The Madness of March

It is mid March. Therefore the NCAA men's basketball tournament brackets have been released and now begins the greatest guessing game that millions of Americans will  participate in.

Now I'm not going to share with you my entire bracket because, well, that would take too long. But I will give you a few key games that I find interesting.

First of all, let me just say, the South region is absolutely loaded. Florida, VCU, UCLA, Ohio State, Syracuse, New Mexico, and Kansas. There definitely looks to be some outstanding games here.

Whereas the south looks amazing, the west not so much. Arizona could have it pretty easy unless Marcus Smart and Oklahoma State decide to make a run. I could be and probably am totally wrong, but I really don't buy Wisconsin as a contender.

The Baylor/Nebraska game really intrigues me though. Baylor is legit, And Nebraska's hot - should be a fun one.

I really don't see Iowa doing anything. Tennessee gave Florida a nice game last week and the Hawks have totally crashed. They had great expectations and completely blew it. The only way to redeem themselves is to make it to the Sweet 16, at least. It'll be very difficult though and I don't see it happening.

I like Steven F Austin and either Iowa or Tennessee over UMass for a couple of upsets, but I really wouldn't be surprised to see Wofford knock off Michigan. Probably not likely, but not impossible.

However this thing shakes out though, it will, as always, be fun to watch the madness. Even if my bracket gets busted.

The Super Bowl Hangover Day

"Holding! Holding! Holding!" Screamed Jim Harbaugh and half of America.


That was great Super Bowl last night. Well, at least the second half of it was...but regardless, I enjoyed it. All over sports radio today I heard people talking about the "no-call" of defensive holding last night. While I do believe that there was a little extra grabbing there, I don't believe that the refs should have had to throw the flag. They could have, but they didn't.

Besides, even though we all tend to look at the ending of a game, one play doesn't always determine the final outcome. The 49ers gave up a fumble and an interception that lead to points for Baltimore, as well as letting Jacoby Jones run a kick-off 108 yards for a TD.

I give all props to San Fran. They are one heck of a team and deserved to win that game just as much as the Ravens did...and the Pats...and the Broncos, and Falcons. But as I have heard several times - "It's not necessarily the best team in the league that wins the Big One, just the team that's on a roll." Take the Giants, Packers and Giants from the past few Super Bowls for example.

But Baltimore played when it counted. Down to the wire, backs against the wall. They showed their pride. A lot of people probably think that John Harbaugh is happy that he won, but still being nice to his bro. Ha! Yeah right...I know what it's like to be a big brother. Somewhere inside John is laughing and just having a good 'ole time knowing that he beat his little brother!

All the while Jim is yelling "Holding! Holding! Holding!"

And Ray Lewis? Well, he's probably giving emotional pep talks to his dog now. While trying a new brand of deer antler spray.

Twas a Week Before the Super Bowl

"

"HarBowl"

"Harbaugh Bowl"

"The Brother Bowl"

Whatever you want to call it's still the Super Bowl. The most watched television event of the entire year.

Now, just giving a little kudos to myself - I totally called this match up before last Sunday's AFC and NFC Championships.

However, picking the winner of this game seems to be proving tougher than an over-cooked steak. Although I am leaning towards one team right now, that could change. As to which team it is shall remain confidential though. Whoa, that sounded cool...

Anyways, on to "Super Week" we go. On to TV ads and food. And football.

However pretty this story of the two brothers banging heads again (which I'm sure happened a lot as kids, that's just what brothers do!), I'm just looking forward to a great game!

So from one fan to to many others - enjoy the the final full week of football!

Happiness for Life and Eternity

Many things grieve me.

A loss of a loved one, though I've never actually had that happen to me yet.

The degrading of our nation.

The loss of innocent, unborn lives.

And the fact that many people are wandering through life not knowing what truth is.

I was listening to a radio program in my car this morning. It was the usual early morning talk about random subjects, and the topic of "what I want in life" came up.  Each personality gave their comments about what material things they would like to have and such. But then another broadcaster, deep voice and all, spoke up.

"All I want - is just to be happy for life and eternity...I just don't know how."

That saddened my heart greatly!

This man is wandering through life trying to find happiness. But he doesn't know how to attain it! Many people in this world are wandering through life trying to find joy, peace, meaning.

But why?

Is it because there is no absolute truth out there? Well, that can't be true. Because if that statement were true, then it would be contradicting itself.

Manti Te'o. Sigh...Nobody knows what's what and who's who, or, not who. Who knows?! But I can guarantee you that something about this story is true. Because there is such a thing as absolute truth!

I believe there is Truth, true Truth. But how can lost people know about it if somebody doesn't tell them?

We as Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ. Jesus told his disciples that He would make them 'Fishers of Men'. Meaning that He would train and grow them to reach out to people after He would leave this world.

We have a responsibility to share with others what Christ gave to us. People are lost and spiritually dying. They're seeking truth, but instead of finding it they fill their lives with worldly things. They wander and wonder...

Just today I have started to carry my Bible with me around school, and I have already gotten a comment! Maybe it starts with just a simple thing as that. Find a way to start a conversation, bring it to spiritual things and let God do the rest. It is amazing to see what happens when we step aside and let God and His Word do the talking.

Truth.

People are looking. Looking for something to fill that void. Christ can do just that. But people have to be told about it, we can't just hope that the lost will find out on their own.

It starts with you and I. What are you doing to further God's Kingdom?

The woes of a Lion

Play makers! You have the quarterback, you have the monster receiver, and you have a decent running game. But alas, something just isn't working. You look great on TV, and whenever your talked about people always picture the names and faces of the a fore mentioned positions. But before I try to butter this up any further I'll just be blunt with you...your defense needs help. And not just any kind of help, you need the kind of help a double amputee needs. You have no legs, or, talent. What you need is new legs, or, new players, and/or perhaps new coaches too.

But one thing we all can agree on is that you had a chance. You had a dream. You just didn't deliver...Oh, the woes of being a Detroit Lion.

Not much can be said for the success of the Lions this season, or a lot of teams for that matter. But people had them held high. They were Super Bowl picks for some, and division winners for many. But something didn't pan out.

The thrower to catcher duo of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson made Detroit fans feel swell about things. These were two young emerging all-stars. Top fantasy picks by many. But the old saying comes ringing about - football is a team game. Three realms of this game must be played as well as the other for a consistent successful team. You hurt yourself on Special Teams by giving the opponent good field position. You hurt yourself on Offense by not scoring. But ultimately you hurt yourself on Defense by giving up points. By not defending your end-zone.

Now, if I can, I'll see if I can turn this into and understandable concept.

We as Christians ought to be proclaiming the name of Christ. But what happens when I can't defend what I have just told a person? What happens when I tell a person that they need to be saved, but can't tell them why?

Sure, I may sound pretty. Detroit looks pretty on Offense. But if I can't defend what I have just proclaimed then I'm just like a Lion's team that can't defend their own goal. We need to be ready to defend what we say, with the Word of God!

We need to be properly trained and have knowledge of what we say. We need to spend time in the Bible. We need to be what we preach. To be as Christ, the ultimate goal.

Now, we as humans have faults, we're not perfect. But that doesn't mean that we should try to hide behind the eloquence of a good Offense or think that if we use extreme vocabulary in a perfect grammatical way that people will believe what we say.

Defense...it's key. Be ready to back up what you say. Don't wait until game day, start now! Get into God's Word! Don't be like Detroit. Don't hide behind the looks of fancy players on Offense. Get some defense and be prepared.

Are you ready?

No, Really?

And now, a new article called No, Really?. Where the actions and results explain the very meaning of, DUH!

Action - Indianapolis Colts (Go Indy!) appear to have found a great quarterback.

Result - Indy wins games.



Action - NFL player kills girl friend and self.

Result - NBC/Liberal media call for gun control.



Action - Different NFL player drives drunk, crashes, kills passenger and teammate.

Result - No guns were involved. No out-cry.



Action - Arizona Cardinals on losing skid.

Result - Coach appears to be losing job in near future.



Action - Baseball trades and…

Result - Nobody cares, it's football season.



Action - Notre Dame goes 12-0 by the skin of their teeth.

Result - Gets you into the national championship in the BCS. Unless, of course, you're Ohio State, and you broke the rules.



Action - Iowa Hawkeye football has no talent.

Result - Wins only four games. Coaches get hated on. Hope for better next season. And repeat. (I still love you though.)

I cannot hide from You.

I cannot hide from You.

That's the name of a certain song that has recently been stuck in my mind. The song, sung by Greg Long, has really been an encouragement and yet a challenge to me.

God sees and knows everything we do, say, or think. In a way, that statement can be convicting. Being a sinful human being there are some things that I don't want God to know about. But He does, and I have to my best to remember that.

On the other hand, to know that God is always there, always, is such an awesome feeling! There's no place I can go, where God can't be to pick me up. To guide me. To love me.

And really, that's what it's all about. His love for us.

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

He wants to be there for us. He is there for us. He always will be there for us.

I cannot hide from You,
You know me all too well,
There's no story of my life that Your memory could not tell,
 I can ride the morning wings till I'm completely out of view,
But whether in dark or light,
I cannot hide from You.

God loves us. It's evident. Just as a parent that loves their child and makes sure to know where and what they are doing, so our Father keeps track of us.

We can't hide from Him. No matter what. He created you, and He loves you.

Are you trying to hide from God?

It's my prayer that we all remain aware that God is omniscient (all knowing). He knows about everything.

Be thankful for that.

1/4 Season Rundown

Here we are, four weeks into the NFL season, and a lot has changed since the beginning. Super Bowl contenders falling off the map, nobodies becoming somebodies, and other teams right where everyone thought they'd be.

Here's my rundown on each team.

AFC

North
Steelers: Sitting at 2-2 people are somewhat disappointed, but don't fret, yet, they still have time.
Ravens: Right about where they were thought to be, not much to say.
Bengals: Young team, showing signs of talent, but time will tell.
Browns: Showing signs of improvement, but they still have a long way to go.

East
Patriots: One loss to Buffalo, but Buffalo not too shabby this year, the Pats will be fine.
Jets: Oh, Rex Ryan...we thought you guys would be East contenders, that hope isn't gone, but it's hard to see right now.
Bills: 3-1...is anyone surprised? They've finally got some talent, now if they can keep it going.
Dolphins: Lost cause right now...

South
Texans: It's finally your year, don't blow it.
Titans: Veteran QB, don't think that's enough though.
Jaguars: They need...help...
Colts: Nothing without Manning

West
Raiders: Showing signs of life, but more time is needed.
Chargers: It's your conference title to lose.
Chiefs: Grease fire...
Broncos: If they don't figure things out, they'll run out of time.

NFC

East
Redskins: Looking good early, but time will tell.
Cowboys: The play of Romo determines their outcome.
Giants: At one moment they look real bad, then at a second glance not too bad...time will tell.
Eagles: Way overrated...they do have talent, just need to use it successfully.

North

Packers: On top, as predicted.
Lions: Watch out GB, these Lions are hungry...
Bears: Like the Giants, 50/50
Vikings: Adrian Peterson can't do it himself.

South
Saints: Still a good team, they just slipped at Green Bay.
Falcons: They need a defense.
Bucs: Very talented.
Panthers: Newton is legit, they just need a defense.

West
Cardinals: They're falling...fast.
Seahawks: Not making much noise.
Rams: They're falling...and falling...and falling...
49ers: They're good, good enough to win the West anyways.

Well, that's it. It will all change again and again, but for now that's my rundown.

Enjoy the madness!!

2011 NFL Playoff Predictions

Here we go again! Another long summer is coming is coming to an end. The temps are falling, the trees are losing their lush green color, and most guys (and some ladies) are feeling the buzz to watch someone get completely destroyed by another. Yep, football is in the air!

From coast to coast and border to border, people across this great nation have had to put up with Basketball, Baseball, and whatever else keeps you out of trouble. But not anymore. Football is back!

After a "Lockout" that lasted nearly five months (which goes to show the greediness of people, and just how much this league is based on money more than anything else) the players and owners signed a ten year deal. Which means we just have to go through this AGAIN in ten years...but for now, enjoy it!

So just to give you an insight of how I think this season will turn out, here's my playoff predictions (not that they mean anything, because I'm terrible at picking winners).

AFC
(Division)(Winner)(Seed)

North - Ravens 3
South - Texans 4
East - Patriots 1
West - Chargers 2
Wild Card - Steelers 6
Wild Card - Jets 5

NFC

North - Packers 3
South - Saints 1
East - Eagles 2
West - Rams 4
Wild Card - Falcons 5
Wild Card - Cardinals 6

My Super Bowl Picks are the Patriots over the Saints.

There they are, they're probably no good but it's better than nothing. A dark horse team I haven't mentioned is the Lions. If Matthew Stafford stays healthy, watch out, with that defensive line you never know what could happen.

So sit back, enjoy your diet coke, and enjoy this season. Before you know it, it'll be over, and we'll be back to Basketball, Baseball, and again, whatever keeps you out of trouble. Until next season, that is...

Round Ball - Round Up

It's the NBA Finals!! The only part of the NBA season people care about!

And guess what, the Lakers are out! And so are the Celtics! Who would of thought?

But I'm not going to talk about them, no, I'm just going to give a brief summary of the four teams that decided to play during games, unlike the last year's finalist.

Let's go West first.

Dallas: Where has Dirk Nowitzki (his mom probably sneezed when naming him) been?
All the years he's been with the Mavricks and now he decides to play like he wants a championship? Well, I don't know where he's been, but he's playing some pretty awesome B-Ball right now, and that could carry Dallas to the top.

Oklahoma City: OKC is like that little two-foot tall kid that is surprisingly really good, but in the end his size is just not good enough.

West Results: Dallas leads the series 2-1 right now. And though  I think the OKC Thunder will get one more win, Dallas will move on. No doubt about it.


East.

Chicago: The team with the best record this season, and MVP Derrick Rose has turned out to be a flop.
Barely getting past Indiana and Atlanta, the Bulls now trail Miami 2-1, so if they (Chicago) wants to move on they better give it all they got, because they're playing a hot Miami team. But one thing's for certain, Chicago has been way over rated.

Miami: The team that made all the moves to win now looks like they actually might, but they have to play like it. The Heat win when they want to. That's the way it's been all season, win just enough to get in the post season and then turn on the jets. So if they really want to win it all then they'd better just keep playing like they have been.

East Results: Chicago's got guts, but Miami's got talent. I'm sure the windy city will get another win here, but the Heat will move on.


Finals Results: It's a tough decision. Dallas, who's on a role, and Miami who's also on a role. I think the winner will be whoever finishes this round better.
But if I had to give an answer now, than I think I'd go with Miami in 7 games. They've got the stars, the talent, and the want.

Who Ya Got?



Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert...Who ya got?

Go ahead, say it. Everyone else is, so why can't you? "Cam Newton will be the #1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft." There, now was that so hard? Actually, for me, it was, because I don't believe it.
Almost everybody is saying Newton's going first, yadayadayada, but don't listen to them. In fact, don't listen to me, because these predictions mean absolutely nothing.

Carolina, the team who did the worst last year, doesn't have to pick Cam Newton, Jake Locker, or Blaine Gabbert (the top 3 candidates, respectively). The panthers could pick one of the lowest prospects like Austin Arnaud of Iowa State (sorry Austin, I know you're pretty good, it's just, you're a Cyclone).

So don't think I or any of those "smart" people who "know" everything about sports, know who's going to be picked first. Because we don't know, the only difference between them and I is they get paid to tell you things that mean nothing.

So now that I've told you not to believe anything I say, let me tell you who I think will go #1. Jake Locker, HA! Fat chance. The Quarterback who passed the draft and probably a high pick last year, didn't have such a hot year this last season. There's no way he's going first.

Well, you already know that I don't think Cam Newton's going first. Carolina wants a scorer, and Cam is a scorer, but half of his scoring comes by running people over. That's just not the way teams do it today, they just want someone to drop back and throw the ball.

To me, Newton is a carbon copy of Tim Tebow, except Tebow is white. If Cam Newton is going to be an NFL quarterback, then he's going to have to learn how to throw the ball every down. It's that simple.

So obviously that leaves just one person, Blaine Gabbert. This guy's got it all, or at least most of it. The quarterback led the Missouri Tigers to some big wins the last couple of years. Though he did lose to my Iowa Hawkeyes in December at the Insight Bowl Thank you, by the way, Mr. Gabbert, for throwing that incoherent pass late in the game that allowed us to win!). But that was then, and this is now. He's got the chemistry, agility, accuracy, and most important, he's smart. That's not to say other quarterbacks aren't smart, he's just got a brain that works really well. That's why I think he'll go #1.

As for the other two, well, I could care less when they go. All that seems to matter today is who goes first.

So if there's anything you learned after reading this, I hope it's that you should never believe  what people say about the draft. So go ahead, make your prediction. But when Thursday comes the only thing that will matter is who Carolina thinks is best, that and that alone.

Let the Games Begin!

Tuesday I attended the Olympics in Indianola, Iowa...the Special Olympics to be specific.
Ben was participating in three different events. The softball throw, which he placed 3rd in. The 50 meter dash, which he placed 2nd in, and the 4x100 relay race, his team got 2nd in that one also.

It was very exciting for both athletes and friends & family that showed up to watched. But as I watched, I realized something. Every athlete's goal wasn't to win, but to compete and have fun!
From the time a race began to the time each one crossed the finish line they had a huge smile on their face. They didn't care whether or not they got first, they were just happy to be there, it was their moment.

It was amazing to see them do these things that some said they couldn't do. And to see them do it with a smile and not worry about what other people thought. That was very humbling.

And as I watched, I was reminded of how precious every single life is. No matter what extra challenges there might be with taking care of them, they're a gift from God. And to see them compete, not for pride and glory, but to just have fun, that was just awesome!
And you can count on one thing, I'll be back for years to come!

Hats Off

You have to tip your hat to the University of Connecticut Huskies...and Connecticut has to tip their hats to the Butler Bulldogs.
Uconn (for short) played absolutely terrible Monday night in the NCAA Championship Game at Relient Stadium in Houston, Texas.

But if it hadn't been for Butler's even worse performance, Uconn would have a long, quiet flight home. Without a trophy, they would watch as Butler danced in the streets, celebrating. The Huskies' stats were pretty bad. But thanks to Butler, who made to the big game for the second year in-a-row, Uconn was able to cut down the nets.


The Bulldogs scored just three 2-point baskets! For the whole game!! They went 12 for 64 with all their shots, that's only 18.8%! Not to mention Connecticut outscored them in the paint 26-2! If it hadn't been the championship game I would've watched Barney, he could have scored more points then both teams combined while blind folded and with no arms!

Butler, I'm sure, would love to just forget about the game. As for Uconn, it was an ugly win, but a win none-the-less.

So say thank you to Butler, because without their terrible play last night the Connecticut Huskies would be listening to their motivational tapes, and they wouldn't be Champions.

Loyalty and Money

Shaka Smart and the Virginia Commonwealth Ram's magical run in the NCAA tournament came to an end Saturday night losing to the Butler Bulldogs in the Final Four in Houston, Texas.

Nobody expected them to advance that far, let alone even be in the tournament. Shoot, even VCU themselves didn't watch the selection show March 13th because they didn't even think they would get in. 

But Virginia Commonwealth did, they had to play a play-in-game to do it, but they were in none the less. Knocking off excellent teams on their way to the Final Four, Shaka Smart became more and more popular.


But now that VCU's season is over, Shaka had to make an important decision, stay there at VCU or go to a major university. He decided to stay.


Now, he's either scared of the housing market or he is loyal to Virginia Commonwealth. I believe it's the ladder. 


It happens too often in today's world, people want more for themselves. They're always watching their own back, not thinking about how it'll affect another person. But that's not Shaka Smart.


No doubt he'll get a pay raise and extension at VCU, but he could get more dough if he wanted.



People are busting him now because - who wouldn't want a couple more million bucks? A person who cares more about his reputation than how much money he has. Shaka Smart showed his loyalty to Virginia Commonwealth in this situation. He has his priorities set.


Shaka is a person we all can learn from, no matter what people say.
I applaud you Shaka Smart, I applaud you.