Coming off the best day I had so far, I fell flat on my face Tuesday. Notre Dame's leaky defense managed to limit LSU to 28 points and the Irish kicked a late field goal to beat the Tigers. Louisville had no answer for Georgia's Nick Chubb, who rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs to a 37-14 rout of the Cardinals. Stanford salvaged the day by stomping Maryland, which warmed my heart because I could care less for the traitor Twerps. Louisville for Maryland? I will take that trade any day of the week.
The record for the history of this blog stands at 9-5 straight up and 7-7 against the spread.
Here is a look at Wednesday's selections, the last day of 2014.
Peach Bowl -- Ole Miss vs. TCU (-3.0)
I haven't been a believer in Ole Miss all season. I still don't believe in Ole Miss. TCU was No. 3 in the College Football Playoff until the final poll. TCU's offense is potent and dynamic. I think being left out of the playoff will motivate the Horned Frogs to show off in Atlanta. I don't think the spread of three points is enough. The Land Sharks are going to lose a lot of teeth. Take the Frogs and give the points.
Fiesta Bowl -- Boise State vs. Arizona (-3.0)
Boise State is always a media darling, and the Broncos have done some damage in the post-season. Rich Rodriguez, who won at West Virginia and then flopped at Michigan, has built a winning program at Arizona. With the game being played in Phoenix, this will be a virtual home game for the Wildcats. I like Arizona and giving the points.
Orange Bowl -- Georgia Tech vs. Mississippi State (-6.5)
Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson played himself into a contract extension by leading the Yellow Jackets to a 10-3 record, including an upset of arch-rival Georgia in Athens. Tech's triple option attack drives the opposition crazy. Justin Thomas has had a great year at quarterback for the Jackets. In addition to running the offense, Thomas brings a lot of positive intangibles. The Bulldogs have had a month to prepare for Tech's unique offense but it is impossible to duplicate the speed in practice. Extra prep time usually leads to success against Tech's running game but that won't be the case this time. The Jackets get one more to cap a special season on The Flats. Take Tech.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Call Me Butter, I'm On A Roll
In case you didn't notice, and of course I will call it to your attention, I was 3-0 Monday straight up and against the spread. The overall record for three days of bowl picks stands at 6-5 against the spread and 8-3 straight up.
Clemson was simply amazing against shell-shocked Oklahoma. Clemson quarterback Cole Stoudt rose from the ashes and played the finest game of his career. He absorbed a lot of criticism, some of it extremely hateful from the lunatic fringe, but he just kept working. The coaching staff tried to tell us Stoudt did some excellent work during the bowl practices, but a lot of us just didn't believe it. His effort in the Georgia Tech game was still burned too deeply in our brains. But somehow, some way, the change in the offensive coaching staff -- Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott, co-coordinators; and Brandon Streeter, quarterbacks coach -- had a positive effect on Stoudt. Stoudt managed the game. He threw the ball to the right spots. His TD throw to Germone Hopper was the best of his career. He made a nice fake on a touchdown run. His final numbers -- 26-for-36 for 319 yards and three touchdowns -- were terrific. What an effort. What a way to finish a career. It was workman like. It was efficient. I rank Stoudt's performance as one of the best games ever by a Clemson quarterback because it was so unexpected. We can all learn one thing from Stoudt -- don't quit, don't ever quit.
We knew the Clemson defense was good. We didn't know it was that good. The Tigers limited the Sooners to 273 total yards and forced five turnovers. Oklahoma star freshman running back Samaje Perine rushed for 134 yards -- three yards above his average -- but he was never a factor. By the time, he broke a couple of runs, the game had been decided. The Tigers showed why they are the nation's No. 1 defense. It was a dominating performance. Clemson was agile, mobile, and hostile. The Sooners never had a chance. The 34-point margin of defeat was the second worst suffered by Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.
That's 42 victories in four seasons for the Tigers -- four straight seasons with 10 wins or more. The last three bowls the Tigers have beaten LSU, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has said his goals include building a consistent program that competes with the nation's best programs. I think he's done that and then some. The 2015 signing class will bring some serious talent to Clemson. There will be plenty of weapons on offense next season. Deshawn Watson will be back at quarterback and he will direct an attack that will send a lot of opposing defensive coordinators into deep depressions. If the injury bug stays away, it is easy to see a record-setting offense at Clemson in '15. On defense, the Tigers lose a lot of solid players up front, but there are others waiting for their opportunity. The Tigers probably won't be the nation's No. 1 defense again, but they will be good enough to compete with anybody in the country.
Coming off an undefeated Monday, let's look at Tuesday's bowl selections. And as they say, these selections are for entertainment purposes only.
Music City Bowl
Notre Dame vs. LSU (-7.5)
Neither of these teams expected to end up in Nashville but this is where they landed. There has been some push back from the Nashville media telling the teams that if they don't want to be in the Music City, go home. The Irish enter this game on bad skid. They have lost four straight and have allowed an average of 44.5 points per game in those four losses. The Irish are having serious issues at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Malik Zaire is going to start the game instead of South Carolina native Everette Golson. It is awfully late in the season to be having a quarterback controversy.
LSU has won four of its last six. The two losses were in overtime to Alabama and a 17-0 setback at Arkansas. Head coach Les Miles isn't going to Michigan, so the LSU fans can relax. I like Miles' style. Eat grass and throw caution to the wind. When it is all over, the Irish will be singing a sad country song. Take the Bayou Bengals and give the points.
Belk Bowl
Louisville vs. Georgia (-7.0)
Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was run out of Athens. There is nothing he would like better than to beat the Bulldogs. Mike Bobo has bolted to Colorado State to be the head coach, so Georgia enters the game without an offensive coordinator. I expect Georgia's game plan will include heavy use of freshman running back Nick Chubb. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino, considered one of the best offensive coaches in college football, has had a month to prepare for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs did not win the SEC East, lost to Georgia Tech in overtime, and did not get to use all of their bowl practices. I think Louisville will be more excited to be in Charlotte. Take the Cardinals and the points.
Foster Farms Bowl
Maryland vs. Stanford (-14.0)
This is a new bowl at the 49ers Stadium in Santa Clara. This spread seems high. I guess the bookies expect the cross-country trip to be a difficult one for the Terps. Stanford's defense is stout, really stout. The Cardinal allowed just 16 points per game and just two opponents scored more than 17 points in regulation against the Stanford defense. Maryland's offense revolves around quarterback C.J. Brown, who leads the Terps in both passing and rushing. Stanford has won two straight. Maryland blew a 25-point lead in its regular-season finale against Rutgers. The Cardinal defense will be too much. The spread is high, but I will give the points. I expect the Cardinal to roll.
Clemson was simply amazing against shell-shocked Oklahoma. Clemson quarterback Cole Stoudt rose from the ashes and played the finest game of his career. He absorbed a lot of criticism, some of it extremely hateful from the lunatic fringe, but he just kept working. The coaching staff tried to tell us Stoudt did some excellent work during the bowl practices, but a lot of us just didn't believe it. His effort in the Georgia Tech game was still burned too deeply in our brains. But somehow, some way, the change in the offensive coaching staff -- Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott, co-coordinators; and Brandon Streeter, quarterbacks coach -- had a positive effect on Stoudt. Stoudt managed the game. He threw the ball to the right spots. His TD throw to Germone Hopper was the best of his career. He made a nice fake on a touchdown run. His final numbers -- 26-for-36 for 319 yards and three touchdowns -- were terrific. What an effort. What a way to finish a career. It was workman like. It was efficient. I rank Stoudt's performance as one of the best games ever by a Clemson quarterback because it was so unexpected. We can all learn one thing from Stoudt -- don't quit, don't ever quit.
We knew the Clemson defense was good. We didn't know it was that good. The Tigers limited the Sooners to 273 total yards and forced five turnovers. Oklahoma star freshman running back Samaje Perine rushed for 134 yards -- three yards above his average -- but he was never a factor. By the time, he broke a couple of runs, the game had been decided. The Tigers showed why they are the nation's No. 1 defense. It was a dominating performance. Clemson was agile, mobile, and hostile. The Sooners never had a chance. The 34-point margin of defeat was the second worst suffered by Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.
That's 42 victories in four seasons for the Tigers -- four straight seasons with 10 wins or more. The last three bowls the Tigers have beaten LSU, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has said his goals include building a consistent program that competes with the nation's best programs. I think he's done that and then some. The 2015 signing class will bring some serious talent to Clemson. There will be plenty of weapons on offense next season. Deshawn Watson will be back at quarterback and he will direct an attack that will send a lot of opposing defensive coordinators into deep depressions. If the injury bug stays away, it is easy to see a record-setting offense at Clemson in '15. On defense, the Tigers lose a lot of solid players up front, but there are others waiting for their opportunity. The Tigers probably won't be the nation's No. 1 defense again, but they will be good enough to compete with anybody in the country.
Coming off an undefeated Monday, let's look at Tuesday's bowl selections. And as they say, these selections are for entertainment purposes only.
Music City Bowl
Notre Dame vs. LSU (-7.5)
Neither of these teams expected to end up in Nashville but this is where they landed. There has been some push back from the Nashville media telling the teams that if they don't want to be in the Music City, go home. The Irish enter this game on bad skid. They have lost four straight and have allowed an average of 44.5 points per game in those four losses. The Irish are having serious issues at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Malik Zaire is going to start the game instead of South Carolina native Everette Golson. It is awfully late in the season to be having a quarterback controversy.
LSU has won four of its last six. The two losses were in overtime to Alabama and a 17-0 setback at Arkansas. Head coach Les Miles isn't going to Michigan, so the LSU fans can relax. I like Miles' style. Eat grass and throw caution to the wind. When it is all over, the Irish will be singing a sad country song. Take the Bayou Bengals and give the points.
Belk Bowl
Louisville vs. Georgia (-7.0)
Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was run out of Athens. There is nothing he would like better than to beat the Bulldogs. Mike Bobo has bolted to Colorado State to be the head coach, so Georgia enters the game without an offensive coordinator. I expect Georgia's game plan will include heavy use of freshman running back Nick Chubb. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino, considered one of the best offensive coaches in college football, has had a month to prepare for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs did not win the SEC East, lost to Georgia Tech in overtime, and did not get to use all of their bowl practices. I think Louisville will be more excited to be in Charlotte. Take the Cardinals and the points.
Foster Farms Bowl
Maryland vs. Stanford (-14.0)
This is a new bowl at the 49ers Stadium in Santa Clara. This spread seems high. I guess the bookies expect the cross-country trip to be a difficult one for the Terps. Stanford's defense is stout, really stout. The Cardinal allowed just 16 points per game and just two opponents scored more than 17 points in regulation against the Stanford defense. Maryland's offense revolves around quarterback C.J. Brown, who leads the Terps in both passing and rushing. Stanford has won two straight. Maryland blew a 25-point lead in its regular-season finale against Rutgers. The Cardinal defense will be too much. The spread is high, but I will give the points. I expect the Cardinal to roll.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Getting Bowled Over
Well, Saturday was not pretty. I was 3-2 straight up and a woeful 1-4 against the spread. A snap hook on an extra point by Boston College was costly, Arizona State missed covering the spread by one point, and Nebraska played a whole lot better offensively than I expected. To date Southern Cal-Nebraska (45-42 USC) has been the most entertaining bowl game. The Midland Gamecocks came through as predicted against Miami to clinch a winning season.
So, through two days of blogging picks, I am 5-3 straight up and 3-5 against the spread. Let's see if we can get back over .500 against those guys in the desert by going 3-for-3 on Monday.
Liberty Bowl -- Texas A&M vs. West Virginia (-1.5)
This looks like a wild matchup between erratic teams. Both teams can score. Both teams have had their share of crazy ups and downs this season. This game took a drastic turn last weekend when West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett announced he was quitting as a player and becoming a coach because of numerous concussions he has suffered during his career. Some of you may remember Trickett putting on a show in Death Valley in 2011. He transferred to West Virginia after that season. Because the Mountaineers will not have Trickett tossing the biscuit, I am going to take the Aggies.
Russell Athletic Bowl -- Clemson vs. Oklahoma (-4.5)
This line has been creeping up since Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney announced in early December that phenom freshman quarterback DeShaun Watson was being shut down for the season to have knee surgery. It was the right decision because ACL rehab takes seven to nine months. That was the bad news for Clemson fans. The really bad news was that Cole Stoudt is back at quarterback for the Tigers. Stoudt led the Tigers to four victories at mid-season, but he also has been throwing interceptions at an alarming rate. Word out of the bowl practices is Stoudt has been sharp. There has been a lot talk in the media aimed at pumping up Stoudt in an effort to get him out of his funk. Stoudt says he's close to 100 percent physically, but he's going to take a shot in his injured shoulder before the game just to be safe. Oklahoma has quarterback Trevor Knight is back from a neck injury and running back Samaje Perine, the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, is ready to go after turning an ankle in the loss to Oklahoma State. Perine averages 6.6 yards per carry and has scored 21 touchdowns this season. Almost every media outlet has picked the Sooners. I really don't want to buy what Clemson is trying to sell because Stoudt simply hasn't performed up to expectations most of the season. But my spidey sense tells me the trio of Tony Elliott, Jeff Scott, and Brandon Streeter has been a positive for Stoudt. I am going to swallow hard and say Stoudt will manage the game and take care of the ball, and the Tigers will find a way to pull it out. Take the Tigers and the points.
Texas Bowl
Texas vs. Arkansas (-6.5)
A classic old Southwest Conference matchup between two teams that both got better as the season went along. This will be the 78th meeting between the Horns and the Hogs. Texas, in its first year under the direction of Charlie Strong, won four of its last six to finish 6-6. Arkansas won three of its last five including shutouts of LSU and Ole Miss to finish 6-6. Bret Bielema has the Hogs going in the right direction. A bowl victory will continue Arkansas' march to respectability. Pig soey!!! Pick the Porkers.
So, through two days of blogging picks, I am 5-3 straight up and 3-5 against the spread. Let's see if we can get back over .500 against those guys in the desert by going 3-for-3 on Monday.
Liberty Bowl -- Texas A&M vs. West Virginia (-1.5)
This looks like a wild matchup between erratic teams. Both teams can score. Both teams have had their share of crazy ups and downs this season. This game took a drastic turn last weekend when West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett announced he was quitting as a player and becoming a coach because of numerous concussions he has suffered during his career. Some of you may remember Trickett putting on a show in Death Valley in 2011. He transferred to West Virginia after that season. Because the Mountaineers will not have Trickett tossing the biscuit, I am going to take the Aggies.
Russell Athletic Bowl -- Clemson vs. Oklahoma (-4.5)
This line has been creeping up since Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney announced in early December that phenom freshman quarterback DeShaun Watson was being shut down for the season to have knee surgery. It was the right decision because ACL rehab takes seven to nine months. That was the bad news for Clemson fans. The really bad news was that Cole Stoudt is back at quarterback for the Tigers. Stoudt led the Tigers to four victories at mid-season, but he also has been throwing interceptions at an alarming rate. Word out of the bowl practices is Stoudt has been sharp. There has been a lot talk in the media aimed at pumping up Stoudt in an effort to get him out of his funk. Stoudt says he's close to 100 percent physically, but he's going to take a shot in his injured shoulder before the game just to be safe. Oklahoma has quarterback Trevor Knight is back from a neck injury and running back Samaje Perine, the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, is ready to go after turning an ankle in the loss to Oklahoma State. Perine averages 6.6 yards per carry and has scored 21 touchdowns this season. Almost every media outlet has picked the Sooners. I really don't want to buy what Clemson is trying to sell because Stoudt simply hasn't performed up to expectations most of the season. But my spidey sense tells me the trio of Tony Elliott, Jeff Scott, and Brandon Streeter has been a positive for Stoudt. I am going to swallow hard and say Stoudt will manage the game and take care of the ball, and the Tigers will find a way to pull it out. Take the Tigers and the points.
Texas Bowl
Texas vs. Arkansas (-6.5)
A classic old Southwest Conference matchup between two teams that both got better as the season went along. This will be the 78th meeting between the Horns and the Hogs. Texas, in its first year under the direction of Charlie Strong, won four of its last six to finish 6-6. Arkansas won three of its last five including shutouts of LSU and Ole Miss to finish 6-6. Bret Bielema has the Hogs going in the right direction. A bowl victory will continue Arkansas' march to respectability. Pig soey!!! Pick the Porkers.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
A Real Fish Story
Just to let y'all know that I can write about more than ball sports, I had a family member set an Oklahoma record the first week of December.
Barbara Pope, my wife's middle sister (in the middle of the picture), hauled in a 27.29 pound, 38 3/4-inch striper bass on the Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma. This fish has been certified as an Oklahoma-Lake Texoma record. The fish Barbara hauled in was six pounds heavier than the previous record. It is the largest striped bass caught on the Oklahoma side of the lake since the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation started keeping records in 2008.
Barbara was fishing with Chris Carey of Striper Express Guide Service. She said she reeled while Chris pulled the line and that both of them thought the pole was going to break before they could get the fish in the boat. Barbara said she could tell by the excitement in the guide's voice she had caught something special. The reeling-in process lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Barbara already has selected a spot in her lake cabin to mount her trophy.
Let's Try To Improve On 2-1
After a 2-1 day yesterday (thanks for nothing Central Florida), let's see if we can do better today. The slate is full with five bowl games. Of course, these selections are for entertainment purposes only.
Military Bowl -- Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati (-2.5)
Virginia Tech ended the season with its traditional victory over Virginia, but there are whispers in Blacksburg that Frank Beamer might be over the hill. The Hokies haven't done much of anything since beating Ohio State in early September. I like Cincinnati and give the points.
Sun Bowl -- Duke vs. Arizona State (-7.0)
There hasn't been much sun in El Paso this week. The weather has been gray with some ice. David Cutcliffe continues to be a miracle worker in Durham. How much of a miracle worker? Duke is going to spend big bucks on Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. You must be joking! I wonder if Coach K approved? Duke made another nice run, but Arizona State is just going to be too much for the B. Devils. Take the S. Devils in what could be a hell of a game (Sorry).
Independence Bowl -- South Carolina vs. Miami (-3.5)
Phil and Uncle Si will welcome these two downtrodden teams to the first Duck Commander Independence Bowl. Shreveport in late December is not one of the most desirable bowl trips, but both of these teams enter the game looking to secure a winning season. Since the loss to Clemson and quote from Steve Spurrier about coaching just two or three more years, it has been a five-alarm dumpster fire in Columbia. But I believe the Gamecocks will pull it together and weather the storm. I think the team from the Midlands will win straight up.
Pinstripe Bowl -- Penn State vs. Boston College (-2.5)
Two cool things about this bowl -- NYC and getting to play in Yankee Stadium. Another cool thing -- the weather. Not exactly a balmy location. As is the norm, BC played everybody tough this season. They torched Southern Cal. They can close, extremely close, to beating Florida State in Tallahassee. Eagle quarterback Tyler Murphy does a good job of running and throwing. We know James Franklin can coach. Look what happened to Vanderbilt after he left Nashville. But Penn State's offense has been a train wreck. I expect a low-scoring game. Fly with the Eagles.
Holiday Bowl -- Nebraska vs. Southern Cal (-7.0)
Nebraska has no D and no Bo. Southern Cal has won three of its last four and scored 38 or more points in the three victories. Stick a sword in the Cornhuskers. They are done. Fight on for old SC. Take the Trojans and the points.
Military Bowl -- Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati (-2.5)
Virginia Tech ended the season with its traditional victory over Virginia, but there are whispers in Blacksburg that Frank Beamer might be over the hill. The Hokies haven't done much of anything since beating Ohio State in early September. I like Cincinnati and give the points.
Sun Bowl -- Duke vs. Arizona State (-7.0)
There hasn't been much sun in El Paso this week. The weather has been gray with some ice. David Cutcliffe continues to be a miracle worker in Durham. How much of a miracle worker? Duke is going to spend big bucks on Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. You must be joking! I wonder if Coach K approved? Duke made another nice run, but Arizona State is just going to be too much for the B. Devils. Take the S. Devils in what could be a hell of a game (Sorry).
Independence Bowl -- South Carolina vs. Miami (-3.5)
Phil and Uncle Si will welcome these two downtrodden teams to the first Duck Commander Independence Bowl. Shreveport in late December is not one of the most desirable bowl trips, but both of these teams enter the game looking to secure a winning season. Since the loss to Clemson and quote from Steve Spurrier about coaching just two or three more years, it has been a five-alarm dumpster fire in Columbia. But I believe the Gamecocks will pull it together and weather the storm. I think the team from the Midlands will win straight up.
Pinstripe Bowl -- Penn State vs. Boston College (-2.5)
Two cool things about this bowl -- NYC and getting to play in Yankee Stadium. Another cool thing -- the weather. Not exactly a balmy location. As is the norm, BC played everybody tough this season. They torched Southern Cal. They can close, extremely close, to beating Florida State in Tallahassee. Eagle quarterback Tyler Murphy does a good job of running and throwing. We know James Franklin can coach. Look what happened to Vanderbilt after he left Nashville. But Penn State's offense has been a train wreck. I expect a low-scoring game. Fly with the Eagles.
Holiday Bowl -- Nebraska vs. Southern Cal (-7.0)
Nebraska has no D and no Bo. Southern Cal has won three of its last four and scored 38 or more points in the three victories. Stick a sword in the Cornhuskers. They are done. Fight on for old SC. Take the Trojans and the points.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Friday's Bowls
One man's opinion on today's bowl games --
Heart of Dallas Bowl -- Illinois vs. La Tech (-6.5)
This one is played in the old Cotton Bowl. Take Skip Holtz and give the points. The Bulldogs are much more excited to be in Dallas than the Illini.
Quick Lane Bowl -- Rutgers vs. North Carolina (-3.5)
Detroit the day after Christmas is not my idea of a post-season reward. Somewhat shocked that the Heels are favored. They can't stop anybody. They haven't stopped anybody all year. Take the Knights.
St. Petersburg Bowl -- N.C. State vs. Central Florida (-2.5)
George O'Leary has recovered nicely was his little resume problem a few years ago and built a solid program at Central Florida. The Knights will have a home field advantage, and I'm not sold on the Wolfpack. Take the Knights in this one too.
Have a wonderful day after Christmas. Here's wishing that Wal-Mart accepts all of your returns, if you even reach the customer service desk.
Heart of Dallas Bowl -- Illinois vs. La Tech (-6.5)
This one is played in the old Cotton Bowl. Take Skip Holtz and give the points. The Bulldogs are much more excited to be in Dallas than the Illini.
Quick Lane Bowl -- Rutgers vs. North Carolina (-3.5)
Detroit the day after Christmas is not my idea of a post-season reward. Somewhat shocked that the Heels are favored. They can't stop anybody. They haven't stopped anybody all year. Take the Knights.
St. Petersburg Bowl -- N.C. State vs. Central Florida (-2.5)
George O'Leary has recovered nicely was his little resume problem a few years ago and built a solid program at Central Florida. The Knights will have a home field advantage, and I'm not sold on the Wolfpack. Take the Knights in this one too.
Have a wonderful day after Christmas. Here's wishing that Wal-Mart accepts all of your returns, if you even reach the customer service desk.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Well, It's All Over
We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Oxford Farm. Prime rib, potatoes, apple pie. Oxford Farm jackets, hats, and throws. Time with family and a peaceful Christmas Day.
This is something I am starting Christmas night. Since leaving Anderson University in early 2009 to take care of my mother, I have not had an outlet. I will take mostly sports because that's what I know the most about. But if you read this blog and are somewhat or mildly entertained, I will be happy to comment or try to answer any questions you may have.
2014 was a stressful year for us at the farm. We are hoping for much better things in 2015. We are excited about the prospects on several fronts. We want to make a difference in the community and believe God has led us to this farm to do just that.
Clemson football -- The bowl game versus Oklahoma is Monday and all reports are the Tigers are putting their work in for the game. The determining factor in the game will be Clemson senior quarterback Cole Stoudt. Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott have been working to pump him up. This is his last game. If he takes care of the football, the Tigers, who are underdogs to the Sooners, will have a chance to win their third consecutive bowl game. I am interested to see if Scott/Elliott use Stoudt in a different way from Chad Morris. It seemed as the season progressed Morris lost faith in Stoudt and the play calling got extremely basic.
Clemson basketball -- The lunatic fringe is all over Brad Brownell. A 7-4 start and loss to South Carolina in Columbia has the fringe screaming for a different style of basketball, a new coach, a new direction. But don't spend any money on basketball because it's not worth it. That makes a lot of sense. Some of these people are too stupid to breath. I am all in with Brownell. He is intense, tough, and an excellent in-game coach. If anything, he might be too tough on his players. But he wants to build a program and he wants to build a consistent winner in the toughest league in America. Nothing has been easy for the Tigers this season. They have some impressive victories (Arkansas, LSU) and some depressing losses (Winthrop, Gardner-Webb). Clemson has issues -- senior point guard Rod Hall has been erratic so far, Landry Nnoko has yet to develop a soft pair of hands, the offensive goes into extended droughts, free throw shooting ranges from acceptable to awful, 3-point shooting has just been awful, help from the bench has been almost non-existant. Brownell hails from Indiana, so he knows he needs shooters who can score. Clemson has shooters now. They just don't make a lot. Defense is not an issue and it will be better as the season continues. But the defense could suffer if the scoring doesn't pick up. The Tigers should go 8-4 with a victory over Robert Morris on Dec. 30. But then the ACC schedule opens -- UNC at home, at Louisville, at Pittsburgh, at Virginia, Syracuse at home. Thank you very much, ACC. On paper, none of those games look winnable. If the Tigers can get two of the five that would be huge. If they take a doughnut, the fringe will be in full voice wanting a new coach. I say leave him alone and let him do his job. He is the right guy. You can't do any better.
This is something I am starting Christmas night. Since leaving Anderson University in early 2009 to take care of my mother, I have not had an outlet. I will take mostly sports because that's what I know the most about. But if you read this blog and are somewhat or mildly entertained, I will be happy to comment or try to answer any questions you may have.
2014 was a stressful year for us at the farm. We are hoping for much better things in 2015. We are excited about the prospects on several fronts. We want to make a difference in the community and believe God has led us to this farm to do just that.
Clemson football -- The bowl game versus Oklahoma is Monday and all reports are the Tigers are putting their work in for the game. The determining factor in the game will be Clemson senior quarterback Cole Stoudt. Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott have been working to pump him up. This is his last game. If he takes care of the football, the Tigers, who are underdogs to the Sooners, will have a chance to win their third consecutive bowl game. I am interested to see if Scott/Elliott use Stoudt in a different way from Chad Morris. It seemed as the season progressed Morris lost faith in Stoudt and the play calling got extremely basic.
Clemson basketball -- The lunatic fringe is all over Brad Brownell. A 7-4 start and loss to South Carolina in Columbia has the fringe screaming for a different style of basketball, a new coach, a new direction. But don't spend any money on basketball because it's not worth it. That makes a lot of sense. Some of these people are too stupid to breath. I am all in with Brownell. He is intense, tough, and an excellent in-game coach. If anything, he might be too tough on his players. But he wants to build a program and he wants to build a consistent winner in the toughest league in America. Nothing has been easy for the Tigers this season. They have some impressive victories (Arkansas, LSU) and some depressing losses (Winthrop, Gardner-Webb). Clemson has issues -- senior point guard Rod Hall has been erratic so far, Landry Nnoko has yet to develop a soft pair of hands, the offensive goes into extended droughts, free throw shooting ranges from acceptable to awful, 3-point shooting has just been awful, help from the bench has been almost non-existant. Brownell hails from Indiana, so he knows he needs shooters who can score. Clemson has shooters now. They just don't make a lot. Defense is not an issue and it will be better as the season continues. But the defense could suffer if the scoring doesn't pick up. The Tigers should go 8-4 with a victory over Robert Morris on Dec. 30. But then the ACC schedule opens -- UNC at home, at Louisville, at Pittsburgh, at Virginia, Syracuse at home. Thank you very much, ACC. On paper, none of those games look winnable. If the Tigers can get two of the five that would be huge. If they take a doughnut, the fringe will be in full voice wanting a new coach. I say leave him alone and let him do his job. He is the right guy. You can't do any better.
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