Webb Defects from War Eagle in SI Shoot

So my husband gets Sports Illustrated in the mail regularly… and I being the Sports Gal Pal love the coverage SI typically gives- a bit of background on current issues with sports.

But I LOATHE the annual Swimsuit Issue! Maybe its just me, but I don’t understand how you can call it a swimsuit issue when most of the models are naked?

It is the one SI I ask my husband to keep from my eyesight.  Of course he did mention one model in particular.

Katherine Webb

Now for those who may not know Webb is now famous for not only being Miss Alabama but for being Alabama Quarterback’s AJ McCarron’s girlfriend.  She was spotted in the stands during the National Championship Game because frankly she was more interesting than watching Bama’s D destroy Notre Dame.

It was a HUGE boost to her career and for them most part I say bravo!

But in the SI Swimsuit issue Webb is wearing a Bama jersey with her boyfriend’s number and the bottom of a skimpy string bikini.  The problem I have with this picture is not the lack of clothing (actually she is wearing the most clothing of any model in the magazine, and frankly looks good) but the fact that she is wearing a Bama jersey.

Webb graduated from Auburn.

For those of who who may not know, the rivarly between Alabama and Auburn is bitter, sometimes violent, and personal.  Its bad e

nough that Bama is the king of all things college football, but for a graduate of War Eagle to be published in a magazine wearing the enemies colors is just wrong.

If I were an alum of Auburn, I would demand the diploma back.

 

from SI.com Webb seen in the pictures from SI Swimsuit Issue

Webb showing her true colors

Related articles

• McCarron’s GF Poses in SI Swimsuit Issue (lostlettermen.com)
• Katherine Webb’s SI Swimsuit Issue Appearance Is Latest Step Toward Superstardom (bleacherreport.com)

The Four Rivalries to Watch Today

A House Divided (Photo credit: {just jennifer})

The final game of the regular college football season is here. I am a little melancholy because I love college football and of course my Wahoos won’t be going to the post season.

But the final game of the regular college football season means one thing: rivalry games!

I know I went over some of the big rivalry games in the NFL but those guys have nothing, nothing on the college kids. Here is some history of the best rivalries you’ll see today.

Iron Bowl Auburn vs Alabama

This is one of the nastiest rivalries in the country- period. In fact innocent trees have been victims from the outcome of this game. Here’s some back ground.

Since 1893 Auburn and Alabama have met in a game that turns brother against brother in the state of Alabama. Bama leads the series 41-31-1. The name the Iron Bowl comes from the fact that a majority of the series was played in Birmingham which had a large steel industry.

Now the two teams share hosting duties.

During the first game the controversy began as Alabama lost the game 32-22 to Auburn. Alabama considered the game to be the final match up of the 1892 season and Auburn considered it the first game of the 1893 season.

The rivalry took a break in 1907 because the schools couldn’t agree over amount of expenses to be paid players and where officials should be obtained. It took the Alabama House of Representatives to threaten to withhold funding unless they resumed the rivalry game. Serious stakes indeed. The two universities got together and agreed to renew the game- holding it in Birmingham because it was the largest stadium in the state and tickets would be split evenly between the two schools.

So this year’s Iron Bowl- there should be no contest Alabama will win and win big- Auburn hasn’t won a conference game yet this season and going against who many consider the best team in college football today isn’t going to be the day.

If you would like to learn more about this rivalry you should watch ESPN’s documentary Roll Tide/War Eagle. In this well done film you’ll see how fierce the folks down south take this rivalry and how people who didn’t even attend the schools have affected the game.

The Game: Michigan vs Ohio State

This is a game that is fierce no matter the outcome. The first meeting was in 1897 with Michigan beating Ohio State 34-0. In the past four decades this game is a national interest because often it will determine the BIG championship and the winner will often go to the Rose Bowl. According to ESPN this rivalry is the best in America- period.

In 2011 the conference grew to 12 members (well now 14 with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers- boo Maryland!) and the teams were placed in separate divisions. But the teams still play each year and could meet in the BIG championship game again.

The most notable period of the rivalry is known as the “Ten-Year War” between Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and Michigan’s Bo Schembechler. Hayes was notorious of his hatred for not only the University of Michigan but the State of Michigan. He wouldn’t even purchase gas in Michigan on recruiting trips- and almost ran out of gas before getting into Ohio. Schembechler had been an assistant of Hayes at Ohio State before leaving to be a head coach at Miami of Ohio when he left to become the head coach of Michigan.

War was declared.

Four times between 1970 and 1975 both teams were ranked in the top five of the AP Poll before their matchup. Michigan entered every game during those years undefeated and one only once against Ohio St.

In 1973 both teams were undefeated and the game ended in a tie. This forced the Athletic Directors of the conference to vote to see which team would go to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State won the vote and Michigan fans were so angry they threaten to sue.

The War ended when Hayes was fired at the end of the 1978 season after he punched an opposing player during the Gator Bowl. Schembechler had a record of 5-4-1 against Hayes.

In recent years Jim Tressel and his sweater vest brought the rivalry back to a point of focus. In his introduction to Ohio State during its basketball game against Michigan he said “I can assure you that you will be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field.” Tressel succeeded leading Ohio State to beat Michigan for the first time in 14 years.

I find it ironic that Tressel’s speech talked about good in the community when he was outed as coach because of players off field antics. And because of that the NCAA sanctions the currently undefeated Ohio State can’t be ranked in the BCS (they would probably be number 2) going into this game.

One notable game during the Tressel era 2006- 1 vs 2. Both teams went into this game undefeated. The day before the match up Schembechler died. Ohio State won the game and played for a national championship against Florida. Another notable note- a half hour after the game ended the Ohio Lottery PICK 4 drawing was 4-2-3-9 matching the final score.

USC vs Notre Dame

These programs are considered the elite in the college football universe. Look at the history. Each school has 11 national championships and seven Heisman Trophies. This is considered an intersectional rivalry because they do not play in the same conference.

Notre Dame leads the series 43-35.

The game began as a conversation between the wives of Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne and USC AD Gywnn Wilson. USC was looking for a national rival and they sent Wilson and his wife to see Notre Dame play Nebraska. Originally Rockne didn’t want a home-home series between the Irish and Trojans because of the travel. It was Mrs. Wilson who convinced Mrs. Rockne that a trip to Southern California was better than cold Nebraska. Mrs. Rockne agreed and convinced her husband. A rivalry was born.

Today’s game is incredible important- as the Irish need to win to stay undefeated and go to play for its first National Title in the BSC. The Trojans- who beginning the season were ranked No 1 in preseason polls has had a most disappointing season are currently unranked and without their starting quarterback Matt Barclay. This is the Irish’s game to love.

Florida State vs Florida

First played in 1958 the Gators vs the Seminoles is a classic in the state of Florida. But the series starts much earlier than that. Florida State College was the predecessor of FSU was abolished by the Florida Legislature and was recreated to become an all-girl college. The University of Florida in Gainsville was created for men. After WWII both schools became coeducational. The governor of Florida requested that the two schools begin competing against each other athletically.

Florida leads the series 33-21-2 but FSU since 1976 the rivalry has become balanced. The last forty meetings- Gators lead 20-19-1. This year both teams have the same record and bragging rights are on the line.

Related articles

• Michigan vs. Ohio State: Remembering Jim Tressel’s Dominance over the Wolverines (bleacherreport.com)
• Irish ranked No. 1 for first time in 19 years (1070thefan.com)
• You: Alabama vs. Auburn: Breaking Down What Makes the Iron Bowl the Best Rivalry Game (bleacherreport.com)

The Irish Heading to the Top of the BCS

All Notre Dame has to do is get past USC for a chance to get one of these

What a crazy college football weekend! The top two teams in the country go down which means my husband’s Irish will be number one in the BCS poll later today. One more hurdle- USC– to get through and the Irish are in the National Championship game. The last time Notre Dame was ranked number one was in 1993. Do you remember what was going on in 1993? Yeah me either, so this is a BIG FREAKIN DEAL!

Okay maybe not so much if you are a fan of Kansas State or Oregon– both who lost yesterday. I’m going to go over both the games so that when you discuss with your friends you sound like you know what you are talking about. I know, you’re welcome.

Oregon loses in Overtime to Stanford.

That blasted Cardinal coming in and beating Nike’s fashion show! The biggest story line from the game is going to be the controversial replay overturns of a touchdown for Stanford which tied the game late. In overtime Oregon’s kicker misses a field goal and Stanford makes its field goal.

Here’s my problem with Oregon- you choked when it mattered. The run game was stopped only having 198 yards and 40 carries- that is 127 yards below the season average. Instead of running the ball the Ducks tried to become a throwing team. Quarterback Marcus Mariota only completed half of his passes, threw an interception, and threw more on first down than he had the whole season.

Why Chip Kelly– why are you going to change the winning formula so close to getting to the big game? The Ducks are 5^th in the country for rushing yards and second for points. Didn’t see running or scoring this evening- and you deserve to not only be excluded from the National Championship Game but also the PAC-12 championship.

Number 1 Kansas State loses big to Baylor

Who would have thought Baylor would be the dream killer for Kansas St. Not I and not many others. But after yesterday’s game there is no denying that Baylor is a giant killer.

Kansas St’s quarterback Collin Klein was the Heisman front runner threw three interceptions and only had 39 yards on 17 carries. He did throw for 286 yards.

Baylor had a terrific game and it reminds me of them last year when they beat then 5^th ranked Oklahoma to stop the Sooners from a National title.

So what’s Next?

After yesterday Notre Dame will be number one and Alabama will return to the discussion and be ranked number two. The only thing Notre Dame has to do is beat USC- and right now that is a real possibility with Matt Barclay of USC being injured in the loss to rival UCLA.

Related articles

• BCS Chaos Scenario: Notre Dame in Driver’s Seat for the Moment (bleacherreport.com)
• A night of upsets and Irish, Tide rise in football (miamiherald.com)
• You: Damn Right, Notre Dame Will Be No. 1 and Irish Deserve It (bleacherreport.com)

Four Unbeaten Teams Lead the Way this Saturday

Will Alabama remain king of the hill after this weekend? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Well its time to start thinking about which college football games to view tomorrow. Since my Wahoos are going to be in Raleigh losing to NCST (yes I have given up all hope and really wish I was wrong) I will be home and able to catch some of the big match ups. Here are the ones I’m really looking forward to.

The Irish Welcome Pittsburgh

Since Notre Dame needs to be unbeaten to get invited to the National Championship game every game matters for them. After a great road victory in Oklahoma, the Irish head back to South Bend to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers.

On paper this should be an easy game for the Irish- who are second in the nation for scoring defense largely to the Heisman quality Manti Te’o creating amazing plays facing an offense who is the 77^th for rushing scoring. Plus Notre Dame has only allowed one rushing touchdown all season- that’s incredible.

Yet, this is what many would consider a trap game because before the Oklahoma game how many people really thought this Irish defense was for real? Now fans are dusting off their gear and the Fighting Irish nation is awakening from a long slumber of mediocrity and underperforming teams.

So will the ND faithful be rewarded with a win. I hope so since I married an Irish fan. If Notre Dame continues it strong defense philosophy and QB Everett Golson continues the growth we saw last week then they should come up with a big victory.

Oklahoma St Tries to Stop the Wildcats (Irish Fans You Say Go Cowboys)

Another unbeaten team, and the second ranked in the BCS polls, Kansas St welcomes Big 12 foe Oklahoma State to their house.

If there was a game that could stop the Wildcats national championship hopes this is it because of Joseph Randle and Wes Lunt. The Cowbows are averaging 239 yards rushing per game this season and only allow 128 yards on the ground for their opponents. But Oklahoma St has lost big games including Texas and Arizona.

I’m thinking that Kansas St is going to pull out a win.

The Ducks Fly Into Sparta (Yes Irish Fans You Say Go Trojans- I know its Painful, but necessary)

First question what will the Ducks wear against USC? They are the fashion show of the college football universe. Thank goodness for Nike and their endless amounts of neon green gear.

That being said this is likely the preview for the Pac12 Championship which we will probably see these teams play in again.

The question to ask is can USC’s defense keep up with Chip Kelly‘s offense? No one seems to have the secret yet to stopping it- and I don’t think its USC. This is a team that seems to beat itself despite having a ton of talent on the field. They are third worse in the PAC 12 for turnovers- only Washington State and Colorado (arguably the worse college football team in the nation) have more. And QB Matt Barkley- once a Heisman candidate has through eight interceptions so far.

You can’t make those type of mistakes against Oregon- because Oregon wants and has the staff to win- big.

Finally the game of the week Alabama Goes Tiger Hunting

If you live under a rock it may come as a surprise to you that this is the game of the season.

Yes season, because in the college universe everything begins with the SEC and the SEC is centered around these two teams. In fact it is such a big game all of ESPN seems to have left Bristol to attend- of course they could be escaping from the aftermath of Sandy but everything should be hunky dory after all they are hosting the NYC marathon (I wish you could see my eye roll right now).

Both of these teams are matched up beautifully- they are both in the top 25 for rushing offenses. Both rely heavily on defense.

But the real reason this is an amazing game- drama, good old fashion we don’t like you. You see Nick Saban, the most famous Tide coach after Bear Bryant himself, used to be the head coach for LSU- and brought a National Championship to Baton Rouge. Then Saban leaves for the NFL and bombs- big. And where does he return to – LSU’s rival Alabama.

Juicy! And you Gals thought sports was boring. This game is not going to be the touchdown fest like Oregon and USC- instead expect a low scoring game with a ton of defense.

Related articles

• Wojciechowski: Saturday will bring calm or chaos to BCS title race (espn.go.com)
• Stewart Mandel: Breaking down potential BCS title race developments; more Mailbag (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
• You: Envisioning the 2012 BCS Apocalypse, or What Happens If Everybody Has 1 Loss? (bleacherreport.com)

College Football Weekend Recap

LSU Coach Les Miles may have said the most memorable and silly thing yes this season (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I know I’m a few days past needing to do this- but the Gal Pal had to host ten superheroes Sunday and then help my house recover so this is my first chance to even thing about the crazy sports weekend.

Later on I’ll go over the NFL, the Ray Lewis injury, and y’all its time to start talking basketball! But let’s dive into college football.

What a great weekend of match ups. Let me get this out of the way, the Hoos lost and it wasn’t pretty. I only hope we can win A game soon because with Wake Forrest, NC State, Miami, UNC, and Va Tech I’m not sure I see that happening.

Okay on to games that were way more exciting.

The Red River Shootout Rivalry

Sing it with me “Ok-la-homa where the Sooners kick some Longhorn butt!” My goodness talk about a take them behind the wood shed kind of game. Landry Jones threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Damien Willaims had a 95-yard rushing touchdown that was the longest in the rivalry’s history. Blake Bell had four touchdowns and the Longhorns were left in the dust.

Final score 63-21

Notre Dame wins controversially

So the Fighting Irish had to fight to keep their undefeated season alive when they were down 10-3 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Throughout the season Notre Dame has been doing an interesting shuffle of the quarterback. Everett Golson started the game but for the finally fourth quarter drive that led to the tying field goal that allowed the Irish to then go on to win in overtime.

Golson fumbled three times and didn’t read the defense well which was costly early on. But my question is why not pull him sooner? If he was that bad why keep him in?

However can we say amazing things about Manti Te’O- oh yes we can. Leading the Irish linebackers they allowed no more than 13 running yards per play. These guys make it impossible for offensives to open up the field and it limits plays. If they can keep this crew up Notre Dame can have a shot at a serious bowl game.

The biggest moment of the game came on the last play when it looked like Stanford tailback Stepfan Taylor scored the tying touchdown with a 1-yard run in overtime. The officials- which were from the Pac-12 ruled that Taylor was stopped before getting into the endzone- the problem was there was no whistle called to end the play and Taylor’s second attempt during the same play got him into the endzone. The replay crew from the Big East agreed with the call and the Irish win the game.

My opinion is that officiating can stink- but this time you can’t say it was bias one way or the other. Stanford was winning this game- and could have if they had stuck to their game plan. They didn’t- it should have never been in overtime.

LSU “where dreams die” at least according to Les Miles

The key to victory against LSU is stopping the run- you stop the run and you win.

South Carolina didn’t stop the run. And LSU averaged almost 5 yards per carry. Consider that a first down requires ten yards and you do the math.

The best thing that came out of the game was the press conference afterwards when Les Miles said “This is Death Valley, a place where dreams come to die.” WTF! Dear Coach Miles you are suppose to be a grown ass man play grownup football- do not give bulletin board material! Naughty- a really stupid statement. You just lost to Florida and guest what Alabama comes knocking at your door next week.

Related articles

• Stanford vs. Notre Dame final score: Irish D holds in overtime, Tommy Rees’ magic still works (sbnation.com)
• Florida, K-State, Notre Dame move up in AP poll (miamiherald.com)

SEC reigns supreme in inaugural BCS rankings – Yahoo! Sports

SEC reigns supreme in inaugural BCS rankings – Yahoo! Sports.

I could write a good article about the BCS rankings- the first ones came out yesterday or I could let Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports do it for us.  I love his perspective.  Some highlights for those Gals and Pals too busy to check the article out themselves.

Alabama is number one- no surprise there.  What is surprising is that Florida is number two over Oregon.  When the BSC crazy computer system comes into play- and almost every single college football fan hates the BCS- it uses the polls and strength of schedule, amongst other things, to determine rankings.  These rankings are what determine who ultimately goes to the National Championship Game.

BTW did you know that Division 1 College Football is the ONLY NCAA sport to not have the NCAA run and manage its championship? That is bananas for the most profitable sports in the NCAA but there is a tiny playoff coming- though there should be a larger one in my opinion but I’ll take a tiny one over the BCS any day.

Rounding out the top five are Kansas State and Notre Dame.

College Football Week

The 2007 Texas Longhorn football team kicksoff to the University of Oklahoma Sooners at the Red River Shootout 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First I want to say a big Happy Birthday to my six year old- he’s spending the day with his Sessy and Dude-and while mommy and daddy go to C’ville to drink, be merry, and hopefully watch UVa beat Maryland.

But with the busyness of the birthday I didn’t want to leave my Gals and Pals hanging with so many good football match ups today.

Red River Shootout– oh no Rivalry

This one irks me just a bit. The Red River Shootout Rivalry is the annual rivalry game between Big 12 foes Oklahoma and Texas. This game goes all the way back to 1900 and its it one of the best rivalries in all of sports. The teams meet during the State Fair of Texas because it is halfway between both schools. And both teams travel well.

So why does it irk me? Not the actual rivalry itself, its fantastic. No it’s the re-naming of the Red River Shootout to the Red River Rivalry because of corporate sponsorship pressure not to promote gun violence. Really? Y’all do realize this game is in Texas and I’m pretty sure between Texas and the great state of Oklahoma there are happy, responsible gun owners. But whatever you call it, it is still one of the best atmospheres for college football and a prime example why I LOVE the sport so very much.

So what about the 2012 edition to the history books? Will the Longhorns prevail with their young offense after a loss to the Geno Smith show from WVU? Or will OK be okay in putting up numbers?

Both teams are 1-1 in the Big 12

The Longhorns rank sixth in the nation for scoring with 46.8 points per game.

The Sooners have Laundry Jones who comes to the Red River Shootout Rivalry after an impressive win over Texas Tech. And they’ve won this game the past two years.

In my opinion I like Texas but I think given Jones’ experience I think he can put some points on the board- and after last week’s game we all know Texas is not equally defense right now.

I’m taking the Sooners to win.

Notre Dame goes for 6-0

I want everyone to take a deep breath because my goodness the last time my house hold was this excited about Notre Dame football my tiny human was still inside me. Now with five impressive wins- fun fact this season the Fighting Irish have never trailed in a game.

Its all about the D for Notre Dame- they have only allowed three touchdowns this season- three touchdowns that’s incredible. But this week they face the attack from a qualified team in Stanford.

Stanford’s QB Josh Nunes is having a great season, and it is surprising given he is following in Andrew Luck shoes. Last week he threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns.

But he hasn’t faced a defense like Notre Dame. Just ask Miami who only scored a field goal last week against them.

I am not picking- though I think it’s pretty obvious who the Gal Pal is routing for.

Gamecocks want to prove they belong with the SEC elite

Wow South Carolina- y’all know how to put on a show. 6-0 for the season and 4-0 in the SEC after a dominating game last week at home to then No 5 Georgia. The final score 35-7.

Now they head to Death Valley with an LSU team still chopping at the bit to move past a disappoint loss to Florida last week. Plus this team has a 22 game winning streak at home.

I’m taking LSU- I think that Les Miles will have his team prepared and their defense ready.

Finally…

Dear Hokie and Wahoo Nations,

This has been a tough season thus far. The Big East and Triangles respectively have beaten us and damaged our spirits.

I want to remind the Wahoos that we have a young squad and things will get better- though I plan to be incredibly “marinated” for the start of our homecoming game. Plus its Maryland- please don’t let us lose to Maryland and their stupid, ugly helmets. (Though executives at Under Armor for the right price I am willing to put as much of your stuff on the blog). If nothing else basketball, lacrosse, and finally baseball are all moment away.

Hokies, I hate to say it I am finding a bit of joy in your troubles. Y’all are not a humble fan base and have been hiding your mediocrity from yourselves through 10 win seasons. Gang, you play in the ACC and your out of conference schedule is a joke. You have a 0-13 record against top ten teams. And I won’t mention your bowl game win percentage.

And yes when a Wahoo says these things you get to say “well what have y’all football team done?” Oh I don’t know, bridge the gap between recruiting, and we consistently produce high caliber NFL talent. Plus our fans are not crazy like you are. All you are is football- we are balanced, and according to Playboy have way more sex than you.

This season is a gift… because in order for y’all to fill that empty trophy case you need different coaching. And I am not alone thinking this- Hokie Nation is starting to question Beamer and his need to keep an old fashion safe offensive scheme. And what happened to Beamer Ball- special teams used to win games. (Side note if you’re on twitter follow me @SportsGalPal but you all should follow @EmptyTrophyCase who is hilarious as the day-to-day life of that poor case which has a sign saying Reserved for National Championship)

So rings your keys Hokies, cause your season is way more disappointing than your fellow Virginians in C’ville. Take advantage of the weakness and demand more from your coaching staff- if Wahoos can keep our president certainly you can pressure the athletic department to make changes.