IT‘S ABOUT TIME!: College Football Will Get Its Playoff System

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
06/26//2012


Well I have to admit that it has come sooner than I expected.  I thought all the fear of loss revenue would stall this discussion from moving to action… BUT IT DID!  After many years of debate, college football will get it’s post season playoff starting in the 2014-2015 season.

So it looks like the new 4 team playoff format (under a 12 year period) will have the two national semifinal games rotate among six major bowls, probably will include the four current BCS games: Fiesta, Orange, Rose and Sugar bowls, but those have not been determined 100% yet.  The national championship game would be played approximately 10 days after the semifinals at a neutral site that would be up for bid the same way the NFL rotates its Super Bowl.

How will these 4 teams be selected, you ask?  Well much like the ncaa basketball tournament, a selection committee will be formed to determine the 4 teams in the playoffs, with conference championship winners and strength of schedule being a strong determining factor, but no conference will automatically qualify one of its teams.

Will this make everyone happy?  You will never make 100% of people happy, 100% of the time.  BUT 80% AIN’T BAD!

NOT AN UNLUCKY FRIDAY THE 13TH FOR NOLA: The New Orleans Saints’ Owner Tom Benson Buys The New Orleans Hornets

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
04/13/2012


Okay I can’t say that I am not jealous.  I mean, who doesn’t want to own an NFL and NBA team?!  Well regardless of my jealously, it is a great day for the City of New Orleans and the Hornets.  Since 2002, when the Hornets relocated from Charlotte, NC to New Orleans, LA, they have been on a roller coaster ride.  From Katrina and having to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City, the Chris Paul Era, the heartbreaking end of the Chris Paul Era, to the current rebuilding phase of a team that the City of New Orleans loves, the New Orleans Hornets and the City of New Orleans now will have some stability to look forward to.

That being said, this is the best time for New Orleans to come up with a great name/mascot to replace The Hornets.  “The Hornets” never really felt like a good fit for the city and its culture.  I have heard and read many opinions and suggestions such as “The New Orleans Krewe” or “Krewe of New Orleans”.  I thought that had a nice ring to it and meshed with the NOLA culture.

Today, I was speaking with a friend of mine that is a native of New Orleans, Kristian Nicosia, and he had such a great idea… Well he had a whole marketing campaign idea!  THE NEW ORLEANS SOUL!  With the Hornets and the Saints having the same owner, it seemed perfect!  The Saints are considered the “Heart” of the city and with having The Soul, you will have a great marketing campaign of supporting “THE HEART AND SOUL” of New Orleans.  TAG TEAMING BOTH TEAMS!

There are many things you can do with “The Soul”…

1)  Call the New Orleans Arena the “Soul Center”
2)  Dance Team:  The Soul Sisters
3)  A night at the arena can be called “Soul Searching”
4)  Take a streetcar to the game and call it the “Soul Train”
5)  NEW ORLEANS:  We Have Heart and Soul… Now We’re On A Roll!

New Orleans LOVES all their teams!  This new stability is great for fans and the players.  Now it’s just time to name this new baby we have!

D-DAY FOR THE SAINTS

By:  Yolanda Hugg

@yolihugg

03/21/2012

NFL ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT DISCIPLINE IN NEW ORLEANS SAINTS ‘BOUNTY’ MATTER

http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/saints-2012.pdf

STATEMENT FROM THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Statement-From-the-New-Orleans-Saints-/ad2b5d88-af4c-4cbf-881f-db20c8a9343e

GREGG WILLIAMS ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS BOUNTY SCANDAL

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/03/gregg_williams_issues_a_statem.html

Tailgating: What do Mizzou and Texas A&M have to offer SEC fans?

By:  Yolanda Hugg

@yolihugg

03/06/2012

Check out my article posted today on SoFriedSports.com about SEC Tailgating.

http://sofriedsports.com/guest-blogger/tailgating-what-do-mizzou-and-texas-am-have-to-offer-sec-fans/

2012 NFL COMBINE: RG3 = FAST

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
02/26/2012


WOW! Baylor QB Robert Griffin III aka RG3 was crazy fast at the 2012 NFL Combine today when he ran an unofficial 4.38 on the 40-yard dash.  The Cleveland Browns would be crazy not to snatch him!

Another high profile quarterback, Standford's QB Andrew Luck ran an impressive 4.59 on his 40-yard dash. Wisconsin's Russell Wilson had the 2nd fastest time with a 4.50 and Jordan Jefferson of LSU ran a 4.59. 


The 2012 NFL Draft will be an interesting one for sure!

LINSANITY IS OVER: The New Orleans Hornets beat The New York Knicks 89-85

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
02/17/2012


Well it turned midnight at Madison Square Garden for Linderella when the Hornets beat the Knicks 89-85. I love the story around Jeremy Lin and think he will continue to contribute to his team the rest of the season, but all the turnovers (not just his) doomed the Knicks against the Hornets. The Hornets took full scoring advantage with those turnovers and ended the Knicks’ 7 game winning streak.

The Hornets played smart basketball, taking advantage of all the turnovers and controlling the tempo of the game. Lin alone had 9 turnovers, tied for the most in the NBA this season.

The Hornet’s Greivis Vasquez had a great game playing defense against Lin and had a double-double by the end of the first quarter. Vasquez finished the game with 15 points and 10 assists.  Trevor Ariza scored 25 points and Marco Belinelli scored 17 points for the Hornets. The Knicks’ top scorers were Jeremy Lin and Amare Stoudemire, both with 26 points.

To sum it up, the Hornets came to play and didn’t let the Madison Square Garden fans and the Linsanity and Linderella hype get to them.  They are on a 3 game winning streak now and looking to get 4 in a row against The Oklahoma City Thunder  on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 7pm CST.

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout / Daytona 500 Preview

By Guest Blogger:  Aaron Murphy
@adm_217
02/16/2012

After an off-season full of changes and breaking news, the good ol’ boys (and girls) of NASCAR officially kick off the 2012 season this Saturday when they take to the high banks of the famed Daytona International Speedway.  All NASCAR races held at the Daytona International Speedway are what are called restrictor plate races.  For those who don’t know, a restrictor plate is an aluminum plate that is installed on the engine’s intake manifold that reduces the amount of air the motor can take in leading to significantly restricted engine performance.  This restrictor plate actually serves two functions on the engine.  First, the restrictor plate “levels the playing field” by dropping the horsepower of the motors from the normal 750hp down to approximately 450hp.  In doing this it actually accomplishes its second task which is the more important of the two.  The restrictor plate also acts as a safety mechanism by reducing the speeds of the car enough it helps prevent the car from becoming airborne in the event of a high speed accident.  While restrictor plate racing produces some of the most exciting racing in NASCAR, it also produces some of the most dangerous.  It is not uncommon to have a restrictor plate race in which there are well over 50 lead changes, however the tight, evenly matched packs of cars often get into trouble in the form of a big wreck nicknamed the “Big One.”  The “Big One” routinely wipes out half of the field and alters the outcome of the race in a major way.  Drivers and spotters are constantly working to avoid getting caught up in the Big One or becoming collateral damage from the resulting mess; however in restrictor plate racing it is not a question of if the Big One will happen, but more of a question of when the Big One happen?!


 As stated earlier, the pavement pounding Sprint Cup machines will hit the track in the Budweiser Shootout this Saturday at 7p (Central) in the Budweiser Shootout on FOX.  The format of the race is the same as the 2011 Shootout, 75 laps (187.5 miles), and is broken into two segments.  The first segment is 25 laps followed by a 10 minute pit stop and the final 50 laps.  In typical NASCAR fashion, both green-flag laps and yellow-flag laps will count, however there are some major changes for this race that are not enforced in a typical race.  During the 10-minute pit stop crews will be able to change tires, add fuel and make chassis adjustments; however teams will not be allowed to change springs, shocks or rear end gears.  The other big difference is how the starting line-up of the race is decided.  The Shootout does not use the typical time trials (qualifying) format.  Instead the starting grid will be set by a live blind draw on the SPEED Channel, Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at 830p (Eastern).


Next up for the Sprint Cup Series is the Super Bowl of the NASCAR season….The Daytona 500.  While most sports end their season with their marquee event, NASCAR begins its season with its biggest race.  Dubbed “The Great American Race” by CBS Sports’ Ken Squier, the Daytona 500 is the one race all NASCAR drivers dream of one day winning.  Recently, Chevrolet has had a stranglehold on winning the Daytona 500.  Since 2003, Chevrolet has won 6 of the 9 Daytona 500 races.  The few exceptions have the Ford’s of Matt Kenseth in 2009 and of Trevor Bayne in 2011 as well as the Dodge of Ryan Newman in 2008.  Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 19th at 12p (Central) on FOX and the remainder of the field will be set at the Gatorade Dual at Daytona on Thursday, February 23 at 1p on SPEED.  


In closing, trying to pick winners for the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 without seeing any practice is definitely an inexact science, but I’ll give it a shot!  My pick for the Budweiser Shootout is Kyle Busch and for the Daytona 500 is Tony Stewart.  Let me know who yours are….See you at Daytona!

2012 NBA ALL-STAR ROSTER

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
02/09/2012








EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Carmelo Anthony - New York
LeBron James - Miami
Derrick Rose - Chicago
Dwyane Wade - Miami
Dwight Howard - Orlando
Chris Bosh - Miami
Luol Deng - Chicago
Roy Hibbert - Indiana
Andre Iguodala - Philadelphia
Joe Johnson - Atlanta
Paul Pierce - Boston
Deron Williams - New Jersey


WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City
Blake Griffin - LA Clippers
Kobe Bryant - LA Lakers
Chris Paul - LA Clippers
Andre Bynum - LA Lakers
LaMarcus Aldridge - Portland
Marc Gasol - Memphis
Kevin Love - Minnesota
Steve Nash - Phoenix
Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas
Tony Parker - San Antonio
Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City


Well there you have it.  Miami with the most representing in the Eastern Conference and LA, whether it be the Clippers or Lakers, with the most representing in the Western Conference.

Being a New Orleans Hornets fan, I am sad they aren’t being represented this year.  But I am not surprised.  Chris Paul aka CP3 was an all-star last year representing the New Orleans Hornets and is returning this year representing the LA Clippers. The Boston Celtics only have one representing them this year and that is Paul Pierce, who recently passed Larry Bird on the Boston Celtics all-time scoring list in the team's last game. And for the current Champions the Dallas Mavericks, they also only have one player, Dirk Nowitzki, to be selected to this year’s All-Star Roster.

This is always fun to watch! I am ready for the Slam Dunk Contest!  What will Blake Griffin do to out do himself from last year?  Jump over a car set on fire? We shall see!

The 2012 NBA All-Star Games will be on February 26, 2012 in Orlando, Florida.

Gotta Love College Basketball!

By Guest Blogger:  Aaron Murphy
@adm_217
01/30/2012

What a crazy 2011-2012 season this has been so far for College Basketball. Preseason polls had North Carolina as the #1 team in the country followed by Kentucky, Ohio State, Connecticut and Syracuse.  Those rankings lasted for 3 weeks before Kentucky beat North Carolina to become #1 and this was the first a several changes atop the rankings over the weeks to come.  Over the next few weeks Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina and Connecticut would all lose games and Syracuse would rise to the top of the charts.

The Syracuse Orangemen played to the top spot in the polls and stayed there for 6 weeks reaching an impressive 20-0 record by mid January.  Syracuse wasn’t the only unbeaten team though.  The top 25 held another couple of surprises in Baylor and Murray State.  Both teams sported unbeaten records entering week 11 of the season and this is where it got interesting.  The Orangemen lost to an unranked Notre Dame team on January 21st 67-58.  Baylor held the impressive 17-0 record before losing two straight games to #7 Kansas and #5 Missouri.  To date, Murray State is the only unbeaten team left in college basketball at 20-0, ranked #9 in the country.

The surprises weren’t limited to unbeaten teams though.  The Florida State Seminoles aren’t undefeated but had two of the bigger surprise games so far this year.  The ‘Noles crushed the NC Tarheels 90-57 and slid by Duke on a last second three pointer 76-73 in a 7 day span propelling them to a tie for the lead atop the ACC standing at 5-1.  The Louisville Cardinals were another surprise, just not for the best reason.  The Cardinals began the season ranked #9 and quickly ran out to a great start eventually peaking at #4 before falling on hard times and losing to #12 Georgetown, #3 Kentucky, unranked Notre Dame, Providence and #22 Marquette.  The Cardinals have now fallen completely out of the AP Top 25 and are now sitting at a disappointing 15-5.

The current #1 team in the country is Kentucky.  I am also giving this disclaimer….I am from Kentucky, a huge Wildcats fan and may see things in an ever so slightly, slanted view to their favor.  That being said, Kentucky is playing some of the best basketball of the season.  If not for a last second 3 pointer by Indiana, this team would be a very impressive 22-0.  However they did lose to Indiana, are 21-1 and are 7-0 in the SEC.  They have arguably the best defensive player in the country in freshman Anthony Davis, who shattered the Kentucky single season shot blocking record in mid January and currently has 98 blocks with 9 games left in the regular season.  Kentucky has now won 13 straight since the loss at Indiana, has yet to lose a game at Rupp Arena under John Calipari and is having the best SEC start since 2004.

As I said earlier, this has been a crazy season so far in college basketball and if this is anything like the NCAA Tournament will be, we are set for one heck of a ride!  There is no absolute dominant team this year and it appears as if any team can be beaten on a given night.  I’ll leave you with my four #1 seeds if I had to pick the tournament right now….Kentucky, Syracuse, Ohio State and  Duke.  It’s entirely possible for any of these teams to be beaten by any given team and be knocked from their #1 seed perch and that is what makes college basketball awesome!  Gotta Love College Basketball!!!

Super Bowl 2012: BRADY vs. MANNING Part Deux

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/23/2012


I will start off by saying that those two Conference Championship games yesterday were exactly what a championship game for a chance to go to the Super Bowl should be like. Neck to neck all the way to the last second. The New England Patriots won 23-20 over the Baltimore Ravens after a missed 32 yard field goal attempt by the Raven’s Billy Cundiff that would have tied the game and send it to overtime. That was definitely an O-M-G moment for both sides of the field. The New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in overtime with a winning field goal by Giants’ Lawrence Tynes. Candlestick Field was a sloppy mess, the snap wasn’t perfect and that was after a delay of game by the Giants and a timeout by the 49ers that could have “iced” the kicker. Nail-biter for sure.

The 2012 Super Bowl XLVI is February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. Vegas already has the Patriots favored 3 points over the Giants. But as we all know, that doesn’t mean much with games like this. The Patriots were 12 point favorites in 2008 and the Giants upset them 17-14 ending the Patriots undefeated season. This Super Bowl will be a shoot out and down to who will have the last possession.

That being said, I am ready for some Super Bowl party food, the commercials and a great game. SUPER BOWL COUNTDOWN BEGINS - 13 DAYS!

Tom Brady: Love Him or Hate Him… He Will Still Be A Hall of Famer

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/17/2012


I would like to start off by disclosing that I am first a New Orleans Saints fan, then I am an NFC fan and finally I am a fan of individual players. That being said, I am a huge Tom Brady fan and have his rookie card!  Yes, you read correctly, I have his rookie card. I am not just a fan because he is easy on the eyes!

Brady is one of those players that you would want your son to mirror.  He is disciplined and coachable.  I can’t tell you how many times I see players with God given talent and are not coachable.  They don’t think they need direction and just limit themselves from greatness.  Tom Brady was a California boy who played collage ball at Michigan and was just a 6th round pick in the NFL Draft in 2000 to the New England Patriots.  Being a 6th round pick, you know that there aren’t many rookie cards out there for him, so I am super happy I have one.  No one would have imagined what Tom Brady would have developed into and where he would have lead the New England Patriots.  To date, he has gone to 4 Super Bowls and winning three of them.  His first Super Bowl visit was just 2 years after he was drafted.  Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002, Brady and the Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams in New Orleans, LA 20-71.  I remember that Super Bowl vividly because it was after 911 and it was in New Orleans the last year I lived there.  It was an exciting time with a new up incoming Super Star Quarterback.  Who would have thought that this 4th String QB for the Patriots in 2000 would have just started in the 2002 Super Bowl and won?  That was just the beginning.  Brady and the Patriots revisited the Super Bowl again in 2004 (XXXVIII) beating the Carolina Panthers (32-29), again the following year 2005 (XXXIX) defeating the Philadelphia Eagles (24-21), and there last visit was in 2008 (XLII) where the undefeated New England Patriots were on the tip of making undefeated history and fell short losing to the New York Giants (17-14).

This past weekend Tom Brady and the Patriots won their first postseason game over the Denver Broncos (45-10) since 2008 and are heading to the AFC Championship Game playing the Baltimore Ravans this Sunday, Jan 22nd at 2pm CST.  A win Sunday will send Tom Brady to his 5th Super Bowl.  If the New York Giants defeat the San Francisco 49er on Sunday, Jan 22nd at 5:30pm CST in the NFC Championship, then we’ll see a Super Bowl rematch from both the Giants and Patriots last Super Bowl appearances.

Win or lose on Sunday, love or hate him, Tom Brady is still healthy and has many more years of greatness and will be a Hall of Famer.

Saints/49ers Game Recap: The 30th Anniversary of “The Catch” Was Relived

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/16/2012


The New Orleans Saints lost to the San Francisco 49ers 32-36 this past Saturday in what I think a playoff game should be like.  There was the element of excitement, passion, suspense and surprise! You just never know what to expect in a NFC playoff game.

The 49ers’ defense came in with all their guns and ready to take on the Saints’ offense, but it was the 49ers’ offense that gave us the craziest last 9 seconds of the game! 49ers’ QB Alex Smith honed in his enter Joe Montana and we all relived “The Catch” when Smith completed a 14 yard TD pass to Vernon Davis with 9 seconds left in the game.  That catch sealed the deal and the 49ers are going to the NFC Championship.

The San Francisco 49ers will play the New York Giants on Sunday, Jan 22nd at 5:30pm CST for the NFC Championship and ticket to play in the 2012 Super Bowl. Who do you think will win? I dare not pick this one.  It should be a great game!
                                                                                                         

Billick: Saints/49ers Preview

Published on Jan 10, 2012 by foxsports

Brian Billick previews the NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and 49ers.

THIS WILL BE A GREAT GAME!  Today at 3:30pm CST. 

~yolihugg

NBA - Heat vs. Clippers: Who Stayed Up Last Night and Watched? WOW! What Happened to LeBron James?

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/12/2012


The Miami Heat played the Los Angeles Clippers last night ending up in overtime with a score tied at 86-86.  The Clippers outscored the Heat 9-3 in overtime giving them a big win with a final score of 95-89.

Last night the Heat’s Guard/Forward LeBron James had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the 200th double-double of his career. Unfortunately for them in overtime, James couldn’t score a basket if his life depended on it.  Also during regulation, if he would have just done better at the free throw line, then they wouldn’t have had to go into overtime in the first place.  James is 75% at the line, but last night he only made 9 or 17 at the line.  That’s only 53%.  He definitely struggled last night and it cost the Heat a big lost on the road.

Only points the Heat scored in overtime were from Point Guard Mario Chalmers with a 3 pointer. And to add to the debacle, Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra got ejected with 5 seconds left in overtime.

Lebron James wasn’t the only factor for the loss but his struggle was apparent. And the Clippers new Point Guard Chris Paul aka CP3, former New Orleans Hornet, did turn up the heat on the Heat and broke down their defense.

Regardless if it was the breakdown of the Heat or the turn up of the Clippers that got your attention, it was an exciting ending that kept me up until almost 1am.

NFL - NFC Championship: I Smell Rematch

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/11/2012


In the NFC on Saturday, January 14th we have the New Orleans Saints vs. the San Francisco 49ers and on Sunday, January 15th we have the New York Giants vs. the Green Bay Packers. The winner of these two games will play for the 2012 NFC Championship. My picks to win are the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers, which will then be a rematch at the NFC Championship Game of this season’s opening game that was on Thursday, September 8, 2011 where the Packers beat the Saints (42-34).

So who will win this great rematch?  Honestly, it’s not an easy pick. But if I had to choose, I would go with the New Orleans Saints. I know, you all are thinking that I am going with them because they are my team. I got ya!  But the Saints are on fire! I am not anti-Packers at all. I am actually a big Matt Flynn fan (Packers’ back up QB that threw 6TD passes in their last game against the Detriot Lions on New Years Day). I am going with the Saints because they are rising at the right time, while the Packers are starting to look beatable.

If I had to pin point one thing that makes me confident that the New Orleans Saints will upset the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field is the Packers’ pass defense.  They will have a very difficult time holding back Saints’ QB Drew Brees and his offensive monsters! Brees has TE Jimmy Graham who has the instinct of a rebounder and can snatch passes out of nowhere. He also has a lineup of wide receivers that can make big plays.

This will come down to whether or not the Green Bay Packers defense will be ready for this challenge. Regardless of who wins, this will be a rematch worth watching.  But I will put my money on the Saints winning the NFC Championship and heading to the Super Bowl.

2012 BCS Championship: Well I Got That One Wrong

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/10/2012


Hello my name is Yolanda Hugg, and I was wrong.

We all can admit that we didn’t expect that outcome.  Not that Alabama won, but that LSU was shut out (21-0)!  The last time LSU was shut out was 121 games ago in 2002 to Alabama (31-0).  Let me just say  that this was the perfect storm.  Coach Miles forgot his magic “Mad Hatter” hat in Baton Rouge, LSU’s offense got frazzled early and couldn’t shake it off and Alabama tasted blood and came to fight!

Over and over again I would yell this at the TV last night…”Another screen play?!”, “Jefferson just can’t think on his feet!”, “Why won’t Miles put Lee in?!”, “If Lee would have started this game, he would have been benched by now!”.  I was so frustrated and was hoping that some kind of crazy miracle would happen.  Out of all of it, I just really wish Senior QB Jarrett Lee had a chance to play in the game.  Especially since he had a (9-0) record this year starting.  They couldn’t do any worse. Give the boy a shot!

From WWL-TV Sports (New Orleans CBS Affiliate) - “Miles said he kept Jefferson in because he thought he could do more against Bama's defense with his feet.”

Well Miles, after the 1st half and I will even give you the 3rd quarter, it just was not working out. You should have put Lee in starting the 4th, at minimum.

I know, I know it is easier for me to say that sitting from the comfort of my chair in a sports bar, but after 3 quarters I don’t see how it could have hurt.  If he stunk worse then just pull him out.

Two things I was right on, this was not another Alamo Bowl and the score board would surprise you. The LSU Tigers finish (13-1), #2 in the nation and should be proud.  They had a bad day on the wrong day for sure! Congratulations Coach Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide for a great win, the better team won yesterday.

CRAZY NFL WILD CARD PLAYOFF WEEKEND: History Made & Records Broken

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/09/2012








GAME #1 -  Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans (10-31) Final

This game was the 1st playoff game in NFL history featuring 2 rookie starting quarterbacks: Bengals’ TJ Yates vs. Texans’ Andy Dalton. The Houston Texans won their first playoff game in franchise history.

GAME #2 - Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints (28-45) Final

To no one's surprise, another record was broken by the New Orleans Saints!  Most yards in post season history at 626 yards and tied the record with 34 first downs.

GAME #3 -  Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants (2-24) Final

The Falcons are the only team in NFL history to only have scored 2 points in a playoff game. Sad, just sad.

GAME #4 - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos (23-29) Final/OT

Well it was Tebow-Time again!  The Denver Broncos won in overtime in just 11 seconds…the quickest ending to an overtime in NFL history!  THE UPSET OF THE WEEKEND, FOR SURE!

Next Weekend:

New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers 

Saturday, January 14th at 3:30pm CST

Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots

Saturday, January 14th at 7pm CST

Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravans 

Sunday, January 15th at 12pm CST

New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers

Sunday, January 15th at 3:30pm CST

MY PICKS FOR NEXT WEEKEND:  Saints over the 49ers, Patriots over the Broncos, Ravans over the Texans and the Packers over the Giants. BAM!

MODERN-ERA PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME FINALIST: Class of 2012

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/07/2012




(in alphabetical order)

1. RB Jerome Bettis
2. WR Tim Brown
3. WR Chris Carter
4. C Dermontti Dawson
5. Owner Edward DeBartolo (49ers)
6. DE/LB Chris Doleman
7. DE/LB Kevin Green
8. DE/LB Charles Haley
9. DT Cortez Kennedy
10. RB Curtis Martin
11. Coach Bill Parcells
12. WR Andre Reed
13. T Willie Roaf
14. G Will Shield
15. CB/S  Aeneas Williams

All very well deserving to get in. Who do you think will get in this year?

HAPPY COTTON BOWL DAY!

#11 KANSAS STATE vs #7 ARKANSAS 

They are ranked higher than any of the teams that were in the Sugar Bowl or Orange Bowl!

As I mentioned on my blog post Jan 1st. (Click Here To View Post), the 2012 Cotton Bowl will be a roller coaster! Put on your seat belt and get ready for this ride!

I HOPE THIS INSPIRES A TOUCHDOWN DANCE!

West Virginia's Darwin Cook collides with Orange Bowl mascot after a 99 yard TD run! ~ I think I would have gotten sick too!

2012 ORANGE BOWL RECAP: The West Virginia Mountaineers Shattered Records & Shattered The Clemson Tigers

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/05/2012



West Virginia Mountaineers beat the Clemson Tigers by 44 points.  (70-33) Final



Well what can I say, I was not expecting a game like that for sure! 70 points? Seriously?

Here are some stats:
Geno Smith - MVP, 6 TD Passes, 1 TD
Tavon Austin - 4 TDs
Shawne Alston - 2 TDs
Darwin Cook - 1 TD (99 yard fumble return)
Stedman Bailey - 1 TD
Willie Millhouse - 1 TD

The game’s 1st quarter concluded with 4 touchdowns, 2 by Clemson and 2 by West Virginia, being the highest scoring 1st quarter ever in the Orange Bowl. It all started out with Clemson having possession of the ball and was 3 and out. Although, West Virginia didn’t score in their first possession as well, their offense did look good.  Clemson’s Andre Ellington scored the first TD of the game. Extra point was good and Clemson had the first lead (0-7). During West Virginia’s next possession, Andre Buie definitely entertained us when he broke a tackle by rolling over a Clemson defender and didn’t go down! West Virginia’s Shawne Alston then scored the Mountaineer’s first TD. Extra point good and then West Virginia and Clemson were tied (7-7) at 6:54 in the 1st. Touchdowns were then scored by Clemson’s Sammy Watkins and West Virginia’s Tavon Austin, and with both extra points being good, bring it back to a tie (14-14). Clemson closed the 1st quarter with a field goal, leading (14-17).

Tavon Austin’s TD in the 1st quarter showed us all  his awareness of where he is on the field and control on the sideline. It was close…but it was still a TD! Austin in the 2nd quarter proved he can again score close TDs,  giving West Virginia their first lead (21-17). It was over for Clemson after that! Three Clemson turnovers resulted in 3 TDs by Cook, Austin and Alston for West Virginia in the 2nd quarter. And let’s not forget the TD scored by West Virginia’s QB Smith! Clemson only scored 3 points in the 2nd quarter with a field goal to West Virginia‘s 35 points! They were just not prepared for QB Geno Smith and West Virginia’s offense.

In the 3rd quarter, West Virginia scored a TD with their 1st possession from Stedman Bailey.  Then Austin scored his 4th TD for the Mountaineers giving them an increased lead (63-20). After an interception from Rashard Hall, Clemson only scored 1 TD by Deandre Hopkins ending the 3rd quarter (63-26).  The 4th quarter again wasn’t any better for Clemson, they only scored one more TD from Roderick McDowell, and that was after a Clemson turnover and interception by West Virginia’s Keith Tandy leading to a TD by West Virginia’s Willie Millhouse.  The damage was already done!

Record Making Night: West Virginia beats the bowl scoring record in the Orange Bowl and QB Smith broke Tom Brady's Orange Bowl record with 401 yards passing. West Virginia also had the highest scoring half by a team in any bowl and Austin's 4 TDs tied a record for any bowl game.

The West Virginia Mountaineers shattered records and shattered the Clemson Tigers!

2012 SUGAR BOWL RECAP: I STILL SAY IT WAS A CATCH!

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/04/2012



The Michigan Wolverines beat The Virginia Tech Hokies 23-20 in OT.


Here is my QUICK EASY RECAP:

Michigan’s defense was inconsistent the first half and the game started off boring.  What was interesting was the first half performance from VT’s 3rd string place kicker Justin Myer, who was playing in the Sugar Bowl because their starter Cody Journell was arrested on felony breaking and entering charges a month ago and their back up kicker Tyler Weiss was sent home for breaking curfew.  I am sure there were moments where Stanford wish he was on their team… well up until OT, as we all know what happened. PK Myer was on target giving them a 0-6 lead with 2 field goals up until Michigan’s senior wide receiver Junior Hemingway finally scored a TD and then place kicker Brendan Gibbons’ extra point making it 7-6,  leaving only :49 seconds left in the half.  Then the craziness started when VT fumbles the ball in the return and Michigan recovers! Michigan then scores a field goal with that possession making it 10-6 Michigan at the half.

I thought VT’s defense was looking pretty good, regardless of their size. I think they need some Biscuits and Gravy in their life, but that’s just me.  I like my defensive line to be BIG.  But I digress…

In the 2nd half, VT’s next score was a 3 point FG from PK Myer and then Michigan’s WR Hemingway again scores a TD with an incredible catch, increasing the Wolverine’s lead to 17-9 with the extra point.  The VT Hokies follow up with a TD and 2 point conversion to tie the game at 17-17.  Michigan then scores a FG with 4:00 minutes left in the 4th making it 20-17 Michigan.  Fast forward to :05 seconds left in the 4th, and VT’s Myer makes a FG to tie the game at 20-20 to bring it to OT!

Here is were it gets interesting again!  During VT’s possession in OT, PK Myer misses wide right on a 37 yard FG attempt AFTER wide receiver Danny Coale made an awesome one handed, 20 yard TD catch that officials overturned!  I STILL SAY IT WAS A CATCH!  Well like I always say, they didn’t ask me… so Myer was put in the position to score and fails.  Michigan now has the ball and Michigan’s PK Gibbons kicks a 37 yard FG to win the Sugar Bowl for the Michigan Wolverines in OT.

I know there are lots of little things in between, but that is pretty much what happened. Consider this the CliffsNotes Recap! Next bowl game is Clemson vs. West Virginia in the ORANGE BOWL today, Wednesday, January 4th at 7:30pm CST.   I will be tweeting during the game, so follow me @yolihugg for updates.

2012 BCS CHAMPIONSHIP - #1 LSU vs. #2 ALABAMA

By: Yolanda Hugg

@yolihugg

01/03/2012

*my Guest Blogger post on http://sofriedsports.com/ 

It is no secret that I am a huge LSU fan, but I take pride in my unbiased opinions about match-ups and would like to start off by saying that I have full respect for Head Coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Coach Saban is a master at developing a defensive machine and a first-class football team. And for the talent that he has recruited, all I need to say is Trent Richardson. Richardson is a running back BEAST! Not only was Richardson a 2011 Heisman candidate, this season alone he has 1,583 rushing yards with 20 TDs and has 327 receiving yards with 3 TDs. The combination of Coach Saban’s defensive wizardry and Richardson’s play making ability is what makes Alabama deserving to play in the BCS Championship.

Now let me tell you a little something about LSU’s Head Coach Les Miles, aka “The Mad Hatter.” Coach Miles is unpredictable. He makes you scratch your head and constantly ask, “What is going on?!” That is what makes him great. How do you prepare to coach against this guy? Not only is Coach Miles an unconventional great coach, he too has some incredible talent and defense. They are big, strong and FAST! LSU’s defense is so fast they don’t allow great playmakers like Trent Richardson to shine. LSU’s defense is also filled with scoring playmakers. Not only will they stop you, they will also take your ball and score! Two words,Tyrann Mathieu, aka the Honey Badger, is one of the best cornerbacks you will ever see. He, too, was a 2011 Heisman candidate and this season Mathieu has 71 total tackles, 5 forced fumbles – with 2 returned for TDs and 2 interceptions. And let’s not forget on special teams, Mathieu had 26 punt returns for 420-yards with 2 returned for TDs. Now there are more stats, but you get the point.

Okay, yes, Alabama’s defense is great and they will stop LSU’s offense from scoring some. And, yes, LSU’s defense will also stop Alabama’s offense from scoring some. So does that makes them even? What is the difference? The difference is that Alabama will not be able to stop LSU’s defense and special teams from scoring. Period. Oh, and this game will be in New Orleans at one of the loudest domes in the nation, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, just a hop and a skip away from LSU’s Death Valley. Can I say, HOME GAME?!

I know many of you don’t want to see a re-match. This will obviously not be another Alamo Bowl for sure. But I have a gut feeling that the scoreboard will surprise you and you will wish you would have picked the over. Get ready because the true #1 and #2 are going at it again on January 9, 2012, at 8:30pm EST.

“Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler… Let the good times roll!”

Sorry ‘BAMA but the only thing rollin’ in NOLA on Jan 9^th will be the Tigers. You can cast that in stone!

BOWL MANIA 2012: Yesterday Wore Me Out!

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/03/2012



Don’t get me wrong, I loved every second of Bowl Mania 2012 but dang, can we have some defense?!




TICKETCITY BOWL:  
Penn St vs. Houston                    30-14 F - Houston

OUTBACK BOWL:  
Georgia vs. Michigan State           33-30 F/3OT - Michigan State

CAPITAL ONE BOWL:
 Nebraska vs. So. Carolina           13-30 F - So. Carolina

GATOR BOWL:  
Ohio State vs. Florida                 17-24 F - Florida

ROSE BOWL:      
Wisconsin vs. Oregon                 38-45 F - Oregon

FIESTA BOWL:  
Stanford vs. Oklahoma State        38-31 F/OT - Oklahoma State


Okay everyone, I was wrong on who would win the Rose Bowl.  I can admit when I am wrong.  But it was close!  Now that I got that out of the way, Georgia has some explaining to do…Not just to me, but to the whole SEC!  Now for Stanford, I really needed you all to win to shut the OSU “being in the National Championship” debate up.  And to you OSU, congrats on the win but there is no way you would have beaten LSU or Alabama...NO WAY!  Enjoy your gold ball and leave the crystal ball battle to the Tigers and the Tide.

Next bowl game is the SUGAR BOWL today at 7:30pm CT, Michigan vs. Virginia Tech in NOLA.  Should be interesting!

2012 ROSE BOWL - I Gotta Feelin’ That the Badgers Are Going To Win This

By: Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
01/02/2012


It is Happy Bowl Day for all us college football fans! Quick question, how many of you all felt weird not watching bowl games yesterday on New Years?… Okay, it wasn’t just me.  The 2012 Rose Bowl will start at 4:07pm CT where the PAC 12 Champion Oregon Ducks vs. the BIG TEN Champion Wisconsin Badgers. I  look forward to seeing Oregon’s uniforms just the same as I look forward to seeing what Lady Gaga will wear to The Grammy’s! And with the Wisconsin Badgers, are they going to take what they want?

The Wisconsin Badgers really impressed me early this season, so I made an early call that they would win this year’s Rose Bowl. They have the best offense in the BIG TEN conference with QB Russell Wilson and RB Montee Ball.  And let’s not forget their offensive line, they are pretty much an All-American line up! Now the Oregon Ducks aren’t too shabby themselves, but I am not confident that their defense will be able to hold the Badgers’ offense enough to win.  Wisconsin’s passing game will be Oregon’s challenge for sure.

Now I don’t claim I know all or can predict the future. But I am usually right… just sayin’. This game will not be a blow out, but I do feel the scale will tilt towards Wisconsin early in the 4th and Oregon will not be able to change the course. We’ll see!  HAPPY BOWL DAY!

SEC - Not Just a Football Conference

By Guest Blogger: Jennifer K. Owens 
@jkowens715
12/30/2011

Yep, that’s right! SEC Basketball is here!! Last night, unranked Vanderbilt beat N. 14 Marquette at Marquette. And, earlier this month, LSU beat the then-ranked No. 10 Marquette and Louisiana Tech. Arkansas seems to be hitting their winning streak with 3 straight home wins now (let’s give Coach Anderson a few weeks to get his team in line before making a call on Arkansas this season – but, WOW, that BJ Young!!). Other notable wins for the SEC this week: Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina. OK, OK, OK, there were some loses too: Florida, Mississippi State, and Auburn.
What about those ‘Dores?!? They have all 5 starters back from last year and Coach Kevin Stallings has eyes on March – he needs to redeem that loss to Murray State. Who cares if Vandy is reaping the rewards of all the allegations coming out of Knoxville – they are getting it done.

But, the shining star – Kentucky!! How do they do it about every year with so many freshmen?? That’s right, Coach John Calipari. Most schools, SEC and other conferences, say “Well, this will be a re-building year since we lost so many players and are starting so many freshmen.” That’s not an excuse fans! Kentucky has 6 freshman and 4 sophomores on this year’s team. They have a nearly flawless
record so far – we won’t bring up that ugly December 10^th loss to Indiana. Let’s see how they fair against rival Louisville on New Year’s Eve Day and we will talk! Then, they play the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (my home team!) – which should be an easy win for the Wildcats, but that’s why the play the game, right?

Now, I am not saying that SEC Basketball rises to the level of SEC Football – YET! But, could this be the year for Kentucky and Vanderbilt to go head-to-head?

2012 COTTON BOWL: I Don’t Care About Your Past Bowl Records

By:  Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
12/30/2011

*my Guest Blogger post on http://www.theendzonesextra.com/

Arkansas is 2-8-1 in the Cotton Bowl, while Kansas State is 1-1.What does this mean? Nothing. Seriously, do you think Arkansas’ 2008 loss to Missouri (38-7) or Arkansas’ 1976 win over Georgia (31-10) has anything to do with this season’s team? And what about Kansas State? We all know that their 2001 win over Tennessee (35-21) and 1997 loss to BYU (19-15) also has nothing to do with this season’s team. Yes, Arkansas has had more bowl appearances than Kansas State but math shows that Kansas State post-season success is greater than Arkansas’. But again, I don’t care.

Let’s look at this seasons’ teams since those are the teams that will be playing in 2012 Cotton Bowl. At the quarterback position, I feel both Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson and Kansas State’s Collin Klein are solid at their position. Arkansas QB Wilson has 285.2 passing yards per game and 22 TDs this season, leading Arkansas in the SEC in total offense and passing. Kansas State QB Klein has 1,745 passing yards and 12 TDs and has led his team in rushing 1,099 yards and 26 TDs. What does this mean? It means both teams are equal at the QB position. 

Arkansas is in the SEC and has played the strongest, fastest and best teams in the nation at defense (i.e. they have only lost to #1 LSU and #2 Alabama, the best in the nation and the best at defense). Arkansas’ passing  yards will be higher during the Cotton Bowl because Kansas State’s defense will not be equal to what they have faced before. Kansas States’ passing and rushing yards will not be as high due to the defense that Arkansas will be bringing. That being said, Kansas State is hot in the Red Zone and don’t settle for many field goals.

Arkansas needs to bring their A-game to their D-game and put pressure on QB Klein. Kansas State needs big passing plays to stay in the game. Mark my words, the 2012 Cotton Bowl will be a roller coaster! Put on your seat belt and get ready for this ride on January 6, 2012 at 7pm CT!

OLE MISS: Get Your Hotty Toddies Ready Because Oxford Is Under a Freeze Alert!

By:  Yolanda Hugg
@yolihugg
12/29/2011

*my Guest Blogger post on http://www.throwtheflagblog.com/

After the Ole Miss 2 and 10 season in 2011, Rebel fans were ready for a change for sure! I mean who wants to get all dressed up for tailgating and football watching at the Grove for your team to just get destroyed? That’s embarrassing and not acceptable in the SEC!

On December 5, 2011, Hugh Freeze was announced as the new head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels football team. Is this a dream come true? Well it was for Freeze, being a native of Mississippi! Many Rebel fans are not excited about this hire. A big name is what fans wanted. Well let me tell you what my mama always told me, “Sometimes you don’t get what you want, you get what you need”.

The first time I heard Coach Freeze speak was at the Little Rock Touchdown Club luncheon on November, 9, 2010 in Little Rock, AR. He was the Offensive Coordinator for Arkansas State University Red Wolves football team at the time and when he spoke, you were inspired and motivated. He emphasized on attitude and focus. Seriously, by the end of the luncheon, I wanted to run some laps! Later that same day, Arkansas State’s Head Coach Steve Roberts resigned and the first thing that came to my mind was that Freeze needed to take over that position. On December 2, 2010, Hugh Freeze was announced as the new head coach of the Arkansas State University Red Wolves football team. Freeze coached an overall 4 and 8 2010 team to an overall 10 and 2L team in 2011. I am 100% confident that his players developed a “We Can Do This” attitude and DID IT!

College Football fans, I promise you that Ole Miss will be the team to watch grow the next three years. Ole Miss Fans, I promise you that Coach Freeze will make you proud again to put on your Tailgatin’ Finest and toast your Hotty Toddies to a good season! Manning Family, I promise you won’t have to make anymore phone calls to Ole Miss anymore! Finally, Rebel Bear, you won’t be blamed anymore for jinxing the season.