Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

A few weeks ago, I took my family to a Breakfast with Santa at a local restaurant. The food wasn't that great, but that wasn't our reason for going. We wanted the little ones to make ornaments, write their letters to you, and tell you what they wanted. While I was there I began to think it has been a long time since I wrote you. Last time I wrote you, I think it went a little something like this. "DEAR SANTA, FOR CHRISTMAS, I want the Hulk Hogan, Junkyard Dog, and Macho Man action figures. I also need a Nintendo with the Power Pad AND the Rock Em Sock Em Robots. Finally, a My Buddy would be nice too". Yeah, its been that long. You came through for me that Christmas, so maybe you can hook me up this time too.

My reasons for writing you this time are a lot different. I have a lot of what I want in my life right now, so I can't complain there. However, there are a few things in sports that I want to see happen, and I'm figuring since the "powers that be" can't or won't make them happen, maybe Jolly Ol St. Nick can. So, without further adieu, here is my Christmas List.

1. College Football Playoff- For years I've been irritated that College Football is the only sport I watch that doesn't end its season with a playoff/tournament. What we need is an 8-team playoff. My suggestion is keep all of the onlymomsjumpoffsgamblersandalumnicareyoureplaying.com bowls, but get those out of the way by New Years Eve. Have the Top 8 teams play at all of the BCS bowls(i.e. #1 vs #8 at the Rose, #2 vs #7 at the Sugar, #3 vs #6 at the Orange, and #4 vs #5 at the Fiesta) on New Years Day. Then, have the Final Four the Monday of the next week at one of those venues(rotate them each year). Then end it with the National Championship the third Monday in January. I don't think I'm asking for a lot with that one.

2. Mayweather-Pacquiao- I grew up in an era when the top boxers weren't scared to fight each other. Their pride wouldn't let them retire until they fought the dude that everyone else thought they couldn't beat. I wish that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would hearken back to that era and make this fight happen. Bottom line is, this will be the biggest fight of our generation. We haven't had our Thrilla in Manila. This is the closest we will get. Even though I know Floyd will mop Manny, I still want this fight to happen. It has to in order for boxing to still be seen as a semi-legit sport.

3. Tebow Talk Stops- ESPN2 might as well change the name of "First Take" to First Tebow. The talk about dude is incessant. I know he's a lightning rod, and an easy subject to discuss. However, I feel at this point we are going in circles talking about him. "He can't throw". "He's a winner". "He wears his religion on his sleeve". "You can't win with him just running". We have heard it thousands of times in the last month. Let's just let the dude play, and move on. Don't pump fake me with two non-Tebow related topics only to in the words of Steve Harvey "go right back to the mic". This is the Favrian style of reporting that bothers me about ESPN. (Just in case you're wondering, Favrian style of reporting is a reference to the CONSTANT AND NAUSEATING reporting that ESPN did on one Brett Favre. Just coined that term as I was writing this).

4. NCAA Changes- There are so many things about the NCAA that I want to change. One of the main things I think should be changed is the rule that a player has to automatically sit out a year if he or she transfers. Coaches make moves all of the time with no penalty, but if a player transfers they have to sit out? That is wrong on every level. There should be rules to hinder players from transferring recklessly, but the moment a coach decides he wants to leave a school, the players should have the option to seek out other schools too and play right away.

I guess that's all for now. I know you have a lot more letters to go through, so I don't want to take up too much of your time. I know these things are going to take time to happen, but I'm willing to be patient. Since the "powers that be", won't make them happen, take care of it for me Big Fella.

Thanks in advance,

Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr.(and I approve this message.)

p.s. I know I said I got most of all that I want, but if you don't mind, I'll also take a full-length chinchilla and a pinkie ring. That would be cool if you can hook that up too. Thanks.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Next Level

First off, I would like to commend the Michigan State Spartan football team on going 3-1 during the month of October. For those who don't know, they went to Ohio State and got a dominant 10-7 winhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB37zS_y8n8. Next, they manhandled the Michigan Wolverines 28-14http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD-BgLk_fKs. Following that, Wisconsin came to town for Homecoming, which ended with a "hail mary", and a 37-31 upset over the sixth-ranked Badgershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPI366xTxnA. The game I want to focus on though is the last one against Nebraska, a game that the Spartans lost 24-3 and looked horrible doing sohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYLzEwG16Y.

As a Spartan fan, that game was very frustrating for me to watch. I acknowledge the fact that it has to be hard to get emotionally high as you need to be four weeks in a row. Also, coming off of that draining win against the Badgers, you had to know there was going to be a letdown. However, to not show up and get bullied for four quarters is not acceptable.

I definitely feel that Michigan State is headed the right direction with the football program. Anyone who can't see that is blind as Stevie Wonder walking in a dark room. With that said, it is time for the program to go to the next level. Michigan State has only lost four games in the last two seasons. That is generally a good thing, but those four losses have all come in spotlight games on the road and neutral sites. They have also been games that the Spartans looked overmatched, confused, and subjugated in. To be considered an elite program you have to win those types of games on the road and on neutral sites. At minimum, you need to put up a fight and lose a close game. To go to the next level though, "moral victory" needs to not be in a programs vocabulary.

Michigan State is right there. They have proven to not be the "same old Spartans", by coming back to win games, playing through mistakes and penalties, and handling teams that they are supposed to. Now, they need to start winning games like they had in Lincoln, Nebraska last weekend. That was a prime opportunity to show they know how to handle success, and move past a big win. Instead they went out there and played four quarters of deer in headlights football.

The rest of the season offers two more road games, that I feel they should win easily. To be a program that goes to the next level, they have to beat Iowa and Northwestern on the road, win the Big 10 Championship game(if they get there), and win their bowl game. Is that asking a lot? Yes it is, however I feel the talent is there for them to do so. They just need to execute and play with the same intensity on the road as they do at home. It is time to prove on the field that they are ready to become an elite level program. Or else, I'll have to reluctantly join in with the people who are in the corner screaming "same old Spartans".

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Letter to Big Brother

October 18, 2011

Dear Big Brother,

What up Big Bro, how are you? Just wanted to check in and make sure you're ok since I last saw you at my house on Saturday. You've been saying a lot of stuff about me since then, and I want to address those real quick so we can both move on.

You came to my house real confident and arrogant a few days ago. You were undefeated, riding high, and just knew you were going to put me in what you feel is my place. Not only were you unsuccessful in that effort, I turned the tables on you, and punked you out. In case you forgot, here's some video to remind you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD-BgLk_fKs.

Even though Edwin Baker ran for 174 yards on 26 carries, you still don't want to give me the respect I earned. Even though our defense held your hero Denard Robinson to passing numbers of 9/24 and 123 yards. Held him to 42 yards on 18 carries, and had 8 total sacks you still don't want to give me the respect I earned. According to you, it wasn't what I did, it was what you didn't do that caused you to lose. That's not real Big Brother of you.

I'll admit, I let my emotions get the best of me on numerous occasions. I had 13 penalties for 124 yards, including some egregious, borderline dirty personal fouls. However, we were there for a fight. Its not like we were playing Connect Four, or Uno, we were there to fight. You're Big Brother, so you should have handled it then, instead of sitting back and crying over spilled milk afterwards. That's not real Big Brother of you.

You're claiming the refs cheated you. May I ask, would the backward pass that YOU didn't pick up which caused to play to be called dead, the "taunting" after the pick six, and William Gholston not getting ejected for punching dude AFTER he put his hands in Gholston's helmet have changed the outcome? I think if we are both honest, the answer is no. Yet, you're still clinging to that in defense of the loss. That's not real Big Brother of you.

Now, you call yourself having a couple of your associates coming to take care of me since you couldn't do it yourself. That's the biggest punk move that you can pull. You're counting on Wisconsin and Nebraska to beat me?? That's not real Big Brother of you. Nothing that I do from here on should matter to you, because when we went head to head, I won. So, you're only focus and concern should be working on yourself, and continuing to improve.

Finally, I just want you to learn how to take the L and move on Big Bro. I know its hard because you're so used to dominating me, but times have changed. So, I ask that you just enjoy the rest of your season. You still have a lot you can play for, you are definitely improving, and hey you're already bowl eligible. Worry about taking care of your business, and I'll do the same. See you again October 20, 2012 in Ann Arbor.

Yours Truly,
Little Brother.

p.s. This will be the last time I address you until next season. Good luck, and have fun until then.

I'm Jimmy L.Wilson,Jr. and I approve this message.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Balancing Act

"Better learn balance. Balance is key".- Mr.Miyagi 

The above quote is simple in its delivery, but profound in its meaning(Plus it came from the Karate Kid, how can you hate on that???). Balance is a basic principle that is needed in all walks of life. From the moment you begin crawling, until the time you die, we are striving to find/maintain balance. The same can be said for football teams. Balance is VERY key on the football field.

The first four weeks of the football season has produced some preposterous passing yardage by quarterbacks. According to NFL.com, Tom Brady has thrown for 1553 yards, Drew Bress has 1410, and Cam Newton has thrown for 1386. Those numbers are outrageous and they are happening all around the league. Watching a team throw the ball all over the field is cool, but in the long run it can cause you to take an L. Once you build a lead, you need to be able to run the ball, burn some time, and close the game out.

Most of us saw the Lions-Cowboys game this past Sunday. The Cowboys were dominating the game, but it never seemed like the Lions were completely out of the game. Even though Dallas had a 27-3 lead, they never tried to establish the run game. Then in the third quarter, Tony Romo started handing out "pick sixes" like his name was Brett Favre. Romo threw interceptions for touchdowns on back to back possessions. That was exactly what the Lions needed to begin the comeback that they eventually completed. Since Dallas didn't have any semblance of a running game, they left the door open for Detroit, which the Lions kicked in, and won the game.

That was a prime example of why balance is very much needed. It is good to throw the ball around to build a lead, or exploit mismatches in the secondary. Yet, you have to be able to run the ball once the lead is built. Now, I'm not saying to just run the ball, and completely abandon the passing game, but you have to be able to run some time off the clock. The only time the clock stops other than a timeout, is after an incomplete pass. So, if you come out and throw three straight incomplete passes you are giving a team the ball back, and a chance to cut into your lead. Your defense begins to tire because they are on the field so much. Then teams with playmakers like Calvin Johnson will take advantage and send you home with an L you really shouldn't have taken.

Moreover, the weather is going to continue to get worse as the season progresses. By playoff time, it is a lot tougher to throw the ball around. Throughout my years of watching football, most playoff games come down to who can run the ball. You may see a few big passing plays, but it mostly comes down to having a balanced attack, and being able to run. So, teams such as the Patriots, Saints, and Lions need to find a reliable running game quick. They all have pieces to go far in the playoffs, but they will need to be able to run to close teams out.

I know that the NFL is experiencing a changing in philosophy where passing is king, but I feel that teams that have the most balance will be the ones standing in the end. You have to maintain balance in order to win the championship. So, head coaches and offensive coordinatiors better heed the words of Mr.Miyagi and "learn balance", or they will go home sad, and a lot earlier than they expect.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Michael Vick:The Shaquille O'Neal of the NFL

Michael Vick is the Shaquille O'Neal of the NFL. I know you want to ask me how in the world can I say that? The differences between the two are mighty, and I acknowledge that. Instead of wasting our time on that, let me tell you why I feel they are the same.

When Shaq came into the NBA he was a force of nature not seen since Wilt Chamberlain. He was an athletic monster, unguardable due to his size and stature. He bulled through opposing centers and made it difficult for referees to officiate him. It seemed like because he was so big, defenders would grab, punch, and slap Shaq hard as they possibly could. They would be flagrant fouls, but the refs wouldn't call it for Shaq.

Fouls that if they would have happened to David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, or Hakeem Olajuwon may have been called a flagrant. He would respond by putting his shoulder into the defenders chest and refs would call offensive fouls. He tried to respond, but due to his size and the way he played he was unfairly punished by the officials.

Michael Vick came into the NFL as a force of nature not seen maybe ever. He had all-world speed with a cannon for an arm. He came into the league as a run first, pass second quarterback. He spent the early part of his career with the Atlanta Falcons running, a lot more than he did passing. So, defenses felt they needed to take harder shots at him than they would any other QB. He opened himself up to that threat every time he ran.

Now, that he is a Philadelphia Eagle, he has begun to spend more time in the pocket. He is playing more like a "traditional" QB, than he did in Atlanta. However, due to his penchant for running early in his career, refs are having a difficult time officiating him. When asked after the game against the Giants if he was taking shots that would draw flags against any other QB, Vick said "absolutely". I agree with that completely. He is taking shots in the pocket, after throwing. that would get a player fined and possibly suspended if they hit Tom Brady. Due to his speed and the way he plays he is being punished by the refs.

So, there you have it! Due to their freakish gifts, Shaq's being size and Vick's being speed, they are same guy. I don't think we will see two guys come into the respective leagues and referees have such a difficult time officiating their games. Here's hoping that the refs start making calls, and giving defenses the same pause that they have when they are attacking Tom Brady.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

2011-12 NFL Predictions

What's good everybody. The NFL season is FINALLY here. I'm going to give my quick predictions on the teams that I think will win each division, wild card, and who will win the Super Bowl. Feel free to leave your predictions in the comments below and we'll see who's right at the end of the season.
Also, be on the look out for weekly blogs from your boy. I'll be blogging on all things sports, and various other random things that I come across my mind. Without further adieu, here are my predictions.

Division Winners: AFC East: Patriots
                           AFC North: Steelers
                           AFC West: Chargers
                           AFC South: Texans
                           Wild Card: Jets and Ravens

                           NFC East: Eagles
                           NFC North: Packers
                           NFC West: Rams
                           NFC South: Saints
                           Wild Card: Falcons and Cowboys(Sorry Lions fans. As good as I think they'll be, I still think they're a year away from the playoffs.

Super Bowl teams: Steelers and Packers
Super Bowl Champs: Packers

Those are my quick predictions. Hit me up and let me know what you think and who you got.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Big 10:Dusted, Disgusted, and Exposed

The Big 10 decided to name the new division Leaders and Legends? After yesterday it should be Bend Over and Take It. The Big Ten reminds me of the girl in college that says "I've never done this before". You give her the sideeye, but try to believe her. Then one thing leads to another and she exposes herself as a pro. The Big 10 had a chance to prove they changed and flopped big time. They've definitely done this before.

Let's examine them game by game.

Texas Tech 45 Northwestern-38: Can't really knock NW too much. I expected them to get blown out without their starting QB, but they acquitted themselves well. Just dug too big a hole to climb out.

Alabama 49 MSU 7: Did you see Pacquaio vs Margarito? That's what I was reminded of watching this game. Bama was smacking MSU for the first 8 rounds, by round 10 they were asking the ref to stop it. At the end MSU's face was bloodied, eyes were closed, and pride was destroyed. This was a fail of epic proportions on a big stage.

Miss St 52 UofM14: UofM's players showed how much they love Rich Rod. As a Michigan St fan, I was hoping UofM would at least show up. Rich Rod has been a great blessing to MSU's program. Sorry to see him go(if and when he gets fired).

Fla 37 Penn St 24: PSU played this one a lot closer than I thought. Too many mistakes against a team with the athletes that FLA has will do you in. Good send off for Urban Meyer, who should have just left when St.Tebow did instead of leaving after things went downhill this year.

TCU 21 Wisconsin 19: TCU shut down all the talk about them being to small to play with Wisconsin. Figured to be the closest of the Big 10 games on New Years, and didn't disappoint. Wisconsin and their too big, too strong ways did disappoint though.

So, when the Big 10 woke up this morning, it should have felt dusted, disgusted, and exposed. This was a very embarrassing New Years Day. Enjoy this walk of shame and the jokes that you earned Big 10. Hope it at least felt good.