LSU fans gobbling up Rose Bowl Tickets

Fans of the LSU Tigers are garfing up tickets to a potential bowl game at the Rose Bowl. More than 32,000 tickets have been sold to LSU according to a report.

More than 16,000 tickets for the Rose Bowl were pre-sold between Tuesday
afternoon and Wednesday night, LSU ticket manager Brian Broussard told the
Shreveport Times, bringing the total of LSU Rose Bowl pre-sales to
32,000.

According to the report LSU will play either Michigan or USC in the Rose Bowl. I would assume that if USC wins their last game of the season against UCLA then the Tigers would be playing Michigan with USC playing in the Championship game against Ohio State.

Michael Vick gives the 'Dirty Bird'

Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons gave his home fans the 'Dirty Bird' yesterday as he was leaving the field. Perhaps he was just responding with how one dimensional he is to the home fans.

Crimson Tide fire Shula after 6-6 season

The Alabama Crimson Tide used head coach Mike Shula. That is the best way to describe it after the school fired Schula today.

Alabama was on probation when Shula took the job and they are set to finally come off it and receive all of their scholarships back in February. Shula had to coach the team under-manned for his entire tenure at the school.

The Tide was 10-2 last year and won it's bowl game against Texas Tech.

Sources are siting that Shula was fired because of the team's losses to rivals including Auburn and LSU.

Defensive coordinator Joe Kines has been named as the interim head coach. The Tide has had seven coaches in the twenty-four years since coach Bear Bryant retired.

There is no way to say Coach Shula wasn't screwed. He coached this team during it's most trying time and gets fired as his reward. Hopefully he will get another head coaching job elsewhere.

Ohio State and USC are 1-2 in new BCS poll

The USC Trojans moved past Michigan into second place in the BCS Bowl Championship poll. Ohio State remained at #1.

Michigan, Florida and LSU rounded out the top five.

Many experts believe a win for USC against UCLA next weekend will place the Trojans in the National Championship game against the Buckeyes of Ohio State.

Notre Dame fell from 5th to 9th in the standings after getting demolished by USC on Saturday night.

LSU moved up the most spots going from 10th to 5th with their win over top ranked Arkansas.

Louisville, Wisconsin, Boise State, Arkansas and Notre Dame finished out the top ten.

Top 10 BCS Standings- November 26, 2006

1. Ohio State Buckeyes 1.000
2. USC Trojans .946
3. Michigan Wolverines .922
4. Florida Gators .890
5. LSU Tigers .822
6. Louisville Cardinals .762
7. Wisconsin Badgers .710
8. Boise State Broncos .674
9. Arkansas Razorbacks .662
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish .626

USC destroys Notre Dame

The #3 ranked USC Trojans destroyed the #6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night in Los Angeles by a score of 44-24.

The Irish never had a chance in this one after turning the ball over on downs on their first drive of the game. Trojans quarterback John David Booty threw for three touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions. Irish quarterback Brady Quinn threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Quinn was also the leader rusher for ND with 73 yards on 11 carries.

C.J. Gable let the Trojans on the ground with 108 yards on 20 carries. Receiver Dwayne Jarrett had 7 catches for 133 yards and 3 touchdowns for USC.

Now if the Trojans can beat UCLA next weekend at the Rose Bowl then they should be playing against Ohio State in the BCS National Championship game in January.

USC now has a record of 10-1. Notre Dame falls to 10-2.

Johan Santana wins A.L. Cy Young award

Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana won the American League Cy Young Award on Thursday.

Santana has now won the award two out of the last three years. He was an unanimous choice for the award this year. New York Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay finished second and third respectively.

2006 AL Cy Young Voting
Player 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Johan Santana 28 0 0 140
Chien-Ming Wang 0 15 6 51
Roy Halladay 0 12 12 48
Francisco Rodriguez 0 1 2 5
Joe Nathan 0 0 3 3
Kenny Rogers 0 0 3 3
Justin Verlander 0 0 2 2
Scoring: 5 points for 1st-place vote, 3 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd.

Santana is just 27 years old and thinks he can still improve. "In the future, I want to be consistent from Day 1. We're still making adjustments," Santana said. "I still believe that I can be better."

Kobe Bryant sued by Grizzlies fan

Kobe Bryant is being sued in Federal Court by a fan who claims that Bryant deliberately elbowed him in the face.

According to court documents, Bill Geeslin claims that during a game
against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 14 of last year, Bryant came off the
court during play, landed on him, and that Bryant “committed assault and battery
and engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct when [Bryant], without
provocation, violently struck Mr. Geeslin with [his] elbow, causing Mr. Geeslin
injury and damages.” So much for sitting courtside.

Three years ago Bryant settled an alleged rape case with the victim for a reported sum of $5 million dollars

Brandon Webb wins NL Cy Young Award

Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks won the National League Cy Young award on Tuesday. Webb beat out Padres closer Trevor Hoffman for the award. Last year's winner Chris Carpenter came in third place.

Webb had a 16-8 record and a 3.10 ERA. He is the pitcher with the fewest wins to ever win the award. Many had predicted either Webb or Chris Carpenter would win the award.

The American League Cy Young award winner will be announced on Thursday.

Player 1st-place votes 2nd 3rd Points

Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 15 7 7 103
Trevor Hoffman, Padres 12 3 8 77
Chris Carpenter, Cardinals 2 16 5 63
Roy Oswalt, Astros 3 3 7 31
Carlos Zambrano, Cubs -- 1 3 6
Billy Wagner, Mets -- 1 1 4
John Smoltz, Braves -- 1 -- 3
Takashi Saito, Dodgers -- -- 1 1

Ramirez and Verlander win Rookie of the Year awards

Florida Marlins rookie Hanley Ramirez won National League Rookie of the Year honors on Monday. The American League Rookie of the Year went to Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.

Ramirez beat Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman by just four votes. Three of the top four in National League voting were Marlins.

Verlander beat out Rex Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Weaver and Cardinals negotiating

I was in the Royal Room at the Staples Center tonight before the Lakers-Grizzlies game and ran into St. Louis Cardinals World Series hero Jeff Weaver downing a Rolling Rock near the bar.

I spoke to Jeff for a bit about the World Series win and his crazy 2006 season that ended with him being the winning pitcher of the clinching game of the Series. I chose a great night to wear my St. Louis Cardinals hat.

I asked Jeff if he planned to be back with the Cards and he said 'we are working on it.'

He went on to say it was 'very exciting' to be a part of the 2006 Cardinals team.

Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan did a great job with Weaver as he does with many pitchers with great stuff.

My prediction is that Jeff will sign a 2-3 year contract with the Cardinals for around $18-20 million dollars in the next couple of months.

NBA Stat Leaders as of November 10, 2006

POINTS PPG

1. Allen Iverson, PHI 31.4
2. Gilbert Arenas, WAS 28.8
3. Michael Redd, MIL 28.4
4. Zach Randolph, POR 28.0
5. Joe Johnson, ATL 27.8

REBOUNDS RPG

1. Paul Pierce, BOS 13.0
2. Chris Bosh, TOR 12.8
3. Carlos Boozer, UTA 12.4
4. Tyson Chandler, NOK 12.0
5. Drew Gooden, CLE 11.8

ASSISTS APG

1. Steve Nash, PHO 11.2
2. Chris Paul, NOK 10.6
3. Andre Miller, DEN 9.0
4. Allen Iverson, PHI 8.4
5. T.J. Ford, TOR 7.5

BLOCKS BPG

1. Jermaine O'Neal, IND 3.75
2. Emeka Okafor, CHA 3.75
3. Marcus Camby, DEN 2.67
4. Steven Hunter, PHI 2.60
5. Etan Thomas, WAS 2.50

STEALS SPG

1. Ron Artest, SAC 4.20
2. Caron Butler, WAS 3.00
3. Gilbert Arenas, WAS 2.75
4. Jarrett Jack, POR 2.60
5. Brevin Knight, CHA 2.50

Lance Armstrong completes NYC Marathon

Cycling great Lance Armstrong completed the NYC Marathon on Sunday. He ran the 26.2 mile race in 2:59:36. He accomplished his goal of running the race in under three hours.

photo: PEOPLE

Phil Fulmer suspends three Vols players for Arkansas game

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer has suspended three Vols players after their arrests for disorderly conduct and underage drinking after the team's loss to LSU on Saturday night.

"The three young men who were arrested let their teammates, coaches,
administration and great fans down," Fulmer said. "Their behavior is an example
... [of] when immature male ego mixes with alcohol and stupidity."

Arian Foster will be suspended for the first half of the Arkansas game on Saturday. Fullback David Holbert will be suspended for the entire game. And safety Antonio Wardlow will be suspended for the Arkansas game and the Vanderbilt game on Nov. 18th.

I guess the better player you are the less of a suspension you receive from Coach Fulmer. The suspensions could lead to back-to-back loses as the Vols go to battle at Arkansas this weekend.

Top 100 High School Football Recruits

The Top 50 High School Football Recruits in the class of 2007. Some of these guys have already decided where they will play their college ball, while some of them will decide during their senior year of high school.

Six out of the top 10 propsects are still undecided. It is not totally uncommon for a player to change his mind about his verbal commitment to attend a college.

California boy Jimmy Clausen, ranked #1 overall, chose to attend Notre Dame over USC. His two older brothers both played quarterback at the University of Tennessee.

Rank Name School Pos. Ht. Wt. College

1 Jimmy Clausen Oaks Christian (Westlake, Calif.) QB 6-3 207 Notre Dame

2 Noel Devine North Fort Myers (North Fort Myers, Fla.) RB 5-8 180 Undecided

3 Marvin Austin Coolidge (Washington, D.C.) DL 6-3 300 Undecided

4 John Clay Park (Racine, Wis.) RB 6-2 220 Undecided

5 Arrelious Benn Dunbar (Washington, D.C.) WR 6-2 205 Undecided

6 Caleb King Greater Atlanta Christian (Norcross, Ga.) RB 5-11 196 Undecided

7 Marc Tyler Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) RB 6-0 214 USC

8 Tray Allen South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas) OL 6-4 305 Texas

9 Josh Oglesby St. Francis (St. Francis, Wis.) OL 6-8 310 Wisconsin

10 Allen Bailey McIntosh County (Darien, Ga.) DL 6-3 255 Undecided

11 Torrey Davis Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) DL 6-4 285 Undecided

12 John Brown Lakeland (Lakeland, Fla.) DL 6-2 285 Undecided

13 Everson Griffen Agua Fria (Avondale, Ariz.) DL 6-4 265 Undecided

14 Chris Galippo Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) LB 6-2 235 USC

15 Anthony Davis Piscataway (Piscataway, N.J.) OL 6-6 340 Undecided

16 Austin Box Enid (Enid, Okla.) LB/DB 6-3 215 Oklahoma

17 Ryan Mallett Texas (Texarkana, Texas) QB 6-6 235 Michigan

18 Aaron Hernandez Bristol Central (Bristol, Conn.) TE 6-4 235 Florida

19 D'Angelo McCray Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla.) DL 6-5 280 Undecided

20 Terrence Toliver Hempstead (Hempstead, Texas) WR 6-4 190 Undecided

21 Eric Berry Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.) QB/DB 6-0 194 Undecided

22 Ronald Johnson Muskegon (Muskegon, Mich.) DB/WR 6-0 185 Undecided

23 Justin Trattou Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) DL 6-4 250 Notre Dame

24 Pat Bostick Manheim Township (Lancaster, Pa.) QB 6-3 220 Pittsburgh

25 John Brantley Trinity Catholic (Ocala, Fla.) QB 6-3 190 Texas

26 Joe McKnight John Curtis (River Ridge, La.) RB/DB 5-11 185 Undecided

27 Richetti Jones Lincoln (Dallas, Texas) DL 6-3 240 Undecided

28 Jerimy Finch Warren Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) DB 6-2 215 Michigan

29 Broderick Green Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.) RB 6-1 230 USC

30 Martez Wilson Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) DL 6-4 228 Undecided

31 Deonte Thompson Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.) WR 6-1 190 Undecided

32 Lansford Watson Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) WR 6-4 226 Maryland

33 Lee Ziemba Rogers (Rogers, Ark.) OL 6-7 295 Undecided

34 John Elliott East Meadow (East Meadow, N.Y.) OL 6-5 290 Undecided

35 Stefoin Francois East St. John (Reserve, La.) DB 6-2 210 Undecided

36 Mike Ragone Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill, N.J.) TE 6-5 230 Notre Dame

37 Willy Korn Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) QB 6-2 200 Clemson

38 Kenny Rowe Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) DL 6-3 220 Undecided

39 Josh Nesbitt Greene County (Greensboro, Ga.) QB 6-2 215 Undecided

40 Donovan Warren L.B. Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) DB 6-0 185 Undecided

41 Aaron Corp Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) QB 6-4 185 USC

42 Armando Allen Hialeah-Miami Lakes (Hialeah, Fla.) RB 5-10 185 Undecided

43 Michael Williams St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.) DB 5-10 174 Undecided

44 Marshall Jones Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) DB 6-1 190 USC

45 Brian Price Crenshaw (Los Angeles, Calif.) DL 6-3 270 UCLA

46 Ryan Miller Columbine (Littleton, Colo.) OL 6-8 280 Undecided

47 Nick Sukay Central Catholic (Greensburg, Pa.) WR 6-3 205 Penn State

48 Greg Little Hillside (Durham, N.C.) RB/WR 6-3 205 Undecided

49 Rob Gronkowski Williamsville N. (Williamsville, N.Y.) TE 6-6 230 Undecided

50 Curtis Brown Gilmer (Gilmer, Texas) WR/DB 6-0 195 Texas

The rest of the Top 100

National League Gold Glove Winners

Major League Baseball has announced the National League Gold Glove winners for the 2006 baseball season. The number at the end is the # of Gold Gloves that player has won in his career.
1B Albert Pujols- St. Louis Cardinals 1
2B Orlando Hudson- Arizona Diamondbacks 2
3B Scott Rolen- St. Louis Cardinals 7
SS Omar Vizquel- San Francisco Giants 11
OF Carlos Beltran- New York Mets 1
OF Andruw Jones- Atlanta Braves 9
OF Mike Cameron- San Diego Padres 3
C Brad Ausmus- Houston Astros 3
P Greg Maddux- Los Angeles Dodgers 16

It is nice to see Sir Albert Pujols get credit for his leather at first base. Sixteen gold gloves for Maddux is pretty amazing. Do they just vote for him now without even thinking about any other pitchers? I am surprised to see Beltran on the list. I would have given the catcher's gold glove to Yadier Molina

American League Gold Glove Winners

Major League Baseball has announced the American League Gold Glove winners for the 2006 baseball season. The number at the end is the # of Gold Gloves that player has won in his career.

1B Mark Teixeira- Texas Rangers 2
2B Mark Grudzielanek- Kansas City Royals 1
3B Eric Chavez- Oakland Athletics 6
SS Derek Jeter- NY Yankees 3
OF Torii Hunter- Minnesota Twins 6
OF Ichiro Suzuki- Seattle Mariners 6
OF Vernon Wells- Toronto Blue Jays 3
C Ivan Rodriguez- Detroit Tigers 12
P Kenny Rogers- Detroit Tigers 5

One can assume it is a lot easier to catch those shots back up the middle with a little pine tar on your glove and hand. Way to go sticky fingers.

Albert Pujols is officially perfect

According to MLB's annual player rankings Albert Pujols is perfect. The Cardinals first baseman scored a perfect 100. He is only the 6th person since the test was created in 1981 to score perfectly on the test.

The St. Louis Cardinals first baseman finished first at his position in plate appearances, batting average, on-base percentage, home runs and RBIs over the 2005 and 2006 seasons, according to rankings released Tuesday by the Elias Sports Bureau.

Since the rankings were created in the settlement of the 1981 strike, the only previous players to get perfect scores were New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly (1987), Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. (1991), Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas (1995), Houston first baseman Jeff Bagwell (1995) and Boston designated hitter Manny Ramirez (2002).

Pujols was the top NL first baseman for the third straight year after finishing among the top three outfielders in 2003. Catcher Michael Barrett and reliever Billy Wagner also repeated.

2006-07 NBA Season Predictions

The NBA tipped off its season last night. Here are my predictions for the 2006-2007 season:

MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Rookie of the Year: Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies

Most Improved: Darko Milicic, Orlando Magic

Defensive Player of the Year: Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings

6th Man of the Year: Shane Battier, Houston Rockets

Coach of the Year: Don Nelson, Golden State Warriors

Eastern Conference Champs: Chicago Bulls

Western Conference Champs: Dallas Mavericks

NBA Champions: Dallas Mavericks