Why I'm such a BIG Liberty Flames Supporter

I’ve been a fan of many Athletic Teams for most of my life.  I’ve cheered for my Chargers, clapped for my Padres, and followed several other teams faithfully as well.  I’ve also been cheering for all of the Liberty Flames teams for years.  As a matter of fact, most folks have always known me as a huge Liberty fan.  But over the last several years my perspective has changed.

I am no longer just a Flames Fan, I am a huge supporter of all of our student athletes.  I have had a chance to meet quite a few of them in recent years, and I am 100% sure these are not your average student athletes.  I have also been exposed to and met many other student athletes from other schools.  The difference is stark in many cases.  You see, there are tons of great athletes in our world, but not many of them are also great people.  Many of them are gifted athletes who have always been told and felt that they are the greatest, and it shows.  They are all about their athletic ability and about themselves.

What Liberty draws are really good, redeemed young men and women who happen to be gifted athletes.  The difference is a clear understanding that it is not all about them.  No, they are not perfect, but man do they ever strive to be.  These are young men and women that God will use to impact our world in a very positive way.  I talk to them, and I hear respect and care.  I talk to some who are injured, and I hear about God being in control and see peace.  You see them still plugged into the lives of their teammates and coaches even though they cannot play.  I see these guys and girls pouring into each other’s lives all the time.  Do they struggle? Yep.  But they struggle with hope.

You ask why I’m such a huge Liberty supporter?  It’s because it’s really easy to cheer for and support these student athletes.  That is why I try not to just focus on just wins or losses.  It’s about so much more.  It’s about life, and life more abundantly through Christ.  It’s about lives that live on for a purpose far greater and longer lasting than just accomplishments on the field.  And that is why I will back these men and women up as Loudly and Proudly as I possibly can without apology. Yes, even when they lose.

GO FLAMES!

 

Williams Stadium - 9/10/10

It's less than a month away from the first game at the new William's stadium at Liberty University, so I took some night time pics at the LCA football game tonight. Here you go:

Incidentally LCA destroyed Atlantic Shores Christian School from Virginia Beach 51-0.

NCAA Conference Reallignment made simple!

So, let me see if I can get this straight. The Pac 10 wants to be the Mega 16, so it offers 6 Big 12 teams from the South west a chance to move to the Mega 16. Those 6 teams look to be leaning towards moving. So Nebraska doesn’t want to be left out and they make the first move to move from the big 12 to the Big 10 which is really the Big 11 anyway now making it the new Big 12 and the current Big 12 is kind of dissolving. The remaining 5 teams from the original Big 12 are for now left without a home. Although, Missouri may leave too and go to the Big 10/11 which will them be the Bigger 13. So, will the 4 who are left behind keep the Big 12 alive as the Mini 4 or will they go somewhere else. Stay tuned.

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

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!