An Idea To Save the NFL on Thanksgiving

Ok, so I'm sure that most of you sports fans like me love to watch NFL football on Thanksgiving. This is not a far fetched assumption by any means because the Thanksgiving Noon game is the 2nd most watched game of the year (second only to the SuperBowl!). So assuming you all watched like I did I'm sure you were also disgusted by how unentertaining the games really were.

It is truly a tragedy to have the Lions host one of the games each and every Thanksgiving. What a waste of quality entertainment. The Cowboys I can understand because they are America's team really. Now, I know that you can't very easily just take Detroit off of Thanksgiving day and leave Dallas. People wouldn't like that very much because It is breaking the tradition. But what if there was a new tradition?

Here is what I propose, let me know what you think. There are 3 games each Thanksgiving. The teams that win their respective games host that game the next season. For example, Tennessee hosts the noon game next year, Dallas at 3, and Philly's got the night game. It would add a cool feel to it I think and would help add some variety and some added quality to the Thanksgiving day match ups. Wouldn't you agree?

Best TV Sports Commercials

Here's some great sports commercials over the years and whether funny or just bone-chilling, this is what keeps us going between games...

Everybody loves the SportsCenter Commercials...


"Next time have some ID"


Remember Y2K?


Who's up for a game of Ping-Pong?


New Kid


50th best heavyweight, in Georgia


Big Buddy


ESPN NBA


Now for the bone chilling ones...


A Tradition Unlike any Other


Leave Nothing


Let Your Game Speak


United We Rise


Where Amazing Happens


Just do it


The Time is Now (Bare with me, this is still a good commercial)


This was a little lengthy, but I know you'll appreciate it...

A Big Mess is Brewing in the Big 12 South

The Big 12 South champion could be determined by a poll of faceless, strangers who are often bias and live far from the area of concern. And only a sport with such a profound lack of leadership, in this case Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe, is capable of deciding a champion like this.

"The Big 12 failed to come up with enough of its own criteria for breaking a three-way tie at the top of the standings, as Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech could produce. Instead it was willing to punt to the computers and voters who determine the BCS rankings. Whatever team is ranked highest wins the division." How positively retarded is that?

Problems I see here: Few of the coaches who vote in the coaches’ poll have seen anything but highlights of play from the Big 12 South. They are no better than the 114 politically connected folks of with little qualifications who make up the Harris Poll. Combined, the two polls count for two-thirds of the rankings. Each voter has personal biases, and self-interests.

Since the BCS has no set standards for ranking teams, just about anything can be taken into consideration. Should Texas get the nod because it beat Oklahoma? Should it be Oklahoma because it put together the most impressive performance of the season in blasting Tech 65-21? Should Tech be considered because they beat Texas in dramatic fashion? How about strength of schedule? Or margin of victory? Coolest mascot? Color scheme? Does it matter who’s played the most recent TV game? What if a voter missed one team’s impressive performance because he went out drinking?

Obviously a voter’s alma mater has been known to come into play. And doesn’t he owe the conference that got him a vote in the first place? What about the coach who’s still bitter about losing a recruit to a certain school?It could be any of the above. No one knows.
Seriously, that’s the system: no one knows.

That is how the champion of the Big 12 South is going to be decided. I don't know about you but I find that to be mind-numbingly retarded. Now, Texas did have the lead previously but with a win like we saw Saturday night I'd say that Oklahoma has to be charging quickly, while for the moment Tech is definitely out of the national championship picture.

I could ramble on with endless speculation but it's fruitless. Basically we need to all tune in next week and see if all 3 teams win their games (Texas vs. Texas A&M, Baylor vs. Texas Tech, and Oklahoma @ OK St.) If all 3 teams win their games, which I am assuming they will. Then it will be a mess. It's the Big 12's fault for not coming up with a better tiebreaker but I consider this just one more reason why the BCS has gotta go.

2008-2009 TSF College Basketball Predictions

Final Four Predictions

Stefan Ming's Picks:
North Carolina
Connecticut
Louisville
Gonzaga

2009 National Champion:
Connecticut Huskies

Grittysquirrels Picks:
North Carolina
Connecticut
Michigan St.

Marquette

2009 National Champion:
North Carolina Tar Heels

All-American Team:

Stefan Ming:
Darren Collison (UCLA)
Stephen Curry (Davidson)
Blake Griffin (Oklahoma)
Tyler Hansbrough (UNC)
Hasheem Thabeet (UConn)

Player of the Year: Blake Griffin (Oklahoma)
Coach of the Year: Dino Gaudio (Wake Forest)

Grittysquirrels:
Ty Lawson (UNC)
Stephen Curry (Davidson)

Blake Griffin (Oklahoma)
Luke Harangody (Notre Dame)
Tyler Hansbrough (UNC)

Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough (UNC)

Coach of the Year: Mark Few (Gonzaga)

2008-2009 College Basketball Conference Preview: Pac 10

Predicted Order of Finish

1. UCLA

UCLA may have lost Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Luc Ruchard Mbah a Moute, but they still have one of the best PGs in the nation in Darren Collison and Josh Shipp looked like one of the best players in the early part of last season. Alfred Aboya and James Keefe are both capable post presences and Michael Roll should be healthy. Also, the top recruiting class in the nation should help with the draft losses. Recruit Jrue Holliday should fill in right away at SG.

2. Arizona St.

The Sun Devils are out to prove they truly are a NCAA Tournament team, they want to prove the NCAA that they belong this season. The Sun Devils have all the pieces this season to top UCLA for the Pac 10 Title. James Harden, arguably the best player in the conference is back along with 4 other starters, which includes forward Jeff Pendergraph. With experience and talent returning look for ASU to have a bright season.

3. USC
OJ Mayo is gone, but freshman Demar DeRozan is ready to step in and help USC get back to the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans return some key players that can help compete with UCLA and ASU atop the Pac Ten standings; PG Daniel Hackett, SG Dwight Lewis, and PF Taj Gibson are among those returning. USC could make some noise in March, especially if DeRozan lives up to his billing.

4. Washington St.

Even though they lose some key players, I think the Cougars will surprise some people and put up some fights with the upper echelon of the Pac Ten. Taylor Rochestie, Aron Baynes, and Daven Harmeling are all returnees who provide leadership and experience for this squad. The key will be the other two starters and bench. If some young, inexperienced players can step in and provide some balanced scoring and good depth, Wazzou can make its third straight NCAA Tourney appearance.

5. Washington

The Huskies have the potential to be a serious contender in the Pac 10. They've underachieved quite a bit since they were last in the big dance. All-conference PF Jon Brockman along with other key players return. With Justin Dentmon, Quincy Pondexter, and Artem Wallace all back they can contend. Plus, they finally have a PG in recruit Isiah Thomas, who can step in and get this team back on the right track.

6. Arizona

Zona has gone through a lot of changes in the off season. Head Coach Lute Olson stepped down, prized recruit Brandon Jennings decided to play in Europe, and now other recruits left after Olson left. But the Wildcats are moving on and want to forget the past. Chase Buddinger returns and is one of the best players out there. PG Nic Wise is one of the top PGs in conference, and post Jordan Hill returns as well. There may be some growing pains right away, but they have enough talent to still be a threat.

7. California

There is no doubt that the Bears have a strong frontcourt, but their backcourt is pretty bare. Mike Montgomery is the new coach, but it will take him a few years to get this team back in the upper tier of the Pac 10.

8. Oregon

The Ducks must replace three starters and break in a big freshman class. This team will be inexperienced with few veterans returning. Look for Tajuan Porter to be an all-conference player, but that's all this team will have to look forward to.

9. Stanford
Johnny Dawkins, former assistant under Coach K at Duke, is now the head coach for the Cardinal. Dawkins can get this team on the right track and back to the top of the conference, but it will take a couple of years.

10. Oregon St.
Not much talent for this team, but they can only go up after a winless conference season in 2007-2008.

Player of the Year: James Harden, F- Arizona St.

Freshman of the Year: Jrue Holliday, G- UCLA

Coach of the Year: Herb Sendek- Arizona St.

Three Big Games:
UCLA at Texas- Dec. 4, USC at UCLA- Feb. 4, UCLA at Arizona St.- Feb. 12.

Bigger surprise thus far, Miami Dolphins or Atlanta Falcons?

I've seen and heard this question tossed around the blogosphere a bit so I figured I'd give you my answer.

Now, I realize that the Dolphins were 1-15. Which is really bad, and for the Dolphins to be 5-4 right now with an outside shot at the playoffs right now is truly outstanding. However, I'm going with the 6-3 Atlanta Falcons as my biggest surprise in the NFL this year so far.

Notice that I said "surprise" and not turnaround because the Falcons were actually 4-12 last year so by wins-losses the Dolphins have had a better turnaround. However, given the state that this Falcons team was in last year I don't see how you can't be more surprised by their success. I mean with Parcells coming into Miami you knew he would change the culture and turn them around. I guess people didn't think that it would happen so quickly but it was more expected.

With all the turmoil the Falcons incurred (being ditched by their coach, Vick in prison, star players leaving) I don't think anyone expected Head Coach Mike Smith (wait Mike who?) and rookie QB Matt Ryan to have this team at 6-3 with playoffs even within grasp is almost outlandish to think about.

Both teams are great surprises thus far but I've gotta go with the Falcons as my pick (and not just because of their record is better than the Dolphins). Who do you think has been a bigger surprise so far this season?

2008-2009 College Basketball Conference Preview: Big Ten

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Michigan St.

Michigan St. loses it's top player in Drew Neitzel, but it returns 6 of its top 7 scorers. Raymar Morgan, Chris Allen, Durrell Summers, Kalin Lucas, Travis Walton, Goran Suton, and Marquise Gray are all back. The Spartans are very experienced and deep. They're balanced all over, with bigs down low and some promising guards who have a year under their belts. This will be the best MSU team in the past few seasons and with the Big Ten as wide open as it's ever been, look for MSU to run the table.

2. Purdue

Purdue was an inexperienced team last year and showed some amazing flashes at time, they were close to making the Sweet 16 in the tourney. Robbie Hummel returns and is one of the top players in the conference. Add in E'Twaun Moore, Ja'Juan Johnson, Chris Kramer, Keaton Grant, and you got the makeup of a team that can be a legit threat to make a deep run in March. Purdue should compete with MSU and Wisconsin for Big Ten supremacy.

3. Wisconsin

The Badgers aren't flashy or anything like that, but they get you results. They're old-fashioned with their stellar defense and slow tempo offensively, but they execute so well. Wisconsin loses some key players but return some as well. Marcus Landry returns at forward and should be one of their go-to players, Trevon Hughes is a solid SG, Joe Krabbenhoft is back, and so is Jason Bohannon. Reserve center Greg Stiemsma will have big shoes to fill for Brian Butch, but he is very capable of doing so. Look for the Badgers to be another threat come March.

4. Ohio St.

OSU should be a little improved from last season, but pretty much the same old team. They have holes to fill at PG and PF. David Lighty is back at guard and can step up and lead this team. Center recruit BJ Mullins should be one of the top freshman big men in the country. Thad Matta should have this team ready and competitive with the top teams of the Big Ten.

5. Minnesota

The Gophers are only going to get better with Tubby Smith at helm. The Gophers lose its top three scorers but still return some good talent. Lawrence Westbrook is a capable guard. Ralph Sampson III should step in right away and be an immediate impact, I think he'll help out quite a bit. Look for the Gophers to be a bubble NCAA Tournament team.

6. Illinois

This should be another rebuilding year for the Illini, with stellar classes coming in for 2009 and 2010, Bruce Weber will use this season as a learning curve, to improve and gain experience as this team looks to the future for one more season. Look for Alex Legion to be the top player for Illinois.

7. Michigan

Michigan returns 3 starters. Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims are both fine players who will lead this Wolverine team. They don't have any depth, but look for John Beilein to have this team competing.

8. Penn St.

Penn St. looked like a promising team last season, but it's two stars had their seasons cut short with injuries. Jamalle Cornley is one of those stars returning and should help an up-start Nittany Lions program compete for an NIT berth.

9. Iowa

The Hawkeyes return most of its nucleus and add a very good recruiting class, but they're still the same old struggling squad.

10. Northwestern

The Wildcats have better depth and more quality big men than in the past and some promising newcomers, but don't expect this year to be the year Northwestern moves up in the Big Ten standings.

11. Indiana

New head coach Tom Crean has a long road ahead of him. He has the toughest job of any team in the country right now. This program has gone through a lot of changes in the past year, but Crean is capable of turning it around. The Hoosiers return only two players from last years squad, Brett Finkelmeier and Kyle Taber, none of whom averaged over 2 ppg. IU has a decent recruiting class who desperately need to step up in their first year. This will be a long year for IU faithful.

Player of the Year: Raymar Morgan, F- Michigan St.

Freshman of the Year: B.J. Mullens, C- Ohio St.

Coach of the Year: Tubby Smith- Minnesota

Three Big Games:
North Carolina at Michigan St.- Dec. 3, Purdue at Wisconsin- Jan. 27, Purdue at Michigan St.- March 8.

College Football Power Poll

Here's my top five teams in College Football.

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders have been amazing lately. A big win over Texas is very impressive and their offense just keeps on putting up point after point. Who can stop these guys? Big games coming up vs. Oklahoma and rival Texas A&M, plus possibly a Big XII Title match-up, it will be interesting to see how they fare.

2. Florida Gators

The Gators are a different team since their loss to Ole Miss and I think that loss may help them in the end. This is a young Florida team and now they know what it takes to get it done. Tim Tebow is better than he was last season (even after winning the Heisman). Florida has so many weapons and so much speed. Plus, the defense has improved dramatically from last season.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide have two big road wins over Georgia and LSU. They haven't been too impressive since their big win over Georgia, but they're still getting the job done. Everybody is coming through for the Crimson. Julio Jones is one of the best young WRs out there. Tough games still coming up against arch-rival Auburn and Florida in the SEC Championship.

4. Texas Longhorns

Texas is still one of the top teams in the country despite their loss to Texas Tech. Tech just happened to have the ball last and scored. Colt McCoy may be the Heisman front runner right now, if not he's up there. The Longhorns need OU to beat Tech.

5. Oklahoma

The Big 12 is so solid this season and I feel OU is still a top team as well. They've been very impressive after their loss to Texas and a win over Texas Tech would be huge to help their cause for a BCS Bowl berth.

Martin Brodeur is the Most Important player to his team in all of Sports

Can you hear that? That sound you hear is Devils fans everywhere screaming in agony. Now, we don't talk a lot of hockey here on TSF but today I really wanted to chime in on the significance of the Martin Brodeur injury for the Devils and for all of hockey.

Let me start off by telling you that the injury to Martin Brodeur putting him out 3-4 months is HUGE. If you know anything about hockey you know this. Let me follow this up by telling you that it is a lot BIGGER than you realize.

Where am I going with this? Well as I was watching ESPN somebody made a comment that they thought Martin Brodeur was the most important player to his team in sports. Yes, not just hockey but all of sports. At first I thought what most of you are probably thinking. That that is a outrageous statement. But is it? The more I thought about it the more I agreed.

What position in all of sports can be more important to its team other than a Goalie to a hockey team? Certainly no position in Basketball. You could almost argue a dominant starting pitcher or closer but they play once every 5 games or one out of every nine innings! The best argument is probably for a dominant QB in football. But I'm going to go out and say that this injury to Brodeur is way worse than the Pats losing Brady. I am telling you the goalie to a hockey team is the most important player to its team in all of sports. And when you're a dominant and historically great goalie like Martin Brodeur (I'm calling him the greatest ever) how can you not be considered the most important player it your team in all of sports.

Still not a believer? Here are some stats:

- He has played in 89.3 percent of the Devils' games (931 out of 1,043) since the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season.

- He currently has 12 consecutive 30-win seasons

- Brodeur has won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender four times, including last season, when he posted a 44-27 record and a 2.17 goals-against average.

- His seven seasons with 40 or more wins are an NHL record, and his 2.20 career GAA is the lowest in the NHL's modern era.

- He set a single-season record for wins (48) in 2006-07, breaking Bernie Parent's mark of 47.

- He needs just seven wins to tie Patrick Roy's record of 551

- In his 15-year tenure, he has led the team to three Stanley Cup championships and has taken them to the playoffs all but once.

- He holds more than thirty Devils franchise records.

- a four-time Jennings Trophy winner, a ten-time NHL All Star, and one of only two NHL goaltenders to have scored goals in the regular season and the playoffs.

- He will retire as sure-fire hall of famer

- Is widely considered to best to ever play Goalie in the NHL.

If anyone has any really strong arguments against this I would love to hear them because the stats and logic have me convinced that Martin Brodeur is the Most Important player TO HIS TEAM in all of sports.

Oden a Bust?

Greg Oden's much anticipated debut was last night on TNT against the Lakers. It didn’t last long. Oden left the game after just under 13 minutes with another injury, this time it was his foot. I’m not gonna get into all his injuries because it would take to long, but he hasn’t been healthy since his junior year of high school. And it isn’t like he has one nagging injury, it’s been his wrist, his knee, and now his foot.

This guy was the number 1 pick overall. He was supposed to be the next Shaq. Now, is it too early to say he is a total bust? YES. Some people are going way too extreme with this. Is this very alarming for Oden, and Portland fans? YES. What we've seen so far is not a good sign.

I'm going to say that Greg Oden winds up kind of like a Grant Hill. I forsee him playing here and there with nagging injuries coming back all the time. Except he won’t pile up all-star years before the injuries. Greg Oden will never be a dominant force. It is a shame, because dominant centers are a rarity nowadays and a lot of fun to watch. He could have really made this young Portland team great. Yet another coulda woulda shoulda.

In his 13 minutes, Oden went 0-4, 5 boards, a block, 2 turnovers and 2 fouls….very subpar

Is this just a phase or is this what Portland fans have to look forward to? Bust or future Allstar? Let me know!

Chargers Take First Step to Turning Their Season Around

After starting this season as a trendy pick to take on the Cowboys in this year's superbowl the Chargers have come out and surprised everybody! They've kind of stunk! They find themselves 3-5 and in 2nd place in the AFC West. This team is WAAAAY too good to be 3-5 (especially with the way that Rivers has been playing lately).

So they flipped the first panic switch by firing D-Coordinated Ted Cottrell and replacing him with Ron Rivera. In my opinion this was the right move. I've always thought Rivera did a great job in Chicago and he has the tools to do great in San Diego now. I've never been a fan of Norv Turner and if it was up to me the second step would be to elevate Rivera to head coach, bumping Norv down to the offensive coordinator position. But let's not hold our breath on that one. Besides, the Chargers offense is certainly not the problem. Philip Rivers has emerged as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, and he's playing without LaDainian Tomlinson at full speed for most of the season.

This was the right move in my opinion giving the way this team's defense has been playing this year. I think this team still has a shot to turn it around and make the playoffs given their talent on both sides of the ball and their lousy division.

What do you think about this move? Will the Chargers still make their predicted Superbowl run?

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Northwest and Pacific Divisions

West

With the season already starting, we're just going to give some quick predictions.

Northwest
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota T-Wolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Pacific
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Golden St. Warriors
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Sacramento Kings

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Southwest Division

West

1. San Antonio Spurs

It's not a good time to overlook the Spurs; every time they have been, they've turned heads and won a title. It's that time again, another odd numbered year (2009), and they've won their last four titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007. The Spurs are loaded again with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Bruce Bowen, and Michael Finley. Ginobli may be injured right now, but once he's back around December, he'll be healthier than ever.

2. New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets will be a very solid team again, especially with as tough of a division the Southwest is. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league and is becoming a superstar. David West can bang it down low and hold his own vs. anybody else in the league. Tyson Chandler is a solid defender and makes the Hornets frontcourt just scary. Mo Peterson is a solid role player and Peja Stojakovic is their deadly three point shooter.

3. Houston Rockets

The top 3 of this division are so even and it will be a horse-race until the end. The Rockets look like a solid title contender this season, they're loaded with experience and some stars. If Yao Ming can stay healthy this season they'll be stellar. Tracy McGrady is their go-to scorer and add Ron Artest as a tough defensive minded player and someone who can rebound and put up points as well, is a terrific 3rd scoring option. PG Rafer Alston is a leader, but must concentrate on making better decisions. If the bench can step up, the Rockets can go deep.

4. Dallas Mavericks
Oh how the might have fallen... The x-factor will be Jason Kidd. He's lost a step and when he goes up against the better NBA point guards, this team struggles. They have a decent frontcourt with Dirk, Erik Dampier, and DeSagana Diop. Jason Terry must step up in clutch situations. He is a key scorer for them. But the big thing that has set this team back is defense, they just give up way too many points and they don't have enough consistent offensive firepower to go far in the playoffs. They may not even make the playoffs this season...

5. Memphis Grizzlies

Look for the Grizz to be improved from last season. They're a young team and Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay, and OJ Mayo are solid young talents. I am very high on Rudy Gay, he will put up some good numbers this season. Mike Conley is developing into a pretty good PG, look out for him. This team won't be a playoff contender, but they will continue to get better as the season progresses.

TSF NFL Week 8 Game Picks

WEEK 1 - BYE

WEEK 2 - 12-3

WEEK 3 - 13-3

WEEK 4 - 9-4

WEEK 5 - 6-8
WEEK 6 - 6-8

WEEK 7 - 9-5

TOTAL - 55-31 (.640%)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Dallas Cowboys

Washington Redskins beat the Detroit Lions

Buffalo Bills beat the Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints beat the San Diego Chargers

New England Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams

Baltimore Ravens beat the Oakland Raiders

New York Jets beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Houston Texans beat the Cincinnatti Bengals

Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New York Giants

San Francisco 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Tennesse Titans beat the Indianapolis Colts

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Carolina Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals

UPSET SPECIAL: Atlanta Falcons beat the Philadelphia Eagles

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Southeast Division

East

1. Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard should only be better, even after a breakout season last year. The Magic have one of the better offensive teams out there with Howard, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, and Jameer Nelson. I really love their starting line-up (add in Michael Pietrus to the other four), especially in the mediocre southeast. The Magic should no doubt dominate this division.

2. Miami Heat

The Heat, yes the Heat will make the playoffs this year. I think this team will turn it around with a healthy Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and rookie Michael Beasley. We all saw what Wade did in the Olympics and I don't think it's out of the question that he's back to his old-self; he'll bounce back and regain his stardom Marion's been talked about being dealt, but that's only if they continue their woes from last season, which I don't think they will. Beasley should be able to step in right away and provide this team with a key 3rd scoring option.

3. Atlanta Hawks
I think the Hawks' 37 wins from last year is a sign of things to come. Look for the Hawks to be improved. They did lose Josh Childress, but they still have Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and Mike Bibby. This is a dangerous team and they give a lot of match-up problems for opponents with their versatile guards and forwards. Look for this team to be a legit threat this year.

4. Washington Wizards

This will be a down year for the Wizards with Gilbert Arenas and now Antwain Jamison out for sometime with injuries. Their loses will be felt drastically. Caron Butler will be their go to guy and he is battling some injury woes as well. Brendan Haywood is likely done for the season, which will be a big load for big men off the bench and DeShawn Stevenson. I am expecting the Wizards to miss the playoffs with all of their injury woes.

5. Charlotte Bobcats
This Bobcat team has shown flashes over the years and has been improving bit by bit. They have the make up of a potential playoff threat team, but it's just a matter of the coaching and roles players and the bench stepping up. If Emeka Okafor can stay healthy I think they could do some damage and move up the southeast standings. Jason Richardson looks primed for a big year and Gerald Wallace is a solid 3rd scorer for this team. Raymond Felton is also a solid PG; this team is fairly young and if they can get through the bulk of the season, watch out.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Central Division

East

1. Detroit Pistons

This team still has a shot at winning a title because of their veteran core still intact. Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince can still get it done and keep this team a championship contender. Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell are up and coming studs and can fill the void off the bench. Look for the Pistons to contend with the Celtics again for east supremacy.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Obviously any team with Lebron James is going to be a playoff contender, but this year the Cavs could upend the Pistons for first place in the division. But a lot will depend on Lebron's supporting cast; Mo Williams is an underrated PG who can help lead this team and complement Lebron. This team is very good in the frontcourt with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace, and Anderson Varejao, but the problem is that's all they have inside. They need more depth up-front. Second round playoff finish isn't out of the question again.

3. Indiana Pacers

Look for the Pacers to be improved this season. Look for them to make the playoffs. They don't have a straight up superstar, but Danny Granger is close to it. Granger is an underrated player averaging nearly 20 ppg last season. Mike Dunleavy can shoot and score and complement Granger very well. T.J. Ford is looking for a new beginning after years of injury, I think he's found a new home in Indy. The bench isn't that bad either, Jarrett Jack is a good guard and Roy Hibbert could be a key player down the stretch. This team will turn heads this season.

4. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were terrible last season with all of the hype and talent they have. But it seems like the chemistry isn't there. Ben Gordon continues to complain about money and playing time; and it seems everybody else has been under performing. Look for Derrick Rose to take over at PG for Kirk Heinrich sometime during the season. We all know Luol Deng, Kirk Heinrich, Ben Gordon, and Andres Nocioni have gotten it done before. The talent is there, it's just a matter of executing, coaching, and egos.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

This should be an interesting season for the Bucks. They finally have a playmaker that compliments Michael Redd well in Richard Jefferson. Luke Ridnour is a great addition at PG. If Andrew Bogut stays healthy he could be a big factor. But the problems lie at the defensive end and up-front. They don't have much depth or scoring for that matter off the bench. They need someone to step up to help out Redd, Jefferson, and Ridnour.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

East

1. Boston Celtics

They're the defending champs and still have the playmakers to get it done once again. The "Big 3" are back and should be the favorite to win it all. After what Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen did last season there's no way you can question their age. The Celtics play the best defense in all of the NBA and it truly showed last season. It wasn't just all the "Big 3", PG Rajon Rondo stepped up and made plays. Kendrick Perkins is a capable presence at center but if his shoulder doesn't get any better they can still play Leon Power or Garnett there. Tony Allen and Bill Walker could contribute off the the bench. It should come down to defense and the role players if the Celts wanna win another title.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers can definitely contend with Boston in the Atlantic. They picked up Elton Brand over the off-season and he is as healthy as he's been since being injured from the beginning. Look for Andre Igoudala to improve even more, he has tremendous upside and is truly becoming a superstar. Andre Miller is the veteran PG that they need to help them get over the top. Thaddeus Young is young but should improve. Philly should also have a solid bench lead by Willie Green, Reggie Evans, and rookie Marreese Speights. Look for the Sixers to be improved this season. 50 wins is not out of the question.

3. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have the potential to be one of the top teams in the league. They have a dominant front court in Chris Bosh and newly acquired Jermaine O'Neal. Jose Calderon is a solid PG and Anthony Parker can shoot the trey, but the one thing that this team lacks is bench depth.

4. New York Knicks
Isiah Thomas gone... check. New coach that will get this team in the right direction... check. Stephon Marbury gone... no check. Knicks will make the playoffs this year... no check. There's no doubt this team has the talent but they've lacked the coaching and chemistry. Now with Mike D'Antoni at the helm they can definitely turn it around. Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, and Jamal Crawford can get this team to compete again.

5. New Jersey Nets

This looks as a rebuilding year for the Nets after trading Richard Jefferson over the summer and are now looking to deal Vince Carter. Gone are the veteran superstars of this team, other than Vince Carter (for now). If Carter isn't gone before the season starts, he'll be gone somewhere throughout the season. But this is still a very formidable team with Yi Jianlian, Josh Boone, Bobby Simmons, Devin Harris, and Sean Williams. But all in all, look for this to be another down year as the Nets look to rebuild.

My first shot at Sports Radio

As some of you may know I want to be involved with sports radio as my career. Well, tomorrow I get my first shot at it.

There's a sports show on my college's radio network, KNDS (Thunder Radio), and one of the hosts asked me to fill in for one of the guys.

The show will be on Friday afternoon from 3-4 p.m., the show is called "The Sprengler Sports Show".

So if you want to listen tune in here: KNDS Radio

Just click "Listen Online" and you'll be set. Let me know what you think.

TSF NFL Week 7 Game Picks

Last week was less than stellar once again and I need to turn this around NOW before I completely spoil my hot start.

WEEK 1 - BYE

WEEK 2 - 12-3

WEEK 3 - 13-3

WEEK 4 - 9-4

WEEK 5 - 6-8
WEEK 6 - 6-8

TOTAL - 46-26 (.676%)

Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vikings

Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnatti Bengals

Tennesse Titans beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Dallas Cowboys beat the St. Louis Rams

Miami Dolphins beat the Baltimore Ravens

New York Giants beat the San Fransisco 49ers

Houston Texans beat the Detroit Lions

New York Jets beat the Oakland Raiders

Green Bay Packers beat the Indianapolis Colts

Washington Redskins beat the Cleveland Browns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks

Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Buffalo Bills beat the San Diego Chargers

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: New Orleans Saints beat the Carolina Panthers

UPSET SPECIAL: Thought about Cleveland over Washington but just couldn't do it...

Dallas Cowboys Committed to Winning, or just Desperate?

So I was pretty disgusted yesterday when I came home from playing racquetball with my roommate and I saw that Roy (E.) Williams was a Dallas Cowboy. I've always hated the Cowboys since their dominance in the 1990s. The deal was so intriguing. The thought of having TO and Roy Williams as a 1-2 receiving corps was flabbergasting. That offense is now so completely loaded it's unreal. (Not to mention I have Roy Williams in fantasy in one of my 2 leagues and this move benefits me a lot there).

But is this move genius or desperate? I want to hear from Cowboy's fans how they see it. Obviously many are going to be excited because they JUST GOT ROY WILLIAMS! On the other hand they gave up A TON to get him. And at this point it looks to me like they have more pressing issues on special teams and defense rather than offense.

Is Jerry Jones being genius or is he being desperate? Obviously I'm sure most fans are excited but you can't deny the fact that they gave up a lot (possibly too much?) to get him at a position where they don't really need a lot of help? It's going to be really interesting to see his impact on the team, my fantasy team as well, whether it's catching passes from Romo or B. Johnson.

Dallas Cowboys fans and football fans in general. Do you like the trade? Was it a little desperate here? Who got the better deal? Lemme know what you think!