5 Things.

1. I'm Tiger'd out! I was going to write a quick one liner that knocks the general public for their continual shock when they find out professional athletes cheat on their spouses. However this is a much better take on Tiger.

2. Brian Kelly was a safe pick for the job at Notre Tame. That is not a typo, until that program grows a pair, they will be referred to as Notre Tame. They conducted a weak coaching search that showed absolutely zero gumption. I was hoping to see media reports of Notre Tame "over stepping their bounds." The SEC (South East Corruption) losing their mind as Notre Tame's special forces unit infiltrates Gainseville and Tuscaloosa. The greater Los Angeles area rioting (big surprise) as masked men in NT coats kidnap Pete Carroll. Boomer "Sooner or later you'll win a big game" jumping on the Sooner Schooner to retrieve a stolen Bob Stoops. But no, they went the practical, easy way, they went Brian Kelly. Kelly may very well be the next great NT coach. He has an eerily similar history to Urban Meyer, (MAC School, Mid-Major-Big Fish Program), and he ran a good program at Cincy. I was just hoping for something a little more interesting, maybe, in five years I'll get it.

3. The baseball winter meetings took place last week in Indianapolis, last year they were in Las Vegas. I find Vegas more appropriate as there is no other city in the United States that tells you your economic status more clearly than Las Vegas. This of course is perfect for baseball. While the small market teams sit at the penny shots just hoping that the a cocktail waitress will bring them free watered-down drinks, the mid market teams play $5 blackjack. The big four (Yanks, Sox, Angels, Dodger) sit in their Skyloft suites at the MGM and play high stakes poker while beautiful women feed them steak. Baseball is broken.

4. Great Cleveland, we beat the Steelers! Great, the joke is still on as us as Eric Mangini probably just won himself another year coaching.

One a Browns side note: Every single time I see "The House That Jerry Built" in Dallas, I think of how stupid it was for Cleveland to build an 80,000 person outdoor facility that is only used 8-10 times a year. First of all, its in a primo location on the lake that should be utilized for high end real estate and shopping. Second, if the Browns would have built a dome they could have housed college conference championship games, low-level bowl games, the Final Four, the Super Bowl, and concerts year round. Just another rash and irrational move in reaction to "The Move" in 1995.

5. I watched the 30 f0r 30 documentary The U covering the football program at the University of Miami. It was so good, I watched it twice, the second time during the 13:00 NFL games on Sunday. The story was so insanely interesting that I am suggesting to cancel all planned activity until you see it.

Growing up I always thought the University of Miami was a program full of violent, freakish athletes that had no respect for college football and were out to dismantle anyone in their way. Apparently, I was right. Miami started to become a dominant program when head coach Howard Schnellenberger put a lock-down on outsiders recruiting talent from South Florida, especially inner-city Miami. From that point forward the University of Miami literally was the University of Miami, made from homegrown talent. That homegrown talent proved to be ruff around the edges.

It was interesting to get the vibe from former players and personnel interviewed for the documentary. They found ways to justify all behavior U, everything from the harmless on-field celebrations to the illegal activity that plagued the program for years. The most ironic aspect of the Miami story is why the team seemed to be so vilified. One would think it was the illegal payoffs from rapper Luther Campbell or a criminal rap sheet that put up as many points as the Hurricane offense, but no. What seemed to get people so riled up were on-the-field celebrations, intimidation tactics, and demeanour. People didn't care all that much if kids from the inner city were committing crimes, they expected that. But, as soon as those same kids blew out established college programs, crashed their party, and danced with their women; they were out of line.

After watching The U I'm not sure how I now see those classic Miami teams. Unreal talent and swagger, corruption and carelessness, or is it all of the above? However, if you ask me to describe utter-domination, it would be that Florida sun, beating down on the Orange Bowl, orange jerseys, white helmets, and legendary college coaches walking out of the joint terrified and violated. In other words the U.

5 Things

With the NFL playoffs looming, the college football seasons ending, and the NBA heating up, it's that time of year again. To hold those closest to you and watch sports figures absolutely loose their mind under pressure. It really is one my favorite things, to watch people have that "don't you dare f-with me" look come over their face and EXPLODE! So here are my five favorite sports meltdowns.

As you can see from previous entries I list things in five, why? Because I watched High Fidelty one too many times. If you haven't please do, it is a great movie and "the sound track kicks f^&*ing ass."

5. Many of us have thrown our cell phone. I find this useless as it results in missed calls and at least $100 for a replacement. However, I consider Hal McRae a revolutionary because in this clip he hurls a rotary phone. A phone so heavy, that Lewis Black once described one as a sufficient weapon against a puma.

4. Do you remember when The University of Colorado football program was the benchmark? When the Big 12 feared the Buffs? Well so does Dan Hawkins and he clearly is frustrated this no longer is the case. I feel ya brother, I played intramural football.

3. In this clip take note at the 2:00 minute mark. You can see a young lady in the right hand corner chewing a piece of gum. I hope she's a student, because there is not a class she will take at Oklahoma State that will ever be this entertaining. Considering coach Dundy is making a good point about the armature athlete, it is hard to laugh, until you compare his comments to this Will Farell re-mix.

2. Bobby Knight is a man who did not understand his own genius, many people that act out in such a way don't. When ESPN produced the movie, Season on The Brink they choose Brian Dennehy (Big Tom Callahn) to play Knight, I feel Dennis Hopper would have a been a better choice. Hopper would have been able to truly act in a way that would have done Knight's tirades justice. Interestingly enough Knight's comments regarding a "game face" are eerily similar to this criminal icon. Not a justified comparison when it comes to life time achievement, but it is at least interesting.

1. I never got into real sports journalism out of my undying fear I would actually have to cover a Mike Tyson fight. When Mike told the entire Associated Press he would eat their children I remember exactly where I was. The place in question was called The Barn, a college hangout that I spent many a evening. My friend Josh interrupted the proceedings one night to ensure we saw the rant. It was at that point I realized why all governments, federal and local, needed to take mental health seriously. Here is 6 plus minutes of vintage Mike. There is no substitute.

5 Things About The BCS.

1. The BCS bowl match-ups were released today and the nation bitched. One jackass is even trying to pass federal legislation to change the BCS system. Yes, thats the solution to a system that doesn't work, the Federal Government.

2. The most fatal flaw to the BCS system? The fact I have to watch Georgia Tech vs. Iowa in the Orange Bowl. There is a joke here comparing this game to NFL blackouts, but I'll let the three people reading this figure it out.

3. The ultimate BCS screw job? How about pitting TCU vs. Boise State, guarenteeing a loss for one of the "BCS Busters." Now there is no possible way either team can gain some clout within college football. Boise State vs. Florida and TCU vs. Cincy would be 100 times more intriguing.

4. The BCS has become Vince McMahon circa the late nineties, screwing everyone in sight. The only problem, there is no story line, this is actually how college football operates. I'm not sure if the bigger problem is lack of a playoff or the practice of pre-season rankings. Either way, this has Bret Hart screw job written all over it.

5. Man how far did USC fall off this year, Arizona! Ohio State's loss to USC in the Shoe, against a freshman quarterback is now even worse. What does this mean? An Ohio State vs. Oregon Rose Bowl could be a disaster. This is the worst set of BCS games since the system was put in place and further proof that the BCS should be exterminated. Tim Tebow crying sums up the nations feelings on college football right now, dry your eyes Timmy there is a life after Florida, however it most likely will involve special teams.

5 Quick Things

1. Tiger, "don't get into a war of words with people that buy ink by the barrel."

2. The "Lebron Leaving Cleveland," thing has gotten out of hand. Sports journalists have graduated from annoying to untolerable by making a case as to why their team should be his next destination. This most recent one is absolutely pathetic.

3. The Cleveland sports fan thinks: Because Bill Bellichick sucked in Cleveland and then won three Super Bowls with New England, the next crappy coach to be let go can do the same for the Browns. You know what, we really did deserve to loose our team.

4. The most recent Cavaliers incident means nothing long term. The media yet again finding another reason for Lebron to leave Cleveland. For once, the delusional "us vs. the world" mentality in C-Town is true, nobody in the media wants Lebron to stay in Cleveland.

5. I've changed my mind on this, Patriots had a horrible night against a great team. Not a changing of the guard, can still easily win the conference and make it to the Super Bowl.

10 Observations From Rivalry Week (s)

1. Ohio State better watch out, I still think Michigan is putting an offense together that is going to dominate the Big 10. Forcier will never play like that again, he is too good and has too far to go. Until T-Pry can learn how to throw the football to a cast of young receivers (including 2 top 150 prospects committed for 2010) OSU is vulnerable. 

2. Bob Davie calling the Pitt/WVU game is ruining the Backyard Brawl. 

3. Alabama won a tuff Iron Bowl at Auburn, it should have been close, and it was. I still like their defense in the SEC championship game against Florida. Saban is turning Bama into the USC of the South, pro-style game and aggressive recruiting. Pro-style football allows for the, "at Alabama we can prepare you for the NFL" recruiting line that works so well in Southern California.  

4. Texas, like Alabama won a tuff rivalry game on the road. Colt McCoy looks better every week and is starting to prove he can handle big time pressure. Right now McCoy might be the best QB available in the NFL draft. I have to wonder where was the Texas defense Mack Brown has become so proud of. 

5. Apparently Michigan State and Penn State is a rivalry, who knew? 

6. If Florida State somehow pulls off the miracle of the season and beats Florida, Bobby Bowden should retire. I wouldn't bet on either. 

7. During the Backyard Brawl broadcast there is a commercial for the "Freedom Tray." Apparently liberty and justice is no further away than a portable food tray. 

8. Notre Dame lost its rivalry with itself this season. There was no reason a team with that much talent should be on the cusp of .500 ball. Maybe if Notre Dame would pick a conference the program could get some easy wins, I suggest the Big 10. 

9. Bedlam is the greatest name for a rivalry game, ever. 

10. Harvard and Yale still means nothing to me, nothing. I would really like to see these two programs play against high schools from impoverished neighborhoods. For one thing, I think many of the high schools would win and secondly there is some weird social justice aspect I would love to see play out on a football field. 

Some More Irish Talk

I am not a hater, I like Notre Dame. Even as a Buckeye fan, I like Michigan. I like the new guard, the old guard, and a MAC game on Tuesday night. I like Running Down the Hill in Death Valley, Jump Around at Camp Randall, The Sooner Schooner, and hearing "Fight On" 354 times during the Rose Bowl. That is the beauty of college football, the tradition, the fact that there is always something to hang your hat on week after week. In other words, college football as a whole is something special. When one of its soldiers is down, the unit isn't the same. 

To overuse a typical cliche, it is good for college football if Notre Dame is a powerhouse. Bottom line, they have barely mattered for over a decade. Since Lou Holtz left after the 1996 season, Notre Dame is 95-67 (59%) and 1-7 in Bowl games, including a blowout from LSU and a two touchdown defeat to Ohio State. During the Lou Holtz era,  Notre Dame was 100-30-2 (76%)  and 5-4 in Bowl games including a National Championship. Lou Holtz was offered a life-time contract and turned it down, since that denied proposal the program hasn't been the same. As with all college football, it comes down to coaching. 

Notre Dame's selection of coaches after Holtz has been abysmal. Bob Davie, I can't even listen to the guy call a game on ESPN, how did 18 year old recruits listen to him in their own home. Ty Willingham would make a good Athletic Director, not a good head football coach, let alone THE head football coach at THE school. Charlie Weis, another short-sighted Belichick-tree decision. How's the Belichick tree look without Belichick? Hows it look Mr. Crennel, Mr.  Mangini, Mr. McDaniels, Mr Pioli, and Mr. Weis? 

College football coaches need to be master communicators, motivators, and recruiters. None of that describes any of the three coaches Notre Dame hired after Lou Holtz. USC, Ohio State, Michigan,  Alabama, and Oklahoma all struggled with hiring head coaches after an icon left the school. Eventually, a Carroll, Tressel, Schembeckler, Saban, and Stoops were found. Even Florida found a more aggressive, cocky, run-up the score maniac to replace the "old ball coach!" 

Notre Dame must be very un-Notre Dame and aggressively steal another school's top-tier coach. "Thou shall not steal unless you haven't won a BCS Bowl Game in 10 years." I'm not talking promote up, I'm talking highjack and high-tail it back to South Bend. 

• Urban Meyer already said "no," so what, keep asking until the state of Florida issues you a restraining order. 
  
• Bob Stoops already won a National Championship in Oklahoma, start offering non-stop service from South Bend to Norman immediately. 
  
• Pete Carroll already coaches your rival, great! 100% less earthquakes in Indiana. 
  
• Nick Saban already proved he will jump teams just for the hell of it, keep texting him. 
  
• Lane Kiffin already shook up the most corrupt conference in sports, facebook friend him now!
  
• Jim Tressel already is getting run out of Columbus, get some graduate assistants in sweater vests as quickly as possible. 

Time to get irrational Notre Dame, college football needs you to. 

Mark It As True

1. Notre Dame simply doesn't matter any more. When the starting QB gets punched in the face, after a game, IN SOUTH BEND, you've turned into Eastern Michigan. 

2. Michigan will be back, sooner than later. The Michigan offense will develop into a terrifying force for Big 10 opponents over the next two seasons while Rich Rod will realize small and speedy doesn't work on the defense side of the ball. 

4. Ohio State will loose another close big game because they simply can't throw the ball. A two headed monster at QB maybe necessary over the next few seasons. 

5. The SEC is the most corrupt organization in all of Sports. Both Alabama and Florid should have at least one loss, keeping them both out of the BCS Championship game. 

6. I think college football fans would eat up a TCU/Cincinnati BCS championship game, time to pass the torch. 

7. Colt McCoy looks great, but so does Ndamukong Suh. McCoy will get the Big 12 Championship, but Suh will have the better NFL career. 

8. The Jimmy Clausen and Brady Quinn comparisons are only the result of a shared Golden Dome.  Clausen seems to have a killer instinct and a much stronger arm. I still think he could benefit from another year at Notre Dame, but Sam Bradford's shoulder will probably have something to say about that. 

9. The PAC 10 has literally turned into the Wild West and possibly the best conference in college football, even in a down year for USC. The Big 10 however, is an absolute joke and should not be trusted to show up in any bowl game this year. Is it possible to have two PAC 10 teams in the Rose Bowl this year? 

10. The U is not back, not yet. But I'm sure after an early season beat down of Ohio State next year, that swagger will be back.