I love college football and all the fun that goes with it. Yesterday was one of those days that keeps you tuning in with half the top 10 falling. Sure, Ohio State will benefit by not losing and climb into the top 5, but so many big losses on one day was amazing to watch. Of course "them" at ESPN were banging on LSU early on yesterday afternoon because they "started slow" and only beat Tulane by 25 points. Wonder if Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, W. Va, and Rutgers would trade places with LSU about now? Guessing they would...
For the fun in the crap fest that is the Big 10, all kinds of great stuff happened. Penn St showed that they were marginally overrated by losing their second game in 2 weeks, this time to Illinois. Michigan continued their meteoric rise from 1-AA doormat by putting a 12 point whupping on Northwestern. (Psst, meatchicken...Ohio State didn't need the whole game to put 28 up on the 'Cats. Hell, they didn't even need the whole first quarter. Just sayin'...) Indiana went into Iowa and won, guess Kirk will have to wait another year to try and remove the pretender tag. Wisconsin, while boring as hell just continues to win. November 3rd is looming large on the horizon. And to cap the day, Purdue dropped ND to 0-5...way to go Boilers! Your reward is the Buckeyes...enjoy.
I don't have the stat attack from last week, instead, I'm going to introduce my new favorite player...at least for this week: Wes Byrum, K, Auburn University.
Probably not a big stretch to figure out that I'm happy to see Florida lose. (At anything...football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lumberjack competitions, whatever.) And Wes had a big hand...er, foot in knocking off the Gators yesterday. However, he's my new favorite player not because he had to kick the game winning field goal - not once, but twice - but because before the thing even cleared the uprights, he was celebrating. And what way did young Wes decide was the best way to celebrate? By turning and giving the Gator Chomp back to the good folks at The Swamp. Atta boy, Wes!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Coaching Soccer
A few weeks ago at practice Brendan's coach asked for volunteers to help coach in case he was out of town, and I deftly pointed at another dad and said, "He'll do it!" Nice job, Timbo, you volunteered. (And other dad didn't think it was too funny, and now thinks you're pretty much a douchebag. Two birds with one stone as only I could do it...) After practice, I talked to John and said that I've coached hockey for a couple years, and though I know nothing about soccer I can help maintain order.
So, tonight was the big night. John's out of town, his assistant is out of town, so practice is being run by his wife, Lisa, and yours truly. Thankfully Lisa had played soccer since she was five, and I believe played in college. I, on the other hand, know a soccer ball is round, that you can't use your hands if you're not the goalie, and in a wager for a beer could probably explain offsides. I mentioned that to Lisa at the game on Saturday and she told me not to worry because, "...it's just like hockey!"
Sure it is...but there are a few minor differences. Off the top, offsides doesn't involve a blue line. How do you know if you're in the wrong place without a big blue line??? That's just insane. Secondly there's the whole ball v. puck thing...when a puck rolls, that's a bad thing. Protective gear for a soccer player involves a couple of shin guards. (Though after watching these kids kick at each other, helmets, shoulder pads, and hockey pants wouldn't be a bad idea.) And finally, a goalie doesn't need an additional 45 minutes to get dressed in more leather gear on than Carrie Ann Moss in the Matrix to play in net. (I believe they're also called a "keeper." What the hell are they keeping???)
So, with those formalities worked out, I figured I'd be OK. It's a group of 8 year old kids like any other group of 8 year old kids. They'll run around do the drills as instructed and hopefully enjoy themselves. Wow was I mistaken...it was a mess. Yelling, laughing, crying, running, kicking...and that was just two kids going to a water break.
Now, I know kids will be kids and they have their moments of not paying attention at all, but this seemed to be a whole new level. Not that the kids that put on skates are any better or worse, but had this been a hockey practice there would have been a lot of skating. Not to mention a lot of yelling and a lot of whistles. Are hockey kids different kids? No, I don't think so. But, their coach comes armed with more than a whistle...he's got hockey gloves on and a stick in his hands.
So, I enjoy working with kids in sports, but I don't envy the soccer and baseball coaches of the world...not at all. I'll stick to coaching hockey, where the little rug rats are contained by boards and glass.
And I have a stick and gloves...
So, tonight was the big night. John's out of town, his assistant is out of town, so practice is being run by his wife, Lisa, and yours truly. Thankfully Lisa had played soccer since she was five, and I believe played in college. I, on the other hand, know a soccer ball is round, that you can't use your hands if you're not the goalie, and in a wager for a beer could probably explain offsides. I mentioned that to Lisa at the game on Saturday and she told me not to worry because, "...it's just like hockey!"
Sure it is...but there are a few minor differences. Off the top, offsides doesn't involve a blue line. How do you know if you're in the wrong place without a big blue line??? That's just insane. Secondly there's the whole ball v. puck thing...when a puck rolls, that's a bad thing. Protective gear for a soccer player involves a couple of shin guards. (Though after watching these kids kick at each other, helmets, shoulder pads, and hockey pants wouldn't be a bad idea.) And finally, a goalie doesn't need an additional 45 minutes to get dressed in more leather gear on than Carrie Ann Moss in the Matrix to play in net. (I believe they're also called a "keeper." What the hell are they keeping???)
So, with those formalities worked out, I figured I'd be OK. It's a group of 8 year old kids like any other group of 8 year old kids. They'll run around do the drills as instructed and hopefully enjoy themselves. Wow was I mistaken...it was a mess. Yelling, laughing, crying, running, kicking...and that was just two kids going to a water break.
Now, I know kids will be kids and they have their moments of not paying attention at all, but this seemed to be a whole new level. Not that the kids that put on skates are any better or worse, but had this been a hockey practice there would have been a lot of skating. Not to mention a lot of yelling and a lot of whistles. Are hockey kids different kids? No, I don't think so. But, their coach comes armed with more than a whistle...he's got hockey gloves on and a stick in his hands.
So, I enjoy working with kids in sports, but I don't envy the soccer and baseball coaches of the world...not at all. I'll stick to coaching hockey, where the little rug rats are contained by boards and glass.
And I have a stick and gloves...
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The fun of College football - 9.22.07
I basically had the house to myself yesterday to work on a presentation for work. During the day the TV stayed tuned to college football, which is pretty much normal for a Saturday around here. I took my scheduled break from the presentation at 3:30 to watch Ohio State play Northwestern. At 3:42, with the Buckeyes firmly in control, I went back to work.
Complaint time: Locally the OSU game got swapped with the meeshigan v. State Penn game on Mickey's family of networks. So, OSU on ABC, the "other game" to ESPN. Both in HD...or so you would think. Here's what happened on my cable network...they switched OSU to ABC on both feeds, but only switched the meatchicken game on the regular feed. So, I had two HD feeds of Ohio State eeking out a 51 point win. Would it REALLY be that hard to have swapped out both, WOW? Just wondering. (While you're at it, why don't you maybe list that FSN's HD feed shows glorious, high definition football all Saturday as opposed to your listed "HD Promo" when the Reds or Jackets aren't on in HD?)
On to other football related things, and right off the top...Dear LORD how bad is the Big 10(11)??? Ohio State is emerging as the top of the conference once again, and they're in a down year. Penn St couldn't beat a team that couldn't beat a team from 1-AA who couldn't beat a different 1-AA team yesterday! (If you didn't follow all that, App St's win streak came to an end yesterday at the hands of Wofford 42-31. Associative property of football states that Wofford v. Penn St should be a helluva football game.) Michigan St might be good, but they beat Notre Dame, so they could suck. Wisconsin and Iowa was fun to watch...if you tuned in only for the last 5 minutes of each half. Speaking of Iowa, they get great run in the press every year it seems, only to fall flat at some point or points. If Ference is such a stud as a coach, when is he going to sack up and win the Big 10? Outright, Iowa Fan, not by tying teams you don't play. (I notice that neither Ohio State or what's left of michigan are on Iowa's schedule...hmmm...)
Other games I caught a bit of were the Browns-Bengals-esque, "Defense is overrated" score fest in Stillwater, OK and the Georgia v. Bama game. Gotta admit, I don't mind watching Saban lose football games. And that one was an OT thriller. Bama ties it up with just over a minute left after trailing pretty much the whole game only to go 3-and-field goal in OT and have the Dawgs score on their first play from scrimmage. In a game I didn't see, Tim Tebow rebounded from his horrendous 1 INT game a week ago to throw two TDs and run for two TDs as the Gators held off Ole Miss. Thankfully he got it together, as rumor has it he took a dump last week and it actually DIDN'T smell like fresh cut roses.
Big Gainers (But not big winners)
1. Brian Brohm, prolific passer from Lousiville, put the ball up 65 times yesterday and threw for 555 yards and 4 TDs in a losing effort. (To Syracuse of all teams.)
2. Not to be out done, MAC powerhouse Ball State waltzed into Lincoln, NE yesterday and marched up and down the field on the vaunted Black Shirts to the tune of 610 yards total offense. Or, only 153 more yards than USC had in the same stadium a week ago. In two weeks Nebraska fans have seen over 1,000 yards total offense and 89 points against the Huskers. Be glad Oklahoma isn't on the schedule...
3. Finally, scoffing at the 600 yard mark was Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell who went 46/67 for 646 yards and 5 TDs, but it wasn't enough to beat Ok St.
Complaint time: Locally the OSU game got swapped with the meeshigan v. State Penn game on Mickey's family of networks. So, OSU on ABC, the "other game" to ESPN. Both in HD...or so you would think. Here's what happened on my cable network...they switched OSU to ABC on both feeds, but only switched the meatchicken game on the regular feed. So, I had two HD feeds of Ohio State eeking out a 51 point win. Would it REALLY be that hard to have swapped out both, WOW? Just wondering. (While you're at it, why don't you maybe list that FSN's HD feed shows glorious, high definition football all Saturday as opposed to your listed "HD Promo" when the Reds or Jackets aren't on in HD?)
On to other football related things, and right off the top...Dear LORD how bad is the Big 10(11)??? Ohio State is emerging as the top of the conference once again, and they're in a down year. Penn St couldn't beat a team that couldn't beat a team from 1-AA who couldn't beat a different 1-AA team yesterday! (If you didn't follow all that, App St's win streak came to an end yesterday at the hands of Wofford 42-31. Associative property of football states that Wofford v. Penn St should be a helluva football game.) Michigan St might be good, but they beat Notre Dame, so they could suck. Wisconsin and Iowa was fun to watch...if you tuned in only for the last 5 minutes of each half. Speaking of Iowa, they get great run in the press every year it seems, only to fall flat at some point or points. If Ference is such a stud as a coach, when is he going to sack up and win the Big 10? Outright, Iowa Fan, not by tying teams you don't play. (I notice that neither Ohio State or what's left of michigan are on Iowa's schedule...hmmm...)
Other games I caught a bit of were the Browns-Bengals-esque, "Defense is overrated" score fest in Stillwater, OK and the Georgia v. Bama game. Gotta admit, I don't mind watching Saban lose football games. And that one was an OT thriller. Bama ties it up with just over a minute left after trailing pretty much the whole game only to go 3-and-field goal in OT and have the Dawgs score on their first play from scrimmage. In a game I didn't see, Tim Tebow rebounded from his horrendous 1 INT game a week ago to throw two TDs and run for two TDs as the Gators held off Ole Miss. Thankfully he got it together, as rumor has it he took a dump last week and it actually DIDN'T smell like fresh cut roses.
Big Gainers (But not big winners)
1. Brian Brohm, prolific passer from Lousiville, put the ball up 65 times yesterday and threw for 555 yards and 4 TDs in a losing effort. (To Syracuse of all teams.)
2. Not to be out done, MAC powerhouse Ball State waltzed into Lincoln, NE yesterday and marched up and down the field on the vaunted Black Shirts to the tune of 610 yards total offense. Or, only 153 more yards than USC had in the same stadium a week ago. In two weeks Nebraska fans have seen over 1,000 yards total offense and 89 points against the Huskers. Be glad Oklahoma isn't on the schedule...
3. Finally, scoffing at the 600 yard mark was Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell who went 46/67 for 646 yards and 5 TDs, but it wasn't enough to beat Ok St.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Giant Eagle's a little slice of beer heavan
That's right, it's a regular blog-o-rama here today at the Truckster. We go in spurts...doesn't make me a bad person...
If you're a beer snob and haven't discovered Giant Eagle's beer section yet, you're missing the best beer selection I've ever seen in a chain grocery store. I discovered this a few years back when Giant Eagle landed in Columbus. Any store that builds a walk-in beer cooler in the middle of the store is going to get my business, and I've bought plenty of non-pale American pilsner beers there.
Today, however, it seemingly got better. My local Giant Eagle expanded beyond the cathedral like cooler. Today I noticed the following available in The Beer Section:
If you're a beer snob and haven't discovered Giant Eagle's beer section yet, you're missing the best beer selection I've ever seen in a chain grocery store. I discovered this a few years back when Giant Eagle landed in Columbus. Any store that builds a walk-in beer cooler in the middle of the store is going to get my business, and I've bought plenty of non-pale American pilsner beers there.
Today, however, it seemingly got better. My local Giant Eagle expanded beyond the cathedral like cooler. Today I noticed the following available in The Beer Section:
- Chimay - If you've never tried this Trappist Ale, you're missing out. I bought a bottle of the Grand Reserve (blue label) to enjoy during the opening of the NFL season. No Bud Light in this house for football games.
- Inside the cooler was a nice selection of Sam Smith's beers. The Oatmeal Stout gets most of the accolades, but I've had four or five from Sam Smith, and none of them are disappointing.
- Next up was one I'd already purchased, but my purchase was in 6 pack form previously. Giant Eagle went above and beyond in providing a full 2 liter growler of Rogue Dead Guy ale. Dead Guy on tap is one of my favorites, but the bottles aren't quite the same. In the growler though, should be closer to draft than bottled. That purchase will have to wait, becuase...
- Arrogant Bastard is available!! That's right, one of the greatest brews ever is on sale now at Giant Eagle. I found this one a couple of years ago when Garnett served me one, but didn't stumble across it again for a while. Then during Blankensoft's going away party we found that BJ's on Polaris had it on tap. And now to find bottles of it available at a local grocery? I reigned myself in and only bought 3 bottles.
Let's Go Blue!!
Here in the heart of Buckeyedom, the beloved men of the fighting nuts are off to a less than stellar start. Granted, they're 2-0, but taking down Youngstown St and following it up with a 20-2 shellacking of Akron isn't enough to keep the natives from getting mildly restless.
But, look!! Over there!! MICHIGAN IS SUCKING!!!
Like the allure of something shiny, watching the Wolverines drop their first two games has kept many scarlet and gray fans pretty happy. Sure, there are a few that spew out the hooey that they want Michigan to be undefeated going into The Game...spare me. Find me a Buckeye fan who shed a tear over Appalachian St taking down big blue a couple weeks ago. Search Buckeye Nation for a guy who tuned in hoping and praying that Oregon would roll over and play dead. These people - if there are more than one - are in the vast minority.
Additionally, there are the people who want the win "so the conference doesn't appear weak." Appear weak? Um, too late for that one folks...ignoring last year's stellar BCS and bowl performances by the Big 10 (and that mess in the desert still stings yours truly), it appears Bowling Green might be the best team in the Big 10 this season. Forgot, they're not in the league. OK, we'll give it to Penn State for now...but Wisconsin's domination of UNLV, the aforementioned slow start by the Bucks, Michigan's impression of the Duke football program, and Minnesota's toubles with all things MAC aren't speaking well of the Big 10 so far. Maybe Iowa will finally step above poser status this season. (If they do, they'll still get questioned about it without Ohio State or Michigan on the schedule.)
But I digress...this is supposed to be about michigan's futility thus far. And my glee in said futility...
I enjoyed the Appalachian St upset, not only because it was Michigan, but because seeing one of the big programs go down at the hands of one of those teams used to "fill out" the schedule was fun to see. (Since it wasn't Ohio St. it was fun to see.) Add in that App St. was only going to the Big House because the NCAA expanded the schedule for that extra game to make a few more dollars off their storied programs, and it just gets better. (Never mind that we can't have a playoff because we don't want the "student-athletes" playing too many games.) I had to chuckle every time they showed the shocked faces in the crown at Michigan Stadium...and they showed those faces a LOT, so I got a lot of chuckling in.
So, I tuned in to the Oregon game in the same manner you drive by a car accident...it's there, you don't really want to look, but you could catch a glimpse of some carnage. Maybe even some blood, or a severed limb. Oregon didn't disappoint, and the game wasn't nearly as close as the 39-7 score would indicate. The blood came in the form of boo birds in the Big House. The severed limb? The Bronx cheer when Chad Henne appeared to be leaving the game injured. (Before he finally did leave the field injured.)
So, no need wiping that grin off your face, Buckeye fan. Boeckman may not be setting the world on fire, but you're 2-0 and not the punchline of jokes such as: How many batteries does it take to shock a Wolverine?
1-AA.
But, look!! Over there!! MICHIGAN IS SUCKING!!!
Like the allure of something shiny, watching the Wolverines drop their first two games has kept many scarlet and gray fans pretty happy. Sure, there are a few that spew out the hooey that they want Michigan to be undefeated going into The Game...spare me. Find me a Buckeye fan who shed a tear over Appalachian St taking down big blue a couple weeks ago. Search Buckeye Nation for a guy who tuned in hoping and praying that Oregon would roll over and play dead. These people - if there are more than one - are in the vast minority.
Additionally, there are the people who want the win "so the conference doesn't appear weak." Appear weak? Um, too late for that one folks...ignoring last year's stellar BCS and bowl performances by the Big 10 (and that mess in the desert still stings yours truly), it appears Bowling Green might be the best team in the Big 10 this season. Forgot, they're not in the league. OK, we'll give it to Penn State for now...but Wisconsin's domination of UNLV, the aforementioned slow start by the Bucks, Michigan's impression of the Duke football program, and Minnesota's toubles with all things MAC aren't speaking well of the Big 10 so far. Maybe Iowa will finally step above poser status this season. (If they do, they'll still get questioned about it without Ohio State or Michigan on the schedule.)
But I digress...this is supposed to be about michigan's futility thus far. And my glee in said futility...
I enjoyed the Appalachian St upset, not only because it was Michigan, but because seeing one of the big programs go down at the hands of one of those teams used to "fill out" the schedule was fun to see. (Since it wasn't Ohio St. it was fun to see.) Add in that App St. was only going to the Big House because the NCAA expanded the schedule for that extra game to make a few more dollars off their storied programs, and it just gets better. (Never mind that we can't have a playoff because we don't want the "student-athletes" playing too many games.) I had to chuckle every time they showed the shocked faces in the crown at Michigan Stadium...and they showed those faces a LOT, so I got a lot of chuckling in.
So, I tuned in to the Oregon game in the same manner you drive by a car accident...it's there, you don't really want to look, but you could catch a glimpse of some carnage. Maybe even some blood, or a severed limb. Oregon didn't disappoint, and the game wasn't nearly as close as the 39-7 score would indicate. The blood came in the form of boo birds in the Big House. The severed limb? The Bronx cheer when Chad Henne appeared to be leaving the game injured. (Before he finally did leave the field injured.)
So, no need wiping that grin off your face, Buckeye fan. Boeckman may not be setting the world on fire, but you're 2-0 and not the punchline of jokes such as: How many batteries does it take to shock a Wolverine?
1-AA.
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