Inner Thoughts

Monday, November 17, 2008

College Basketball twenty-four 2.5 hour running diary

11:52 PM: Looks like I'm getting this thing started with the end of the MNF game. Quite a good game, back and forth in the 4th, long TDs, late FGs.

11:52 PM: And the first bit of action is Rian Lindell missing wide right.

11:54 PM: Game ova. Quinn gets his first win. Bills fall to 5-5. Colts are in line for a wild card. Woo.

12:00 AM: Here we go people. The only good team for about 12 hours, Memphis is playing UMass.

12:03 AM: Starting with Digger, Rece, Bob, Jay and Hubert Looks like Knight has lost some weight. I love that man. He needs to be in cream and crimson.

12:06 AM: Memphis had 38 wins last year? Damn. How in the world did they lose the Championship? Chokers. I write too little for timestamps. Oh well, started the format, can't stop.

12:08 AM: The marathon begins, or so says some announcer dude.

12:10 AM: WFT! The back of memphis' unis are a different color than the front. Ugh, it looks AWFUL. Nasty. And UMass scores first.

12:15 AM: The Memphis unis kind of look like dirty snow/clean snow. They really are just atrocious. Early on the umass zone seems to be working pretty well. They're up 9-4.

12:20 AM: Apparently the umass coach was an assisstant at memphis last year. Subplot woo! Lots of shots aren't falling and memphis is within 1 at 9-8.

12:25 AM: Lots of turnovers, this is sloppy slop. It's almost as if they haven't played any games yet this season. I hope this doesn't continue all day.

12:32 AM: Memphis finally takes the lead, 9 minutes in at 11-9. This is just terrible basketball. I need to find a site with real time stats. ESPN isn't showing turnovers. lame.

12:35 AM: And CBS in the winner. Both teams, 11 minutes in, have 7 turnovers. Just awful. Memphis is up 15-13.

12:38 AM: Both teams are hovering around 20% shooting. Have I mentioned how bad this game is yet? Memphis 17, Mass 16.

12:42 AM: Memphis is 0-8 from 3. But I refuse to belive it's because of the foot back the NCAA moved the line. And there they just hit one. Up 22-16.

12:49 AM: Really nothing interesting happening. Both teams are creeping up towards 30% shooting, but nothing of note. They take a break after an intentional foul with memphis up 27-21.

12:52 AM: The only bad thing about this new BCS deal is that it won't take effect until 2011. We have to listen to Joe Buck ruin even more games.

12:55 AM: They are a combined 4-23 from the 3-point line. Sheeeeeesh. Memphis up 33-25.

1 AM: Pete Newell died. Dude knew how to teach big men. On an equally somber note, this game is terrible. A combined 4-25 from 3. 14 turnovers and 26% shooting for UMass. 10 TOs and 31% shooting for Memphis. Has college bball always been this bad?

1:12 AM: I'm preparing meat and beer, I'll be back when I'm done feasting.

1:27 AM: While I'm still eating...the only reason UMass is still in this game is because memphis is forcing up bad shots and turning the ball over. Although mass is giving it back just as often.

1:42 AM: Calipari's daughters are pretty hot.

1:47 AM: UMass is way tired. Admirable effort, they were overmatched and they put up a decent fight for the first 3/4 of the game. Memphis is up 59-44 with 8 and a half left.

1:54 AM: This dude Gaffney for UMass is playing hard. 11 points, 16 rebounds, 5 blocks and 2 steals. He's playing the 5 for UMass and is at least 3 or 4 inches shorter than the guys he's up against.

2 AM: Some dude who ESPN says is the best recruit in the country is announcing what school he's going to at 8:45 this morning.

2:05 AM: All of the sudden Memphis is up 74-49. This got out of hand really quickly. The announcers keep saying Tyreke Evans is good. I guess he's alright, but this doesn't seem like competition that really tested him. He took lots of turrible shots and at least 8 of his points have been from uncontested fast breaks.

2:10 AM: I still can't get over the ridiculous unis that Memphis is wearing. I'm not sure I made a big enough deal of how absolutely ugly they are. Finally under two minutes to go. 78-55.

2:15 AM: Game is wrapping up. Gaffney is definitely my player of the game. He finished with 16 pts, 19 rebs, 7 blocks and 2 stls. I liked the way UMass defended memphis, even though it didn't exactly work out. They played off around the perimeter, trying to keep memphis from driving. A better team can really make that work. Memphis is still good, though. Final 80, 58.

2:18 AM: They're already underway in the Saint Mary's-Fresno State game. 16-11, SMU. Apparently some guy named Patti Wells is good for St. Mary's and I shoud watch him.

2:20 AM: I'm told his name is actually Patti Mills. Shows how much I know about him and the WCC.

2:24 AM: One of the guys on Saint Mary's is one of the traitors that transferred out of IU. I'm officially rooting for Fresno. Too bad they're gonna lose. St. Mary's gym only houses 5000. My high school had a bigger capacity than that. 22-16, St. Mary's.

2:30 AM: I'm already giving up. These games suck, and I'm le tired. I suck.

12:16 PM: Penn-Drexel game finished pretty crazily. Drexel with 2 free throws up by 2, only made one, Penn comes down the floor and gets fouled on a three. They miss the first, make the second, miss the third on purpose and get the rebound. Threw it back up and airballed it. Drexel wins. Women's basketball is next. Oofa.

12:24 PM: Some idiot female announcer just said "10 [seconds] on the shot clock, 10 [seconds] on the game clock." There were 9 minutes 55 seconds left in the half. I think it's Pam Ward. She is terriful.

12:35 PM: The Jayhawk fans sound like they are all 10 years old. And there's confirmation, apparently it's a field trip for some 3rd-5th graders. This might just get annoying.

12:47 PM: Screw women's basketball, I'm watching something else.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Monday, August 20, 2007

Nascar Running Diary

11:56: Stupid First Take. I hate Skip Bayliss. Why can't I have pre-race coverage? Damnit. They just showed the track, it's raining, again. Damn the devil to hell.

12:02: It's still sprinkling. Jet dryers are out. Bad things happen if the race doesn't go today. The next race is on a Saturday, and they have to be in Bristol on Thursday.

12:08: Well screw this. ESPN's going to some pre-recorded crap. Diary is now paused.

12:39: Update from the track. Looks a little dryer. Some crew members are playing football on pit road. In other news, this is much cooler than helium. What the hell, they're gonna show drag racing at 1? ESPN is pissing me off.

12:49: SI TV Offer. The Colts new colors are apparently purple and gray. They showed a jacket and the colors were ridiculous. And for some reason, ESPN thinks Dale Earnhardt was a better driver than Richard Petty. That's insane. It really pisses me off how much these media types suck off a dead guy.

12:56: This is still upsetting me. Can anyone tell me which is greater, 200 or 76? How can you say someone is better when they have LESS THAN HALF the victories? I wish I could go piss on Dale's grave.

1:00: It looks like it started raining again. Damnit.

1:24: Moving around a couch for the past 15 minutes. Did I miss anything? Of course not. Now it's started raining here. I blame Michigan.

1:28: Kurt Busch owns a women's dog. Kurt Busch is obviously a woman. Jamie Little tells me it stopped raining.

1:51: No updates from Michigan for a while. Couple things about this drag racing crap. First, there was a black guy. I didn't know black people raced. Second, they have this stat called "elapsed time", which I would assume means how fast you get down the track. A few times, it's happened that the person with the lower ET will lose. I'm not sure, but I don't think that's actually possible.

2:27: I wish it was raining at the crappy Drag Racing place. Then I wouldn't have to watch it.

2:48: The news I've been waiting for. This message crawled across the bottom line, "NASCAR coverage on ESPN2 will resume at 3 PM." Finally.

3:00: AHAeiwfoaisd;jkfalvkwvk!!! It started raining again?!?! Now we have Vick coverage?!!?!?! FAJOUEIjdkslv/klajvoijwf

3:55: Race officially postponed until tomorrow. Starts at 10 AM.

10:24: Finally woke up. Thank you DVR. Will catch up slowly. It is damn foggy in Michigan.

10:26: Checking my e-mail, it tells me I did a mock draft last night with ESPN. Apparently I selected only Indy players. Hello DeDe Dorsey. Okay ESPN, enough with "Draft Track". It's just stupid. Yes, it looks cool, but you don't explain it well enough to use it that much.

10:29: Starting under caution. Easy bonus points for Gordon. Not like he needs them or anything. Damn, it is so foggy. I'm not sure how I like the in-race reporter. It's kind of cool to have updates from the driver during the race, but I feel like they're not actually sharing anything of note. And it would be way cooler if the "reporter" talked to them under green.

10:35: Ughhhh. The race is now being delayed by fog. NASCAR put the red flag out until the fog clears. Stupid spotters whining about not be able to see.

10:42: Mike Helton has wires sticking out of him all over the place. What the hell's up with that? Is he the bionic man? By the way, this fog is ridiculous.

10:59: Finally the drivers are back on the track. I'm so excited (ns).

11:02: Green flag, green flag, go go go.

11:03: Shocker of the day...Juan Pablo Montoya is involved in a wreck. That dude is just way too agressive. Nice job keeping it off the wall, though.

11:05: I wonder if Vitamin Water regrets their decision to hire Kasey Kahne as a spokesman. Given the fact that he sucks balls and everything.

11:08: Keving Harvick with the best comment of the day so far. On Montoya, "It's not a question of if he's going to wreck, it's when he is going to wreck." The stupid commentators don't like it, but that's funny.

11:14: What the hell is up with the Chevys? Why did the change the headlight shape? It looks ridiculous. It reminds me of the bug eyes that the old Ford Taurus used to have. Icky. Also it seems like not every car has it. Gibbs cars don't, Hendrick and DEI do. This is the type of thing I want the commentating team to tell me about.

11:19: I don't actually like Roger Clemens, but his AT&T "dropped call" spot is pretty funny. Competition caution time. Headlight update: Kyle Busch is a no, RCR is a no. This is very strange. Gordon only took 2 tires? Interesting. Looks like he's the only driver to do it. Weird.

11:26: Is there a bigger joke in NASCAR than Micheal Waltrip? Dude has just been so crappy the entire year. If I remember correctly, he had negative points for the first 10 weeks or so. Toyota as a whole has been really crappy. I hope all of those teams fold. Stupid foreigners. Gordon's two tire call seems to be working out well. Hendrick's moving to the front.

11:32: This just in: Robby Gordon is a moron. When his crew chief was asked why they didn't pit under caution, he threw up his hands and cursed Robby.

11:37: I wonder how many times this announcing crew is going to confuse Kyle and Kurt Busch. Seems like it would be easy to differentiate seeing as they drive cars that are different makes and that look nothing alike.

11:45: A Toyota leading? This might be the end of the world. Ha. Dale Jr and a bunch of other people are in a commercial for Tylenol and everyone is wearing their fire suits all emblazoned with sponsors, except for Dale, who apparently doesn't want to show the Bud logo when he knows he'll be getting rid of it soon.

11:52: Pit stops were pretty uneventful. Stewart's stop was pretty slow, so that's a good thing. It's lunch time, so diary break time.

12:37: Micheal Waltrip crashed, big surprise. Another disappointing outcome for Toyota. Another happy day for Americans. Lunch was hot dogs. Hot dogs are good. I can't decide who I want to make the chase, Jr or Kurt Busch. I don't really like either of them, but I guess I'll root for Earnhardt since he's going to be a Hendrick guy next year. It hurts me to do that though.

12:39: Re: Mark Martin He started smoking on the backstretch and they threw the caution. He was still under power, so it wasn't an blown engine. The announcers haven't said anything since.

12:42: One of my least favorite features of any NASCAR broadcast, the "Through the Field" crap. I don't need to hear how Ward Burton is running. Just stop it.

12:45: Ryan Newman's fin has died. I'm not sure what this means, but this is what I've been told by Rusty Wallace.

12:50: Interesting stat brought up by ESPN, they showed the points standings if there had been no penalties throughout this year. Too bad the only real difference is that Kurt Busch moves up from 12th to 11th.

12:52: Earnhardt hit the wall again. He appears to not know that by doing that, he will hurt the car. By the way, I saw one of these guys hit 209 mph going into turn 1. That's scary fast.

12:57: For about 5 solid laps we were on board with Junior. I don't think there was an actual reason why, they just wanted to waste time.

1:00: They are running out things to talk about. Now they're talking about fuel mileage from Watkins Glen. Jeff Gordon's fin also has apparently died. NASCAR is forcing them and Newman to fix it under their next pit stop.

1:05: Final pit stops starting. Kenseth smoked the tires coming in. Gordon seemed to lose a little time trying to repair the fin. Paul Menard is smoking in turn 3. Earnhardt overran his pit, lost about 7 seconds. Lots of crazy stuff happening. It's getting good.

1:07: They finally explain what happened to Mark Martin. "The rear main seal" broke and caused the engine to lose oil. Apparently Menard is having the same problem.

1:09: Newman lost a lot a lot a lot of time on pit road trying to fix the fin. At least 15 seconds just sitting there.

1:12: I hate Tony Stewart. I hate McDonalds.

1:14: The ever puzzling "debris caution". I'm certain NASCAR throws these at the end of races just so the field can bunch back up for a better finish. But I don't care because it's good for Gordon, he moves up to second by not pitting.

1:17: NO, NOT DRAFT TRACK! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

1:21: Gordon's not doing so hot. He'll be lucky to finish top 8. Newman lost a lap while he was screwing around trying to fix his fin. Kurt Busch has a pretty big lead, but it looks like Truex is gonna run him down. Did I mention I'm excited for Bristol yet? Because I really am. Not so excited for the variable banking, but you can't go wrong with Bristol under the lights.

1:26: Damnit. Jeff just spun out. He couldn't refire because he was stuck in the grass. Kenseth spun him out. Expect retribution next weekend at Bristol. He'll probably be a lap down. I know it doesn't mean anything because he's made the chase, but it's still pretty disappointing. Blehofaij.

1:30: One of the pit reporters just said that Truex started in last place. But all through the beginning of the race they were talking about how Earnhardt started last. Who was it then? 7 to go, 3 chevys trying to track down the crappy dodge of Kurt Busch.

1:33: Kyle Busch almost wrecked and took out Stewart. Too bad it didn't happen. Looks like Kurt Busch has got this race locked up.

1:35: Greg Biffle big spin, barely scrapes the wall. Hello Green/White/Checkers. Get excited.

1:37: Apparently the draft track shows why Biffle spun out. You can't tell why, because they don't explain, but it shows it.

1:39: Kurt Busch wins. Still a lap left, but no way he's gonna lose. Anticlimatic ending, but a pretty good race overall. I have to think, if not for those stupid fins, Gordon at least gets a top 5.

1:45: And now, the marathon diary is over. It's been about 8 hours or so. I haven't done this much writing, well, in forever. I'd like to thank all my sponsors including Vault, Ballpark Franks and Dixie Paper Plates. I couldn't have done it without them.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Uhh...

Uh...what the hell...

I turn 20 tomorrow?

This came out of nowhere.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Shanoff War

"Super Bowl XLI: Your Picks, My Picks"
145 Comments - Show Original Post
Collapse comments

nep1293 said...
I like the Bears in a rout similar to Tampa crushing Oakland. Bears jump out early and every time it looks like Indy will get back in it the Bears come up with a big play.

Bears 44-20

2/02/2007 12:48:00 PM

Matthew said...
Colts Win
Bears Cover
Colts
---------------

I dont like the whole "best QB never to win a super bowl" argument we here now and will continue to hear if Peyton loses. I hate that sports topic so much. How much. I am a Patriots fan. Give Peyton 1. Then it'll be brady 3, Peyton 1. And the rilvary will be bigger, making betting lead up to games and better games.

2/02/2007 12:50:00 PM

Ben said...
I'm picking the bears to win, so bears obviously cover, and I'll be rooting for the bears. If for no reason other then I don't want Dan's kid to grow up in a world where Peyton Manning is a superbowl winner.

2/02/2007 12:55:00 PM

The heroin sheik said...
Bears will win and therefore cover. I know peyton cannot win the big game and therefore he will crap the bed. As much as I like dungy for being a class act and his years resurrecting the tampa franchise I would rather eat a shit sandwich than root for peyton. I figure the sex cannon is due for a good game and that combined with a healthy dose of benson and jones should keep the colts offense on the sideline. I think the bears win by four and they secure the win on a peyton int as time runs out. I just hope they bears have more than three points on them on that final drive or all bets are off with vinatieri kicking.

2/02/2007 12:55:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
Colts win and cover!! 34-17

2/02/2007 12:58:00 PM

Fooch said...
Bears win 24-20! It's either gonna be the Bears in a squeaker or the Colts in a laugher. I'm going for the former.

2/02/2007 12:58:00 PM

b1b in mn said...
Colts 27, Bears 24

The Bears will get a touchdown form Jones, Grossman to Berrian and Hester on a kickoff. A FG late will tie the game. Manning will march down to the 20 and AV will cement his place in the HOF. Manning will throw 3 TDs (Harrison, Clark and Utecht) and rid himslef of the Marino comparisons, leaving Dan in company by himslef.

I am rooting for Tony Dungy more than anything in this game. I think he is a great coach and an even better person.

2/02/2007 12:59:00 PM

Daddy Rosee said...
Colts win
Colts cover
I am rooting for the Colts because Manning gets a bad rap, and honestly except for Brady no other QB is in his league.

Colts 31-17

2/02/2007 01:02:00 PM

marcomarco said...
Bears win
Bears cover +7
Bears
Under 49 (best pick of the weekend)

2/02/2007 01:02:00 PM

Andrew (JUhS) said...
Colts will win.
Bears will cover.
Rooting for an entertaining game. Please.

Shot in the dark score call:
Colts 16 - Bears 12

2/02/2007 01:03:00 PM

verbal97 said...
I'm rooting for a double forfeit (I wanted Saints v. Patriots, maybe it's time to institute a consolation game).

I will pick the Bears to cover and win because no "expert" is giving them a ice cube's chance in hell of winning.

2/02/2007 01:05:00 PM

amr said...
verbal97.
can they please play the consolation game in the dead week between the Conf Finals and the SB?

My other idea was to put the pro bowl between the Conf finals and SB and excuse players who make the SB. (Which would you rather play in?)

2/02/2007 01:10:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
Gallo on ESPN chat for 1st time now.

2/02/2007 01:12:00 PM

marcomarco said...
amr, Great idea!

Manning usually prefer's the Pro Bowl. Maybe he'd skip miami for hawaii ;)

Sorry, too easy.

2/02/2007 01:13:00 PM

jhawkjjm said...
1) colts win
2) bears cover
3) go bears!

I'm hoping the weather is crappy and the field turns into a mud pit. If that happens then the Bears have the clear advantage with their run game. That and I can't root for the team that beat mine in the AFC championship.

I just hope it doesn't come down to a field goal for Indy with a chance to win. I won't be able to watch Adam V kick another game winner, this time for Indy. And I don't want him to miss because he won 2 SBs in the last minute for NE so I don't want anything to tarnish that.

2/02/2007 01:15:00 PM

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This post has been removed by the author.

2/02/2007 01:21:00 PM

Nathan said...
Colts Win
Bears Cover
Rooting for DAAAAAAAAAA BEARS!

Unfortunately, I had a vivid dream last night wherein, with the game tied, Rex had a pass batted into the air and intercepted by a lineman, returned to the 1 yard line and then Vinatieri ignores my Reggie Miller choke gesture and calmly boots the game winner. I hope I'm wrong.

2/02/2007 01:23:00 PM

TC said...
I want the Colts to win (because of Peyton) but given that defense wins Superbowls, I think the Bears will get the W.

Someone would have to show me the O and D rankings but my guess is that the Colts D is good against the pass and bad against the run - that is, its designed to hold a blowout lead but not designed to win the game in the event Peyton isn't on.

I don't think Peyton "chokes" but the Bears defense will have more and bigger plays than the Colts O.

And for the Peyton-haters... how many athletes do you watch these days that reached stardom by mastering strategy of the game? - a byproduct of effort rather than God-given ability. Plus, there's that laser arm...

2/02/2007 01:24:00 PM

Geoff said...
Rooting for the Bears to win on behalf of the NFC Norris division... and also because I hate Peyton Manning.

As to who actually will win... hmm.. gonna go with the Colts because I can't see Rex Grossman as a Superbowl winning QB. Then again Trent Dilfer won a Superbowl so whatever...

2/02/2007 01:27:00 PM

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This post has been removed by the author.

2/02/2007 01:29:00 PM

CMFost said...
My pick is for the Colts to win the Game but not cover the spread. And I will be rooting for the Bears to win since there is no chance I could root for a team that is one of the main rivals of the teams I root for. And for consitenancy with My blog I pick Dallas Clark for the MVP even though it is preordained that if the Colts win Manning will be the MVP.

As for what I think a classic ending would be, Manning driving the Colts down the field for the winning score in a tie game only the throw and INT that is returned for a TD and a BEars win.

2/02/2007 01:30:00 PM

setherton22 said...
Lots of FG drives for the Colts, one or two big plays from the Bears. Question: Do Colts get wind knocked out of sails via big play (a Hester return, a pick 6 or a long bomb to Berrien)?

There is prescident in the Pats game, so I say no they don't.

Close throughout, but Viniatieri kicks a FG with under 5 mins. left to put it out of reach.

COLTS 26 BEARS 17

Disclaimer: as a lifelong Dolphins fan, I FEEL Peyton's and Colts' fans pain. And since they are no longer in my team's division, it's easier to root for them.

2/02/2007 01:32:00 PM

grungedave said...
Bears 34 - Colts 24; Devin Hester return breaks game open in 4th Q. Peyton INT seals it.

2/02/2007 01:32:00 PM

CMFost said...
Hey did anyone else see that Dan has more my space friends Bill Simmons

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=9145830

2/02/2007 01:36:00 PM

CMFost said...
sorry try:
www.myspace.com/9145830

2/02/2007 01:39:00 PM

verbal97 said...
To expand on my double forfeit hopes...

The Bears win the game as a contest when Manning gets picked off resulting in a TD the other way in the last minute of a tie game. However, in celebration, Tank Johnson cracks out an oozie and starts firing hitting (non-fatally of course!) the referee and a couple of other officials. The NFL then forces the Bears to forfeit, but when conducting a random drug test on Manning they find out that he is, in fact, a robot and therefore force the Colts to forfeit. Crack reporting from Peter King revealed that Payton Manning was a creation from a collaboration including Dan Fouts, Dan Marino, Fran Tarkinton and Jim Kelly that they called Chokebot 4000. It turns out that they were so pleased with their efforts that they devised a second one...but with a limited budget they could only come up with a less talented version of "Payton", thus giving us Chokebot 2000 (Eli). They felt bad that the Saints were so bad for so long that they decided to give their creations to their star QB (Archie).

2/02/2007 01:40:00 PM

CMFost said...
interesting tidbit from the boston globe today:

LT on Belichick

MIAMI -- San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson said he's looking forward to being coached by Bill Belichick in the Pro Bowl.

Tomlinson added that he spoke in the heat of the moment when he suggested the Patriots' post-game celebration after their playoff win over the Chargers -- which he felt was classless -- was a reflection on Belichick.

"Obviously, the head coach is the leader of the team, but he can't control what his players do," Tomlinson said this morning after accepting the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award along with Drew Brees. "A lot of times, in the heat of the battle or right after the game, you kind of say things sometimes that you want to take back.

"For me to say they probably get it from their head coach, that may not be true. I don't know that for sure. I think more times that players react in ways that may be classless, it has nothing to do with the coach.

"So I'm looking forward to seeing Bill and having him coach the game. I think we'll have a good time."

Tomlinson also said his remarks about not wanting to say two words to Belichick might have been misinterpreted. He said he didn't plan to say two words about the post-game incident.

"I think they know it was wrong, but at the same time, Bill has no control over that. It's not a fact that I won't talk to him," Tomlinson said.

2/02/2007 01:41:00 PM

Troy said...
The Bears will win outright.

I'm rooting for the Colts.

More later...

2/02/2007 01:49:00 PM

Brian in Oxford said...
Ditka versus a Hurricane? Ditka....

But what if it's "Hurricane Ditka"?

I think I just want to see the Bears win....and they can. But geez, I get a bad feeling Peyton's going to look great. Colts 35, Bears 17.

And I'm stuck with Bears-1, Colts-6 in the squares pool. Pats led 21-6 at halftime in the AFC title game, that woulda worked....

2/02/2007 01:50:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
You guys that think the Bears will win are forgetting one detail:
Rex Grossman is their QB.

2/02/2007 01:51:00 PM

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the blog administrator.

2/02/2007 01:51:00 PM

mark said...
Colts to win
Bears to cover (because 6.5 points is really too many)
Go Colts!

And nobody has any idea, really. No one knows if the Colts have a run defense or not (have the playoffs been an anomaly or a trend?). No one knows if the Bears have a quarterback or not(good Rex or bad?). No one knows why the Bears' defense has been looking softer and the Colts' O shakier over the last few weeks. No one has the slightest idea about any of this. So if you know what's good for you, your money is staying far, far away from this one.

2/02/2007 01:52:00 PM

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the author.

2/02/2007 01:53:00 PM

Ken said...
I'm picking the Bears, 27-23, if for no other reason than the "experts" don't think they have a chance.

I haven't decided who I'm rooting for, and here's why:

I'd like to see the Bears win because of the underdog factor, because they're the NFC team (I almost always root for the NFC team, unless it's Dallas or Philly), because they're my pick to win, and because I think Peyton's continued torture would be funny.

However, I'd like to see the Colts win because I like Peyton, because Peyton winning one means Eli is able to win one (using some sort of funky transitive property that I haven't quite convinced myself of yet), because it'd be funny to find out Adam V. - and not Billy B. or Tommy B. - was the X-factor for the Pats in the postseason, and because before the Colts-Ravens game I said if the Colts found a way to win that game, they'd end up winning the Super Bowl (nice to see I've completely contradicted my prediction with my pick).

2/02/2007 01:56:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Look at me!

Look at me!

I'm a lemming!!!

I am sooooooooooo cool!

2/02/2007 01:57:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I wish I could suck on Shanoff's teet just like the rest of you.

2/02/2007 01:58:00 PM

Biebs said...
1st - Bears 7 - Colts 3
Half - Colts 13 - Bears 7
3rd - Colts 20 - Bears 14
Final - Colts 30 - Bears 14

Until I find out the numbers of my $100 box.

2/02/2007 02:00:00 PM

Spaceman Spiff said...
in oxford's picture, which one is brian?

2/02/2007 02:00:00 PM

temwr said...
So does douche shanoff ever comment back in this section or is it just a bunch of gay firemen and gurus of stupid shit?

2/02/2007 02:01:00 PM

temwr said...
biebs has a $100 box....fucking whore. I bet people don't even pay $1 for your box.

2/02/2007 02:02:00 PM

Isiah Thomas said...
I think I'll take the fag route and root for my wife's favorite team.

2/02/2007 02:02:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
Looks like the Deadspinners got tired of jacking off Simmons and are over here now.

2/02/2007 02:03:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
death to deadspin

2/02/2007 02:04:00 PM

Isiah Thomas said...
Tell me if you'd give Shanoff a blumpkin and WHY?

2/02/2007 02:04:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
What is your FAVORITE douche posting and WHY?

2/02/2007 02:05:00 PM

Isiah Thomas said...
(3)I'm rooting for Shanoff to stay unemployed and keeping this farce of a blog going.

2/02/2007 02:07:00 PM

Nathan said...
Gotta go with the Bears over the Colts by 10. I feel pretty good with this, condsidering on the World Wide Leader's website, the "celebs" who are choosing the Colts are Vanilla Ice, Phyllis Diller, and Dionne Warwick. Whereas the Bears have Paul Newman, "Dog" Chapman, and Wayne Newton on their side. Bear down, Chicago Bears!

2/02/2007 02:10:00 PM

Joe said...
I am rooting for Chicago because I think it's important that the first African American coach to win a Super Bowl be dark skinned. Dungy is too light.

2/02/2007 02:11:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
nathan, you whore, acknowledge me.

All I want is your attention. That's all I've been craving since birth. Your warm soothing hands caressing me. Please, don't take my warmth away.

2/02/2007 02:11:00 PM

dikembe meiztombo said...
I'm taking the Mavericks in 5 over the Red Wings.

2/02/2007 02:13:00 PM

Andy said...
Can we get a ban on bigstain???

My picks--

Colts in everything. Tony Dungy is a master tactician and will have a perfect game plan. Peyton will not have a great game but will certainly have a decent game. Rhodes and Addai combine for over 100 yards rushing and a TD. Adam V. will kick 3 field goals.

Chicago does nothing offensively. Grossman can say all he wants about not listening to the critics but he's essentially a rookie QB and we all know how that works out. The running game won't do anything. Everyone seems to forget how good Indy's defense has been playing lately. Bob Sanders is the best run stopping safety in the league and he isn't going to let Jones or Benson go anywhere. The long bombs that Grossman is pretty good at never work because he goes into one of his cold spells again.

COLTS WIN, COLTS COVER, GO COLTS!!!!

2/02/2007 02:17:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
please ban me.

2/02/2007 02:19:00 PM

El Padrino said...
andy and shanoff = gay

2/02/2007 02:21:00 PM

Packschmid said...
I believe the Colts will win, and I am rooting for the Colts to win.

As far as covering the spread goes, there are so many different variables - I think the first quarter will be very important. If the Bears can keep it close or even get out to an early lead, then they will have a great shot at covering because they'll be able to focus more on their running game and shorten the game. But, if the Colts get the ball first and score right away, then the Bears might be in for an uphill climb.

Since Vegas doesn't let you make bets like "The Bears will cover unless the Colts score 10 points in the first quarter", I'll have to take some sort of a stand.

Colts win by two touchdowns, but the game will be closer than the score indicates.

2/02/2007 02:24:00 PM

Kevin said...
Favre is returning to GB next year!

2/02/2007 02:25:00 PM

R. Crowe said...
Bears Win
Rooting for Colts, but am happy with the match up either way.

Don't know how all the Peyton hatin' came about, other than that he has sucked it up in the playoffs and is over-marketing himself - but I'd like to seem him win by performing at his best, which we've all seen him at - and that's pretty impressive. You want to see top players playing at the top of their game, in the biggest game (think Jordan, Woods, Magic/Bird) - you want to say that YOU SAW IT...

If he does suck it up, though, then I'm more than happy seeing the Bears win.

2/02/2007 02:27:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
You can't root for both crowe.

Make up your mind.

2/02/2007 02:28:00 PM

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the author.

2/02/2007 02:29:00 PM

Tyler said...
I think the Bears win in a game that is closer than the score suggests. 35-21, with each team scoring at least one defensive touchdown and Devin Hester making the difference in the end.

2/02/2007 02:32:00 PM

El Padrino said...
is that nba tyler?

2/02/2007 02:33:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Hey tyler!

It's great to see you.

How are the kids?

2/02/2007 02:33:00 PM

Jizzy McPoo said...
Colts to Win
Colts to Cover Big
Rooting for Bears

2/02/2007 02:36:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
What's a man gotta do to get some love around here?

I would suck DS' balls like the rest of you, but that just ain't my style.

2/02/2007 02:37:00 PM

Dan Mega said...
1)Bears Win
2)Not Applicable
3)Bears

2/02/2007 02:38:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
dan, why are you holding ribboned batons?

Are you trying to tell the whole world your sexual preference?

2/02/2007 02:42:00 PM

thirdstringjd said...
I want the Bears to win.

That being said I think the Colts win 34-21.

2/02/2007 02:42:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
What do you know?

You're just a third stringer anyway.

2/02/2007 02:44:00 PM

Marcus T said...
I smell this as a year for a blowout. And this game has a sense of Tampa Bay and Oakland from 2002. I am going with Chicago 37-18.

However, I will be rooting for the Colts. I like Manning, him and that offense are fun to watch when they are clicking. He won me over with that Xbox Live commercial from years ago when he was talking trash online in a monotone dull voice. Hysterical. "Your offense, is offensive"

Dan - do you know how badly I want to vomit over hearing "Adam V is most clutch player ever"? I couldn't even read it, it's embarrassing. Yes, he did what no kicker has ever done, but guess what? No kicker has ever had the chances he has had. He deserves credit for the kicks in the snow against Oakland, but those 2 game winning SB field goals? Mid 40 range in perfect conditions? PLEASE. I guarantee at least 12 kickers currently in the league could have hit those. Quit being like Bill Simmons and sucking Adam's cock.

2/02/2007 02:45:00 PM

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the blog administrator.

2/02/2007 02:45:00 PM

Deadspinner said...
douche is causing this.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

I'll wait for him.

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still waiting.

2/02/2007 02:47:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Spin Mr. Dead...SPIN!!!

YA.

2/02/2007 02:47:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I'm waiting for the douche too.

I need some responses.

What the hell is going on out there?

2/02/2007 02:49:00 PM

dikembe meiztombo said...
Wow. That was obnoxious. Or not.

2/02/2007 02:50:00 PM

El Padrino said...
MMMMMMMWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA

2/02/2007 02:50:00 PM

bro bubble said...
1.) dont give a shit.
2.) dont give a shit.
3.) dont give a shit.

2/02/2007 02:55:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Hey Douche, your lemmings don't seem to care much about you.

2/02/2007 03:04:00 PM

bro bubble said...
brian,

Why do you have a picture of you and your mom as your avatar?

You two must be close.

2/02/2007 03:05:00 PM

H said...
What did Dan do to draw you guys here to bash? Just curious. did he insult you on another board or something. Usually this type of thing is provoked. Just curious...

2/02/2007 03:06:00 PM

J Fitty said...
Colts win and cover...win by 10+

I am rooting for...the officials!

2/02/2007 03:07:00 PM

b1b in mn said...
If I was insulting, vulgar and obnoxious would I not be classified as a lemming or would I just be one of "those" lemmings.

2/02/2007 03:08:00 PM

solomonrex said...
All those idiots who carve bathroom walls apparently grow up to join deadspin and parrot Will's sex jokes.

Barbaro! Lil' sean! Suck! Laugh damn it! This is funny!

2/02/2007 03:09:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I am my own lemming.

I stand atop my mountaintop ruling myself.

2/02/2007 03:10:00 PM

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the author.

2/02/2007 03:10:00 PM

b1b in mn said...
are you sure?

2/02/2007 03:11:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I think I pointed this out earlier.

Deadspin is the gay.

2/02/2007 03:11:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Douche and I have a score to settle.

He knows who I am.

If he could just respond to the accusations, everything would go away.

But no, he is a douche, and will remain a douche.

2/02/2007 03:12:00 PM

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by the author.

2/02/2007 03:13:00 PM

bro bubble said...
Bigstain, you're the balls.

2/02/2007 03:14:00 PM

bro bubble said...
Mark, you're gay.

2/02/2007 03:15:00 PM

bro bubble said...
"(And gay folks can also sit there smugly, secure in the knowledge that they (oh, wait, we!) get more sex in a weekend than you do in an entire year.)"

Yeah, but it's gay sex. Who wants that?

2/02/2007 03:15:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
What if I call a tranny gay?

Does that mean they like only like half of themselves?

2/02/2007 03:16:00 PM

verbal97 said...
Does "bigstain" know any other words besides "douche"?

Plus, I'm guessing "bigstain" refers to something his dad left behind on his sheets.

2/02/2007 03:17:00 PM

b1b in mn said...
Wow, I haven't heard something like that since Junior High.

2/02/2007 03:22:00 PM

roboninja said...
You used to like the Bears? WTF is that all about? Bandwagon jumper alert.

2/02/2007 03:22:00 PM

verbal97 said...
what a witty retort!

I don't know why I'm bothering. Clearly, you have the iq of dried up dog crap on 90 degree day

2/02/2007 03:22:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
You apparently think your comment was witty?

Wow, you made a joke about my name.

Congratulations, your intelligence is so large.

2/02/2007 03:25:00 PM

Chaddogg said...
1) Bears Win.
2) Bears Cover
3) Rooting for Bears (with Tony Dungy getting a loud cheer from my apartment if the Colts win - Gruden should be ashamed wearing that ring that belongs to Dungy).

Simply put, there is no team that offers a more favorable matchup for the Bears than the Colts:

1) Weak run defense. Sure, it's been better in the playoffs, but other than NE, none of the teams the Colts beat had 2 RBs that could offer the change of pace that TJ and Cedric the Benson offer. Plus:

2) Susceptibility of the Colts secondary to play action deep balls. No other team the Colts faced in the playoffs had a home run threat like Berrian. And say what you will about Rex, but his BEST throw is the deep ball. He'll have his chance off play action deep, and hit it once or twice. That'll be enough to soften up the run defense and give the Bears RB room to run.

3) Desmond Clark. He'll have a huge game - the Colts have no one to cover him. Expect him up the middle and the seam a couple times, at least.

4) Bears fast D. This is the fastest D the Colts have faced. All the Bears LB can cover Dallas Clark, meaning they won't need to be in nickel too much (they will, though, use Ricky Manning to offer Hillenmeyer a break occasionally). The Bears force turnovers, too, and will rip the ball out of the Colts' hands (expect more fumbles than interceptions).

5) Special teams. Bears will win the field position battle all game, thanks to Maynard and Hester.

The game comes down to the Bears bending but not breaking (giving up FGs but not TDs), Bears D getting turnovers, special teams giving the Bears offense good field position, and Rex showing off the deep ball to Berrian enough during the game to free up the running game.

The game ends up a rout: Bears 34 - Colts 20. Rex is MVP behind his 3 TD, 240+ yard, 0 INT game.

2/02/2007 03:25:00 PM

Ben said...
Maybe if we just ignore the deadspinners they'll go back to their cult, and start calling people the balls, and talk about barbaro.

2/02/2007 03:27:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Who the hell writes that long of a response?

The only person I can think of is steve.

Steve? Is that you Steve? Come out Steve! Your family wants to give you a hug.

No one cares for your opinion. Don't give it.

2/02/2007 03:28:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
What do I need to say to get across to you people that I hate deadspin?

I am not a deadspinner, and will never be one. They are thundercunts.

2/02/2007 03:29:00 PM

Rev. Smokin Steve said...
Today's comments is the most interesting this blog has ever been.

2/02/2007 03:29:00 PM

bro bubble said...
Honest question:

Do any of you actually read the four scroll posts, like the one chaddog just fired out there? Or do you simply scroll by them and simply post your own four scroller that no one reads?

2/02/2007 03:30:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Best. Comments. Ever.

2/02/2007 03:31:00 PM

Jo Fer said...
What did Dan do to draw you guys here to bash? Just curious

You really think this is more than one, really maladjusted person?

Somehow I picture this kid looking and acting just like the gay son from Wedding Crashers.

DADDY DON'T LOVE ME!!!!

Go tie a belt around your neck and wack yourself off to death.

2/02/2007 03:32:00 PM

Kevin said...
Here's something nobody has mentioned yet: it's Peyton Manning's first Super Bowl, and the coin toss will be done by...Dan Marino. No, I'm not making this up. Don't you have to pick the Bears based on that alone?

2/02/2007 03:34:00 PM

solomonrex said...
bigstain=deadspinner

2/02/2007 03:34:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
hey look, it's kevin cott, the original douche bag.

Hey kevin.

2/02/2007 03:35:00 PM

mark said...
Bro bubble:

Yes. I'm gay. If you read my profile, it's right there.

And how is that a problem?

2/02/2007 03:36:00 PM

Rev. Smokin Steve said...
Dan's just jealous that they gave DJ Gallo a much cooler looking morning column than his old quickie.

DJ drives the new hotness. Dan was the old busted joint.

2/02/2007 03:36:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Yes, I have 8 different blogger accounts.

I am everywhere.

You cannot escape me.

2/02/2007 03:36:00 PM

verbal97 said...
I doubt that solomonrex...he's clearly he's even too childish and too full of himself for them...which is saying a lot

2/02/2007 03:37:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
The AM Jump absolutely destroys the Daily Quickie.

Best. Morning. Column. Ever.

2/02/2007 03:37:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
Clearly.

2/02/2007 03:37:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I'm not worth responding to.

I am everything that's good in this world.

I am Jack's sense of entitlement.

2/02/2007 03:40:00 PM

Ben said...
All of these guys came from rev. smokin steve's blog. They wanted to launch an assault on deadspin, like deadspin did on ESPN yesterday, but they knew that Deadspin was too big...plus you can't get comments on there. So they picked Shanoff, because....?????? well because they're idiots with nothing better to do.

2/02/2007 03:40:00 PM

Ben said...
highschool must be over today?

2/02/2007 03:41:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
yay!

someone finally clicked on a profile and followed the traces back.

Dear God that took forever.

And it's not Steve's blog. It's minnnnneeeee!!!

2/02/2007 03:42:00 PM

big 10 fan said...
who is smokey steve?

2/02/2007 03:43:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I am.

Remember?

I am one maladjusted kid doing all of this.

2/02/2007 03:44:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
rev. smokin steve's blog.??

Never heard of it, is it a highschool kid thing or something?

2/02/2007 03:44:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
No, it's a preschool thing.

I'm only 4 years old.

2/02/2007 03:46:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson were named co-winners of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award on Friday.

Morneau agrees to terms with Twins
Canadian Justin Morneau agreed to a US$4.5-million, one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

2/02/2007 03:46:00 PM

Generik said...
I am thinking Peyton has one of those Insta-Classic games Sunday. Reminiscent of the 5TD performance of Joe Montana.

Picking the Colts in all categories. Score 37-23

2/02/2007 03:46:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
No one likes the Pats anyway.

Take a hike.

2/02/2007 03:47:00 PM

H said...
ok, so what is Rev. Smokin Steve and his readers/friends' problem with Dan?

2/02/2007 03:51:00 PM

BIGSTAIN said...
I feel we started off on the wrong foot.

I think we need a clean slate.

Ahh, much better now.

2/02/2007 03:51:00 PM

JFreak said...
Truthfully, I believe it all started when Dan said something to the effect of, "If you link me, I'll link you."

We linked him.

He did not return the favor.

Therefore, pent up frustration, and eventually, this.

2/02/2007 03:55:00 PM

Jeff said...
Bears 39
Colts 13

The Bears D scores once, special teams once, but Grossman delivers in a HUGE way.

Grossman's numbers: 27-36 296 yards 2 TDs 0 INTs.

Write it down.

2/02/2007 03:56:00 PM

Dan Bilicki said...
I'm picking the Colts to win, but not cover 30-24. Is it not utterly retarded to put the line at 7 even? Vegas will be in chaos if there's a tie in the Super Bowl.

I've written a post of the game on my blog if anyone wants to check out my reasoning.

http://dansramblings.blogspot.com

Feel free to visit and comment.

2/02/2007 03:57:00 PM

JFreak said...
Also, the whole instant history bit got annoying.

And the "What is your FAVORITE ______ and WHY?" line of questioning.

Mostly, we just hate Dan for being Dan.

2/02/2007 03:59:00 PM

Rev. Smokin Steve said...
Let's make one thing clear...

LOV isn't "my" blog (though I'm flattered you think I have so much power).

It's a blog with many contributors. Some are harsher than others which you have already seen. We are a blog with many flavors instead of one lame one.

Freak said it best. We basically think this blog is lame. We've tried reading it and linking to it in the past, but Dan seems to be more concerned with his own popularity and advancing his own name than anything. We linked to him for a while, he never returned the favor to us or to anyone else. Even though he himself solicited those link requests.

All of his links on the right... about him and him alone. There's a word for that. And that word is narcissism.

That's all from me. You lemmings keep coming back here and answering questions about who your favorite NFL cheerleader is and why.

2/02/2007 04:04:00 PM

jen said...
I'm hoping for a lot of field goals so I win some cake on my square board.

I'm taking the Bears, win cover and who I'm rooting for.

2/02/2007 04:04:00 PM

Rev. Smokin Steve said...
By the way...

http://sonsofkc.blogspot.com

2/02/2007 04:05:00 PM

solomonrex said...
I can't understand why he wouldn't link to you!

2/02/2007 04:09:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
I remember to never ever visit that blog. Thanks

2/02/2007 04:11:00 PM

Generik said...
Colts win big.. Peyton has a Montana like performance to the tune of 4TDs and close to 400 yards. Vinatieri chips in 3 FGs. Final score 37 - 24.

2/02/2007 04:13:00 PM

JFreak said...
We wouldn't want you there anyway Pat.

2/02/2007 04:14:00 PM

Spaceman Spiff said...
which of drew brees' birthmarks is YOUR favorite, and WHY?

best. shitstain. evar

2/02/2007 04:17:00 PM

Ben said...
Maybe if you guys offered some original content or ideas instead of just regurgitating sportscenter or bill simmons, then Dan would have linked to you.

2/02/2007 04:19:00 PM

marcomarco said...
Seeing these Deadspinners extract their revenge on Dan-o is somewhat amusing. Then again, I have a tormented sense of humor.

I wonder what happened to unleash their wrath

2/02/2007 04:20:00 PM

CMFost said...
Wow, let's see, Dan Shanoff's blog with intelligent(for the most part) conversations about sports and events or a blog that is full of complete morons who only now how to act like complete assholes?

Easy Choice for me: Dan's Blog

Please take your crap somewhere else.

2/02/2007 04:22:00 PM

JFreak said...
Ben, that's hilarious! You're gonna argue originality?

Ever notice that Shanoff's Daily Quickie is in the exact same order as the top stories on ESPN.com?

Moron.

2/02/2007 04:23:00 PM

Ben said...
sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here.

2/02/2007 04:24:00 PM

Ben said...
JFreak, ever get up before noon and see that shanoffs stuff is up about 3 hours before ESPN ever loads the new news stories?

2/02/2007 04:24:00 PM

Patriots64 said...
Dan will be happy with the postcount and hits on the site today!!

2/02/2007 04:25:00 PM

Here we go: Your chance to go on the record with your Super Bowl picks. Meanwhile, my challenge to you: Attempt to untangle the complex "Quickie jinx" implications of the following:

First, I am rooting for the Bears. Part of this is because I really like Rex Grossman. Part of this is because I really don't like Peyton Manning. Part of this is because -- widely unknown Shanoff history alert -- I used to be a HUGE Bears fan and I can't imagine NOT rooting for them. Check out this post, under "(C)," on the not-talking-about-it-yet-but-you-get-a-sneak-peek new blog.

Second, despite the point above, I cannot miss the opportunity to see the fulfillment of the greatest sports prediction of my life: That the Colts would beat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI... predicted back in August. At the time, my specific thinking was this: Peyton Manning is going to chokingly shit the bed, but he will be bailed out by a game-winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri -- only the most clutch player in NFL history... and the reason the Colts paid so much to sign him. Therefore: I am picking the Colts to win on an Adam V. field goal. (Peyton will stink.)

Therefore, given the current Super Bowl point-spread that has the Colts a 7-point favorite over the Bears and given the scenario I laid out in the above paragraph, I pick the Bears to cover.

To summarize:

(1) Picking the Colts to win.
(2) Picking the Bears to cover.
(3) Rooting for the Bears to win.*

* - Even though the Bears winning would ruin No. 1... but I figure that 2-of-3 ain't bad, even if (1) is the most important for the purposes of the greatest "I called it" of my life. Screw it: "I called it" is the lamest boast in the world anyway -- totally worthless.

The upshot: I get the joy, as a fan, of betting on the Bears (not that I bet) yet enjoying the benefit, as an analyst, of knowing that even if the Bears lose, I can win my bet (not that I bet) if/when they cover. But let me be clear: I want the Bears to win. I think the Colts will win, but by less than 7. You can argue that's a lame-ass hedge (I disagree), but that's where I'm standing.

All that said, I am mostly interested to get YOUR picks. Feel free to answer the question on any/all of these levels: (1) Who are you picking to win the game? (2) Will the winner cover the spread? (Obviously, this only matters if you're picking the Colts.) (3) Who are you ROOTING for? (Which, as I've said, doesn't have to be the same as who you think will win.)

Have at it!

-- D.S.

UPDATE: Now THIS is a very cool idea. Don't have the money to run a Super Bowl ad on CBS? Do it for a fraction of the cost and have it simply run on YouTube. (Thanks to PaidContent.org -- one of my favorite, most must-read sites -- for the tip-off.)
posted by DanShanoff.com at 12:22 PM on Feb 2, 2007