My Heisman Pick

The Heisman presentation is Saturday night. There are more finalists this year than there have been in a long time. While each finalist has many things going for them, there are drawbacks to every choice.

Sports Illustrated noted that what you see in a candidate is not the whole picture. Last year Manziel was the bad boy and Mante Teo the scholar athlete playing for his diseased girlfriend. Johnny Rogers had an early brush with the law, but turned out to be a model citizen after that. Controversy followed Cam Newton from Florida to junior college to Auburn. You never know who will be the next O J Simpson. That said, it's quite enough to keep the selection process focused to on-field achievements.

There were many great college players who didn't make the list. Marcus Mariota had a great year with phenomenal stats, but a late season knee injury limiting his mobility contributed to Oregon's fall in the rankings. Brett Hundley was another great player out west. Aaron Murray put up great numbers despite crippling injuries to many of his playmakers. Tajh Boyd put up record-breaking numbers in the ACC, but stumbled in the two biggest games of the year.

With four of the six finalists coming from the South, and five of the six from the SEC and ACC, you wonder if regional voting will play a role in the outcome of the vote. Midwestern voters may have all voted for Northern Illinois QB Jordan Lynch, and voters in the Northeast may have all voted for Boston College running back Andre Williams. There is a good chance that voters split votes amongst all the Southern players. There's a good chance Lynch and Williams finish higher in the vote because of this breakdown. My order of finish:

1. Jameis Winston: #1 FSU QB: 3820 yd, 38 TD/10 int, 193 yd rushing, 4 TD. Everyone seems to think Winston will be the runaway winner, and his play on the field makes him a deserving choice. He may lose votes not only because of being a suspect in the sexual assault case, but also because he is only a (redshirt) freshman.

2. Johnny Manziel: Texas A&M QB: 3732 yd, 33 TD/13 int, 686 yd rushing, 8 TD. After winning the Heisman last year, Manziel put up even better numbers this year – despite playing on a worse team. Those I'm sure Johnny Football voted for himself, he may lose other votes due to the off-season autograph incident and the Aggies 8-4 record. There's a good chance the regional voting factors listed above could cost Manziel a high finish. And many old-fogey voters could leave him off the ballot to ensure Archie Griffin remains the only repeat winner.

3. Andre Williams: BC RB: 2102 yd, 17 TD. Williams went through the first half of the season with hardly any national exposure, but ESPN's constant barrage since then should bolster his chances for a high finish. Boston College's 7-5 finish in the ACC may cost him votes, but being the only candidate north of the Mason-Dixon line should deliver plenty of regional votes.

4. Jordan Lynch: NIU QB: 2676 yd, 23 TD/7 int, 1881 yd rushing, 22 TD. Eye-popping numbers, but against inferior competition. Had NIU remained undefeated and earned a BCS bid, more votes would've been cast his way. Lynch simply did not get the media attention the other candidates did. Being the only Midwestern candidate should gain him votes. Still, he could be a surprise winner.

5. AJ McCarron: #3 Bama QB: 2676 yd, 26 TD, 5 int. This year's career achievement candidate. Two national championships, an 11-1 record this year, and a number three BCS national ranking. Squeaky clean southern boy with an all-American beauty for a girlfriend. I'm a big fan, but he's lucky just to be a finalist.

6. Tre Mason: #2 Auburn RB: 1621 yd, 22 TD. A great late-season push, with over 25% of his rushing yards coming in the last two games. Mason did rush for over one hundred yards per game in the first eleven games, but he didn't hit the radar screen of most voters only after coming up big in Auburn's two biggest games of the year.

Mighty Ducks

Picked up this vintage Mighty Ducks jersey a few weeks ago at Goodwill. I had read that the Ducks were breaking out the duck mask logo throwbacks this year, so I snapped it up. Threw it on eBay, and tonight it sold for over ninety dollars. Deal of the year.

Busy Time of Year

At work December always seems busier than other months. People are on vacation, so I'm having to fill in or it's harder to get the normal things done. Pricing for the new year is due, which means more meetings. My customer seems to always have a rush at year end to ship vehicles, and they always need more roof supports or footrests than usual. Today I found out they need 222 footrests. An earlier forecast had showed they needed only ten. Last year we had subcontractors working overtime the week after Christmas. We're usually changing subcontractors at year end. This takes a lot of babysitting. Last year we had a huge tool move. This year we're moving the highest dollar parts, and so far it's not going well.

Normally I use up my vacation during the year and only take off a few days over the holidays, but this year I'm only working 3 days out of 16. So I have to get everything done before I take off. I'm supposed to work all day on December 30, but Tech's bowl game is at 3:30. I may work half days on Dec 27 and 30. People think December is slow, but its usually always busier.

Young Mr. Flack has been going to all the recent Auburn games, including the Alabama and Missouri games. He said he's lined up his flight and hotel to Pasadena and is working on game tickets to the national championship game. Last month he flew on a private jet on a golf trip. Sunday he was complaining about the cost of taking his family to a movie. His wife snuck in Cokes and snacks in her purse.

Busy day at work this past Monday. Didn't leave until after 5:30. Our Monday night men's group was cancelled.

Hadn't been to Kroger in a while, so when I stopped on the way home I loaded up: Cheerios, yogurt, popcorn accoutrements, a box, macaroni & cheese, drinks for the kids.

Ceil cooked roast beef, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas, and salad. Miracle of miracles: Matthew ate leftover chicken wings. I read my book, cleaned the kitchen, and packaged some items for shipping. Paid for Will's tuition. Looks like we won't be fixing the master bathroom anytime soon.

Will Ferrell

I am a Will Ferrell fan, even though I'm an old un-cool fuddy-duddy. Loved Old School, Talladega Nights, Elf, and other things he's done. When he was on SNL I wasn't a huge fan. Wasn't crazy about his cheerleader character or other roles he played. He's only grown on me since then. But I haven't watched SNL for years - even during the Jimmy Fallon/Tina Fey years. Even when there's a great guest host I'm usually not motivated enough to make it a point to watch.

Have not seen Anchorman, though it's hard not to be exposed to the buildup to the sequel, which was filmed in Atlanta and St. Simons. Love how so many others have roles in the movie. Perhaps I'll watch it some day. 

I don't watch as many movies as I used to. I go through stages where I watch movies, then go long periods of time when I don't watch any. There are lots of movies I want to watch that Ceil doesn't, so I have to pick my spots.

Another long day at work Tuesday, thanks to a phone call at 4:55. Burritos for supper. Also worked on eBay and read. Tuesday night Matthew's favorite band was on Leno: Switchfoot. I’ve got to get going on writing our Christmas letter.

Picked up World Without End at the library Tuesday night so I can listen to the second half. Finished my first Duck Dynasty book, but want to knock out Phil Robertson’s autobiography before I get back to World Without End. With vacation looming, I won’t finish everything.

Worked past five again Wednesday afternoon. I wasn’t feeling good, so I drove straight home. C and A had gone shopping up to those outlets in Woodstock. I did some reading on the computer and watched the Duck Dynasty Christmas show. The family put on the Nativity at their church, Phil spoke about the Jesus’ birth, and Alan prayed in Jesus’ name.

Karen Toholsky was looking for a place to eat in Sandy Springs. I suggested the Pie Place, but she had already chosen Ippolitos.

The Sagarin Poll is always interesting. I’m afraid Baylor will easily handle UCF. At some point soon I will make my bowl predictions.

Five Driver Household

Last week Ceil took Matthew to get his learner’s permit. He will need a lot of practice. Afterwards they stopped by Publix and probably Willys. They didn’t get home until after 8 pm, so I was able to catch up on some computer stuff. Later I had to go pick up Anna. She’s on a select youth committee at PCC comprised of just a few young people. The meeting was at one of the top guy’s house.

I usually eat lunch at my desk and read Sports Illustrated. Thursday I brought leftover chili. The CEO of our entire company game to visit our department yesterday, so I didn’t want the office smelling like chili. I ate my afternoon yogurt, and waited to eat the chili after he left.

Got to the library at 5:57 pm last Thursday and the doors were locked. Going back today to pick up two Duck Dynasty books on reserve: Father Phil’s story and the overall family story. Both books were co-written by Atlanta sportswriter Mark Schlabach.

Got home a few minutes later. Ceil was headed out the door to the PCC Sunday School workers party, and Anna was headed out to celebrate her best friend’s birthday. Matthew was practicing his guitar. M wants all my bobbleheads out of his room, so I worked some on that. My plan is to box up all the bobbleheads I have boxes for, but leave all the ones I don’t have boxes for. Almost bought three new bobbleheads Wednesday (Repo Man, the Pump Brothers, and the NPR Answer Man), but passed. Having second thoughts.

Watched the Sound of Music. Tough role for a novice actress, but you gotta admire her for taking it on. Lots of jokes and abuse on Twitter. Ceil got home for the end.

Last week AJ McCarron was on the Sports Illustrated cover, and Alabama lost. This week Auburn is on the cover in the South and Ohio State is on the cover. Perhaps the SI cover jinx will continue.

Busy day at work, and I have a pile of stuff still to do.

I’ve had something on the bottom of my foot that has made it hurt to walk. Fells like it moved from my arch up toward my toes. The weirdest thing.

Smashing Pennies

On my morning walk last week I placed a penny on the railroad tracks leading into our plant. On my afternoon walk I found the penny had been smashed very flat. Took the penny home to Matthew. Gonna try it again, though the train only delivers about twice a week. I always remember going to Callaway Gardens as a kid and putting pennies on the tracks of the little train they had there. Or a gravel rock, which would be pulverized.

When I walk I have plenty of time to do several things: pray, kick rocks, etc. Since I cross the railroad tracks I got the idea to crush a penny. Every day after lunch I chew one piece of gum. During my afternoon walk I’ve been sticking my gum on a post at my turnaround point. Hopefully one day the post will be covered in gum. There’s this yellow fire hydrant-looking thing next to the walkway that everyone passes. The top is the perfect size for a coke cap, so I put a red one on there. After a few weeks the top disappeared, so I put a green top on. It’s lasted a few weeks as well.    

The live Sound of Music special: Carrie Underwood plays Maria, and she’s getting threats because she’s taking Julie Andrews’ role. Julie Andrews says she is delighted with the new show. Ceil wanted to watch it, but she has a Christmas party to go to.

It’s always been my personality to follow the rules, though it often seems like when I do, I see others around me getting by without following the rules. Still, I know that God has called me to be who I am…which means following the rules. It is interesting to see Will grow in his relationship with God, and what is attitude is about people who aren’t as serious as he thinks they should be. For some reason our postmodern society people put themselves first, and don’t think the rules apply to them. Drivers on the road, people crossing streets, athletes like those mentioned in the article. Sometimes I think it might’ve been better to live back in the 50’s, but I guess it wasn’t a bowl of cherries back then either. At least we have heaven to look forward to.

Stopped by Kroger on the way home last Tuesday night. First time in a long time, at least at the Stinky Kroger. I was standing there looking at all the yogurt when I realized someone else was standing a few feet away – also looking at the yogurt. I looked over just as she looked at me. It was Becky Norman.

Ceil cooked wings for the kids and grilled chicken for us. Also salad and baked square potato bits. I passed on the potatoes. Helped clean the kitchen. Read my baseball book and took a nap, and packaged some eBay items to ship.

Top Dog of our worldwide company visits our department tomorrow. My desk is a mess.

Mike Tomlin can’t admit he did it on purpose, though his eyes light up sometimes when he talks about such things. The Steelers might not make the playoffs, but they’ll be ok.

Curse the BBWAA

Seems like there is no perfect HOF candidate in the eyes of the BBWAA. Rose bet. Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, and McGuire took steroids. Aaron was black. Some were jerks. Others were involved in labor disputes (Glavine). Some retired too young (Koufax). Others retired to late (Frank Thomas?). Some played in the wrong city (Biggio). If you played in New York the media microscope may have exposed your faults. Ex-Mets Seaver and Ryan left NYC, but were blessed with the highest percentage of votes in history. Will Jeter’s percentage eclipse Maddux’s?

Biggio and Jeter’s stats aren’t too far apart, though Jeter’s average is the big difference. Jeter’s fielding percentage at shortstop is lower. In addition to second base, Biggio caught 428 games (almost 3 full seasons) and played 363 games in the outfield. Considering the other players in their lineups, Biggio’s RBI’s and runs scored compare favorably to Jeter’s. The Captain’s BB/SO ratio is lower than Biggio’s. Interesting they have the same number of strikeouts.  

PL YR  G      PA      H    2B  3B  HR  RBI  runs

CB 20 2850 12504 3060 668 55 291 1175 1844

DJ 19 2602 11968 3316 525 65 256 1261 1876

PL  BA OB SLG OPS BB   SO GG FP SB CS

CB 281 363 433 796 1160 1753 4 985 414 124

DJ 312 381 446 828 1047 1753 5 976 348   95

Dan Schlossberg reminds me that Glavine is the fourth-winningest lefthander of all-time. He also says some writers might hold against him his role in the failed 1994 labor negotiations.

The HOF vote needing to be taken away from the BBWA. Do you think all 3000 hit club members should be first-ballot inductees (unless banned for steroids/gambling, etc)? Biggio didn’t get in. Same deal for 500 home runs or 300 wins. Does Thome get in on the first ballot? He was popular. Will Frank Thomas get in on the first ballot? In his prime he raked, then hung on for years afterwards. You know me – I’m still worried about Glavine’s first ballot.

SEC Fanfest

Ever since we went to the SEC Fanfest several years ago, Matthew has talked about wanting to go back. Friday afternoon we took MARTA down to the Congress Center to go. There really wasn't as much to do as there used to be, but he seemed to have a good time. I'm sure the Fanfest was more crowded Friday night and Saturday, but it was nice being able to do anything we wanted to do. I took pictures of M doing different things, and only had one picture taken of me – to send to a Mizzou fan I know in Tulsa. What we did:

1. M ran the 40 yard dash in 6.1 seconds – in street clothes and slippery boat shoes.
2. Threw footballs, kicked field goals, hit golf balls, and took cuts in a batting cage.
3. Drank free Dr. Pepper. Matthew ate Golden Flake potato chips.
4. Trinkets collected: Auburn & Mizzou mini helmets, a nice SEC tumbler, two pair of nice gloves, two yellow SEC Network T-shirts, Sonic giftcard, various stickers, Auburn poster for a co-worker, six bags (since thrown away), iPhone listening device, two Regions Bank bicycle pens, and several packets of BC Powder.
5. Saw Tim Brando from CBS, Paul Feinbloom from ESPN, and Buck Belue. Could've had my picture taken with Brando – he was just standing around by himself. He looks younger in person.

We walked around the Fanfest two or three times before leaving. Walked though the CNN Center and out through Centennial Olympic Park, then up to the Peachtree Center MARTA station. By then it was rush hour. Didn't get home until almost seven. C and A went shopping, so I had to get M a Willys burrito. Barney and I ate popcorn Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Saturday morning I took M up to meet his girlfriend at 8:45am. While I was out I stopped at McDonalds for Egg McMuffins. Got the oil changed at a new place. Terrible service at both McDonalds and the oil change place. When I got home Ceil cooked me a home-made egg mcmuffin. Got to see the last 30 minutes of ESPN College Gameday. Did laundry while I watched football.

Sunday I worked on eBay and fixed sandwiches on the Panini press. Drove M down to PCC. Picked up Ceil and drove her by stores in Buckhead and Lenox. Got home and cleaned upstairs. Watched a little football, drove to Target to get photos developed, watched the Sunday Night Pregame and BCS Selection Show, and read my books. Ceil cooked burgers for dinner.

Championship Saturday

Loved Auburn over Missouri…agreed. Fun game to watch. Auburn won the game going away. Some fans (Chad) were irate at the officials' calls, but they seemed to go both ways. When the Auburn DB rode the Mizzou RB out of bounds, then pushed him into the cart, Chad was mad that a facemask penalty wasn't called on the RB's stiffarm. I've never seen that penalty called. I made a general comment that some fans cry foul over every close call but other fans wait until after the game to come out of the woodwork. Chad didn't make any more comments.

Hated FSU over Duke…disagree. I wanted the FSU/Auburn matchup in the championship game. Love how both teams wore dark jerseys. FSU took care of business. Duke only scored the late touchdown to avoid the shutout. Coach Cutcliff deserves credit for developing their QB's, who are probably better off for choosing Duke.

Loved Michigan St over Ohio State…agreed. Now that Buckeye WR won't have the chance to "wipe the field" with FSU or Alabama. But if they show up mentally, Ohio State could blow out Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

Loved Central Fla over SMU…agreed. Close game. Poor third string walk-on QB for SMU, though I thought he handled himself well. It was true that several UCF players had never seen snow. 24 degrees…ouch. It was surreal to see the empty stadium – especially on the views from the end zones. Now Baylor fans are saying they "deserve" to play a better team than UCF. Baylor should be thankful that Oklahoma State blew their game so that Baylor could sneak into the BCS through the back door.

Hated Carrolton over Marist…agreed.
Hated Southern Miss over Ga State…agreed
Loved Ga Tech over E Tenn St…agreed.

Loved AND Hated: Oklahoma over Oklahoma State. Great finish. When Oklahoma State scored, for fun I thought "they scored too early". Not meaning it, but hoping it. I dislike Oklahoma State and loved that that lost, but hated that it put Baylor into the BCS.

Hated: Baylor over Texas. I did like the Baylor throwback uniforms (except for the Nike swoosh on the jerseys). I always like Texas: their tradition and uniforms. Love how they added back the numbers on their helmets this year, like they had back in the 60's.

Loved AND Hated: Bowling Green over Northern Illinois. I'm not a NIU fan, and am glad they won't be in a BCS bowl. I'd rather watch other teams that I'm more familiar with. In general, the bigger schools that populate BCS bowls have nicer uniforms that NIU's all-black unis.

MORE: Watched most of the UCF/SMU game. Hated the young Griese announcer. He listed his top NFL prospect QB's and left out some obvious choices, like Aaron Murray and AJ McCarron. After the end of the UCF game I switched over for the exciting last two minutes of the Oklahoma State/Oklahoma game. Three touchdowns in the last two minutes. When that game ended the SEC Championship Game was just starting. I watched that game, and during commercials checked on Baylor/Texas – until Baylor pulled ahead.

After Auburn won Anna and Ceil got interested in a movie, so I was only able to switch over to the Ohio State Michigan State game during commercials. I feared OSU had taken the lead for good, but then MSU took the lead and shut OSU down. Loved it.

Busyness

Busy day Thursday, and I have a pile of stuff still to do. Still taking Friday afternoon off.

I've had something on the bottom of my foot that has made it hurt to walk. Feels like it moved from my arch up toward my toes. The weirdest thing.

Wednesday afternoon Ceil took Matthew to get his learner's permit. He will need a lot of practice. Afterwards they stopped by Publix and probably Willys. They didn't get home until after 8 pm, so I was able to catch up on some computer stuff. Later I had to go pick up Anna. She's on a select youth committee at PCC comprised of just a few young people. The meeting was at one of the top guys' house.

I usually eat lunch at my desk and read Sports Illustrated. Thursday I brought leftover chili. The CEO of our entire company game to visit our department yesterday, so I didn't want the office smelling like chili. I ate my afternoon yogurt, and waited to eat the chili after he left.

Got to the library at 5:57 pm yesterday and the doors were locked. Going back today to pick up two Duck Dynasty books on reserve: Father Phil's story and the overall family story. Both books were co-written by Atlanta sportswriter Mark Schlabach.

Got home a few minutes later. Ceil was headed out the door to the PCC Sunday School workers party, and Anna was headed out to celebrate her best friend's birthday. Matthew was practicing his guitar. M wants all my bobbleheads out of his room, so I worked some on that. My plan is to box up all the bobbleheads I have boxes for, but leave all the ones I don't have boxes for. Almost bought three new bobbleheads Wednesday (Repo Man, the Pump Brothers, and the NPR Answer Man), but passed. Having second thoughts.

Watched the Sound of Music. Tough role for a novice actress, but you gotta admire her for taking it on. Lots of jokes and abuse on Twitter. Ceil got home for the end.

Last week AJ McCarron was on the Sports Illustrated cover, and Alabama lost. This week Auburn is on the cover in the South and Ohio State is on the cover. Perhaps the SI cover jinx will continue.

More on Maddux

There has never been a unanimous selection to the HOF. Here are the immortals who came closest, along with the percentage of votes that some of baseball’s greatest players received:

98.8 Nolan Ryan

98.8 Tom Seaver

98.5 Cal Ripken

98.2 Ty Cobb

98.2 George Brett

97.8 Hank Aaron

95.1 Babe Ruth

94.7 Willie Mays

93.4 Ted Williams

93.2 Stan Musial

88.2 Mickey Mantle

83.2 Warren Spahn: most wins since 1930

Brett’s popularity obviously helped total so many votes. How could anyone not vote for Hank Aaron: baseball’s home run king and the first player to tally both 500 home runs and 3000 hits? Nolan Ryan won the most games in recent history and broke the all time strikeout record. Perhaps since earlier greats like Ruth and Cobb did not receive 100% of the votes, some voters take it upon themselves to make sure the Aarons and Nolan Ryans do not either.

Some say Greg Maddux has as good a chance as any to be a unanimous choice. Mad Dog won four straight Cy Young Awards, and was the first pitcher in history to win four. Maddux won more games than anyone since Warren Spahn. He dominated his era, and won at least 15 games in a record 17 straight seasons (He won at least 13 games in 19 straight seasons). He won 18 Gold Gloves, more than any player in history. Maddux’s stats are better than Ryan and Seaver, who each tallied 98.8% of the HOF vote – the highest in history.

PL…wins..losses..win %..era…WHIP…yr..CY..strikeouts

GM…355…227…61.0…3.16…1.143…23…4…3371

TS.…311…205…60.3…2.86…1.121…20…3…3640

NR….324…292…52.6…3.19…1.247…27…0…5714

Counter Moves

Whenever a NL East team obtains a player, some fans think the Braves must immediately make a corresponding counter move - regardless of the current roster plan.

Fans want the roster to be built now. If the Braves don’t make moves this week the front office is considered weak. ”They don’t care about winning” is the cry. These fans have no patience, forgetting that players can be added at any time. Spring training doesn’t start for another two months. Opening Day is two months after that. What is their hurry?

Though they really weren’t, in hindsight past moves could be considered counter moves. Signing Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami. Trades for Teixeira and JD Drew. Last year the Nats and Phillies traded valued prospects for centerfielders. To counter the Braves signed the best available free agent centerfielder. Instead of sating the fan’s desire, the moves only drew complaints. Fans will complain no matter what the Braves do.

Fans complained when Dale Murphy was traded. Dale’s body was worn out from years of pounding. He gave his all for the Braves. Based on his performance in Philadelphia and Colorado, it was the right move. To get anything in return was a plus. The same could be said for Tom Glavine and John Smoltz and Jeff Francoeur. Or even the great Hank Aaron, who asked to be traded to Milwaukee to finish his career. Rafael Furcal has continuously battled injuries since he left the Braves. The Braves did well to not overpay for aging, oft-injured veterans Brian McCann and Tim Hudson. There are other fish in the sea.

Rosters are not put together haphazardly. There are plans at every position, and backup plans. A wise team does not sign players just because another team makes a move. Sometimes a player will fall into a team’s lap, but most of the time it’s best to stick to the plan. Better to not sign an expensive free agent with questionable ability and instead wait to see how the rookie performs. Most times the numbers are the same – at the worst. And for less money.

Fans often tout players that when you check their numbers, aren’t any better than what the Braves already have at a less expensive price. “Why don’t they get so & so?” they ask. Other fans agree, not connecting the dots. Then there’re all mad at the team for not making moves, when in fact the Braves are following the best course. It’s not worth arguing with the fools, or trying to prove them wrong. Their mind is made up. They don’t listen to reason – or facts.

DOB is riddled with inane proposals, so much so that a Twitter was set up to highlight them. Many come from young fans, or ignorant fans who just recently set up their Twitter. They tweet first and think later.

Glavine: HOF First Ballot?

Though Tom Glavine won 305 games and two Cy Young Awards (and was runner up four other times) some wonder if the 1995 World Series MVP will be voted in to the HOF on the first ballot. A comparison of Glavine’s career to other recent first-ballot HOF pitchers prove that the Braves’ lefty is a deserving choice. Glavine had a better winning percentage than Steve Carlton or Bob Gibson, and won more games than media darling Jim Palmer.

SC…329…244…57.4…3.22…1.247…24…4…4136

TG…305…203…60.0…3.54…1.314…22…2…2607

BG…251…174…59.0…2.91…1.188…17…2…3117

JP.…268…152…63.8…2.86…1.180…19…3…2212

Dan Schlossberg reminds me that Glavine is the fourth-winningest lefthander of all-time. He also says some writers might hold against him his role in the failed 1994 labor negotiations.

I wonder if the nickname section of Glavine’s HOF plaque will read “Tomahawkin’ Tom”.

Ohio State: A Deserving #2?

Ohio State: Sunday night on the BCS show everyone seemed to agree that OSU shouldn’t get to play for the championship. Their only argument is that they haven’t lost. In the past undefeated teams that played a weak schedule were left out. OSU hasn’t won very convincingly enough. They could very well lose to Michigan State.

The difference between OSU and FSU: the Seminoles may have played a weak ACC schedule, but they dominated every opponent. They blew out #3 Clemson and #5 Miami, as well as SEC rival Florida. FSU belongs. Either Auburn or Missouri need to win convincingly to leapfrog Ohio State.

UGA might probably beat UCF. Would be close. UGA would be ranked higher, except for their four losses: to Clemson, Missouri, Vandy, and Auburn. UGA’s schedule was on of the toughest in the country. Keep winning, and you don’t drop in the rankings. Not saying that is right. UCF is ranked higher because they’ve only lost one game – to South Carolina, a top ten team. But take away one bad call in that SC game and UCF would be undefeated.

Some of the play calls are bad. I don’t understand. What I hate are the delayed runs up the middle on third and short or fourth and short. If you don’t hit the line quick, you are especially sunk. A QB draw is great, but so often running off tackle or around the end on a short yardage play gives the defense time to pursue and stuff the play. And passes to the sideline don’t work well either. I never was good at play-calling. The best play-callers seem to always be calling unexpected plays that catch the defense off guard.

Some criticized Saban for going for the field goal, but winning 3 national championships in 4 years makes him above criticism. The kid was making from that distance in practice. I just wonder if now Saban bolts to Texas.

What I hate: Early in the Oregon State/Oregon game the State QB threw deep on fourth down, from the 35 yard line. Oregon intercepted in the end zone instead of knocking the ball down – so Oregon took over on the 20 instead of the 35. Another dumb play, like Yasiel Puig getting tagged out trying to take the extra base or throwing to the wrong base. Not like the old days, when players were more fundamentally sound.

When I started my walk Monday morning it wasn’t raining. Rain started when I was halfway done. Had to turn around.   

Rivalry Saturday

UGA/GT: Even up twenty I knew Tech would probably lose. The Jackets played their best ball of the season. Had Vad played that well against Virginia Tech or Miami, the Jackets would be playing next week in the ACC Championship Game. As it was, Tech still made too many mistakes to win the game: penalties, interception, etc.

I am always torn during this game. As a Tech grad, I hate to see my school embarrassed. Some Georgia fans take it to the extreme – no merely pulling for their school but belittling friends on the other side in the process. Sure it’s a rivalry, but any halfway knowledgeable football fan should know the schools operate in different stratospheres. Georgia is usually ranked among the best in the nation, recruiting the top athletes in the country. Tech operates the the middle of the mediocre ACC pack. The Jackets don’t belong on the same field as the Dawgs. There’s no reason Tech couldn’t be as competitive as Stanford or Northwestern (or even Vandy), but they’re not.

Since Georgia usually has more riding on the outcome of the game (a better bowl game, at the least) I hate to see them lose. Since Tech has played poorly all year, particularly in big games, and since Vad Lee has not taken to running the option efficiently and too often passes off his back foot, I have no problem watching Georgia win. If teams can win the games they’re supposed to win, it’s harder to watch them win games they’re supposed to lose.

Everything went Tech’s way in the first quarter. I counted at least four Hutson Mason passes that were in the receivers’ hands that weren’t caught. As expected, he handled himself well. QB won’t be Georgia’s problem in their bowl game. Vad Lee had a career day, though he still made several awkward, fading backward passes. One was intercepted. Vad is worse at running the option. This season’s 7-5 record is about as good as Tech can do with Lee at quarterback.

I wasn’t surprised that Vad Lee’s 4th down pass was batted away. I didn’t have my hopes up. I did stick around and watch the replays. When they finally showed the field level end zone replay I saw that it was clearly pass interference – a call rarely flagged in such situations. UGA got away with one. I want to watch that replay again this week.

Glad Gurley finally got rolling. He did great as a freshman, with GURLEY on the back of his jersey. As a sophomore this year his jersey read GURLEY II – and injuries caused his output to decline. Hopefully next season GURLEY III will be the best version of them all. It would be a shame for him to be limited by injuries his entire career. Some call him the best back in the nation, but Yeldon has quietly had a great season over in Tuscaloosa.

Two TV’s in the house, and both seemed to be on the wrong channel at crucial times. Tech had the ball in overtime, and the TV was on the Tennessee/Kentucky game or Oregon and whoever they were playing. Got to see the last play. The ground level end zone view showed clear pass interference.

Auburn/Alabama: This game wound down just as the Clemson game was starting. I hadn’t paid much attention to the Iron Bowl all afternoon, figuring Alabama would pull it out in the end. And sure enough, there was Alabama lining up to win the game – if not in regulation, then in overtime.

One TV was zeroed in on the Clemson game, so I gravitated back to the sunroom TV. As Alabama lined up to kick the field goal I was asked if the Clemson game was on TV yet. I had figured they had known that it was, but wanting to see the decisive field goal, I hesitated with my answer. Only when the field goal fell short did I say yes. As I figured, the channel was immediately changed. Only then did I see the Auburn player take off with the ball. Figuring he would most probably be tackled, I re-focused my attention on the Clemson game. Someone muttered something about Auburn winning, but I knew there hadn’t been enough time for overtime to begin. Then I glanced at my Facebook feed…something huge had happened. The crawl on the bottom of the screen told the story: the very return we saw went 109 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

SC/Clemson: Five Clemson turnovers were the difference in the game. Once again Tajh Boyd failed to perform in a big game. Clemson lost the two most important games they played, and now might have to face one-loss Alabama in the Orange Bowl. This year Clemson had about as good a team as they’ve ever had. They’ll be losing their two best players: QB Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins. Also their record-breaking kicker. SC is also losing their two best players, QB Connor Shaw and DL Clowney. I’m just wondering if the SC/Clemson matchup is becoming similar to GA/GT – it’s becoming harder and harder for ACC teams to compete with SEC schools.

After the game Ceil’s brother left the stadium and discovered his car had been towed. Made a bad, cold evening even worse.

Texas A&M/Missouri: Mizzou takes care of business.  Before the game the A&M coach locked in a new long term contract to keep him from bolting to USC. Should be interesting to see how successful he is one his quarterback and receivers bolt for the NFL next year.

USC/UCLA: Loved how both teams wore colored jerseys.

Central Florida/South Florida: UCF turned the ball over five times and still managed to win. You’re not going to play your best every week, but good teams fine a way to win even when they don’t play their best.

FSU/Florida: No surprises. Glad Florida didn’t just roll over from the start.

Wake Forest/Vandy: The mighty Commodores from the SEC couldn’t beat one of the worst ACC teams?

Ohio State/Michigan: Terrible call by the Michigan coach to go for two. I guess he had zero confidence in his kicker, who would’ve been a key component of the overtime. 

The Three F's

Last Wednesday I couldn’t get anyone to take me to work, so we weren’t able to leave early. Left work at 4 and drove home. Ate leftovers: beef tips and rice. Anna needed to go to a store up on Windward Parkway. After the store I dropped them off at Chickfila and got gas. Had pumpkin pie before going to bed.

Not much was going on Thursday. Every morning I ate me two fried eggs, which I combined with toast for a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. Did you watch the Macys Parade on TV? We did. Worked on the computer all day, which was fun. Watched the Lions and later the Cowboys. Had chicken tetrazzini for dinner. Anna went people watching at the mall from 9 to midnight.

Friday Will and MC arrived. I gassed up one car and took Matthew to Bojangles. Watched UCF beat South Florida. All the kids went to see the new Hunger Games movie.

Saturday I watched football all day. Will and MC left around 2 pm. I napped before the 3:30 games. Ceil took the kids horseback riding, which pleased Matthew. Ate leftovers for lunch and supper. More pumpkin pie. Finished the Bill Curry book. Very good.

Wasn’t feeling well Sunday morning. Finally started feeling better an hour or so later. Picked up lunch at Moes, which was crowded with church-goers. I thought lunch would invigorate me, but it made me drowsy. Ceil and Matthew took off for church. I watched the Falcons and the Auburn / Alabama replay with Will. Finished the Sexton book.

Ate good on Monday: grilled chicken breast and kale for lunch, one yogurt pack, cheerios for breakfast (no milk). Ceil cooked chili for supper. I did have some chips and salsa. Not as good today: leftover chili and Matthew’s leftover nachos. On the way home Monday I stopped by the library and got a haircut. Reading one of Michael Crichton’s earlier works: The Terminal Man.

No TV last night – everyone was busy with homework. I worked on eBay. Sold a shirt, football jersey, bear cap, pennant, jacket, and two sweatshirts.

It’s gotten busy here at work. Would be good to take off Friday. Didn’t walk Monday or last week, but back on track today.

The three F’s: Family, Food, and Football.

Biggio: Jobbed by HOF Vote?

A member of the 3000 hit club, Craig Biggio was not voted into the Hall in his first year of eligibility. His main offense may have been the city he played in: Houston. Biggio was the first member of the 3000 hit club who began his career as a catcher. This year he’s on the ballot with Maddux, Glavine, Mike Mussina, Frank Thomas, and others. His stats are in line with several other 3000 club members who did make the HOF on the first ballot:   

WB…3010…18…328…415…443…858…12

RC…3053…19…328…393…429…822…18, MVP,ROY

KP…2304…12…318…360…477…837…10

PM…3319…21…306…369…448…817….7

GB…3154…20…305…369…487…857…13, MVP

RY…3142…20…285…342…430…772….3 + 2 MVP

CB…3060…20…281…363…433…796….7

RH…3055…25…279…401…419…820…10

CR…3184…21…276…340…447…788…19

Wade Boggs played in Boston and New York.

Rod Carew was a high-average singles hitter in the 60’s & 70’s.

Kirby Puckett only played 12 years, but the media darling was on track for 3000 hits.

Paul Molitor spend most of his career as a DH. Biggio caught and played both infield and outfield.

George Brett was a deserving HOF choice, and another media darling.

Robin Yount won two MVP’s and a World Series.

Rickey Henderson needed 25 seasons to tally 3055 hits, but he’s the stolen base king.

Cal Ripken had a lower average, OBP, and OPS than Biggio, but played in nearby Baltimore.

Total QB Rating

Looking at these ratings, it seems obvious that there is a direct correlation between superior quarterback play and a successful football season. YTD stats updated to include games from the Thanksgiving weekend.

1. 91.9 Jameis Winston, FSU

2. 90.1 Marcus Mariota, Oregon

3. 89.0 Bryce Petty, Baylor

4. 85.4 Aaron Murray, Georgia

5. 85.3 Clint Chief, Oklahoma State

6. 85.2 Braxton Miller, Ohio State

7. 85.1 Zach Mettenberger, LSU

8. 84.5 Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

9. 83.5 AJ McCarron, Alabama

10. 82.9 Brett Hundley, UCLA

11. 80.7 Joe Southwick, Boise State

12. 80.7 Nick Marshall, Auburn

13. 79.4 Marquise Williams, North Carolina

14. 79.4 Tajh Boyd, Clemson

15. 78.7 Stephen Morris, Miami

19. 77.8 Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

20. 77.7 James Franklin, Missouri

22. 76.6 Derek Carr, Fresno State

23. 76.5 Connor Shaw, South Carolina

25. 75.1 Blake Bortles, Central Florida

35. 72.3 Anthony Boone, Duke

38. 70.2 Bo Wallace, Ole Miss

44. 66.3 Bryn Renner, North Carolina

45. 66.3 Chase Rettig, Boston College

46. 65.9 Devin Gardner, Michigan

50. 65.2 Blake Bell, Oklahoma

55. 63.0 Tom Savage, Pittsburgh

59. 61.8 Jalen Whitlow, Kentucky

65. 59.9 Brandon Connette, Duke

69. 58.8 Terrel Hunt, Syracuse

73. 58.0 Brandon Allen, Arkansas

78. 57.0 CJ Brown, Maryland

80. 55.5 Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

81. 55.4 Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

82. 52.3 Austyn Carta-Samuels, Vanderbilt

89. 48.7 Tyler Murphy, Florida

92. 48.4 Vad Lee, Georgia Tech

95. 46.9 Pete Thomas, NC State

101. 43.7 Colin Reardon, Kentucky

103. 40.8 Tanner Price, Wake Forest

Last Week: (1) Brett Hundley, (6) Braxton Miller, (7) Nick Marshall, (13) Connor Shaw, (14) Jameis Winston, (16) AJ McCarron, (35) Tajh Boyd, (44) Bryce Petty, (45) Marcus Mariota, (46) Johnny Manziel, (52) Vad Lee 63.7, (54) Hutson Mason 63.2.

  

Starting Out Right

I ate bad Tuesday night: Matthew's Velveeta cheese dip, apple pie, English muffin. Then I went to meet with my small group guys. More cheese dip and some pastries. Also stopped at the library, dollar store, and Kroger. Wednesday afternoon Will picked up MC at the airport.

Thanksgiving

Several people are posting something they are thankful for each day in November. That's great. Thinking about it, I needed to get somewhat organized and the thankful for things in the right order, and to make sure I didn't leave out anything important. Still, I wrote this quickly, spending less time that I should.

1. God. The Father. He is in control.

2. Jesus. My Savior.

3. The Holy Spirit. Thankful that He lives inside me and guides me.

4. God’s great provision for me and my family.

5. For our planet. God’s creation. An amazing place.

6. My wife Ceil. Today is her birthday. I couldn’t make it through life without her.

7. For my son Will. Great student, athlete, and leader. Knows what’s important. Inhibited. Thirsts for knowledge. Loves Jesus.

8. For my daughter Anna. Amazingly talented. Works hard at school. Loves to read. Leader. People want to be around her. Great people skills. Careful driver. Loves Jesus.

9. For my son Matthew. Artist. Musical. Great writer. Thoughtful. Hilarious. Loves Jesus.

10. For parents. All they’ve done for us. Their sacrifice and patience, despite us constantly letting them down. For their health.

11. Family.

12. My job.

13. The spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given me. I’m different than others, and that’s ok.

14. My body.

15. My mind.

16. My friends.

17. Our church.

18. Our home.

19. Our dog. Barney has been a blessing to our family. Always happy and smiling.

20. Those who have taught and led and been an example to me along the way. Jim. Fred. Jeff. Steve. Lee. And many more.

21. For baseball. The leather. The grass. The crack of the bat.

22. For our government. It could be worse.

23. For living where we do. The weather is great, and it’s not too far from family, the mountains, or the beach.

24. My sense of humor. Everyone doesn’t think I’m funny, but that’s ok.

25. Food. Hamburgers. Ice cream. Pie. Pizza. Soft drinks. Casseroles. BBQ. Lasagna. Burritos. Popcorn.

26. My favorite things. Shoes. Uniforms. Books. TV.

27. For reliable cars that don’t break down – much. Especially on days like today, when traffic is bad.  

28. Thanksgiving. Great food, family fellowship, and football. Though I rarely have a chance to watch the games I’d like to on Thanksgiving Day.

29. Thankful I don’t have to get out among those crazy Black Friday shoppers. But I am thankful for sales, and our country’s ability to deliver products to consumers.

30. Once again I am thankful for God, for all these wonderful gifts. And for great rivalry football games: Tech/Georgia, Carolina/Clemson, Alabama/Auburn.