Vikings EJ Henderson’s Wedding Video

Don’t you just love watching Celebrity Wedding Videos? Well given that you’re reading The Pigskin Doctors i’d assume that if you do, you LOVE watching pro athlete wedding videos. If so, you’re in for a treat.

Watch this video of Minnesota Vikings’ player EJ Henderson’s wedding and tell me it doesn’t look like the illest wedding ever. Wouldn’t you love to be there for this one? Rollin’ cigars, gettin’ tattoos, drinkin’ the good stuff, all the while surrounded by some of your favorite NFL stars. Not to worry, you can’t be there but at least you can check the video.

One of our boys hooked us up with the video he found on the videographer’s website. Speaking of which, how sick is the cut on the video? Mary J, bring it home….

(H/T to Celebrity Wedding Videographer for the Video)

Chenise and E.J. from Monachetti on Vimeo.

Stuck In a Moment: The 10 Best Players on Bad Teams

At the midway point of the NFL season, I want to commend some of the guys who are excellent at their job, but the results just don’t show up in the win column.  We won’t see these guys in the post-season because frankly, their (dis)respective teams are flat out terrible at playing football together.  Whether it’s coaching, a Swiss cheese D, or an awful QB running the show, the fact remains, the below ballers will not have an opportunity to display their talents on the grand stage of the NFL Playoffs.  These 10 guys are stuck in a moment, and they can’t get out of it. Just like these guys.

10.   Ronky Brilliams – Dolphins

Ronky Brilliams, the Two-Headed Miami Monster, has plowed through everyone to combine for over 1,000 yards rushing in just 8 games.   Both are deployed on the ground and through the air, but the rest of the offense can’t seem to keep up.  Chad Pennington’s already weak shoulder fell off and Chad Henne stepped in only to have no one to throw to.  This duo is fun to watch, but their AFC East title is slipping away fast.

9.  Aqib Talib – Bucs

The youngster from Kansas is one of the few bright spots on the Bucs this season.  He has five interceptions already, including three against Washington and one last week in the first Tampa win over the Pack.

8.  Julius Peppers – Panthers

We’re not used to seeing Peppers on this list, but Jake Delhomme’s antics have cost the team several games.  Julius continues to pull his weight with 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and an interception return for a TD.

7.  Jairus Byrd – Bills

Jairus Who?  Jairus Byrd.  You know.  The guy who is leading the NFL in interceptions, that’s who.  This Buffalo Bill has seven total and picked off the aforementioned Jake Delhomme and also took two from Matt Schaub.  There are too many reasons to count to tell why Buffalo is bad.

6.  Patrick Willis – Niners

This Niner is plagued by youth on both sides of the ball and a revolving door at Quarterback.  At least there’s a proven leader at the Head Coaching helm in Mike Singletary.  Willis is 3^rd in the league in tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 picks, 2 forced fumbles, and a TD to boot.

5.  Steven Jackson – Rams

For the longest time, Jackson battled injuries just to get on the field and show what he can do.  Finally healthy this year, he’s 3^rd in the league in rushing but has only found the end zone once for the ragged Rams.

4.  Vernon Davis – Niners

I think the message got through to Vernon this year.  He is tied for the NFL lead with 7 touchdown receptions, is tied for 4^th in receptions and 5^th in receiving yards by a tight end.

3.  Maurice Jones-Drew – Jags

The Jags are not mathematically out of it yet, but they don’t seem right to me.  MJD is among the leaders in yards per carry and total rushing yards.  Fred Taylor’s gone, but so are the glory days.

2.  DeAngelo Williams – Panthers

The clip above illustrates what Deangelo’s gone through this season.  He runs tough all the time, is in the top 5 in the same categories as MJD and has carries taken by Jonathan Stewart.  He’s too good and too deprived with Jake Delhomme throwing to the other team on a regular basis.

1. Chris Johnson – Titans

Chris has taken the starting role and run with it.  Literally.  Like for a long way.  The leader at the half in rushing yards has to be wondering what the hell happened.  This was a contender last year.  Now the Titans are one of the worst teams in a league.  I love Gus Johnson by the way.

College Football Top 25 Pick ‘em: Week 11

Dr. Wedge Buster places his bets on the Top 25

Friday 8:00

(5)  CINCINNATI -10 over West Virginia

Noel Devine has been banged up and Jarrett Brown is inconsistent. The Bearcats will continue to outscore their opponents. These teams have gone in different directions the last couple years.

Saturday Noon

Michigan +9 over (20) WISCONSIN

Eventually, the Wolverines are going to protect the ball enough to stay in the game. The Badgers will control the clock with their bevy of backs and should hang on to win a tight one.

(17) PENN STATE -25 over Indiana

Penn State could very well shut out the Hoosiers. They will win at the line of scrimmage and dominate.

DUKE +13 over (7) Georgia Tech

The Blue Devils are better than ever…or at least since anyone this side of the Ole Ball Coach remembers. Ga Tech has pulled out a few tight ones recently and this one will be no different. It will be interesting to see the Air-Ground game contrast in this one.

(2) Texas -24 over BAYLOR

Come on.

CENTRAL FLORIDA +5 over (12) Houston

Just a hunch. Houston has endured too many heart attack games in recent weeks. O’Leary’s guys gut one out finally.

1:00

(21) Virginia Tech -18.5 over MARYLAND

The “We must protect this house!” joke has run its course…so has Maryland’s season.

2:00

(22) BYU -27 over NEW MEXICO

You can’t possibly bet on a team that is 0-9. I don’t care what the line is.

3:30

(6)  BOISE STATE -31.5 over Idaho

The Vandals get Smurfed! I don’t care what flight Idaho’s Athlectic Director arrives on.

(13)  Iowa +17 over (8) OHIO STATE

Look, Stanzi is out and Vandenberg is inexperienced, but he can’t be much worse. And Ohio State’s defense is really good. We know all that. The Bucks looked great last week. Everything is going right now. A 17 point line is too much though. Iowa’s defense is too good and they lead the nation in interceptions. Terrelle Pryor isn’t exactly a Peyton Manning-type decision maker back there.

(10)  USC -10.5 over Stanford

The Trojans are much better at home. The Cardinal are in for a letdown after last week’s ambush of Oregon.

NORTH CAROLINA +3 over (15) Miami

Butch Davis gets revenge on his former squad. Miami’s been too shaky. I’ll take the points and the home team.

7:00

CAL NO LINE over (19) Arizona

I’m skeptical of Arizona. The Pac 10 is wild this year, and this may be their year, but they’ll have to prove it to me on the road.

MISSISSIPPI STATE +12.5 over (3) Alabama

I don’t think the Bulldogs will win outright but they have managed to hang with Florida, LSU, and Houston this year. Starkville isn’t the easiest place to play.

Louisiana Tech over (11) LSU

Alright, not really. If there were a crazy big line though, I’d take La Tech. LSU’s offense has yet to impress.

GEORGIA -4.5 over (25) Auburn

Neither team is very consistent and neither should be ranked and I wouldn’t bet on either team.

7:30

(14) Utah +19.5 over TCU

TCU will need to survive a scare. The Utes beat them last year and this battle for the Mountain West will be hotly contested.

8:00

Notre Dame +7 over (9) PITTSBURGH

There won’t be much of a home field advantage at Heinz and Notre Dame manages to play every game down to the wire. Take the points and Jimmy Heisman

(17) OKLAHOMA STATE -4.5 over Texas Tech

Pokes in a defensive struggle.

Kidding, of course.

Pokes in a barnburner!

10:20

Arizona State +18.5 over Oregon

No idea what the Ducks will do this year. Looking at the numbers it looks a little more even than the records indicate.

The 32 NFL Quarterbacks and their Major League Pitching Equivalents

These comparisons were based on anything from a player’s successes, awards, honors, skill level, style of play, intangibles, personality, draft selection, physical tools, length of career, and/or anything else that seemed like a logical correlation.

AFC EAST

Trent Edwards and Manny Parra – Two solid mid-round draft picks that still have some question marks in their 3rd year as pros. Edwards throws a nice deep ball and Parra misses bats well, but neither seems to be putting it all together. Edwards can’t avoid the injuries, and Parra can’t avoid the walks and wild pitches. Both of these Nor-Cal athletes have the arms and the tools to stay in the league, but they’ll need to be a lot better and a lot more consistent to keep their starting jobs.

Chad Henne and Wade Davis – Henne and Davis seem like they’ve spent a decade in Michigan and Tampa’s farm system, respectively.  Both of these big physical prospects were drafted just outside the first round. Each has recently debuted in front of their Florida faithful with better than average results. Each has put together a least one great game: Henne a huge win over the Jets on a Monday Night, and Davis a 10 K shutout vs. Baltimore. Both have promise, but they’ll have to earn their way into a future starting rotation.

Tom Brady and Johan Santana - Overlooked as prospects (and both recent victims of season ending injuries) these 4 time all-pros actually had to wait for an opportunity. Now, with a season of 50 TD passes, an MVP award, three Superbowl rings, five sub 3.00 ERA seasons, five 200-plus strikeout seasons, and two Cy Young awards among them, these special talents have become two of the best to ever play the game.

Mark Sanchez and Rick Porcello – Budding young stars who achieved immediate success when thrown in the fire. Porcello won his first 5 and Sanchez won his first 3.  Both highly rated talents wasted little time getting themselves to the big leagues and both look poised to have solid careers.

AFC NORTH

Joe Flacco and Ubaldo Jimenez. These guys throw hard. Both young rifles who suffered from mild control issues and inexperience are taking the next step toward stardom now that the training wheels are off.

Carson Palmer and Ben Sheets – Don’t look at the overall records, these guys are all-world talents who’ve been stuck on mediocre teams. Both former first-rounders have been in the “best in the game conversation” at some point, yet both have been set back with major injuries in their primes. Still plenty left in the tank.

Derek Anderson and Brett Myers – Each registered a quality season, but they fell on their face the next. Both have the big arm and the tools to be successful, but neither one seems to rise to the occasion when the “ace of staff” or the starting QB reins are handed to them.

Ben Roethlisberger and Josh Beckett – Big time talents who consistently deliver in big games. As they should be, both of these Championship MVPs are frequently on the bubble of the “best in the game” discussion.

AFC SOUTH

Matt Schaub and Rich Harden – Two super talented hurlers who’d be annual all-stars if they weren’t so super fragile. Schaub may be finally putting it together.

Peyton Manning and Roy Halladay – The best in the business. Both are in complete control of their game. Both consistently dominate the opposition and they only seem to get better with age. Both are blessed with the elite physical tools: arm strength, accuracy, size, etc. But it’s their expert mental approach that really sets them apart.

David Garrard and Ricky Nolasco – Two 4th round draft picks who played back-up QB and middle reliever for their Sunshine State squads before landing a starting gig. Neither has an elite skill set but both combine effective game management and quality control to compete and win ball games. Nolasco keeps his walks to a minimum as does Garrard his with interceptions. Nolasco uses an excellent curve as an out pitch while Garrard will use his legs to make plays.

Vince Young and Luke Hochevar - Two former UT stars, one Texas, one Tennessee, both won player of the year awards in their respective conferences. Both top draft picks have been in and out of a starting job several times. Hochevar was sent back to the minors after struggling in his second year, and Young lost his job to Kerry Collins after struggling in his. Both players have recently been given another opportunity, but there’s a lot of work to be done if they hope to live up to their first and third overall draft selections.

AFC WEST

Kyle Orton and Jason Marquis – The “castoffs” with the mediocre stuff. No one seems to want them, but wherever they go they find a way to win.

Matt Cassel and Rich Hill – Two respectable talents who had to wait their turn to make a splash. Once opportunity presented itself, they ran with it. Both players excelled in their first full seasons as starters, yet both were traded shortly thereafter. Since the change of scenery, both have battled injuries and struggled to duplicate their initial success.

Jamarcus Russel and Rick Ankiel –  Two strong armed high draft picks who have no idea where the ball is going when they throw it. Ankiel found relief in a new position, Jamarcus and his 260 pound frame should probably try the same.

Phillip Rivers and Carlos Zambrano – Hot-tempered fiery competitors who hate to lose. Both favor a short-arm throwing style. Both are excellent talents who put up all-star numbers, but neither has been able to get his “looks great on paper” team over the hump.

NFC EAST

Tony Romo and Daisuke Matsuzaka– Two relatively unknowns who’s quick successes with major market teams rocketed them to stardom. Now as minor celebrities they’ve been expected to live up to the unreasonable hype.  Both are excellent players but they’re probably not the superstars their respective cities seem to think they are.  While both have a couple of great seasons under their belts, at times they can look rather ordinary.

Eli Manning and Jered Weaver– Two lanky framed and highly rated first round draft picks who have looked overrated at times. After a few years of maturation, both players (who each have an older brother in the league) are clearly arriving as the elite players they were pegged to be.

Donovan McNabb and Roy Oswalt – Two veteran superstars who have anchored their teams for nearly a decade. With 8 pro-bowl and all-star selections between them,  they’ve consistently been two of the best at their positions. Both 32 year olds have hall of fame potential, and while each has taken his team to a championship game, neither has been able to bring home the coveted title. Both are still performing at a high level and should continue to do so in the forseeable future.

Jason Campbell and Andrew Miller – Big time college stars, first round draft picks, major league busts.  Still young, both players have the physical tools and some time left to develop, but neither has given reason to believe they’ll turn it around. A change in scenery hasn’t done much for Miller, maybe it could for Campbell.

NFC NORTH

Jay Cutler and Justin Verlander –Immensely talented players. Insanely strong arms. Verlander can make any hitter look bad. Cutler can make any receiver look good. Both have the look of future superstars but they’ll have to win a meaningful game to get there.

Matthew Stafford and David Price – Two toolsy number 1 picks who put up huge numbers in the SEC.  A small sample of up and down big league performances leaves much to be desired, but each has shown glimpses of great things to come.

Aaron Rodgers and Adam Wainwright – Late first round draft picks with loads of talent who spent a few years waiting for an opportunity. Rodgers behind Favre and Wainwright as a middle reliever and a temporary closer. Finally given the green light, both have become statistically dominant. Both have top notch skills and the job security to become two of the better ones in their sports.

Brett Favre and Pedro Martinez – Legends in their respective sports, both are widely considered two of the best of all time. Both single-handedly dominated the game in their prime. Both have laser-rocket arms. Their handful of records, MVPs, Cy Young’s and championships only confirms their legacy. They both shine in the spot light and they both love to be there. Both are cursed/blessed with the never-ending competitive drive and neither can bear retirement. Both tried a stint in New York and another one with a “team they think they can win another title with.”

NFC SOUTH

Matt Ryan and Tommy Hanson – Super prospects who found immediate success in the Bigs looking like seasoned veterans from day one. Both have the big time talent to anchor their teams for years to come. A Cy Young or an MVP from either of these Atlanta stars would surprise no one.

Jake Delhomme and Jose Contreras – Two undrafted veterans who’ve had successful careers. Their talent levels have declined over the years, but both have played in all-star and championship title games. Unfortunately, after a number of solid seasons, both players careers are now being defined by their inconsistent play. One week its 4 TDs, the next its 6 INTs, one game its 9 Ks, the next its 9 earned runs. It’s been a good run, but the well seems to be running dry.

Drew Brees and Tim Lincecum – Statistically speaking, these two are second to none. Undersized superstars who are perhaps the best in the game. They can beat you with any pitch or any throw on any count or any down.

Josh Freeman and Phil Hughes – Freeman is difficult to project with only one game under his belt, but his rocket arm and massive 6’6″ 250 pound frame resembles that of Hughes. Both big time prospects were first round picks. Both made their professional debut at the ripe old age of 21. Hughes faced early injuries and stumbled a bit as a starter, but has been excellent recently as a reliever. It’s unlikely that Freeman won’t encounter similar growing pains as a young QB, but both of these big arms have the makeup of future front line starters.

NFC WEST

Kurt Warner and Chris Carpenter – Potential Hall of Fame arms who have both led St. Louis to titles. Both have been regarded as the best in the game with 2 MVPs and a Cy Young between them. Injuries have sidelined them at times, but both continue to reinvent themselves as all-stars, even as they age.

Marc Bulger and Barry Zito – Two Multi-time all-stars who were top players in their leagues for a number of years. Zito overcame his mediocre arm strength with nasty curveballs and Bulger, his precision passing. In 2007, both were rewarded with massive multi-million dollar contracts, yet both were huge disappointments in each of their following seasons.  Injuries and high expectations have clearly played a role, but their annual all-star potential now seems long gone.

Alex Smith and Homer Bailey – Top draft picks who stumbled miserably out of the gate. The talent was there but maybe not the maturity. A few seasons later, each has been given another opportunity and both are showing glimpses of why they were so highly rated.

Matt Hasselbeck and Derek Lowe – Two rock solid reliables with at least 10 years of service and some tread left on the tires. Both have been measured not by their overwhelming tools, but by their consistent quality year after year. Both players have been to multiple all-star/all-pro games, and both have played in a title game.

Hump Day Highlights: Week 9

The best video highlights from last Sunday.

Tommie Harris’ cheap shot

Hines Ward hurdles Champ Bailey into the end zone

Miles Austin makes his 1 catch count

Bryant Johnson’s 1-handed TD grab

LaRon Landry’s late hit leads to sideline rumble

Top catches of the week

10 Things from Sunday Funday: Week 9

1. Google clearly still watches Sesame Street.

2. Chris Johnson really is as good as his unstoppable 2010 Madden character. Jesus, he’s on pace for just under 2,000 yards.

3. I don’t have a problem with Miller Lite. I buy it because it’s not too heavy, it’s occasionally refreshing, and it’s cheap. But the recent ad campaigns where the creepy pedophile voice dubs it a fancy schmancy triple hops lager brewed with “real beer aroma,” is a bit over the top. I’m not suggesting these claims are not true, I’m just saying, we all know what Miller Lite is. The glamorous buzz words are ridiculous and misleading. Most every brewing company “double or triple hops brews” and “cold-filters” their beers, they just don’t shove it down our throats like it’s something unique. This is like changing the Kraft mac n’ cheese ad to: “Pour our double sealed goat milk powder cheese sleeve over our white bean corn flour shells for that “real macaroni taste.” C’mon now, we know Kraft mac n’cheese isn’t something were going to find at the Al Covo Restaurant in Venice, but we enjoy it for the quick tasty meal that it is. It’s the same with Miller Lite, we know what it is and we drink for that reason. It’s affordable price and its “real beer aroma.”

4. In the Battle of the Bays we found out a few things:  Green Bay is just as awful as Cream Bay. Aaron Rodgers sack total is up to 37 on the year. Josh Freeman is a step in the right direction.  And the orange dreamsicle creamsicle jerseys actually taste like real creamsicles. Seriously try one. $60 on ebay. They’re delicious.

5. Cincinnasty football is rockin’ right now. The whole city is on the bandwagon so much that the Bearcats and the Bengals have scheduled two “Ohio River Rivalry” exhibition games at Great American Ballpark for the week after the ‘Cats win the BCS Championship and another the week after the Bengals win the Superbowl!!! Welcome to the Jungle! The birthplace of aviation and the one year sabbatical location of football! Bob Huggins will act as interim coach for UC while Brian Kelly is up north trying to convince Golden Tate he’s too small to play in the NFL next year.

(A joke of course. And the Bengals are really good, the Bearcats are really good, and Charlie Weis, like it or not, probably isn’t going anywhere)

6. Ced Ben and the Bengal o’line are on a mission right now, but 71, that’s right, 71 carries in the last two games is a whole lot of pounding for one man. Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, and Corey Dillon need to be more involved sooner than later.

7. With a combined 281 total yards and 2 tds this week, Maurice Jones-Drew and Mike Sims-Walker will continue to be stud fantasy performers as long as David Garrard-Smith continues to take care of the ball, or as long as they play Kansas City.

8. Larry Fitzgerald is a freak of nature. Peanut Tillman looked amateur trying to cover him in Chicago. According to my buddies at the table, anyone who sports the long dreadlock hairstyle is a superstar. I asked them what their reasoning was behind that. “Physics,” said one. “Aerodynamics,” said the other.

…Well that’s over my head, but I do know that Great Clips is losing a client for a few years.

9. Clark Judge of CBS says that with one drive Phillip Rivers “demonstrated to San Diego, New York City and millions of television viewers why he was the quarterback the Chargers wanted over Eli Manning and why he was the quarterback they wanted over Drew Brees.”

Also, the title of his column, is “Rivers Gets Redemption, While Making the Bolts Look Smart.”

Wow I could have a field day with this one. So I will. One drive makes the Bolts look smart? Whaaat? That’s absurd. I can’t tell if Judge hates New York, loves San Diego, or doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Rivers is a great player, don’t get me wrong. But it was most definitely Eli who didn’t want the Chargers, not the other way around. And they didn’t necessarily want rivers over Drew Brees, they were forced to draft a QB when Brees had major shoulder surgery. And when Brees fortunately became healthy again they already had so much money invested in Rivers, there was no logical way to resign Brees. C’mon Clark, all of these ramblings are blatantly incorrect. I won’t even explain to you how good Drew Brees is as I expect you know that he’s arguably the best quarterback in the game. Actually, he hasn’t even lost a game this year. The Chargers knew how good he was, they just had an impossible situation. And Eli, well Eli won the Giants a Super Bowl already. Rivers hasn’t been able to do anything with any of his ridiculously talented teams except find a way a to make an early exit from the playoffs each year. Yes, I agree he threw a nice pass to keep his team’s season alive last night, but did you see some of the other careless throws he made? What a terrible INT that was with 3:14 left in the 4th quarter.

I’m actually a fan of Phil Rivers, but I wouldn’t use one good drive in Week 9 to create some sort of colossal mistake hypothesis by the Giants organization that clearly doesn’t exist. That’s just dumb. The point is, both of these guys are top players in the NFL and they both have their teams in the playoff hunt, so I don’t understand your reason for sticking your chest out and weakly tossing the “Rivers was the right pick” card here, because they both have been good. But if we are going to play that game, I’ll tell you what really would’ve made the Bolts or the Giants look smart like I said in back in 2004: Trade down and draft Ben Roethlisberger.

10. I’m still having trouble buying into Miles Austin hype, but he certainly has a knack for the big play. He scored again on a huge 3rd and 14 play to put the Cowboys on top. Unfortunately, he opted not for the slam dunk celebration this time, but rather, the easy “throw the ball into the wall” instead. (which can be seen in the final minute of these highlights) Boooring.

College Football Top 25 pick’em: Week 10

Dr. Wedge Buster places his bets on college football’s top 25

Friday 8:00

(5) Boise State -21.5 over LOUISIANA TECH

Boise is 6-1 against the spread this year and undefeated.  They owned La-Tech last year.

Saturday Noon

(14) PITT -21 over Syracuse

Pitt has taken seven straight against the Cuse and this is the best Pitt team yet.

Northwestern +16 over (6) IOWA

Iowa covering last week was a complete fluke coupled with bad officiating and another IU meltdown.  Not to mention, the Wildcats beat the Hawkeyes a season ago.

(22) Wisconsin -11 over INDIANA

Speak of the devil.  I think Wisconsin is underrated.  They are a complete team that does a lot of things well.  They will pound IU on the road.

Central Florida +34.5 over (2) TEXAS

Ironically, the Longhorns have a losing record (3-4-1) against the spread.  UCF isn’t too bad either.  They only lost too Miami by 20 and they’re 5-2 against the spread.

Virginia +14 over (17) MIAMI

Miami has been a hard team to pin down this year.  They needed a heroic comeback to win at Wake last week, otherwise they wouldn’t be in this Top 25 pick ‘em.  In recent history this has been a close game.  I’ll take the Wahoos and the points.

2:00

(25) BYU -13 over WYOMING

This game has not been close in awhile.  Wyoming’s 6-1 against the spread mark needs some correction in the wrong direction.

2:30

Navy +12.5 over (21) NOTRE DAME

The Mids have kept this one close in this usually one-sided rivalry.  This will be an interesting contest due to the contrasting styles.  Notre Dame is 2-6 against the spread and has barely eeked out several of their games this year.

3:30

(11) GEORGIA TECH over Wake Forest

No line in this one.  The teams have not met since 06.  The Jackets strike me as the better team and they are at home.

(18) Oklahoma State -7.5 over IOWA STATE

They Cyclones don’t have the forces to stop the Cowboys.  Last year, OK State whipped them 59-17.

(9) LSU +7.5 over (3) ALABAMA

This is too big of a line.  I think the Tigers defense keeps it close and they could very well win it outright.  This should be the best game of the week with a ton of talent on both sides.

(12) Ohio State +5 over (10) PENN STATE

These teams are very similar.  This is just a gut call.  The Ohio State defense will keep them in it so I’ll take the points.

Washington State +32 over (19) ARIZONA

Unbelievably, 1-7 Wazzou is 5-3 against the spread.  Wait…Arizona is ranked?  What in the name of Ortege Jenkins?

(8) Oregon -7 over STANFORD

After last week, I find this line hard to believe.

4:00

(4) TCU -24.5 over SAN DIEGO STATE

Give the Aztecs Marshall Faulk and Darnay Scott (in their primes) and I’ll consider it.

7:00

Oregon State +7.5 over (23) CAL

Tough one to judge.  The Beavers have won 8 of their last 10 meetings, but the two losses are Cal blowouts.  I’ll take the points I guess.

7:15

(1) FLORIDA -35 over Vanderbilt

This is quite a line but I have a feeling the Gators will get on the gas pedal and not let off.  Too much of a talent gap here.

(15) Houston -2 over TULSA

The Cougars are better and they won by 40 last year.

8:00

Connecticut +17 over (7) CINCINNATI

UCONN is a tough team and they’re battling in every game.  With Tony Pike unlikely to suit up, I think the Huskies hang in there.  Hey, they blew out this Bearcat bunch last year in Storrs.

NEBRASKA +5 over (20) Oklahoma

I think Big Red nips them in a tight one.  Night game at Nebraska.  This is as good of a chance as ever for the Huskers to get this rivalry back in order.

ARIZONA STATE +10.5 over (13) USC

USC is 2-6 against the spread and the Sun Devils at home.  Erickson will have his guys ready to go.  USC in a close one.

It’s a Very Very, Matt World

Leave your pocket presence and leadership intangibles at the door, their merits are merely mythical. (Alliteration!) Forget arm strength and accuracy and all of those other overrated physical tools. Those will only take you so far. If you want to play quarterback in the National Football League, all you really need is the right name. Nearly one-sixth of the current starting quarterbacks in the NFL are sharing the name Matt, and three more could join them if Delhomme and Warner keep throwing picks and if I decide to make myself eligible for next year’s draft. Pretty sure I can finish better than 2 for 17 in 4 quarters. Probably not, but at the current rate all of these Matt’s are taking the helm, if I’m a Jimmy, Jake, Colt, Sam, or a Tim, I’m seriously considering a name change.

Well, probably not a Colt. I think I’d just take my chances if I had the best.. QB.. Name.. Ever!

Currently, there are 9 active signal callers named Matt. (backup’s included) But it doesn’t just end with the quarterbacks. There are a number of players at different positions that share the common name. After a thorough breakdown of all of the guys who are named after something you might wipe your feet on, here is a list of the 10 best Matt’s who play in the NFL:

(I’ll probably be on this next year.)

10. Leinart

A former Heisman winner who’s career as a starter has been held up by a rejuvenated Kurt Warner. Despite watching Warner guide the team to the Super Bowl in ’08, it’s only a matter of time until he is handed back the reins. He has the talent and the perfect name for future success, and while he waits for his opportunity, he’ll continue improving his skills in practice, in the weight room, and on Saturday nights.

9. Stover

It’s hard to put a kicker on here, but Stover has quite the resume. He’s 5^th all-time in the NFL in scoring, he holds the record for most consecutive extra points made at 389, he penned the novelization of Star Wars: Episode III, and he kicked two field goals in a Super Bowl XXXV victory. Stover is now on the wrong side of 40, but thanks to an Adam Vinatieri injury, he’s found a new job with Indianapolis. And as we all might have expected, he’s made every kick so far! Yahhhhhhooo Matt Stover! Greatest Brown/Raven ever! Revenge of the Sith!!!

8. Cassel

Here’s the poster child for the “Matt” Factor. Never play a down in college (at QB), get drafted, fill in for an injured starter for a few games, get traded, and get paid 60 million by Kansas City! In fairness to Matt, he did have an excellent season filling in for Brady. And he does have the size, arm and athletic ability to play in the NFL. But the real reason the Chiefs were so quick to reward him with a 6 year deal with such minimal credibility was obviously his first name. Mitch, Aaron, I’m just sayin’ guys, if you’re serious about the NFL… Matt Mustain, Matt Corp… Those’ll sound just fine. Think about it.

7. Stafford

The top pick in the 2009 draft certainly has the makeup of a star. He started developing a nice rapport with superstar WR Calvin Johnson before injuries slowed both of them. Stafford led the Lions to their first victory in over a year in week 3. The franchise can only go up at this point and Stafford should be a major reason why. But if for some reason it doesn’t work out and he turns into another Joey Harrington, it’s only because Matthew is legally his middle name.

6. Light

A two time pro-bowler who protected Drew Brees in college and Tom Brady in three superbowls. Matt has been become one of the better tackles in the league since ’01 when he was drafted and named to the all-rookie team. Some injuries have plagued him recently, but he’s still a big part of the offense. Off the field, Matt is active in Charity Work and dancing with reptiles.

5. Forte

A second round gem for Chicago who carried Da Bears on his back in his first season. Forte’s great instincts, vision, and receiving skills made him an immediate star. The addition of Cutler in ‘09 has taken some of the pressure off of Forte, but along with a decaying offensive line, it’s also cut into his production. Still, a bright future lies ahead, such as, playing the Lions a lot.

4. Hasselbeck

A rock solid veteran who’s played in a number of pro-bowls and carried his team to a Super Bowl. Hasselbeck has put up excellent numbers year after year until a back injury derailed him in ’08. He’s battled a few minor bumps and bruises again this season, but he’s shown some flashes of his old self. With his dominating 4 TD performance in week 5, it’s clear he still has some of that Sirloin Burger Country Vegetable Chunky soup left in the can.

3. Birk

The 6 time pro-bowler put together a hall of fame type resume in Minnesota. Birk anchored the Vikings line for 11 years before signing with Baltimore as a free agent this past year. The Ravens are currently 5^th in total offense thanks largely in part to Big Red Birk and the rest of his linemen. The Harvard grad is one of the few players who’s agreed to donate his brain to scientific research after his career ends to study the effects of concussions.

…I mean after he’s dead! Not after his career ends! After he’s dead I meant! Whoa, that would have been a messy retirement.

2. Ryan

The player who Steve Young pegs as “the best sophomore QB of all time” finishes as the runner up on the list of Matt’s. Ryan turned a terrible Falcons team into a playoff team in his rookie year. His calm demeanor, physical tools, and “mature beyond his years” leadership help make him a front runner as the next great superstar, and none of these traits are nearly as important as his excellent first name. I mean let’s be honest, “Ryan Matthews” just wouldn’t be this good this soon, and he certainly wouldn’t get this smooth of a shave.

1. Schaub

After spending his early years backing up Mike Vick, Houston recognized wasted talent and made a move. Schuab has been hampered by injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s money. Currently, his Texans are squarely in the playoff hunt and he leads the league in touchdown passes and passing yards. Schaub has the makeup of a future star and he’s certainly got the talent around him to get there. The Schaub to Andre Johnson connection will be one of the more exciting TD combos for years to come unless Rex Grossman wins the camp battle next season.

Week 9 NFL Power Rankings

A weekly peek at the NFL from top to bottom.

NFL Power Rankings

1 Last Week: 1	New Orleans Saints Carolina, St. Louis, and Tampa await….I say they start preparing for the Patriots this week.
2 Last Week: 3	Indianapolis Colts Struggled against the 49ers, but got the win.  Interesting match up this week with the Texans.
3 Last Week: 4	New England Patriots Move to number 3 while sitting at home on a bye. Two tough match ups coming out of the bye with Miami and Indy. I say they win both and move to number 2.
4 Last Week: 5	Minnesota Vikings Pulled out a big win. Getting Brett a win in Green Bay is making a statement.
5 Last Week: 8	Philadelphia Eagles Put a whipping on a very good Giants team. Jackson gets open deep every week.
6 Last Week: 3	Denver Broncos Looked outmatched in Baltimore. They have another tough task on Monday night with the Steelers.
7 Last Week: 10	Cincinnati Bengals Need to come out of the bye week strong. A win over the Ravens guarantees a winning division record.
8 Last Week: 6	Pittsburgh Steelers Travel to Denver coming out of the bye. Look for the running game to improve.
9 Last Week: 11	Dallas Cowboys Racked up 38 points last week. Get a shot to claim the division lead with a win in Philly.
10 Last Week: 9	New York Giants Have looked more like the Rams than the Giants the past 3 weeks.  It doesn’t get much easier with San Diego coming to town.
11 Last Week: 14	Houston Texans Riding a 3 game win streak into Indy.  Be careful Colts.  Will we see Slaton or Moats?
12 Last Week: 15	Baltimore Ravens Got a win in a big way over Denver.  Now they face a must win for any shot at a division championship in Cincinnati.
13 Last Week: 17	Chicago Bears Righted the ship against the Clowns, now they face an up and down Cardinals team.
14 Last Week: 18	San Diego Chargers A win over the struggling Giants gets them back in the hunt.
15 Last Week: 13	Atlanta Falcons After two tough weeks they finally get a breather with Washington coming to town.
16 Last Week: 19	Miami Dolphins A tough team to match up with every week.  Ted Ginn Jr. is having flashbacks of his OSU days.
17 Last Week:12	Arizona Cardinals Up and down can only work in the NFC West.
18 Last Week:10	Green Bay Packers Get Tampa to rebound after a crushing loss for Packer nation.
19 Last Week:21	San Fransisco 49ers Gritty team.  Have a shot to steal a weak division.
20 Last Week: 16	New York Jets This team has some growing to do during the bye week to be a contender.
21 Last Week:24	Carolina Panthers Big win in Arizona.  D-Will and Stewart both had great games.
22 Last Week: 20	Jacksonville Jaguars If my star running back was averaging 22.1 yards a carry for the game, I would give him more than 8 attempts. Maybe that’s just me?
23 Last Week: 22	Buffalo Bills The offense is non-existent.
24 Last Week: 25	Washington Redskins See if they show any signs of life coming out of the bye week.
25 Last Week: 23	Seattle Seahawks Most interesting thing to talk about is still their slime green uniforms.
26 Last Week:30	Tennessee Titans We knew they would get a few wins.  Too much talent not to.  Chris Johnson is the NFL’s leading rusher.
27 Last Week: 26	Oakland Raiders They kept it competitive with a much better Charger team.
28 Last Week:32	St. Louis Rams Finally got a win.  Give Steven Jackson the ball every snap.
29 Last Week:27	Kansas City Chiefs Might be more dynamic this week with J. Charles on the field a lot more.
30 Last Week:28	Detroit Lions Moving back toward the bottom.
31 Last Week:29	Cleveland Browns Even the upper management is bad.
32 Last Week: 31	Tampa Bay Buccaneers And then there was 1…And they have a shot to lose them all!

Week 8 Cheerleader Roundup

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