After a frustrating opening weekend in which the UC Davis men's basketball team dropped all three of its games, the Aggies finally got in the win column Wednesday night.
The Aggies got 16 points and 11 rebounds from senior Joe Harden in a 70-49 victory over visiting UC Santa Cruz. The Division III Banana Slugs were led by 12 points and 4 rebounds from Ryan Matsuoka.
It was critical for the Aggies to get their first win of the year Wednesday night, just three days removed from arriving home after a tough tournament in Oregon. The Aggies lost over the weekend to Florida Atlantic, Portland and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. UC Davis is now 1-3 on the season.
Boise State comes to town for the Aggies on Sunday at 1:00pm at the Pavillion.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Midseason NFL Report
Its that time of year. Its nearing the end of Week 10 in the NFL and unlike any other year in recent memory, it is a true tossup. Week in and week out, favorites are getting defeated by mediocre teams, and it seems the only constant in this season was that the home team had a good chance of winning. The best record in football is 7-2? And its held by the predictable Jets and Patriots, not to mention the Falcons who might have the best 12th man in football (sorry Seattle). If the playoffs started today the Raiders would be in? The Chiefs were the last undefeated team? Brett and Chuck's favorite two teams are a combined 4-14???? Even though personally its a down year for football, this season is very memorable because of the unpredictability of this season. What follows is a midseason NFL report of all 32 teams, and the prediction of their final record.
NFC EAST
Giants
Current Record: 6-3
Final Record: 10-6
They're averaging 263 yards passing a game, and that's 6th in the NFL. In the other major categories they rank in the top 5, needless to say Peyton's little brother and co. has been tearing it up in the NFL this first half. Even though Jason Garrett and the Cowboys took away some of their swagger (at least defensively by scoring 33 pts), this Giants team is destined to stay on track to make the playoffs, especially in an NFC that could send an 8-8 team to the playoffs. 4 of their next 7 games are division games with 2 against Philly and 2 against the Skins. Throw in Jacksonville, Minnesota, and the pesky Green Bay Packers and a 4-3 record to end the season is a safe bet. Would be good enough to win the NFC East if not for this next team...
Eagles
Current Record: 5-3 (and if they continue this romp of the Redskins, 6-3)
Final Record: 11-5 (win NFC East)
The secret to this team's success is obviously Michael Vick. When he's on the field, the obvious candidate for Comeback Player of the Year turns this offense into the quickest in the NFL. With DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin flying around the field and the breathtaking arm/feet of Vick, this Eagles team is nothing to mess with. Don't let the team stats fool you: 13th in passing yards, 5th in rushing, 13th in opp passing yards, 12th in opp rushing yards. This team is arguably a top 5 team not only in the NFC but in the whole NFL. Not enough can be said about Vick though. Vick has played in 5 games this year, with 7 TD's and 0 (that's right 0) INT. He's completed 76 passes for over 1000 yards, along with 261 yds rushing with 2 rushing TD's it looks like the sky's the limit for Vick and the Eagles. Looks like unloading McNabb may have been the right idea, touche Andy Reid. They still have Dallas and New York twice in December and January, but if Vick can lead this team to a division title, ol' number 7 will definitely be in the MVP discussion.
Redskins
Current Record: 4-4
Final Record: 5-11
Washington seems a little more two faced then Harvey Dent. Some weeks they look like they can hold their own at least defensively while McNabb is working with what he's got. Other weeks, such as the loss to Detroit last week and the whole "Grossman gives us the best chance to win" statement by Shanahan, and this team looks like a deer in headlights. Such as tonight, currently the Redskins are getting pounced by 28 in the first quarter. Good news for the Skins, is that Donovan McNabb is staying in Washington for the next 5 years. Bad news, is that their schedule doesn't get any easier with their easiest game being either against Minnesota or against Jacksonville, games that could go either way. Also, McNabb probably won't be there for the next 5 years. I don't see them getting anywhere in the second half, and falter to a 1-7 finish. Better luck next year (maybe).
Cowboys
Current Record: 2-7
Final Record: 6-10
Being a Dallas Cowboys fan, the first half of the NFL season was quite a let down to say the least. Coming into the season I requested every Sunday off of work, so I can sit and scream at the TV in my DeMarcus Ware jersey and hopefully celebrate a Cowboy victory. After a very dismal start, with a close loss to Washington, embarrasing loss to Chicago, and finally a Texas Bowl victory over Houston, at 1-2 my Cowboys were looking to straighten things out. Then the wheels completely came off, the plane crashed into the mountain, the "first team to host their own Super Bowl" prediction turned into "first team eliminated from playoff contention". It seemed week after week, the Cowboys would play pretty well, and despite giving up points in the 30's (and sometimes 40's) they would still only lose by single digits. Tony Romo went down, Jon Kitna never really showed up, and Wade Phillips looked like he held the best season ticket you can possibly get instead of a Head Coach. But maybe with a breath of fresh air in the form of familiar face Jason Garrett, this very talented team might get that kick in the rear that they need and finish proudly. As a fan I will never ever root for my team to tank, and with the kind of talent they got I can see them start to turn things around with a 4-3 record to end the season and give this team some motivation for next year unless there's a lockout. That is unless they go 8 in a row, make the playoffs and beyond......in an unpredictable season such as this one anything can happen.
Check in tomorrow from 12-1 PM on 95.7 KDRT or on KDRT.org for the Brett and Chuck Power Hour, the best hour in radio..history....period.
NFC EAST
Giants
Current Record: 6-3
Final Record: 10-6
They're averaging 263 yards passing a game, and that's 6th in the NFL. In the other major categories they rank in the top 5, needless to say Peyton's little brother and co. has been tearing it up in the NFL this first half. Even though Jason Garrett and the Cowboys took away some of their swagger (at least defensively by scoring 33 pts), this Giants team is destined to stay on track to make the playoffs, especially in an NFC that could send an 8-8 team to the playoffs. 4 of their next 7 games are division games with 2 against Philly and 2 against the Skins. Throw in Jacksonville, Minnesota, and the pesky Green Bay Packers and a 4-3 record to end the season is a safe bet. Would be good enough to win the NFC East if not for this next team...
Eagles
Current Record: 5-3 (and if they continue this romp of the Redskins, 6-3)
Final Record: 11-5 (win NFC East)
The secret to this team's success is obviously Michael Vick. When he's on the field, the obvious candidate for Comeback Player of the Year turns this offense into the quickest in the NFL. With DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin flying around the field and the breathtaking arm/feet of Vick, this Eagles team is nothing to mess with. Don't let the team stats fool you: 13th in passing yards, 5th in rushing, 13th in opp passing yards, 12th in opp rushing yards. This team is arguably a top 5 team not only in the NFC but in the whole NFL. Not enough can be said about Vick though. Vick has played in 5 games this year, with 7 TD's and 0 (that's right 0) INT. He's completed 76 passes for over 1000 yards, along with 261 yds rushing with 2 rushing TD's it looks like the sky's the limit for Vick and the Eagles. Looks like unloading McNabb may have been the right idea, touche Andy Reid. They still have Dallas and New York twice in December and January, but if Vick can lead this team to a division title, ol' number 7 will definitely be in the MVP discussion.
Redskins
Current Record: 4-4
Final Record: 5-11
Washington seems a little more two faced then Harvey Dent. Some weeks they look like they can hold their own at least defensively while McNabb is working with what he's got. Other weeks, such as the loss to Detroit last week and the whole "Grossman gives us the best chance to win" statement by Shanahan, and this team looks like a deer in headlights. Such as tonight, currently the Redskins are getting pounced by 28 in the first quarter. Good news for the Skins, is that Donovan McNabb is staying in Washington for the next 5 years. Bad news, is that their schedule doesn't get any easier with their easiest game being either against Minnesota or against Jacksonville, games that could go either way. Also, McNabb probably won't be there for the next 5 years. I don't see them getting anywhere in the second half, and falter to a 1-7 finish. Better luck next year (maybe).
Cowboys
Current Record: 2-7
Final Record: 6-10
Being a Dallas Cowboys fan, the first half of the NFL season was quite a let down to say the least. Coming into the season I requested every Sunday off of work, so I can sit and scream at the TV in my DeMarcus Ware jersey and hopefully celebrate a Cowboy victory. After a very dismal start, with a close loss to Washington, embarrasing loss to Chicago, and finally a Texas Bowl victory over Houston, at 1-2 my Cowboys were looking to straighten things out. Then the wheels completely came off, the plane crashed into the mountain, the "first team to host their own Super Bowl" prediction turned into "first team eliminated from playoff contention". It seemed week after week, the Cowboys would play pretty well, and despite giving up points in the 30's (and sometimes 40's) they would still only lose by single digits. Tony Romo went down, Jon Kitna never really showed up, and Wade Phillips looked like he held the best season ticket you can possibly get instead of a Head Coach. But maybe with a breath of fresh air in the form of familiar face Jason Garrett, this very talented team might get that kick in the rear that they need and finish proudly. As a fan I will never ever root for my team to tank, and with the kind of talent they got I can see them start to turn things around with a 4-3 record to end the season and give this team some motivation for next year unless there's a lockout. That is unless they go 8 in a row, make the playoffs and beyond......in an unpredictable season such as this one anything can happen.
Check in tomorrow from 12-1 PM on 95.7 KDRT or on KDRT.org for the Brett and Chuck Power Hour, the best hour in radio..history....period.
Early Week Notes
Some early week notes from the sports world:
-Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization and will manage their Triple-A affiliate team in 2011. We discussed Ryne Sandberg in one of our November 3 blogs, entitled "Adios Ryno," and how he had been passed over in the selection of the new manager of the Chicago Cubs. Now, he will be the head honcho of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Sandberg, a longtime Cubbie, was very disappointed after not being chosen to manage the Cubs in 2011 or manage another MLB team. ""I spent the four years in the minor leagues to manage at the major league level, and that's where my heart is and that's what my next step is. That's where I look next. So I'll take it a step at a time and see if there's another opportunity out there and go from there," he said last month when the Cubs hired Mike Quade.
Hopefully Sandberg will be able to score a Major League job in 2012, if not sooner. Midseason firings at the MLB level are rare, but do happen on occasion. Hard to see him going back to the Cubs though, my guess is his major league job would have to be elsewhere.
__________________________________________________________________
-The struggles for our local Sacramento Kings continue (sadface). After an exciting 3-1 start to this season's campaign, the team has now dropped five straight contests, including four at home. Elias Sports Buearu had an interesting note following Sunday's home loss to the Detroit Pistons;
The Kings' 100-94 defeat to the Pistons was Sacramento's fourth straight home loss. Since the start of the 2006-2007 season, the Kings have had 11 different home losing streaks of at least four games, most in the NBA over that span. In the previous eight seasons (1998-1999 through 2005-2006), Sacramento only lost four straight games at ARCO Arena once, in December 2005.
I miss the days when ARCO was such a tough place to win at! During the Kings "glory years" when I was just becoming a teen, it seemed every home game was practically a guaranteed Kings victory. Looking back at the 2002-2003 season, the Kings were an NBA best 35-6 at home. Unfortunately it is 2010, and those Kings already boast four home losses, and its only mid-November.
At some point soon I'd love to blog about the future of the Kings; whether it truly will be in Sacramento or not, and what it will take to turn around the franchise.
__________________________________________________________________
Blasphemy! I'm all for Deron Williams having a strong week (Jazz were 4-0, he averaged 23 points, 11.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds), but no way was he the Western Conference Player of the Week. No way!!!!! Not when the Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love averages 21.0 points and 20.3 rebounds. Granted the Timberwolves had a 2-2 week (beat Sacramento), Love still wrecked havoc on the boards all week, and for that, I grant him my Western Conference Player of the Week award, with Deron Williams as an honorable mention.
-Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization and will manage their Triple-A affiliate team in 2011. We discussed Ryne Sandberg in one of our November 3 blogs, entitled "Adios Ryno," and how he had been passed over in the selection of the new manager of the Chicago Cubs. Now, he will be the head honcho of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Sandberg, a longtime Cubbie, was very disappointed after not being chosen to manage the Cubs in 2011 or manage another MLB team. ""I spent the four years in the minor leagues to manage at the major league level, and that's where my heart is and that's what my next step is. That's where I look next. So I'll take it a step at a time and see if there's another opportunity out there and go from there," he said last month when the Cubs hired Mike Quade.
Hopefully Sandberg will be able to score a Major League job in 2012, if not sooner. Midseason firings at the MLB level are rare, but do happen on occasion. Hard to see him going back to the Cubs though, my guess is his major league job would have to be elsewhere.
__________________________________________________________________
-The struggles for our local Sacramento Kings continue (sadface). After an exciting 3-1 start to this season's campaign, the team has now dropped five straight contests, including four at home. Elias Sports Buearu had an interesting note following Sunday's home loss to the Detroit Pistons;
The Kings' 100-94 defeat to the Pistons was Sacramento's fourth straight home loss. Since the start of the 2006-2007 season, the Kings have had 11 different home losing streaks of at least four games, most in the NBA over that span. In the previous eight seasons (1998-1999 through 2005-2006), Sacramento only lost four straight games at ARCO Arena once, in December 2005.
I miss the days when ARCO was such a tough place to win at! During the Kings "glory years" when I was just becoming a teen, it seemed every home game was practically a guaranteed Kings victory. Looking back at the 2002-2003 season, the Kings were an NBA best 35-6 at home. Unfortunately it is 2010, and those Kings already boast four home losses, and its only mid-November.
At some point soon I'd love to blog about the future of the Kings; whether it truly will be in Sacramento or not, and what it will take to turn around the franchise.
__________________________________________________________________
Blasphemy! I'm all for Deron Williams having a strong week (Jazz were 4-0, he averaged 23 points, 11.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds), but no way was he the Western Conference Player of the Week. No way!!!!! Not when the Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love averages 21.0 points and 20.3 rebounds. Granted the Timberwolves had a 2-2 week (beat Sacramento), Love still wrecked havoc on the boards all week, and for that, I grant him my Western Conference Player of the Week award, with Deron Williams as an honorable mention.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
NFL Picks
A tad late, so the NFL picks won't be nearly as thorough as I dreamed. Alas, here they are....
Buffalo over Detroit: Yes, Bills fans, the victory bell finally rings and the home crowd goes wild.
Minnesota over Chicago: Brett Favre won't throw for 400+ yards, but he and A.P. will get a win on the road.
New York Jets over Cleveland: I wanted to pick the Browns, simply because of their effort last week beating New England, but I see the Jets getting things in order following a shutout loss at home last weekend. One thing is for sure, one Ryan brother will beat another.
Cincinnati over Indianapolis: This one isn't even an obligatory pick. I think the team we all thought Cincinnati could be finally puts together a game.
Tennessee over Miami: Chris Johnson runs wild in a strong Titans win.
Tampa Bay over Carolina: The Panthers cannot win without a quarterback.
Houston over Jacksonville: The Texans bounce back from a frustrating home loss to beat the up-and-down Jaguars.
Kansas City over Denver: D.J. Williams really put a damper on the Broncos' already shaky season.
New York Giants over Dallas: Eli makes sure the new era doesn't start well for the Cowboys.
Arizona ties Seattle: I think no one wins this game. Tie.
San Francisco over Seattle: A "bye" week gave the 49ers a chance to prepare to stop rookie Sam Bradford and the Rams.
Pittsburgh over New England: A great Sunday night matchup. The home team gains the edge.
Philadelphia over Washington: This Monday night affair is another retro Vick party.
Buffalo over Detroit: Yes, Bills fans, the victory bell finally rings and the home crowd goes wild.
Minnesota over Chicago: Brett Favre won't throw for 400+ yards, but he and A.P. will get a win on the road.
New York Jets over Cleveland: I wanted to pick the Browns, simply because of their effort last week beating New England, but I see the Jets getting things in order following a shutout loss at home last weekend. One thing is for sure, one Ryan brother will beat another.
Cincinnati over Indianapolis: This one isn't even an obligatory pick. I think the team we all thought Cincinnati could be finally puts together a game.
Tennessee over Miami: Chris Johnson runs wild in a strong Titans win.
Tampa Bay over Carolina: The Panthers cannot win without a quarterback.
Houston over Jacksonville: The Texans bounce back from a frustrating home loss to beat the up-and-down Jaguars.
Kansas City over Denver: D.J. Williams really put a damper on the Broncos' already shaky season.
New York Giants over Dallas: Eli makes sure the new era doesn't start well for the Cowboys.
Arizona ties Seattle: I think no one wins this game. Tie.
San Francisco over Seattle: A "bye" week gave the 49ers a chance to prepare to stop rookie Sam Bradford and the Rams.
Pittsburgh over New England: A great Sunday night matchup. The home team gains the edge.
Philadelphia over Washington: This Monday night affair is another retro Vick party.
Friday, November 12, 2010
College Football Primer
Big C
California!
On our rugged Eastern foothills, stand our symbol clear and bold.
Big C means to fight and strive
and win for Blue and Gold.
Golden Bear is ever watching,
Day by day he prowls.
And when he hears the tread of lowly Stanford Red,
from his lair he fiercely growls!
(Yell: Gr-rr-rah, Gr-rr-rah,
Gr-r, r-r-r-, r-r-rah!)
Roll on, you Bears...........
Another awesome weekend in college football awaits us. Here are a few of the marquee games awaiting us on Saturday:
-Georgia at Auburn, kickoff scheduled for 3:30pm ET. Unfortunately a lot of questions surround Auburn QB and Heisman frontrunner Cam Newton, who is facing scandal left and right regarding possible cheating at Florida and money scandal at Mississippi State (or Auburn, or elsewhere, who knows?). Auburn is 8 point favorites at home, but still should beware of this SEC matchup with Georgia.
Our pick: Auburn 33, Georgia 24
-Virginia Tech at North Carolina, kickoff schedule for 3:30pm ET. Two teams match up who are both fighting for the top spot in the ACC Coastal Division. Virginia Tech leads with a 5-0 conference record, with North Carolina within reach at 3-2. Virginia Tech has looked sharp each week since its two opening season losses (Boise State, James Madison). North Carolina is a 4 point underdog at home, and is playing well despite having lost many of their top players to suspension.
Our pick: North Carolina 26, Virginia Tech 21
South Carolina at Florida, kickoff scheduled for 7:15pm ET. The stakes are high in this game as the winner will represent the SEC East in the conference title game. Florida suffered 3 tough losses to start October (Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State) but have bounced back well with two consecutive wins when they needed to. This matchup has had many classic battles, and look for this game to be no different. As mentioned before, the stakes are very high. (Florida is a 6.5 favorite)
Our pick: Florida 38, South Carolina 33
Oregon at Cal, kickoff schedule for 7:30pm ET. Plain and simple, it is an important game because Oregon is #1 and they have a game on the road against a team who's undefeated at home. Cal is a very different team at home, versus on the road, so the Bears are lucky to be hosting Oregon (but not lucky to be playing them, regardless of location). Anytime you're in the drivers seat to be in the National Title game as the Ducks are, you're under the watchful eye of the country each week. (Oregon is a 19.5 favorite)
Our pick: Oregon 48, Cal 27
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Disc Golf
So, if any of you readers check out our profile, linked on the left of main Brett and Chuck Power Blog page, you'll see our interests. Among most of the popular sports is another fantastic sports/recreation opportunity, DISC GOLF!
Disc golf is an awesome game in which players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. The idea is very similar to golf; to throw the disc the fewest number of times from the beginning to the end.
We love disc golf because it is a unique game that can encompass very intriguing competition. You don't necessarily have to be the quickest, strongest or most athletic athlete in order to win. Essentially, it is an even playing field until you can get down the fundamentals of the game.
We found out that there are approximately 3,000 disc golf courses established across the country, and 87% of them are free. Locally, Davis has its own disc golf course that we love. If you ever are interested in playing, head over to Oxford Circle Park to try out their course.
If any of our readers are interested in heading out to the course with us, let us know. We would love to show you our dominating ability at this game, or just simply teach you if you aren't familiar with the game.
We got our disc golfs from the Disc Golf Station, and it allows us to mean business when we head out to play. My beauty is the Elite-X Cyclone, which I found from the Disc Golf Station.
Check out their website, get yourself an awesome disc golf, then come out and try out some disc golf!
Disc golf is an awesome game in which players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. The idea is very similar to golf; to throw the disc the fewest number of times from the beginning to the end.
We love disc golf because it is a unique game that can encompass very intriguing competition. You don't necessarily have to be the quickest, strongest or most athletic athlete in order to win. Essentially, it is an even playing field until you can get down the fundamentals of the game.
We found out that there are approximately 3,000 disc golf courses established across the country, and 87% of them are free. Locally, Davis has its own disc golf course that we love. If you ever are interested in playing, head over to Oxford Circle Park to try out their course.
If any of our readers are interested in heading out to the course with us, let us know. We would love to show you our dominating ability at this game, or just simply teach you if you aren't familiar with the game.
We got our disc golfs from the Disc Golf Station, and it allows us to mean business when we head out to play. My beauty is the Elite-X Cyclone, which I found from the Disc Golf Station.
Check out their website, get yourself an awesome disc golf, then come out and try out some disc golf!
Thursday Night Debut
It is here!! The much anticipated, mixed review of Thursday night football. Its awesome, because its a primetime game and usually features a good matchup (This Thursday is a classic example, props to the NFL). However, its on the NFL Network, which means the audience is very limited.
Nonetheless, I'm excited for tonight's game (I get to watch! Thank you Comcast). The Baltimore Ravens travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. It is the first game since opening night that the NFL has on Thursday night, being broadcast nationally on NFL Network alongside Bob Papa, Matt Millen, Joe Theismann and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.
Here are the facts to know heading into this game:
Nonetheless, I'm excited for tonight's game (I get to watch! Thank you Comcast). The Baltimore Ravens travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. It is the first game since opening night that the NFL has on Thursday night, being broadcast nationally on NFL Network alongside Bob Papa, Matt Millen, Joe Theismann and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.
Here are the facts to know heading into this game:
- The Falcons are 6-2, and an undefeated 4-0 at home
- They are riding a two-game winning streak (Cincinnati, Tampa Bay)
- The Falcons offense is led by QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez; the defense is led by LB Curtis Lofton, DE John Abraham, and S William Moore
- Matt Ryan is 17-1 at home in his career
- Roddy White is beat up, but is expected to play
- Offensively, Atlanta is 5th in yards per game (370.1) and 10th in points per game (24.5)
- Defensively, Atlanta is 21st in yards allowed per game (346.4), and 10th in points allowed per game (19.3)
- The Ravens are 6-2, and 2-2 on the road
- They are riding a two-game winning streak (Buffalo, Miami)
- The Ravens offense is led by QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin and TE Todd Heap; the defense is led by DE Terrell Suggs, LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed
- The Ravens injury concerns are minimal
- Offensively, Baltimore is 14th in yards per game (348.0) and 15th in points (21.9)
- Defensively, Baltimore is 9th in yards allowed per game (310.8), and 6th in points allowed per game (17.4)
- Kickoff is at 8:20pm ET.
- Atlanta (-1) is favored over Baltimore (+1)
- The over/under for the game is 43 1/2 points
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