Ok, I know Joe Paterno is one of the greatest coaches of all time, and I know he has done more for Penn State than can be put into words. I also know that most people disagree with me when I say that he needs to go sooner rather than later. I know the guy can still coach and he can obviously still recruit. However, the man is 81-years old. He could drop dead at any moment of any day. Even if he doesn’t drop dead, he could become vastly ill. I know that sounds terrible, but it is the truth. I am not saying Paterno must leave the field completely. Perhaps, he could could still participate in recruiting or as an Associate Head Coach. At the very least, Penn State should find a coach to fill Paterno’s shoes once he leaves…ala Florida State. Paterno may coach another 10 years and everything will be fine, but at what point do players become concerned about the longevity of a coach who is recruiting them.  Is Penn State going to wait until Paterno dies of old age to find a new coach? Joe Pa looks frail and he looks tired. I love Joe Paterno and his coaching style, but every era must come to an end at some point. Hopefully, Paterno and the Penn State athletic program won’t wait too long.

Who will be the first pick in the NFL Draft? Honestly, nobody knows. This is the first time in a few years in which we have a draft with so many potential #1 picks. Personally, I believe the Dolphins should choose between two players: Chris Long and Matt Ryan.

Chris Long is a guarantee at the next level. He provides great versatility and explosiveness coming off the edge, and will immediately contribute as a dominant pass-rusher. His dad is a fellow by the name of Howie Long…so I think he also has gene structure in his favor. Nevertheless, my personal pick would be Matt Ryan. Though he will likely go to Atlanta, Baltimore, or Kansas City I believe Miami should take him with the first pick. Matt Ryan has every component needed to be an elite NFL quarterback. He seems to have the needed swagger that inspires people around him to play at a higher level. Like many analysts say about Ryan, he just has “it.” There are also two more logical reasons why Ryan is the perfect fit for the Dolphins:

1. Josh McCown and John Beck are Miami’s top two quarterbacks. Oh I forgot…a guy named Casey Bramlet from Wyoming is third on their depth chart. Does anyone truly believe any of those three players can lead Miami to the playoffs…or much less a winning record. Last I checked, Bill Parcells likes to not only make the playoffs, but also win in the playoffs. To achieve that you must have a talented and strong-minded quarterback. So far, John Beck has not looked close to where he needs to be as an NFL quarterback.

2. Miami’s fan base is tired of watching their team lose. The Dolphins need to create some excitement for their fans and their players. They need to create some anticipation for the future…maybe sell-out some games or sell some jerseys. Is there even one player on the Dolphins roster that creates revenue for the franchise? Do kids ask for Josh McCown jerseys for Christmas? They have Ronnie Brown…thats it! I love Ernest Wilford, but did you know he is the #1 wide receiver on their depth chart? In addition, do you think a defensive player or an offensive lineman (both whose names will be “Long”) will create the kind of excitement and hope the Dolphins fans are looking for? I think I know the answer to that question. Let Matt Ryan be the savior…I believe he has what it takes to handle the pressure.

Summary 

I don’t know if Matt Ryan will go to the Dolphins, but I doubt he would disappoint their fans. He reminds me of a young Tom Brady because of his body-type and mental toughness. Regardless of what happens, Parcells has his hands full in Miami. Though he has put together some pieces by adding a big receiver in Ernest Wilford and a veteran safety in Chris Crocker, there are many pieces of the pie still missing. If I had to guess, I would say that Parcells will elect to trade down on draft day to avoid having to pay the guaranteed $30 million that goes along with having the #1 pick. Much of Parcells decision on draft day is up to John Beck. If Parcells believes Beck has a future in Miami, there is no chance he will draft Ryan. In addition, keep your eye out for Chad Henne. Apparently, the Dolphins are very interested in drafting Henne in a later round with plans on developing him into their quarterback of the future.

Fortunately for me…I am in Cancun for about a month. Therefore, my posts will be few and far between. Also…Brett Favre supposedly retired today. What are the odds he returns to play again?

I went to Virginia Tech and watched Eddie Royal return several kicks/punts for touchdowns. I have personally witnessed his speed and agility. Eddie Royal, who is known by Hokie fans as “Fast Eddie,” had a great day at the NFL combine yesterday. Royal ran the fifth fasted 40-yard dash out of the receivers with a 4.39, and had the most reps on the bench press of all the receivers (24). What is so impressive about that is that he is a small receiver at 5′10″ and 182 lbs. Royal also finished in the top ten in the vertical jump, broad jump, and the 60-yard shuttle. Royal is currently projected to go in the third round. For more information on the combine, go to www.NFL.com.

The War in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, abortion policies, immigration policies, healthcare policies, energy policies, foreign policies, steroids in baseball, Homeland Security, “spygate,” economic issues…these are all very important matters that our politicians should be discussing and contemplating. Hmm….something seems odd about that previous sentence. What has happened to our country? Sports are no longer just “games.” If they were “games,” then our own politicians would not be holding hearings on steroids and investigating professional football teams for spying.  Senator Arlen Specter is investigating the New England Patriots because they have been accused of spying on other teams in the NFL. I want to repeat this one more time so that people can understand how ridiculous I think this is…Senator Arlen Specter is investigating the New England Patriots because they have been accused of spying on other teams in the NFL. I do believe that “spygate” is an issue that needs to be seriously addressed, but it is absurd that a Senator has the right to go into the league and start an investigation.  There should be an investigation…but not by a Senator of Pennsylvania. Why would any true sports fan want that? How could any true sports fan feel comfortable with our politicians becoming a deciding factor in sports? How could anyone watch the Clemens hearing and not notice that the Democrats favored McNamee and the Republicans favored Clemens? I could not believe that even when dealing with sports, their opinions were split by party lines. Do people not find that absurd?

I have a vision…The 2009 State of the Union will go something like this:

“My distinguished and fellow citizens…we gather here tonight to discuss matters of great consequence to our beautiful nation. With all the promise and pride our people have shown since its birth, we have now been put in jeopardy by two obstacles that will be very difficult for our nation to overcome: steroids in baseball and “spygate.” Even the cruelty of Al-Qaeda can not match what the incompetence of Bud Selig, and the slyness of Bill Belicheck with a camera have done to our country. The validity of homeruns and Super Bowl titles is by far the most important issue this country has ever faced. Only through the hard work of Senator Mitchell, Senator Specter, and many Congressmen and Congresswomen, has our country emerged from these tragic events thus far.  Can we get through this difficult time? All I can say is we will work….we will fight…and I promise…we will emerge victorious!”

Give me a break.

The Mitchell Report has proven to be a disaster, and the hearings have been embarrrassing for everyone involved. The Mitchell Report accused players and trainers…but only a fraction of those that are guilty of doing steroids. The hearings have been painful to watch on both sides…not just for the players. When did Palmeiro get his 300th hit again? The members of Congress have made absolute fools of themselves on a consistent basis. Are we going to have a Congressional hearing on every single conflict in sports? I hope not. I understand the importance of these issues, but our Senators and Congressional members should not be involved. Their place for debate is elsewhere. For the record, I am as far from a New England Patriots fan as possible. 

Randy Shannon had a tough season this past year as the Miami head football coach. His team went 5-7 and failed to make a bowl for the first time in recent memory. Obviously, the players on the field were not “his” players since he had not recruited them….or were they? Actually, many of the defensive players were “his” players since he was the defensive coordinator for the Canes prior to becoming the head coach. Either way, Shannon made a huge step this offseason as he was able to produce the #1 ranked recruiting class in the country. His class was highlighted by many good defensive players, including five-star linebacker Arthur Brown, five-star defensive tackle Marcus Forston, and a variety of other four-star linebackers and defensive tackles. Most importantly for Randy Shannon and the Miami coaching staff, was their ability to land some great offensive players as well.  After a dismal season on the offensive side of the ball, it was essential for the ‘Canes to bring in some offensive linemen who could protect their quarterback, and some athletes at the receiver and running back position who could produce more big plays. Offensively, their recruiting class was highlighted by a spread of four-star recruits. Among them, were  a group of wide-receivers, including  Tommy Streeter, Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson, and Davon Johnson. Also in the class were quarterback Jacory Harris and offensive linemen Benjamin Jones and Brandon Washington. This Miami class produced 2 five-star recruits, 15 four-star recruits, and 8 three-star recruits.  It would have been nice to see a few more offensive lineman or an elite running back in this class, but I have a feeling they can get by with what they have. One other note of importance…the four-star quarterback, Jacory Harris, is 6′4 and 169 lbs. He better start lifting a lot of weights if he expects to see the field anytime soon. 

Clearly, this is a fantastic recruiting class, and Randy Shannon does not have room for error in the future. He can afford to have another mediocre season next year, but if his team struggles in 2009, Shannon will likely be a defensive coordinator again by 2010.

I don’t need to say much in this post. The NFL draft class of 2004 delivered us Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. Many have considered the quarterbacks from the class of 2004 a disappointment. To start off with, people seem to forget that it takes time to make the transition from college football to the NFL. Why are fans so impatient with quarterbacks? Even Peyton Manning wasn’t very impressive his first couple of seasons. Statistics combined from the Eli Manning, Ben Roelthisberger, and Philip Rivers era are listed below:

1. 11-6 combined playoff record

2. Two Super Bowl titles, two AFC Championship Game appearances

3. Manning has made the playoffs 3 consecutive seasons

4. Combined for approximately 220 touchdowns and 176 interceptions

5. Draft class also includes Matt Schaub

The 2004 draft class may not be quite as good as the class of 1983, which included Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, and Kenny O’Brien…but Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, and Matt Schaub are off to a good start.

If based on QB rating, Eli Manning was the 25th ranked quarterback in the NFL during the regular season. Does his playoff run put him in the ranks with the elite quarterbacks going into next season? Though I believe Eli Manning can reach an elite level at some point in his career, I don’t think 4 games in the playoffs can put him at an equal or greater status than that of Tony Romo, Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb, and Drew Brees…yet. I won’t even mention Tom Brady, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning in this conversation because that trio ranks among the top ten quarterbacks of all time. However, lets not forget that before the playoffs, Giants fans didn’t even feel confident with Eli Manning behind center. It is amazing what five weeks and a strong postseason performance can do for a player’s image, status, and popularity. Eli Manning seemed to turn the corner during his posteason run. I heard Mike Golic, from ”Mike and Mike” on ESPN Radio,  say that “Eli will likely will be ranked in the top ten quarterbacks going into next season.” Manning showed his potential in New York’s historic playoff run. If he can carry-over his great play into next season, Eli and the rest of the football Giants should be the favorites to win the NFC in the 2008-2009 season. My top ten quarterbacks going into next season are ranked as follows:

1. Peyton Manning- Unbelievable

1. Tom Brady- Unbelievable….but he showed in the Super Bowl that no QB is good under continuous pressure

3. Carson Palmer- He will rebound next year

4. Tony Romo- Goodbye Jessica

5. Brett Favre- Legendary…hope he comes back because Aaron Rodgers can’t play a quarter without getting hurt

6. Matt Hasselbeck- Mr. Consistent

7. Ben Roethisberger- Had a great season…can he have two great seasons in a row?

8. David Garrard- 18 Tds, 3 Int……numbers usually don’t lie

9. Donovan McNabb- I am giving him the benefit of the doubt

10. Eli Manning- He better Man-up

Though I believe in Eli’s ablities, he barely ranks in the top ten quarterbacks. He could easily be replaced at the number ten spot by Marc Bulger, Matt Schaub, Kurt Warner, and Derek Anderson.  Eli is not considered an elite quarterback yet, but he could cement himself in that category with another Super Bowl title.

Though the previous season has just ended, I think it is time to make my 2008 college football conference champion predictions. I will also predict the national champion and the non-BCS team most likely to make a BCS bowl.

ACC-  Clemson (As talented as anyone in the nation next season…besides USC, Georgia, and Oklahoma)

Big 12- Oklahoma (Sorry Missouri fans…they crushed you both times this past season)

Big East- West Virginia (Should have a lot to prove, Big East shouldn’t have any elite teams either)

Big Ten- Ohio State (Return a lot of players next season)

Pac-10- USC (Extremely talented football team…must determine the starting QB)

SEC- Georgia (If Florida had a defense, I would say the Gators have a better shot)

National Championship Game: USC vs. Oklahoma

USC and Oklahoma both have shots to go undefeated next year. USC will be extremely talented on both sides of the ball and should have no trouble scoring points as long as their QB can produce. Oklahoma may lose a game, but the fact that Texas will supposedly be down next year, along with their dominance over Missouri this past season, seems to suggest otherwise. If they do lose, I would expect Georgia to creep into the championship game with one or possibly two losses, similar to LSU this past season.

School outside of the “big-six” most likely to make a BCS bowl: Fresno State (talented football team playing in a weaker conference = a lot of wins and a high ranking)

I was in Isla Mujeres, Mexico (across the bay from Cancun) for the AFC and NFC Championship games this past Sunday.  We chose the bar “Jax” to watch the games, and I was surrounded by Packers fans who had prepared for the occassion. There was not one Patriot, Giant, or Charger fan dressed for the occassion.

I have to admit that I was not very excited about the AFC Championship because I felt fairly certain that the Patriots would win. It was shocking that the Chargers were able to stay in the game without LT and with a gimpy Philip Rivers. But….in the end, the Chargers lost and the Patriots won. It is bad news for all other teams when the Patriots can beat a very good football team when Brady throws three interceptions. Brady played his worst game of the season and they still won. You can give the credit to Laurence Maroney, who rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. New England proved that they can run the ball effectively if their passing game is struggling. The Patriot defense was also very superb in the red zone, as the Chargers could never seem to find a way to get into the end zone. Clearly, the difference in the game was that the Patriots were scoring touchdowns while the Chargers were kicking field goals. Though they lost, it was a good run for the Chargers, who will certainly be a super bowl contender again next year.

The NFC Championship game was much more entertaining. I thought it was great because it was already determined that the Super Bowl would have a great storyline. If the Packers would have won, it would have been a legendary quarterback matchup: Brett Favre vs. Tom Brady. As it turned out, the Giants won,  and have graciously provided us with another New York, Boston matchup. I wonder how the Giants fans feel about Eli Manning now? I read an article on ESPN.com a couple of months ago that rated the young quarterbacks in the NFL. Vince Young was rated higher than Eli Manning. What a joke! Eli has played fantastic in the playoffs. Though he did not throw any touchdown passes in Sunday’s game, he continued to play turnover-free football. He was also hurt by Amani Toomer, who seemed to have his eyes taped shut on several balls thrown his way. Toomer also looked like he had paddles for hands on several occassions. However, he did have a huge reception in the second half, when he made a diving catch and found a way to keep both feet in bounds. In addition, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. They had just enough of a running game to keep Green Bay’s defense honest. The Packers, on the other hand, could not get any kind of a running game going, and finished with a grand total of 28 yards on the ground. The player of the game was Plaxico Burress, who set Giants postseason records with 11 receptions and 154 yards. He seemed to catch every ball that was thrown his way. On the other side of the ball, Donald Driver also had a hell of a game, as he had 5 receptions for 141 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

It seemed as if the Packers were destined to win this game. The Giants controlled the game, but the Packers always seemed to catch a break. Tynes missed two field goals in the final quarter to allow the Packers to stay in the game. At that point, I figured Brett Favre must be destined to play in another super bowl. However, the fatal blow came on Green Bay’s first possession in overtime, when Favre threw an interception that set up Tynes’ game-winning, 47-yard field goal. The Giants are playing extremely good football right now, and have won 10 straight games on the road…a record of their own. If the Giants are able to win the super bowl, they would complete one of the greatest playoff runs in sports history. Like Brett Favre said after the game…”Heck, they could win two weeks from now. I wouldn’t put it past them.” The Patriots are on a mission, and the only thing standing in their way is Eli and the rest of the football Giants.