After Auburn's blowout win over South Carolina in the SEC Championship Game, they'll play for a National Championship. Also, their quarterback Cam Newton, who accounted for six touchdowns in the game, will likely be the most lopsided Heisman Trophy winner in college football history.
Four days ago, the NCAA could've taken all of that away.
Auburn declared their star quarterback ineligble on Tuesday, and then immediately filed for him to be declared eligible. The NCAA granted their request, but in doing so, went against one of their most important rules.
NCAA Bylaw 12.3.3: "individuals or entities are not allowed to represent a prospective student-athlete for compensation to a school for an athletic scholarship.”
The NCAA cleared Newton because they “couldn’t find sufficient evidence that either Cam, or Auburn, knew of the situation with his father.” Um, that’s great and all, but whether or not Cam Newton had any idea what his father was doing is completely irrelevant. The Bylaw clearly states that no one is allowed to “represent” Cam - but his father did. The NCAA admitted that rules were broken when Cecil Newton and Kenny Rogers (not the pitcher) tried to arrange a pay-for-play system with Mississippi State during Cam’s second recruiting rodeo. So, by keeping Cam Newton eligible, the NCAA essentially ignored their own Bylaw, and in the same breath opened up a very dangerous can of worms.
As has been said all this week by pundits nationally, what is to stop family members/friends/coaches from coming to schools recruiting their children/friends/players with their hands out? Even a player can organize an elaborate pay-for-play scheme, as long as he finds a middle man. All the player has to do is plead ignorance. The worst thing that the NCAA could do is turn around months later and rule Cam Netwon ineligible. That’ll likely mean another flawed National Champion, and the 2nd tarnished Heisman in five years.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Groundhog Day
When going back and looking at past seasons, it seems that the Colts have a "sloppy" game like yesterday's win over Cincinnati every year. Oddly enough, it seems like most of the games have been at home, too.
2010: Colts 23, Bengals (2-7) 17
Early in the game, all the pieces were in place for an Indy romp. The Colts jumped out to a 17-0 lead and were in cruise control early in the second quarter. However, a 42-yard run by Brian Leonard on a punt fake swung the momentum back Cincinnati’s way, and they were in the game throughout. The Colts offense was inefficient as they punted seven times in the game. Five Cincy turnovers were their ultimate undoing, but despite all of that, the Bengals had the ball with under a minute left and a chance to win the game. Back-to-back sacks by Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis ended whatever hope the Bengals had of a comeback.
2009: Colts 18, 49ers (3-3) 14
Oddly enough, Joseph Addai threw the only touchdown pass of this game, as Peyton Manning wasn’t his usual self. You would never be able to tell that #18 was off from his final line: 31-48 for 347 yards, but he missed on a lot of throws that he normally makes. Peyton’s shakiness kept the Niners in the game, as Alex Smith was solid in his first start in two seasons, despite playing behind a struggling offensive line that allowed four sacks.
2008: Colts 10, Browns (4-7) 6
Peyton Manning did complete 15 of his 21 pass attempts, but threw for just 125 yards in the victory. Both defenses dominated the game as there wasn’t an offensive touchdown scored - the only TD in teh game came on a Robert Mathis scoop-and-score off of a Derek Anderson fumble in the fourth quarter. It was the first time since Week One of 2003, coincidentally enough also against Cleveland, that the Colts had failed to score an offensive touchdown in a game.
2007: Colts 13, Chiefs (4-6) 10
Coming off back-to-back losses to New England and San Diego, their first two of the season, the Colts were in desperate need of a victory. Peyton Manning was dreadful (I would argue it was possibly his worst game since pre-2003), leading to a 23.4 halftime QB rating. After another half, he had only bumped that up to an even 50, finishing with a 16-32 day for 163 yards and a pick. The Colts only managed 73 first half yards, but were able to put together a 14-play drive that ate up the final seven minutes of regulation, to set up Adam Vinatieri’s winner from 24 yards out.
2006: Colts 17, Bills (3-6) 16
Peyton Manning was strong in this game, but the Buffalo defense forced mostly short throws as Indy had to dink-and-dunk their way down the field. Peyton finished with a solid line of 27-39, for 236 yards and a score, but the Bills were still in position to take the lead in the fourth. Ryan Lindell missed a 41-yard field goal with just over six minutes left that would’ve given Buffalo the lead. The Colts took over possession, picked up four first downs, and were able to end the game without the Bills getting another chance.
2010: Colts 23, Bengals (2-7) 17
Early in the game, all the pieces were in place for an Indy romp. The Colts jumped out to a 17-0 lead and were in cruise control early in the second quarter. However, a 42-yard run by Brian Leonard on a punt fake swung the momentum back Cincinnati’s way, and they were in the game throughout. The Colts offense was inefficient as they punted seven times in the game. Five Cincy turnovers were their ultimate undoing, but despite all of that, the Bengals had the ball with under a minute left and a chance to win the game. Back-to-back sacks by Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis ended whatever hope the Bengals had of a comeback.
2009: Colts 18, 49ers (3-3) 14
Oddly enough, Joseph Addai threw the only touchdown pass of this game, as Peyton Manning wasn’t his usual self. You would never be able to tell that #18 was off from his final line: 31-48 for 347 yards, but he missed on a lot of throws that he normally makes. Peyton’s shakiness kept the Niners in the game, as Alex Smith was solid in his first start in two seasons, despite playing behind a struggling offensive line that allowed four sacks.
2008: Colts 10, Browns (4-7) 6
Peyton Manning did complete 15 of his 21 pass attempts, but threw for just 125 yards in the victory. Both defenses dominated the game as there wasn’t an offensive touchdown scored - the only TD in teh game came on a Robert Mathis scoop-and-score off of a Derek Anderson fumble in the fourth quarter. It was the first time since Week One of 2003, coincidentally enough also against Cleveland, that the Colts had failed to score an offensive touchdown in a game.
2007: Colts 13, Chiefs (4-6) 10
Coming off back-to-back losses to New England and San Diego, their first two of the season, the Colts were in desperate need of a victory. Peyton Manning was dreadful (I would argue it was possibly his worst game since pre-2003), leading to a 23.4 halftime QB rating. After another half, he had only bumped that up to an even 50, finishing with a 16-32 day for 163 yards and a pick. The Colts only managed 73 first half yards, but were able to put together a 14-play drive that ate up the final seven minutes of regulation, to set up Adam Vinatieri’s winner from 24 yards out.
2006: Colts 17, Bills (3-6) 16
Peyton Manning was strong in this game, but the Buffalo defense forced mostly short throws as Indy had to dink-and-dunk their way down the field. Peyton finished with a solid line of 27-39, for 236 yards and a score, but the Bills were still in position to take the lead in the fourth. Ryan Lindell missed a 41-yard field goal with just over six minutes left that would’ve given Buffalo the lead. The Colts took over possession, picked up four first downs, and were able to end the game without the Bills getting another chance.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
To Dallas Without Dallas
Instead of focusing on the most important four-game stretch of the entire season, the Colts spent most of the bye week dealing with arrests and injuries.
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The good news is that a night in the drunk tank and a one-game suspension will bring punter Pat McAfee back - the same can't be said for Dallas Clark. The Pro Bowl tight end that caught 100 passes last season will miss the rest of 2010 after undergoing wrist surgery. The injury thins out an already-depleted receiving corps, that has dealt with injuries to Pierre Garcon (hamstring), Anthony Gonzlaez (ankle), and Austin Collie (hand) already this year.
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Colts will miss the defensive attention that Clark demands
The Colts love to brag about their "Next Man Up" philosophy, but which next man can replace what Clark brought to the table? Defenses don't have to gameplan and/or adjust for Brody Eldridge. Gijon Robinson doesn't help the Colts dominate the middle of the field. It's doubtful that Jacob Tamme will be a reliable security blanket for Peyton Manning.
Dallas Clark is one of those players that you don't realize his value until he's gone. He's a mismatch for any NFL linebacker. He isn't afraid to go over the middle. If the big play is taken away and the offense has to improvise, Clark plays the role of both dink AND dunk. He's invaluable to the Colts' success.
Now, Indy enters a crucial stretch without Clark (not to mention Collie as well) when their AFC South title hopes, and playoff hopes, could be decided. Even while realitively healthy, the Colts struggled through their first six. What's going to happen with arguably the most important Colt outside of Peyton Manning and Dwight Freeney?
Of course it would be silly to ever count out Peyton Manning, and a Colts team that has won at least 12 games in each season since 2003. But, this latest injury could be the knockout blow for any hopes of getting to the Super Bowl. I just don't see how the Colts get to Dallas without Dallas.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New Kid on the Block
I'm what you would call a traditional sports fan. Though I embarrassingly admit to watching the debut of the XFL, and attending several live WWE events in my lifetime, I mainly stick to the sports that have history.
Mixed martial arts, and more specifcially the UFC, aren't really my thing. Don't get me wrong, I can understand why two guys in a cage with no rules (basically) and a variety of fighting styles meshed into one "anything goes" match is popular. However, it's just never really translated for me. I compare it to horror movies. Some people like being frightened. They pay money to be scared for two hours in a dark theatre. That's not my thing. I get it, it's just not for me.
The UFC is having an event in Indianapolis for the first time on Saturday, and the popularity of the sport is at an all-time high. We even had Chris "Lights Out" Lytle on the radio show today to plug it. As much as I may be opposed to following the sport, it may get to a point where I'm forced to.
I haven't given the UFC much of a chance. But, if the attendance and PPV numbers are true, maybe I should reconsider.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Rocky Start for Irish
After a heart-wrenching 34-31 loss to rival Michigan State, Notre Dame already finds themsevles at a crossroads for the 2010 season. While most expectations were lukewarm for the Irish, this season can quickly spiral out of control for Brian Kelly in Year #1.
At 1-2, the schedule doesn't give Notre Dame too many favors over the next three weeks with games against Stanford, at Boston College, and Pittsburgh. Breaking down the rest of the schedule, seven wins could be the best-case scenario for Notre Dame.
Even having dropped two out of three to Navy, you have to expect Notre Dame to beat the Midshipmen when the teams meet later this season. Tulsa, Western Michigan, and Army, will all be easy victories barring catastrophe. There are five wins. The rest of the schedule is anyone's guess. Notre Dame will have to go at least 1-4 against Stanford, at Boston College, Pittsburgh, Utah, and at USC. That should be do-able to get bowl eligible. However, 2-3 over those five games may be asking too much.
I promosted myself that I wouldn't judge Brian Kelly on wins and losses in his first year. That was already done with Tyrone Willingham (10-3) and Charlie Weis (9-3) and we all know how those eras ended up. But, with a 1-5 start a realistic possibility, the margin for error is shrinking.
At 1-2, the schedule doesn't give Notre Dame too many favors over the next three weeks with games against Stanford, at Boston College, and Pittsburgh. Breaking down the rest of the schedule, seven wins could be the best-case scenario for Notre Dame.
Even having dropped two out of three to Navy, you have to expect Notre Dame to beat the Midshipmen when the teams meet later this season. Tulsa, Western Michigan, and Army, will all be easy victories barring catastrophe. There are five wins. The rest of the schedule is anyone's guess. Notre Dame will have to go at least 1-4 against Stanford, at Boston College, Pittsburgh, Utah, and at USC. That should be do-able to get bowl eligible. However, 2-3 over those five games may be asking too much.
I promosted myself that I wouldn't judge Brian Kelly on wins and losses in his first year. That was already done with Tyrone Willingham (10-3) and Charlie Weis (9-3) and we all know how those eras ended up. But, with a 1-5 start a realistic possibility, the margin for error is shrinking.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Predicting the 2010 Colts
To me, predicting stuff is the worst part about being a talking head. It's really a lose-lose situation because regardless of what picks you actually get right, chances are you're going to get at least 75% of them wrong. The good news is that lately with the Colts, it's been fairly easy to get things right.
I broke their schedule into three categories: Gimmie games, Probable wins, Probable losses.
GIMMIE GAMES
at Denver - though they trail the all-time series 11-7, the Colts have dominated the Broncos in their matchups recently, winning the regular season meetings in 2007 and last year, and routing Denver in their two playoff meetings in 2003 and 2004.
at Jacksonville, Jacksonville - I'm predicting the Jaguars to finish in last place and last place teams rarely beat the Colts. I'm actually more confident with the Colts playing the Jaguars in Jacksonville than playing them in Indy. The Colts haven't lost in Florida since the 275 rushing yard debacle in 2006.
Kansas City - they'll be better, but this team isn't close to being ready to hanging around with the NFL's elite.
at Washington - I don't care how bad the Redskins are, it's always tough to go to the East Coast and play in front of 90,000 rabid fans. They finally have a quarterback and a coach this year, but not much else.
at Oakland - the Raiders will be better, but is this team worlds different from the '07 squad that the Colts beat?
PROBABLE WINS
NY Giants - I think the Giants will be somewhere in the 8-8, 9-7 range this year. They're a solid team that can cause the Colts come problems, but their defense was woeful last season and couldn't have drastically improved overnight.
at Houston, Houston - the Colts have won 15 of the 16 all-time meetings. In this series, the Colts have either a) found a way to win or b) watched the Texans implode upon themselves.I keep hearing that this is the Texans' year, but that's what we've heard the last three years. I'll believe it when I see it.
Cincinnati - can someone tell me the last time the Colts lost a game that actually counted to the Bengals? Anyone? I didn't think so.
San Diego - this team looks like they're taking a step back this season. They still have Phillip Rivers who is always a threat, but there defense isn't what it was 2-3 years ago.
at Tennessee - I really struggled calling this game a "probable win". Since the AFC South was formed, Nashville has by far been the toughest division road game for the Colts. Maybe Vince Young reverts to his 2009 form. Maybe Vince Young reverts to his 2007 form. I'm leaning towards the latter.
PROBABLE LOSSES
at Philadelphia - with new quarterback Kevin Kolb, it's tough to determine what the Eagles will do this year. One thing that is different about this team is that they have playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, something that they never surrounded Donovan McNabb with (outside of Brian Westbrook). Tough atmosphere, tough team, tough task.
at New England - I still think this team has a good run in them. The defense is a problem, but the offense should still be elite. They moved the ball at will against the Colts last season before self-destructing late.
Dallas - this is likely going to be the best all-around team that the Colts face this season. Being at home will help, but something about DeMarcus Ware going up against that porous Colts' O-Line worries me.
Tennessee - it's Week 17, duh.
Final Schultz's Shots prediction: 12-4, AFC South Champs
I broke their schedule into three categories: Gimmie games, Probable wins, Probable losses.
GIMMIE GAMES
at Denver - though they trail the all-time series 11-7, the Colts have dominated the Broncos in their matchups recently, winning the regular season meetings in 2007 and last year, and routing Denver in their two playoff meetings in 2003 and 2004.
at Jacksonville, Jacksonville - I'm predicting the Jaguars to finish in last place and last place teams rarely beat the Colts. I'm actually more confident with the Colts playing the Jaguars in Jacksonville than playing them in Indy. The Colts haven't lost in Florida since the 275 rushing yard debacle in 2006.
Kansas City - they'll be better, but this team isn't close to being ready to hanging around with the NFL's elite.
at Washington - I don't care how bad the Redskins are, it's always tough to go to the East Coast and play in front of 90,000 rabid fans. They finally have a quarterback and a coach this year, but not much else.
at Oakland - the Raiders will be better, but is this team worlds different from the '07 squad that the Colts beat?
PROBABLE WINS
NY Giants - I think the Giants will be somewhere in the 8-8, 9-7 range this year. They're a solid team that can cause the Colts come problems, but their defense was woeful last season and couldn't have drastically improved overnight.
at Houston, Houston - the Colts have won 15 of the 16 all-time meetings. In this series, the Colts have either a) found a way to win or b) watched the Texans implode upon themselves.I keep hearing that this is the Texans' year, but that's what we've heard the last three years. I'll believe it when I see it.
Cincinnati - can someone tell me the last time the Colts lost a game that actually counted to the Bengals? Anyone? I didn't think so.
San Diego - this team looks like they're taking a step back this season. They still have Phillip Rivers who is always a threat, but there defense isn't what it was 2-3 years ago.
at Tennessee - I really struggled calling this game a "probable win". Since the AFC South was formed, Nashville has by far been the toughest division road game for the Colts. Maybe Vince Young reverts to his 2009 form. Maybe Vince Young reverts to his 2007 form. I'm leaning towards the latter.
PROBABLE LOSSES
at Philadelphia - with new quarterback Kevin Kolb, it's tough to determine what the Eagles will do this year. One thing that is different about this team is that they have playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, something that they never surrounded Donovan McNabb with (outside of Brian Westbrook). Tough atmosphere, tough team, tough task.
at New England - I still think this team has a good run in them. The defense is a problem, but the offense should still be elite. They moved the ball at will against the Colts last season before self-destructing late.
Dallas - this is likely going to be the best all-around team that the Colts face this season. Being at home will help, but something about DeMarcus Ware going up against that porous Colts' O-Line worries me.
Tennessee - it's Week 17, duh.
Final Schultz's Shots prediction: 12-4, AFC South Champs
Monday, September 6, 2010
Week 1 Recap
Every week of the college football season, we'll hit the main bullet points for Indiana, Notre Dame, and Purdue.
Brian Kelly's debut: while Saturday may not have been the offensive explosion that Kelly was used to at Cincinnati, it was a smart, efficient, and fitting start to his coaching tenure. For the first time in a long time, the Irish played terrific fundamental football with solid tackling and some spectacular Special Teams' play. Considering Notre Dame was four yards away from turning this game into a 27-3 blowout, and then weathered a furious Purdue comeback in the fourth, there are reasons for optimism going forward.
MARVElous: perhaps the only debut that was just as highly-anticipated as Brian Kelly's was that of Miami transfer Robert Marve for the Boilers. Playing in his first game in nearly two years, Marve showed some rust at times, but overall showed why he earned so much praise in the offseason. The final line - 31-42, 220 yards, 2 TD - isn't jaw-dropping, but Marve was able to show-off his powerful arm and deceptive speed. Though the two interceptions were largely the fault off defensive pressure (ND had four sacks on the day), both were crucial because they came in Notre Dame territory. The flip into the endzone on the touchdown run was not only in poor taste (Still trailing by eight? On the road? Seriously?), but it gave Notre Dame a chance to change the field position after their next possession, and pin Purdue deep into their own territory.
Cupcakes, please: say what you want about IU's pillowy-soft non-league schedule, but for the Hoosiers a win is a win (is a win). Considering their struggles in year's past against teams such as Nicholls State and Eastern Kentucky, Indiana was far more impressive in their 51-17 drubbing of FCS-team Towson. Ben Chappell (2 TD, 0 INT) was his usual solid self, while Darius Willis (14/102) continued to show promise. The score may be a bit misleading, as the Hoosiers were actually outgained by Towson 392-360. The defense is still a work in progress, but IU will have a bye week before their 2nd game against Western Kentucky to iron some things out.
Brian Kelly's debut: while Saturday may not have been the offensive explosion that Kelly was used to at Cincinnati, it was a smart, efficient, and fitting start to his coaching tenure. For the first time in a long time, the Irish played terrific fundamental football with solid tackling and some spectacular Special Teams' play. Considering Notre Dame was four yards away from turning this game into a 27-3 blowout, and then weathered a furious Purdue comeback in the fourth, there are reasons for optimism going forward.
MARVElous: perhaps the only debut that was just as highly-anticipated as Brian Kelly's was that of Miami transfer Robert Marve for the Boilers. Playing in his first game in nearly two years, Marve showed some rust at times, but overall showed why he earned so much praise in the offseason. The final line - 31-42, 220 yards, 2 TD - isn't jaw-dropping, but Marve was able to show-off his powerful arm and deceptive speed. Though the two interceptions were largely the fault off defensive pressure (ND had four sacks on the day), both were crucial because they came in Notre Dame territory. The flip into the endzone on the touchdown run was not only in poor taste (Still trailing by eight? On the road? Seriously?), but it gave Notre Dame a chance to change the field position after their next possession, and pin Purdue deep into their own territory.
Cupcakes, please: say what you want about IU's pillowy-soft non-league schedule, but for the Hoosiers a win is a win (is a win). Considering their struggles in year's past against teams such as Nicholls State and Eastern Kentucky, Indiana was far more impressive in their 51-17 drubbing of FCS-team Towson. Ben Chappell (2 TD, 0 INT) was his usual solid self, while Darius Willis (14/102) continued to show promise. The score may be a bit misleading, as the Hoosiers were actually outgained by Towson 392-360. The defense is still a work in progress, but IU will have a bye week before their 2nd game against Western Kentucky to iron some things out.
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