Morning Takes

So I was doing some reading around the sports world this morning, and I had to give my take on a couple of things.

Eli Manning – Now the highest played player in the NFL???

OK, I’m reading reports on ESPN that Eli Manning and the Giants have agreed to a six year extension worth $97 Million (Yearly Average $15.3 Million with $35 Million in Guaranteed money). This deal will keep him a Giant through the 2015 season and make him the highest paid player in the NFL.

This to me is proof that NFL salaries are all messed up. Let’s play a little game to make my point. Is Eli the best player in the NFL? Clearly not. Is Eli the best QB in the NFL? Clearly not. I have a hard time putting him higher than 5th in my list of QBs, and yet he’s the highest paid player in the NFL. It proves only one thing. The Giants feel that they found their man and Eli is happy there too. So, congratulations Giant fans.

Personally, I dropped Eli from my Fantasy keeper league. I didn’t give him an extension and I wish him the best with no Plaxico Burris. He will have to rely on a much less experienced and less athletic receiving team.

Of course, Raiders corner Nnamdi Asomugha was the highest paid before this deal. As likely the best corner in the game right now, he has a better claim to this title than Eli.

Albert Pujols is a beast!

Yes, King Albert has been struggling. But when the bases are loaded, he is the best there is. After last nights 5th Grand slam of the season, he boasts the following stats with the bases juiced:
• 7-9 Hits/AB
• 5 HR
• 24 RBI
That is unreal. He tied the NL mark of Grand slams in a season, and he is just one behind Donny Baseball (Don Mattingly) for the most in a season for the entire league.

It is hard to imagine someone more clutch right now. It doesn’t seem to matter how he is playing at the time. If there are ducks on the pond, this guy is going to deliver. At this point, opposing managers should consider giving him four balls way outside and spot the Cards the one run.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

I am ready for some Football!

Woo Hoo!

It is time for the Knucklehead to come out of hibernation. I may still stay in the cave for a while, but you can bet I’m waking up to the sports world.

Why? Training camps all around the NFL started this weekend. Coverage has ramped up on the internet, radio ESPN, and the NFL Network. That also means that the first preseason game is this weekend in Canton Ohio. It’s the annual Hall of Fame game, and this year it’s the Titans vs. the Bills. Yea, I know I’m sick for being excited to watch preseason games. I’ve come to grips with this sickness and I’m OK with it. I’ve been reading up on progress of players, and checking out Twitter to prepare for my two fantasy leagues as well. I have to defend my championship you know. Basically, I have been back to paying attention to the world of Sports. I’m back and ready for some football, yes even preseason. Talk about being starved.

I’ve been reading up on progress of players, and checking out Twitter to prepare for my two fantasy leagues as well. I have to defend my championship you know. I’ve been reading up on my favorite team (The Chargers) as well. I am so excited to see Shawne Merriman back, and hopefully we’ll keep him Philip, L.T. and Gates healthy for a whole season. The Rookies are all exciting too. This could be the season (yes, again).

There is one issue though. The Chargers will always be my favorite team and they have been since I was born (yep, that early). But thanks to Liberty’s Rashad Jennings, I will also be following and cheering for the Jacksonville Jaguars as well. I had the privilege of meeting Rashad the other day. What a great guy and a very talented athlete. If you meet him or see him play, there is no way you can’t be an immediate fan. His first camp experience starts today, and I can't wait to see his progress.

Bottom line, football is back. At this point, I’d even watch a Raiders preseason game. I’ll be out of town on vacation this weekend, but you can bet I’ll find a way to watch the Hall of Fame game. Yes, I know it’s the Titans and Bills, but it is FOOTBALL.

Welcome me back America.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

Even more Knucklehead opinions from the world of Sports

This is part 2 of the interview with Bob Alvis from the Sports Buffet.

Bob Alvis: Your ONE die hard sports team?

Knucklehead: The San Diego Super Chargers. My favorite sport, my favorite team.

BA: Your 1st Sports Memory as a Kid?

KH: OK, you’ve confused me. Surprise! My first sports memory is of me playing soccer in the rain at age 4 or so with my thick Buddy Holly glasses almost completely obscured. My first sporting event memory is from a San Diego Padres game in the mid 70’s. I was probably around 6 or 7. The Padres played the Pittsburgh Pirates (with those ugly shaped hats they had) and Mr. Curly Randy Jones was on the hill for the Padres. I remember the game going 14 innings, but I can’t remember for sure who won. I remember it happily though so I’m sure the Pads won. My mom tells me we went another time when I was younger to a double header where both games went extras (14 and 13 innings). My dad never left a game early, so we stayed for both.

BA: Your 1st game you ever attended.

KH: OK, first off thanks for making me feel really old. I have been to so many games over my life that I can’t seem to remember what the first one was. I would be pretty sure it was a Padres game.

BA: If you could attend one specific event in the past, what event would you attend (like a specific game, event) and why?

KH: Easy, the Epic in Miami playoff game from January of 1982 between The Dolphins and the Chargers. I have watched the NFL films show on the game many times. What an amazing game. It was very competitive and had lots of out of the ordinary happenings. Kellen Winslow’s performance alone, makes it my obvious pick. The Chargers coming out on top after the marathon game helps too.

BA: If you could attend any sports event what would you attend and why?

KH: I immediately thought about the Super Bowl. But with the advent of HDTV, I think I’d rather watch that from home. So, I think I’d say the World Cup. It is an event I’d like to take in the whole experience, the games and the whole atmosphere.

BA: You can go to dinner with any 3 athletes past or present, who's eating with you?

KH: Tony Gwynn is definitely there as my favorite MLB player of all time. Dan Fouts is there as well since he is etched in my childhood mind as the greatest QB I ever saw in person. The third one is hard, but I’d have to say Gayle Sayers. He just seemed like a great guy, and man what an amazing athlete. I still say he might one of the best Running Backs ever. He only played 68 games and yet he’s in the hall of fame. Boy what a dinner that would be.

BA: Who are the 4 people that you would put on your Sports Mount Rushmore and Why?

KH: WOW! This might just be the most difficult question of all time. Let’s see what I can distill out of the many names that come to mind. I’ll go with one from each of the 4 major sports. I am not a Hockey fan, and even I’m smart enough to say Wayne Gretzky. The guy was amazing enough to make me watch. He was so ridiculously dominant, it was unreal. Next I’d have Hank Aaron. The man just played ball and played it at a high level for long enough to eclipse the sports highest record for a long time (I think he should still hold it). Now it’s time for some sweetness. Walter Payton still lives in my memory as the best running back I’ve ever watched. There are a bunch of great ones right up there with him, but I have to give him the edge again because of his dominance. I’m no NBA guy. Read my blog and you’ll see that. I’ve gone back and forth between Larry Bird and Michael Jordan and my Carolina ties helped Air Jordan win out.

BA: Who are 4 Sportscasters that you would put on your Sports Mount Rushmore and Why?

KH: Billy Packer, Dick Vitale, Marv Albert, and Bryant Gumbell. What’s that? Oops sorry, I thought you said Mt. Trashmore. Let’s try again. I’d have to have Jack Buck on there. I spent many a late night as a teen in North Carolina listening to him call Card’s games on Clear Channel AM waves. Then I would have 2 other classic voices that cut through my memories: Harry Kalas who I especially remember from hours of NFL Films footage, and Mel Allen whose This Week in Baseball was a Saturday morning staple for me for years. Then I would have to cap it off with Al Michaels. I just love the way he calls games and always have.

BA: If you had to send your son/daughter to play a sport and anyone could coach them, who would you want coaching them (Top 3)?

KH: I’ve never really thought about this one. Let’s go with: 1. College Basketball, Dean Smith, 2. College Football – Mark Richt, and 3. NFL – Joe Gibbs

BA: If you had ultimate power and could change any rule in sports what rule would you change?

KH: This is going to sound crazy, but I would say none. Nothing really stands out to me as a horrible rule. I mean there are quite a few rules that I think are unnecessary, but none that rise to the level that they must go. I watch the games for the excitement, the emotion, and the competition. If you put a gun to my head, I’d say the tuck rule in the NFL. It makes no sense, and is way too easy to mess up.

BA. Stuck on a desert island and you get to take 3 DVDs of anything related to sports, whether it is a game, event, movie, whatever. What do you take?

KH: I would need to have Hoosiers and Rudy right off the bat. And it’s really convenient since I already own both DVDs. I would then like a DVD of the best Chargers Games of all time. Want to buy that one for me?

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

All you want to know about the Knucklehead and then some.

Bob Alvis from the Sports Buffet asked me to do a little interview for the blog section of his web site. I thought it might be interesting to post it here for all to enjoy, or laugh at.

Bob Alvis: 1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and where your love of sports came from and how it developed.

Knucklehead: I grew up in San Diego California with lots of professional sports all around. My dad was a HUGE sports fan and we spent much of my time growing up at Jack Murphy Stadium (Now silly QUALCOMM Park). We saw tons of Padres and Chargers games there as well as many pro soccer games. As I grew older, my love for sports became even more than my dads and expanded to include college basketball upon moving to North Carolina at age 11.

BA: 2. The title of your blog, Sports from the DOME, what led you to that title and what will readers get reading Sports from the DOME?

KH: The Sports from the dome title has two meanings actually. I am proudly bald as can be thus that version of the dome. And sporting events are often held in domes, so there is the other. You can expect lots of varitry from the blog, and maybe a little of opinion too. OK, who am I kidding, I am extremely opinionated and different, and you will pick that out right away.

BA: Quick Hits. Give me a quick take on each of these subjects and if you support these (yay) or disagree with these (nay).

KH:
Michael Vick being reinstated to the NFL - YAY - Look the man has served the time for the crime. Truly he served more than someone with less notoriety would have. So, let's move on. If some team wants him, then more power to them. We have an NFL full of repeat offenders for much worse crimes to other people, so he deserves a chance. Now, ask me if I think he is worth anything as an NFL QB, and you'll get a totally different answer (can you say WR?). By the way, I say re-instate Pete Rose too.

College football playoff - Did you say quick hit? WOW! Look I say YAY, but I think it will never happen for greedy money reasons. I am actually for an 8 team playoff that ties in with the current BCS. Otherwise this topic is too long for a quick hit.

Should the All-Star Winner determine the WS Home team? - NAY - I think it should be in the hands of the contending teams themselves not the whole league. EARN IT. I liked the way it was, and think they tried too hard to manufacture All-star excitement. It's also silly to let one meaningless game decide an important facet of a best of 7 game series.

NCAA Tourney Expansion - in a word - NO! Look, all the extra tourneys are already a joke. They don't have anywhere near the draw or excitement of the field of 65. Why fix what ain't broke? The teams know what it takes to get in, and have consolation tourneys if they don't. The only thing I say is to add 3 more play in games so there is one for each region. That's it.

Will Soccer ever be major US Sport? - Nay - Every country where Soccer (futbol) is a major sport doesn't have the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL stealing all the best athletes first. Unfortunately US Soccer will always be to European soccer what Canadian Football is to the NFL. That is, a cheap imitation at best.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

Thanks Tom

In a time that I refer to as football wasteland, Tom Watson did something I thought couldn’t be done. I had no intention of watching the British Open. I kept up with the scoring the first two days and even watched some highlights, but it was with at best a passing interest.

As I began to hear how well Tom was doing, I began to pay attention. I watched some of the coverage of Tom’s round on Saturday, and WOW. It was a thrill to see great fundamental golf being played. In a day and age where golf has become about the big hitter, it was nice to see someone to play a great all around game the way the game was meant to be played. The amazing part was that he was winning a major at 59.

Sunday started off great as well, and I had fun watching quite a bit of it. Then it all started to go bad on the 14th hole. His famous putting stroke began to let him down. Tom has always been known for his putter, but this time his strength became a weakness. It appeared that he was just plain worn out. I watched the 17th and 18th and began to believe it was just not going to happen. I couldn’t bear to watch after the first 2 holes of the playoff.

It was sad to see this great performance come up just short. But when you take this performance and place it in a list of all time golf accomplishments, it has to rank really high. He single handedly made a tournament without Phil and Tiger watchable. I’m no golf expert by any means, but one thing is for sure, Tom gave us duffers something to hang on to as we grow old. It gives the regular guy a reason a reason to keep playing.

So, thanks Tom. Thanks for giving it your all. Thanks for being such a class act. Thanks for the memory.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

It's only football wasteland

I am a huge football fan. Everything else pales in comparison to me now. That is actually kind of weird because I had been big into other things for years, but not any more. I’ve tried so hard to get into other sports since the Super Bowl, but I just can’t do it. I had a great period of focus with my second favorite sport right now, college basketball, in February and March. Then it all went so wrong.

I mean don’t get me wrong. Some of the special events like the Masters and US Open, the College World Series, World Cup Qualifying, and others have captured my attention for short periods of time. But nothing captures my full attention like the NFL.

I used to fill the void with Major League Baseball and Nascar, but that is not the case right now. I have fled Nascar completely. I guess certain drivers that are now gone (Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace, Ward Burton) are what kept me watching for so long. I still like to watch Major League Baseball, but not like I once did. First off my favorite team (San Diego Padres) are in a rebuilding mode. I usually start paying attention after the All-Star break. There is just nothing there right now to get me into it.

So, I was glued to the NFL combine and the draft. Yea, I know I’m sick, but what can I do. I watch NFL network as much as possible. I do quite a bit of reading on the NFL in general and on my favorite team (Chargers). The NFL is just a better, more exciting product. It’s been quite sad being stuck in this wasteland. Come on NFL, hurry up.

I can not wait for training camp and pre-season games to come. I have an extra reason to watch the pre-season games this year. Liberty University stud running back Rashad Jennings is now a Jacksonville Jaguar. He tore it up in Mini-camp and OTAs. I hope Rashad sees the field a lot in the pre-season. Is he does, watch for him to emerge as Maurice Jones-Drew’s full-time back-up.

Dear Mr. Goodale, please add a Spring/Summer NFL Minor League. Yes, it WILL be profitable. Trust me.

I love College Football too, and can't wait for that to start too. I'm the guy who watches the Spring Football Games on ESPN. College practices start the second week of August, and I can't wait. I mean, I'm even ready to spend my Friday nights out watching some High School football.

So, for now I will continue to watch way too much Deadliest Catch, Top Gear, and Wipeout to get through the doldrums. NFL, Please Hurry.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

NFL Draft, not a moment too soon

I am a huge NFL fan. I love to watch any game at any time no matter the teams. Yes, I’d even watch the Raiders vs the Lions at 3am (OK, I have a Tivo). Anyway, the time from February through September is brutal for me. Yes, I like other sports. Yes, I was thrilled when the North Carolina Tar Heels just won the NCAA Basketball Championship. But it is just not the same without the NFL.

So, the more the NFL becomes a year round sport (Combine, draft, free agency, etc.) the better for me. I look forward to the draft more and more too, because I’m just not into the baseball frame of mind yet either. I will watch (or Tivo) as much as I possibly can.

This year I have a little extra reason to be interested. A guy I have seen play live in person many times is waiting for his name to be called. Liberty University’s power Running Back, Rashad Jennings, is projected to go in either the 3rd or 4th round this weekend. Rashad is a big, bruising runner with a crazy workout ethic that has lead to his pro-ready physique.

I've seen where some scouts and writers don’t seem to think he is allusive enough or has enough break away speed, but my eyes tell me differently. Yes, I know the level of competition LU plays is not that high in comparison to some other runners in the draft, but I’ve seen him hit a hole way quick and be gone before you knew it. As far as being allusive he is much better than those scouts seem to think. I think he has the ability, and will improve fairly rapidly in the right situation just like he showed during Senior Bowl week. This kid really wants it, and will work hard with the coaches to be the best he can possibly be.

I've even read where some critics mention his upright running style as a negative. I always remember how NFL scouts didn’t like Philip River’s delivery and some even called it a disaster. Well it seems to be working out pretty well for him. It doesn't really matter if Rashad is running upright or not when he's mowing over a defender or two. I also think some of these scouts suffer from the “I don’t know LU or this guy very well, so I’ll make something up” syndrome. Those who have seen him play, or workout are very impressed and positive.

I had tried to catch up with Rashad before the draft for a quick interview, but couldn’t work it out. But, today I ran across an article from a guy who did. His name is Ed the Sports fan, and it is a great read (http://tinyurl.com/dfoz67).

Here is the text of the interview portion of the interview:

“I had the chance to talk with Rashad earlier and discuss his thoughts on the draft, life at Liberty, and his potential contribution to an NFL team.

Ed The Sports Fan: How you been? T-Minus 6 days until the draft, how you feeling?

Rashad Jennings: Every emotion in the world is running through my body, from the highs to the lows. I remember I was the kid on the sideline "picking my nose" just wondering what would happen next. (Laughs) It's a comfortable yet exciting feeling though, being able to do what I said I wanted to do as a 6-year old is a liberating feeling.

ETSF: Some sources are projecting you in about the 3rd-round, and I see you as the "Tim Hightower" of the draft and could be a real value pick. How do you feel you can contribute to an NFL team?

Rashad: Whichever team selects me, my first priority will be to help the team win. Winning over the respect of the players in the locker room, and doing whatever it takes to get us a victory is the biggest thing.

ETSF: Who was your favorite team growing up?

Rashad: Well, when I tell people everyone laughs, but my favorite team growing up was the Arizona Cardinals. Everyone around here was either Redskins or Cowboys fans, but I really liked Arizona!

ETSF: (laughing) Wow, didn't expect that one. Favorite player?

Rashad: Definitely Eddie George.

ETSF: What would you say the toughest or hardest things you've dealt with growing through the draft process?

Rashad: Waiting for the actual draft, waking up everyday not knowing what will happen on April 25th. Also not knowing what type of recognition and success I would've had at Pitt. At the end of the day, football is football, and I feel like I would've been successful wherever I played.

ETSF: Tell us what you got out of the Senior Bowl earlier this year.

Rashad: The coaching was the best, getting the opportunity to work with (Jacksonville coach) Jack Del Rio and (Cincinnati coach) Marvin Lewis was the best. I feel like I'm very coachable, and being able to learn simple techniques and tips worked wonders even in practice. Imagine what I could do in a real game. Plus, the pros come out and worked out with us as well, and Maurice Jones-Drew roomed with me while at the Senior Bowl. That was fun.

ETSF: What's the first thing you're going to do after you hear your name called?

Rashad: (Laughs) Probably ball out and start crying, feeling elated. Being thankful for my family and truly being happy. After that, just focusing on getting on that plane and going to work.

Rashad will be graduating with a double-major in Sports Management and Business, and will be walking the stage May 9th.”

All I can say is Go Rashad. Make us Lynchburg folks and Liberty Fans proud. I believe he will make some team and its fans very happy.

That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now.

Championship time TONIGHT!

This is a difficult preview for me to write. I have been a loud, proud UNC fan since I was like 8 years old. Hey be quiet, I'm not that old. Anyway, back on task. So, it makes it a bit hard for me to be objective. But, I'm not really sure that it matters when talking about this particular team. They are absolutely on a roll. They have won all 5 of their tourney games by double digits, and won Saturday night despite being out rebounded by Villanova and shooting 40% from the charity stripe. They just find a way to win.

This should be a great game. Izzo is sure to have an excellent game plan, and Roy Williams is sure to counter. I do feel strongly that it comes down to Carolina's Speed, Depth, and yes their newly recognized defense. I think Ellington and Lawson will be huge, but I believe this one will be carried on the back of one Tyler Hansbrough. I can't wait to see these guys hoist the trophy somewhere midnight.

Another note for this game is that with a win tonight, the Tarheel Seniors (Hansbrough, Frazor, and Green) begome the 4 year team with the most wins in Carolina history. This is an impressive group of guys.

My Score prediction: Carolina 85 - Michigan State 74.

ENJOY!

That's what's rolling around in the DOME for now!


UPDATE

Man was I close! Tarheels won 89-72 (Only 6 points off!). This was never really a game. The HEELS owned this tourney and this game!

UNC Tarheels 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Champs!

SAY WHAT??????

Early on this afternoon I thought the Broncos had lost their minds and had gotten taken by the Bears in the Jay Cutler trade. It appeared to me that they just were so done with Cutler that they were trying to just get anything. I mean this was one of the top offenses in the league the last 2 years. They were really just a few big time play makers on Defense away from being a contender. Granted they need some more pieces on offense too, but they were not that far away. They were poised to make some strides in the draft, but now this?

Well, that was before the full details of the trade were out.

Are you kidding me? The Bears must really think Cutler is the best QB EVER. So they gave the Broncos a 1st round pick this year and next year. We knew that was their stated price all along, no biggie. Wait, then more came out. They also got Kyle Orton. OK so, Orton is no real prize, but he was a starting QB in the league last year. Wait? What, there is more? Your kidding????? The Broncos also got the Bears third round pick this year, WOW! A third round pick is huge, and very good players can be picked up there. The Broncos did have to give the Bears a 5th round compensation pick this year, but in my opinion the made out like bandits.

So, you pick up a QB in the draft as your "Future". You muddle by with Simms or Orton this year and pick up a bunch of talent in the draft this year and next. They also have the a bunch of picks to trade with to move up in this year's draft if they want. For example, if McDaniels has a man crush on Sanchez from USC like he does on Matt Cassell, he can trade up and get him. If he does, watch out for these guys right away. What started off as a big mess has just turned into the jackpot.

As for Cutler, he got out of town like he wanted. I'm just not sure being a part of the hapless Bears is any better. They could now be contenders with him though so watch out for them too.

One more thing. I hope Jay Cutler is happy with what he asked for. One thing Denver did have was a decent Offensive line that gave him time to work and protected him. Now he moves to the bears who didn't have a great O-Line to begin with and recently dismantled it. I hope you like the view of the sky from your back Jay.

Man I love the NFL.

That's what's rolling around in the DOME for now!

We will (Choke, Cough) miss you Coach McKay!

Alright already!

People have been contacting me all day yesterday and today asking why I haven’t posted a blog entry on Coach Ritchie McKay leaving Liberty (http://tinyurl.com/cnk98p). The simple answer is that posting too quickly on this topic would not have been a good thing for you or me. I was way too upset to be rational in any way. I am still not happy about the whole situation, but I have come down off the ceiling of anger I was stuck on yesterday.

I will start with my initial thoughts. Early on yesterday morning, the whole thing caught me completely off guard. I was hoping it was a sick April fool joke. Then as I started to get messages from good sources and found that it looked to be true I became a bit on the mad side. I saw the idea of going from a Head Coach (yes in the Big South) to an Assistant coach (yes, in the ACC) as a bit of a lateral move. I mean the money has to be somewhat similar. Then what really burned my cookies was the fact that this man has only been here for two years. Not only that, but he has said time and again that he truly felt God called him to Liberty, and he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. He even went as far at last Thursday’s Flames Club luncheon to say he thought he’d stay at LU for the rest of his career. Look, I’m well aware that coaches say things like this all the time and don’t mean it. But I thought that a great Christian man at a Christian School wouldn’t make such claims unless they truly meant them. So, at this point I felt that Coach had lied to us and was rather angry for that.

Now that I have heard more details, read Coach McKay’s statement, and cooled down; I feel somewhat differently. As the details of the friendship between Tony Bennett and Coach McKay came out, things started to make a little more sense. Bennett’s father Dick was actually Ritchie’s mentor and Tony and Ritchie have worked together before. He sees this as his opportunity to help a friend build a new program at a much higher level than LU. So this part of the story makes sense. We all do stuff for our friends and to be around our friends.

Now to the part of his story that I’m struggling with: He says he is looking forward to being an assistant so the amount of pressure on him will decrease. There are 2 reasons this doesn’t work for me. First, he has been a head coach for over 14 years. After the messy divorce with New Mexico, he didn’t waste any time looking for another Head Coach gig. So to believe he just doesn’t want to do it anymore is just hard for me. Second, going from the Head job at LU in the Big South to any job with the UVA program in the ACC seems like a step up in the pressure level to me. I don’t think LU Administration, fans, or what small donor base we have is anywhere close to the level of pressure their UVA counterparts will dish out. UVA is a lower level ACC basketball program whose fans think they should be winning championships every year. Good luck with finding a decrease in stress coach.

So, I have decided to move on and accept Coach McKay’s decision. UVA has picked up a great man and coach to help lead their program up from the bottom. I wish him and them the best. The future for LU basketball will be just fine without him as Jeff Barber and Jerry Jr. will surely find someone very good. I do think despite the recent transfers and now Coach’s departure, the program will still be in decent shape. We have several key players returning, and hopefully some good ones still coming in. The key now is to bring in a coach as soon as possible. This is big for saving as many of the recruits as we can and filling the spots of any who leave before signing day on April 15th. It is comforting knowing the AD Barber is on his way to Michigan for the Final Four Coaches Job Fair as we speak. I think the program will be fine. Is it set back a year or two, yes. But, the future of Flames basketball is just fine. You'll see, SOON!

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now.

You are missing the point!

We’ve all heard the details of the continuing Jay Cutler verses Josh McDaniels soap opera that has been brewing out of Denver. Josh came to town as the New Broncos coach and wanted his New England up and comer Matt Cassel as his QB. He tried to trade Cutler for Cassel, and then lied to Cutler telling him he wasn’t trying to trade him. Since then Cutler has been begging to be traded and has not shown up for voluntary workouts.

Most every NFL commentator and radio talk show blabber has busted on Cutler. On the surface it appears that Cutler is asking out because McDaniels “hurt his little feelings”. The critics have said he is unprofessional, and said he is overreacting. Former Denver Bronco and current ESPN talker Mark Schlereth even went as far as to call him a “petulant child”. WOW! You people are harsh. Give the guy a break. Plus I don’t buy the popular reasoning for why Jay wants out. You are missing the point.

Look, have you watched any Broncos games in the last few years? I have unfortunately since I cheer for an AFC West team. Their defense is abysmal. There is very little real talent on the defensive side of the ball, which is shown by the amount of yards and points they have given up of late. Yes, their offense has been prolific and flashy at times, but very inconsistent and centered around marginal Running Back talent and a very troubled Wide Out. The owner has shown an unwillingness to be aggressive with money to improve the talent. It is also very cold in Denver. So, my theory is that Cutler simply wants out to go to a better team in a better place and is using the leverage a young, over zealous coach gave him. That is how I see it. Either way, how can you blame the guy?

Jay Cutler has the talent to make some team great, but like it or hate it he has to be happy. My theory is that he’ll end up either a Jet, a Lion, a Buccaneer, or a Brown. At this point I’m leaning to the Browns because they can provide a QB in return. We’ll see.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now.

Rashad Jennings is a Beast

Just give it some time!

When the dust settles from the 2009 NFL Draft, and the season is rolling, the most talked about newcomer Running Back will be one Rashad Jennings. I have seen him play every home game for the past three years, and he is the real deal. I have heard and read the praise and the criticism, and I am sure this guy will come through the process shining. Why? Because he is willing to listen and to do what ever it takes to be the best he can possibly be. They guy is a beast and a workout freak. So, watch out for Rashad, and don't be surprised when he is drafted higher than most seem to expect.

Here is his newly completed Jr./Sr. highlight video. Enjoy!

Random College Basketball Ramblings

Ty Lawson is by far the most important player in College basketball!

On a team that has five players that average double figure scoring, Ty Lawson is by far the most valuable. I would make the case that he should get the National Player of the year this year as well. Lawson led the Heels to a resounding win over the Oklahoma Sooners with an unbelievable stat line (19pts, 5 assists, 1 Turnover). The guy only has 2 turnovers in his last 3 games and a pile of assists and points. All this while hampered with a very sore toe.

All the talk has been about Blake Griffin being the best and being the slam dunk #1 pick in the NBA draft. I will say right now, that if I'm up there I take Lawson at #1 without any hesitation. What recent draft choices have had the biggest impacts. Chris Paul anyone? Guards make a huge impact on a struggling team right away. Big guys? Not always (see Greg Oden). Lawson has the quickness, court vision, confidence, deadly shot, and a way of taking care of the ball that pushes this deep team over the top. His skill set makes him and this team a deadly choice in the final four. If this week sees him get healthier, then UNC is your National Champ!

Seth Curry. . . OUT!

Alright! Seth Curry announced on Tuesday that he was leaving Liberty University and moving to a bigger conference. Then yesterday, less than a week later, he announced he's headed to (of all places) DUKE. So he goes from being a part of a school that worships God to pulling on a uni as a Blue Devil. Interesting. Look I sincerely wish Seth the best! But, once he steps onto that campus, I can not cheer for him. He could have gone to any other school in the country, and I would have followed his career and rooted him on with all my heart. He is now going to fade into the woodwork in my mind.

At first I was upset that he "used" LU to gain some publicity and move up to where he really wanted to be anyway. But truly, who could blame the guy. He was young, undersized, and coming off a weak year in the middle of high school during the original recruiting process. He had very few offers, and none from where he envisioned being. So, he took the one he thought was the best all the time hoping it would lead him to where he wanted to be all along. In principal, I don't really like that, but in reality we all do the same kind of things on a smaller level throughout our lives. So, I wish the young man the best, and hope he gets what he wants.


Finally, Some really exciting hoops!

One last point. The first weekend of the tourney was good, yes. But this past weekend was outstanding! Competetive games, drama, upsets, and players stepping up big time makes for lots of excitement. I watched most all of the games in sparkling HD on my 42" Vizio and loved them all. So, here's hoping the Final 4 weekend is that good!

That's what's rolling around in the DOME for now!

Really?

OK, so I should have known that Clemson would lose again. I thought they had a great shot at making a run to the Sweet 16 this year and a good matchup, so I picked it. Michigan played better and looked much more athletic, but Clemson still should have won that game. At the end of the game when Clemson needed a 3 to tie, K.C. Rivers put up a pathetic shot from the baseline. Their best 3pt shooter wasn't even on the court. Terrance Oglesby was ejected early in the second half after throwing an elbow. Look, I understand the flagrant foul call. He was mad and out of control, but not to the degree of an ejection. The guy who flipped Blake Griffin, yep he needed to be ejected. But this situation with Oglesby makes me mad not only because it wasn't that severe, the timing of the call was a joke as well. The worst part was that they waited until after the foul shots were done, conferred, and then ejected him. So, it took you over a minute after the play to make the decision? Come on! I will not go so far as to say the officials cost Clemson the gam, because Clemson's lack of defense did that. But they did cost them a legitimate shot to tie it up at the end. Yes, I know Oglesby was 1-7 when he was taken out, but those kind of players find a way when the game is on the like.

Just my opinion.

Overall, Yesterday's games were a bit disappointing. Here's to better, more dramatic games today.

That's what's rolling around in the DOME for now!

You call it Madness, but I call it WOW!

This Thursday is my favorite sports day of the year. It marks the beginning of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament or what some call March Madness.

The whole tournament will catch my attention, but those first two days are spellbinding. Yes, it is great basketball, but that isn't what keeps me coming back. It is the unpredictability and the drama that make it so much fun and so attractive. It is the upsets, the last second shots, the cinderella teams, the Stephen Curry type performances, and the emotion that make it must see TV. For me, it's the WOW factor!

So, it's no wonder so many eyes will be watching on Thursday and Friday. Most will watch every bit they can from their workplaces (Between meetings, phonecalls, and paperwork) during the day and every second at night.

So, get ready for two days of WOW!

That's what's rolling around in the DOME for now!

March Madness is already starting

Some smaller conference tournaments have already begun. For example, my hometown Liberty Flames won their Big South Tourney opening round match-up last night in the Vines Center verses Gardner-Webb. They led by as much 20 in the game only to have the Bullgogs close it to only a 3 point lead with about a minute to play. In the end the LU Cardiac Kids pulled it out with an 88-77 win thanks in large part to Seth Curry pouring in 30 while his famous Father and Brother looked on. Kyle Ohman was huge in the first half and ended the game with 18, and Anthony Smith contributed quietly with 16. Tyler Baker was perfect on the night (4-4 from the field and 6-6 from the line) with 14 points and 6 boards. Freshman Jesse Sanders was back in the lineup after missing 2 games with an ankle injury. They Flames will take on VMI in Radford's Dedmon center on Thursday. The Flames and Keydets split the season series with the away team blowing out the home team in both games. The Keydets embarrased LU by fourty in the Vines Center just last week. It should be interesting.

I get so excited this time of year. Selection Sunday is just over a week away and the Big Dance will start 2 weeks from tomorrow. One of the things I love is bracket contests. I always get together a group for ESPNs contest and will again this year. Another good one I will participate in this year is hosted BY ABC13 WSET at WSET.com. Check it out (http://cfc.wset.com/brackets.cfm). It's free, and there are even prizes. Have fun.

That's what's rolling around in the DOME for now!

A few early Free-Agency observations

We are just part of the way into NFL Free-Agency and there has already been quite a bit of action. The big noise has been about the Deep-pocket Redskins signing Albert ‘the head stomper” Hanesworth for a bazillion dollars. There is also a lot of buzz about 2 quarterbacks that might move. If the Cardinals don’t get serious Kurt Warner might end up a 49er, and the new Denver Sheriff has ticked off Mr. Cutler and now he might move.

But in my opinion, the best fit move happened last night when the Seattle Seahawks picked up T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Seahawks have been close for the last several years but the one piece that has really been missing is a big play maker Wide out. They got him yesterday. Their running game is slowly improving with Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett, and they will likely look to shore that up further in the draft. They will likely continue with a tandem backfield like so many other NFL teams. Now they have a big play receiver for veteran Matt Hasselback to hook up with and spread the field. Matt still has a strong accurate arm and has really needed someone like T.J. to really make this offense click.

T.J. got a good deal too as he got out of the disaster Bengals franchise and out of the drama queen shadow of Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson. He is 31, but I believe his best year may be yet to come, this year. He will be the go-to guy in this offense, and will thrive. He will be a top 5 or 6 receiver in the league in 2009. I for one will look to get him again in my fantasy leagues.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

Bailey Alston, the scoring machine!

My favorite LU basketball player of all time is Bailey Alston. Those who know me well have heard me tell many stories about Bailey’s legendary drives through traffic to the basket. The only bad thing is that we only got to see him play in an LU uniform for 3 years. If he would have played all four for LU, I have no doubt he would own every scoring record imaginable.

Bailey graciously answered some questions for me recently, and the interview was a fun walk through memory lane for me.

Knucklehead: A lot of folks don’t realize that you transferred from Rutgers to LU. So, the obvious question is: what drew you to LU?

Bailey Alston: After deciding to transfer from Rutgers, my roommate form Fork Union Military Academy Richard Osburne’s high school coach Rick Birby was Liberty's Assistant Coach. He and Coach Meyer visited my home in Henderson. My mom was very impressed with Coach Meyer and Coach Birby.

KH: What was it like having to sit out and watch from the sidelines for a year after transferring?

BA: Sitting out for a year was tough, watching your teammates play and wanting to play.

KH: In your first year at LU (1988) you scored 756 points (3rd most in LU history). In that year, you had 3 games where you scored 40 plus points. What does a night like that feel like?

BA: The nights I scored 40 or more points are nights I will never forge. The goal seemed like an Ocean. It's like being in a zone!!

KH: I remembered you having the green light to shoot from day one. As I looked at the stats I see that my memory is right. In the Write State game in 1990, you attempted a Division 1 LU record 28 shots. First, how many of those did you make? Second, what was it like to know the coaches had that much confidence in your game?

BA: Did I shoot 28 times? That may be why I am having trouble with my right arm now!! Just kidding!! K.C. I really don't remember how many I made! Having the green light was fun but also stressful @ times, believe me.

KH: You are third all time in scoring with 2,115 points in just 83 games. For those who never saw you play, which skill lead to more of those points: your classic moves to the basket or your jump shot?

BA: I was more of a scorer. My quickness played a great deal in my scoring. I wasn't necessarily a great shooter but a great scorer.

KH: What is your favorite memory in an LU uniform?

BA: My best memory would be playing Clemson in Little John against Elton Campbell and Dale Davis, and scoring 25 points. Also dunking on Terry Davis of Virginia Union (he later played 10 years in NBA).

KH: You were also there for the 1st point Toilet Paper showers in the Multi-Purpose center. What was that like as a player?

BA: The toilet paper showers were pretty cool!

KH: Alright, you played with the great Tim Scarborough. Was he really as good as he tells everyone, and was that ETSU dunk really that impressive?

BA: Tim was a great teammate. His dunk against ETSU was a great dunk but it wasn't over a 7 footer like Terry Davis!! LOL! And no, Tim was not a better shooter or dibbler than I! LOL! It was fun watching him transform from walk-on to starter. I enjoyed playing beside him!!

KH: Have you been able to make many recent LU games or see them on Television? If so what is your impression of Coach Ritchie McKay and his program?

BA: I am very impressed with Coach McKay and his staff. I had a chance to see them scrimmage ECU here in Greenville earlier in the season.

KH: There is a lot of buzz going around in the program right because of one Seth Curry. What are your thoughts on his game?

BA: I think Seth Curry will break all scoring records.

KH: Thanks Again Bailey. If you’re right, I can’t wait to see Seth Dropping in 40 point games as often as you did.

That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!

What ever happened to the Truth?

I did some listening to sports talk radio this morning, and I've done some sports column reading over lunch. The topic of the day seems to be Alex Rodriguez being questioned today by the media for the opening of spring training. The press will surely grill him endlessly on the steroid issue.

So, the question the sports talkers and columnists alike are blathering on about is: "what should he say or not say?" Some say he should just repeat what he said to Peter Gammons, and then go no further. Some say he should say some of the names of the substances he took, but not all. Some say he should not say anything and try to move on.

I think it is interesting in all this that the subject of the truth never seems to come up. Now look, I'm not naive enough to believe that any of these guys tell all of the truth. I think it is clear that they don't (yes, even Andy Pettite). But I think there is something to be said for just coming clean. If he truly wants to move on and just play ball, that is the only real option. Anything short of the truth will just leave fans and the media full of unending questions that will dog him for the remainder of his career. It will even spill over into the discussion and voting for possible hall of fame induction down the road.

So, if you want my opinion, he needs to just lay it all out there. Be honest, and speak from the heart, and people will let you move on. Convince us.

That's all that's rolling around in the dome for now!

Matt Hildebrand, a Liberty Legend

In my search for great content for the blog, it is becoming clear that athlete interviews are very popular. So, I had the pleasure of catching up with former Liberty University Basketball guard, Matt Hildebrand. Matt was one of the most exciting players ever to play for LU and one of only four LU players to have their jersey’s retired. Of, course I wrote the interview questions from the unique DOME perspective:

Knucklehead: I have to start with the obvious question, What drew you to LU?

Matt Hildebrand: I wanted to play Division 1 basketball and I liked the idea of combining athletics with a Christian environment.

KH: You are #2 all time in assists at LU and # 1 in 3pt Field Goal Percentage. What do you see as your greatest asset as a player, your ability to distribute the ball or your ability as a shooter?

MH: I'm not sure I would put one over the other. Both are important to the offensive effectiveness of a team.

KH: 1994 was a huge year for you. You played a ton of minutes, made 73 three pointers, and made more than 92% of your free throws. What drove you that year, what was different?

MH: I feel like I was motivated from my sophomore through my senior season (as a freshman I didn't really understand what I was getting into). I know that as a senior I felt a greater sense of leadership even though I had been a co-captain since my sophomore year.

KH: 1994 saw you guys winning the Big South title and take on a #1 seed Carolina team that won the NCAA title in 1993. What was that moment like as David taking on Goliath and actually making a run at them?

MH: The highlight of my basketball career. As a team we had worked so hard (many of the same guys together for four years) and to become the first Liberty men’s team to make the NCAA tournament was incredibly fulfilling.

KH: Personally, when that day was over how did it feel to know you dropped 20 points on North Carolina? (Or did the loss sting too much?)

MH: It felt good to know that we had competed with the number one team in the country. When you give it your best effort you can always live with the outcome and we gave it all we had.

KH: Let's see if I can catch you off guard. You hold the highest point scoring game in Vines Center History. How many points and who was it against? (no research please) Talk about being in the zone!

MH: 41 points against Charleston Southern. A player never forgets his high point game. See if I can catch you off guard. How many of my points came from the free throw line?

KH: Great memory! Alright, you got me. Thankfully the LU Sports information folks put out a wonderful media guide though. I see that you hit 19 free throws in that game, very impressive and still a record. You are one of only 4 Flames men to have their Jersey retired. What did that moment in December of 1994 mean to you?

MH: It was a tremendous honor. It had been my desire to represent myself, my family, my school, and my God to the best of my ability and I feel like the Lord honored that. It never could have happened without the support of my coaches and the contributions of my teammates.

KH: You played with 2 of the other 3 with retired jerseys, Peter Aluma and Julius Nwosu. What did it do for your game having those guys in the middle?

MH: They made my job a lot easier. They were two of the most dominant big men the Big South has ever had. Not only were they outstanding offensive players, their biggest contributions may have come on the defensive end with their rebounding and ability to block shots. We were always really good defensively, and I can guarantee you it wasn't because of me.

KH: Have you been able to make many recent LU games? If so what is your impression of this young team?

MH: I've been to a number of their games and I really enjoy watching them play. Coach McCay is doing and outstanding job. They play hard and they have some guys that can really shot the three. A little undersized but they make up for it with heart.

KH: Which is more enjoyable to you: Playing College Hoops or Being a High School Coach?

MH: Playing. With coaching you have the same nervousness but you have no release. As a player you're nervous until the game gets underway. As a coach you’re nervous until the final second.

KH: How did your experience as a college player prepare you for being a High School Coach?

MH: I think it was more my whole career as a player, from High School through some post-college stuff. Gathering from a lot of good coaches. Everyone I've played for has shaped my coaching is one way or another.

KH: Looks like an up and down year so far for your Rustburg team. Give us a short outlook for the rest of your season.

MH: We've won our last 5 games so we're playing well right now. This team has surpassed my expectations and I'm really proud of them for accomplishing what they have this year.

KH: Last and silliest question. You always sported the signature jersey matching t-shirt. You wouldn't still have the one from the NCAA tourney to put up on EBAY would you?

MH: I don't have any of my jerseys but there's a guy in Lynchburg who builds houses. He used to be friends with Coach Meyer's son and he has one of my jerseys. I may have to buy if from him on EBAY.

KH: Thanks Matt, great stuff! And to the Lynchburg builder with the jersey, come on man give the man his jersey back.

That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now!

Tonight is the Night

Watch this great Video from ESPN, and you will be as psyched about the Carolina vs Duke game tonight at 9pm on ESPN as I am!

The North Carolina Duke rivalry is the best in sports. Tonight's game will be no different than previous years. It is more about the rivalry that skills, talents, or who is the better team. This thing always has more layers than an onion. I can not wait for this one, but I hope the cold meds let me stay awake till the end. I will have to turn the sound down though. I just can only take so much of Screamin' Dickie V. But this is what makes College Hoops so good and so much better than the NBA. There is no telling what might happen tonight especially in that oven posing as an arena called Cameron. So prepare yourself as the guys from Blue Heaven come in to take on the Devils from Floor Slapper U.

I look for Hansbrough to take this one over early and often on the inside. Lawson and the rest will chip in from the outside. I predict a 10 point Carolina Victory, and weaping from Coach K and the Cameron Crazies.

What do you mean I'm biased? It's not like I detest Duke or Coach K or anything. Well, yea, I do actually!

Go Heels!

That's What is rolling around in the DOME for now!

Favre - Is the drama REALLY over?

So, word comes from ESPN that Brett Favre has sent an e-mail to his only friend Ed Werder telling him that he is retiring form the J.E.T.S (jets, jets, jets). I really don't want to go through the normal news blah, blah, blah on this topic. You can read that anywhere (like here - http://tinyurl.com/b4dcln). I would rather dig deeper into the psychological thriller that is the waning years of Mr. Favre's playing career. You will have to excuse me for not taking anything that comes out of Brett's mouth at face value. I will not believe it at all until he doesn't appear on any field in any uniform.

So, according to Mr. Werder, Favre had his agent, Bus Cook, tell the Jets he was retiring. Wow, that is a lot of levels. I hope it isn't like the game we played in High School where you tell the first person something and by the time it gets to the last person it comes entirely different. My guess is that he is still playing games. And, as you read down the article, you will see it clearly. It starts off as if it's a done deal and the man is FINALLY retiring, and then you read this bombshell:

"While Favre did not directly broach the subject of the team simply releasing him so that he might have the option of signing with another team such as the Minnesota Vikings, a source said that Cook informally discussed the option with the Jets. The Jets respectfully declined that option, the source said."

Wow, you are joking right? So, the Jets stuck their neck out, took all the drama, paid him a ton of money, only got a half-hearted effort and 1 measly year, and new he actually asked to be released. What a joke this guy turned out to be on a personal level. I mean the Packers put up with it for several years, so the Jets had a clear buyer beware, but this goes beyond the realm of normal. It was clear at the end of the year that he was done physically and the he had checked out mentally. I was sure this was finally time for a clear cut "I'm done" retirement. But now it appears that this guy is so sure that his life will be over when he leaves the field and is STILL not willing to move on.

So then Favre goes on to spill his guts to his Old friend ED with this comment about playing for the Jets:

"Maybe initially I came back for the wrong reasons,'' Favre says now. "It was like, "OK, they don't want me to play, then I'll play somewhere else and show them I can still play.''

So, basically this is a clear admission that the Packers decision to move on without him hurt his little feelings and he set out to get back at them" If I'm this Packers or their fans, this really burns. We gave this guy every shot for years, and he was the Man. He was unclear about his future way too many times and they moved on, and now he says he partly went to the Jets to prove them wrong. He even said he felt like the Packers were "shipping him off to Siberia". OK now the Jets Owners and fans are ticked.

This guy could have quietly just faded off the scene any time in the last 5 years and left a giant hero. Now he just slammed both teams an both groups of adoring, jersey wearing fans with this junk. Please! What a bad move. I am so ready for this guy to move on and hopefully disappear.

Brett, you were the king of football, and we all loved you dearly. Now you have officially tainted that legacy and solidified your new title of "Drama Queen". ENJOY!

That's what is rolling around in the DOME for now!

Another ABomb from ARod, and you are shocked? Really?

It is really hard for me to believe that so many people are shocked at Saturday’s Sports Illustrated proclamation that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003. Really, are you shocked? How can anyone possibly be surprised by this revelation? We knew all along that 104 players tested positive during these “secret” survey tests. It is no surprise to me that ARod is on this list, and I would guess that he is not the only high profile name on it.

Sure, I think ARod (and all the others) did something really wrong, but at this point who cares? This is a period of time in baseball where there are a ton or tainted numbers. Use was rampant in the steroid era. At this point there is no telling who used and who didn’t, so we have to factor that into the stats and assume that inflated numbers in this period were steroid related. Does this hurt some guys that were not users? Sure, but what choice do we have. They have to be suspect in some way based on when they played. But I don’t only blame the players.

So, besides ARod, Clemens, Giambi, Pettit, Bonds, McGwire, and others who is really to blame in all this mess? In my opinion a big part of the blame has to go to Major League Baseball and the Player’s union. They both knew all this was going on all along, and chose to turn away and ignore it. They saw skyrocketing attendance at the parks and on TV and were rolling in unprecedented profits. From the top to the bottom they knew that players were juicing, and yet everyone chose to ignore it. So, go ahead and throw rocks at ARod and the others, but please save a few for MLB and the Union. They are just as guilty or maybe even more.

So please stop acting so surprised, and brace yourself for the barrage of steroid era leaks and surprises. I am quite sure it will not end for quite some time, and this is no where near the biggest surprise. So, you wait for the other shoe to drop and I will move on and enjoy the game and take the stats from that era for what they are, tainted.

That’s what is rolling around in the dome today!

Back in the Day

I decided to start a new feature on the blog. As often as I can, I plan to try and interview current or former coaches and athletes. I will of course try to ask questions that are slightly different from the run of the mill stuff you hear every day.

I thought it was only fitting to start with one of my favorite Liberty Flames basketball players back in the day. I was in school, and went to pretty much every game in the old Multi-Purpose Building (now the Schilling Center). There was a scrappy guard named Tim Scarborough that was always entertaining. Tim laced up the sneakers for LU from 1986 through 1990.

My plan was to give you a bunch of facts and stats on Tim before the interview portion, but Tim's answers were much more entertaining.

Knucklehead: So, I have to start with the first question every LU athlete gets asked at one time or another. Why LU?

Tim Scarborough: Well I wanted to play at a Christian School since I had been in a Christian education environment since 3rd grade. I also wanted to play division 1 and stay close to Philly so Liberty made the most since. Since they were moving to the division 1 level I figured I would get my chance. I wasn’t heavily recruited but I also had an opportunity to walk on at Michigan State. I think I made the right choice walking on at Liberty. I received a full ride after just 1 semester.

KH: What do you see as your greatest asset as a player?

TS: I was a very good stand still shooter actually. That is what caught coach Meyer’s eye in practice. I actually shot 44% from 3 my Junior year but I didn’t take enough to be ranked in the record books.

KH: What about your favorite moment in an LU Uniform?

TS: Well there is this dunk I did on ESPN that is now on YouTube that I haven’t stopped talking about since I did it all those years ago lol (http://tinyurl.com/b6s5c6), but my most memorable moment is my sophomore year when I really started getting significant playing time and I got a skip pass from a teammate and I shot a 3 that was all net. It sounds like a little thing but as soon as I shot it I could feel our crowd swelling with excitement and when it went in, wow what a rush!

KH: Name 1 thing playing college basketball did to impact you the most as a person.

TS: Gave me bad knees lol. No seriously I would say it made me understand what it is to really compete. It also taught me teamwork and it gave me confidence to do many other things in life because I was told coming out of HS that I wasn’t a division 1 player but I did it and that has always made me pursue things even when people think I can’t do it.

KH: What current LU player reminds you most of Tim Scarborough as a player?

TS: Actually James Spencer #4. He is a good person 1st of all but he is a guy that is good enough to play but for whatever reason didn’t have a lot of opportunities to play college ball. He is a walk-on like me and as a sophomore is getting more and more minutes each game and makes the most of them. He actually did my signature move the other night too. It was kind of eery because I don’t think he ever saw me play other than the dunk on youtube. Did I tell you about that? LOL.

KH: What was it like as a player in the Shilling center getting pelted with Toilet paper after the first basket of each game?

TS: Those were the days man. That was also a tradition at the old Palestra in Philly during the “Big 5” college basketball days with St Joes, Villanova, Temple, Penn and LaSalle. So when I came to Liberty and they did it, it made me feel right at home. I was sad when the NCAA banned that celebration during my sophomore year.

KH: Which is more enjoyable to you: Playing College Hoops or Being a College Hoops Color Commentator?

TS: Being a commentator. Although almost every night for the past year or so I seem to dream that I am playing basketball in some sort of setting that I have been in before like HS or college or sometimes I am a pro. It is kind of weird because when I am awake I really don’t miss playing anymore. Being on TV and calling college games is the most fun thing I have ever done and I hope that comes across to the audience when I am doing the games.

KH: I know you go around the country watching a ton of College Hoops. What arena is your favorite to watch a game in?

TS: I went to see former Liberty Head coach Jeff Meyer when he was on staff at Indiana and I can honestly say the atmosphere in Assembly Hall was incredible. That building is so much nicer in person than on TV. Plus former Liberty player Eric Gordon SR had his son Eric JR on the team and of course he was an All-American and a 1st round NBA draft pick. What a night though.

KH: Who is the best College Basketball player you have ever seen that never became a household name?

TS: My former teammate Bailey Alston. He was unstoppable. He averaged 25 ppg for his career and scored over 2000 points in just 3 seasons at Liberty. He and I had similar skills though. I was a better perimeter shooter and ball handler but boy he could get to the hoop on anyone.

KH: What is your favorite attribute of the current LU Flames Men's Basketball team?

TS: Their poise. With 7 freshmen they seem to never panic and are in every game. They give themselves a chance to win almost every game.

KH: Give me a quick preview of your next LU Men's Game?

TS: Winthrop is the defending big south champion but they are not your father’s Winthrop Eagles. Liberty dropped a close one down in Rock Hill back on Jan 3 which was actually their 1st division 1 win of the season. Liberty had their chances down the stretch too. I think the Flames will bounce back in this one and win going away.

Thanks Tim for the fun interview. Now I'm all jazzed up for that game with Winthrop this Saturday in the Vines.

(Buy the way: Scarborough amassed 616 points and 194 assists in just 87 games as a Flame.)

That's what is rolling around in the dome for now.

I was wr….wr….wrong

I was partly right you know. Arizona did move the ball at will, Warner had a huge game, and Pittsburgh’s running game was stifled. I just didn’t see Arizona committing (or being called for) several million penalties or that huge swing at the end of the first half with the Harrison interception and touchdown run. Arizona’s offense is so much fun to watch. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best receivers in the game. He is just behind Andre Johnson for the best in my opinion. In the end it was, of all things, Pittsburgh’s offense that made the difference. Ben was huge at the end and so was Holmes. I also think Arizona made a huge mistake changing their defensive strategy in that last drive. They had played hard nosed blitzing D the whole game only to go into a soft prevent D at the end. That decision allowed Pittsburgh to simply dance down the field and that was all she wrote.

I have heard so many people calling this “one of the best Super Bowl’s ever”. Please! This was an average overall game at best. It was certainly one of the better fourth quarters ever, but not even better than last year’s Giant’s triumph against Brady and the Pats. There were more penalties and video reviews than there was excitement.

I would like to applaud the NFL for choosing General Petraeus to do the coin toss. He is a great man and an outstanding American and deserves that kind of recognition.

So as much as it pains me to say, Congrats Steeler fans, I was wrong!

That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now!

Pre-Doomed Super Bowl Prediction

Despite my better judgement, every year I end up shouting out my Super Bowl Prediction to the masses. It has not worked out so well over all, even though I had the Giants by 3 over the Patriots last year. I have a tendency to pick the underdog.

So this year, we have a Super Bowl that lacks the sparkle some would like to see. But, to me I see a perfect match-up. I see an offense with lots of stud players (Arizona) versus the best defense in the league (Pittsburgh). Kurt Warner gets the ball away the quickest I've ever seen, and Pittsburgh's pass rush is one of the quickest ever. Yet another good match up on this side of the ball is Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin against that incredibly athletic secondary of the Steelers. This could get really good.

Even on the other side of the ball the match up is good. The Cardinals defense is actually very good, and Blitzes just as often as the Steelers (I heard today that both blitz 39% of the time). The Steelers offense "can" be really good if the running game is on and Ben Rothlisburger can stay healthy. The Steelers will want to run early and often in this one. The Cardinals will try to stop that run and at the same time put some huge pressure on Ben. Again, interesting.

It's time to make my pick. I believe that Warner and the Cardinals will find a way to get it done on offense. Fitz and Boldin will both have big days. Their offense will prove to be more than the Steelers can handle. Warner will get the ball off quickly enough that the blitz will be somewhat ineffective. He will catch them off guard early, and they will be forced to pull back from the blitz. I think the Cardinals will easily penetrate the Steelers O line and Ben will spend a lot of the evening on the ground. I do think the Steelers will be somewhat effective on the ground though. So, I am going with Arizona 31, and Pittsburgh 21. Yes, a 10 point win. You may think I'm crazy, and you may be right. But, in this case I think you will find me to be right on!

That's what is rolling around in the DOME for now!

P.S. - This is a bold post I've just made considering I have a ton of Steeler fan friends, and that the poll is heavily Steelers too. It appears that I am on an island by myself. Oh well, I can take the heat. Bring it on! Then I will get all the credit since I'm by myself.

Larry Fitzgerald sees the big picture

I wish more athletes saw the big picture when considering contracts. They are often too concerned about a big contract and not enough about being a winner. The Cardinals are in talks with Anquan Boldin about his contract, and may have to let him go if they can't free up enough cap room or if he asks too much. However, today Larry Fitzgerald has agreed to restructure his contract to open the way to Boldin staying with the team.

Fitzgerald knows that he is only as good as he is because of the attention that Boldin takes away from him. He knows that he wouldn't be about to be playing in his first Super Bowl without him. He will make plenty of money throughout his career, but he will only get a few chances for the perfect storm it takes to go deep into the playoffs and maybe win it all. So, he's willing to sacrifice a little to stay in a good situation. BRAVO.

I wish more Pro athletes got this idea. Very few see anything but their own interests and big dollar signs. Fitz gets it. Tony Gwynn was another who always got the team concept and took less money several times to stay with a team and in a situation he loved. It is great to see another guy willing to do it the right way.

Here is an article on the subject:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3867088

That's all that's rolling around in the DOME for now!

LU 78 HPU 63

Liberty Jumped on the High Point Panthers early and often tonight in the Vines Center. Liberty lit it up from behind the arc shooting 13-28 (46%) to High Point's 6-21 (28%). Kyle Ohman was feeling it tonight and the confidence showed all night. He shot 5 of 8 from behind the arc and tied his career high of 26 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. He was big all night. Senior Anthony Smith was right behind with 21 points (4-8 from 3pt range). Big man on campus Seth Curry had his first career double double with 18pts and an amazing 10 rebounds for his size. Jesse Sanders only scored 2 points (both on Free-Throws) but was huge with 9 assists and 9 boards. The stellar rebounding effort by the undersized team was impressive, out rebounding HPU 43-29. The Flames were quicker to the ball and tight on defense all night.

The bench continued to be on the anemic side with only 4 points and 7 rebounds. It becomes even more pitiful sounding when you realize that all 4 points and 5 of the rebounds were from one Tyler Baker.

Overall it was a fun game to watch. There were more than 2000 fans there even with the bad weather. The half-time show was rather, well interesting. . . OK it was bad. It was a dance troupe that brought some out of sync the 80's break dance fighting stuff. WOW!

Then LU didn't score for the last 1:37 of the game. The biggest wow minute was when Johnnie Stephene was dribbling out the clock lackadaisically with 5 seconds to go in the game. Nick Barbour from HPU stole the ball, or should I say carefully snuck up and took the ball, and broke away for a lay-up to end the game. It was strange as he actually paused after the "steal" as if he was making sure it was OK. So, a game that had a 21 point margin with a minute and a half to go ended up as a 15 point game. But it was an impressive win nonetheless.

That's all that's rolling around in the Dome for now.

Headin to the Furnace

Tonight, myself, a friend, and my two oldest sons are headed over to Liberty University to the Vines Center to watch the Flames take on the High Point Panthers in College Hoops.

This is the time of the year when my attention fully shifts from the NFL over to College hoops. I have been paying attention to hoops somewhat, but I have still kept alert to my favorite - the NFL. Well, the Superbowl is this Sunday. In my opinion it will be a good one. I think the Cardinals will provide the Steelers all the can handle. But, back on topic, I am about to be fully engulfed in college hoops fever.

The college game is by far more compelling and entertaining to me than the NBA. I love the passion the kids bring into their teams. They are there to win, and it is evident in the play. I think it is more structured, and yet more unpredictable. Most of these kids have played the game their entire life, and it is what they live for at this moment. Yes, they are getting an education, but in reality it is about that round ball and winning. Every team and every game brings something different. The style, pace, look, feel, attitude, and so on changes with each new game. Even when you are at a poor game (such as the UVA / Florida State game I endured this past Saturday), there is something interesting or compelling in every game.

Tonight I look forward to seeing all the Freshmen superstars LU brings. Obviously, the big press and media has flocked to Seth Curry, and rightly so. He is a phenom and will only get better. He leads the country in Freshman scoring, and is one of the smoothest players I have ever seen. I personally love the style of one Jesse Sanders the point guard. He is gusty, fast, and an all around great player. This team flows through him. Without him (as during the 2OTs in the loss to Radford) this team is not nearly as difficult to defend and much easier to score against. He is clearly also a leader. Brolin Floyd is also a big presence on the floor.

All of these guys are Freshmen, but they are they future of this program. This team will continue to have ups and downs this year, but the future looks bright and hot.

So, tonight, I will sit with my boys and my friend and cheer on the Flames. More importantly, I will take in all the sights, sounds, and fun that make College Basketball the game for me.

That's what's rolling around in the DOME today!

Sports from the DOME

So, here it is. My chance to spout about sports, FINALLY. I have written about sports occasionally on my other blog (http://knuckleheadrants.blogspot.com), but this is the chance to write about only sporta all the time.

I am very passionate about sports, and extremely opinionated. So brace yourself for my rantings on the sports world from a variety of angles. My biggest passions are College Basketball, the NFL, and Major League Baseball. However, I will touch every sport or pseudosport at one time or another.