive is always a question. Did the players make this move because they were tired of all the questions, or because they truly needed to focus on the task at hand? Only they know for certain.
I do have one concern regarding the locker room:
Receiver Roy Williams said when he watches film from UT's first two games, he sees room for Benson to run.
"We just have to run the ball," Williams said. "The holes are there."
[Chip Brown, Dallas Morning News]
Typically comments like this help to divide the room - not bring a team closer together, and they certainly don't explain the lack of a running game when other backs are in there.
Anyone who watched the game closely saw that there were a number of issues, starting with blocking, tackling, and holding onto the ball. Yet despite the problems, Texas was a defensive stop or two away from pulling out a win. That isn't meant to detract from the Razorback's performance, they played a heck of a game, and took advantage of the opportunities given to them -- rather, it is to make the point that as well as Arkansas played, and as poorly as Texas played, that is all that stood between Texas and a victory.
It is my hope that the Texas coaching staff and players don't see it in such simple terms. To do so would hinder the root of the problems from being addressed, which would ruin the "Redemption Tour."
Texas vs. Arkansas - Rivalry Renewed?
Posted on 9/10/2003 to Sports
Earlier today, I came across a new(?) website for college football fans - FanBlogs.com (while doing a little research for a planned Longhorn fans weblog site). After clicking on the link for Big 12 related posts, this particular post caught my attention, and it got me to thinking (scary, I know)...
Until this past week, I had actually forgotten about Nutt's "Horns down" antics.
As a Longhorn fan and season-ticket holder, what I remember most about the last meeting between these two schools is that it was the third loss in row (lost to A&M after their bonfire accident, and to Nebraska in the Big12 title game -- after beating them the previous three meetings, including earlier that season), bringing a painful end to what had been a very nice season. I also recall being very disappointed in some key Texas players who were suspended the week before the game. They let down the team and the school big time.
As a fan, I think it is great to have the renewal of this rivalry, but from what I've read, an ongoing home-and-home series with Arkansas is unlikely (assuming they don't join the Big12):
When Brown first proposed adding Arkansas to the schedule, he called Royal, who thought Brown had lost his mind. Royal was concerned that giving Arkansas any possible entry into Texas for recruiting purposes was a bad idea.
Sad News From Lance Armstrong & Family
Posted on 9/4/2003 to Sports
Lance Armstrong and his children were at the Texas football game this past Sunday to be recognized for his most recent Tour de France victory, as well as to toss the coin. Absent from this outing was his wife Kristen. At the time, we wondered what the deal was, afterall, when we last heard from the Armstrong family, everything seemed to be coming back together for them. Now I know why it was just Lance and the kids.
Mavs and Warriors Swap 8 Players
Posted on 8/15/2003 to Sports
Ever since the Mavericks season ended in heartbreaking fashion to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, I've been counting the days to the start of next season. Along the way, I've also been counting the major off-season milestones, such as the date when teams can start talking to free agents, as well as the date teams can start signing free agents. To my dismay, the Mavericks didn't land any of their targets, and it looked like they would go into next season with essentially the same squad that finished last season. How quickly things can change... It seems that the Mavs and Warriors agreed to an 8 player deal tonight, pending league approval. The main players in the trade are Nick Van Exel from Dallas for the Warriors' Antawn Jamison. Also being sent from Dallas in the deal are Avery Johnson, Popeye Jones, and Evan Eschmeyer, in exchange for Danny Fortson, Chris Mills, and Jiri Welsch. I had hoped that Dallas would be able to do a deal without losing Van Exel, and so I was a little disappointed when I heard the news. However, I actually like this trade (though I have reservations about Jamison's contract - 6 years and $69 million remaining on his contract), especially if Fortson can return to form after some injury problems over the last couple of years. Time will tell.
Dog Days of Summer, Part 3
Posted on 7/30/2003 to Sports
Just over a month until another season of Texas Longhorn football gets under way. Of course, I will be in Austin to watch Texas take on New Mexico State on August 31st.
Dog Days of Summer, Part 1
Posted on 7/30/2003 to Sports
Well, here we are, the end of July... Lance Armstrong won yet another Tour de France, his fifth in a row. Of course anyone who followed this year's edition knows that it was not really "yet another" race, as it was by far the most exciting, entertaining, and closest race in many years. I am hoping that one day we learn the "other problems" that Armstrong alluded to in various interviews (I've heard it might be back problems). Also, I can't wait for his new book, Every Second Counts, to come out. You can read the first chapter here. By the way, Lance still has some racing left in him this season. He won the Altstad-Kriterium in Austria yesterday, and according to his website, he will be racing in the German Karlsruhe 2-man Time Trial on August 2nd. His site also mentions that he and Jan Ullrich will square off against each other (as well as other riders) in the 1-day World Cup event, the Championship of Zurich on August 17th. Finally, don't miss the "Defining Moments of the 2003 Tour" show on OLN this Thursday at 8PM ET/PT. It features an exclusive interview with Lance.
What If...
Posted on 7/24/2003 to Sports
Sunday's stage of the Tour de France is practically a parade...all ceremonial -- at least until they get down to the end, then the sprinters come out. But what if the time gap between Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich stays around one minute (or even less) going into the final stage? Would Jan attack? Would USPS set a real high pace on what is normally a very leisurely day, so that any attack would be discouraged? After Saturday's final Time Trial, I think they will either be neck and neck, or Lance will have added another minute or so to his lead. If he has added another minute to his lead, then I think Sunday's stage is a nice slow ride into Paris, but if they are neck and neck, how exciting would it be to see these two great cyclists go head-to-head, marking each other all the way into Paris? How about USPS and Ullrich's team, Bianchi time-trialing all the way in, and then a sprint shoot-out between Lance and Jan? Whatever happens, it is bound to be exciting!
Tyler Hamilton Wins Stage 16
Posted on 7/23/2003 to Sports
The amazing Tyler Hamilton became only the 6th American to win a stage in the Tour de France, winning Stage 16 today. Hamilton, who has been riding with a broken collarbone since crashing at the end of the 1st stage, went out alone, first bridging the gap from the peleton to a small breakaway, and then dropping the breakaway. At the end of the day, Hamilton finished about 2 minutes ahead of the peleton, and has moved up from 7th to 6th in the overall classification. As good as this year's race has been, imagine what it would be had Hamilton not broken his collarbone in Stage 1 and had Beloki not crashed out in Stage 10...
Armstrong Retains the Yellow Jersey
Posted on 7/14/2003 to Sports
16 H 50 - Armstrong Goes Cross CountryThis was the newsflash from www.letour.com after the #2 man in the overall standings, Joseba Beloki, fell in the final kilometers of today's stage -- a downhill finish -- as he and Amrstrong were chasing down the leader, Alexandre Vinokourov, who had a 10 second advantage at the time of the crash. Unfortunately, the crash has ended Beloki's Tour. Fortunately, Armstrong was able to think quickly on his seat and avoid crashing himself. Armstrong now leads today's stage winner, Alexandre Vinokourov, by only 21 seconds.
It's like a Nike ad... Lance has cut out a hairpin turn and raced across a field to rejoin the peloton after racing off the road to avoid the fallen Beloki. [www.letour.com]
USPS Wins Team Time Trial
Posted on 7/9/2003 to Sports
Today was a good day for cycling, at least it was if you are a fan of the United States Postal Service Team. The USPS team won today's stage of the Tour de France, which was a team time trial, by 30 seconds over the ONCE team. At the end of the day, USPS team member, Victor Hugo Peña became the first Colombian to wear the Yellow Jersey. The Alps are two days away. Here are the overall standings for the Tour, after today's race (note: the top 8 spots belong to USPS team members):
1. Victor Hugo Pena (Colombia) 13 hours, 44 minutes 2. Lance Armstrong (USA) 1 second behind 3. Viatcheslav Ekimov (Russia) 00:05 4. George Hincapie (USA) 00:05 5. Jose Luis Rubiera (Spain) 00:23 6. Roberto Heras (Spain) 00:27 7. Pavel Padrnos (Czech Republic) 00:27 8. Floyd Landis (USA) 00:28 9. Joseba Beloki (Spain) 00:33 10. Jorg Jaksche (Germany) 00:38 11. Manuel Beltran (Spain) 00:39 12. Jan Ullrich (Germany) 00:39 13. Isidro Nozal (Spain) 00:44 14. Angel Vicioso (Spain) 00:51 15. Tobias Steinhauser (Germany) 00:51 16. Mikel Pradera (Spain) 00:58 17. Angel Casero (Spain) 00:58 18. Jose Azevedo (Portugal) 01:01 19. Marcos Serrano (Spain) 01:04 20. Vladimir Karpets (Russia) 01:11
Dire Days For The Dallas Sport Fan
Posted on 5/1/2003 to Sports
I should have known better than to clear my Wednesday evening schedule to watch these two teams play. At least the Rangers have been winning lately.
What's A Sports Fan(atic) To Do?
Posted on 4/17/2003 to Sports
Oh man. The Lakers won. Portland lost. The Dallas Mavericks went from likely opening the playoffs against the Lakers on Sunday afternoon to definitely opening the playoffs against Portland on Saturday night. The Dallas Stars could be trying to wrap up their opening round series against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night (or worst case - fight off elimination). It looks like both games start at 7 PM CDT, though I've seen both also listed with 8 PM CDT start times. What is a Dallas sports fan(atic) to do? Guess I need to get the TV and cable setup so that the second tuner works for PIP -- or maybe just put two TVs next to each other. I suppose I could go to a sports bar. It could be worse...the Stars could have done like the Red Wings (4 and done), and the Mavs could be like the Mavs of the '90's -- no playoffs.
Can We Get On With Alias Already?
Posted on 1/26/2003 to Sports
I don't suppose that ABC would just go ahead and start showing Alias to the majority of the country that doesn't care about Tampa or Oakland. Now that the suspense is gone, I see no reason to show any more of it, at least not outside of Florida.
Game Over!
Posted on 1/26/2003 to Sports
Ok, not really, but it might as well be. That last Tampa Bay score should just about do it. 27 - 3 Well, now that should really do it - 34 - 3. Who woulda thought that the Raiders would be this bad? I am mildly pleased that I won't have to look at "Super Bowl Champions" t-shirts all over the place during my trip to the bay area in two weeks.
Roy Williams Must Have Heard Us
Posted on 12/15/2002 to Sports
As Roy Williams walked off the field at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium, chants rose up from the crowd "STAY ROY STAY!". Maybe he heard us, or maybe he just realizes the potential benefits of coming back for another year -- either way, he is coming back. Right now, he is probably a late first round or early second round pick, but if he can put together a full season playing the way he has over the last half of this injury plagued season, he will likely be a top 5 pick. Here's hoping that he puts it all together. For those of you that doubted me when I speculated that he would not leave, be glad that you were wrong.
Time to Lighten Up
Posted on 12/5/2002 to Sports
Did I mention how thrilled I am for my favorite basketball team? The Dallas Mavericks are now 17-1 on the year - that is the 4th best one-loss start ever! I think the Rockets of 93-94 own the best start at something like 22-1. Mavs and the Lakers, in L.A. tomorrow night - GO MAVS! In other news, it appears that my Cowboys are trying to make a late season rally for a respectable record. I really wish they wouldn't - better record = lower draft pick.
The Streak Ends
Posted on 12/1/2002 to Sports
The Mavericks bid for the most consecutive wins to start a season ended on Thanksgiving. However, they won two nights later to improve to 15-1 on the year. Now...knowing that the longest win streak to start a season is 15, we also know that though they didn't tie or break that mark, they are now tied for the best start to a season after 16 games. It's that whole silver lining thing -- as if they needed it.
The Mavs Look To Tie History Tonight
Posted on 11/28/2002 to Sports
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Indiana Pacers tonight, in search of their 15th straight victory to start the season. Dallas whipped the Detroit Pistons last night, for the 2nd time in less than 3 weeks, 102-82, to up their record to 14-0. Everyone thought that last night would be the night for the streak to end. Afterall, the Pistons were embarrassed by the Mavericks in early November, losing by 39 (largest lead was 52). The Pistons had three days off to get ready, they had their home crowd behind them, the had revenge as a motivating factor, yet they were missing one crucial element -- superior talent. Sure, the Pistons are one of the top teams in the East, and the East does seem to be in the midst of a resurgence, but they still aren't close to the best in the West. Here's hoping that these two teams meet again before the season is done ;-). As far as tonight's game with the Pacers, this will be a tough test for the Mavericks. The Pacers own the league's second best record, but have yet to face a top team from the West. In fact, when facing any team with a winning percentage above .600, they have lost. They key tonight will be Indiana's shooting. They are one of the few teams in the league that can shoot over the top of the Mavericks' tough zone defense. Personally, I can't wait! Good things come to those who wait, and damn am I glad that I stuck with this team through the 90's!
Sports Crazy Friday Night
Posted on 11/15/2002 to Sports
It would have been nice to have 3 TV's setup side by side - I had three big games running near concurrently tonight. Here is the tally: In the NBA: The Dallas Mavericks extended their season opening winning streak to 9 games and halted the Boston Celtics 6 game winning streak, 97-86. In the NHL: The Dallas Stars stayed unbeaten at home and handed the Colorado Avalanche their first road loss with a 4-2 victory. Dallas leads the NHL in points with 26. In Men's College Basketball: The 4th ranked Texas Longhorns (their highest ranking ever) opened their season against #16 Georgia in NYC at Coaches vs. Cancer Classic with a 77-71 victory. So there you have it - 3 games, 3 big wins. Time to prepare for college football tomorrow.
Big Weekend in College Football
Posted on 11/1/2002 to Sports
Several of the top teams in the land face what should be stiff challenges this weekend. My rooting list:
Above all others, Texas Fight! (Texas at Nebraska) - Dating back to 1991, Nebraska has lost one game at home - that loss came at the hands of the Longhorns in 1998. Texas is 3-1 versus the Cornhuskers since the inception of the Big 12. Colorado at ou - Bob Stoops has never beaten Colorado in his time at ou. After another horrible start, Colorado seems to have found their form, though I wouldn't give their recent victory over Texas Tech as much weight as the pollsters seem to have done. Go Buffs! Minnesota at Ohio State - The Golden Gophers knocked off Ohio State on their last visit. It was the beginning of the end for John Cooper. Will it make a difference - will it inspire the Ohio State players that were around for that embarrassment? I hope not. I am rooting for the Gophers on this one. Georgia at Florida - Is Georgia really a top five team, or have they attained their lofty placement simply because they remain unbeaten? Unfortunately, beating Florida won't reveal a lot about this Georgia team, as Florida is definitely in a down year. Nonetheless, go Gators! Boston College and Notre Dame - I've been waiting all year for someone to knock the Irish from this inflated pedastal they're on. I don't know that this will be the week, but I hope that it is. Pitt at Virginia Tech - It is looking more and more like Miami will reach their game against Virginia Tech undefeated. This means that I will be wanting Va. Tech to knock them off. But before I can wish for that, I need someone to knock off Va. Tech. Pitt gave Notre Dame a scare last week, and they beat Va. Tech last year. Go Pitt! So there you have it - my rooting list for this weekend. While it is unlikely that all of the teams I am cheering for will win, there is a good chance that a couple of them could pull the upset, launching Texas back into the top 5. Yes, that is assuming Texas beats Nebraska - but I have faith. Afterall, it isn't like Texas will be trotting out a&m's wrecking crew ;-).
Texas Longhorns Survive SI Jinx
Posted on 10/6/2002 to Sports
The Texas Longhorns football team barely survived the infamous SI jinx with a win against Oklahoma State on Saturday. Being a season ticket holder, I was naturally at the game -- and I must say that in the end, I was as down as one can possibly be without actually losing. Texas didn't play well. All three areas had big letdowns. The offense was ineffective, the defense gave up a couple of crucial big plays, and special teams - well, the kicker missed 3 field goals. Granted there were some bright spots. The offense looked superb at times in their 5 wideout set, and the defense came up huge with an interception to kill OSU's final drive. Heck, even special teams accounted for OSU missing an extra point (enormous btw, considering it forced OSU to go for two to tie instead of kicking a PAT). As always, after the game we began dissecting the team's performance. We were especially focused on what the implications of the narrow win would be on the rest of the season, beginning next Saturday with ou in the Red River Shootout. Were we this bad? If the offense was so ineffective against the OSU defense, how would we fare against ou's defense? Would it end up coming down to a field goal attempt for the win? If so, who would kick it for us? Typical stuff. We then proceed to search for difference in our routine on that day. Let's see, there was the quick trip to the Co-op for some UT gear (a no-no from now on - if you don't own it before the season begins, you don't get it until after the season). Due to the game's early start, we never had our pre-game shot of tequila. Then it hit me - the cover of Sports Illustrated. We had survived the jinx! It was close, but in the end we overcame the SI jinx - I suddenly felt at ease with the world. Of course, I watched the majority of the top 10 teams also struggle, which helped as well. The one thing that I have learned over the years is that on any given day, any team can win, especially when that day is in early October at the State Fair of Texas and the game is Texas - ou. Forget last week, throw the records out the window, it is time to get it on! Hook 'em!
Longhorn Football
Posted on 8/10/2002 to Sports
The Horns had their first full squad practice of the season. Now it is time to get down to business. 3 weeks from now, we should be celebrating victory #1 of the year - a win over UNT. We'll also be celebrating my big 3-0 (actual b-day is Aug 30th).
Hard Knocks
Posted on 8/1/2002 to Sports
So what did y'all think about the first episode of the 2nd season of HBO's Hard Knocks, featuring the Dallas Cowboys? Personally, I enjoyed it, though I could have done with a little less of the Cowboys Cheerleaders (did I just say that?). What's up with that woman telling them that they were all too fat? I mean, these were healthy, skinny women. No wonder so many women in America have eating disorders.
Armstrong Wins 4th Tour de France In A Row
Posted on 7/28/2002 to Sports
It's final, Lance Armstrong has won his 4th Tour de France in a row!
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Heras Takes 2nd Place
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Heras has raced around Beloki to claim a US Postal one-two. He was 1'04" behind his team leader.
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Lance Takes The Day!
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Lance Armstrong has won the stage to Plateau de Beille! His time is 6h00'29" - an average speed of 33.21kph for his 14th stage win in the Tour de France.
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Final Kilometer
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Lance is now less than 1km from another stage win in the Tour de France. He is 55" ahead of Beloki and Heras who are still together in the battle for 2nd and 3rd place.
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Heras Drops Beloki
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Heras has attacked Beloki and is now racing for 2nd place behind his team leader, Armstrong.
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Lance Goes Alone!
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Lance has now come around Heras. He's not going to follow today. He has dropped both Beloki and Heras and is now racing on toward stage win number 14 in his TdF career!
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Heras Goes To The Front...
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Roberto Heras has surged to the front and again only Lance and Joseba can follow. There are now just three riders racing for stage honors...
TdF - Stage 12 Update - Let The Game Begin!
Posted on 7/19/2002 to Sports
Floyd Landis has taken his place at the front of the peloton as they begin the final ascent of the day. All nine US Postal riders are at the front of the main pack. They are 2'45" behind the leading trio of Jalabert, Dufaux and Nozal.
aka Jerk
Posted on 7/13/2002 to Sports
I just watched a replay of Friday's stage of the Tour de France. The stage itself was inconsequential for the most part, it's what happened afterward that has me posting. For those of you that watched the race, did you continue watching as the camera followed the stage winner, Erik Zabel, as he got off of his bike? If you did, then perhaps you know why this post is titled "aka Jerk". For those of you that missed it, Zabel pulled down every video camera within arms reach as walked away from the finish area. He reached out and grabbed the front of the cameras and violently jerked them down. None of the camera's were doing anything wrong as far as I could tell, yet he did this. Does anyone know what the deal is with this?
MLB All-Star Game Called After 11
Posted on 7/10/2002 to Sports
Bud Selig and the powers that be within baseball brought this years version of the Mid-Summer Classic, the MLB All-Star Game, to a fitting end. With the score tied 7-7 and both teams down to their final pitcher, the game was called after 11 innings. I can't help but think how fitting the ending is considering that this season will most likely end unresolved in a strike.
Armstrong Wins 2002 TdF Prologue
Posted on 7/6/2002 to Sports
Lance Armstrong started defense of the Yellow Jersey on the right foot, or wheel if you will, with a win in 2002 Tour de France Prologue. Armstrong topped Laurent Jalabert by 2 seconds.
Texas Longhorn Football
Posted on 7/1/2002 to Sports
Does anyone know what F.I.T. stands for? Email FIT@daneman.com with your answer.
Texas Wins National Title In Baseball
Posted on 6/22/2002 to Sports
The Texas Longhorns topped South Carolina 12-6 to win their 5th National Championship in baseball. The excitement started right off the bat as the Gamecocks loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the first inning, but Texas ace, Justin Simmons escaped the inning allowing just one run. The Texas offense came right back, putting 3 runs on the board in their half of the first inning. Both teams added another run in the second, and then things settled down for a couple of innings. Then in the fifth, Chris Carmichael, startig for the first time in a month, homered to right with two men on. Texas later added another run, making the score 8-2 heading into the seventh. The wheels began coming off for Texas, as the Gamecocks continued their late inning heroics by scoring two runs each in the 7th and 8th innings, bringing them to within 2 runs at 8-6. Once again, the Texas offense rolled up at just the right time, adding 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the eighth. Huston Street closed out the game to become the first CWS player to earn 4 saves. Street was also name MVP of the tournament.
Texas Advances To CWS Championship Game
Posted on 6/21/2002 to Sports
The Texas Longhorns topped Stanford to move to within one win of their first national title in baseball since 1983. Texas awaits the winner of South Carolina and Clemson.
Bleary-Eyed
Posted on 6/17/2002 to Sports
I did it again. For the second Monday in a row, I was up at 1:30 AM CST watching the USA in the World Cup. This one was against Mexico. I might have mentioned this once before - I am not a big soccer fan. I am an occasional fan who understands the importance of this event on the international stage. But more than that, I am an American. So I stayed up late, and what do you know...I couldn't have asked for a better reward than what the team provided, a 2-0 victory over Mexico. Being a football fan, I am always weary of "prevent defenses", they always seem to give up more than the regular defense. However, in this match they got it right. In what ended up being a brilliant strategical move, the US focused on defense, and waited patiently for opportunities to present themselves. When the time came, they took advantage. By the later stages of the game, Mexico had worn down completely from trying to apply so much pressure for most of the game. They seemed to play right into the hands of the USA. Of course, none of this would have been possible without another amazing effort by Friedel. I'll say it again - amazing. Next up Germany. This one starts at 6:30 AM locally, so I will get a bit more sleep.
U.S. Moves On Despite Thumping By Poland
Posted on 6/14/2002 to Sports
South Korea bailed out the U.S. soccer team today. People will say that the U.S. backed into the next round. I wonder what Portugal, France, or Argentina give to be in our shoes? The more I watch these World Cup games, the more it seems like winning isn't the real objective, at least not in this round. The objective here is to survive, and the US team has done just that. Sure, it might all be over soon, but until then... USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
World Cup and College World Series
Posted on 6/10/2002 to Sports
I was determined to watch the whole US vs. Korea game, and watch it I did. I stayed up until after 3:30 AM to catch the whole game. Boy am I tired today. I was thrilled to see that the Texas Longhorns have moved on from the Super Regionals to the College World Series. Hopefully it will not be 2 losses and out as it was with their last visit. My one concern is the performance, or lack thereof, of Justin Simmons, the Longhorns regular season ace. He is just not been the same since getting hammered by tamu in the opening game of the Big 12 tourney.
Google, Soccer, Radio Userland, and American
Posted on 6/2/2002 to Sports
Soccer, weblog, american led someone to my Radio Userland based site that has been up for only a day or two. Now I know how to draw people to my site ;-).
Soccer & The Average American Sports Fan
Posted on 5/31/2002 to Sports
In the first game of the 2002 World Cup, Senegal upset France, the defending World Cup Champs. I am not a big soccer fan, but I do watch games that involve the US from time to time, and I definitely watch during the World Cup. I also watch the title game - usually. In this regard, I would guess that I am close to the typical American sports fans as far as soccer is concerned. This morning, I found myself drawn into the final 20 minutes of the opening game, but only after noticing the France was trailing 1-0. I just wonder if this is the sort of game that is needed to boost viewership in the U.S. You know we always love the underdog, as long as the underdog isn't playing our team. Big name teams getting beat create excitement in fans of lesser teams and the mindset that anything is possible. A few more upsets wouldn't hurt to test this theory.
Dallas/Fort Worth Sports
Posted on 5/30/2002 to Sports
What is it about this time of year? Save for a couple of years in the late 90's when the Rangers where winning, June and July are two of the lonliest months for sports fans in the D/FW metroplex. I would include August, but with August comes football. Sure, they might not be regular season games, but preseason games and reading about how your favorite college team is doing with its preparations for the upcoming season is 100 times more enjoyable than following the woes of the Rangers. A new dimension to football season is that following close on its heals is the start of basketball season - something that has become enjoyable again for the metroplex sports fan only in the last couple of years. For a while there, it was football leading into hockey, but with the Stars sudden demise, thank goodness for Mark Cuban and the Mavericks. So, my question to you is this: how do you deal with the doldrums of summer sports here in the metroplex?
Ricky, Ricky, Ricky
Posted on 2/26/2002 to Sports
Will this guy ever get is act together?
Hook'em Horns
Posted on 12/29/2001 to Sports
WOW!!! Those Horns had it in them afterall.
Bowl Musings
Posted on 12/27/2001 to Sports
Ok, I will watch the Holiday Bowl tomorrow, but only because it will be Major's final college game. Had Mack Brown not gone with Major as the starter, I am not sure that I'd be watching this game.
I read somewhere that Mack Browns biggest mistake was not redshirting Chris Simms. I think it was a mistake, but not his biggest. His biggest, was either 1) Going after the block on a punt late in the 4th quarter against Colorado, or 2) Not pulling Chris Simms sooner in that same game. Think abou this, had Brown redshirted Simms, we'd have two more years of him, and we might still have had to watch Simms instead of Applewhite this season.
Hook 'em
Kids, Close Your Eyes
Posted on 12/2/2001 to Sports
Fuck 'em
Texas Fight
Posted on 11/30/2001 to Sports
Hook 'em
College Football At Its Finest
Posted on 11/26/2001 to Sports
What a weekend for college football! This weekend could be as good or better.
Consider the following games with BCS implications:
Miami at Virginia Tech
Tennessee at Florida
Oregon State at Oregon
And best of all - Colorado vs. Texas
Honestly, as much as I enjoyed seeing CU stick it to Nebraska, I would have preferred Texas vs Nebraska in the Big 12 Title Game. Not only is it fun to beat the Cornhuskers, but beating them would have likely propelled Texas into the #2 spot in the BCS - even without Miami or Florida losing.
Oh well, you take what you get, and right now things are looking pretty good for my beloved Longhorns.
Hook'em and Beat The Hell Out Of CU!
World Series
Posted on 11/4/2001 to Sports
"Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson, who both pitched tonight, were named co-MVPs." - ESPN.com
Very fitting.
Go Arizona!
Posted on 11/4/2001 to Sports
I sure hope the Yankees don't win. I guess we'll know in another hour or so.
Polls Are A Farce
Posted on 10/21/2001 to Sports
Texas was ranked #5 and lost a hard-fought, close game to #3 ou and drops 6 spots to #11 in the AP poll. #4 Oregon loses a shootout to unranked Stanford and drops 7 spots to #11 in the AP poll. Does this seem right to you? It doesn't seem right to me. It will be interesting to see what happens when the polls come out after this coming weekends games, when #2 ou or #3 Nebraska will be handed their first loss of the season. I bet anyone willing, that regardless of who loses, they will not fall out of the top 10. In fact, assuming that Texas takes care of business against Missouri, I bet that they loser does not fall below Texas, which has worked their way back to #7 just barely behind Florida. Florida...there is a team that was #1 in the land and lost to an unranked team. They fell 6 spots to #7. So I just can't figure out how in world Texas barely loses to a higher ranked team and end up where they do, while other teams in similar positions completely bomb to unranked teams and don't fall farther back?
F*ck the pollsters. Give me a playoff system.
Ducks Shot Down
Posted on 10/21/2001 to Sports
Wow, Stanford came back and beat Oregon. How did I miss that final score last night?
Texas should check in at #7 in both polls...I don't think they will jump Florida, but that was a dominating performance of a very good Colorado team - on national TV.
Now that Oregon has a loss, I will root for them to knock off UCLA. Also time to root for Nebraska as they face ou next this Saturday. I still hold out hope for Texas and a national title. A longshot, I know, but you never know. ou loses to Nebraska, UCLA loses to Oregon, Virginia Tech or Miami lose at the hand of the other, Florida faces 4 top 20 teams in their final 5 games. So, with a little help, the season could wind down with Texas worked their way into the Big 12 Title game against an undefeated or one loss Nebraska game (assuming they beat ou, they still must face CU and K-State). Most likely one other team will be undefeated - Miami or Virginia Tech. Let's say Texas beats Nebraska in the Big 12 Title game, they would be a front runner of a group of 3 or 4 one loss teams to face the lone undefeated team in the Rose Bowl. It could happen.
Wild, Wild Big 12
Posted on 10/20/2001 to Sports
Go figure...
Kansas State loses to ou by 1 point.
Kansas State loses to Colorado by 10 points
Texas loses to ou by 4 points (I don't count the final touchdown).
Colorado loses to Texas by 34.
Further, how the hell does Baylor score 17 points on ou, when Texas could muster only 3?
It's really too bad that there is no playoff system in Division 1A college football, because I would love to see a rematch of Texas and ou at the end of the season.
Updated 1/25/2004:
(For you land thieves that means what follows is new.)
I guess I need to clarify what I mean by “I don't count the final touchdown.” I am sure you all have heard someone say “meaningless points,” right? You know, points scored at the end of a game, distorting how close (or not) the game really was. The final turnover in that game was obviously critical to the outcome, and for land thieves everywhere, the touchdown was icing on the cake. In other words, Texas lost, but it wasn't a game played like a double digit loss. If you still don't get it, then forget -- I can't help you.
After watching ou choke away a shot at the national title with loses to two teams that Texas beat in the 2003 calendar year, I am once again puzzled by outcome of recent Texas ou games, especially the most recent.
One last thing, I am always ready for a rematch. I am sure land thieves understand the feeling, since they seem to be on the short end more often than not against Texas. What is ou's all-time record against Texas these days? Something like 38-55-5? Good thing for those four in a row to make it look a little more respectable.
The tables always turn. I am sure that how ou fans feel now is similar to how they felt in the late 80's. The question is, do they remember how they felt most years from 1989-1999?