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Saturday College Football Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:59:55 AM EST
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I'm back in NY after the DNC. I apologize for the sparcity of my blogging from Charlotte - I was juggling a lot of balls, including some important work issues. Tomorrow I hope to provide a comprehensive post on the goings on and what I think they mean for this election. In the meantime, it's Saturday and that means college football. My picks on the flip.

Open Thread. Go Gators!

Arizona State -4 over Illinois, Northwestern +3½ over Vanderbilt, Houston +3 over Louisiana Tech, Nebraska -5½ over UCLA (3 units), Connecticut +3½ over North Carolina State, Ohio State -18 over Central Florida (2 units), South Florida Pick over Nevada, East Carolina +21 over South Carolina, Maryland +10 over Temple, Michigan State -20 over Central Michigan (4 units), Mississippi -8 over Texas-El Paso, USC -26½ over Syracuse (2 units), Washington +24 over LSU, Purdue +14 over Notre Dame (2 units), Michigan -21 over Air Force )3 units), Kansas State -7 over Miami (Florida), Iowa -3½ over Iowa State (2 units), Wisconsin -7 over Oregon State (2 units), Auburn +3 over Mississippi State )3 units), Tulsa -24 over Tulane.

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    Saturday College Football Open Thread | 137 comments (137 topical)

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    Interesting evening... (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by kdog on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:46:09 AM EST
    in store, off to party with drag queens at Lucky Cheng's for my niece's 21st Birthday extravaganza tonight.  

    Original plan was for her dad, brother, and uncles to go in drag, but we decided it might be taken the wrong way by the performers and we do not wish to offend.  We'd make some fugly women anyway;)

    Party on party people, wherever ya are!

    Some look better (none / 0) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 12:27:07 PM EST
    in drag--for example, "America's Mayor", Rudy, who, it may be argued, looks less fugly as a drag queen--if only marginally.  

    Parent
    An all time record spread (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:52:35 AM EST
    in the FSU/Savannah State game and I was eagerly waiting to see whether you'd take Savannah State +70½

    34 betting units? This is becoming a job. Today could already be the end of my BTD NCAA Betting Season Tracking Poll lol

    Ha! (none / 0) (#3)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:58:34 AM EST
    I'd be more worried if I had 34 units on one game (which may happen down the road. I do expect there to be some huge "investment" opportunities this season in college football. Inefficient market.)

    What's my current record? 9-10 ATS I think? +2 units on the investments?

    here's my thinking today, I like my picks but not enough data YET.

    To be honest, I think Texas A&M over Florida today is one of, if not the best play of the day. Line is pick at College Station? This is not your daddy's Gators.

    If it was not my team, I'd probably put 10 units on A&M.

    Parent

    Thru Week 2 (none / 0) (#4)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:17:49 AM EST
    Record 9-10
    Money Pool +$300
    Going with a mythical $100 per unit with no vig

    Texas A&M had 40,000 for their midnight pep rally. Sounds like Florida will get quite a welcome to Kyle Field. Stunningly, Florida has become -1 at many sites after opening as A&M -2½. I'm guessing those bettors didn't watch the Bowling Green game I watched last week.

    Parent

    It's the Cowboys phenomenon (none / 0) (#5)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:26:09 AM EST
    lots of Gator bettors.

    Hard to ever get a fair line on a Gators game.

    Let me tell you, I think Jacoby Brisett has gotten the shaft and I would not blame him one bit if he transfers.

    No way Driskel has earned the starting job. no way.

    Parent

    It's being said Oregon State (none / 0) (#8)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:35:16 AM EST
    may beat Wisconsin. for the upset of the day....go Beavers.  Why do they have these 70 and 80 point spreads and games?   I guess it's called money.

    Parent
    May go put some more on Wiscy (none / 0) (#14)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:52:45 AM EST


    Parent
    Add 3 units to Wiscy (none / 0) (#15)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:55:06 AM EST


    Parent
    That was stupid of me (none / 0) (#43)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 05:09:40 PM EST
    Wiscconsin is terrible.

    Gawddammit, I knew the Big Ten sucks.

    Parent

    That's all right (none / 0) (#48)
    by brodie on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:11:07 PM EST
    No normal people I know, outside of greasy Vegas regulars, can understand what you're trying to communicate with your picks lingo.  A team with a negative number is over another team with units.  

    Who can tell which team is being favored?  

    And what's up with the units, like these are college classes?

    </end annual anti-gambling odds rant>

    Parent

    Which did you watch live: (none / 0) (#98)
    by MKS on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 12:48:15 AM EST
    G-men v 'Boys; Or,

    Big Dawg?

    Parent

    Clinton (none / 0) (#106)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 08:12:02 AM EST


    Parent
    Well, it was being said right. (none / 0) (#52)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:55:11 PM EST
    FINAL: Oregon State 10, Wisconsin 7.

    Parent
    YAY I say as an OSU faculty sister! (none / 0) (#61)
    by ruffian on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:47:56 PM EST
    Hey, it might be the most unique thing I have in common with Michelle Obama!

    Parent
    Yay Beavs!! (none / 0) (#108)
    by Cashmere on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 10:34:59 AM EST
    Ruffian -- I am an OSU Beaver (well... I was.........)

    Parent
    did you take any New Media classes (none / 0) (#121)
    by ruffian on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 06:39:42 PM EST
    from a prematurely bald guy?

    Parent
    thank you Donald. (none / 0) (#103)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 07:26:17 AM EST


    Parent
    11:42 4Q: Gators 20, A&M 17. (none / 0) (#46)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 05:28:34 PM EST
    And dude, how about those Kansas State Wildcats, romping over Miami 52-13? Best thing ever that happened to K-State, when Bill Snyder came out of retirement and took back the headsets. The 'Cats are back.

    Parent
    FINAL: Florida 20, Texas A&M 17. (none / 0) (#53)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:57:12 PM EST
    That's certainly an auspicious Aggies' debut in the SEC.

    Parent
    The rare time when I (none / 0) (#55)
    by brodie on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:07:30 PM EST
    root for the Gators.  Aggies = Bushes.

    Parent
    Also regret to have to note (none / 0) (#58)
    by brodie on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:13:13 PM EST
    that from what I saw the Gators are wildly underrated, not in top 25, yet deserve to be.  Quality, quick and evasive QB who can also throw.  Speedy receivers and rb's as usual.  Defense ok.

    Better than previously #8 Michigan, by a fair margin.

    Parent

    The Gators were No. 24 ... (none / 0) (#59)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:32:04 PM EST
    ... in last week's Associated Press poll, and No. 23 in the USA Today / Coaches Poll. No doubt, they'll move up this week. They should certainly be ranked ahead of Michigan, which looked lackluster at home in a 31-25 win over a not-great Air Force squad.

    Parent
    I (5.00 / 6) (#6)
    by lentinel on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:14:29 AM EST
    have seen photos of both Obama and Romney today.

    I don't quite know how to say this, but they were both campaigning in their shirtsleeves.

    In itself, that is not terribly shocking. It is a time honored way of these guys showing us that they are getting down to work. It is the costume of choice.

    OK.
    I'll buy that.

    But what I cannot abide is that neither of them, I repeat - NEITHER of them were wearing their flag pins.

    How are we supposed to know what country they are from and how patriotic they really are if leave their flag pins in the bureau drawer every time they go out in a shirt?

    They're playing into the hands of those who hate us for our freedoms.

    I have rotator cuff tendonitis (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:29:13 AM EST
    Getting old is bull$hit.  And my husband doesn't know spit about a fever or a cough or an infection but he sure knows rotator cuff horror stories, "You better make sure you stay on the Aleve, you'll get a callous on that tendon and they'll have to shave it".  What a joy he is sometimes.

    Getting old ain't for sissies! (5.00 / 3) (#9)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:38:16 AM EST


    Parent
    MT..... (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by samsguy18 on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:43:55 AM EST
    Lol getting old has it's challenges....there is a non invasive technique called Muscle Activation which works well on the rotator cuff.....They work on your tendons  and muscles in tandem....here in Chicago there are several certified individuals who have a good success rate...if it becomes really uncomfortable look for some one in your area....

    Parent
    Thank you Samsguy (none / 0) (#13)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:50:07 AM EST
    Dudes are a plethora of rotator cuff knowledge!!!  If it doesn't improve, I will check out if we have someone nearby doing this.  I bet Josh's PT knows.

    Parent
    there goes your curve ball! (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by DFLer on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:55:08 AM EST


    Parent
    Sorry to hear that MT (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:46:50 AM EST
    but it's better than missing a couple of those tendons and muscles attached to the rotator cuff.  I hit a parked car that was unparking while on my bicycle and severed two tendons.   The doctor said I was too old for the reattachment  operation.  Keep up with the Aleve and start tiny little shoulder exercises after the swelling goes down.  Buenas suerte.

    Parent
    Isn't that some bull? (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:03:08 AM EST
    Getting old is bull.  I'm finally old enough to have a few good ideas, and now I will fall apart!

    Parent
    LOL....So True ! (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by samsguy18 on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:26:41 AM EST


    Parent
    Sounds like (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:47:36 AM EST
    Mr MT knows his Aleve too. I had the same thing when I was playing competitive softball and the doc told me to take 4 Aleve an hour before playing, or he could give me a much more expensive prescription for 1000mg of the same thing.

    I can tell you what Aleve doesn't seem to help with though, achilles tendonitis.

    Parent

    No, it doesn't seem (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Zorba on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 03:41:54 PM EST
    to help with that, at least not for me.  And I get recurrent bouts of Achilles tendinitis.  Ibuprofen, 800 mg, every 4 to 6 hours, helps me more than Aleve when I get tendinitis.

    Parent
    Bday card from my (older) brother: (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:15:46 AM EST
    "I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don't have to."  Albert Einstein

    Parent
    Aleve (naproxen) is (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by KeysDan on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:38:38 AM EST
    a good choice, among the non-steroidal anti-inflamatory agents.  However, as with all drugs there is the possibility of side effects, particularly with higher doses or prolonged usage.  The most common relate to the gastrointestinal tract, but you need to be mindful of the potential for renal/kidney injuries or compromise;  an increase in blood pressure is another issue, especially in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., concomitant drugs such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors.)   If may be well to have appropriate blood tests taken from time to time if used for a longer period.

    Parent
    I hate steroids (none / 0) (#25)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:48:25 AM EST
    I've finally got to where I don't need much steroidal for my astham, if anything is getting me Veramyst seems to stop my asthma reaction.  My asthma doctor is very very good, and he told me that some new research shows that for some the whole airway system talks to itself and if my sinuses are blowing up to some mold it can signal to my lungs to react.  That does seem to be the way my asthma functions, and my allergy shots are working.

    Steroids just seem like they suck your true body strength away, mostly off of them now my body seems pretty weak.  Certainly my muscle tone is off.  Now I've got a tendonitis.  I protest!

    Parent

    Long ago doctor (none / 0) (#27)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 12:13:51 PM EST
    for knee tendonitis (yes I've done the tendonitis about everywhere) gave me a list of things to avoid in my diet. Only things I can remember was no prepared meats, peanut butter, or red wine but the list was expansive. Things that also supposedly trigger migraines (which if I remember correctly you also get)

    Parent
    check out 'tyramine' (none / 0) (#29)
    by the capstan on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 12:57:29 PM EST
    to find some causes of migraines (another biggie for me is hypoglycemia).  Avoiding tyramine can also save you some money, since it is found in aged cheeses, fermented foods including wines,  and imported chocolates--all of which luckily are not to my taste anyway.

    Parent
    Peanut butter and red wine? (none / 0) (#33)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 03:38:08 PM EST
    I'll die, there must be a better way.  I have peanut butter toast for breakfast.  I wonder if some digestive enzymes will help?

    Parent
    As an old jock... (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 03:42:44 PM EST
    ...who has blown out knees playing basketball, snapped collarbones in half playing football (trust me, the best thing about busting your clavicle is that it's literally right next to your ear...SNAP!), exploded discs in my back that rendered my leg and foot partially paralyzed, I actually got through a rotator cuff just toughing it out.  Mine was torn and I just sucked it up, lived with it for a few years, and it pretty much healed itself. Not that this is what you want to do, but I think we tend to have not nearly as much faith in the body's ability to adapt to age, injuries, whatever, if we let it and, of course, keep it in relatively good shape, along with our minds. And if you want the best workout with the least strain, go for the pool and work the arm and should out under the agua.

    Hope you feel better.

    Parent

    arm and SHOULDER (none / 0) (#36)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 03:43:39 PM EST
    not should. ack!!!

    Parent
    Thanks Dadler (none / 0) (#37)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 04:10:45 PM EST
    I don't know exactly when I did it but I know how I did it. Don't bust out laughing but it was P90X upper body insane working out.  I still can't do a hanging chin up but I sure can phuck myself up.  Do they have that shirt?  If not why not, it is just as feasible?

    Parent
    You and Paul Ryan with the P90X, MT. :-) (none / 0) (#39)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 04:41:02 PM EST
    Supposedly, Ryan has washboard abs. Does that happen for everyone who does P90X? Are you sporting washboard abs?

    Parent
    I don't have washboard anything (5.00 / 2) (#76)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:03:33 PM EST
    these days.  I had my day, but it is gone now.  I don't know if we should suppose that Paul Ryan has any such thing these days unless we see him naked.  You can't just take his word for it.  Now I wonder if he's ever really read Ayn Rand anything either.  I never found Ayn Rand writings to be these writings of social justice/injustice/bliss/or horror either, they were just stories with many over simplified premises.  And not very good stories either outside of one thing, if a few of these people could just get laid the story tension would be over and no reason to read further.

    They make horrible movies because Rand's stories were so much about what people were thinking to themselves too.  They would need to have internal voice as well as external voice for all the primary characters.  The movie couldn't even be considered serious then. But I remember all these people who would tell me when I was younger that I must read 'Atlas Shrugged' or 'The Fountainhead' because they were incredible books, and I didn't find them incredible.  Then I felt stupid, I was too stupid to get something...I was missing it, I'm stupid.  Now that I'm older I think that maybe some people only understood a few things about Ayn Rand's philosophies that they found personally attractive, never read the books, but wanted to have read them and wanted the books to prove certain philosophies of hers that they thought they liked or agreed with?  I dunno.  But if Ayn Rand teaches anyone anything about Capitalism through her stories then 'Gone with the Wind' is an even more brilliant work on Capitalism wedded to Feminism and surpasses anything Rand came up with.  And so far nobody has ever said that.  I seriously doubt these days that Ryan read any of Ayn Rand's works.

    Parent

    I understand high school kids being taken (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:12:45 PM EST
    with Rand's novels. They appeal to a very narcissistic personality, and in my experience, even the best high schoolers have a heavy streak of narcissism.

    What I don't understand is adults who still revere Rand. Her writing is abysmal. Her premises adolescent. That Alan Greenspan is still such a Rand devotee helps explain his dismal record as Fed chairman and the ridiculous things he has said about the economy, both before the Great Recession and since.

    And Paul Ryan and Rand Paul- geez, talk about arrested development.

    Parent

    also, chin ups (none / 0) (#72)
    by Dadler on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:22:08 PM EST
    try to get a bar or handles that let you pull up with your gripping palms facing your body, the way your hand naturally hangs at your side, it is much easier on the joint to do pullups that way, and easier period if you ask me.

    Parent
    I got their chin up bar (none / 0) (#79)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:10:02 PM EST
    It allows for both positions and I was doing both while using a chair to support the weight you can't chin up.  I never could do a chin up though, not ever.  Upper body strength was never my strong point. Now I've broke myself :)

    Parent
    MT, maybe pushups would have been (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:17:38 PM EST
    a better choice for building upper body strength, at least to start.

    I have pretty damn good upper body strength, especially for an old lady who is way out of shape and over weight. Even at my athletic peak I could not do pull-ups, though.

    I've been thinking about getting a pull-up bar, but now, given the trouble you are having, maybe it is not such a good idea.

    Parent

    I wanted to work on upper body (none / 0) (#86)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:53:48 PM EST
    primarily because a strong upper body can really help with asthma.  I've always had really good core and good lower body.  I could do sit-ups all day.  Josh inherited that from me.  With the rods in his back he can't bend at the waist at all..no flex, but that kid can do sit-ups that match what he should be able to do to get the Presidential physical fitness badge and he didn't get it from his dad?

    My upper body has alway been my weak point, and after studying up on asthma a strong upper body does much to deal with the symptoms.

    After I heal, I suppose push ups would be a better daily staple.

    Parent

    Also, try dips, once you heal, MT. (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:10:03 PM EST
    Here is an explanation for how to do dips using a kitchen chair

    They're great for developing upper body strength and don't require any fancy equipment.

    If you start doing pushups and dips, your upper body strength will develop nicely.

    Parent

    those old fashioned (5.00 / 1) (#102)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 07:22:11 AM EST
    rowing machines are still one of the best ways to workout.

    Parent
    Thank you for the reminder (none / 0) (#104)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 07:47:24 AM EST
    I get one big plus working out in my home.  We have that expensive heating cooling system we purchased that removes the mold spores to see if there was some way I could live here.  It feels good to work out at home, my asthma doesn't really bother me.  Maybe we should invest in a home rowing machine.

    Parent
    Screw it, wrestle gators (none / 0) (#109)
    by Dadler on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 10:38:50 AM EST
    After you whoop 'em, you can butcher them into bayou steaks.

    Parent
    Or (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by NYShooter on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 12:30:24 PM EST
    become a bayou steak trying:)

    Parent
    And a happy football story (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:58:06 AM EST
    It had never occurred to me that 5th and 6th graders who went to school with Josh when he was in kindergarten or first grade would now be Juniors and Seniors in High School.  Josh was at PT on Monday and some HS football players were there for PT.  The local quarterback is a Senior and has a broken left arm, and he's still practicing and playing lightly. Two identical twins who play offense are Juniors, one is recovering from a knee surgery.  They all three went to grade school with Josh.  They approached him at therapy and asked him if he remembered them but they are huge now.  They have invited him to spend Homecoming with them on the sidelines.  His dad has to come with him though they said because they will be all testosteronish and will knock me down :)

    Bouncy, bouncy bouncy.... (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by magster on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 03:06:16 PM EST
    Obama's favorables 52/42 compared to last week's 43/48. Obama up another point in Gallup's horserace today to go +4, up from - 1 late last week. Ramussen has Obama + 2 when he was -4 last week.

    And, PPP, who will be releasing OH and NC polls tomorrow night. In the polling started yesterday, PPP tweeted 15 hours ago:

    PublicPolicyPolling ‏@ppppolls
     Things definitely looking good for Obama in the polls we started tonight...we'll see if it holds through the weekend as the DNC fades away

    More! (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by magster on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 04:10:56 PM EST
    Reuters says Obama up 4 now, when (I think) he was down 2 last week.

    and Nate about the Gallup poll:

    Nate Silver✔
    @fivethirtyeight

    It looks to me like Obama has been running ~7-9 points ahead of Romney since the Clinton speech to have gained ground so quickly.

     8 Sep 12 Reply
    Retweet
    Favorite


    Parent

    He must be up big time (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by lilburro on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:10:26 PM EST
    I saw a report on CNN that maybe Romney is retooling  his message - and the fact that he pulled ads unexpectedly in so many places suggests that to me.  And also that he has spent these past days "preparing for the debates" which may be true but I think he's also been quiet because they're figuring out a new direction.

    Hope it fails!

    Parent

    Great news! (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by ruffian on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:51:37 PM EST
     Before the convention even started Al Gore predicted a 5-7% bump, but everyone else on the Current panel looked at him like he was smoking something.

    Maybe he got a sneak peak at some of the speeches.

    Parent

    Or maybe (5.00 / 4) (#87)
    by NYShooter on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:03:28 PM EST
    he was remembering (and kicking himself in the head) about how the Big Dog would be bad for his campaign.

    Parent
    Oh boy...is this part of the 'retooling'? (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by ruffian on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:59:20 PM EST
    Romney implies Obama will remove God from coins.

    Just when you think it can't get more ridiculous. The best thing is that Romney is so frantic sounding when he makes these kind of accusations. They just don't sound natural from him and the phoniness of it all is so apparent.  

    Parent

    Money is God to Romney (5.00 / 7) (#65)
    by Politalkix on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:15:29 PM EST
    The coin is where he finds God.

    Parent
    A progressive NFL player speaks out. (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:17:20 PM EST
    Minnesota Vikings Punter Chris Kluwe is certainly giving Lee Pappa, aka The Rude Pundit, a fun for his money, by releasing to the public his profanity-laced letter to a homophobic Maryland state legislator, defending the First Amendment rights of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brandon Ayanbadejo, who recently spoke out in favor of Maryland's ballot initiative for marriage equality. It's certainly worth reading in its entirety.

    In an Aug. 29 letter to Ravens' owner Steve Bisciotti, State Delegate Emmet C. Burns, Jr. (D-Baltimore) requested that Bisciotti "take the necessary action, as a National Football League franchise owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employee, and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions."

    Here are a few choice snippets from Mr. Kluwe's response to Del. Burns:

    • "What on earth would possess you to be so mind-bogglingly stupid? It baffles me that a man such as yourself, a man who relies on that same First Amendment to pursue your own religious studies without fear of persecution from the state, could somehow justify stifling another person's right to speech. To call that hypocritical would be to do a disservice to the word. Mindf*cking obscenely hypocritical starts to approach it a little bit."

    • "'Many of your fans are opposed to such a view and feel it has no place in a sport that is strictly for pride, entertainment, and excitement.' Holy f*cking sh*tballs. Did you seriously just say that, as someone who's 'deeply involved in government task forces on the legacy of slavery in Maryland'? Have you not heard of Kenny Washington? Jackie Robinson? As recently as 1962 the NFL still had segregation, which was only done away with by brave athletes and coaches daring to speak their mind and do the right thing, and you're going to say that political views have 'no place in a sport'?"

    • "This is more a personal quibble of mine, but why do you hate freedom? Why do you hate the fact that other people want a chance to live their lives and be happy, even though they may believe in something different than you, or act different than you? How does gay marriage, in any way shape or form, affect your life? If gay marriage becomes legal, are you worried that all of a sudden you'll start thinking about penis? "Oh sh*t. Gay marriage just passed. Gotta get me some of that hot dong action!' Will all of your friends suddenly turn gay and refuse to come to your Sunday Ticket grill-outs? (Unlikely, since gay people enjoy watching football too.)"

    • "P.S. I've also been vocal as hell about the issue of gay marriage so you can take your 'I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing' and shove it in your close-minded, totally lacking in empathy piehole and choke on it. A$$hole."

    Mr. Kluwe appeared the MSNBC's "The Ed Show" this past Friday where he reaffirmed his earlier statements to Del. Burns in support of marriage equality, and noted that the public reaction to him has been supportive.

    Saw that a little while ago (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by Zorba on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:06:34 PM EST
    Laughed my @ss off.  

    Parent
    And to the Ravens' credit, they are (5.00 / 2) (#71)
    by Anne on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:19:17 PM EST
    being totally supportive of Ayanbadejo's right to speak on this issue, and have made it clear that as a team and as an organization, they are opposed to discrimination.

    Kudos to those speaking out in support of Ayanbadejo, but major props to Ayanbadejo for taking this stand and speaking out in support of marriage equality; I don't think the pro-sports culture has a reputation for tolerance when it comes to homosexuality.

    Parent

    I think a percentage have evolved (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by nycstray on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:59:45 PM EST
    And I think there's a bit of a DADT mentality going on. But as the leagues bring in the next generation, I think they may bring in more socially open players. Iirc, a NFL player (not sure current) came out recently. I've certainly heard players speak to the fact they know there are LGBT in the leagues, and not a problem.

    BTW, started following BA on twitter :) And second your kudos/major props, and the credit to the Ravens. Made me smile inside and out.

    Parent

    So, Anne, what is your sense of things with this (none / 0) (#75)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:03:32 PM EST
    measure to ban same-sex marriage? Will the law allowing same-sex marriage stand, or will the righwing win another one?

    Parent
    casey, what happened is that after the (5.00 / 2) (#107)
    by Anne on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 09:04:20 AM EST
    governor signed the marriage bill into law, those opposed to it gathered enough signatures to put the measure to referendum in November.  

    Here's the language of the referendum:

    Question 6
     Referendum Petition
     Civil Marriage Protection Act (Ch. 2 of the 2012 Legislative Session)

     Establishes that Maryland's civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from marrying; protects clergy from having to perform any particular marriage ceremony in violation of their religious beliefs; affirms that each religious faith has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine regarding who may marry within that faith; and provides that religious organizations and certain related entities are not required to provide goods, services, or benefits to an individual related to the celebration or promotion of marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.

    So, you can see that it isn't a measure to ban same-sex marriage, but to enact it.

    It may be close.  Of the three (of 26) traditionally Democratic jurisdictions, that normally could be expected to vote on a more liberal basis, one of them is also predominantly AA - Baltimore City (Del. Burns, of that odious letter to Ravens owner Bisciotti is an AA delegate from the city) - and there has been a big effort in that community, especially in the churches, to garner support against this measure.  The same turnout that could re-elect Obama could sink the same-sex marriage referendum.

    When you then factor in the other jurisdictions that typically go GOP, it could be dicey.

    I'll keep an eye on things and try to update as we get closer to the election.

    Parent

    Thanks, Anne. (none / 0) (#115)
    by caseyOR on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 03:00:38 PM EST
    I await your updates.

    Parent
    Strange things are happening in MA (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Politalkix on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:39:56 PM EST
    link. But I firmly believe that Elizabeth Warren will be able to pull it out in the end. Go EW!

    Do you think a great Democratic (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 07:51:54 AM EST
    convention and a kind of public acknowledgement that Republican leadership is abusive and crazy has anything to do with it?

    Parent
    I know MT (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:06:05 PM EST
    was laying the sarcasm on pretty heavy with the "but there won't be a bounce" when others were saying there would be no Obama bounce as the Dem convention kept rocking for three straight days. It looks like her sarcasm was on target.

    Nate Silver tonight:

    Nate Silver ‏@fivethirtyeight
    Sometimes the election is won or lost at the conventions and this looks like it could be one of those years.

    His current electoral vote prediction for Nov 6:
    Obama  317
    Romney 221

    wait, militarytracy? (5.00 / 0) (#83)
    by lilburro on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:20:35 PM EST
    maybe she said that but I missed it.

    I wish the election was won already, BELIEVE ME, but I question that.  The convention did make me feel much, much better about our prospects, though.  It was remarkable.

    My thought is that Romney's advisers expected a bounce for themselves, and didn't get one.  That got them worried, and then they underestimated Obama's bounce.  

    But honestly what kind of ads are they putting together at this point?  How do you look at the success of the DNC convention and not try to go to the center?  But, how do they actually do that at this point?  With Ryan of all people?  

    I think they'll stick with the turnout approach, but end up getting so negative/racist that they'll turn off independent voters even more.  That's my 2 cents.

    Parent

    If it weren't for the insane amounts of $$$$ (none / 0) (#90)
    by magster on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:15:19 PM EST
    I'd feel that this election was all but over. I only would describe my feelings about it now as plain old "confident".

    My solace is that the demographics just don't favor Romney, and I can't see how any retooling will change how women or minorities feel about them in less than 2 months. There's not enough base to win this election if Democrats turnout more than they did in 2010.

    Parent

    Remember the CA Gov race? (5.00 / 0) (#92)
    by nycstray on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:20:31 PM EST
    Once the race really started, Meg couldn't throw enough money in for a win. Sometimes money has a way of biting you in the A$$  ;)

    Parent
    There really is a tune-out of political ads... (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by magster on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:34:28 PM EST
    ... by me in Colorado, and I don't think anyone pays attention to them now for either side, at least not the presidential ones.

    As much as Citizens United needs to be overturned, I suppose the next best thing is watching rich jerks throw their fortunes away and still lose.

    Parent

    In Red State (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Politalkix on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 12:03:08 AM EST
    they have diaries about how Joe Scarborough and Gen. Martin Dempsey are in the tank for Obama and why the top rungs of the Pentagon needs to be cleaned after Mittens becomes President. The crazies are completely losing it!

    Parent
    Wait until they read the latest Politico... (5.00 / 0) (#96)
    by magster on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 12:17:47 AM EST
    ... article where Romney staffers concede Romney behind in the "high single digits" in Ohio.

    Even if the Romney staffers know this, shouldn't they be disciplined enough to not concede this to a national political magazine read by many conservatives. What a body blow this story must be to Ohio volunteers! They should just give up is my concern troll advice to them.

    Parent

    re: your advice (none / 0) (#97)
    by lilburro on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 12:27:40 AM EST
    - LOL.  Mine too!

    Parent
    re: the ads (5.00 / 0) (#95)
    by lilburro on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 12:12:03 AM EST
    something interesting in the NYT today, about factors to watch before the election.  I expected it to be very generic, but there were actually quite a few nuggets of goodness in there.  One, that the Obama team has apparently been studying GW's 2004 campaign and decided that late advertisement carpetbombing doesn't work.  Spring/summer definition of one's opponent is more important, through ads and all the other tools in the arsenal.  Well, they sure have been following that strategy.  I didn't think of it, but it is a good one - talk about an embattled incumbent (W), one good thing he gave us, UGH still not worth it).  The other main thing was that Obama's spending his money on the ground, and already has his grassroots network set up.  Seems smart considering this is a turnout election.

    Obama's team does know how to win an election.  Even if you look at the primary, what they were able to accomplish came about through pure political skill.  I wish his economic team was as good as his political team because damn if those folks don't know what they're doing.  And the convention was masterful.

    Parent

    Well that's cool (none / 0) (#91)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:20:25 PM EST
    I got to spend the rest of the day with my granddaughters.  The park put in a water feature for kids to run through, then we did a picnic, and then fed the ducks and geese.  Josh took Delilah and he loves feeding the ducks and geese too, but I didn't get to see this.

    I enjoyed the Democratic convention though.  It helped that BTD was doing radio from there too of course.  I know we were only polishing our best side, but I needed it.  I guess I'm just tired of a couple of things like wars.  I like that this President did address the threat and I see that he is serious about sending the majority home in 2014.  I also saw yesterday that Hillary has the Haqqani network now formally classified as a foreign terrorist organisation.  I take this as a legal technicality that was needed in order for the State Department and the CIA to continue addressing that threat on the Af/Pak border without all these soldier boots on the ground.

    Parent

    Headlines on Yahoo (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by nycstray on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 01:06:29 AM EST
    Romney Slams GOP Leaders - Including His Own VP Nominee - for 2011 Budget Deal

    Romney: Clinton did `elevate' Democratic convention

    Ya know, somedays I just skim headlines and don't read all the articles . . . .  Oh, yeah, and there was also that one . . something to do with Ryan and pot should be left to the states . . . . ? Oh well, at least they aren't talkin' lady parts :D

    Got in a horrible fight (5.00 / 2) (#110)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 11:35:09 AM EST
    with one of our Conservative friends last night.  I did not want to talk politics, my husband knowing that I have opposite views from our friend kept prodding though.  He wanted an energetic discussion or something.  Well he got one.  He felt sorry for our friend at the end because Republicans are so used to just getting their way by being a$$holes, and it is over now because we are at the cliff's edge on many things.

    Our friend is really upset that the cuts are coming, there will be a standoff.  The Liberals are willing for these military cuts to take place and place our nation in jeopardy he says.  I lost my phucking mind. I said, "So, you are more important than anyone else in this country?  How arrogant!  How disgusting and pathetic!  Many many people are various forms of jeopardy right now this minute."

    He brought up our fake adding God convention vote, I brought up that his Presidential candidate can't even lead his own party and the party wants all abortion illegal.

    He told me that he wasn't sure what the Republican stance on women's rights and issues were, and he even tried to tell me that he had not read the platform.  I didn't believe him for a minute.  Didn't matter though, I could not help saying that someone who could't bring themselves to take the time or make the effort to understand what their party was proposing for half of all Americans was PATHETIC!!

    It was pretty bad, and my Indy husband kept trying to close the can of worms and it wouldn't.  I was told that Democrats were being evil ricks with a "p", and I was surprised when my husband admitted that as long as he has been an adult Democrats have just rolled over for Republicans and this is the first time they've really started standing up to them the same way Republicans always stand up to Democrats.

    Our friend said that we were starting a war though and I said, "Yes, THIS IS WAR!"  What a place our political reality has been brought to.  I blame Fox Phucking NonNews and the Roves and Luntzes

    Oh MT (5.00 / 3) (#111)
    by sj on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 11:47:38 AM EST
    You do my heart good.

    Parent
    It's so funny (5.00 / 5) (#113)
    by Yman on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 01:32:02 PM EST
    ... how conservatives were pooh-poohing the significance of the party platform during the Akin controversy, then suddenly it becomes so important when they figure out the word "God" wasn't included.

    Good for you.

    Parent

    I have to laugh (5.00 / 3) (#114)
    by Zorba on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 02:46:20 PM EST
    at the fact that Mr. Tracy prodded because he wanted an "energetic discussion" and then later tried to "close the can of worms."  He should have known better.
    LOL!  How long have you two been married?  Because Mr. Zorba and I have been married 42 years, and he has long since learned not to open any kind of can of worms when we are among other people, because there may be some, shall I say, hurt feelings among the right-wingers in attendance.
    You go, girl!

    Parent
    Oh, dear! Did you hurt his feelings? (5.00 / 2) (#124)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 08:27:48 PM EST
    If you did - GOOD!

    I'm so sick of the Republicans' pseudo-sanctimonious bull$hit. They sure like to dish it out, but they clearly can't handle it when the their faces are rubbed in their own sea of mayonnaise. What a bunch of wussies!

    Please tell your "friend" for me that I hardly consider today's Republicans to be patriots in any traditional sense of that word. Further, they haven't been on the right side of any military issue of real substance since 1865.

    Hell, they even campaigned against Democrats in 1940 on an isolationist platform which implied that Hitler's Germany couldn't be beaten -- and then repudiated their own presidential nominee Wendell Wilkie when he publicly supported FDR's lend-lease program to assist Great Britain.

    With a few occasionally notable exceptions here and there, Republicans are generally all about themselves -- always have been, and always will be.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Yes, I hurt his feelings (none / 0) (#126)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 09:48:18 PM EST
    When it was over, my husband looked at me and said I bashed him.  Baaaaah!  Bull$hit!  Particularly when you come through the door sporting a rubber stamp of blatantly attacking women and the mothers of living children.  I was prebashed before the conversation even started.

    It got bad.  I had a very bad miscarriage when I was 19.  God I was just a baby then too, but we were going to marry and do all the right things.  I miscarried at 23 weeks, but my cervix would not dilate and I was hemorrhaging when I arrived at the hospital.  It was very painful too, I was out of my mind with the pain and the blood loss and the Ob/Gyn on call just knocked me out and preformed what went on the paperwork as a D&C.  Under the no exception law, how could a doctor have helped me?  I don't like to talk about what happened, no woman does, miscarriages happen to almost all of us.  But I was kind of yelling at him that if the Republicans had their way I'd be dead and my daughter would not be here and my son would not be here, my grandchildren would not be here.  I would have been dead before my life even started.

    I got to discover what sort of relationship I was in too then.  His family was upset to begin with but downright mean after it happened.  I think they wished that I had died, it would have served me right.  It allowed me to take my leave guilt free, no need to want to share a life with such people.  He was a nice guy, but weak in some important to be strong in ways.

    Parent

    Right there with you Sister (5.00 / 2) (#128)
    by womanwarrior on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 10:59:28 PM EST
    MT:  These ignorant men who want to control women's bodies with their "no exception" rules make me beyond angry.  I had an ectopic pregnancy which ruptured.  My doctor told me what they would have had to do before operating in the old days, and I probably would have hemorrhaged to death, while they were doing the "required testing" to determine if it were really life threatening.  Fortunately, because of outstanding medical care, my husband and I were blessed with two more daughters after what these men would call my "abortion," since life begins at conception, you know.  
    I spent two days canvassing for Obama this weekend, because I have gotten off my disillusioned behind, and decided that those evil men will not be able to get between my daughters and their doctors or to torture anyone else's daughters, if I have the energy to try and stop it. I have a really hard time understanding how any woman in her right mind could support a romney/ryan ticket.

    Parent
    Yes, I know two women (none / 0) (#129)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 11:11:31 PM EST
    Who had dangerous ectopic pregnancies.  One was my husband's first wife and hers also ruptured.  The second a friend, and they caught hers before it ruptured but she was rushed into surgery all the same.

    Parent
    Generally speaking, in a social situation (5.00 / 2) (#133)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 09:56:08 AM EST
    where I might be mingling with people I don't know or don't know well, I'm not inclined to initiate discussions on politics and religion.  Once a discussion gets underway, though, the thing that I find that probably makes me even crazier than the actual opinions expressed is that the people who offer them are often woefully ill-informed, I mean to the point where it's all I can do not to look at them like they have two heads.  Or where I want to ask, "so, do you watch anything but FoxNews?  Were you home-schooled?"

    It beats just blurting out "are you f-ing kidding me?" - which always happens just as there is a lull in the rest of the conversation going on around you.  

    There's a lot of deep breathing involved, lol.  And there's a lot of concentrating on maintaining a neutral facial expression - if I had to be around these people a lot, I would consider that a valid reason for using Botox...

    I have found that it's more or less futile to try to educate them, but sometimes, if you give them enough rope - draw them out with questions, keep bringing them back to the ones they don't want to answer, especially  - they will often manage to hog-tie themselves, which,  - trust me - makes them apoplectic.

    Or at least, very uncomfortable.

    Most of these people won't ever have a change of heart or mind until something they've been so adamant about lands on their own doorstep - the best you can do is tell them you hope they never have to learn the hard way, like a lot of other people have.


    Parent

    Oh yes Anne (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 12:44:13 PM EST
    He said as much.  He will be voting for the people he thinks this country needs and it needs it some Mitt and Ryan.  But he did look like a Basset Hound telling me that. I had given him sadder eyes than Paul Ryans publicly kicking his ass like that.  And a deeply creased brow :)

    Parent
    I'm sure he feels sorry for your (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 02:26:06 PM EST
    heathen a$$, cause it sounds like you got the Bless-Your-Heart-Poor-Dear Pity Face...

    I really do have to learn yoga breathing - soon.

    Parent

    Didn't like the Dolphins, (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 03:30:55 PM EST
    Marlins, golf, tennis, or politics so I went fishing.  My cats didn't want to go.  Went 200 yards offshore and caught six Yellowtail Snapper around 5 lbs. each and I'm back with a boat drink filleting the fish.  The cats are happy and so am I.  

    no, of course the boat (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 03:55:50 PM EST
    drink wasn't filleting the fish.  I was.  Yellowtail are fragile little fish so you have to sauté each side for mere seconds.  I use peanut oil.  I know, but nothing's good for you anymore.

    Yellowtail (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by CoralGables on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 04:13:41 PM EST
    a blender of Rum Runners and a Florida Keys sunset...it doesn't get any better than that.

    Parent
    For something a little different, ... (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 05:56:35 PM EST
    ... dip the yellowtail steak on both sides in Cajun spices and then pan-sear it (or lightly grill it on the barbie), so that it's still raw in the middle. Then take the steak, slice it in thin strips, and lay the strips over a fresh caesar salad. It's awesome.

    Parent
    Shhhh, I use peanut oil for meats (none / 0) (#127)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 09:51:13 PM EST
    that could use a little oil.  It compliments meats and takes heat without burning.  I just don't fry turkeys in it :)

    Parent
    Funniest thing since (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by ruffian on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 08:15:43 PM EST
    invisible Obama right here. click it - you will not be sorry.

    Gotta wonder (none / 0) (#125)
    by CoralGables on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 08:56:35 PM EST
    if the Secret Service got a little nervous with that hug

    Parent
    Hey BTD (none / 0) (#20)
    by bmaz on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:21:21 AM EST
    Not bad picks. My interest of course is on ASU. New coach here, and was not a popular choice initially, but he has worked his ass off with both the community and team. Cleaned up against the undermanned NAU last week, but Illinois will be a real test.  Depending on the weather, I may go down to Sun Devil for the game; probably wait till later in the year to start going.

    Why no interest in the Oregon-Fresno St. game? (none / 0) (#21)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:24:57 AM EST
    You ignored the Ducks last week, too. Granted, last week's opponent was a bit weak. but Fresno State is a better team.

    Why do you hate the Ducks, BTD?   :-)

    it's not that he hates the ducks, (none / 0) (#31)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 03:01:01 PM EST
    I hope, it's because the spread is 35 or more points.

    Parent
    6:45 2Q: Oregon 28, Fresno State 3. (none / 0) (#54)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:58:46 PM EST
    I'd say that there's good reason why the spread is 35+ points.

    Parent
    Ducks ahead 35-3 at the half. (none / 0) (#60)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:43:33 PM EST
    So far, so good for the Ducks. Of course, with Tennessee Tech next week, the Ducks first three games are not all that challenging.

    Kansas St. was supposed to play the Ducks this year, but KS cancelled the deal. So, the Ducks were scrambling to fill the slot.

    Chip Kelly is having a hell of a time getting top-ranked, non Pac-12 teams to play the Ducks.

    Parent

    We can certainly relate out here. (none / 0) (#68)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 08:46:13 PM EST
    After Hawaii completed a most memorable 2006 season with consecutive thumpings of Purdue, Oregon State and Arizona State, and NCAA record-setting QB Colt Brennan announced that he was returning to the Warriors for his senior season, both Michigan and Michigan State immediately hastened to cancel their 2007 games with the Warriors.

    This left the UH athletic department scrambling to fill two slots on very short notice. They ended up with Northern Colorado and Charleston Southern -- for which they were roundly chastised by ESPN pundits, who conveniently chose to ignore the fact that two Big 10 teams broke their contract agreements with Hawaii by cancelling their respective games with less than eight months' notice.

    In Michigan State's case, they cancelled in late June of 2007, less than three months before the Warriors' season opener. Hawaii took the Spartans to court for breach of contract, and Michigan State was eventually compelled to pay out a $1 million settlement -- in large part because Hawaii had to pay Charleston Southern $500,000 plus all expenses in order to induce the Buccaneers to travel to the islands in Michigan State's stead on short notice.

    Meanwhile, Michigan replaced Hawaii with Div. I-AA Appalachian State for its season home opener. So of course, Karma demanded its just due, and the Wolverines proceeded to lose that game, 35-32.

    Parent

    Ducks win 42-25. (none / 0) (#73)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 09:28:27 PM EST
    The Ducks did not have a good 2nd half. The Bulldogs defense did a very good job of stymying the Ducks for most of the 2nd half.

    As talented as he is, Marcus Mariota, the Ducks' QB, is a freshman and it shows. I expect Chip Kelly will have a lot of things to discuss with the team on Monday.

    Parent

    To paraphrase BTD's earlier comment ... (none / 0) (#41)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 04:54:22 PM EST
    ... about Florida, this is not your daddy's Fresno State team. Longtime coach Pat Hill was put out to pasture after last season, so the Bulldogs are getting used to a new staff and new system. Honestly, I'd love to see Fresno State pull the upset, but if Oregon doesn't romp in this game, I'll be very surprised.

    I happen to know a lot about Fresno State, because the Bulldogs and Hawaii are longstanding and intense rivals going on seven decades now, and have actually played each other more than than they have any other schools, respectively, starting back to 1945. They meet again in Fresno on November 3.

    Parent

    Will Michigan play "Michigan football" (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:43:51 AM EST
    this week?  

    /bites tongue (none / 0) (#26)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 12:02:16 PM EST
    They better not overlook the Zoomies.  And hope that Shoelaceless dude doesn't get hurt.  

    I find it interesting that someone who insisted just last week that the B1G was turrible, is all in with them this week (except Illinoise).

    Let's go Hawks!

    Parent

    Should have remembered (none / 0) (#45)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 05:13:02 PM EST
    Damn the BIG is turrible.

    Parent
    You'll get no argument (none / 0) (#51)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:40:08 PM EST
    out of me today after that horrible game in Iowa City.  

    Of course, I blame that on the BTD kiss of death.  

    Parent

    4:20 4Q: Michigan 31, Air Force 25. (none / 0) (#47)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 05:33:37 PM EST
    I'd say the Wolverines were overrated at the beginning of the season. While I don't think they're a bad team, they're certainly not worthy of the No. 8 ranking they received in the pre-season polls.

    Parent
    Hey, they won. (none / 0) (#100)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 01:39:29 AM EST


    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#44)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 05:12:02 PM EST
    in otehr words, they are terrible.

    Parent
    Interesting Report (none / 0) (#30)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 01:03:59 PM EST
    from the Princeton Election Consortium. They use state polls and the electoral college and come to the conclusion that Romney received a negative bounce from the GOP convention with Obama gaining between 6-15 Electoral Votes.

    Obama also beat Romney in the Nielsen ratings. 35.7 million people watched Obama's acceptance speech. Last week, Mitt Romney and Clint Eastwood had 30.3 million viewers in the same time slot.

    Mannion looks good in Corvalis (none / 0) (#40)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 04:43:22 PM EST
    I'm getting the fresh grouper, lobster, corn on the cob and white wine going here at halftime.  Go Beavers.  This is the only time a fighting Duck ever roots for the Beavers.

    Is that square grouper? Or just (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 05:01:56 PM EST
    regular grouper?

    Parent
    Beavers win! Beat the Badgers 10-7. (none / 0) (#50)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:29:22 PM EST
    Congrats to Oregon state on winning their season opener.

    And, yeah, the Big is pretty bad.

    Parent

    Pulling for Wash Huskies vs LSU (none / 0) (#49)
    by brodie on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 06:19:58 PM EST
    As per usual and the law, the game is being played on the SEC's home field.  Can't have their pampered players having to actually play outside of their home region, any week of the season, including Bowl games.

    To be fair, this game is ... (none / 0) (#56)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:09:56 PM EST
    ... the back end of a home-and-home agreement with Washington. In 2009, LSU beat the Huskies in Seattle, 31-23. LSU has traditionally been far more willing to travel out of the region than, say, Florida, Georgia, Auburn and Alabama.

    I will note for the record that Alabama is scheduled to play Michigan State up in East Lansing -- in 2017. Florida's longest nonconference road trips are up 100 miles along I-95 to Florida State in Tallahassee this season, and down 200 miles along I-95 to Miami next season.

    The Gators are probably suffering from jet lag, having had to travel into the Central time zone to College Station, TX to face Texas A&M.

    Parent

    Go Huskers! (none / 0) (#63)
    by ruffian on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 07:53:33 PM EST
    I'm usually more of a UCLA fan, but my dog park friends are Huskers and they had their 8 month old daughter in an adorable outfit this morning.  So let's get the kid off on the right foot.

    UPSET: UL-Monroe 28, No. 8 Arkansas 31. (none / 0) (#77)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:06:31 PM EST
    This is the first big upset of the 2012 season. The Razorbacks blew a 14-point lead over the Warhawks in the 4th quarter, allowing the tying score with 0:47 left in regulation. Then the Warhawks faked the tying field goal in overtime, and QB / holder Kolton Browning ran 16 yards for the game-winning TD.

    I think the Hogs' season just crashed into the same roadside ditch where former head coach Bobby Petrino ended his career.

    Excuse me, the score was 34-31. (none / 0) (#78)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:07:10 PM EST


    Parent
    4:58 4Q: UCLA 29, No. 16 Nebraska 27. (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:12:28 PM EST
    The Cornhuskers more than have their hands full with a very feisty Bruin team, trailing 29-27 after Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez was tackled in the end zone for a safety. And now, the Bruins are driving to try and put it away, 1st-and-10 at the Husker 24.

    UPSET: UCLA 36, No. 16 Nebraska 30. (none / 0) (#84)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:29:42 PM EST
    The Huskers just kicked a field goal, but UCLA recovered the subsequent onside kick. It's over. Nebraska has no time-outs, and the Bruins will now run out the clock.

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    This is a great win for UCLA. (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 10:38:56 PM EST
    They have had many disappointing games over the last several years. Maybe Jim Mora is the head coach who will restore the Bruins to glory.

    Not too much glory, of course, because the Ducks are going to win the Pac-12 championship.

    Parent

    I'd offer that ... (none / 0) (#120)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 05:59:09 PM EST
    ... USC (42-29 over Syracuse), Stanford (50-13 over Duke), Arizona State (45-14 over Illinois) and Arizona (59-38 over Oklahoma State) might have something to say about that.

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    Obama (none / 0) (#89)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 08, 2012 at 11:11:26 PM EST
    goes with the Gator Chomp today in Orlando

    Well he just lost my vote! :) (none / 0) (#101)
    by indy in sc on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 04:32:22 AM EST
    The U and the U only (yes, I realize the 'Canes got obliterated by K-State today).

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    What in the world is up with Colorado? (none / 0) (#122)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Sep 09, 2012 at 08:10:37 PM EST
    Losing to interstate rival Colorado State is one thing. But then, following that disappointment up with a 30-28 loss to Div. I-AA (FCS) Sacramento State -- at home, no less?

    To put a real sting in the wound (pun intended), the Buffaloes actually paid the Hornets $450,000 for the privilege of losing to them on a last-play field goal.

    SITE VIOLATOR? (none / 0) (#131)
    by ruffian on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 06:36:04 AM EST
    or is someone asking me out?

    Morning Joe was pathetic this A.M. (none / 0) (#132)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 09:10:08 AM EST
    Joe kept talking about poor campaign strategy but isn't it much much worse than that?  They have nothing for the people, nothing!  They promise to make already hurting people hurt more, their convention was filled with delusional zealots who were only fired up to wear primarily red and hang out with others who hate Obama.  Outside of hating Obama all they are selling is more suffering and with a little luck it won't be you.

    On Morning Joe they suspect that the Republican party has lost its military credibility.  This needs to be more than "suspect".  The Democratic party lost its military credibility for decades because of Vietnam.  The Republican party must lose its military credibility until it is honestly earned back because of Iraq.  They abused the military, they didn't have a draft, but they had slews of kids standing in line after 9/11.  They got a meat grinder for four years.

    In addition to the overdeployment of (5.00 / 2) (#134)
    by DFLer on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 10:16:52 AM EST
    state National Guard units

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    Yes, thank you (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 10:18:10 AM EST
    I feel like writing about this this week and I would have forgotten them, so thank you!!!!

    Parent
    Obama outraises Romney (none / 0) (#136)
    by lilburro on Mon Sep 10, 2012 at 10:38:35 AM EST
    in August, $ 114 million v $ 111.6 million.

    Good news!  A ridiculous amount of money, of course.

    Saturday College Football Open Thread | 137 comments (137 topical)

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