BCS Championship Game

By Vince Mullins

Fantasy College Blitz

Lets get this out of the way first – other bowls/exhibitions/county fairs need to have a thorough discussion about “motivation”. This game does not. No half assing by Ball State, no Cincinnati playing like they couldn’t believe they were in the Orange Bowl – Florida and Oklahoma have career-defining games to prepare for in tonight’s BCSMNC (BCS Mythical National Championship). 8pm on FOX (Hey Fox Booth, can you get the audio mix to sound somewhat professional tonight? The Fiesta Bowl was a production nightmare.)

I maintain there is one universal force in this game, a Tim Tebow force of nature unlike the sport has ever seen – some call him the best college football player ever.

Would it shock you if Tebow (right, Icon SMI) gets drafted #1 overall in the NFL, got involved in a financial education movement that solved the global economic crisis then marries Erin Andrews? Gator Chomp, indeed…

That may be fantasy, but reality is Tebow contributing a national Title, being the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, and bringing much needed medical care to the Polynesian Islands – you want to tell him he cannot win another title? You want to try and knock him down, say he would be the fourth best in the Big 12?

Safest bet of the night? Over? No. Take the points? Nope. Mr. Franks really regretting he ever opened his mouth? YES.

Cool facts for the chick at the watch party, deep quantitative analysis and a man-crush for Jermaine Gresham after the jump…

Cool facts for the ladies at the watch party

Sam Bradford has a Heisman Trophy. Shiny new one. Only other time in all of history that two Heisman winners faced off in any game? 2005 Orange Bowl – USC QB Matt Leinart (’04) versus Oklahoma QB Jason White (’03). That ended badly for the Sooners.

Gator RB Jeff Demps just missed qualifying for sprinting in the Olympics – he is barely the fastest guy on the team. Gators say they have a dozen guys running under 4.6 40’s including 6-6 290 DE Carlos Dunlap. ESSSSSEEEEEEECCCCCCC SSSPPPPEEEEEEDDDDD!

Chicks dig crystal. I have been married twice and the beauty of an expertly cut glass bowl makes the ladies melt. Women will haves mouths agape at the wonder of the BCS Trophy. The creator of the Trophy, Wedgewood Waterford, declared bankruptcy as another victim of the global economic crisis is taken.

Bradford is 1/16 Cherokee, providing another reason for him to be not just a football hero but a cultural hero.

When Sooners have the ball

(#2 offense faces #5 defense -insert overused Irresistible Force vs. Immovable objects phrase here)

Suffice it to say that the Sooners have not seen a defense like this since they faced TCU, and the Gators have not seen an offense like this AT ALL. It is possible Ole Miss was the best offense they faced all season and you know how that went.

This game will be decided right here – can Oklahoma’s immense and athletic offensive line handle the ultra-athletic Gators defensive line? Sooners struggled with TCU, another team in the Top 5 of pass efficiency defense like UF – and by struggle I mean only score 35. EA Sports should have some fun modeling this group for next years game – how about we just nickname them the XBOX offense? It really boils down to tempo – only a couple teams ran more plays than the Sooners because they snap the ball with 20 seconds on the play clock, and the Gators again have never faced a tempo like this. The ability for the Florida coaches to recreate this tempo in the five weeks of practice will be the inflection point of tonight’s battle, and it will be apparent in the first quarter.

Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam BradfordQB Sam Bradford is clean – rarely touched based on a frenetic no-huddle attack that led the nation in 54 ppg and scored TDs on about 75% of their possessions according to Dr. Saturday. The Sooner offense will be affected by their own RB injury, but theirs is without any doubt – DeMarco Murray is out and that hurts the running game and the return game. Chris Brown (not the one dating Rihanna) is a 1k yard rusher also but is more a bruiser to a cruiser. And by bruiser I mean he gets the tough yards and scored 20TD this season.

The embarrassment of riches at receiver will stress the Gator defense more than anything, and there are few more lethal talents than TE/”Big Slot” Jermaine Gresham – no one has matched up with him properly all season long and none of the Gators back seven has the bulk even if they have the speed. SLB Brandon Hicks will line up on Gresham’s side a lot and must contain the deep threat. MLB Brandon Spikes is a first-team All-American whose name will be mentioned often tonight as I expect to see the Gators commit to loading up the LOS to stop the run and pressure Bradford. If not, WR Juaquin Iglesias will be a hero. A good sized edge here to the Sooners.

When Gators have the ball

(BlitzIndex #1 offense versus #50 Defense)

Florida Offensive coordinator Dan Mullen is staying on to call the shots despite already accepting the Head Coach job at Mississippi State – conspiracy theorist think his head will be elsewhere. I am confident that Mullen received the Urban Meyer stare when asked if he was committed so no worries here. Did you know that the Gators run the ball 63% of the time? That 2:1 ratio trends highly in this season’s best offenses (Ball State, Tulsa, Oregon, Oklahoma State)

Percy Harvin ankle injury is key – will he be 100%? Even he told the media he is 90%. First item that comes to mind – remember Michael Jordan hitting an NBA Finals-cllinching jumper while racked with flu? His 70% was better than most people’s 100%. Likely same with Harvin. One of my best college friends Mike McKnight dropped this line on me once – “He is more injury prone than Helen Keller.” I think at the time that applied to Barry Larkin, but it seems to apply to Harvin now. He strikes me as an athlete like David Boston who may have bulked up beyond his body’s structural capacity to support it – this is no suggestion to performance enhancing drugs, just an observation that the human body sometimes can’t take all that mass. Harvin is one of the most electric players ever and I wish him nothing but the best, I hope his people see that getting him to long term health may involve losing what many would perceive as good muscle weight.

To the digits – Sooners possess the my #50 defense with their best efficiency stat being #46th in the country in 5.1 yds/play allowed. Granted they faced one of the nation’s best schedules and the best offenses so it may look worse than reality. Sooners stand third the nation in sacks per game but are 99th in pass yards per game allowed – those two stats have a lot to do with opponents passing 54% of the time. The loss of LB Ryan Reynolds in October will hurt the squads ability to prowl the breadth of the field which is most important versus the Gators, but if you don’t know the name LB Keenan Clayton yet you will tonight as he is as athletic as anyone in the nation.

Assuming Harvin is not a peak efficiency, the Alabama game showed the Gators have speed and talent elsewhere like Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps (10.01 100m in high school), but Tebow showed that he still has the touch to put the team on his back. The Gator offense is 62nd in the country in passing yards per game (212) because they didn’t have to pass in any games except said SEC Championship. Expect WR Louis Murphy and TE Aaron Hernandez to be a big part of the show. I give a big edge to the Gators here.

What Vegas says

#2 ranked Gators opened 3.5-point faves and the total set at 73, it has moved to 5-points and 69.5. The market likes Gators 37-32 although i do not recall ever seeing a score like that.

What Mullins says

I see the Oklahoma offense scoring less than 50, question for me is can the Gators outscore them? As the matchups above show I see the Oklahoma defense doing little to slow down the Florida pace unless Harvin just cannot be effective. All my numbers say to go with Oklahoma, but I just cannot bring myself to vote against the Gators given their outrageous commitment to winning since the Ole Miss loss. I appreciate that nasty habit of underdogs winning the Title Games lately, but also the recent history of Oklahoma in bowl games is less than inspiring.

Florida 42 Oklahoma 34

Canada Wins WJHC Gold

Canada’s hockey motto should be “You my bitch!”

The Canadians beat Sweden for the second straight year to win gold by a score of 5-1.

Not only that, they were undefeated throughout the tournament. It was also where John Tavares solidified going 1st overall in the draft as he finished second in scoring (until last night) with 15 points – eight of them goals which tied Tavares for the lead with Nikita Filatov of Russia. Team mate Cody Hodgson led all scorers with 16 points (five goals) are a three-point performances in the gold medal game.

So how much does Canada dominate the WJHC?

They’ve won more gold medals (15) than Finland (2), Czech Republic (2), Sweden (1), United States (1) combined. In case, you’re looking for your calculator and can’t find it, that’s 7…wait 6. Russia has won 12.*

As for Sweden, the last them they won was in 1982. Though they’ve reached the gold medal match eight times since. It was Canada’s, for its part, 8th straight appearance in the gold medal. Prior to this run, Canada won silver from 20o2 to 2004.

*Includes Soviet Union (8), CIS (1).

Note To TSN Producer (s)

The camera shot from behind the net on power plays is not cutting it.

If you want to provide a “value added” service, just gives us more INFORMATION on the screen. You know, shifts, shots, ice-time for certain playoffs, face-off figures and so on. Why do we have to wait for the announcer to say it – if he feels like it?

Thank you.

ISW staff.

Good luck to both Team Canada and Sweden.

World Junior Hockey Championships: Canada Buries Russian Rival

Canada will be going for its fifth straight gold medal Monday night after a 6-5 (2-0) shoot-out win over arch-nemesis Russia. It was yet another classic confrontation between the two hockey giants. Someone should really make a movie about this rivalry.

In the over time session, Canada took the play to Russia. Meanwhile, the Russians seemed content to lay back and not attack. I can’t remember ever seeing them do this. It was weird to say the least.

Sweden now stands in the way after they disposed of Slovakia 5-3 (who surprised Team USA in the quarter-finals) in the other semi-final.

Just a couple of years ago some were wondering what happened to Swedish hockey. With their second successive appearance in the finals, we need not ask the question any longer.

Though typically persistent and hardworking, Canada will have to improve its defensive play if it fancies the gold. Not only that, the goaltending also needs to find its footing. If Canada gets into penalty trouble, Sweden will make them pay. The Swedes have probably been the best club overall and should be considered the slight favorites in the final.

Chargers Beat Colts; Manning Looks Great

Well, the San Diego Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 in overtime. La-dee-daw.

Had I known Peyton was that into his hair I would have picked San Diego to win the game.

Pates should just go Dane Cook and join Hollywood and be done with it. Maybe he’ll get a role with Jessica Simpson or something. Hey, they should offer Romo a part too! The movie could be called Play Action: Doing Dallas.

Stay Away From Lipozene

By Sal Marinello

Health and Fitness Advice

Lipozene is yet another weight loss supplement that features claims of effectiveness, but falls short when it comes to providing clinical proof.  Personal trainers should alert their clients to this sham and consumers should save their money.

During a weekend edition of ESPN’s SportCenter I saw a commercial for a weight-loss product called Lipozene.  The advertisement featured the typical marketing claims that we’ve come to expect from the companies that pimp these products, but with a bit of a twist.  Rather than pump the hard-body angle, the Lipozene folks dressed up their ad with a contrived clinical presentation.

I visited the Lipozene web site and was really underwhelmed.  Despite the claims made by the Obesity Research Institute (ORI) – the company name that’s branded on the packaging – that Lipozene is “clinically proven to reduce body fat,” no research is provided on the web site.  Although there is plenty of information about how to buy the product, the ORI provides scant reason to buy their product.

What the Obesity Research Institute does tell us is that their supplement contains Glucomannan, a 100% natural fiber from the Konjac Root and that this substance, “creates a dietary fiber sponge that makes you feel full, thus reducing caloric intake and adding fiber to your diet.”   However, actual clinical data supporting these claims is not available on the Lipozene web site and given the dearth of credible data for glucomannan – except for its effectiveness as a laxative – this is not a surprise.

What’s even more interesting is what I found when I did a Google search for the Obesity Research Institute.  It seems that the good folks that are responsible for Lipozene have a checked past.  Back in June of 2005 the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with the Obesity Research Institute over the false and misleading claims made in the marketing several of their products, among them FiberThin and Propolene, 2 weight loss supplements that contained – you guessed it – glucomannan.  The ORI was also shilling other weight loss snake oils that contained green tea, chromium and bitter orange that the FTC but the kibosh on.

As part of the FTC judgment the principals at the OBI were ordered to pay a $1.5 million consumer redress and had an additional $41 million judgment suspended pending an investigation of their financial status.  More interesting are the details of the settlement “that permanently bars the defendants from making the challenged “Red Flag” claims and unsubstantiated claims for any weight-loss product, dietary supplement, food, drug, or device, or misrepresenting any scientific study for the purposes of marketing a dietary supplement.”

It seems that the OBI folks are walking on pretty thin ice with their Lipozene advertising campaign.  If you haven’t seen it, check out one of their ads.

Needless to say, Lipozene represents the worst of the worst when it comes to working the system in an attempt to take advantage of gullible consumers.  If you haven’t bought Lipozene, don’t, and if you have you can file a complaint with the FTC.

Stats Corner: Serie A Meets EPL

After seeing three Italian teams get hooked up with three English clubs in Champions League play, I was reminded I needed to buy some espresso and tea.

I also thought about the history between the two leagues. Aside from meeting up in the usual continental tournaments like Champions League, UEFA, Super Cup and the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup, they in fact had a little thing going between just the two of them.

Cue song: Just the two of us.

Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us, just the two of us
Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I

It was originally called the Anglo-Italian Cup (and an assortment of other names. It was preceded by the Coppa Ottorino Barassi disputed between the Amateur champions in each country) and it all began in the summer of love, 1969. It essentially was a tournament for semi-professional teams. Sadly, it all came crashing down in 1976 when disco was taking over the world like communists. But it was revived the same year under the name Gigi Peronace Memorial tournament and it continued to be for semi-pro teams. The competition ended in 1993 when minor professional teams (second division) began to participate.

All told, Italian teams won 17 of 24 contests.

In terms of professional sides, English sides hold a 65-57 edge in wins with 41 ties (for CL, UEFA, CWC. Figures up until Dec. 2008.) However, in terms of total trophies (Italy 45, England 37. Spain is second) and number of teams placed in a final, Serie A holds a net advantage over its English counterparts.

Italian teams travel better than English teams too. English sides have a less than mediocre record against South American teams. Between 1960-2004, the Intercontinental Club Cup pitted the CL winners against the winners of the Coppa Libertadores. England amassed a 1-5 record while Italy managed a 7-5 record – which is among the best with Argentina. Now called FIFA Club World, England is 1-1 and Italy 1-0.

I can keep breaking down the stats (and I have) but it will take me longer to input. Maybe I’ll add to it as we move closer to the resumption of CL play.

Nonetheless, whenever Spain, Italy and England match up, it’s always a fascinating watch.

Winter Classic A Home Run

The NHL doesn’t do marketing well in general but whoever came up with playing hockey outdoors deserves a pat on the back.

The Original: Habs/Oilers

From the day the Heritage Classic was staged in 2003 the NHL hit a winner. The inaugural game starred the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. The Habs won 4-3 before 57 167 fans at Commonwealth Stadium (where the Edmonton Eskimos play) in Edmonton. Last year, Buffalo hosted a successful snowy game at Ralph Wilson Stadium (home of the Buffalo Bills) between the hometown Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens won 2-1 in a shoot-out (winner scored by Sidney Crosby) after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw through regulation and overtime before 71 217 fans.

For 2009, the NHL headed t0 Chicago’s Wrigley Field – home to many great sports moments (mostly in baseball involving the Cubs. You know, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Kerry Woods, some Division titles etc.) for a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the defending Stanley Cup champions Detroit Red Wings. The game will mark the 701st meeting between the two historic Original Six franchises.

Detroit holds the lead with 355 wins, 254 losses and 84 ties (remember those?). In the playoffs, Chicago holds a 38-31 lead and won eight of 14 series between the two. Detroit have won 11 Stanley Cups with last year being their most recent. Chicago have three in their trophy case. The third one was earned in 1961 – against their rivals from Detroit winning that series in six games.

From Howe to Lindsay, Hall to Makita, Hull to Delvecchio, Pilote to Sawchuk, Yzerman to Savard, a new generation is set to lead this rivalry into another era with the likes of Kane, Toews, Zetterberg and Datsyuk.

The 2009 edition of the Winter Classic showcased the established aristocratic Red Wings nobility against the up and coming innovative Blackhawks bourgeoisie.

By the time it was all over, the upstart Blackhawks  lost their fourth game against their Red Winged rivals so far this season by a score of 6-4 before 40 818 faithful (figuratively speaking given there were Wings fans in attendance) supporters.

On to New York’s Yankees stadium for next season’s Winter Classic!

PS: Not a peep or boo during the singing of ‘O, Canada.’

Anthems Make TSN Nervous?

I noticed TSN didn’t broadcast the national anthems prior to the showdown between the United States and Canada.

Hmm.

I could be wrong but I sat and watched to see if we’d boo the American anthem. I guess TSN wasn’t interested and figured to black it out.

In any event, it should be a good one.

Seismonic Shift in Denver

NFL teams did not waste much time in dismissing Romeo Crennel (Cleveland), Rod Marinelli (Detroit) and Eric Mangini (New York Jets).

End of a Broncos era

I’m sure many people were (and are) waiting for Kansas City to send Herm Edwards home or even Wade Phillips in Dallas. Instead, news came out that Mike Shanahan was axed after 14 years as head coach of the Denver Broncos. Despite Shanahan’s red face, race was not a factor in the decision.

Shanahan was a Colorado institution. He delivered two Super Bowl titles (after four misses for the franchise) to the Broncos faithful and it looked like he was coach for life.

The question is who do the Broncos have in mind? What direction will they take? How will they fix that pourous defense? Of course, rumours will swirl with Cleveland and Detroit (two former proud NFL franchises that have faltered in the Super Bowl era) now looking for coaches.

In any event, it will be odd for fans to look over the Denver sidelines and not see Shanahan there.