If you're a sports fan, this is quite a weekend.
First, the NFL playoffs:
Does Seattle have a prayer in Green Bay today? Forecast calls for light snow, not too cold, and very calm winds.
Does Jacksonville have a prayer in Foxboro? Pretty mild temperatures forecast: mid to high 30's with virtually no wind.
Second, some good college basketball today:
NC State at #1 North Carolina is always fun!
#4 Washington State at #5 UCLA could be wonderful!
#3 Kansas at Nebraska. Can my son's Huskers pull another stunning upset this year?
Connecticut at #8 Georgetown. When these two perennial Big East powerhouses meet, it's ALWAYS fun!
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
NFL picks
January 12, 2008 - 11:59 ET by timotheAlas, I have no dog in the hunt as my Bears regressed badly this year. Last year, the Bears were sloppy down the stretch (Colts, too) and many predicted them out in the 1st round.
If there was any year to take the four favorites to win and cover, this is the year. I think the Packers are way more than Seattle can handle and the Patriots with two weeks rest should smoke the Jags.
WOW I too am recovering
January 12, 2008 - 12:09 ET by red_dragon311WOW I too am recovering from Bearist,
it's hoorible sickness, that you really can't tell with it, when it looks like you cured, you go into remision even worse then before you got a 200 cc shot of Loviesmithdia. and after the failure of Rexgrossmancil I hope they use that experimental drug Kyleortonin to it's full extent looks like it may help, if the would ever use in in the right dosage.
anyway, I think the pack will win, but in my heart of hearts I hope the Seahawks hand them their ass on a silver platter. "Get off the phone you big dope!!!!!!!!!!" Mark Levin
Being a brief Pullman
January 12, 2008 - 12:11 ET by wiwfBeing a brief Pullman native to finish up high school, I'm putting all my support behind WSU!
GO COUGS!
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Don't write off the Seahawks
January 12, 2008 - 12:52 ET by SouthernRootsThese two teams are very closely matched. Will the Seahawks playoff experience cancel out the home field advantage? Seattle had 45 sacks, with more than 40 coming from the d-line, showing that they don't live by the blitz, leaving players to cover the extra receivers Green Bay likes to send out.
Here's how they fared against common opponents this year:
Bears, Rams, Redskins, Panthers, and Eagles.
Green Bay 4-2, GB scored: 20.7 ppg. GB allowed: 20.0 ppg (124-120)
Seattle 5-1, Seattle scored: 26.7 ppg Seattle allowed: 16.5 ppg (160-99)
Also, Seattle beat Green Bay (34-24) in the cold and snow in Seattle in '06.
Go Seahawks!
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. - J.B. Books (John Wayne)
good start, poor finish
January 13, 2008 - 08:04 ET by SouthJersey1953I got real excited when my Seahawks recovered two fumbles and jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Too bad they couldn't keep it. Playoff game in the snow; even though the WRONG team won, you can't beat a good playoff game in driving snow!!!!
It's not Right vs. Left; it is Right vs. Wrong
Pats
January 12, 2008 - 12:13 ET by Gat New YorkUnlike Rudy I will root against a Boston team 100% of the time.
Agree about the Packers.
I will root against the Pats 100% of the time
January 12, 2008 - 12:18 ET by PShannonYou must be having a really lousy year.
I hope you're not a gambler -- you'd be living in a cardboard refrigerator box.
Having a really lousy year
January 13, 2008 - 02:34 ET by Gat New YorkJust one?
Now you are talking my language
January 12, 2008 - 12:32 ET by ricklailTo a true blue Tar Heel fan, the game with State is just a bump in the road. What we are waiting for is Feb 6 in the Dean Dome when DOOK comes to town. Right now most of the other ACC teams are like a bunch of aggrivating assed gnats.
As for the NFL, I don't have a dog in the fight either. Let's face it. Right now Boston is the best sports town in the world. I don't see anybody knocking off the Pats. I am not thrilled about it but facts are facts. I think that the Jags have done too much trash talking in the media about spygate. That just pisses off the Pats even more giving them fuel to whip the tar out of them.
I feel it in my bones that the Seahawks are going to upset the Packers. Can't give a reason. Just have the feeling.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
Rick I am sooo psyched
January 12, 2008 - 13:00 ET by candanceThis should be a really fun game, but with any hope not as nerve wracking as Clemson.
Missed most of it
January 12, 2008 - 15:28 ET by ricklailI had to go to a birthday party for our soon to be step grandson. When I got in the car at 1:30 and turned on the radio to listen I couldn't believe the score. I walked in the house just as Roy was pulling all the starters with about a minute and a half left. I was travelling Sunday night so I missed the Clem's son game.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
We watched it all
January 12, 2008 - 16:32 ET by candanceThe pack hung with us for the first five minutes. They scored nine points on a good run and then somehow it all fell apart. They missed 18 shots in a row and went ten minutes without scoring. In all 20 minutes of the first half they managed 13.
I wish I could blame it all on UNC's defense but that was only a portion of it. They let the shot clock expire without even trying to shoot. They made over-and-back errors. They didn't even try to catch us on fast breaks. We were all jumping up and fighting for rebounds while they just seemed to stand there watching. And when they got a foul they missed the free throws.
Worse yet was Lowe's coaching. Not a single time out called to slow down the momentum. No effort to pass the ball around and look for a chance. In the second half they finally passed outside and hit some 3's but by then it was too late and UNC simply answered with 3's of their own.
To borrow from ESPN it was like the perfect storm: UNC played their best and NCSU played their worst. Roy pulled our starters out and put the bench warmers in and they still hit shots against the Wolfpack starters. It was that bad. People were saying Roy should pull the bench out and let random students from the audience play.
Cowboys
January 12, 2008 - 12:38 ET by shawn228Lets not forget about those hated Dallas Cowboys. If TO is playing at least at 80 percent and having Terry Glenn back, they can beat anybody including the Patriots.
Romney time machine
Pats-Jax
January 12, 2008 - 13:15 ET by Del DolemonteIt's important to remember that Jacksonville blew an 18 point lead against Pittsburgh last week and were lucky to win. In addition, Jax's two prime defensive tackles won't be much of a factor-Marcus Stroud is out for the season and John Henderson has a bad hamstring. Pats win again.
Don't see Seattle getting by GB-unless they can slow Favre down. GB wins.
San Diego likewise will have a long day against Indy, unless they can figure out a way to stop Manning. Indy by a batch.
NY-Dallas could be one of the best games of the weekend. The Giants played the Pats very well in the final week, and dominated the hapless Bucs last weekend. I call this one a toss up.
1st time all 4 road teams could win
January 12, 2008 - 13:23 ET by PawpawNThis is 1st time I ever remember that all 4 road teams have a good shot at winning. Seattle has best chance. Actually Jacksonville next best. San Diego needs to win in spite of their head coach, and Giants can not make any mistakes. So, I'm going upsets all the way!!
I will predict Miami will not loose this week
January 12, 2008 - 13:54 ET by Lame CherryThe key to the Seattle Green Bay game is going to be Seattle's running back. One never knows who shows up in Green Bay as that "not so cold" doesn't seem so cold until you are having that cold wind blow off the lake on you. So Alexander is the key to them having a chance.
I pick Green bay by 3 touch downs.
The Jags have more than a chance. They have the meat hooks to pulverize that prissy cheating team of New England. As I stated so long ago, bust Brady and rough up the wide receivers and New England will look like the team they have always been, a bunch of old ducks with one passing attack.
The Jags will have to though cover Welker and not allow those stupid under thrown balls to Moss to be caught.
They have the bruising running attack, the horridly fast and brutal defensive line which blocks out the sun. Their one vulnerability is pass defense as the Steelers showed. That is why bust Brady and the whole game goes to Jags.
I pick Jacksonville with my fond favorite of the handsome, tough and all around male, Jack Del Rio to win by 10 points.
College games I am not bothering with as I have enjoyed Ohio State getting mauled yet.
Other games as I see they are being commented on........
Peyton will win by 4 touch downs as San Diego's best asset as always is their cheerleaders who are HOT.
and if brother Manning shows up like he has for the past 2 weeks, the Giants are going to have Tony Romo eating turf with a Comet smile.
Giants by 21 points.
Big spreads, but always go with a mauling teams that are hot. They are looking to punish teams and the prissy teams of Chargers, Seahawks, Cowboys and Cheaters are going to get ate this week.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
How about that Wolfpack? 13
January 12, 2008 - 13:52 ET by Roger the ShrubberHow about that Wolfpack? 13 points in a half? Jimmy V is rolling in his grave!
embarrassment
January 12, 2008 - 14:49 ET by candanceThis is really embarrassing for NCSU. I knew they were kinda struggling this season but dang that first half was like high school stuff. Jay Bilas said the game was over before the second half even started.
Cool day for Pittsburgh
January 12, 2008 - 13:57 ET by Roger the ShrubberCool day for Pittsburgh sports history. Beaver Fall's own Joe Namath won Super Bowl III 39 years ago today, and The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first Super Bowl (IX) 33 years ago today.
Got to go for our west
January 12, 2008 - 15:02 ET by bigtimerGot to go for our west coast Seahawks today even though I am used to them never making it much past here and Green Bay is absolutely most likely unstoppable, but I am still rooting for them...and I just want to see the Patriots lose one game so I'll root for Jacksonville today...plus I have to throw in the Zags in basketball...sports all day into late evening....
Tomorrow Go Colts! I need to amend this just a bit...I am also for my Chargers, I always seem to get in a mess in the last few years with my fav teams making it to the play-offs......may the best man win!!! I love it!
Go Giants!
Hi bt,
January 12, 2008 - 16:04 ET by shawn228Hi bt,
If you want the Pats to lose at least one game, you should go for the Colts. They did not have Marvin Harrison the last time they played the Pats and he outcome could be different next week if the Pats win today.
Everyone is talking about the Patriots, but people seem to forget who the reigning SB champs are.
Romney time machine
Afternoon to you
January 12, 2008 - 16:07 ET by bigtimerAfternoon to you shawn...
Thanks for the points...
I'm getting ready to go watch pretty soon...I love this time of the year sports wise, and of course politics are red-hot, other than no global warming here darn it all...what more could a gal ask for...lol!
Loved your last line especially.
Save Nashville Speedway
January 12, 2008 - 15:55 ET by harnessgLet me combine sports with politics, at least local Nashville politics.
They
want to get rid of the speedway at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Unlike
the other two professional sports venues in Nashville, this one doesn’t
drain the taxpayers of any money. Yet they still want to get rid of it.
If you’d like to show your support, go by www.savenashvillespeedway.com and sign the petition.
It's a show
January 12, 2008 - 15:57 ET by mattmSeattle is a better team, but GB has Brett "the legend" Fav-rite, and the League wants him in the SB against Tom "future legend" Brady.
Jacksonville only has a prayer if the league wants an upset to boost ratings. However, I think it will be GB and NE in the SB , and GB will win to send Fav-rite out on an up note and to keep The Don's (Shula) perfect season in tact as the only perfect season from pre-season through the SB.
The upset will likely be SD over Indy. That'll provide the cinderella story for the playoffs. Dallas might just lose to NY for the NFC cinderella factor.
I know this sounds conspiratorial, but I've been watching for the rigging factor for many moons, and whatever happens always seems to be that which the league believes will generate the most financial benefit to the league - but without making it look obvious.
I don't say games are scripted or all outcomes are pre-determined, but all it takes to swing a game is a holding call here, a non-call there...etc. It's all a show.
I don't insist on this. It could all be legitimate, but whenever I start thinkng it's all on the up and up, I remember the "Tuck Rule."
Tuck Rule
January 12, 2008 - 16:12 ET by shawn228"but whenever I start thinkng it's all on the up and up, I remember the "Tuck Rule.""
I don't know if I agree with that mattm. The Raiders and Rams would have made more money for the league financially than the Patriots and Rams.
Back then Tom Brady was just the backup quarterback that took the place of Drew Bledsoe. He was unknown and unproven then. The Raider Nation had more of core group of fans and they had league MVP, Rich Gannon, Still superstars back then, Tim Brown and Jerry Rice.
Romney time machine
But it was just after 9/11
January 13, 2008 - 21:34 ET by mattmBut it was just after 9/11 and everyone was in the mood to be patriotic. Plus the league hates Al Davis.
BTW - All my 'predictions' about this weekend's games turned out to be right.
Now the league can hype another Legendary Lambeau game with the Legendary Brett Fav-rite. And the upstart Chargers bring something new to the table...
It will be GB and NE in the SB and then, I'm guessing the Pukers will win it.
Seahawks 7! Too much fun
January 12, 2008 - 17:41 ET by bigtimerSeahawks 7!
Too much fun already...got to get to the game...later all...
Probably be crying in my beer later....
hi BT
January 12, 2008 - 18:06 ET by botghave fun now, the Pack with two turnovers early and down 14 won't roll over.
Jacksonville has a tough running game but will they have a chance to use it? Something tells me the Pats will score early leaving Jacksonville trying to catch, not a good running situation.
edit: and look at that football 'climate change' building up on the field!
GoHunter08
Howdy botg... Been
January 12, 2008 - 18:13 ET by bigtimerHowdy botg...
Been wondering where you were today...
14/7 already...Yep the Seahawks rarely make it much further in the play-offs, but I can still hope.
Should be some good games today and tomorrow no matter what.
BT
January 12, 2008 - 18:19 ET by botghad to work today
1st down GB, though i've no fav in this game. Go Pats, Go Chargers and may the Manning bros lose.
GoHunter08
Junior High
January 12, 2008 - 21:21 ET by Del DolemonteOne wild-card in tonight's Pats-Jax game is that Junior Seau is absolutely starving for a Super Bowl ring. He'll be playing his heart out tonight.
INTERCEPTION
January 12, 2008 - 23:53 ET by botgPats with the ball and an 11 point lead
GoHunter08
: )
January 13, 2008 - 00:07 ET by botg17-0
GoHunter08
Next Up
January 13, 2008 - 01:31 ET by Del DolemonteIndy-at Stadia Gillette Razor. Could be good.
Since I live in New England and am a Pats fan, in any other year when a Manning was in the hunt I would change allegiance, as I've been a Saints fan since 1967.
So...I'm cheering for Eli to get to the Super Bowl this year. Against the New England team who to a member don't care what their record is. Junior Seau is going for his ring, let's help him get it!
after Eli the elitest dissin
January 13, 2008 - 01:53 ET by botgthe Chargers? May all Mannings lose tommorrow--go Chargers (unless they play the Pats)
GoHunter08
Chargers
January 13, 2008 - 03:23 ET by Del Dolemonte(broken record alert)
If you are a Chargers fan, cheer for the Patriots, as this may be Junior Seau's last chance to get a Super Bowl Ring. He deserves it.
Why should I care one wit if
January 13, 2008 - 03:34 ET by RESTLESS 1Why should I care one wit if Junior gets a ring? He is not, and never has been a Cowboy. There are lots of good guys who have put their hearts and bodies into achieving a professional championship who have failed to achieve that goal. And many who have received a ring through no contribution of their own. As a Cowboy fan, I hope Junior NEVER gets a ring unless he has a star on his helmet. Just like I would never have cared if Michael Finley got a ring until he became a Spur.
Restless
January 13, 2008 - 03:46 ET by shawn228I moved to the SF bay area about 10 yrs ago. I tend to go for the Raiders and Niners. Before that I was long time sufferring Cowboy fan. Long time since the glory days of Aikman, Smith, Irwin and Novechek. Romo was a great additional, even though he is the most selfish player in the NFL, Owens backs up his mouth.
Barber and Jones are the best running back tandem in the NFL, and Witten is as good as Novechek.
Romney time machine
I could do without Jones,
January 13, 2008 - 03:54 ET by RESTLESS 1I could do without Jones, but Barber is the man. Nobody runs harder. As for Romo, tomorrow is his big test. Did he put last year's gaffe against Seattle behind him, and does he have what it takes to take the team to the next level? Tomorrow will answer a lot of questions. We will see if Jerry Jones was right to pay him before the end of this season.
Romo
January 13, 2008 - 04:00 ET by shawn228Romo is the real deal, he set a Dallas record for tds in his first season as a starter. If Terry Glenn is back up to form and TO can still run, even as decoy, the Giants have their work cut out for them.
Even though they allow more points than I am comfortable with, the defense is very good picking off opposing quarterbacks.
Romney time machine
Shawn
January 13, 2008 - 04:07 ET by RESTLESS 1I like Glenn, but I would like to have seen him be able to come back earlier. I don't know if he has had a chance to knock the rust off as he was out most of the season.
On paper, the Cowboys should be able to win pretty easliy, but the Giants are a division rival, and it is hard to beat a team three times in one season. I'm still a little worried.
The Wonder Boy
January 13, 2008 - 04:26 ET by OldSailor88Romo had better hope that he's not too "tapped out" to function this week. After the very public showing he made with Jessica, a loss would make him look like a fool.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
As for the Jessica Simpson
January 13, 2008 - 04:30 ET by RESTLESS 1As for the Jessica Simpson thing, I will paraphrase Michael Strahan: If we had the chance, we would go for it. ;>)
Yes, but.....
January 13, 2008 - 04:40 ET by OldSailor88"We" aren't playing to get to the Superbowl.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
Point taken Sailor.
January 13, 2008 - 04:43 ET by RESTLESS 1Point taken Sailor.
No, but Michael Strahan is.
January 13, 2008 - 04:53 ET by NL207No, but Michael Strahan is.
romo
January 13, 2008 - 05:00 ET by shawn228Maybe they should double date with Tom and Giselle.
Romney time machine