Phelps Makes History -Aiman Jarrar

MICHEAL PHELPS HAS GOTTEN 8 GOLD MEDALS! BREAKING SPITZ'S RECORD FOR MOST ALL TIME!

THE UNITED STATES TEAM AND MICHEAL PHELPS GET THE GOLD IN THE 4x100 METER MEDLY RELAY!
MICHEAL PHELPS SWIMMING THE BUTTERFLY 3RD LEG LEADS THE UNITED STATES TEAM TO VICTORY, GIVING HIM 8 GOLD MEDALS.

AND BECOMING

THE GREATEST OLYMPIAN OF ALL TIME!

Golds in the Following Events
Mens 100M Fly (New OR)
Mens 200M Fly (New OR, WR)
Mens 200M Free (New OR, WR)
Mens 200M IM (New OR, WR)
Mens 4X100M (New OR, WR)
Mens 4X200M (New OR, WR)
Mens 400M IM (New OR, WR)
Mens 4X100M IM (New OR, WR)

American League Award Predictions -Peter Berger

The 2008 season is winding down and now it is time to start nominating players for awards, well I'm here to do just that. I will be predicting the AL and NL MVP, Cy Young, and Reliever of the Year. As I said, let's get started.

All stats as of 8/12/2008.

American League MVP Top 5 Candidates:

5. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers.
2008 Stats: .319, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 26 SB

Basic Overlook: The offensive machine we call the Texas Rangers Offense finds one of its most important pieces in the MVP race. AL All-Star Ian Kinsler has a case, look no further than a .378 OBP and 39 doubles, if his 20-20 potential wasn't enough. Not only does Kinsler have a solid power swing, but his 26 steals lead the Texas Rangers and is a large reason as to why the Rangers are still in the post-season chase.

The best case for Kinsler:
You can hit home runs all you want, but if there aren't guys on base, then obviously, not as many runs will score. Kinsler gets on base, scores runs(97 to be exact) and has a .506 SLG%.

4. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
2008 Stats: .302, 24 HR, 76 RBI, 2 SB

Yes, this can be considered biased, but he has a case, and I will make it. After hitting a solid .280 in 2007, but hitting just 15 HR and driving in just 72, he has hit 9 more HR and driven in four more, in August. Oh, and not to mention that .302 BA. Huff has excellent fantasy value and is one of the main reasons the Orioles offense has kept them hovering around .500.
The best case for Huff:
An MVP of a sports franchise makes the team better, Huff has done just that, being the centerpiece of the Orioles offense, leading them in Batting Average, Homers, and RBI's. After an off-season of criticism after calling Baltimore "a horse(expletive) city", Huff has proven to the O's he wants to be there, and has been the saving grace of the offense and is one of the main reason the O's offense is one of the top in the AL.

3. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees:
2008 Stats: .315, 26 HR, 70 RBI, 16 SB

Yes, long link I know. Anyway, on to A-Rod. A-Rod has been an MVP candidate almost every season of his career, and this season is no exception. Rodriguez does have the blessedness of being around an incredibly potent lineup. However, the lineup aside, Rodriguez continues to amaze. He still ranks in the top 10 in HR, RBI, and Batting Average, so how is he not an MVP Nominee?

The best case for Rodriguez:
The New York Yankees need the entire lineup to produce right now, and if Rodriguez can carry the Yankees to the playoffs, don't be surprised to see him win the AL MVP once more.

2. Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
Season: .290, 32 HR, 90 RBI, 5 SB

If anyone knows the meaning of highs and lows in a career, it's Carlos Quentin. From getting called up in 2006 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in his first major league at bat belting a Home Run, to getting a starting job for the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks, Quentin seemed on cloud nine after 2006, batting .254 with 9 HR and 31 RBI in 2006. Then came 2007, the struggles and being crowded out of a strong outfield.
In 2007, Quentin played just 81 games, batting a lowly .215 and striking out 54 times in 81 games. To further hinder Quentin, he hit just 5 HR in 2007. Due to this, Quentin then found himself the odd man out in a crowded outfield of Eric Byrnes, Chris Young, Justin Upton, and Jeff Salazar. Because of that, Quentin was demoted to the AAA Tucson Sidewiners. Then came his opportunity. During the offseason, he was dealt to the Chicago White Sox for prospect Chris Carter. Quentin took over in Left for the White Sox in one of the best outfields in baseball.

The best case for Quentin:
Carlos Quentin has been a centerpiece for one of the AL's best offenses. Quentin is arguably the main reason the South Siders remain in a race for first place in the AL Central. Although he still is much like Adam Dunn and the other "Homer or Bust" batters, his batting average is not near low enough to knock him out of the MVP Race. 2008 AL All-Star Carlos Quentin has come in in the clutch on many occasions this season and has ridden his power swing into the MVP Race.

1. Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
2008 Stats: .307, 28 HR, 112 RBI, 7 SB

If there wasn't a feel-good story around Josh Hamilton, I don't know what is. After being drafted in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Hamilton was out of baseball for three years due to his addictions, but he found his calling, got back up to the bigs, and got his chance. After having a solid season with the Reds in 2007, the Reds dealt him for Edinson Volquez. If there wasn't a more even deal in Major League History, I don't know what was. However, Hamilton, like Kinsler, has been a vital piece to the Rangers success in 2008. If Hamilton continues this pace, he's my MVP Pick, Hands down.

Why Hamilton Wins:
Hamilton has done, like in Huff's case, made the team and the players around him...better. Not only is Hamilton an MVP in the making, but he has helped Ian Kinsler, David Murphy,Christopher Davis, and Milton Bradley all Award-Worthy in some department, but his numbers are fantastic too. Josh Hamilton is bound for big things, this is just the start.

Honorable Mention:
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers
Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox

American League Top 5 Cy Young Candidates:

5. Joe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
14-5, 3.07 ERA, 76 K, 1 CG

After starting his MLB Career in 2005, Saunders toured up and down the Angels System, being brought up as an injury replacement in many cases. In 2007, Saunders went 8-5 with a 4.44 ERA and pitched well enough after the Angels sais Sayonara to Bartolo Colon, Saunders got his chance.
Saunders made the most of it by starting season 6-0 and clinching his first career All-Star Nod. Saunders is an effective pitcher who can fool you with his pitches. Saunders has a great K-BB ratio(71-44), which helps keep him out of trouble as he helps keep runners off base. Saunders has been the ace of the Angels staff in 2008 and is a key reason to why the Angels are the MLB's best team by record as of 8/13/2008.

The best case for Saunders: Simple. When he goes on the mound, you know the odds of you winning increase.

4. Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
2008 Stats: 13-9, 2.72 ERA, 155 K, 7 CG

You can't have the words Cy Young uttered these days and not have Roy Halladay in the same discussion. Once again, Halladay is proving he is well worthy of his 2nd Cy Young. Halladay has struck out 155, which is top 5 in the MLB, and has a 2.72 ERA, also top 10 in the MLB. Halladay also has an almost immortal K-BB Ratio of 155-31. Halladay is hoping that he gets his 2nd Cy Young in 6 years as Halladay has been in the mix every year save 2004(8-8, 4.20 ERA) since 2002. Halladay, however, has also been the victim of weak-to-average teams since his 2003 Cy Young Season.

The best case for Halladay:
Halladay is a work horse that will give you 7-8 innings every game he pitches and will be able to work his way out of trouble in the very limited situations where he gets into trouble. For example, despite getting saddled with the lose in his last outing, a home loss to the Cleveland Indians, Halladay allowed 10 hits in 6 innings, but was only tagged for one earned run and kept Toronto in the game. If the Blue Jays want to make a run, this guy has to lead the charge.

3. Mike Mussina, New York Yankees
15-7, 3.30 ERA, 101 K, 0 CG

After questions came up if his career was over, after going 11-11 in 2007 with a 5.37 ERA, Mussina has turned a corner and found his old self. The Moose, despite his 265 career wins and some of his unbelievable seasons, has never won the AL Cy Young Award. Could this be his first year? With the injuries to the New York Yankees pitching staff, the Yanks needed Moose to step up, and he has. Mussina has pitched his way back into an ace role, and in 2009, the Yankees could very well become a legit threat to win their 27th title, with a healthy Chien Ming Wang, a healthy Mike Mussina, a healthy Joba Chamberlain, and what seems to be a revived Sidney Ponson.

The best case for Mussina:
If the Yankees didn't have the Moose and he wasn't having the season he was, the Yankees could very well be sunk.

2. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox
2008 Stats: 13-2, 2.98 ERA, 98 K, 0 CG

Cy-K? Definitely a possibility. However, the main reason, despite his team's success, that he does not win the 2008 AL Cy Young Award is because he has been hurt. He also, despite his numbers, he walks far too many and his 98-67 K-BB ratio is almost a 3-2. That...is bad. Another major setback to his chances is his ERA has risen from 2.63 on July 22nd, to at one point 3.05.

The best case for Matsuzaka:
D-Mat has been shouldering a heavy load for Boston with injuries to Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and Tim Wakefield at some point. He, like Mussina, has kept the rotation afloat.

1. Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
2008 Stats: 16-2, 2.45 ERA, 2 CG

Yes, Cliff is on a team that is in no way, shape or form in the playoff hunt. Do I care? No. His numbers are flat out fantastic. The fact that Lee is 16-2 with the lowly Cleveland Indians is astonishing and he deserves his kudos. Lee is 6-1 in his last 10 starts and started the 2008 season with a record of 4-0 and an 0.28 ERA. He also has a great K-BB ratio of 128-22.

Why Lee wins:
Cliff Lee leads the AL in Wins and ERA....seems like a foregone conclusion.

Honorable Mention:
A.J Burnett, Toronto Blue Jays
Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Armando Galarraga, Detroit Tigers
Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore Orioles
Vincente Padilla, Texas Rangers

American League Top 3 Reliever of the Year Candidates:

3. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
2008 Stats: 4-4, 1.56 ERA, 28 SV/29 SVOP

Although Rivera hasn't been as dominant since coming out of the All-Star Break and since his electric start in April, May, and June, he still is easily a top 3 AL Reliever of the Year Candidate. The reason that Joakim Soria beats him out for 2nd is this: Soria has more Saves, a lower ERA, less losses, and almost as good a K-BB ratio as Rivera himself.

The best case for Rivera:
The Sandman is the best closer of all-time and he is once again proving it in 2008. His K-BB ratio is one of the best I've ever seen...61 K's, 5 walks! Wow!

2. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
2008 Stats: 1-2, 1.51 ERA, 32 SV/34 SVOP

What a season for Joakim Soria! His 1.51 ERA and 32/34 SV% is fantastic. Soria is a 2nd-year pitcher and his cumulative ERA is 2.09. Soria has given the Royals something they have lacked since Mike MacDougal in 2005, an effective closer. In 2006, MacDougal was hurt and was dealt at the deadline and in 2007 the Royals found a strong closer in Octavio Dotel, but they then traded him, however, enter Soria, and the rest is history.

Best case for Soria:
Soria is one of the best shut-down closers in the bigs. His K-BB ratio is 58-11 and has only allowed 4 Home Runs in 53.2 IP.

1. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2008 Stats: 2-2, 2.34 ERA, 46 SV/50 SVOP

Yes, he's blown four saves. Yes, his ERA is over 1.3 points higher than Soria or Rivera. However, the difference? Rivera and Soria are not 12 saves away from history. K-Rod is on a ridiculous pace, and shall it continue, K-Rod will break the single-season saves record. AL All-Star K-Rod wins it because history shall not, and will not-be denied.

Why he Wins:
K-Rod has been an effective closer his entire career. K-Rod far and away leads the MLB in Saves and Save Chances. He has still saved over 90% of his games, and had a sub 3.00 ERA. K-Rod is chasing Thigpen's record. Will he get it? We think so.

Honorable Mention:

George Sherrill, Baltimore Orioles

Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins

Jonathon Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

Team USA Routs China 101-70 -Shaun Mckee

The game started out with HUGE hype in China. They were excited to see the US superstars and their hero Yao Ming. They waited outside 4 hours before the game started in the pouring rain.

USA and China, Tipped off as China Went Right to work as Yao Ming Quickly Knocked down a 3 which was Followed by 4 more 3's from Team China. But Team USA Stuck right with them as they Moved Quick Down the Court and Slammed a couple home. Still after taking a 7 point lead, China Stuck with them and cut down the lead.

After China Tied the Game up, Team USA, and their Very Deep Bench decided to put on the pressure and quickly tired out the Chinese. They carried a 49-37 lead into the half.
After that Yao Ming went down hard, where he injured his ankle. Don't worry though Yao came back in the game.

The USA who started off sluggish easily ended the game in the 3rd quarter after adding onto a huge lead and made it 69-48. After they took a 40 point lead in the 4th where it turned into a mess for the Redeem team as they couldn't make a shot. China was turning on them and went on a 15-5 run. Although the game was already over Yao Ming kept Cheering on his Teammates showing his love for his nations team. The US still couldn't make a shot and people started getting nervous wondering if this would carry into Tuesday nights game against Angola.. Luckily Micheal Redd and Chris Paul hit a couple of three pointers to get them back on track.

Yet Again Dwayne Wade led the team in Scoring with 19 off the bench

Next up For USA is Angola which should be a blow out..

Pennington A Dolphin? You Gotta Be Kidding Me -Asmir Habibovic

Chad Pennington has landed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, the contract is worth $11.5 Million. On Saturday Chad was on the sideline watching the Dolphins get dropped to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-6. This is what Chad Pennington has to say. "I have enjoyed it," Pennington told the AP Friday in his first public comments since his release. "I've learned a lot, become a better professional and a better man because of my experience and my time in New York. I don't regret or feel ashamed about anything that happened to me in my time in New York."

"The most difficult part is just the realization that the organization no longer wants you. You spend eight years there and, in the blink of an eye, you're no longer wanted there."

Chad will be battling for the starting spot at quarterback with John Beck, Chad Henne, and Josh McCown. Bill Parcells said he will probably release or trade one of the quarterbacks, So look for either Josh and John to be traded to relased, in couple weeks.

Bavasi To Join The Reds Front Office -John Poe

The Reds have announced that they have hired Bill Bavasi as a special assistant to general manager Walt Jocketty. Most recently, Bavasi was the general manager for the Seattle Mariners. He had joined the Mariners from in 2003, and was fired back on June 15, 2008. Before he joined the Mariners he was general manager of the Anaheim Angels (now known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) from 1994-1999.

Bavasi is 50-years-old, and he comes from a family that has strong baseball ties within it. His dad Buzzie Bavasi was a baseball executive for a longtime. Bill's brother Peter use to be a general manager for the San Diego Padres. Among other things Peter did, was being the founding president of the Toronto Blue Jays; he also was a president for the Cleveland Indians.

Bill first started his career with the San Diego Padres, in 1974, and was with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002; as director of player development and in 2003.

Looks like the Reds have a nice front office on the rise now, ever since Robert H. Castellini became their owner on January 19,2006.

NFL What to Watch For -Asmir Habibovic

1. Alright let's get started with the Superbowl champs, The New York Giants. What have they done this off-season to raise eye-brows, they have done NOTHING! They lost more then they got. Losing Micheal Strahan will be a huge loss for them. Now you might question this, think about it. Michael was a true leader on that defense with out him, they probably wouldn't have even made it to the playoffs. Remember when the Giants started off alright then went cold and the HOT then really cool when they couldn't win a game for a while and guess who got them together to keep fighting and keep their playoffs berth alive, Michael got them together and they started to win in the end.

People like Jeremy Shockey tried to break up the team and was blaming the coaching staff, when he was really the problem and they won the Superbowl without him also.

So what should you watch from the Giants pretty much nothing, just watch them struggle through out the whole season. And I still to this day think Eli is a big fat joke!



2. The San Diego Chargers should be doing some great things this year, if you take a look at their defense they have no holes at all, they look great. Their secondary is top-notch, they have good linebackers also same with the defensive-line. This means their defense will be win games for them, last year the opponents were avg. 18 points pre game on them which isn't good the number should be lower but when you're avg. 26 points pre game on your opponents, that's good right? Now let's see what their offense has, alright the running back position is a lock it looks great, the wide-out spot looks pretty good has a lot of young talent and will get better in the near future.

Now what I'm about to tell you some people think im joking but, Philp Rivers is on the HOT SEAT this is what people don't understand his game was just awful last season, if he does aswful things this coming up season the Chargers will be looking for a new quaterback, to me Philp isn't even a good quaterback some people think he is a great quaterback, he is nowhere there.



3. Now for the good old New York Jets, boy this team has gone through some up and downs over the years eh? Well this year they were projected to make the playoffs even when they didn't get Brett Favre. You may say "Are you serious?" but yes I am. Look what they did offseason, they drafted great stuff. They drafted Dustin Keller(TE) the guy looks GREAT and people and the media are saying he could be rookie of the year on offense. The guy jumps 41 inches and runs 4.5 forty. They also added Alan Faneca, he is a great offensive-linemen without a doubt. Their wideouts look great Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery and the young rookie stud who stands 6 feet tall and 4 inches Marcus Henry the guy is going to be a moster, not a lot of people think so, but give him a year or two, watch him grow.

Now lets look at their defense, they look great this is going to be a shut-down defense with any question, they draft a linebacker who has the potential to be a future hall of famer. What he did in the combine for his size a running back can't do, he jump higer and ran faster then Adrian Peterson did and we all know Adrian Peterson but this guy weights some 30 pounds more then AP. Vernon Gholston the rookie from Ohio State is going to be a connon, the only problem with him is his attutide it needs to be changed, he has that attutide where some games he wants to play then some he doesn't. But they will do some great things this year, watch out for the Jets.

Old Spice Classic Predictions -Tom Buckingham

Whatʼs better than playing basketball in Disney Word? Thatʼs a question that youʼd have to ask the eight teams participating in the 2008 Old Spice Classic. The Old Spice Classic is an eight team basketball tournament held every year on Thanksgiving weekend at the Milk House in Disney World, Florida. This years participants are: Georgetown, Gonzaga, Maryland, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Siena, Tennessee, and Wichita State. This is a non-elimination tournament, so one team will finish off the tournament with a 0-3 record, while the winner finishes with a 3-0 record.

Game 1: Tennessee vs. Siena
This could be our upset game. Siena, who only lost one player from last years team, won the MAAC conference last year, beat Vanderbilt in the first of the NCAA tournament in the first round by over 20, and nearly beat Villanova in the second round. As for Tennessee, they return Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism from last year and added two freshman that should make an immediate impact in Scotty Hopson and Emmanuel Negedu.
Final Score Prediction: Tennessee- 85 Siena- 79 POG: Scotty Hopson.

Game 2: Wichita St. vs. Georgetown
Wichita St. struggled last year finishing second to last in the Missouri Valley Conference, and it doesnʼt look like they will improve to much this upcoming season. On top of that they lost last years Senior leader in P.J. Couisnard. This could be a long tournament as well as season for the Shockers if they canʼt find someone new to step up this year. Donʼt be surprised is Wichita St. is the team that finishes 0-3. The Hoyas, last yearʼs regular season Big East Champs, lost a lot of its players from last years team. Georgetown lost its starting PG, SF and C, as well as, their backup PG and backup PF/C. Although Georgetown did lose all theses players, I believe they have enough talent with the return of DaJuan Summer and Jesse Sapp. They also add Freshman Center Greg Monroe, which shold help Georetown make some sort impact in this tournament as well as season.
Final Score Prediction: Georgetown- 78 Wichita St.- 65 POG: DaJaun Summers

Game 3: Maryland vs. Michigan St.
Maryland may be the team that needs to prove themselves more then any other team in this tournament. This could be considered a make or break season for Coach Gary Williams of the Terrapins. Maryland has made it to the NCAA Tournament only once the last four years and lose in the 2nd round of the NIT last year to Syracuse. The problem is Maryland has the hardest road of any team to get to the finals of this tournament, as they have to face Tom Izzoʼs Michigan St. Spartans in the first round. The Spartans are the front runner to win the Big 10 this year and consider by some, including myself, a top 5 team, to start the year off. Although MSU lose its Senior leader in Drew Neitzel, I see Sophomore Guard Kalin Lucas, stepping in and filling Neitzelʼs shoes. The team to look out for in this tournament has to be the Spartans.
Final Score Prediction: Michigan St.- 83 Maryland -71 POG: Raymar Morgan (Above)

Game 4: Oklahoma St. vs. Gonzaga
It looks like Oklahoma St. is going to have a long season ahead of them, and this tournament isnʼt going to help. OSU will be riding the shoulders of James Anderson a lot this year, and playing a team like Gonzaga, their going to need more then just Anderson to even come close to this talented team. After Gonzagaʼs PG James Pargo decided to pull out of the draft and Austin Dayeʼs injury turned out to be nothing major, the Bulldogs became the mid-major team to avoid this year (along with Memphis).
Final Score Prediction: Gonzaga- 81 Oklahoma St- 69 POG: James Pargo

Tournament Results:
Michigan State- 3-0 (Champions)
Tennessee- 2-1
Georgetown- 2-1
Gonzaga- 2-1
Siena- 2-1
Maryland- 1-2
Oklahoma St.- 1-2
Wichita St.- 0-3

The NFL Preseason -Matt Defabbio

Last night, the NFL preseason "kicked off" to a great start. For the first time since February, NFL teams have played. Detroit beat the New York Giants last night, 13-10. It was quite the even match up. Superbowl contenders, Patriots, lost to the Ravens 16-15, in another close game. The Saints crushed the Cardinals, with a victory of 24-10.

These pre-season games show what is to come when the NFL season officially kicks off in September. Up coming pre-season games include Bills vs. Redskins, and Tampa Bay vs. Miami, both Saturday night. Everyone will be watching to see if draft picks, and trades will make a difference, in the 2008 NFL Season.

Chris Waters Shocks The Baseball World -Peter Berger

The day is Tuesday, August 5, 2008.

The Baltimore Orioles head into Angels stadium having lost a heartbreaker in the bottom of the 9th the night before. A thunderous crowd of Angels fans have gathered at Angels Stadium to watch their MLB-best Angels take on the Orioles. Taking the mound for the Angels is right-handed Starting Pitcher Jon Garland, who in his career is 7-2 against the Orioles.

Taking the mound for the O's?

28 year old minor leaguer Chris Waters. (left)

Waters had started 179 Minor League games and had been trapped in the minors for eight years. To make the odds worse for the O's, Waters had a 3-6 record with a 5.70 ERA at their AAA Affiliate, Norfolk. To make matters worse, this is his first major league start! What unfolded, was shocking.

The Orioles jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Angel fans were not worried, Chris Waters had an ERA of almost 6.00 at AAA! 2 runs should be a non-factor. However, Waters took the mound and pitched the best game of his life. After 8 innings, Chris Waters pitched 8 innings, allowed 1 hit, no runs, and struck out three batters and held the Angels, the best team in baseball, to an .042 batting average against!

Chris Waters is now a member of the Orioles rotation, replacing flamethrower Radhames Liz, who was recently demoted to AAA Norfolk.

The Madden Curse: Has it happened? -Aiman Jarrar

The Madden Curse. For those of you that don't know, The Madden Curse is the Curse of the Madden Cover. It pretty much means that the Athlete on the Madden Cover will get injured this upcoming season. But, has it already happened?

Brett Favre is on the Madden Cover, we know this, but is all this off season controversy with him the curse? I mean, yes, the curse is supposed to happen during the regular season, it's supposed to cause an injury. Do I believe in the madden curse? yes, i do. I buy madden every year, and can't wait until the curse strikes again. So I believe the Curse has already happened, Sort of. Here's Why.

First off it was announced Favre was going to be on the cover of Madden 2009.
Then He Retired, leaving us all to wonder, what will happen with the curse.
Then the Curse strikes, Favre wants back in, and the Packers organization has already moved forward.
He has words with Mike McCarthy and the rest of the Organization, leaving him out in the cold.
He was then traded to the Jets, causing the whole world calmness.

I believe the Madden Curse took a different route this year, to get Favre back into the game, so the curse could strike. I believe that Favre will get seriously injured this year, causing the end of his career, for good.

Brett Favre, Watch out, the Curse of the Madden Cover is after you.

Whats Up With Miami? -Dan Andrews

After a 5-7 season last year the Miami Hurricanes look to bounce back and regain there elite college football status.The U has always been known for there swagger, attitude and winning. Ever since Howard Schnellenberger took over the Canes have been on top of the college football world. Now Randy Shannon has the club and it's just another mediocre team.

Larry Cooker was fired after a 7-6 season. While he was in Miami he won a national championship in 2001 and lost in 2002 to Ohio State. Now the national championship I give credit to Butch Davis for recruiting all of the young men. Larry cooker is fired in the 2006 off season and the defensive coordinator Randy Shannon takes over the team. That same off season they acquired offensive coordinator Patrick Nix from Georgia Tech.

Some people liked the move to get Shannon some didn't. Me personally I don't care, as long as they win. He so far has shown to the fans he can recruit. Having the number one recruiting class of 08 according to ESPN and SCOUT. He can recruit, but can he put the pieces of the puzzle together. I think he can give him a year or two and they should be a program back to the elite status, but they will have to go over some bumps in the road first. Miami this year has not yet found a starting quarterback. Robert Marve, Cannon Smitch, and Jacory Harris are all fighting for the spot. Marve the top QB from high school in 07 was red shirted last year sitting behind Freeman and Wright.Cannon Smith a freshman that was ranked 42 overall by SCOUT passed for 27 td's and ran for 7 more in high school.Finally, Jacory Harris the QB for the number one high school team in the nation Miami Northwestern. Jacory threw for 49 td's in his last year in high school breaking his own teammates record Robert Marve of 6 TD's.

Miami has never had much problem at the running back position as long as I've been around. Edge James, Clinton Portis, Willis McGhee, Frank Gore, and now Javaris James cousin of Edge James and Graig Cooper. Graig Cooper will be leading the running back core who rushed for 692 yards avg. 5.5 yards a carry last year. James was a nice go to back while rushing for 582 yards avg 3.7 yards per carry. Look for Miami's running backs to be very explosive this season.

This year Miami's receiving core is small but very fast. Miami's core will be lead by Sam Shields and Kane Farqueshon. During the off season they also got three top WR recruits, two from Booker T. and one from Miami Northwestern. There tallest WR this year is 6'2 Khali Jones a senior. Look for Miami to keep the ball moving with short passes to the speedy wide recievers.

The offensive line this year should be a good line to protect a young QB. The offensive line this year is lead by senior Reggie Young blood. While being helped on the opposite side of the tackle position Justin Fox. These two players are both reaching over 310 lbs. and still very mobile and skilled at there positions. Last year the Hurricanes had trouble protecting the QB, but look for them to bounce back and being able to cut the amount of sacks from last year.

Miami Defensive is very young this year. Only having four seniors starters and non starters. The four seniors are all starters though. This team will have a very good corner back and safety core. Lead by the three seniors Lavon Ponder, Anothony Reddick and Bruce Johnson. The defensive line will be lead by Senior DE Eric Moncur who I thought was better than Calais Campbell who went first round in this past NFL draft. The linebackers will be lead by Colin McCarthy and Darryl Sharpton.Look for Sean Spence a freshman from Miami northwestern to make a big impact this year at outside linebacker helping Darrly Adkins out.

Overall the Miami Hurricanes look to have a pretty good roster. But they had a good roster last year. Randy Shannon should be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together this season. I think this is the best year Miami has a chance offensively to make a impact, while still maintaining the swagger on defense. Overall I see the Hurricanes winning against
Charleston Southern,
Texas A&M,
North Carolina,
Florida State,
NC State,
Georgia Tech,
UCF,
Duke,
and Wake Forest.

Which means they lose to
Florida,
Virginia, and
Virginia Tech.
It might seam crazy, but if they can stay close to Florida they will have enough confidence to have a strong season this year.

Heisman Predicitions? Already? -Greg Raetz

5. RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

Moreno is the best player on the best team which makes him an automatic candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Moreno is best known for his exciting playmaking ability and his unbelievable ability to slice between defenders. As a Redshirt Freshman last year, Knowshon Moreno became the only player besides Herschel Walker to rush for 1,000 yards in his freshman year while on his way to becoming the unanimous SEC Freshman of the Year and earning 1st-team SEC honors. Georgiaʼs success will rely heavily on Knowshon Moreno. Can he become the second sophomore in a row to win the Heisman?

4. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

Sam Bradford, the sophomore Quarterback from Oklahoma is coming off one of the best freshman performances in Oklahoma school history. Bradford lead the nation in pass efficiency as a freshman last year and has the pieces to make a run at another Big 12 title and possibly a National Title. Oklahoma should finish in the top 10 this year and with Bradford's efficiency he should finish among the top Heisman contenders also. I see Bradford in the top 5 only if Oklahoma has a successful season as Bradford wonʼt put up eye-popping stats. He will definitely be the reason the Sooners are near the top.

3. QB Chase Daniel, Missouri

Chase Daniel, the defending Big 12 Player of the Year is about to make some noise. Daniel was 4th in last years voting making him an automatic favorite heading into the season. Another reason I like Chase Daniel is Missouriʼs schedule. They have a relatively easy schedule making the Tigers a favorite to win the Big 12. If they do, Daniels has a serious chance at bringing home the trophy.

2. RB Chris Wells, Ohio State

In his first year as a starter last year, Wells rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and reached the endzone 15 times. Wells is the best running back in the country in my opinion and he would be number 1 on my list if Tim Tebow didnʼt win the award last season. OSU has a good history of producing Heisman winners, will Wells be next?


1. QB Tim Tebow, Florida

A sophomore could never win the Heisman. Itʼs never happened and it never will. Thatʼs what people told Tebow last season and now heʼs heading into his Junior season as the favorite to go back to back and win the Heisman for the second straight year. There is no reason Tebow shouldnʼt win this being able to make plays in the air or on the ground with his lightning speed. The only thing that could ruin Tebowsʼ chances is the performance by his team in my opinion. Tim Tebow is my favorite to win the Heisman this year.

Favre to the Jets! -Aiman Jarrar

That's right, Favre is finally a jet. I can't believe it either, but here's why it happened.

The Jets Starting QB was Chad Pennington, yea, enough said.

I believe Favre will lead the jets to a winning season, do i believe they will compete for the division? No.
Do i believe they'll make the playoffs? yes.
They aquired Alan Faneca also in the postseason and now he will be blocking for Brett Favre. The Jets will easily go 10-6.