Sunday, September 9, 2012

Today's Topics: Ark., UCLA, ND, Modell/Browns, Clemens


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A couple of quick things from College Football Week 1:

Couldn’t help but smile when I saw the score: La.-Monroe 34, Arkansas 31 (OT)

That’s because Razorbacks head coach John L. Smith took over at Arkansas after ditching his alma mater (Weber State) before even coaching a game there.

Smith turned his back on his own to grab a spotlight job in the SEC.

He’s not the only coach who would have done that, but his bolting Weber State left a bad taste in my mouth.

La.-Monroe’s victory served as some mouthwash.

BTW, earlier last week, Smith filed for bankruptcy concerning debts incurred through real estate investments in Kentucky.

Smith last week paid the price for multiple decisions.

Not sure why UCLA football has suffered through such a long period of national irrelevance, but beating Nebraska might be a sign the Bruins are headed in the right direction under Jim Mora.

The team is very young – inexperience that will be costly at times during the season. Saturday’s night victory, however, got people’s attention.

Even people at USC.

Saints suspensions overturned

Funniest thing seen in light of Saints players having there Bounty-gate suspensions overturned by a three-person NFL panel was ESPN’s Mark Schlereth saying the league was a brotherhood and he never knew of a player intentionally trying to hurt another player.

Typing that has me laughing again.

A’s pitcher recovering

Never like to hear that a McCarthy is hurting, and that’s especially true after learning A’s right-hander Brandon McCarthy was hit in the head by a line drive on Wednesday night.

The most important update is that McCarthy appears to be recovering. He’s even Tweeting from the hospital!

How a guy who nearly dies after being hit by a lined baseball can take the mound again is beyond me.

But never underestimate a McCarthy. J

Former Browns owner Modell dies

As an outsider looking in, I thought it was a crime when Art Modell moved his Browns from Cleveland to Baltimore.

OK, he owned the team and felt he got a raw deal from the city officials. But the Browns had a large, loyal following -- the Cleveland fans had a right to be incensed.

At least Modell and the NFL did the right thing by leaving the Browns’ name and history in Cleveland. Thus, we have the Ravens.

Upon learning of Modell’s death last week, some Cleveland fans commented that time and a new Browns franchise helped heal the wounds. Good for them.

Sadly, other Cleveland fans reiterated hatred for Modell, among other things.

Let’s hope the bitter fans have better perspective when something really significant, tragic and/or important happens in their lives.

Irish delay (inevitable?) Kelly Watch

Notre Dame pulled out a last-second victory against Purdue, perhaps aided by a no-call when the play clock appeared to have expired.

The Irish avoided a loss that, fairly or unfairly, would have started the clock on the Brian Kelly Watch.

With a murderous schedule, Notre Dame likely will lose several times in 2012. But beginning 1-1 for a fourth straight year, and following a disappointing home defeat, many Irish fans would have been left feeling dismayed and unhappy quicker than expected.

The enhanced Rocket

Drug-aided or not, Roger Clemens clearly is an enhanced version of other 50 year olds.

Just taking the mound in an independent league and shutting down batters half his age is impressive.

Clemens should pitch as long as he can. It's not like his Hall of Fame status would be affected, since he's not going to Cooperstown for a while, at best.

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