I'm a little behind on this so I get to hit on three games at once. First of all, the debacle that was the Duke game. Clearly, if your offense puts up 48 points then you should never EVER lose, ESPECIALLY TO DUKE. However, that wasn't the case. I mean come on. I'm obviously pointing the finger at the defense on this one. Seriously, I'm 0-3 against Duke in football. That is what I like to call not sweet. Granted, Verica did throw three picks, two of which gave the Duke offense a short field. Still unacceptable to lose 55-48 to Duke. Did I mention that we put their BEST offensive player out of the game in the 3rd quarter? Yet, we still give up a 4th and 18 and then a 45 yard toss sweep to lose the game. UNACCEPTABLE. It's well over a week after that loss and I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Bill Lazor has proven his worth so far this year, no question. The offense has put up points. I'm asking for the defense to step up and help out a little bit. It doesn't help when key defensive player and team leader Ras-i Dowling has been hampered with injuries all season long and now will officially be laid up for the rest of the season and his UVA career with a shattered ankle in the first quarter of the Maryland game. Again, we were competing in this game and suddenly the 4th quarter arrived and things went south. I really have no explanation for what happened other than we just plain lost in the 4th quarter. Maryland certainly has some player makers on both sides of the ball in wide out Torrey Smith and LB Alex Wujciak. So the record now sits at 4-6 and more than likely little to no chance at a bowl game as it stands, even if we win out since we do have two 1-aa opponents on the schedule (have I mentioned I'm sick and tired of playing 1-AA teams?). Anyways, we go up to Boston College this weekend in what will for sure be a tough one. It's going to be cold and Boston College will be playing for a bowl berth. I gotta think that we can at least compete if not try and play spoiler and come out of Boston with a W. I still think Boston College will be at least 7 point favorites in this game.
Ohio State is still getting it done with a win over Penn State after finally waking up in the second half. Pryor only through the ball 13 times and connected on 8 of those attempts, two of which were for TDs. The defense had two pick-6's as well. As it stands as long as Ohio State wins out they will more than likely receive an at large bowl berth to a BCS bowl and potentially face off against someone like Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. This would be a preview of a match up down the road as Ohio State has a home and home contract with the Chokies starting in a few years.
Xavier won the season and home opener against Wester Michigan, although it was a struggle, only winning 62-59. Until Jamel McClean returns (which should be in time for the Iowa game later this week), Xavier will rely heavily on guard play. At this point in time, Tu Holloway is going to have to be the go to scorer as no one else has really proven themselves. Dante Jackson will for sure be the team leader and a key outside threat. Cheekz is going to be the dribble drive guy and who can get to the bucket with ease but will need to play with control. I really need and expect Kenny Frease to finally step up and use that 7 foot massive framed body. He should easily be dominating inferior competition but he hasn't which is disappointing. Jeff Robinson will be asked to step up as well. Once Jamel returns he will be the force inside both on the glass and scoring but he will need some help down low. I don't see why Xavier shouldn't be able to get past IPFW tomorrow night. The Paradise Jam holds some solid competition but with the return of Jamel down there I don't see why Xavier won't be able to compete at the highest level. I still see Xavier coming up with something along the realms of 22-23 wins this season. I know some people will probably disagree but again I always play role of super optimist when it comes to X.
I'm going to be honest, when it comes to this weekend, my focus will not be on the Boston College game, it won't be on the Iowa game (Ohio State), and it even won't be on what X is doing down in the Paradise Jam. All day Saturday, all I'll be able to think about is getting back to Charlottesville for what is setting up to be one of the most epic jam sessions known to man. I will be in attendance for my 5th DMB concert of the year and what will most likely be my last DMB concert until at least 2012 (they're taking all of 2011 off). It is their last full band concert until at least 2012 and they're closing out where it all started, Charlottesville. I'll be in attendance for night 2 of the 2 night stand. The hype that is building is beginning to overflow as this fall tour so far has seen nothing but greatness and unpredictability by the band. I've been in full jam mode since last Monday when I secured my ticket. The anticipation is like noting I've ever experienced when it comes to a DMB concert. I don't even know what songs I want to hear the most. The following would be a dream set list for this Saturday night:
Big Eyed Fish >>
Bartender
Crush
Dancing Nancies >>
Warehouse
Say Goodbye >>
#41
So Damn Lucky
Seven
You & Me
The Maker
The Stone
Grey Street
Crash (Into Me)
Don't Drink The Water
You Never Know
Stay (Wasting Time)
--------------------
Time Bomb >>
Two Step
--------------------
Dreaming Tree
Last Stop
Ok, maybe a bit unrealistic and probably lacking in Big Whiskey tracks. Jesus, I'm getting goosebumps right now (listening to Two Step, Live From Citi Field) thinking about what Saturday night holds.
-'Killa
Dope-ness
Right off the bat. PROGRAM CHANGING WIN. That win last Saturday over The U was huge in so many ways. First of all, it was Coach London's first ACC win and the team's first ACC win in over a year. Secondly, it was on national television. Third there were some MAJOR recruits in the house to watch the game. Those recruits got to see a big time effort lead to a big time game. They got to see the celebration on and off the field. Most importantly they got to see what this program can be behind Coach London and his staff. Miami never seemed "into the game." We got to Jacory early and often and the BIG LUMBER hit laid by John Kevin Dolce knocked Jacory all the way back to South Beach. After that, it was all but over. We turned the Canes over 5 times. Marc Verica was never touched by a defense that leads the country in tackles for loss and second in sacks. Our run game was very successful and Verica completed big time passes in key third down situations at the end of the game to put the win on ice. We travel to Duke this weekend for a noon kick on ESPN3. I anticipate that we keep riding this momentum all the way to a win down in Durham. I mean we've lost to Puke for the past two years in a row. Quite frankly, I'm sick and tired of losing to them. I will accept nothing less than a two touchdown win. That would put us at 5-4 with Maryland coming to town next weekend. At this point in time we need 3 more wins to become bowl eligible. Left on the schedule are @Puke, Turtles, @BC, @Chokies.
Ohio State made quick work of Goldy Gopher in MInnesota last week. I can't really hate on Minnesota because they've struggled for so long and my roommate is a loyal Minnesota Gopher and all Minnesota sports fan. But, when the Bucks play Minnesota it usually results in a highlight reel beat down. Buckeyes caught a great break as well with Michigan State losing at Iowa this weekend. This opens up a huge oppporunity for the Buckeyes to potentially share a piece of the Big Ten title. While the loss to Wisconsin still hurts it won't keep Ohio State from grabbing a piece of the Big Ten title. Even if Ohio State beats Iowa, which isn't a guarantee it will most likely come down to who ranks higher between OSU, Wisconsin, and MSU. A win over the Hawkeyes should settle that tiebreaker. Keep in mind the Buckeyes still need to beat Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan. Lose one and the chance to win the Big Ten is over, lose a couple and a chance to go to a BCS bowl is over.
The Browns had a bye week so I really have nothing to report on them other than Colt McCoy will get the nod this week against the Patriots if Seneca Wallace isn't good to go. Let me just say this, if McCoy goes this week and performs well or at least manages the game like he's been asked to then you can argue that he's done more than enough to prove he's the guy for the future. He only went to Pittsburgh and played well, went to New Orleans and won, and competed against the best team in the NFL in the Patriots. That's three top notch defenses and hostile environments. Just saying.
Xavier hoops had their first exhibition game Tuesday night against Northern Kentucky. They won 73-62. However, keeping with the injury bug the Musketeers have faced this year, senior forward Jamel McClean went down with an orbital bone fracture and will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Which would hopefully have him back in time for Butler. A lot of guys got an opportunity to play. Reports from Cintas say they looked a little sloppy. NKU did shoot and hit a lot of threes which kept them in the mix.
Kenny Frease lead the way with a double double and Cheekz seemed to get to the rim and attack and finish effectively. It does suck to keep having guys go down to injury and not have Justin Martin this year but you know Chris Mack will rally the troops. I still think it will be somewhat of a "down" year for Xavier as it stands right now but you know like always Xavier will compete and do what we do. I expect Tu to make his presence known heavily early in the season while we are without McClean. This would be a PERFECT opportunity for Dante Jackson to finally emerge as a go to scorer as well. Xavier will most likely rely heavily on very solid defense and rebounding early as well. That will be their best chance to stay competitive as it will be hard early to try and immediately replace scoring stud Jordan Crawford.
I gotta hit on my guy Randy Moss. Let me just say this, he's been one of the most dominating and most feared receiver ever since he's been in the league. You can't argue that. Sure he's had his faults, but the just makes big time grabs whenever you need him to. I will agree with Jim Rome in the fact that this is probably his last chance to keep it right with the Titans this year. He's going to need to finish strong this year in order to try and garner one last contract as he's a free agent at the end of the year. I truly believe Moss is one of the most compelling and intriguing athletes of his time and I can't wait for someone to write a book about him. I bet there will be some great stories in there. Moss is always one for some great sound bites so enjoy the following. It may be one of the best videos out there.
Dave Matthews Band opened up their fall tour on Tuesday. It will be their last full band tour until 2011. Every ticket to these few shows is a HOT HOT HOT commodity. I'm praying to God that when we go to Boston College the game will be a noon game so I can get back in time for the show at JPJ arena. That two night stand may be the most anticipated two night stand in the history of two night stands. Word on the street is that there have been hella cameras at the first two shows prompting rumors for a Fall Tour DVD. That would be absolutely incredible, and makes this tour all the more much anticipated. I'm patiently awaiting for my arrival of these which should keep me very DMB occupied for the time being. Also something very cool to follow is antsmarching.org's Top 50 Project . So far 50-31 have been released and raising a lot of good discussion. Here is 50-41 and then 40-31.
How bad ass is Carter Beauford?
In perhaps the biggest news in the music world today, Lil' Wayne got released from an 8-month jail term on Rikers Island. Weezy fans couldn't be any happier as The Carter IV will now start getting worked on. Weezy plans to visit with family and then party hard until he can't party anymore.
Tweet of the Year: @mgberningjr: Matthew Berning on his college tour of UD had to tell the group one interesting fact about himself: "I hate Dayton basketball" @scoonie712
I need to send a major shoutout to my guy @cpgeschke. Dude has been a loyal follower of the blog. He's former management and high level member of the Looney Bunch. Thanks for the shout outs big homey. Keep Living Strong! Attack and finish. Do what we do. Win forever.
'Killa
Ohio State made quick work of Goldy Gopher in MInnesota last week. I can't really hate on Minnesota because they've struggled for so long and my roommate is a loyal Minnesota Gopher and all Minnesota sports fan. But, when the Bucks play Minnesota it usually results in a highlight reel beat down. Buckeyes caught a great break as well with Michigan State losing at Iowa this weekend. This opens up a huge oppporunity for the Buckeyes to potentially share a piece of the Big Ten title. While the loss to Wisconsin still hurts it won't keep Ohio State from grabbing a piece of the Big Ten title. Even if Ohio State beats Iowa, which isn't a guarantee it will most likely come down to who ranks higher between OSU, Wisconsin, and MSU. A win over the Hawkeyes should settle that tiebreaker. Keep in mind the Buckeyes still need to beat Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan. Lose one and the chance to win the Big Ten is over, lose a couple and a chance to go to a BCS bowl is over.
The Browns had a bye week so I really have nothing to report on them other than Colt McCoy will get the nod this week against the Patriots if Seneca Wallace isn't good to go. Let me just say this, if McCoy goes this week and performs well or at least manages the game like he's been asked to then you can argue that he's done more than enough to prove he's the guy for the future. He only went to Pittsburgh and played well, went to New Orleans and won, and competed against the best team in the NFL in the Patriots. That's three top notch defenses and hostile environments. Just saying.
Xavier hoops had their first exhibition game Tuesday night against Northern Kentucky. They won 73-62. However, keeping with the injury bug the Musketeers have faced this year, senior forward Jamel McClean went down with an orbital bone fracture and will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Which would hopefully have him back in time for Butler. A lot of guys got an opportunity to play. Reports from Cintas say they looked a little sloppy. NKU did shoot and hit a lot of threes which kept them in the mix.
Kenny Frease lead the way with a double double and Cheekz seemed to get to the rim and attack and finish effectively. It does suck to keep having guys go down to injury and not have Justin Martin this year but you know Chris Mack will rally the troops. I still think it will be somewhat of a "down" year for Xavier as it stands right now but you know like always Xavier will compete and do what we do. I expect Tu to make his presence known heavily early in the season while we are without McClean. This would be a PERFECT opportunity for Dante Jackson to finally emerge as a go to scorer as well. Xavier will most likely rely heavily on very solid defense and rebounding early as well. That will be their best chance to stay competitive as it will be hard early to try and immediately replace scoring stud Jordan Crawford.I gotta hit on my guy Randy Moss. Let me just say this, he's been one of the most dominating and most feared receiver ever since he's been in the league. You can't argue that. Sure he's had his faults, but the just makes big time grabs whenever you need him to. I will agree with Jim Rome in the fact that this is probably his last chance to keep it right with the Titans this year. He's going to need to finish strong this year in order to try and garner one last contract as he's a free agent at the end of the year. I truly believe Moss is one of the most compelling and intriguing athletes of his time and I can't wait for someone to write a book about him. I bet there will be some great stories in there. Moss is always one for some great sound bites so enjoy the following. It may be one of the best videos out there.
Dave Matthews Band opened up their fall tour on Tuesday. It will be their last full band tour until 2011. Every ticket to these few shows is a HOT HOT HOT commodity. I'm praying to God that when we go to Boston College the game will be a noon game so I can get back in time for the show at JPJ arena. That two night stand may be the most anticipated two night stand in the history of two night stands. Word on the street is that there have been hella cameras at the first two shows prompting rumors for a Fall Tour DVD. That would be absolutely incredible, and makes this tour all the more much anticipated. I'm patiently awaiting for my arrival of these which should keep me very DMB occupied for the time being. Also something very cool to follow is antsmarching.org's Top 50 Project . So far 50-31 have been released and raising a lot of good discussion. Here is 50-41 and then 40-31.
How bad ass is Carter Beauford?
In perhaps the biggest news in the music world today, Lil' Wayne got released from an 8-month jail term on Rikers Island. Weezy fans couldn't be any happier as The Carter IV will now start getting worked on. Weezy plans to visit with family and then party hard until he can't party anymore.
Tweet of the Year: @mgberningjr: Matthew Berning on his college tour of UD had to tell the group one interesting fact about himself: "I hate Dayton basketball" @scoonie712
I need to send a major shoutout to my guy @cpgeschke. Dude has been a loyal follower of the blog. He's former management and high level member of the Looney Bunch. Thanks for the shout outs big homey. Keep Living Strong! Attack and finish. Do what we do. Win forever.
'Killa
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