May 13, 2012

Final Day of the EPL Season

Some say in a “New York Minute” everything can change; for the EPL title race everything did change and in a matter of mere moments. Soon after Jamie Mackie’s 66th minute powerfully headed goal, Manchester City looked as if they were not going to be able to unlock the defensive wall of QPR. Fans were crying, leaving, and incessantly calling their mates to find out the score of the Manchester United game. But with the game entering five minutes of stoppage time, City produced a simply implausible finish. First, Edin Dzeko nodded the Blues level before Sergio Agüero collected Mario Balotelli’s return pass and drove home the goal that crowned City champions and denied their local rivals another title. Sir Alex and Co. could only be disappointed as they won 1-0 at Sunderland, but they could only helplessly watch City celebrate their comeback.

On the other side of the coin, QPR’s loss could have dropped them into the relegation mire, but Bolton’s draw at Stoke meant that the Hoops were guaranteed successive seasons in the top flight. For Bolton, it meant that their streak of 11 straight seasons in the Premier League had come to an end and that they’d be plying their trade in the Championship next year along with fellow relegated sides Wolves and Blackburn Rovers.

Wolves signed off their Premier League season with a 3-2 loss at Wigan although they showed true grit and class in their ensuing games after relegation. Blackburn, however, have not showed too much fight since their relegation was rumored and then confirmed. Yakubu scored a consolation goal in the 60th minute but that was indeed all it was as Blackburn returns back to the 2nd tier next year as well.

In the battle for European places, Arsenal and Tottenham both won. Arsenal won automatic qualification to the Champions League next year but Tottenham must wait until May 20th to see if Chelsea loses before they can celebrate their draw to the qualifying round of the Champions League. Newcastle United, although they lost, is guaranteed a spot in next year’s Europa League. This season has been a great achievement for the Magpies as mid-table finish surely would’ve sufficed for them, but a battle to the end for a Champs League spot was a treat for the Jordie faithful.

Elsewhere, Swansea and Norwich capped their impressive debut seasons since their promotion with wins over Liverpool and Aston Villa, respectively. This season has been a breath air if you’ve watched Norwich or Swansea because of their fluid, intricate style of passing football and to see them return for next year is great for the EPL.

All in all, this season has been fantastic for fans (depending on who you support) as there was a changing of the guard in the title race. Newcastle, Swansea and Norwich City all blew expectations out of the water, and Liverpool and Stoke both drastically underperformed. This summer will be dramatic as usual in the transfer market because of the many underachieving teams and newfound wealth of others. For now, we wait for the drama of the Premier League season to start again and try to live up to the great season it has been this year.

Jonathan Zinser

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May 12, 2012

AFC East Projections

New England Patriots – The Patriots have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.  However, their defense is atrocious being the second worst defense in yards allowed.  The Patriots focused on their defense in this years draft, especially on their pass rushing need.  The Patriots drafted Chandler Jones, a defensive end and Dont’a Hightower a linebacker, both  great at going after the quarterback.  I expect the Patriots defense to be a vastly improved in the 2012 season.

Prediction 13-3

New York  Jets -  The Jets finished a disappointing 8-8 this past season and missed the playoffs.  The Jets will be looking for revenge. The teams defense and offense should improve this season.  The Jets defense was good last season, but the expectations were so high, they could not be achieved.  I expect the Jets to have a top five defense this season.  The offense has been a work and progress these past three years.  They have a young quarterback in Mark Sanchez who shows flashes of being a good NFL quarterback, but isn’t consistent enough yet.   I expect the Jets to run the ball a lot more and have a more balanced offense.

Prediction 11-5

Buffalo Bills- The Bills are going to have a tough time competing in this division.  The bills have a talented team and have an incredibly talented defensive line.  However, the Bills must be more consistent this year.  Last season the Bills started 3-0 beating the Chiefs, Patriots, and Raiders, but they finished the season 6-10.  The Bills must get more offensive playmakers especially at the wide receiver position.  Besides Stevie Johnson, the Bills don’t have another dependable wide receiver.

Prediction 8-8

Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins are going to have a tough time finishing over .500 this year.  They are in a hard division and traded away Brandon Marshall, their best playmaker on offense.  On top of that, the Dolphins will probably be starting a rookie quarterback midway through the season.   The Dolphins will also have an inconsistent defense this season.  The only thing the Dolphins will be able to do well this year is run the ball.

Prediction 4-12

Connor Willsey

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May 11, 2012

Big 12 Football Power Rankings

Now that all of the Big 12 teams have completed their spring practices, it is time to power rank the Big 12 teams heading into next fall.


1. Oklahoma
The Sooners return quarterback Landry Jones, but will look to replace all time leading receiver Ryan Broyles. On defense OU has to replace Travis Lewis, Ronnell Lewis, and Frank Alexander. Although they have to replace a lot of production, OU still gets the nod at the top of the conference because of coaching and great recruiting.

2. Kansas State
K-State returns quarterback Collin Klein and most of their skill players on offense. They will have to replace most of their offensive line however. On defense, All-Big 12 linebacker Arthur Brown returns as well as shutdown cornerback Nigel Malone. Look for Bill Snyder’s Cats to play smart and not turn the ball over much in the fall.

3. West Virginia
Coming of a 70-33 win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl, West Virginia has high hopes headed into 2012. They are led by Heisman hopeful QB Geno Smith and wide receiver Tavon Austin. Look for Dana Holgerson’s offense to put up monster numbers in his second season at the helm.

4. TCU
Gary Patterson’s squad plays smart and is very tough on defense. Expect a somewhat rough transition into the Big 12, although quarterback Casey Paschall will keep them in games.

5. Texas
Mack Brown’s squad has probably the best roster in the country, if you don’t include the quarterback position. If they can get that figured out, look for them to move up these rankings quick.

6. Oklahoma State
True Freshman quarterback Wes Lunt won the job in spring ball. That raises many questions about the offense if a kid that has been on campus for 3 months wins the job. OSU has a great coach in Mike Gundy, but it will be tough to replicate the numbers that Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon put up last fall.

7. Iowa State
Iowa State has two of the three best linebackers in the league in AJ Klein and Jake Knott. Their defense will be stout as always, but their offense will be questionable.

8. Baylor
How is Baylor going to replace RG3? They have a good secondary returning, but replacing RG3 is critical. That’s the million dollar question that will determine Baylor’s fate in 2012.

9. Texas Tech
Tech returns a lot of players including quarterback Seth Doege, but they didn’t produce much last year. It will be interesting to see what Tommy Tuberville can cook up down in Lubbock this season.


10. Kansas
New head coach Charlie Weis takes over the reigns in Lawrence. He brought in former Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist to be his starter in 2012 which should ease the transition into his tenure at KU. Don’t expect much from the Jayhawks in 2012, however.

Sam Young

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May 8, 2012

AFC North Expectations

Expectations for the AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers -  The Steelers will have high expectations this year because they should to go to the playoffs be a Super Bowl contender.  The Steelers recently hired Todd Haley, former Chief head coach, as the offensive coordinator.  Haley should have great success with the young wide receiving core and should have more success running the ball this year.  The only concern I have with the Steelers is the age of the defense, which is the oldest defense in the NFL. While the defense is dominant when healthy, injury was a problem last year.

Prediction 12-4 

 Cleveland Browns -  As usual, the expectations for the Browns will be very low this season.  If the Browns can get to 7 wins they should be extremely happy with their progress.  The Browns will most likely  start Brandon Weeden at quarterback who will be a 28 year old rookie.  My concern for Weeden is, who will he throw the ball to.  The Browns have a promising rookie wide receiver in Greg Little, but he shows inconsistency when catching the ball.  Trent Richardson, their rookie running back should help take the load off Brandon Weeden.  The Browns have a promising young nucleus of players, but their youth will show this year and prohibit them from being a great NFL team.

Prediction 5-11

Baltimore Ravens -  The Ravens will be the best tem in the AFC North this year and will be a Super Bowl contender.  The Ravens have both an explosive offense and a stout defense.  The only concern I have with the Ravens this year is how they replace Terrell Suggs. Suggs was lost for the season with a torn achilles. If Courtney Upshaw, the rookie OLB can replace Terrell Suggs, the Ravens could be the best team in the NFL.

Prediction 13-3 

Cinncinatti Bengals – The Bengals have a great young nucleus of players that are ready to compete now.  They have a great young quarterback in Andy Dalton and a go to wide receiver in A.J. Green.  The Bengals also have a great young defense that ranked 7th in the NFL in total yards given up.  However, the Bengals are going to have a tough time competing in this division.  The Bengals still will make the playoffs this year, but their Super Bowl window is just starting to open and they should be a dominant NFL team for the next decade.

Prediction 10-6

Connor Willsey 

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May 7, 2012

Sporting Falls Again

In what was the shock of the weekend, Sporting KC lost 2-0 at Livestrong Sporting Park to the Montreal Impact, the MLS’s newest expansion team. This result capitulates how long, difficult, and arduous the MLS season is, and for SKC, a rebound from this shock is all but necessary to keep their slim lead over DC United.

Felipe Martins opened the scoring in the first half after he hit a screamer from almost 40 yards out, and although the shot swerved, Jimmy Nielsen should be disappointed that he did not save it.

Patrice Bernier’s 63rd-minute spot kick dispatched his PK after Aurelien Collin unfairly tackled Lamar Neagle in the box. Sporting now has not scored in nearly 205 minutes or since their 3-1 rout of Vancouver.

Sporting (7-2-0) had its second straight shutout loss after starting 7-0 and gave up more than one goal in a game for the first time this season. Montreal (3-5-2) won consecutive games for the first time and they now have not lost in three games. Donovan Ricketts claimed the shutout which caps a great away win at SKC. Hopefully, for Sporting’s sake, the team can figure out what is wrong and can fix it as soon as possible.

Jonathan Zinser

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May 7, 2012

Missouri Spring Football

In front of almost 20,000 fans at Faurot Field the Missouri football team had their annual spring football game. The game was without starting quarterback James Franklin because of a shoulder injury, starting running back Henry Josey because of a torn ACL, and multiple starters on defense including defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson because of injury. Even with all the injuries the reserves still put on an exciting show with back up quarterback Corbin Berkstresser showing off his strong arm on a 32 yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moe. Third string quarterback Ashton Glaser outplayed Berkstresser by throwing two touchdown passes, an 88 yard pass to red shirt sophomore Jimmie Hunt and a 32 yard pass to senior Rolandis Woodland.

 The defensive highlight of the day came on a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown by backup linebacker Donavon Bonner who is returning from a season ending injury last year. The interception came on a tipped pass thrown by Berkstresser in the first half. The first half was won 34 to 10 by the reserves who started with a 14 to 0 lead. At halftime the brand new Nike uniforms were unveiled for the crowd who received them very well. The new uniforms, which have 24 combinations, will be worn in Missouri’s inaugural season in the SEC. The second half of the game was full of third and fourth stringers with very little action. The defense won the second half 5 to 3.

Jimmie Hunt and Marcus Lucas led the receivers with 110 yards and 81 yards respectively. The rushing attack was led by red shirt sophomore Marcus Murphy who ran for 87 yards on 10 attempts and senior starter Kendial Lawrence who ran for 69 yards on only 6 attempts. Murphy, who redshirted last year because of a shoulder injury, will be backing up senior starter Kendial Lawrence come September. The defense was led by defensive end Michael Sam, defensive tackle Lucas Vincent, and defensive end Shane Ray who each had one sack. Ray, a red shirt freshman from Bishop Miege High School, has been one of the most improved players on defense and will be in the defensive line rotation come this fall.

Spring practice was marred with injuries but not to worry Mizzou fans because James Franklin, Sheldon Richardson, and defensive tackle Matt Hoch are all expected to be ready for fall practice. Leading rusher from last year Henry Josey will unfortunately be out all season because of a torn ACL injury from last year. The game was still exciting but took a backseat to the much anticipated Nike uniform unveil that has been advertised for months. The uniforms have had great reviews and will make a splash in the SEC. The Missouri Tigers take the field for their first game September 1st against SE Louisiana St.

Tyler Howard

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May 6, 2012

Royals Split Against Yankees

With a 0-10 record at home, the Royals were in desperate need for a home win. The Royals leaned on Danny Duffy, but Mike Moustakas ended up carrying the load for the Royals at the plate with 3 RBI’s and a home run. Moustakas has been swinging the best bat for the team in this young season. Along with Moose, Eric Hosmer and Jarrod Dyson each had 2 hits. Danny Duffy recorded his second win and ate up 5.1 innings with six hits and two runs. Nathan Adcock gave up one run in his first inning of pitching after Duffy. Jose Mijares and Aaron Crow both accounted for holds giving up zero runs. Jonathan Broxton earned his 5th save. In the ninth inning, Broxton gave a single up to Jeter, then walked Granderson. The initial feel around the ballpark conveyed the message “ here we go again”. The fans had seen this downfall before. This team has invented different ways to lose at home and today was about to be one of them. Next, Teixeira grounded up the middle, where Getz dove fully to field it and then flipped it to Escobar at second to start the double play. After the fantastic play, the overpaid, Alex Rodriguez hit a drizzler to third. Moustakas charged and fielded bare handed which led him to fire the ball to first getting the final out.

Just when the Royals were starting to act more confident with their continued success, New York’s powerful lineup was up and ace CC Sabathia took charge. Bruce Chen recorded his fourth lose at the feet of the Yankees. Chen survived for 6.2 innings. While Chen did make it deep in the game, he gave up 9 hits and 6 runs pushing his ERA to 4.98. Collins, Coleman, and Kansas City native Hottovy finished off the game without giving up another run. The positives for the blue crew were slim, but they did score two early runs against big CC. While Escobar stole his 6th base on the season, he also was penalized with his third error. The Royals had 7 hits while striking out only 8 times.

Felipe Paulino threw a gem on his return from the disabled list. He handled the pressure of the Yankees lineup and gave the Royals exactly what they needed. Paulino threw six shutout innings, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out six. He retired the first 11 batters he faced before walking Alex Rodriguez with two outs in the fourth inning. The Royals opened the first inning by scoring 2 runs. Jarrod Dyson reached on a rare error by Jeter and after Alex Gordon ripped a single into right field. Both runners scored easily on a double, smoked down the left-field line by Billy Butler. Gordon and Butler were the clear catalysts for the Royals. Gordon went 4-5 with 1 RBI and Butler drove in 3 runs on 2 doubles. Escobar and Getz created havoc on the base paths by each stealing one base. The highlight of the game was a rope thrown from Francoeur in right field to third to get a tagging Curtis Granderson. The bullpen for the Royals had another lights out game. While Mijares did give up a run, the pen had an impressive outing. Kelvin Herrera gave 1.1 innings of work with one strikeout. Aaron Crow ended the game with a scoreless ninth inning.

To end the series the Royals sent out Luke Hochevar. He struggled in the third inning immensely. Hochevar gave up 7 runs on 7 hits. The Royals fans went berserk on Twitter asking for Hochevar to be cut after tonight. This is extremely unlikely but I would not be opposed to it. 4 of the 7 runs came at the feet of Robinson Cano’s grand slam. Louis Mendoza came in as a long relief and did very well in his 4.2 innings of work. Mendoza did struggle with his command while giving up 5 walks. The walks were the main reason for the two runs he gave up. The hometown kid Hottovy gave up one run in 2.0 innings. Offensively the Royals were highlighted by the debut of Irving Falu. Falu started in his first ever major league game. His first at-bat was a triple to right field. He finished 2-4. Humberto Quintero bombed a homerun into the fountains. The series with two wins and two losses. Next up for the blue crew is the Boston Red Sox.

Spencer Montgomery

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