Why God, why?

15-0

2008-02-03T09:42:00.001-05:00

New York Times - January 27, 2008
Long-Forgotten Perfection by the Lake
By DAVE ANDERSON
During the Patriots' journey to their Super Bowl XLII opportunity for a record 19-0 season, they upstaged the N.F.L.'s only other unbeaten and untied team, the 1972 Dolphins, who were 17-0. But buried in a forgotten pro football graveyard is a forgotten unbeaten and untied team, the 1948 Cleveland Browns.Those early Browns, named for Coach Paul Brown and led by quarterback Otto Graham, went 14-0 during the regular schedule, then routed the Buffalo Bills, 49-7, in the All-America Football Conference championship game for a 15-0 sweep in the midst of what would be a 29-game unbeaten streak (with two ties) over three seasons.The All-America what? Surely you mean the American Football League?No, the A.F.L. didn't arrive until 1960, a decade after the All-America Football Conference had vanished after four seasons following World War II, mostly because the Browns were so good. They had wrecked the league's competitive balance. The Browns won all four titles, compiling a 47-4-3 regular-season record, winning a playoff game and going 4-0 in championship games, including two with the New York Yankees.In the truce that ended the N.F.L.'s expensive duel for players with the A.A.F.C., the N.F.L. absorbed the Browns, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts. It also took the best players from the other five franchises, notably defensive tackle Arnie Weinmeister and defensive back Tom Landry, who joined the Giants after having starred for the New York Yankees, who played at Yankee Stadium.Unlike the N.F.L.'s later acceptance of all A.F.L. team and player records in their 1966 merger agreement, the N.F.L. refused to recognize the All-America Football Conference statistics. The current Browns media guide still lists the team's results and starting lineups for 1946 through 1949, but the N.F.L. tossed all those names and numbers into an unmarked grave, as if they never existed.In 1950, the Browns' first season in the N.F.L., they proved they existed. They stunned the two-time reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, 35-10, in the opener, posted a 10-2 record (both losses to the Giants), nipped the Giants, 8-3, in an East Division playoff at Cleveland, then rallied to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, 30-28, in the championship game on Lou Groza's 16-yard field goal with 28 seconds left.Over a 10-year stretch, the Browns, who also captured the 1954 and 1955 championships, won 7 N.F.L. and A.A.F.C. titles and 10 division titles. But to Brown, his unbeaten and untied '48 Browns were the best Browns team of all.
•
"Even greater than the 1950 N.F.L. championship squad, and probably the greatest pro football team ever up to that time," he wrote in his 1990 book, "PB: The Paul Brown Story" in collaboration with Jack Clary. "Since we didn't play in the N.F.L., it didn't count. I know this, though: the Browns, 49ers and Yankees were better than any of the N.F.L. teams that year, and we beat those other two teams twice."In addition to Brown, who later guided the Cincinnati Bengals to two Super Bowl appearances as general manager, six early Browns are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Graham (one of four quarterbacks on the N.F.L.'s all-time team along with Sammy Baugh, Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana), fullback Marion Motley, wide receiver Dante Lavelli, center Frank Gatski, middle guard Bill Willis and Groza, who was a kicker and offensive tackle."The real measure of our '48 team," Brown wrote, "was its ability to play and win three games within eight days, something no football team before, or since, ever has been asked to do."All three games were on the road. On a Sunday in New York before 52,518 at the Stadium, the Browns beat the Yankees, 34-21; boarded a 16-hour flight to Los Angeles, where they stopped the Dons, 31-14, before 60,031 in the Coliseum on Thanksgiving Day; then edged the 49ers, 31-28, three days later before 59,785 at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco."The main thing about Paul Brown," Lavelli said from his home in the Cleveland area, "was how articulate he was and how everything had to be perfect."Lou Saban, a linebacker on the '48 Browns who later coached the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, recalled asking Brown why he made his players create a new playbook every year at training camp when it was mostly the same plays."When you write it, you remember it," Brown said.
•
Around that time, Brown turned running back Dub Jones into what most historians consider football's first flanker back."I had been the man in motion, but one day, Paul just told me to set out there on either side," Jones said.Mike Brown, Paul's son, who is the Bengals' president, hung around the '48 Browns as a 13-year-old. The only Browns photograph in his office is the 1948 team photo. And he keeps hoping that someday, the N.F.L. will insert all those All-America Football Conference statistics into its record book."It would be a fitting reminder of how great those Browns teams were," he said.Especially the forgotten '48 Browns, who were 15-0 long before the Dolphins were 17-0 and six decades before the Patriots would be shooting for 19-0.

Moron Columnists

2008-01-03T17:27:00.001-05:00

Is USC the best team in college football? http://buckeyebanter.com/osu/blogo/2008/01/columnists-is-expert-latin-for-moron.html

Take Home Talk

2008-01-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

The first three minutes of the DVD Tressel sent home with the players to watch over Christmas. I get fired up just watching this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtfbpylk0eo

Pass Interference?

2007-12-26T00:43:00.000-05:00

2003 Fiesta Bowl analysis of the famous play:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMvjADmxhVw

Damn...

2007-10-21T23:46:00.000-05:00

Damn...I don't even know what to write. I am a realistic, even optomistic person, in most areas of my life. When it comes to sports, however, I am usually very negative. My roommate and another one of my good friends are Red Sox fans, yet I said nothing when we led 3-1. Why? Because of tonight... and Mesa, Red Right 88, the Drive, the Fumble, the Shot, the Move, the Disaster in the Desert, etc, etc, etc. Let's face it, being a fan of NE Ohio sports is a succession of kicks to the groin. The worst part is the pain. Yeah, this sucks. I want one Cleveland team to win a championship before I'm dead. And for two weeks, I've had to listen to BoSox fans whine about their past, when they have 2004, Tom Brady, Bobby Orr, and the Celtics. We had Jim Brown, who retired before my mom and dad graduated HS. We have LeBron, who shows up cheer against his hometwon team and taunt his own fans. And we have pain...I wear it like a badge of honor...it, in a perverse way, shows my loyalty and the loyalty of the Cleveland fan. The Red Sox have some true fans (my two fans are die-hards) but that bandwagon is on the verge of collapse from the weight. The true fans will not taunt, but those goddamn bandwagoners will. Bandwagon jumpers are like child molesters and snitches in prison...the lowest of the low. And damn it, I know it's only sports, but this is not fun. You know, I'm almost 28 and it seems like this builds every year. The Browns suck, the Tribe chokes, the Cavs ahve regressed, and do you really believe in the Buckeyes this fall? I still don't, but my teams beat me down. I can't even get excited, because when I do it all crashes down again. I remember '97, when my buddy Dan and I discussed our celebration after we won game 7. You know the story, unfortunately. My father is 58 and a life-long Tribe fan, and I now wonder whether he'll ever see a World Series title. He likes to say it doesn't truly matter, but I recognized the pain in his voice during this latest collapse. I know when Cleveland breaks its curse, I'll celebrate for an entire week....but until then, it's sorrow. I recall a movie (don't remember which one at the moment) where a major character talks about missing pain once its gone. Well, I almost revel in the pain, which shows I've truly suffered as a Cleveland fan. My friends who are not NE Ohio fans don't get it and don't understand why I was so negative....maybe now they do. All I've wanted is to watch my teams, and enjoy or suffer through it all. But to have to hear it...and not from the loyalists. Do some people live just to talk shit? I tell myself someday, and there's always next year....but after this ALCS, I'm not sure there is. Someone is always destined to lose, and apparently that is our destiny, as we are from Ohio....

Jackie Robinson

2007-04-15T19:06:00.000-05:00

Today is the 60th anniversary of Mr. Robinson's debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie has long been a hero of mine, and I have read several books, including the most recent biography by Arnold Rampersad. I have been looking forward to tonight's game on ESPN when Jackie would be honored. However, I should have realized that the network would fuck this up. How did they do so? Well, in light of the recent events with Don Imus, leave it to ESPN to have known racists Jesse Jackson and Spike Lee, former Minnesota basketball thug Dave Winfield and moron (who had some poor comments this week) Stuart Scott involved in their tribute. What a shame that espn would mess this up...Oh and where's Al Sharpton?

It's been awhile....

2007-03-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

...and I have had little desire to post. January 8 was a day that shook this Buckeye fan to the core....and I still don't know the reason it fell apart. I knew we were in trouble when I was at my parents' house in Ohio over Christmas break, and I saw an ad in the Columbus Dispatch advertising the presale of January 9 editions. It was then I felt we were over-confident and ripe to be picked off. I just had no idea it would be by 4 touchdowns. I know one thing about this team...they will be back, as strong as ever. Tressel will wil another national championship (possibly multiple titles). Other than that, I don't care to rehash that night too much....but damn, I get sick of seeing gator shit everywhere. Did not see near as much before January 8, but I digress.
The basketball team has taken us on a roller-coaster ride these past two weeks. Regular season and tournament Big Ten Champions were great achievements, but those all seemed for moot with 2:54 remaining in the round two game against Xaiver. And then, a near-miracle comeback capped by Ron Lewis's tying three with :02 left! That was our close call, right? Not so fast, as during the Sweet 16, the Buckeyes spot Tennessee a 20 point lead with :30 left until halftime. At this point, I made the same speech to my father over the phone I'd made during the Xavier game ("We suck, led Thad go to Kentucky, let Oden go to the NBA, we're a disgrace, bring on Spring football, etc."). But David Lighty gets a 3 point play to reduce the halftime deficit to 17. Doesn't matter in my mind; we're still SOL. But the Buckeyes stage an even more incredible comeback to beat Tennessee by one! Just an incredible game; probably the best Buckeye basketball game since either the Elite 8 game against St. John's to go to the 1999 Final 4, the 2000 game in MSG over SJU when Scoonie Penn blocked a shot at the buzzer to seal a double-digit comeback in the final 3:00, or either the Illinois game in 2005 or the LSU game in December 2005, both ended by Matt Sylvester 3's. And now, another Final Four birth after a relatively easy (in comparison to the past two games) win over Memphis. Georgetown gave OSU their worst NCAA beating ever last March, and I have no idea who will win. G'town is the best front court OSU will face all year, and Hibbert is the one guy in CBB who has the size to take on Greg Oden. Should be one hell of a game.
Elsewhere, I gave up on the CBJ 2 months ago; another finish out of the playoff chase. They have to turn it around eventually, right? (Well, maybe not, just look at the Cleveland Browns!)
Speaking of the Browns, the draft is still a month away and I'm sick of the damn thing. I don't want a QB (yet I don't know if Frye or Anderson is the answer). Football is won at the line of scrimmage, and the Browns desperately need OL help. Either Joe Thomas, or trade down. And as for the Cavs, whenever I write them off, they get hot and win in Detroit. And whenever I proclaim they will win the East (my early season pick) they lose to Charlotte and the NY Knicks. I have no idea what to expect any given night. Honestly, I watch all the OSU basketball I can here in Florida, but I can't even be motivated to watch every Cavs game on TNT or ESPN. And the sport I've watched most of all since the debacle in Glendale has been soccer, specifically the FA Premier League. Last, I have been to several spring training games and was in Winter Haven to see CC get hit by the liner yesterday. I am not near as optimistic as SI, but I have a feeling Cleveland can contend for the Central. And if they can sneak in, baseball's playoffs are a crap shoot, and Cleveland may just have the rotation to make a run at the pennant...if the bullpen holds up its end of the deal, of course. Opening day is Monday, but the excitement builds toward Saturday, when its OSU-Georgetown.

OSU basketball

2006-12-28T15:51:00.000-05:00

They will perform better soon. I didn't have too much to say after the ass-kicking in Gainesville, but I still feel this team is a favorite (along with Wisconsin) in the Big Ten and a contender for the Final Four.

Why the NCAA sucks

2006-12-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

Read this column by Todd Jones. He is able to sum up some of my feelings on the sham that is the NCAA and amateurism. Amateur athletics is largely a relic that dates to a time when athletics was a pursuit reserved for the leisure time of the wealthy. I love the OSU football team and greatly enjoy college football. But I can't get past the fact that there is injustice here.

Hopefully, this holds true

2006-12-28T15:43:00.000-05:00

Thank God...It looks like Pittman and Wells should be OK.

2006-12-23T09:43:00.001-05:00

Do you think Troy Smith is trying to send a message to the Browns' front office?

A Few Things

2006-12-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

* Today's showdown in Gainesville...should be an entertaining and exciting game, although is is ultimately meaningless. I still believe Al Horford will play, despite Billy Donovan saying he is out. Even if he does play, Al will be far less than 100%. This will be a factor, but I still think the home crowd and tOSU's continuing adjustment to Greg Oden should be the difference for the Gators today.

* About time.

* I sincerely hope that Gary Baxter can keep his vow, but this injury seems too severe to me. I have very strong doubts he'll ever wear a Browns uniform again.

* I don't know who's telling the truth about Charlie Frye's wrist, John Clayton or Romeo Crennel. I'm not sure I care, as Derek Anderson should finish out the string this season, as the Browns need to know what the future holds for Frye and DA.

Joey Porter

2006-12-12T22:19:00.000-05:00

Why is there no attention to the fact Porter used a cruel slur to describe Kellen Winslow after the game on Thursday? If it wasn't for Ray Lewis (murderer) and Terrell Owens (douchebag), Joey Porter would be the biggest dickhead in the NFL. What a fucktard...

Heisman

2006-12-12T21:57:00.000-05:00

Not much I can add to all the perspectives offered on Troy, but I felt like Tressel did after Troy was awarded the trophy. I will miss watching Troy Smith in the Horseshoe, and I will do everything in my power to be in the Stadium when #10 is retired in the near future.

Troy Smith

2006-12-07T18:05:00.000-05:00

This is a great article by Pat Forde on Troy. An absolute must read for any Buckeye, college football fan, or human being with a love of great stories. I cannot say enough about the maturation and "Tresselization" of our QB. Saturday should be another fun day for Buckeye fans.

Bernie Kosar

2006-12-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

If the man that inspires my pseudonym gets the head coaching job at the U, do I now have to respect that program? Worse yet, do I have to cheer for the Hurricanes?

The Buckeyes and the BCS

2006-12-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, I have mixed feelings on this game. I said it would take a monumental upset for UCLA to beat SC. However, from the seeing some of the game and the highlights, it just appears Southern Cal was (at least) a tad overrated. Many of us assumed if USC lost, Michigan would get their rematch...which is why we had to betray humanity and cheer for the Trojans. But, based on the strength of their SEC title game victory over Arkansas, Florida leapfrogged UM and secured their spot in Glendale January 8. I must admit, I had a smile when the pairings were announced. Living in Florida, I knew this would be an especially fun build-up for me. And for the last two days, it has. Co-workers and students have been having a lot of fun with me, s we've been doing lots of razzing over the game. Being one of the few Buckeyes in a sea of Gators is fun, let me tell you. I am avoiding talking trash, which is very difficult, as I hope to save my fun for January 9. Aside from all that, what is the deal with Jim Walden? Voting Florida #1 in the Harris poll?! WTF?!! If they beat the Bucks, yes Florida is the champ. But now, in a blatant attempt to sway the vote for UF, Walden proves that he is a moron and should be slapped on a daily basis, or made to sit in a room with Lloyd Carr for two days. I did not want a rematch, as the worst possible scenario for an OSU fan would be to lose to Michigan...personally, I feel UM is the better team. I proposed this to my brother (a Michigan fan) last Saturday after the UF victory...Florida v. Michigan in a neutral site (I suggested Nashville,Tennessee) on December 16 or 23, with the winner off to Glendale to face Ohio State. I would certainly watch that game, and I know many of you would as well. Besides, it may be just the spark needed to begin a playoff. Of course, many others picked up on my suggestion as well (Lou Holtz and Rob Oller echoed it, while Terry Pluto expanded upon it).
Other thoughts:
* Some say Jim Tressel is a wuss for not voting, but I have to think it was another stroke of political genius from The Senator.
* Why all this controversy over a second-place Michigan being left out? In 2003, the controversy was over Big 12 champ Oklahoma making it and leaving out Pac-10 winner USC. In 2001, again Pac 10 champ Oregon is left out for Big 12 North co-champ (and non-participant in the Title game) Nebraska. No matter, what happened this year, there was going to be controversy. After Auburn in 2004, I thought the voters would swing support to the SEC, which they did.
* If Ohio State plays up to their potential and does not make too many mistakes (like 3 turnovers in the second half), the Buckeyes should win. Florida is very athletic and will come close to us in that department; they have maybe the best secondary we've faced all season; but, like the UM game, our edge comes with the match ups of our 3, 4 and 5 receivers (Robiskie, Hartline and Hall) against their reserve corners and safeties. If Tressel and Smith can exploit match ups, the Buckeyes should win.
* Urban Meyer and staff are an excellent group, ranking with Tressel and company as and elite coaching staff, but I still like our chances.
* Both teams are resilient, clutch, gutty and skilled. Should be an excellent game.
* December 23 in Gainesville just got a lot more interesting.

Browns Sunday

2006-12-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

I cannot put my finger on this team: pathetically bad, or up and coming. After Cincinnati, last week, it was pathetic. Now, I am thinking young and inconsistent with a chance to improve rapidly over the next year. What a win on Sunday! To be down by 14 with ten minutes to play, and playing a backup QB who had never thrown an NFL pass before the game...what can you say. This was finally a fun and exciting Sunday for Browns fans everywhere. The combination of Droughns and Wright make a good 1-2 punch out of the backfield, Steve Heiden can make a good secondary tight end when Winslow is covered, Joe Jurevicious can be a very effective receiver (especially on 3rd down), Braylon Edwards has tantalizing talent, and our backup QB situation is better than we all thought. The good news: Frye does not appear to have a broken wrist, so he should be able to play again this season. After the past Steeler game, we know Cleveland will be fired up for their arch-rival this Thursday. I am actually excited. While the Steelers should win, and I would not bet against them, I have semi-realistic hope that the Browns could win at Heinz Field (not totally realistic, of course). Besides, don't we really owe those black and gold bastards, anyway?

My hometown

2006-12-02T23:18:00.000-05:00

Oh my god, my hometown, a place I took classes in high school, is now in the news. That's all for now, as it's late, I'm tired, and I'll post on the day in college football tomorrow

Read this

2006-12-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

http://theusfactor.blogspot.com/2006/11/my-history-as-browns-fan.html

I promise, this is funny...but as a life-long Browns fan, I can relate all too well...

Various...

2006-11-30T16:33:00.000-05:00

* Great game in Chapel Hill last night. Ohio State proved that they will be a legitimate contender for both the Big Ten and National Championship this season. The Buckeyes had the early hot hand, and UNC was able to take advantage when tOSU cooled off in the second half. When Greg Oden returns, this is an excellent team.

* The Browns suck, Edwards is acting like an idiot, I don't know what to think of the continued instability in Berea, I want Tressel to stay in Columbus, when do the draft parties begin?

* The Cavaliers are schizophrenic...losing to Isiah and the Knicks? 9-6, but should have 2-3 more wins, yet I still think they are the best team in a very depleted Eastern Conference.

* David Dellucci. Sounds OK by me, I guess, but I'm wondering what (if any) moves happen before mid-February.

* 39 days to OSU vs. ??? in Glendale, Arizona.

Buckeye basketball

2006-11-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

Big match-up (for November, at least) when Ohio State heads to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels. Great column by Todd Jones in today's Dispatch, echoing thoughts I've had for years....with our resources, alumni, and student population, there is no excuse for Ohio State to be merely mediocre in basketball. Actually, I believe the Buckeyes should be a national power in many different sports, especially wrestling. But that is a topic for another day...

RIP Casey Coleman

2006-11-27T18:29:00.000-05:00

Papa Cass says it much better than I ever could.

Assorted news

2006-11-27T18:04:00.000-05:00

* It appears Braylon Edwards attempt to grab Charlie Frye during yesterday's debacle was an attempt to send a message to the (awful) offensive line about the need to keep his jersey clean. Agree with the sentiment, love the passion, but shut up already Braylon!

* Don't get to watch many games here in Florida, but the vibe around the CBJ has swung drastically since Ken Hitchcock was named head coach last week. The playoffs are a long shot now (hell, nearly an impossible dream...) but there does seem to be a direction and a future that has been lacking.

* Don't look now, but barring a monumental upset, it's Ohio State v. USC on January 8 in Glendale. Not sure what to think just yet, but USC was very impressive against Notre Dame on Saturday. The Trojans have the athletes to make a very good and competitive game. As a Buckeye fan with fresh wounds from 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2005, there is no way I can avoid worrying until the BCS Championship Game. After all, aren't we supposed to be paranoid?

* Some excellent news: #1 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, #3 in the AP Poll for the basketball Buckeyes. This is the first time in school history the Bucks have been #1 in football and men's basketball. I have yet to see a game, but we should now more after Wednesday's showdown in Chapel Hill. And, just wait until Oden returns and makes his mark...

Pathetic Effort (or Steeler Hangover)

2006-11-26T16:54:00.000-05:00

Today may have been Cleveland's worst effort of the season. After the progress the offense has made under Jeff Davidson, today seemed to be a reincarnation of the days of Chris Palmer, Doug Pedersen and Spergoyn(sp?) Wynn. Just a pathetic effort all around. Charlie Frye had one of his worst games as a Brown. Now, I am a Frye defender, and there are many problems on the team (poor offensive line, inconsistent run game, poor hands by some of the receivers, Jerome Harrison's inability to ick up a blitz), but Charlie had, quite possibly, his worst game since the debacle against the Steelers last Christmas Eve. The team looked very lethargic; one of two possible results after last week's blown game. I thgought the Browns would continue to build on their progress and at least be competitive against the Bengals, and who expected a shutout against the worst D in the NFL. Absolutely pathetic. The Browns are the team struggling team use to rejuvinate their seasons. I only wish I'd been drunk for this game...watching the Browns sober is just too painful.

Other thoughts:

* Braylon Edwards should learn to keep his mouth shut. Until he shows up for every game and gets over the dropsies, he should not blame the coaching staff, Brian Russell, the QB, or anyone else.
* Contrary to Kevin Harlon's opinion, Edwards grabbing Frye on the sidelines was not an attack. However, some disciplinary action may be needed.
* Rich Gannon has improved as a commentator, but he always seems on the verge of falling asleep in the booth...of course, maybe that's just from watching the Browns.
* How did this officiating crew get 100% postseason assignments last season? Jeff Triplette, at least to my perspective, is one of the worts officials in the league. Of course, that could be due to the fact he's the ref who knocked Orlando Brown out with a flag to the eye in 1999.
* Question: who will we pick next April in the first round? We'll have a high choice...again.

A few things

2006-11-22T20:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I think The Game lived up to expectations. I ws not able to get in for the game, but a TV from the parking lot worked just fine. And, I was able to get onto the field after the game, which is what I really wanted to do. What a wonderful game, but Ohio State is the clear number one team in the country. If there were not three second half turnovers, the Buckeyes win by at least 14 points. Saying that, Michigan is an excellent team deserving all of the accolades it has recieved. I do not want a rematch because I believe Michigan has a much better chance at earning revenge than anyone else would of defeating tOSU. My brother, a Michigan fan, said on Sunday that of you told him UM would score 39, he'd take it anyday. Just shows us all how crazy and unexpected this game was. Who really expected a shootout? Anyway, Tressel is now 5-1 and headed to his second national title game in five years.

The Cavs continue to play well....hope they can keep it up.

As for the Browns...I was listening to the game on my way out of Columbus and knew they'd find a way to blow this game. They did. Pittsburgh is not very good, and I guess they are taking solace by coming from behind to defeat a 3-7 team. Cheap call against Simon Fraser (why don't we just put flags on the QB?) and Joey Porter talks a lot of trash for an overrated system product...who is now Kellen Winslow's bitch.

The Game

2006-11-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

Damn, I can't wait. The anticipation and excitement is driving me crazy, and I'm 18 hours from Columbus. I can't imagine what I'd think if I were still in C-bus. This has been a fun week, looking forward to the game and ramping up my own excitement by indulging in the national hype. This may be the biggest regular season match-up in college football in over a decade (thinking of Florida-Florida State, 1 vs. 2, in 1996). But this rivalry is bigger, the hype is more intense, the passion runs deeper for this game. I will be in Columbus, but will probably be outside the stadium during the game, unless I can luck into a ticket. There are more detailed analyses all over the blogosphere, so I'll be short. Michigan has a hell of a defense, and especially when it concerns stopping the run. If the weather is good, and we can have success early throwing the football, Michigan cannot match Ohio State score for score. The Buckeyes, at their best, are too high powered. Now, if UM can jump to an early lead and force one or two turnovers, they can pound the ball with Mike Hart and bleed the clock. They have a great defense, but nationally, people seem to forget OSU is very good as well. Now, maybe we're masking weaknesses with turnovers, but this is a good defense. The Buckeye secondary (led by Malcom Jenkins, the best corner in the country) should be able to slow Manningham, Arrington and Breaston (by slow, I mean preventing long gains), forcing a large load onto the shoulders of Mike Hart. Also, the defense should force Henne to win the game by using short, underneath throws. UM has a great defensive line, but if Smith and company are successful early, Pittman should be able to run through seams in the D. Saying all this, I will not be making a pick, as I refuse to jinx my boys. But if all goes well, Ohio State should win. I am still too scarred by 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997 to be overly confident.

PS...Ohio State has the better coach (can you ever remember a Tressel team being unprepared?) and better QB. Don't forget that while watching the Game.

At least I'm not Doug MacLean (or is it McLean)...

2006-11-14T18:39:00.000-05:00

Since I was out of town this weekend (attending the Citadel-VMI game), I did not watch either OSU or the Browns live. OSU is definitely ready for scUM (more to follow on that), the Browns continue to look like a competent NFL franchise (bring on the Shittsburg Squeelers), way too much has been made of LeBron walking off the court against Atlanta (of course, little mention from these same imbeciles about how LBJ is carrying the team through a nice 3 game streak now with a couple nice comebacks and a destruction of the overrated Chicago Bulls), and the jackets have fired Gerard Gallant (wait 'til next year?) Good timing by CBJ, as who will actually notice in C-Bus with the game of teh Century (2006 version) approaching fast.

The last week

2006-11-09T19:56:00.000-05:00

Cavs...good and bad. Winning in San Antonio for the first time since the Reagan Administration is great...but then dropping the next two against Charlotte and Atlanta is not good.

Browns...competitive for three quarters, but were clearly the weaker team Sunday in San Diego. A in in Atlanta Sunday would be a major upset.

Buckeyes...Still #1 and unbeaten, but a poor second half scared me. Hopefully it scared the guys as well...should be a win Saturday at Northwestern, leaving us 11-0 going into the game against scUM.

Indians...love the trade for Josh Barfield, filling the hole at 2B.

Light posting for the weekend...out of the area. See you next week in preparation for the Game of the Century ( or at least the hype of the century).

Cavalier basketball

2006-11-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

The Cavs looked good last night, winning 97-94 over Washington. I watched, but not too closely. I'm not a major basketball fan, and there are 81 games to go. Nice to see 27 from Hughes, and LBJ was very solid, as always.

SI and Herbie

2006-11-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

One...Stewart Mandel is a writer I have respected in the past and still enjoy reading. However, in the past he has taken some shots at Kirk Herbstreit (only the best and most popular analyst in all of college football). Today he takes another shot. Herbie made a comment comparing Michigan and Ohio State; you know, doing his job: analyzing college football. Mandel took issue with one line (calling Steve Breaston worthless). Now obviously, he did not mean Breaston is a worthless human being, but a worthless football player. Breaston is very fast and can return punts and kickoffs...but he has hands of stone, and is only effective on end arounds and reverses with the offense. Seems to me that Mandel may be just a little jealous of the attention Herbstreit gets every week on ESPN.

NHL

2006-11-01T14:11:00.000-05:00

As a typical NE Ohio sports fan, my favorite sports writer is Terry Pluto (by a fairly wide margin). There are others, both local and national, that I enjoy reading. One of those is ESPN's NHL writer John Buccigross. This is a link to his latest column. Living in Florida, as a Blue Jackets fan, I don't spend too much time talking about hockey (perennially disappointing team, no Center Ice package, Jackets are rarely on VS or NBC). I will attend games when in Columbus (generally around Christmas or the new year), but I follow football, Indians baseball and OSU/Cavs basketball much more closely. Unlike many cynical columnists throughout the country, Buccigross has an obvious passion for the game he covers. He enjoys the sport and conveys that enjoyment in his writing. His columns add to my enjoyment of hockey, so in that way, I think he is somewhat similar to Pluto. If you've never read his columns before, do yourself a favor and read a few.

(Very Short) NBA Preview

2006-10-31T17:34:00.000-05:00

If you'd like more detail, check ESPN, SI, Papa Cass, Brian Windhorst or one of several other blogs/newspapers/websites for detailed analysis. As a lifelong Cleveland fan, I know this may be reaching. I know Miami is still the team to beat in the East, Detroit is the veteran stalwart in the Central and Chicago is the returning prodigal son. The Cavs still have several holes to fill and questions to answer, but what the hell. It is my honest belief that the Cleveland Cavaliers will represent the Eastern Conference in June's NBA Finals. Crazy, I know (but I'm not yet crazy enough to predict an NBA title; unlike the POJODojo, who is either crazy or brilliant). Chicago is not as good as Detroit, Miami, Cleveland or New Jersey. Detroit may win the Central, but they will miss Ben Wallace and that hole in the middle should make the difference in a potential playoff series. Miami has their title and may struggle with motivation (as well as age). As for Jersey, can you really count on Vince Carter to win games for you? Besides, I have a feeling LeBron's improvement, the additions of Shannon Brown, Daniel Gibson and Scot Pollard, returns to health for Anderson Varejao and Larry Hughes, the conditioning of Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall and Coach Mike Brown's growth should improve on last season's 50 victories, (hopefully) ensuring better playoff position. And the growth and maturity of this team last spring should (could) lead to bigger and better things this season. Or, God could make up pull our hair out, yet again...

The weekend

2006-10-30T18:20:00.000-05:00

The Browns actually looked like a professional offense this weekend. It's amazing what a new perspective can bring , and it's also amazing how much impact a healthy Leigh Bodden had on the rest of the defense. Frye had one of his better games, Droughns looked the best he has since last November, and the O-Line played its best game of the season. Maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses; good start for the Jeff Davidson era. The bad news: with the schedule the next few weeks, even with a seemingly improving team, another win may be weeks away.

The Cavs...more coming tomorrow or Wednesday; should be a fun season.

The Buckeyes...what else can I say? We're all anticipating Ohio State-Michigan now; all of college football seems to be in a holding pattern. These teams are a clear 1 and 2. No one except Michigan can beat the Buckeyes, and no one except tOSU can beat the Wolverines. Oh, and the best moment from the weekend...

Winning the Masters may be more emotional, but Jack Nicklaus still got a lump in his throat while dotting the "i" during the Ohio State marching band's halftime rendition of Script Ohio.
"I'm always a pretty emotional guy, and to have something like this ... Ohio State has meant so much to my life, and Columbus," said Nicklaus, who left college early to turn professional in 1961. He has since received an honorary degree from OSU.
Nicklaus walked arm-in-arm with the drum major to the designated spot and waved to the crowd.
"I guess it went well," he said. "I got my part right ... A fraternity brother of mine sent me a baton the other day that was probably 40 years old and said, 'I want you to practice with this. I don't want you to embarrass any of us.' "

I'm not embarrassed at all to say it was very dusty in my house when ABC showed Nicklaus completing Script Ohio....

Patterns

2006-10-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

Legend holds that celebrity deaths come in threes...this morning we had Joe Niekro and Trevor Berbick, and now this evening comes word that Boston Celtic patriarch Red Auerbach has passed....RIP

Congrats

2006-10-28T00:04:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals, 2006 World Series Champions...

Jack Nicklaus

2006-10-27T09:54:00.000-05:00

I have yet to comment about golf on this blog, but as a central Ohio native from an avid golfing family, this is really cool...from Bob Hunter.

When Jack Nicklaus dots the "I" during Script Ohio at the Ohio State-Minnesota game Saturday, rabid fans can take some solace that he isn’t another famous alum being given an honor that is meaningless to him. Nicklaus was a huge fan of the football Buckeyes while growing up in Columbus and said he was in attendance at this season’s Penn State game.
"From the time I was 6 years old, I missed only one Ohio State home football game, until I was 20," Nicklaus said. "Then it was because I played in the World Amateur Team Championship and for the Eisenhower Trophy at Merion Golf Club. Even then, I … walked around the golf course, carrying the radio and listening to the Ohio State-Southern Cal game while I was playing in the tournament. I shot 66-67-68-68 and won the individual title, so I shot 68 that day. If I hadn’t been carrying around the radio, maybe I would have shot another 66."

Also, on Thursday, Marla Ridenour had an article concerning the same event. Very cool; one of the classiest men in recent pro sports being honored for his legacy in a unique way. As for the game, not too much to say, as the Buckeyes should defeat Minnesota fairly easily.

Bill Simmons

2006-10-25T15:50:00.000-05:00

Three interesting points in his new column today:
* 24 Trailer (yes, I'm very excited as well)
* Kenny Rogers, roids? (very interesting theory, and yes it makes sense)
* Eating crow over the Cardinals (hope they hold on, couldn't stomach Rogers or Pudge celebrating a title...)

I'm very glad....

2006-10-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

...that this guy was not my HS football coach.

Read this post

2006-10-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

Read this post from The POJO Dojo. Maybe football, and sports in general, mean way too much too all of us (especially us sports bloggers), but I can't help but feel very proud to read Tressel's words. Hell, I even choked up a little bit...

Roundup

2006-10-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

Good...
* Maurice Carthon (whether fired or resigned, he's gone)....
* LeBron and the Cavs....
* Buckeye football...
* Thad Matta's extension...

Bad...
* What the hell was on Kenny Rogers' hand in game 2?
* MotSaG has the story on issues at Michigan...did Lloyd Carr ignore a crime for a WR to play against Penn State?
* What does Crennel's stalling on firing Carthon say about control and leadership of this franchise...btw, I'm still behind Crennel and Savage...don't know if they'll get the job done, but it's too soon to start over.

Ugly...
* The Browns and Indians...

Maybe I should read the PD again

2006-10-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

This has been covered everywhere else, but it is good to see the Dealer get smart and get rid of Roger Brown. Now, at one point I did read his columns, but since he is a major reason (along with several others) that I don't read the PD, I won't give any platitudes about how I enjoyed his controversial opinions, and that he was the first writer to read in the PD every day. I think the paper may have improved itself by getting rid of a writer who has unsubstianted opinions, tries to gin up useless controversies, interviews the wrong people for "expert" opinions, and adding nothing to my enjoyment of Cleveland pro sports (which are hard enough to enjoy some days, anyway).

Courage

2006-10-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Peter King had a small blurb in his MMQB today about Kevin Tillman's recent criticism of the war in Iraq. I will stay away from politics here, but I had to address one thing. King called Tillman's comments gutsy. The way I see it right now, everyone is criticizing the war (right or wrong). True courage would be to swim against the stream and defend the war in Iraq...it takes almost no courage to ride the tide of public opinion.

Gary Baxter

2006-10-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

Poor guy...out for the season (or more) with 2 torn patellar tendons. He just cannot stay healthy. With the injuries to Baxter, Daylon McCutcheon and Leigh Bodden, the defense will have trouble defending any half competent receiver in the NFL. Another lost season in Cleveland, and yet I'll still watch the last ten games.

Ohio State

2006-10-23T17:30:00.000-05:00

The one good thing about being an Ohio sports fan...the Buckeyes continue to dominate. Luckily, a friend of mine subscribes to DirecTV's sports pack, so I was able to see the game....it was OSU's most complete effort all season. All facets worked very well (of course, it was Indiana)....Troy Smith, barring a Cooper (or Greg Norman) like collapse, will win the Heisman. I do not think, in 26+ years on this planet, I've ever been able to say OSU has the best QB in the nation....well, enjoy this Buckeye fans, because our QB is the best player in all of college football. The running game continues to be solid (led by the seemingly unnoticed Antonio Pittman), two TE's caught touchdowns, many recievers (8, I believe) caught a pass, and the defense may be showing that Tressel knows how to produce an elite defense, year after year (with major credit to Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell). And yes, it pains me to say this, I hope scUM is unbeaten on November 18...nothing is sweeter than ruining a Wolverine season...of course, nothing is sadder than a season ruined by UM (ex. 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1969, etc.).

The weekend in Cleveland

2006-10-23T17:24:00.000-05:00

Why even bother to comment on the Browns....the offense lacks direction, intelligence, and competence....we need to draft offensive linemen. The D looks OK; our receivers are decent, except for the drops; Frye needs a lot of help, as he can't stay upright behind the worst O-line in the NFL. Oh, and a new running back (Adrian Peterson?) would help, as well. I will still watch every game, but I doubt it's worth staying sober to focus on the game....

The Cavs...wake me when the season starts, but it's good to see management hold the line on LBJ's playing time...even if they piss off all of Western NY....

The Indians...still have my doubts that the Dolans will open the wallet, but this team is close and the out of the ashes rise of the White Sox and Tigers in the AL Central the past two seasons show me that the Tribe could contend in '07 (if we get a closer)...

The past weekend

2006-10-16T18:46:00.000-05:00

Not much to say on the NFL (no Browns game) or baseball (no Tribe, but Pudge Rodriguez is as much of a cheater as Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Clemens, Sheffield, yet no mention anywhere in the media...). But Ohio State may have played their most complete game of 2006 against Michigan State. The defense was able to prevent MSU from capitalizing on Beanie Wells' fumble, and the Bucks excelled in all facets of the game. Troy is the definite Heisman favorite after the injury to Adrian Peterson and the sub-par outing by Wolfe. From this vantage point, we are headed for a HUGE showdown November 18 in Columbus. OSU and UM are the two best teams in the country right now, and I think number 3 is either Florida, Tennessee or Auburn (no, it is not USC). Thank goodness we have the Buckeyes to lift our spirits as the Browns continue to suffer, and the Indians stunk up another summer.

New Column on ESPN

2006-10-16T14:07:00.000-05:00

If you are a Cavs fan (or just a self-loathing Cleveland fan....) read this column by Brian Windhorst. It details the evolution of the Cleveland Cavaliers (from a true insiders perspective) and the teams' (believe it or not) realistic chance to compate for an NBA championship. Would the name of this blog have to change if the Cavs are successful this June?

This weekend

2006-10-13T14:06:00.000-05:00

No Browns game...which means we won't lose!

The Buckeyes are #1 (as you all know) and head to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. The last two times we were #1 facing MSU, we lost (1974 and 1998). This time, however, should be different. I am a little nervous, but remember this...in 1974, controversial calls and 30 minutes of deliberation by the officials and Big Ten Commissioner Wayne Duke conspired to cost tOSU a winning TD (Woody tried to argue, but to no avail); and in 1998, I could feel the weels coming off and the necks tightening in Columbus...I will never forget that day; not feeling comfortable with a 17 point lead, despite having one of the more talented teams in recent college football history, knowing Cooper would find a way to blow a game before the end of the season. And, MSU and Nick Saban that year. Now, we have Jim Tressel, while they have slap-happy John L. Smith...big advantage OSU. I'm thinking 34-21, Buckeyes.

Cleveland Fan?

2006-10-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

I happen to be a fan of all three Cleveland pro teams, as well as the Buckeyes and Columbus Blue Jackets. This is due to growing up about an hour north of Columbus, and having a dad who was a long suffering Cleveland fan (and no, there is no other type). I am a fan of The Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians, but would I be any less of a Cleveland fan if I was a Cubs fan instead? Or a Vikings fan, or Lakers (assuming I cheered for Cleveland in the other two sports). I don't think of myself as a Cleveland fan, but as a fan of three franchises, all located in the same city. So yes, POJODojo, I do not doubt your Cleveland passion...and I cannot hate you too much. After all, my own brother, who lives in Columbus, is a Michigan fan...

Brent Musburger

2006-10-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

It seems that in order to be a true Buckeye fan, one must hate Brent Musburger. I admit, there was a time I despised listening to this man call a sporting event (I think it was when he was paired with Bob Griese, but that's another story). I've even seem him referred to as the worst sports commentator on television. I have to disagree, and yes, I have several reasons for doing so. One, Brent seems to enjoy calling Buckeye games. I do not believe he is biased against tOSU, in fact, based on calls he has made ("Kaiser" Wilhelm, "Holy Buckeye", etc.) I could make the case Brent likes our Buckeyes. Two, when compared to pieces of shit like Dan Fouts (remember the OSU-Miami Fiesta Bowl, quit slurping the Winslows Dan) and Bob Griese (calling his own son's games and clearly rooting for UM against tOSU in 1996 and '97), is Brent really so bad (and don't get me started on Pam Ward, Tim Brant, Ed Cummingham, Mark May, Lou Holtz, Le Corso, Mark Jones, etc. etc.) compared to most college football broadcatsers, analysts and "experts" for ESPN/ABC? Third, Brent seems to enjoy the game...as every broadcaster should...they have a great job, traveling the country to watch and talk about college football! Fourth, and this one is just fun, he pisses off USC. Seriuosly people, get your heads out of your surfer asses. Remember when, during the Texas game, Brent and Kirk talked about Troy tapping his head to indicate single coverage to Ginn? Same deal, and there was not a giant outcry in C-bus. With all the love SC gets from Disney (cough, cough...Mark May!) should they not take all the good with one little bit of bad...for all of us, just shut the hell up! Anyway, Brent is not so bad, besides, he's better than Keith jackson forgetting the down and distance and what state he's in.

Past thoughts...

2006-10-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

In some previous posts, I had mentioned that I'd give more thoughts on the Browns and Travis Hafner....the Browns are too depressing to comment about; as for Travis Hafner, just go to any stat site (ESPN, SI, Baseball Prospectus, etc.) and look up numers, and you'll see my point.

FOX baseball

2006-10-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

Too many shots of useless celebs, insufferable and arrogant Joe Buck, annoying graphics, and Tim McCarver...sounds like a description of a week in Ann Arbor, Paris or hell...

Only Lou Holtz...

2006-10-12T20:49:00.000-05:00

..can make Mark May sound competent. Funny, how when his lover boys at USC win close games, their surviving, but when The Ohio State University survived week after week in 2002, they sucked, were "the dark side", etc. Did Lou Holtz really say OSU was not number 1? The ESPN studio crew is so pathetic....just give us more Herbstreit, the one college football commentator on the family of networks that is reasonably competent. BTW, posts in the next two days following up on POJO Dojo's comments, and defending Brent Musburger.

Good news....

2006-10-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

For all Buckeyes....

Tyson Gentry can keep a secret, but he doesn’t have much of a poker face.
The former Ohio State player has been in a wheelchair since suffering a broken vertebra in his neck during a scrimmage April 14. He has had limited arm movement and no lower-body movement.
Until Monday. That’s when he discovered he could wiggle his toes on his left foot.
"He thought he felt something, but he didn’t say anything to anyone right away," Gentry’s mother, Gloria, said. "He was laughing all day Monday, and (his sister and roommate) Ashley was like, ‘What are you laughing at?’
"Finally, he shared it with her on Tuesday. He wanted to make sure it continued and it wasn’t just happening there one time and not the next."
Gloria said the development has the family "very, very excited," and she and her husband, Bob, have seen Tyson since then. She said doctors have not told the family anything about what this might mean for Tyson’s future recovery.
But it certainly lifted the spirits of Tyson’s former teammates. Assistant coach Darrell Hazell told the receivers yesterday afternoon. Gentry was working as a receiver at the time of his injury.
"It was just an emotional rush over the guys," Hazell said. "That was huge for the guys."
Coach Jim Tressel broke the news to the full team later yesterday.
Gloria Gentry said the family was prepared to be patient and keep trusting that more improvements would come.
"Even if it’s minor, it’s been very well received," she said. "It’s pretty special."

Still a dickhead

2006-10-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

Alec Baldwin, typical arrogant Hollywood douchebag...

RIP

2006-10-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

Cory Lidle, 1972-2006.

Why I no longer read the Plain Dealer.....

2006-10-11T15:15:00.000-05:00

Roger Brown. What a tool. This article is over one year old, but I just found it yesterday (thanks, Deadspin). I hated this guy from the first time I read his columns, but I did not know why....this article will give you more insight. Yes, he can be critical in a sometimes soft media town...but criticism should ahve some basis in fact and logic, not based on the whims of a former entertainment writer who considers men like Joe Theismann, Le Corso and John Kruk experts in their respective sports. He is Cleveland's version of Jay Mariotti. There are still some good writers at the PD, but I get the same info from the Columbus Dispatch and Akron Beacon Journal. Just compare the ABJ with the PD: Pluto vs. Livingston/Shaw/Brown; Windhorst v. Wright are both clearly in favor of little brother, while Ocker v. Hoynes and Ridneour v. Lesmeris are a wash. Now, I'm not a huge fan of McManahon, but the Plain Dealer does not identify the author of an article in its link, so I have neglected to read Grossi (who at the very least deserves our loyalty as the man who refused to endorse Art Modell for the hall of Fame despite being the writer charged with said task). Just my two cents....

Friday Night Lights

2006-10-11T15:11:00.000-05:00

8 PM on NBC....have episode #2 on TiVo, will be watched soon...The pilot was excellent. If you don't already watch too much TV, give this show a chance....you will not be disappointed.

Random college football notes

2006-10-10T15:38:00.000-05:00

Why does God subject all of us to the torture that is the Cleveland Browns? 1-4, once again? I have nothing to say, except bring on a good top 5 pick! Any ideas yet? Oh, and it is good to see the Yankees out, even though they had to lose to that steroid cheater Pudge Rodriguez and a team from Michigan. Three good things for now....good start by CBJ (but can they maintain it...and good to see Zherdev back)...Cavs open the preseason tonight, and there are very high expectations (but ask the Indians how those usually turn out...but maybe LeBron can overcome the weight of high expectations)...and the continued success of the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes. Not much to say that others have not already stated, but a win is a win. Down here, many are starting to anticipate a matchup in January involving Florida facing either Ohio State or Michigan in Glendale....I don't think the Gators can finish without a loss, however. One other thought...why all the hatred toward Brent Musburger? Soon, a post defending Columbus's most hated broadcaster...

OSU-PSU

2006-09-22T20:14:00.000-05:00

The Buckeyes were successful in Austin, earning revenge for last season's heartbreaker. Tomorrow is another chance to avenge a game that got away last fall...Penn State returns to Columbus. The Lions are 0-6 in the 'Shoe since joining the Big Ten, and have struggled in their three non-conference games this season, looking terrible at Notre Dame. Tomorrow should be more revenge for our Bucks...38-10, Ohio State.

Updates...

2006-09-20T17:31:00.000-05:00

Been awhile since my last post...first, I have to thank Vinny and the Hornless Rhino for linking to this humble little blog. OK, about the last post, the YouTube links don't seem to work, so for now just search for Cleveland Browns and you should be able to find the videos. Also, The Browns seem to be headed for 4-12 (fire Carthon already), the Indians are once again winning a bunch of meaningless games, and Cleveland fans are counting down the days until basketball season! Who would've thought you'd ever say that about NE Ohio?! As for the non-(legally, at least) paid team in the state, the Buckeyes look very good so far. 3-0 with a very un-Tressel like attack on offense. The revenge in Austin was very sweet, but I wonder if UT was a little overhyped. Michigan, Iowa and Michigan State appear to be potential roadblocks to a championship season. If he's not in your mind, Troy Smith should be the Heisman favorite right now (and many seem to agree). Also, I think I should stop reading Roger Brown (Florida as the major challenge to Ohio State...good luck surviving the SEC unbeaten boys). He adds very little insight and no enjoyment to my viewing of sports...unlike Terry Pluto, Brian Windhorst and Peter Gammons (welcome back...just wish you weren't hidden behind E$PN IN$IDER). That's about all for now...since life is getting more settled here, posting should be much more frequent. As for the weekend, expect revenge in Columbus and more embarrassment by AFC NORTH rivals...

A picture is worth....

2006-08-30T18:30:00.001-05:00

This blog is supposed to be a (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) lamentation of the misfortune to be born as a Cleveland sports fan. I was messing around on YouTube earlier, and found some videos that illustrate our "curse".

PS...I tried to actually place these videos in the post, but was unsuccessful, so the best I can do for now is to direct you to YouTube where you can search "Cleveland sports".

Various rumblings....

2006-08-13T15:48:00.000-05:00

HAFNER AND THE TRIBE.....if the Indians had done this earlier in the season (dominate vastly inferior competition), maybe they'd still be within shouting distance of contention. Again, as we always say in Cleveland, wait till next year. As for Pronk, if he played in New York, Boston, Chicago, or another big market, how much attention would he get? Look at his numbers the past 2-3 years; very comparable to Mr. Ortiz in Boston. More to come on this at a future date...

The Browns....I still have Thursday's game at Philly in my TiVo; I will share some thoughts after I watch the game.

Roger Brown...I swear, all this no talent hack ever does is look for anyone to offer up any kind of criticism about Cleveland or Ohio State, and he will gladly post it. Yeah, maybe OSU will not finish #1. But to cite Lee Corso?! WTF? I know absolutely no one who watched Gameday for the intellect and insights of Mr. Corso. I thought he was the comic relief after Herbstreit. And yes, we know this has been a very disappointing season, but does it not seem that Roger has an almost personal vendetta against Shapiro (and any other local team)? As for locking up young players before having many accomplishments, it worked in the early to mid 90's, in Cleveland! The issue here does not seem to be talent evaluation, but a lack of spending, initiative, or balls from ownership.

Mo Clarett

2006-08-11T15:56:00.000-05:00

There is nothing I can say about Clarett that has not been said already....I know the young man has FUBAR'd his own life and deserves the blame for the mess he now finds himself, but I can't help but feel incredibly sad to see someone with so much potential flush his future away. After reading Tom Friend, prison may be the best place for Mo. Who didn't think that this guy would be an elite level NFL back by now?

New Blog

2006-08-11T01:18:00.000-05:00

Hey all, this is my first time blogging. I will be focusing largely on Cleveland pro sports and Ohio State athletics, with occasional forays into movies, politics, and anything else that may cross my mind. Why is this blog entitled "Why God, why"? Well, it refers to me asking why I was born a Cleveland sports fan. Why was I not born to New York, LA, Chicago, or Detroit fans for parents? Why the most tortured sports city in all of the US, if not the world? No, I'm not making the claim God hates us (yet), I am just asking existential questions. More to come....