Noogie.

Then again, I don’t have the storied tradition of excellence that was the C-J and its sports section for decades. Which is not an excuse, but reality. I resolve to do better in ’13.

But I feel compelled to start the New Year by pointing out today’s inexcusable C-J gaffe.

At the top of PAGE THREE, right above a column in which the sports editor fails yet again to be as funny as he would like, there’s this stat: “50 years since the Arizona Cardinals (and the Chicago, St. Louis and Phoenix versions of the Cardinals before them) have won an NFL football game.”

Which statistic would be of mild interest . . . perhaps . . . if it wasn’t so totally wrong.

The Cardinals beat Green Bay, 51-45, in a 2010 playoff game. After winning three playoff battles the year before against Atlanta, Carolina and Philly to make it the Super Bowl. Oh yes, they beat the Cowboys in a Wild Card game in ’98.

The once great newswpaper compounded the felony on the next page when reporting correctly that Arizona’s coach, Ken Whisenhunt, fired yesterday, had led the team to a Super Bowl.

I know I’m being a crank, but I still read the C-J every morning as I’ve done since my age was a single digit. More and more I find myself looking for the errors, which are manifest on a daily basis now, more than insight into the world of sports.

Nougat. To Bill Walton. It was great to hear his voice again. He did color commentary the other night during UCLA’s resurgent W over Missouri.

There’s something about his exuberance and willingness to call it as he sees it that I find refreshing.

I also have a soft spot for Walton. In ’90, I was hit by a car while jogging and my left leg was held together for a year and a half by an Iliazarov Fixator. He was in town covering a U of L game. When the former Bruin superstar saw me hobbling down the steps toward my seat, he, who has dealt with serious leg and foot problems throughout his career, stopped, chatted me up and offered words of encouragement.

Hope to hear his voice more during the coming hoops season.

Nougat. To James Franklin’s Vanderbilt Commodores, who finished their season 9-4, after bashing NC State by two TDs yesterday in the Music City Bowl.

Vandy. 9-4, including SEC games. One of them Milt Wagner academic schools that doesn’t even have a separate athletic department.

That, football fans, is a piece of work.

Noogie & Nougat. To two of Louisville’s future ACC compatriots.

Speaking of academic schools, Duke had a win just about secured over Cincy the other day in the Something or Another Bowl, driving into the Red Zone with the game knotted for a sure score with only a couple minutes to play.

They fumbled, giving up the ball to the Bearcats, who soon enough tallied on a long pass play. Then scored again before the gun sounded for a two TD triumph.

But another future U of L conference mate came through last night in the clutch. Clemson fought back from 11 down late to beat LSU in the Cows Want You To Eat Chicken Bowl. Hit a field goal. Held the Tigers to a 3 and out. Scored a TD, but missed the try for 2.

Held the Tigers to another 3 and out. (Though LSU’s three straight incomplete passes when they could have probably run out the clock on the ground was a monumental strategic miscalculation. Wonder if that Bayou Bengal QB coach, a fellow named Kragthorpe, was making those ill advised calls?)

Then Clemson drove for a winning FG as the clock expired.

Noogie. To those who are trying to make a big deal out of that free throw situation in the UK/ U of L game, when Alex Poythress replaced Nerlens Noel at the line, when Noel was probably the Cat fouled.

So what? Only Sean Hannity or Keith Olbermann could find controversy there. Okay, Ann Coulter too.

Nougat. To Boise State for staying in the Mountain West, where it belongs. And to that league for making it happen.

Noogie. To the Big East . . . whatever it may actually be. It’s hard to conceive what next year’s U of L football schedule is going to look like.

Perhaps the Cards can schedule a home and home with Trinity HS. The opener at Papa J’s. The season ender at Marshall Stadium in beautiful downtown Saint Matthews to decide which school has the best team in town.

Nougat. To the Colts and Bengal, Louisville’s “home” NFL teams, for making the playoffs.

Well, my New Year’s resolve to write only positive stuff in 2013 lasted a solid 9 hours and 26.5 minutes on the game clock.

Hope this annum is a peaceful and serene and productive one for you and yours. (And that includes you editors at the C-J.)

– Seedy K

He wasn’t a very good head football coach. He precipitated then led the program’s slide back to irrelevance. He was plagued with a severe case of coachspeak. He was smug.

It was a bad combination. So, I piled on. Until even I realized it was time to move on, that there was a new era in Cardinal football and Charlie Strong seemed the guy to get the Cards back to where they once belonged.

But Kragthorpe has lived on in one regard. As an adjective.

Kragthorpian has become a perfect descriptor for a baaaaaaaaad performance. At least in the Cardinal Nation, where the meaning is clear.

The last time Louisville gave up at least 45 points was in December, 2008. Actually 45 wouldn’t have so bad that day. U of L let Rutgers tally 63.

Cutting to the chase, yesterday’s performance by Vance Bedford’s defense was Kragthorpian.

It’s one thing to lose to a decent team, fighting to gain bowl eligibility, playing at home on Senior Day. It’s quite another to get manhandled on ABC when an undefeated season is within view.

That the Cards laid down is shameful.

* * * * *

So that I’ll remember my observations during a game to be able to pass them on to you in these post-game analysis things, I take notes.

Here, verbatim, are the notes jotted down during the Orange Crush:

That’s right. I never once popped the cap off my uni-ball Vision Elite.

And, I am without embarrassment in saying that with 11:45 to play, right after Syracuse went up 45-19, I left the TV and went and walked my beagle Abbey in the park, fully enjoying a glorious late autumn afternoon. Last night, I, my bride and friends were enthralled by Over the Rhine at the Bomhard.

Which is to say I underscored to myself that this U of L team, as I’ve espoused all year, is not even close to a return to the halcyon days when the Cards were coached by future UK mentor Bobby “Motorcycle Maniac” Petrino. (Okay, the last part of that is meant as a joke. I’d be slobberknocked if Barnhart goes there. But, hey, it’s big time college football. Ethics rarely matter.)

* * * * *

The use of  Cardinal runner clipart at the top is meant as irony.

The Cards’ running game was non-existent. Senorise Perry went down after two carries.

U of L rushed only 17 times in the game, netting 48 yards.

* * * * *

Frankly it was easy to see this one coming.

Here’s what I wrote last week as my prediction: It is plain and simple. U of L is going to have to play its best and most complete game of the season to avoid its first L of the campaign. The Orange are nothing special but they are tough at home. I just have a feeling that if U of L is going to get a comeuppance, it’s going to be this weekend in the Carrier Dome. I also have a feeling it’s about time for the Cards to display all their talents in one game for the entire game. If there’s been one consistent thing around here it’s this. I pick U of L to win every week. U of L wins every week. I’ve said it before and now repeat. It’s too late to stop now.

Given how the Cardinals have been playing, winning against mediocre or worse foes by the hair on their chinny chin chins, a clunker like this seemed inevitable. I picked them for superstition purposes only.

I don’t mention this to gloat. It’s just that all the nonesense before the L about national disrespect for an undefeated team was a bunch of bunk. If anything, based on actual performance, U of L had been overrated.

* * * * *

I won’t pile on.

The Cards are 9-1, and should stay in the Top 25, though their ranking will suffer severely.

If they win out, they’ll still get a chance for redemption in the Orange Bowl, most likely against a legitimately tough Florida State Seminole outfit.

It’s a good week to have have off.

If they beat the stuffing out of UConn, then catch Rutgers by surprise, and show well in Miami, yesterday will be the this season’s pigskin equivalent of the hoopsters losing last year at home to South Florida on Senior Night.

We’re certainly going to find out what this crew is made of in the weeks to come.

– Seedy K

Charlie Strong is earnest. While he’ll never master coachspeak like his incompetent predecessor — Krag could talk it but not walk it — he seems more comfortable by the year behind a microphone. And he’s learned to talk in generalities without really revealing much.

“We need to establish an identity.

“We need to develop leadership.”

* * * * *

Okay, now that I’ve convinced you there won’t be any major revelations contained herein, I can advise there were a few nuggets of interest passed along.

A common belief among the Cardinal faithful is that wide receiver might be the deepest position on the squad. Thus it was interesting to hear Charlie Strong explain why redshirt frosh Charles Gaines has been moved from corner to WR.

“We needed to add excitement at that position.”

* * * * *

He also shared an intimate anecdote about Nate Nord.

Apparently the tight end, whose career has been injury-plagued, took a meeting with Strong in the spring. His purpose was to hang up his cleats.

To which, Charlie Strong’s immediate reaction was, “You’re not quitting this football team.” And that’s the name of that tune.

Both Strong and offensive coordinator Shawn Watson mentioned the importance of developing four dependable tight ends to run the offense the Cards will use. Without Nord, that would have been most difficult.

Both were also asked about the situation at running back where 5 stalwarts, but no standouts, will vie for snaps. Both indicated they’d like to have one or two guys grab the position. But nothing has happened yet, after only four practices.

* * * * *

Strong indicated there was no Face of the Program who has emerged this season yet. He said he put the onus on Bilal Powell his first year here to raise the RB’s confidence. As for last year’s FOTP, Vic Anderson, Strong quipped, “All he wanted was to be Face of the Program.”

* * * * *

With all due respect to the head man, who is indeed in charge, the star of this show is always defensive coordinator Vance Bedford.

He is Lou Costello to Strong’s Bud Abbott. Bedford is to Jerry Lewis, what Strong is to Dean Martin.

The guy can talk.

And he is nothing if not enthusiastic.

“I guarantee, we will get to the football.

“If it moves, we’ll hit it.”

He especially praised B.J. DuBoise and Brandon Dunn, emphasizing how they’ve lost weight and how much that’s helped them.

He had high praise for two real freshmen at weakside linebacker, James Burgess and Keith Brown. But also emphasized what a leadership loss there is, now that Dexter Heyman has graduated.

He admitted that the talent level at Louisville doesn’t compare to the first and second rounders he and Strong coached at Florida. He also said there’s not comparison between the athleticism and talent level here now, compared with the squad when they arrived.

* * * * *

Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson’s stint in front of the assembled media can be summarized in one word.

“Teddy.”

* * * * *

Bedford was asked about recruiting Penn State players.

“We never gave it a second thought. U of L stands for far more than that. Integrity matters.”

– Seedy K

State of the Cardinals.

Another commitment kept me from the women’s scintillating comeback W last night over South Florida. I am advised however that the conversation on everybody’s lips, at least before the game in which the ladies showed significantly more mettle than their male counterparts, was at what point of the Providence game fans turned their TVs off?

More than a few chose “Extreme Couponing” or “Toddlers & Tiaras” before halftime.

It is interesting to note that the die hard fan base, for the most part, sees the team over the precipice in free fall, while objective observers are concentrating more narrowly on the travails of this particular squad.

Of course, those Louisville fans are the ones paying thousands of dollars a year for their seats. Is it not reasonable for them to expect more than parachuting t-shirts, visits from the West Dakota State Fighting Sagebrush and the knowledge that Rick Pitino’s children, grandchildren and their progeny will be set for life financially?

Not to beat a dead horse, or anything.

The Cats. I found UK’s W over feisty Auburn interesting for a number of reasons.

Tony Barbee’s Tigers outrebounded UK 35-29. I also believe the home team outscored the highly ranked Wildcats in the paint.

Impressive is the fact that youthful Kentucky, in only its second real road test, its first in the league, only turned it over 8 times in an intense atmosphere.

More impressive is that UK pulled away at crunch time for a convincing W that could have gone the other way.

Former Future Cardinals. Sebastian Telfair, now a Phoenix Sun, is averaging 3.9 ppg in 7.5 mpg of action.

Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo is averaging 15.8 ppg, 5.0 ppg more than his career average. And 10.1 assists per game, 2.5 more than his career average.

Former Future Wildcats. World Champ Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 18.6 ppg, down a couple notches from his career average. But the Mavs, after a slow start, have won 5 of 6.

Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods.

Roll Tide. I haven’t commented on Alabama’s beatdown of LSU in the BCS “Championship” game. Because, well, what is there to say?

I’d already fallen asleep in my recliner and reawakened and eaten my nightly pre-going to bed bowl of cereal before the Tigers crossed mid field, midway through the 4th quarter.

I loved Brent Musberger’s comment on the play before they did that. “The Tigers almost made it past the fifty. Oh, Herbie, I’m looking for something to get excited about.”

The performance of the losers’ QB Jordan Jefferson sure had that Steve Kragthorpe look to it.

Top Newcomers. ESPN.com lists its Top 25 freshmen hoopsters in the country. Three are UK Wildcats. One is an Indiana Hoosier. No Louisville Cardinals are on the list.

More Problems than U of L? Pitt, at home, lost by 23, 39-62, to Rutgers. That’s correct, the Panthers tallied a middle schoolish 39 points in their own gym.

Those Other Wildcats. Northwestern, the only major conference school that has never played in the NCAA tournament, will not break through that barrier this season. With a legitimate shot at a major upset in Ann Arbor last night, Bill Carmody’s team simply couldn’t score from the field.

NFL Playoffs. Am I the only one who finds the spreads for this weekend’s games to be really big? I’m fascinated that New Orleans is favored in San Francisco. Were I a betting man, I wouldn’t be placing my hard earned dinero on the visitors.

Syracuse Doing Just Fine. For the second season in a row, the Orange have started 18-0. Last year, it never felt legit. This season it does.

Futbol Report. My Tottenhem Hotspur bested Everton yesterday 2 nil. They remain tied with Manchester United for 2d in the Premier League, just three points behind Manchester City. I ordered a Hotspur sweatshirt from the team’s shop over a month ago. It still hasn’t arrived. I’m assuming it was shipped on one of those same slow ocean vessels Margaret Thatcher used to ship her troops to retake the Falkland Islands decades ago.

– Seedy K

Name Game.

Just who in the hell is Milan Puskar, for whom West Virginia’s football stadium is named?

Turns out he was a businessman, who headed a pharmaceutical company that specialized in manufacturing generic drugs. A philanthropist of some note, he was obviously a beloved citizen of Morgantown, as well as a big booster of the school. After he gave $20 million donation, they stuck his name on the stadium. (Not T. Boone Pickens, but not bad.)

I’d love to now regale you with some bizarre facts about the whole thing, but there are none. So, for what it’s worth, that’s the rest of the story.

Interstate Restroom Alert. Okay, one more meaningless aside.

Some friends and I were at that 9-7 Schnellenberger Era upset a score of years ago.

I remember two things from the experience.

1) Klaus Wilmsmeyer’s punt launched from Huntington that landed deep in Mountaineer territory, pinning them back and helping seal the Cards’ three field goal victory.

2) The eerie experience in an interstate rest stop restroom after the game. The notoriously irascible West Virginia fan base was in no mood for chit chat. You could hear a pin drop. Our group — a peaceful quartet — kept our mouths shut, stared at the ground, did our business and got out of Dodge. Through the years, my friend David has embellished the story until yesterday, when he said “I thought we were going to be killed.” (To which I advised, after Louisville’s final score, that if David left right then, he might be able to make it that rest area in time to relive the experience. He demurred.)

Again, not an especially scintillating anecdote, but I’m trying to give you something here you won’t find elsewhere.

“You can’t run that play.” How many times did I repeat that mantra yesterday when the Cards would run that off tackle slant that was being stuffed time and again? Correct answer: More times than I can count.

While the Cardinals’ O line play is improving by the week, it still has a long way to go. I don’t understand why there are no other options to that set? Pull it and pitch for an end around? Pull it and lateral for a reverse? Fake the hand off and zip it across the middle on a two step drop? Anything.

All that ranting aside, there was this reality. When the Cards made that huge 1st down on 4th & 2 on the last drive, a play that might have turned the season around (yes, more than the field goal block), it was that off tackle call. Which was used again on that final, clinching TD.

Which shows how little I know.

Bust it, Dominique, bust it. Is it my imagination or does Louisville’s “leading” rusher hesitate to hit the hole, and stop running when he’s about to get tackled? Almost as if he’s submitting to the defense.

That observation — salient or not — aside, Brown made three of the game’s biggest plays. It was Brown, who got the ball on that 4th down call, and spun in the backfield, kept his balance, and fought for the first down that kept the winning TD drive alive. It was Brown, who carried the pigskin into the end zone on you-know-what-play, when the line opened a great portal.

And it was Brown, who leapt to snare that onside kick in the final minute that sealed the upset.

Ready Teddy. In honor of Mr. Bridgewater, Louisville’s frosh phenom QB, who is improving exponentially by the week, this musical homage by the Architect of Rock & Roll. (Sorry, there’s no stunning visuals to this clip, the music will have to speak for itself.)

Teddy was ready, ready, ready to rock & roll yesterday. A glossy 21/ 27 passing for 246 yards. Presence under pressure. When it mattered — sorry, Geno — Bridgewater got ‘er done.

His poise and leadership on that all important 13 play, 66 yard 7:03 drive for the final, winning TD was sweet.

Eli’s Coming. Speaking of freshman who came up big — and there were far too many to name them all in this little blog — how about that other kid from Miami, U of L’s leading receiver on the day, Eli Rogers.

5 catches for 63 yards, and a TD.

Do we have time for another musical interlude? Of course we do. And don’t be expecting some Three Dog Night knockoff. To honor Mr. Rogers’ performance, we go to the source.

D by the Bushell. Adrian Bushell had 7 tackles and that great field goal block. Andrew Johnson had six tackles and that great TD on the field goal block. But I’m naming names today: Hakeem Smith (10 tackles), Mike Evans (9), Preston Brown (6), Calvin Pryor (6), Dexter Heyman (6), Roy Philon (5) and many more.

The Cards bent, giving up 533 yards, but to coin a phrase, didn’t break. Notwithstanding that last knife through hot butter foray by West Virginia to pull within 3 at the end, Louisville made big stops through the day that kept the team alive.

Standing Strong. Have I mentioned how much I love having Charlie Strong as coach of my football team?

So I have.

I loved, loved, loved how emotional he was on the sideline. Unlike a recent former coach who felt that stoicism might make him a legit coach. (It didn’t.)

To Vance Bedford and the rest of the staff: Good work, fellas.

Final Question. Are we havin’ fun yet?

– Seedy K

If you’re wondering why it’s taken me so long to tackle these subjects, understand that this Wednesday morning is the fourth time I’ve

Note I make a joke a few paragraphs down about future injuries after Wayne Blackshear’s, and, sure enough, Peyton Siva came up with a concussion. Homecoming King curse? Is there no end?

Hopefully I’ll get this finished and posted before I have to revise again.

* * * * *

There have been some sordid and disconsolate days for U of L sports since since I started paying attention in 1952. None that I can recall however (off the field) quite as bleak and depressing as Friday last.

The Big 12 said we like Almost Heaven West Virginia more than DerbyPlace USA.

Prized hoops recruit Wayne Blackshear tore his shoulder, thereby becoming this season’s Rick Pitino Injuries ‘r’ Us poster boy.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how’d you like the play?

* * * * *

Let’s consider the developments in reverse order.

I gotta ask: What is it with injury after injury after injury after injury during the Pitino era? And, other than David Padgett’s quick recovery several seasons back, Cardinal hoopsters keep going down in numbers and suffering interminable, inordinate periods of healing. Months. Whole seasons.

I don’t understand. This is NOT the NFL.

Is it dumb luck? Bad karma? The Curse of Karen?

Is it overwork without allowing for proper recovery time?

Is it poor treatment, or poor preparation? Fred Hina’s fault? Ray Ganong’s fault? The medical staff’s fault? The Rick’s regimen?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind. Cardinal fans know something’s happeni’ but they don’t know what it is? (To throw two Dylan references at the issue.)

You obviously feel bad for the kids, in this, latest case, Wayne Blackshear, who joined Russ Smith, Stephan Van Treese and multiple others on Injured Reserve. (Of course, they may not be the latest cases. Another player(s) surely might have been hurt between Friday and this Tuesday morning rant.) (Note: It happened again. Peyton Siva has a concussion.)

Lucy, somebody’s got some ‘splainin’ to do.

* * * * *

Are fans pissed about U of L’s conference woes?

Well, I guess. Here’s one reader’s take on the situation.

I stand by my “analysis” . . . Jurich was asleep at the wheel or blind to the real problem..the destruction of the football program by his soul brother Kragthorpe.  Everyone in the whole damn city knew almost instantly that the guy was a disaster (Mr. XXXXXX wrote a letter of condemnation after Kragthorpe’s first three weeks) except Tom the Bomb, who sat in his  goddamn tower trying to figure how to shake the last nickel from his loyal fan base or concocting some stupid caper to sell more Hondas at halftime.  For all of his success in other areas, he completely, totally blew it with football and now in reaction to that blunder, the conference decision went to the couch burners instead of the Cardinals.. sickening..it really is

I’m advised that Jurich and Rick Pitino (despite his public proclamations) worked the phones overtime trying to get the Big 12 to pick U of L. Not to mention Mitch McConnell, Mother Theresa, Kim Kardashian and several other die hard Cardinal fans.

I don’t think there was any chicanery afoot. Texas, Oklahoma and their little brothers simply thought West Virginia was a better choice. More national stature as a football program. State school. Bigger crowds. Etc, etc. Would that league’s thinking been any different if U of L had the same Orange Bowl pizzazz it did when Bobby Petrino jumped ship? Maybe. Probably. ????

Louisville remains a kind of southern, kind of midwestern urban school without a major gridiron TV presence. That Louisville used to be the King of Tuesday Night Football doesn’t count. (By the by, did you see that 63-60 back and forth battle between Northern Illinois and Toledo game last night, in a 9 lead change nailbiter that actually wasn’t as exciting as the we score you score score might indicate?)

I do know who ought to be escorted to the guillotine, and that’s Big East commissioner John Marinatto. Big 12′s Don Beebe went down when he was asleep at the wheel. Marinatto, incompetence personified, deserves a similar fate. The league needs to show these “saviors” it’s courting that it intends to be a serious player. Marinatto is to the Big East as Steve Kragthorpe was to Louisville football, i.e. a mistake of the highest order.

And, all that rumbling and grumbling aside, Louisville and its similarly situated conference brethren, will be none the worse off, if the all mighty and powerful BCS lets them stay in the loop. Which, given possible legal ramifications, it might. (With West Virginia’s preemptive lawsuit against the Big East starting things off, I predict the nation’s courts will soon become — forget the Big House or the Horsehoe or your fave stadia of choice — college pigskin’s next great playing field.)

In the you’ve heard it all before department, let me repeat that everybody — schools, fans, leagues, everybody except the “student athletes” of course — would be better off with a 16 team playoff. The champions of all 11 leagues and 5 wild cards. If the NCAA won’t do it, why won’t the two most powerful entities in college football do it?

ESPN, BCS, show us your ol’ block and tackle, come on down and play.

* * * * *

I do not have the answers, nor, frankly, any further insight into these two burning questions.

With the two best teams in America battling this Saturday in Tuscaloosa, one must lose so there’s sure to be a muck up, come BCS championship selection Sunday.

But hoops is drawing nigh, and eyes around here shall be diverted, at least for the season.

Unless, of course, so many Cardinals are injured that The Rick starts trolling the intramural league for warm bodies. Josh Chichester’s hoops career may not be over after all.

– Seedy K

I’m getting a kick out of the faux feud over Charlie Strong’s statements that UK’s is the better program now. Strong and Joker Phillips are long time pals, good friends, former neighbors. Of course, they want their team to beat the bejeezus out of the other come game day, but the smack talk is more charming than serious.

What is serious is how each school is going to disguise their abundant flaws? Whose offensive line will prevail? Which QB will take charge of the game? Which school’s neophytes will be up to the challenge in their first rivalry game?

* * * * *

There is no evidence more telling of the disgusting legacy left by U of L’s most recent former football coach than the statements attributed in this morning’s C-J to UK LB, former Central Yellow Jacket Ridge Wilson.

He attended the 2008 “battle” at Papa J’s. Having grown up “entrenched in being a Cardinal,” he was attired in red. Kentucky throttled U of L, 27-2, in the former coach’s 2d season. The game wasn’t that close.

Asked if that game made a difference when he chose to matriculate in Lexington, he said, “It made a lot of difference. I want to be on the winning team. Louisville and Kentucky were kind of head-to-head. That game just kind of put the icing on the cake. When I saw that UK defense flying around and making plays, it sealed the deal for me.”

* * * * *

Some of you have asked, why I follow the Detroit pro teams?

Because I was born in Motown. That’s why.

It’s why I’ve pulled out my Tigers hat. And why I need to find my Lions cap that’s been in mothballs for centuries it seems. At least since Yale Lary roamed the turf.

My Tigers won their 11th straight last night, besting Rick Bozich’s beloved ChiSox for the umpteenth time in a row. Justin Verlander won his 11th in a row, 23d of the season. He’s a lock for the AL Cy Young. Dave Dombrowski’s looking like ML Exec of the Year. He made some dynamite mid season acquisitions that have solidified the Tigers as a contenda.

Doug Fister? Go figure.

I just hope they haven’t peaked too soon. And Miguel Cabrera can stay sober enough to continue popping the tater.

And, if Matt Stafford can stay healthy — hardly a given — Detroit’s Lions might actually be a playoff contenda this season. They’ve got a winning streak going, a monster D line and new ‘tude.

They play 3 of their first 4 on the road. They survived in Tampa Bay as underdogs. After KC at home this weekend, they venture to division rival Minnesota then Big D to ball in the JerryDome.

* * * * *

I don’t know how long NFL TV’s Sunday Red Zone has been around, but I discovered it only this Sunday.

It’s the greatest.

The best plays from all the games all afternoon. So much for being locked into to the games the local channels deign to feed us.

Plus, if memory serves, I don’t recall seeing one commercial break on the Red Zone. Such a deal.

– Seedy K

To which, I reiterate: Point spread? I ain’t got no point spread. I don’t need no point spread. I don’t have to show you no stinkin’ point spread.

Now that that’s out of the way, now that the programs at Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Boise State, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, LSU — okay, enough already, we get the point — have been knocked from their lofty pedestals, turning the off season into some crummy Michael Bay disaster movie, it’s time to light the grill, throw on the brats, tap the keg, paint our faces and get ready for kickoff.

Here are five sure winners for this, the opening weekend of the season.

Oregon vs. LSU @JerryDome. Here’s what I know about LSU. Two position coaches, Ron Cooper & Steve Kragthorpe, were the two worst coaches in U of L history. (And that includes C.V. “Red” Money, who, in his singular season at the helm, 1932, went 0-9. That year, the Cards scored 18 points, while giving up 392.) But the Tigers do have a DL, a head coach with more luck than talent, a lot of fans who will trek to Big D. But their starting QB may have to watch the game from behind bars in the hoosegow. Oregon has speed, great unis, a unique hard-to-prepare-for system, great unis, a chip on its shoulder, and great unis. You think I’d pick against the Quack? Silly, silly you.

Boise State vs. Georgia @ GeorgiaDome. There are always hot seats. Then there’s what’s goin’ on with Bulldog coach Mark Richt. Yes, fans, that is UGA with an electric cattle prod in his mouth following the coach around. Last season Richt’s squad lost its first 3 SEC games, finished at .500 then lost to, gulp, Central Florida, in the Liberty Bowl. Meanwhile the Blue Fielders were one night in Reno away from a second straight BCS battle. The Broncos are 6-1 vs BCS schools in the last five years. So, why am I picking Georgia to win? Frankly, I have no earthly idea.

UCLA @ Houston. Is it my imagination, or has Case Keenum been playing QB for the Cougs since the turn of the century? Well, almost. He’s been granted a sixth year of eligibility, which means that by the time Houston has run the table in the defenseless C-USA, Keenum will be the first collegiate passer to throw for 100,000 yards in a career. If Rick Neuheisel (15-22 at UCLA) doesn’t turn it around in Westwood this season, he’ll have plenty of time to fill out his NCAA brackets in upcoming seasons. The Bruins has loads of returning starters. Their coach has reason to produce in a make it or hit the door season. I like the boyz from Cali to steal one on the road.

Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky @ Nashville. The biggest ? here is whether the stalwart Big Blue Nation that fills Commonwealth so consistently will travel to NashVegas for a late starting Thursday night encounter? I know plenty inveterate UK fans who are committed to watching from the comfort of their Barcolounger. On the other hand, those frat boys and gals in Bowling Green will use any excuse to head south. As for the game, well, it’s going to be interesting to see if Morgan Newton has really matured . . and can stay healthy? Other than that, I see a lot of folks dosing off by halftime, given the insurmountable size of the Cats’ lead. Then they’ll just have to turn off the TV and the lights, and trundle into the bedroom, as opposed to driving three hours to get home in order to be at work in the morning.

Murray State @ Louisville. Before Cardinal fans get ready to tar and feather Pat Forde for picking the Racers in an upset, think back to another 9/01 opener against Murray State. In 1978, if you’re looking for exactitude. U of L 23, Murray State 26. It was not a pretty sight. Against a team that puts it in the air early and puts it in the air often, the mettle of the Cards questionable secondary shall be tested from the get go. Then there’s this: Where will diminutive Will Stein fall on the Stu Stram/ Stefan LeFors scale? The Red & Black faithful hope he’s closer to the latter. Whichever, it will be good enough for the Cards to win Thursday, though it might be tight.

– Seedy K

I had to head to a meeting last evening, just as North Oldham was going into extra innings against Warner Robins, Ga. in the LLWS.

Guess it was a good thing. Things eventually fell apart for the Kentuckians, who couldn’t figure out Jake Fromm.

Until the Peach Staters tallied 3 in the top of the 9th, it was a damn compelling game.

Truth is North Oldham didn’t have as many studs as last night’s winner, or the team from Cali that whipped them Sunday night. Another Griffin McLarty or two, and they might still be competing.

It was a fun ride while it lasted. And the kids get to stay in Williamsport through the championship. Which means they’ll have plenty of homework to catch up on.

Speaking of McLarty . . .

* * * * *

. . . his favorite pitcher (and mine too) won again last night. Justin Verlander became the first 19 game winner in the Bigs this year, matching his best previous win total. The Tigers won at Tampa Bay, 5-2, stretching their AL Central lead to 5 1/2 over both Cleveland and the ChiSox.

* * * * *

The most intriguing question in MLB these days — except in NY and Boston where fans don’t care about anybody but those two nines — is whether Milwaukee is a legit threat to the Phillies in the NL?

And, I’d love to regale you with some knowing insight, but, fact is, I haven’t paid that much attention until recently. I know the Brew Crew has been surging, winning 20something of their last 20something games, and 8 of their last 10. They sit 9 games atop the NL Central.

I can offer little else in the way of observation. I know my buddy Bill, a major Milwaukee fan, has lamented the lack of props hurled his way.

Philly is 5 games up on every other team in the majors, and has too many pitchers. They look like a lock to me.

* * * * *

LSU’s starting QB Jordan Jefferson was in a bar fight last weekend, if you hadn’t heard. Even if he and his teammates are arrested for their alleged participation, it will come too late to help the Tigers in the Fulmer Cup standings. But it surely will make Steve Kragthrope’s job a lot tougher. If Les Miles sits Jefferson and his brawling teammates down for the Oregon game — a long shot for sure — the former U of L head coach, in his first test as QB coach in Baton Rouge, will be faced with turning a second teamer into a winner.

Stay tuned.

Which mention of Kragthorpe allows me to use the attached photo, provided by my man Sportsby, who actually bid on this item at a charity auction. (He advises he was the only one willing to pony up a penny for it.)

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2011/08/23/daily-briefing-tuesday-823/feed/ 0 http://score.leoweekly.com/2011/07/08/no-rumors-no-innuendo-just-questions/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2011/07/08/no-rumors-no-innuendo-just-questions/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:16:42 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=6641 Woof.

It’s the dog days of summer, whatdaya want from me?

Rumors? Innuendo? Recruiting gossip that Jody Demling hasn’t already covered?

Nah. But I got some question?

* * * * *

Why do Gene Smith and Gordon Gee still have jobs at Ohio State?

Who will coach again sooner in college: Bruce Pearl or Jim Tressel?

Can the Indians really hold off my Tigers in the AL Central?

Would Adolph Rupp have recruited a high schooler named Shabazz Muhammad?

Will you watch the NASCAR race tomorrow night just because they’re racing here in Kentucky?

Everybody who will actually miss the NBA next season raise your hand?

Anybody got a new Kragthrope joke I haven’t heard?

I’ve been watching World Cup soccer. You?

Name the next great American male tennis star?

Should I hold a press conference to announce I won’t be playing in the British Open this year?

Anyone else watched a replay of some hoops game on Big Ten Network because you don’t know who wins, so it’s like watching it during the season?

Is it just me, or is all this posturing, arguing and legal wrangling between superrich professional sports franchise owners and superrich players just a might annoying?

Did you hear this one? Steve Kragthorpe and Les Miles walk into a bar . . .

Why doesn’t ESPN feature Aussie Rules football?

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to head down to U of L on a hot summer’s night and watch current and former Cards ball at Crawford Gym?

Is downing one of those Polly’s Freeze supersized milkshakes an athletic accomplishment?

– Seedy K