The days of Joe Paterno are over. You will not see the coach that becomes the symbol for the university. No more statues outside the stadium no more school landmarks in honor of their leader on the football field each Saturday for years and years.
Over the last month two of the nations premier programs have found themselves with some uncertainty regarding their future. First Urban Meyer walked away only to return the next day however considering this decision in only his 5th season at the school it is hard to imagine another 15 year run. Now Pete Carrol the leader of what has been the nations elite program during his tenure has called it quits and is returning to the NFL.
If there were to have been a lifetime Coach in the Paterno mold, Carrol would have been the clubhouse leader. Carrol has already had his taste of the Pro's in two different situations and although many consider his tenure as a disappointment it wasn't at the Saban level. His record was close to .500 and included a playoff appearance. Carrol earned the name of Pom-Pom Pete during his run in the NFL and that personality played well in the College game. USC could be the best job in college considering the recruiting wealth within the city and the fact that the Trojans are the Kings of LA and as much like a "Pro" team as any in the College game. "BIG BOY COLLEGE FOOTBALL" is what USC is and Carrol was compensated for this so in no way was money ever going to be a factor in luring Carrol away.
Carrol like so many others always have a desire for success which few can match this is what makes them great. However this is also leaves them wanting more when they have achieved their goals. Coaches today are so dedicated to their job that it is impossible for one to continue at that pace for the lengths of the Paterno's. The Meyers and Saban are just two of the many that put in 70 or more hours per week trying to find that edge each Saturday. With the increase in salaries has come the pressure to win. No longer will 8-4 seasons be tolerated and the term "re-building" doesn't apply. Add in all the "handlers" surrounding the programs and the threat of NCAA sanctions only adds to the pressure and day to day responsibilities. Whither it is the lure of the NFL, a state of complacement or simply the day to day grind the Bobby Bowden's and Joe Paterno's are the end of a era of the College Coaching Greats.
* Carrols second stint in the NFL will be succesful. The Seahawks play in the terrible NFC West and ownership seems willing and the fan base is solid. Look for Carrol to be able to lure in the free agents as his approach will be different than the majority of NFL coaches. Also considering Carrol's knowledge of the college game and it's players should help the draft process over the next three years or so.
* As a Notre Dame homer I loved the Carrol departure. Of course it is USC and the replacement will be a well respected coach. The search hasn't gotten of to a good start considering Jeff Fisher and Jack Del Rio have supposedely already said no thanks. Names that have been mentioned include Mike Riley, Steve Sarkisian, Lane Kiffin, Jim Harbaugh and Chris Peterson. Recruiting at USC will not be an issue but a coach who can motivate these players on a week to week basis seems more important to me than the X's and O's side of coaching. With that said I feel that a Harbaugh or Kiffin would be the best fit. As a betting man however I will go with Riley as USC choice.
* Jets, Ravens, Cowboys and Cardinals win. Suprisingly all the contest other than the Cards game came in blowout fashion. Looking ahead to the weekend I really like all 4 Home teams coming of the bye week. The Vikings won't be as one dimensional as the Eagles so the pass rush of the Cowboys won't be as imapctful. The Cardinals will not be able to duplicate the effeciency of last weeks offense against the Saints. The Jets will struggle to run the ball effectively against the Chargers and Sanchez will be forced to make plays. Unlike the Bengals the Chargers have more than one playmaker in the passing game so Revis Island won't be as big a factor. As for the Colts they once again beat the Ravens which has been customary over the last three years in this matchup. Although the Colts will come out RUSTY they will overcome it and advance.
* Mark McGwire used steroids which must come to a shock to everyone. Wasn't this alfready established years ago. McGwire's interview with Costas was good television and Costas once again validates his greatness with a interview where he questioned McGwire's statements time and time again. McGwire should have took more responsibility for his actions rather than blame the era and lack of drug testing. Also his statement that steroids didn't contribute to his 70+ HR season or his career. I have always stated that steroids won't make a bad player good but given McGwire's injury history without a doubt it helped him battle of the injury bug from time to time. I will always say that McGwire is the Home Run King of my time and I do feel he should have a spot in the Hall Of Fame but perhaps a asterick should accompany his plaque. Wouldn't that be fitting.
* The Reds suprise the baseball world by snatching Aroldis Chapman out from the likes of the Yankees and Red Sox. Who knows how Chapman will perform. History would suggest that his career will not match the hype but it's hard to argue against a lefthander who can hit 100MPH. His path to the big leagues will be determined by his control and ability to pick up a off speed pitch to go with the fastball. At best Chapman could be a number one or two guy in the rotation at worst your looking at a lefthanded specialist in teh bulpen. Regardless of how this plays out it was a big signing for small market teams around the league and gave fans of the Redlegs something to be excited about in years to come.
Spreadolody 2009
We will go ahead and pick the NFL slate for the weekend.
Cardinals vs. Saints -6.5. SAINTS
Ravens vs. Colts -6. COLTS
Cowboys vs. Vikings -2. VIKINGS
Jets vs. Chargers -6.5. CHARGERS
10 comments:
Coleman,
Let's talk about McGwire and the HOF.
Did MM use steriods? Yes, he admitted it yesterday and the MLB has proof in eye witnesses.
Was it against the rules to use steriods at the time he used them? Yes.
When someone breaks the rules of a game for selfish reasons, is it cheating? I would say so, yes.
Is MM a cheater? Well, he broke the rules, so conditionally, he did cheat. One who cheats is, by definition as cheater. Thus he is a cheater.
One of the necessary requirements to get into the HOF is integrity.
Cheating is an action that lacks integrity.
So, MM cheated, therefore his integrity is lacking, so he shouldn't be permitted into the HOF because he fails one of the requirements.
I want to hear your reasoning as to why MM should be allowed into the HOF, first eligible vote, I assume.
Jesse
Jesse,
Though steroids may have been illegal from a federal perspective no Drug testing was in baseball at the time. Amphetamines are now considered a banned substance on the MLB drug list however nearly every player who played primarily in the 70's and 80's used them and have admitted so but they are still in the HOF as they should be. Mike Schmidt comes to mind. And don't refer to integrity as a factor in your acceptance into the HOF. Hello Ty Cobb. Statistically McGwire's accomplishments albeit aided by steroid use deserves something in the HOF. In my ballot McGwire would be a first vote but unfortunately the voters don't feel the same as he has already been on the ballot for two seasons and has garnered little support.
Josh Coleman
64/60 Commissiomer
Josh,
Seriously....
"nearly every player who played primarily in the 70's and 80's used them (steroids) and have admitted so but they are still in the HOF as they should be"... I'd like to see the source where you ascertained this information.
Anyway....
I did not know that steroids were legal in baseball during that period. Based on that, I guess, as it has always been, the HOF voting is subject to voter's whims.
It's hard to believe that something that is illegal to do within the boundaries of the US is permitted in the baseball arena. How is that possible? I would think that the Federal laws would cover baseball as well.
I mean at this point, is he not a criminal of the state for participating in illegal activities for 10 years? I don't see how that doesn't make him ineligible for the HOF.
I think it devalues the HOF as a whole if any player shown to use illegal performance enhancing drugs during a significant portion of their career is permitted to enter the HOF, regardless of statistics. Your thoughts?
Jesse
Jesse,
The drug I mentioned that was prevelant in the 70's and 80's wasn't STEROIDS it was AMphetamines or "greenies" as they were refrenced to in those days.
Yeah, I read that article too.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/beanballs/Mark-McGwire-Steroid-Admission-81184607.html
It doesn't mean that it's true.
But the issue at hand is not the truth of your statement, but what your thoughts are on being a criminal and getting into the HOF. Do you think it devalues the HOF? Consider someone like Hank Aaron, who may have never taken steroids; at least didn't look like he took them.
Jesse
Keep in mind that amphetamines are not performance enhancing drugs like steroids are.
Amphetamines don't increase strength and muscle growth.
Amphetamines are products like crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine.)
Think amphetamines as reasons for doing porno and steroids as reasons for hitting 70 home runs.
Jesse
Let's bring back the Just Joshin' to get some of these issues resolved.
Waddya say?
Jesse
To settle the score....
Ravens vs. Colts Nov 09
Colts
1st Half Points 14
375 yards offense
Manning
299 yds passing
1 td
2 int
Ravens
1st Half Points 12
Ravens vs. Colts
Colts
1st Half Points 17
298 yards offense
Manning
246 passing yards
2 TDs
1 int
Ravens
1st half points 3
Once again please explain to me how the Colts are going to be rusty instead of healthy and ready to tear people's heads off.
Thanks.
Jesse
Jesse,
Prior to last weeks win over the Ravens the Colts under Manning had been something like 0-3 in the first game of the playoffs after a 1st RD bye. And in those cases they employeed the same strategy of resting players for multiple weeks prior to the playoffs. My biggest complaint as a Football fan was that the Colts didn't attempt to go for the 16-0 mark. As it has played out the rest didn't hurt them but the question remains had they ran the table would they have lost this past week. I feel as though they wouldn't have. I suppose you feel differently. What would this blog be if you always agreed with me?
I do agree with you that this blog would be dead as a door nail if we agreed on every stance your took.
Actually, it's more of an exercise is debating for me. Even if I agree, I will take the other side to keep the conversation going.
Thus, in the previous post you are trying to divert your original conclusion. The Colts were going to be "rusty" was the issue, not whether or not they should have tried for a perfect season. They were not "rusty".... they were Bobby. End of argument.
I'm not saying you are wrong to have an opinion about what could have happened if such and such took place instead. How could I argue your opinion is wrong? I only ask that you change your opinion to a matter of truth or falsity. In this manner we can talk about it.
Certainly, you wouldn't argue whether or not I love chocolate. But if I said everyone loves chocolate, then we could talk about it. All you would have to do is show that one person didn't love and you would prove me to be false.
Let's keep it arguable. Otherwise, it's pointless and boring.
So, why do you think it is better to take a chance at going 16-0 than, yes this is proven to be true by last weeks game where the Colts were Bobby and not Rusty, conserving their energy and health for a increased chance at a Superbowl victory?
Idge, you can chime in anytime.
Jesse
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