Cleveland Rocks!!!

(If you know who this guy is then you know more about Cleveland history than I, and for that I tip my cap).

“All the little chicks with the crimson lips go…Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks!!”

For almost a decade this tune was forever synonymous in my head with the Drew Carey show, for which it was the theme song. Until today I thought it was written specifically for the show, only to find out (when I googled the song to make sure the aforementioned lyrics were accurate) it was written by Ian Hunter almost 40 years ago. Who is Ian Hunter, you ask? I don’t know, maybe my parents do. But I digress.

The song later held even more meaning for me as Cleveland became home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As a town that would celebrate the history of rock, it is only apropos that Cleveland does indeed rock. (As side note if you have never been to the RRHOF I suggest you go. I went for the first time last summer and you could spend days there and still not take it all in. The large IMAX projection screens showing rock legends collaborating on their hits is worth the price of admission by itself).

But prior to last night, if you were to tell me that Cleveland Rocks because it is an awesome sports town, I’d have simply laughed in your face and shook my head. Not quite 40 years old yet, I hadn’t seen the city win a professional championship prior to last night. I had however, seen my share of the ‘ole Lucy pulling the football from under Charlie Brown’s feet’ several times, however. Whether it was the Drive, The Fumble, Jose Mesa’s One Out from Hell, or the Cavs playoff woes, Cleveland was destined to be the laughingstock of the sports world.

That is until last night. Following the Cleveland Cavaliers game 7 win over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, I can now say that I have witnessed a pro team from Northeast Ohio win it all in my lifetime. And ‘Cleveland Rocks!!’ in the sports world as well as contemporary society as well.

The Cavs forged a new legacy last night, but last night wasn’t about just an individual. It was about a team that, after falling behind in the series 2-0 and then 3-1, clawing its way back to three straight victories. It was about several individuals letting go of their need to be the go to guy (as they might have been on their previous teams) and settling into the role that best helped the team. And it was about an owner (Dan Gilbert) and a coach (Tyronn Lue) having the faith and humility necessary to help guide this team to a championship.

And while I admit I didn’t think the Cavs could beat the Warriors, especially after the way they were blown out in the first two games in Oakland, I couldn’t be happier that they proved me wrong. I have had a lot of people call me out as being a doubter, but, given the aforementioned heartbreak Cleveland sports teams have put me through, didn’t I have a right to be a little skeptical? As the clock raced under 30 seconds, it hit me like a ton of bricks: Cleveland was going to celebrate its first pro title in more than five decades. And even though I am not from the area, I feel like I can empathize. After all, living in Central Ohio, if it weren’t for the OSU Buckeyes, I would find myself in the same situation.  (And that my father lived there for a brief period of time during his young adult years allows me unofficially adopt the city as my own, too.)

So congratulations to the Cleveland Cavaliers for winning their first ever NBA title. And Cleveland fans you can rest a bit easier now.  Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks!!!....Ohio!!!

Can the Cavaliers Win Game 2?

Good afternoon, all.

It has been a few months since I have written anything. I hope to change that in the near future, even as warmer weather lends to spending more time outside.

Anyway, without further adieu, let's get to the subject of today's post.

The Cleveland Cavaliers look to even the series at one apiece when they play the Golden State Warriors tonight, but it will not be easy. The Warriors have played like the team we all thought they were the last four games, and it appears they could very well be on their way to a second consecutive NBA championship.

In fact, upon closer examination it appears the Warriors have much more in common with the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls than just 70+ wins. If Stephen Curry’s 30.4 points per game average during the regular season didn’t seem a bit Jordanesque, then maybe what he has done in the playoffs will equal His Airness. Fighting off a sprained knee, Curry has helped lead his team back to the finals and a 1-0 series lead on the heels of a four-game winning streak. That neither Curry nor Klay Thompson(GS’s version of Scottie Pippen) shot all that well for Golden State on Thursday night (only 8 for 27 from the field) doesn’t bode well for the Cavs heading into game 2.

The good news for Cleveland and its fans is that there is plenty of basketball left to be played. The Cavs need to dust themselves off, forget about Thursday night’s horrid performance, and ready themselves to even the score tonight in Oakland. All questions about Lebron James’ legacy aside, the Cavaliers will need a team effort to be Golden State. Not just tonight, but in the series overall as well. They cannot expect to turn the ball over even a dozen times a game (let alone the 15 turnovers they committed in game 1) and win this series. Nor does shooting 18 of 20 from the line mean all that much when you can’t even shoot above 40% from the field.

So while fans and the media alike contemplate whether this is the best chance for Cleveland to bring home an NBA title, let’s all hope that the players are focused nothing but winning game 2.  

Blue Jackets look to have breakout season

On the eve of the season opener for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the goal is simple: win. Win enough games to earn a playoff spot. Win enough games to earn one of the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference, assuring them home ice advantage at in the first round of the playoffs at least.

With a potential line that includes Ryan Johansen, Nick Foligno David Clarkson, the newly acquired Brandon Saad, and (when he returns from injury) defender Ryan Murray, that doesn't sound too hard (at least on paper). After all, last season the CBJ were able to amass 42 wins despite the fact they were one of the most injured squads in the NHL.

So it should be easy for the Jackets to take the next step and have the kind of breakout season fans are expecting, right? Not exactly. For whatever reason, it seems that the Blue Jackets (playoffs or not) are notorious for getting off to slow starts. And for a team that is looking to secure one of the top four seeds in the East, you just can't do that. Fans and experts will point to injuries (time missed by goalie Bob- Sergei Bobrovsky was certainly huge) and unfufilled expectations (see former Blue Jacket alums Marian Gaborik and Jeff Carter, among others) as reasons the CBJ just can't seem to break through.

But whatever the reason, the fact remains that Columbus can ill afford to have a slow start again. Especially considering the fact that they not only missed the playoffs by nine points last season, but they also only finished five points better than Philadelphia. It's not going to be easy as the Jackets face the New York Rangers(a team that they lost the season series to in '14-15) in the first to games.

This year will be different. At least Todd Richards and the Blue Jacket faithful hope so.

Ohio State Football: 5 Things

As the college football landscape has moved from the BCS to a playoff system, it appears more emphasis has been placed on who the top four teams in the nation are rather than the top 25. The Ohio State Buckeyes remained no. 1 in several polls this morning, but clearly there is debate as to whether they are truly the best team in the nation.

In the heat of the moment yesterday afternoon, I texted my buddies there was no way Ohio State deserved to be ranked no. 1 after their up and down performance against Indiana. As the rest of the games shook out and teams like Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and UCLA all lost, I cannot say that statement is totally accurate. As a matter of fact, I only know three things for certain: Ohio State is still undefeated; they did not play like the no. 1 team in the nation; they have a lot of room for improvement. Having said that here are my 5 biggest takeaways from yesterday's contest:

1. Turnovers, not poor play-calling, appear to be the core of the Buckeyes' offensive woes.
Through five games this season, the Buckeyes are -4 in turnover margin, turning the ball over 13 times. Compare that to last season when the Buckeyes were +3 in turnover differential. As a matter of fact, dating back to the national championship, Ohio State is now -8 in turnover margin. Championship teams do not turn the ball over, and even though the margin would suggest otherwise most experts would agree that the Bucks were fortunate to beat Oregon in last season's finale despite committing four turnovers. If they don't learn how to protect the football better, there's no way they will punch a ticket to Dallas or Miami.

2. The Buckeyes compounded the turnover issue with boneheaded penalties.
Yesterday against Indiana alone, Ohio State committed 8 penalties for 109 yards. Truth of the matter is there are very few games will be played mistake free. But many of the penalties, especially on the defensive side, were clearly unnecessary. They extended several Indiana drives and (along with the aforementioned turnovers) made the score look closer than it should have been.

3. On a positive note the Buckeyes finally got Zeke Elliot going, a trend they hope to continue next week against Maryland.
Elliot had the game Ohio State faithful were waiting for, rushing for 274 yards and 3 TDs. While they don't need 200+ yards from him every week, it is important they get him going early. Had Zeke scored at least two of those TDs in the first half they would have likely broken Indiana's spirit.

4.Cardale Jones might be operating on a short leash as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback.
The fourth-year junior has now thrown five interceptions and five TDs through five games. Looking back at last season, I noticed that J.T. Barrett had also thrown five picks through his first five games. The difference is that many times Jones appears to indecisive, which has in large part contributed to Ohio State's ineffectiveness. Barrett also had some growing pains last year as a freshman, but he was able to work past them. I'm not going to say Cardale can't get past these issues; whether Urban Meyer lets him do so is a totally different story altogether.

5. There is still a lot of football to be played, so everyone needs to be patient.
Fans and experts alike want to argue that Ohio State isn't the best team in the nation. And they didn't play like it yesterday afternoon in Bloomington. But it is also true that many people had written off the Buckeyes last season after their loss to Virginia Tech. With nine more weeks until the selection committee decides which four teams will participate in the second college football playoff, anything can happen.

College Football, Week 5: Playoff Contenders Emerge

As we move into conference play portion of the 2015 college football portion, the playoff contenders and pretenders begin to separate themselves. And while last week unofficially eliminated Oregon from the title picture, you can be sure that there will be more pretenders revealed this Saturday afternoon.

Chief among those games that will decide the playoff contenders and pretenders is the tilt between Clemson and Notre Dame. While it may be argued that neither team can lose this game, this contest may be more important to the Irish. Because the lack of a conference championship certainly means Notre Dame more than likely has to run the table to get invited to Miami or Dallas.

(As a side note while most teams play conference games this week Notre Dame versus Clemson is a no conference game due to the Irish's status as an independent. Atlthough technically they are a member of the ACC. But I don't have time for that debate today.)

Of course, that is not to say the Tigers won't be prepared for this contest. Deshaun Watson hopes to live up to the hype he garnered from high school with a victory in this marquee matchup. And they don't want to let down the Clemson faithful at home.

So the Irish hope their luck will continue for another week behind backup quarterback Deshone Kiser. But this just might be the week their luck runs out My prediction is Clemson 27, Notre Dame 17



Other teams in action:





1 Ohio State at Indiana: Buckeyes finally begin to put it together on offense. Ohio State 52, Indiana 25

3 Ole Miss at 25 Florida: In 2006 the Rebels handed would-be national champion Florida their only loss of the season. Gators hope to repay the favor but fall short. Ole Miss 20, Florida 19

13 Alabama at 8 Georgia: Nick Chubb's heisman effort isn't enough to in this battle of SEC West vs
SEC East.  Alabama 28, Georgia 21

Arizona State at 7 UCLA: Bruins continue their march toward one of the four playoff spots.  UCLA  42, Arizona State 14

Bonus pick:

Navy over Air Force: Mids get payback after losing commander in chief trophy last year, and in doing so put themselves in position to bring the trophy to Annapolis.

Memo to Bengals' Fans: Relax

The Cincinnati Bengals, at 3-0, sit alone at the top of the AFC North. Quarterback Andy Dalton is off to his best start since coming into the league, throwing for 866 yards, 8 TDs and only 1 interception.

Division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore seem to be heading in the opposite direction. The Steelers learned yesterday they will be without the services of Ben Roethlisberger for approximately six weeks. While Michael Vick would appear a competent backup, he's a relative newcomer to Pittsburgh offense.  The Ravens, 0-3 for the first time in franchise history, appear to be a team on the decline.

Then there are the Cleveland Browns, who can't seem to get out of their own way if their lives depended on it.

All of this should make Cincinnati fans fairly optimistic about the 2015 season. Yet that's not the impression I get. Reading comments on social media forums you'd think the Bengals were in last place.

I understand the aforementioned Mr. Dalton hasn't won a playoff game. I also get that it is still early in the season.

But c'mon Bengals fans, is it really time to panic yet? Even if Cincy had lost to Baltimore yesterday,  it wouldn't have been the collapse that fans have been used to.

Bottom line is Cincy fans need to relax and enjoy the moment. Because while they are worrying about when the other shoe will drop, the rest of the AFC is worried the Bengals might be serious contenders come playoff time

Ohio State's Woes, Bret Bielema's Foes

Good morning all!!! Welcome back to college football! I know it's already week 3 of the 2015 season, so sue me.

I usually try not to put too much emphasis on the Ohio State Buckeyes during my weekly preview, but they are currently the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. As such, I will give my take on how they can maintain that ranking.

Front and center is the quarterback situation, where head coach Urban Meyer must make a decision as to whom is going to be the No. 1 quarterback. Personally I think if he feels that Cardale Jones did enough at the end of last season to be the starter, then he should stick with Cardale. The quarterback carousel he is employing now not only hurts the Buckeyes' offensive continuity, it also doesn't allow Jones to establish a rapport with any of his receivers.

To those who say the offense operates more efficiently with Barrett under center, I hear you. Of course everyone does remember before Barrett pulled off the overtime heroics against Penn State last season that he didn't have a great game, either (for the record, he only threw for 74 yards and 1 TD with 2 interceptions). Even before that, it did take both the Navy and Virginia Tech games before Barrett and the offense finally started clicking against the University of Cincinnati. So let's give Jones at least another week before calling for him to be benched.

Then there is the issue of how to best use Braxton Miller. My theory is that if he isn't going to throw the ball at least a couple of times a game, there is no sense in lining him up directly behind center. As a matter of fact, I would say Ohio State would be better off by converting him to flanker and having him work more with Jones. He definitely has the speed to be this season's Devin Smith, now let's see if he has the ability.

While I could go on about Ohio State, I won't. It's on to the resident punchline of the 2015 college football season, aka Arkansas Razorback head coach Bret Bielema. Bielema earned this distinction by calling out Ohio State (sorry this is the last time I mention them until my game preview) for their rather weak schedule. Of course, Bielema's Hogs couldn't even beat Toledo, of the Mid-American conference, the following week. Which not only has Bret still wiping the egg off of his face, it has the other coaches and teams in the SEC waiting for their shot at Arkansas. After all, who wants to be the team who lost to the team that got beat by Toledo?

On to a preview of today's match ups, with lines and my predictions (teams in bold are prediction to cover)

22 Missouri (-20.5) vs. Connecticut- This is one game where the SEC doesn't have to worry about a non power 5 school beating one of their own. At least Maty Mauk and company don't think so.

16 Oklahoma (-30) vs. Tulsa- Last season's contest ended up being a 52-7 Sooners route. So what, 2015 is a new year? Okay, so the Sooners give up 14 points this time around.

4 Michigan State (off) vs. Air Force- What was the name of the Falcons quarterback who threw for all those yards in the nineties? Cause they could use him today against the Spartans.

17 Texas A&M (-34) vs. Nevada- The verdict is still not in on whether Kyle Allen will be the Aggies' next Heisman winner. Against the Wolf Pack, he wont have to be.

12 Oregon (-45.5) vs Georgia State- For completely sentimental reasons, I'd love to see Georgia State make a game of this. My head tells me though that even if Vernon Adams doesn't start at QB, the Ducks still roll.

14 Georgia Tech (-2.5) at 8 Notre Dame- My upset special of the week, I am picking the Golden Domers at home to carry the momentum from last week's wild win with them for at least another game. Even without Malik Zaire at quarterback.

2 Alabama (-6.5) vs 15 Ole Miss- While I am not sure the rebels can win in Tuscaloosa, I am picking them to cover the spread.

That is all I have time for today folks, stay tuned for my Top 25 rankings to be released on Monday Morning!