Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs

As TSF starts a new Fantasy Football edition to it's blog, here's our rankings on running backs. Our first projections were on the quarterbacks.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson
LT led the league in rushing yards once again. He should be an even bigger part of the offense as Norv Turner has indicated. He's a threat everywhere, he'll run all over you and catch on you too. LT should be the top pick in every league, he'll rack up the points.

2. Adrian Peterson
After a phenomenal rookie season expect even better numbers from AP. He has a great blocking line in front of him and as the season goes along he will get more and more carries as Chester Taylor's dwindles. He might be the best "runner" of all the running backs out there and he'll be the focal point of a team with a mediocre QB.

3. Brian Westbrook
Westbrook is probably the most complete back out there. He rushed for 1333 yards and 7 TD and caught 90 passes for 771 yards with 5 TD. He's the most consistent back as well as he rushed for over 100 yards 6 times last season.

4. Joseph Addai

Addai comes into the 2008 season as the clear number one back in Indianapolis. With a high-powered offense of the Colts, he will rack up the yards and TDs.

5. Steven Jackson
Jackson had a bit of a down year last season after a torn groin and injured back sidelined him for 4 games. His numbers should improve quite a bit as the Rams offensive line is healthy. As long as he stays healthy himself he should stay atop the fantasy charts.

6. Clinton Portis

The Redskins are an up-start team right now and I expect them to be improved again. Portis is the clear-cut RB in the Skins' offense and he'll get the goal line touches as well. He'll continue to be one of the highest in attempts and touches as Washington looks to boost it's running game even more.

7. Frank Gore

With Mike Martz in for the Niners, look for Gore's numbers to rise. As long as the offense can generate Gore should put up some fantastic numbers.

8. Marion Barber
With Julius Jones out Barber is now the main man in Dallas. Barber is so consistent and he'll get you those extra yards with his strength. Expect Barber's touches to go up even more, which should mean even more scores.

9. Marshawn Lynch

Lynch was a surprise out of Buffalo last season. I took a chance at him and it helped me quite a bit. He's Buffalo's every down back now and with Trent Edwards as the QB expect more of a focus on Lynch.

10. Willis McGahee
Even though he struggled in the beginning of last season he still ended as a top 10 back. Last season he made his first career pro bowl and he caught a career high 43 passes. With his consistency the last 7 games of 2007, Willis looks very promising for this season.

11. Larry Johnson

12. Ryan Grant

13. Jamal Lewis

14. Maurice Jones-Drew

15. Brandon Jacobs

NL West Prediction

With the acquisition of Manny Ramirez the LA Dodgers are looking poised to make a run at the NL West pennant. And I predict they will overcome the Diamondbacks to win the NL West.

With Ramirez in the lineup this weekend, the Dodgers whipped the Arizona Diamondbacks twice in three games to move back to within one game of first place in the National League West. Manny smashed two dingers and now has eight hits in 13 at-bats since joining the Dodgers on Friday. He's receiving standing ovations as he jogs out to left! His arrival should make the Dodgers the favorite to win the NL West pennant, especially since star pitcher Brad Penny is slated to resume his position in the starting rotation later this week against San Francisco. Shortstop Rafael Furcal will also rejoin the team at the start of September, another move that should help the boys in blue make the playoffs this season.

Face it, the Diamondbacks have no offense. They just can't score runs. Granted they have great 1-2 pitchers in their rotation and that's mostly it. Their only chance is if Upton and Co. heat up BIG TIME like they did in April. I'm not really a huge fan of Manny Ramirez but I do truly feel like he makes the Dodgers favorites to win the division. He's the dynamic power bat that club needed. Even though they are 1.5 games back right now I predict that the LA Dodgers will win the NL West this season.

More Favre Talk

I have to work a double shift today and I'm back on at 4 but as I flip on the TV for my hour of relaxation all I hear is more Favre talk. So, I'm going to join in just a little more.

Everyone continues to use the term "Open Competition". That is unnecessary. If you're like me you don't like bullshit and you can smell political correctness from a mile away. I said it then, and i'll say it now. Thompson, Murphy, and McCarthey are playing this very politically correct. Of course they have to fold in and let them "openly compete". They can't afford to just throw Aaron Rodgers under the bus and say, "Oh, Favre wants to come back. Well, we said Rodgers was out guy but now that this is really happening let's just give Favre his job back." They can't afford to piss off the future of the franchise.

This whole thing is a mess, and I truly must tip my hat to Aaron Rodgers for handling this whole situation like a true professional. He might understand what nobody else does. Football is a business. It's all about winning and winning now. Especially in a town like Green bay where the fans actually own the team you can't afford to go with Rodgers in a "win in the future" kind-of mindset. You absolutly have to go with the guy who helps you win now.

This without a doubt is Brett Favre. If you had any doubts Favre could beat out Rodgers I hope you saw Rodgers go 7-20 with an INT and 9 straight incompletions at one point in a scrimmage last night. The sooner that Ted Thompson, Brett Favre, and Mike McCarthy all get over themselves the sooner that this gets solved, and when it does number 4 will be lacing up the cleats September 8th once again.

TSF Favre Content:
Forget It Vikings Fans
Bold Brett Favre Prediction
QB Controversy Prediction

Packers QB Controversy Prediction

Well you know that I love to say I TOLD YOU SO! My prediction is starting to come true. Last month I said that Favre would come back to an open competition and surely win the job. I stand by that prediction now.

When Brett Favre takes the field later today it will begin. I'm not sure how long it will take but it's gonna happen. Favre-mania will set back in Titletown as the only professional fan-owned team begins their quest for a world championship.

There is no doubt in my mind that Brett Favre will win the starting job. He went 13-3 last year and had arguably his best (2nd best in my mind) year of his career! To choose Rodgers to start over Favre would mean you are saying that you are certain that he can get you past Overtime in the NFC Championship. To start Rodgers over Favre would mean that you know he will get you to the Superbowl. I'm sorry Aaron, you're a good player and I think you could be great one day, but you will not start over Brett Favre. The last time that Favre missed a start Rodgers was 8 years old! I've had the feeling all along that Favre will start September 8th against the Minnesota Vikings in Lambeau.

This is going to suck for Rodgers and I hope that he doesn't make a big fuss, but if he does i certainly understand. As a Packer fan I'm slightly concerned about what this is going to do to the locker room, and what it has already. I'm sick of the Favre drama and as a huge Favre fan i've lost a bit of respect for Brett. But I know two things. I know that when I see him sling that ball opening game against the Vikings all will be forgotten. I also know that Brett Favre will be the starting QB for the Green Bay Packers in 2008.

Quick USA Basketball Thoughts

The USA Basketball Team is playing live as I speak vs. Russia. As I am watching it they lead 31-21 a little into the 2nd quarter.

Russia is playing a match-up zone on Team USA and it's working somewhat on the Americans. They're doing a great job of keeping Lebron and Kobe out of the lane and keeping Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh away from the hoop.

But it's not stopping the USA's outside shooting. Kobe, Dwyane Wade, and Michael Redd have been draining quite a few three's.

Watching these exhibition games is getting me excited for the Olympics. I really hope we will win the gold and I think we will.

Watching this team is a lot different then in years passed. This team has actual team chemistry; they share the ball and look for good and open shots. They don't force much and they play terrific defense, which wasn't the case the past several years.

In the end I think the United States will get it done and win it's first gold since 2000. This team is on a mission and Coach K is doing a terrific job keeping these guys focused and helping them win. Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul will be just too much for any other team too handle.

Quick Thoughts and Headlines

Super fast, lightning strike thoughts and opinions...

Winner Winner, Turkey Dinner
The USA made a mockery of Turkey in an Olympic exhibition game Thursday. Lebron was impressive with 20 points as was Kobe Bryant. This team was just so impressive on the offensive end. They truly showed they were the superior team out manning the Turks with their physicalness and strength inside. But one question in this game was their defense. They gave up way too many points to a mediocre team. But I think they'll be fine and adjust.

Manny is a disgrace to Outfielders everywhere
Speaking as an outfielder myself, Manny is an embarrassment. With his antics in the outfield, like cutting Coco Crisps throw to cut-off man Julio Lugo. Making an unnecessary dive at a ball in LF then diving at it again like a dumb ass and rolling over on it. I swear he just did it for craps and giggles. I really hope he actually tries in Los Angeles instead of embarrassing himself and his teammates.

Time for real NFL News
I am sick of the Brett Favre debacle lately. Can we start to focus on the real sports news? Can we get some reports from team training camps? Player injuries and other reports? I am starting to think Favre is just doing this just for attention and glamour, which is really tough for me to revert to this.

Say what you mean and mean what you say
Is it me lately, or is everybody that says some kind of comment just ending up apologizing for it later? Really, what is the point of making a comment, whether it's controversial, outlandish, or not, if you're going to apologize later? For example, Carson Palmer trash talking Buckeye Nation on the September match up of OSU vs. USC. Seriously, what is the point of making these comments if you're just going to apologize for it? Who cares if you offend anyone... in most cases you have a right to say what you say. Nobody has a guaranteed right to be offended. Why should you care about what others think about you? If you come out and say something, stick with it. (Note: There are exceptions. For example, Don Imus).

Manny Ramirez and Brett Favre Trade Talks

I'm really super tired after a day at the lake and so I simply offer up some breaking news and links for you readers tonight and you can most likely expect some posting on these topics in the very near future!

• Manny Ramirez for Favre Straight Up!?
• Manny Ramirez to be a Marlin
• Packers offer Favre something...
• Brett vs. Manny Quiz
• Manny Being Manny for 3 and a Half Minutes

While I'd love to chime in with my thoughts on each of these matters I think we're all sick of hearing about them so I'll leave my opinions on hold for now. I'm going to bed. Be back tomorrow.

Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady
Who would have said otherwise? Brady was amazing last season throwing for 4806 yards and 50 TDs. I highly doubt he will repeat those numbers or anything remotely close to them but Brady should still be the number one QB. He should put up some freakish numbers again though.

2. Peyton Manning
If you need a QB you can trust it's Manning. He is no risk for injury at all and you know what you're going to get from him. He's going to continue to rack up the yards and TDs as long as he can walk and throw a football.

3. Drew Brees
I really like Brees. He should continue to put up some great numbers with the offense that he's in. I think he'll have an even better season than last year. Now that Jeremy Shockey is in a Saints uniform expect defenses to focus less on Marques Colston and cover more of the middle of the field.

4. Tony Romo
Romo will put up similar numbers again since he has Terrell Owens to throw to. But the Cowboys have such a balanced offense that helps out quite a bit.

5. Carson Palmer
Bearing no injury Palmer should have a somewhat similar season to last year, possibly even better. I think the Bengals will be a tad bit improved, even with all of the off-field problems. With all of the targets there's no reason not for Palmer to improve his stats.

6. Ben Roethlisberger
The Steelers struggled during the early part of 2007 but as the season wore on they looked better and better. Look for the Steelers to continue that momentum in this season. I think Big Ben can start off hot right away, which is also why I am a big fan of WR Santonio Holmes as well.

7. Derek Anderson
Anderson must show that last season was no fluke. I think he will continue his tremendous play. The Browns have a good chance to make the playoffs this season. And with the addition of Dontae Stallworth to go with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, I don't see why not.

8. Donovan McNabb
If McNabb can stay healthy you know he will put up some good numbers. You know he's capable of putting up some godly stats but he can be too inconsistent as times as well. The Eagles still don't have a big-time WR but they do have quite a few capable ones.

9. Matt Hasselback
Hasselback has always put up some consistent and fairly good numbers. He has a decent WR crew and he always racks up the points at home.

10. Jay Cutler
Cutler should be improved with another year under his belt. He has some good targets to throw to in Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, and TE Tony Scheffler. Expect the Broncos to pass a little more this season.

11. David Garrard
I am a big fan of Garrard. He throws the ball with such consistency and he can run as well. He will get you some rushing TDs of his own here and there and you know he will convert when it counts in the red zone.

12. Marc Bulger
If there's one QB who's high risk/high reward it's Bulger. He could break out and have an amazing season at any time or he could be a bust and get injured like last season. Anyways, I still like Bulger, he's has some deep threats and you know Steven Jackson will take some pressure off him.

13. Eli Manning
I don't know what to expect from Eli after he won the Super Bowl. Who know's how he'll perform. But I think he's a safe bet if you desperately need a QB in the mid to late rounds of your draft. I think the offense will be improved a bit, Plaxico Burress should be solid again and Sinorice Moss will be much improved.

14. Matt Schaub
Schaub has one heck of an arm. He has a great number one target in Andre Johnson. If the Texans can find any sort of run game, the sky's the limit for Schaub and Johnson.

15. Philip Rivers
Rivers should be good again, but not great. All of his numbers were down last season. But he is just putting a lot of pressure on himself and his team with his arrogant ego. But he still has some quality targets in Chris Chambers, Antonio Gates, and Vincent Jackson.

Teixeira Makes Angels World Series Contenders

Wow. The Angels made a rare deal tuesday to show that they are serious about this whole playoffs, world series thing. Monday the Angels traded Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitcher to the Braves for the switch-hitting slugger Teixeira.

The Angels already had the best record in baseball and a top-flight rotation and now they have a top-flight lineup to go with it. Since their 2002 World Series championship, the Angels have won three division titles but just a single playoff series. Twice they were swept in the division series, including last October by the Red Sox. The problem has been with the offense, and in finding a hitter dangerous enough to bat effectively behind Guerrero. The Angels give up a bit of tomorrow for some runs today and the problem is more than solved!

Teixeira gives the team great power and run-production. He is also going to help out Vlad Guerrero a lot. Oh and did I mention he plays great defense? I know a lot of people in Haloland loved Casey Kotchman and the way he played but they both play great defense and Teixeira is going to produce quite a bit more at the plate (from both sides at that!). Plus, if they can win a world series this year maybe they can resign Teixeira too!

I'm liking this trade a lot for the Angels. I think the entire AL better watch out. My prediction is that if everyone can stay healthy this team is going to roll over everyone on their way to an AL West crown (already leading the division by 11.5 games) and all the way to the World Series.

This team was dangerous before but this solidifies it in my mind. The Angels are built to win a championship this year. I believe that the Angels are going to the World Series (notice how in saying Angels I did not say Yankees or Red Sox!). With Mark Teixeira behind Vladimir Guerrero in their lineup and ahead of Torii Hunter and Juan Riviera the Angels are World Series-bound in my opinion.

10 Games in 10 Days: Ohio St. at Wisconsin

TSF's "10 Games in 10 Days" is back after a weekend break.

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida
Day 2: Ohio St. at USC
Day 3: Georgia at Arizona St.

Ohio St. at Wisconsin

Preview:
A Big Ten title could be up for grabs here, just early in the season. Both teams are looking to win the Big Ten and appear in a BCS Bowl game. OSU is hungry for a national title after falling the previous two years in the NC game. Wisconsin is looking for more after a disappointing set back last season after higher expectations.

OSU probably returns the most out of all the top teams with 18 starters back in all. The offense should be solid again with QB Todd Boeckman back. Beanie (Chris) Wells should be one the top RBs in the nation. The WR crew is pretty much all back with Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline returning. 4 of 5 OL are returning so expect the Buckeye offense to put up a good deal of points. The defense should be one of the best in the nation, they are loaded all over the place. The top LB in the nation in James Laurinaitis is back. The defensive line will be stellar with 4 solid experienced veterans in-tact. The secondary will be lights out as Malcolm Jenkins decided to stay and 3 other starters are back

Wisconsin returns quite a bit as well. Experience is plenty at most units for the Badgers. The offense should be solid with many weapons all over the field. They do need to break-in a new QB for the second consecutive season. Kansas St. transfer Allan Evridge looks to be the starter there. The ground game should be solid, PJ Hill should continue to be one of the best backs in the country as long as he stays healthy; He's rushed for 2,805 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons. The receiving corps is lead by TE Travis Beckum as he looks to be the top in the nation. Kyle Jefferson was a capable WR last season as a frosh. The offensive line should only make things better with 3 starters and plenty of size back there. The defense returns 8 starters lead by DE Matt Shaughnessy and LBs Luis Casillas and DeAndre Levy. The secondary will need to find some depth and athletes after losing CB Jack Ikegwuonu to the draft.

Offensive Player to Watch:
P.J. Hill, RB- Wisconsin

Defensive Player to Watch:
James Laurinaitis, LB- OSU

Outlook:
This game could go either way. Anything could literally happen here; I would not be surprised if it was close, Ohio St. stomped all over Wisconsin or vice-versa. With the game being in Camp Randall anything could happen. Wisconsin could come out of the floodgates and walk all over the Buckeyes or they could come out flat, nothing is impossible. This should be an interesting game.

Early Prediction:
Ohio St. 24 Wisconsin 18
I would love to pick th Badgers but with the way they were so inconsistent last season it's tough to pick them. It's easy to pick them when their playing at Camp Randall, but the Buckeyes are hungry. They return 18 total starters for a reason. OSU's Defense should be able to put a hold on Wisconsin's new QB. I think OSU win's a close and good defensive-minded game.

2008 Summer Olympics News, Videos, and Photos!

Exclusive Summer Olympics news & widgets at NBC Olympics.com!

Take Your Pick: Bears' QB Controversy

Well it's training camp time and i'm in Minnesota of all places on vacation! I don't really have time to whip up any kind of conference preview because I have to get up early to golf Longbow Golf Club in Walker, MN at like 5:30 AM so you better enjoy this.

So is it gunna be Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton? Well there's an old saying and it goes like this, "If you think you have 2 starters, you probably don't have one". Really does it matter if they go with oft-injured and the easily-rattled Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton's boring neck beard? It must not because Lovie Smith is flipping coins to see who practices with the 1st team and who practices with the 2nd team.

Personally if I had to pick I would go with Rex. There was that time in 2006 that Rex "took" the Bears to the Super Bowl. I would go with Rex if I absolutely had to pick between the two. I think the main reason why I would go with Rex is because I look at the Bears and I see extreme lack of talent at the talent positions. They have a bad corps of RB, WR, and QB (probably bottom 3 in the league in all 3 catagories!). I think the team could be seriously bad. With inexperience at RB and WR they need to take what little experience they can get and hope that Rex comes out on fire like he did the first 7 weeks of 2006.

I'm saying go with Rex here and you can always fall back on Kyle once Rex either gets hurt or cries after an interception.

Who would you pick in the Bears' QB Controversy?

Forget it Vikings Fans

Please just stop Vikes fans. Brett Favre is not coming to your team. The Packers won't let him and even if he did, you guys wouldn't win the Super Bowl anyways.

He's not going to any NFC North team, period. The Packers will not do that to themselves. And there is no way he will grant a release from a team to get traded. Why would any team acquire him to release him? Come on people, let's use our heads.

Please Vikings fans, stop with the wishful thinking. Brett Favre is not going to be a Viking, so you can stop obsessing with it now. I am getting sick of it. Since I live in the heart of Viking nation it really gets annoying and old.

It's the same old rhetoric: "This is the Vikings year!" That's what you say every year. "The Vikings are winning the Super Bowl this year." When the Pope becomes Lutheran they will. "Brett Favre will be a Viking and we will win the Super Bowl." It just gets tiring.

It is most likely he will end up a Packer if he plays, mainly because of salary cap issues and the roster turnover that would be required by most teams to fit him under the cap.

If he end ups up anywhere else, three teams make the most sense right now: Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and Carolina. You could argue the Jets, but I think they will stick with either Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens.

Favre would be a great fit for the Bucs. They won the NFC South last season. They're loaded with talent and a good defense. They're already contenders. Favre knows Gruden well and he would just about put the Bucs over the top and make them a legit Super Bowl contender.

Kyle Boller just hasn't gotten it done for the Ravens lately and recent draftee Joe Flacco will need a few years to be a backup before he becomes a legit starter. Nothing better than getting Flacco ready and prepared behind one of the greats. Plus, the Ravens still have a good defense with Ray Lewis and one of the best secondaries in the league.

The Panthers need to win now. Jake Delhomme has suffered through many problems of his own and injuries. After underachieving over the years, the Panthers are desperate to win now. Plus, Favre would have targets Steve Smith, DJ Hackett, and Muhsin Muhammad to throw to.

So in the end, Favre will not end up on a NFL North squad, especially the Vikings. The Minnesota fans need to get over their own egos and realize "the answer" has still yet to come.

Team USA impressive vs. Canada

Friday I was very tuned and interested in watching basketball almost as much as March Madness.

When it comes to USA Basketball, I am a big fan. I am a fan of almost any national team. Whether it's basketball, soccer, or the whole Olympics in general. Maybe it's because I have a great sense of pride for my country, maybe not I don't know. But there's something about watching our countries teams.

The first quarter I was kinda not impressed with Team USA at all. They struggled a little bit with some stupid and mental turnovers and mistakes. They missed some rather easy and uncontested shots and gave up some offensive boards.

But maybe I was expecting too much too soon.

After watching the USA's dominance of the world in the sport of basketball when I was a little kid, I guess I just want to see that happen again.

With the way this team played last year in the Tournament of Americas, there's no doubt in my mind they will win the Olympics.

But the way they played in the first quarter it just seemed like another typical American basketball team.

It wasn't until after that first quarter, I was reassured we're going to win the Olympics. The way they played defense Friday in their 120-65 victory over Canada. This team since 2000 hasn't played any defense at all, which is why they've faltered in the past Olympics and World Championships.

They were impressive on both ends of the floor. They were defending the pick-and-roll for once, they were playing physical and making Canada earn their shots. This is what they need to do every game. Their defense stood out last night. They made the Canadians fights for their points and nothing came easy. The defensive was aggressive and feisty. Which was a site for sore eyes.

And because of this great defensive effort, the offense came a little easier. If they can play defense like this at the Olympics, they will have no problem putting up point after point.

Also, they finally looked like a team instead of a bunch of individual players put together. They shared the ball, they ran an offense, they took care of the ball, and they had tremendous shot selection. They had the chemistry and they actually looked like a real team.

This is America's time. Time for us to be back on top of the basketball world.

Minor League Brawl Takes it Too Far

I'm sure most of you have seen the video on ESPN by now but in case you've been working too much or are a hermit or something, here it is. It happened yesterday between the Peoria Chiefs and the Dayton Dragons. This was a brawl that saw 15 players ejected, both managers ejected, and one player ARRESTED!

At one point Peoria pitcher Julio Castillo fires a baseball toward the dugout, hitting a fan in the stands instead and hospitalizing him with one of the worst acts we've ever seen on a baseball field. Castillo, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is scheduled to be arraigned on charges of felonious assault today. This is truly unforgivable. I don't care what you think or were thinking. You do not do anything like that that could potentially injure a fan, let alone hospitalize them seriously. Even if you don't hit the fan, why the hell would you chose to throw a baseball as hard as you can into the opposing team's dugout!? That's cowardice and retarded. You are a goon and an idiot and you'll probably never get to play again. I think at this point the players and managers went too far. As much as I love a good throwdown, I hate to see something like this.

10 Games in 10 Days: Georgia at Arizona St.

It is now Day 3 of TSF's '10 Games in 10 Days', previewing the Bulldogs vs. the Sun Devils.

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida
Day 2: Ohio St. at USC

Georgia at Arizona St.

Preview:
It's a showdown of two top 15 teams. Both teams return plenty of experience. Georgia is one of the favorites to win the SEC, while Arizona St. is expected to give USC a run for their money in the Pac 10.

The visiting Bulldogs return plenty of talent and experience. They will be young in some areas, but loaded. QB Matt Stafford is back as he shows he can be not only one of the best in the SEC, but the country. Sophomore RB Knowshon Moreno was electrifying last season as a true freshman and the WRs will be deep and experienced but none of them have stood out. The defense will be solid, the defensive line is arguably the best in the SEC, which includes Gino Atkins. The LB corps lacks experience but has plenty of youthful talent. The secondary needs some work but they still have the depth there to step up.

Arizona St. will once again have a lot of pressure on them to perform from the loyal fan base and program. This year could be their year as they return a solid offense. QB Rudy Carpenter is a great player but he needs his line to protect him, as they gave up 55 sacks last season; but they've been working hard with their OL all of spring and summer. The RB core is nice with some beefy runners and the WRs will be stellar with Mike Jones (Who?) and Chris McGaha back. The defense looks to be improved with many starters in-tact on this side of the ball as well. The defensive ends look as good as anyone but the defensive tackles need to stop the run. The LBs will need to step up here as the d-line couldn't stop the run and the secondary couldn't stop the pass last season. They have talent returning at LB but they have a big load on their shoulders.

Offensive Player to Watch: Knowshon Moreno, RB- Georgia

Defensive Player to Watch: Dexter Davis, DE- ASU

Outlook:
This will be a huge non conference game for both teams. A win here could help propel both teams into the national title hunt and only help their chances at landing a BSC Bowl berth (that's if they were at-large selections). This could be a high-scoring affair as both teams are loaded on the offensive side, both of the defenses' have some question marks. It will come down to who will stop whom last.

Early Prediction:
Georgia 31 Arizona St. 21
I have to go with the Dawgs. Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno will put on a clinic against the Sun Devils. I think the Devils' offense can match Georgia point for point but I like Georgia's defense over ASU's. Both defense's have some question marks, but Georgia is just too talented, too experienced, and just simply a better and faster team than Arizona St.

10 Games in 10 Days: Ohio St. at USC

It's Day 2 of our '10 Games in 10 Days' promo. So let's roll...

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida

Ohio St. at USC

Preview:
Both teams return plenty of talent and experience. OSU probably returns the most out of all the top teams with 18 starters back in all. The offense should be solid again with QB Todd Boeckman back. Beanie (Chris) Wells should be one the top RBs in the nation. The WR crew is pretty much all back with Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline returning. 4 of 5 OL are returning so expect the Buckeye offense to put up a good deal of points. The defense should be one of the best in the nation, they are loaded all over the place. The top LB in the nation in James Laurinaitis is back. The defensive line will be stellar with 4 solid experienced veterans in-tact. The secondary will be lights out as Malcolm Jenkins decided to stay and 3 other starters are back.

USC will be somewhat young in some spots but very, very talented. They need a QB to step up which looks like Mark Sanchez at this point. Only 4 starters are back on offense but they still have loads of talent. The Wideouts should be solid with Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner and the RB department will be the deepest in the nation led by Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable, and Allen Bradford. Look for the defense to be one of the best in the nation. The LB corps is loaded with Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing. The defensive line will be excellent with Everson Griffen leading the way. The secondary returns all 4 starters and it will be hard to pass on this bunch.

Offensive Player to Watch:
Joe McKnight, RB- USC

Defensive Player to Watch:
James Laurinaitis, LB- OSU

Outlook:
This could be the game of the season. The winner will have an inside track at a BCS National Title berth and a lock for the number one ranking (that's if none of them falter before then). Both teams are loaded with experience and talent, I expect this to be a defensive game as both teams return solid players on D, but don't expect a struggle to put up points. With the solid defensive and offensive play of both teams, it could all come down to special teams.

Early Prediction:
Ohio St. 26 USC 24
To tell you the truth, I have no idea who's going to win this game. It's a toss-up. Even though USC is playing at home, I think the lack of experience from Mark Sanchez will bring them down a notch below OSU. Todd Boeckman is a proven veteran and Mark Sanchez has limited starting experience under center for the Trojans. The lack of offensive experience still has me weary going up against a talented OSU defense. But expect this to be a close, close game with some unremarkable plays. Both teams are stellar on both sides of the ball, but could it be the other unit that gets it done?

Carson Palmer Should Grow A Pair

I hate the USC Trojans. I hated Carson Palmer in college and I'm not crazy about him as a slightly above-average QB in the pros. I don't like Ohio State either. I do however love College Football. I absolutely love the camaraderie and the rivalries that go along with college football.

So, when Carson came out and trash-talked the homestate Ohio St. Buckeyes I was absolutely loving it! I was very surprised, but impressed. I loved the thought that rivalries and college allegiances never die. I mean, Pro sports are all about the money. You can say what you want but it boils down to the green stuff. College football, on the other hand, is about heart and allegiance. You wear your team/allegiance on your heart and sleeve, not on your wallet.

Here's what Carson originally said:

"I cannot stand the Buckeyes. It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there. I just can't wait for two years from now when SC comes to the 'Shoe and hopefully we'll have a home game that weekend and I can go up there and watch us pound on them in their own turf. I'm really getting sick of it and I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience LA and get an old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whoopin' and go back to the Big Ten."

Even if you're a Buckeye fan you have to respect that! I don't really see what's not to like about that. Carson has a lot of school and Pac-10 pride, both of which I appreciate. So I thought it was pretty cool when Carson Palmer ripped on Ohio State. This isn't anything new for Carson either. This is the same Carson who ripped Nebraska on The Jim Rome Show before USC ran through them last year. Like I said, always appreciate a guy with a lot of school and Pac-10 pride. Unfortunately just as Carson was racking up all the cool points, he had to go out and issue a statement.

“I’m a Trojan all the way, and I was talking to a Trojan audience in California. I guess I got a little fired up, as all good fans will do. But I really do respect the Buckeyes, and I know their fans are passionate, too. I hope they all understand I’m just looking forward to a big game for my school against a very tough opponent, and that it’s all in the good fun of a rivalry. You don’t have a real rivalry unless both sides are great teams.”

PUSSY! Seriously dude, if you're gunna go out and say something like that you better stand by it. I'm glad that he just clarified the statement really, and didn't completely take it back. But don't get me so impressed with you and all jacked up for the college football season and then try to smooth things over. I just think it was a little weak of him. This just whole thing just got me even more pumped for the College Football season!

WNBA Brawl at The Palace

Well, it isn't exactly what I had in mind for TSF's 400th post, nor is it even close to the best brawl that we've seen go down in The Palace, but it cannot go unnoticed.

The skirmish started moments after Parker and Detroit’s Cheryl Ford had to be separated after Ford fouled Parker.

On the next possession, Parker got tangled up with Detroit’s Plenette Pierson and fell to the ground. As she was getting up, Pierson intentionally ran into her, setting off the melee.
Parker threw a punch at Pierson before being tackled by Detroit’s Deanna Nolan. Players and coaches from both teams joined in, and Mahorn knocked Lisa Leslie to the court at one point.

Interestingly enough Rick Mahorn was also involved in the 2004 Pistons-Pacers brawl while working as a Detroit broadcaster, going into the crowd to try to pull Ron Artest away from fans. Sources all seem to say that Mahorn was trying to play peacemaker and protect players from both sides. DeLisha Milton-Jones shoved and punched Mahorn after the incident with Leslie, and was ejected, along with Mahorn, Parker and Pierson. Nolan and Shannon Bobbitt received technicals. Ford sprained her right knee while trying to restrain Pierson, and left the floor in a wheelchair. Her status is unknown.

Do these names mean anything to me or probably any of you? NO. But I figured that The Sports Flow is gunna need a WNBA post sooner or later and when is there going to be a better time? So happy 400th post to TSF and please enjoy the pathetic "brawl" that actually landed one player in a wheelchair. Fairly amusing for a tuesday night I'd say.

Jeremy Shockey Makes the Saints Dangerous

It has been a story that wouldn't go away. The Saints have been trying to land Giants TE Jeremy Shockey since before the NFL draft and now they have. According to multiple media outlets (first reported by Fox's Jay Glazer), the Saints have landed Shockey for 2nd and 5th round picks in next year's draft. The deal is pending league approval and a physical.

The Saints apparently have been consitent with their talk about acquiring Shockey. There have even been reports that the Saints tried to get involved in the Jason Taylor trade talks to help facilitate a 3-team deal, but that fell through when Taylor was dealt to the Redskins yesterday.

The Saints already had a very good No. 1 wide receiver in Marques Colston and the potential for a strong running game with Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. They also have one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league in Drew Brees.

With Shockey, they've tied everything together. New Orleans needed someone to take some of the attention away from Colston and Meachum. Defenses won't be able to roll the Cover Two on him because Shockey will sit down in the middle all day and take coverage away and cause matchup problems for safeties and linebackers.

The Saints, I believe, are definitely the cream of the crop in the NFC South. Their offense is about as well-rounded as they come and if their defense can stand up they could be an elite squad in the entire NFL. Let's just hope that Sean Payton learned a thing or two about dealing with Shockey when he was with the Giants because that's the main reason New York gave him away. They didn't want to deal with the Shockey distractions all season. If good guys like Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister and Scott Fujita can welcome him with open-arms and he becomes a part of this team and not a me-first guy, then this trade will work out great. If he comes in and complains about his contract, playing time or any number of other things, it could be a suckfest for the Saints.

Nevertheless the Saints are completely built to win now. My main concern with this trade comes with the 2009 draft. The Saints are built to win now but are they sacrificing the future with these deals? Next year's draft will be a lean one with 2nd and 5th rounders going to the Giants, a 6th rounder going to Green Bay (trade back in the 2008 draft for Adrian Arrington) and 3rd or 4th rounder is still tied to the Jonathan Vilma deal (depending on how things play out). So the Saints will possibly only have a 1st, 3rd/4th and 7th round picks in '09. That's only three selections, using the Washington Redskins draft strategy. Overall though I'm loving the deal for the Saints!