tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82581504061977769042024-02-07T04:49:53.671-08:00A Ride on the Chuck WagonThe Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-25591629969026660392010-07-23T21:38:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:41:24.123-07:00Clutch City IIIThis post is going to be very short.<br /><br />I would take our current squad up against any team in the entire Association- Heat and Lakers included. I may be an irrational basketball fan, and that's fine.<br /><br />But - I believe it in my heart that something special is going to happen in Houston early next summer.<br /><br />We are going to play together.<br /><br />We are going to play with heart.<br /><br />We are going to play with ONE common goal.<br /><br />We are going to be Champions.The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-45765124596500244352010-04-18T16:01:00.000-07:002010-04-18T17:31:39.495-07:00The Return of The Dos<div align="justify">Loyal Followers of the Chuck Wagon:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">It has been too long. I've been lost. Kyle Lowry's ankle injury against the Philadelphia 76ers put me in a tail spin. It turned our season around and obviously spun me into a free fall. After that injury, I had a very tough month or so. I lost the enjoyment that the Rockets gave me on a nightly basis. It was a grind. Every night when we took the floor, I felt pessimistic for the first time ever in regards to the Rockets. I didn't believe. And, make no mistake about it, I ALWAYS believed before. Something happened. I was angry. I was upset. I felt like some nights we took a game off. I felt that Rick Adelman was letting us down and not coaching us up like he did early in the season. I felt like Aaron Brooks grew a big head and an attitude problem. I felt like Battier was over the hill. I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel- and shame on me for that. Shame on me. I was a disgraceful fan. I watched games sitting on my chair waiting for it to get over instead of standing up and willing a defensive stop, or a nice pass, or an important rebound. Looking back on this, I get embarrassed. I feel worthless. But- in the end I came back, and I promise you that I will never leave again. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">When you put in so much to the grind that is the 82 game season in the NBA, it isn't unnatural to fall into a lull. It's not surprising that it happened. But, the rejuvenation was sweet. I can pin-point the exact moment that I got out of my funk and returned to Dos Mode. The night before I was flying to Las Vegas to celebrate my 23rd year on this planet it happened. February 17th-18th. The NBA trade deadline. I went to bed quite early on the 17th- around 9:30 if I recall correctly. I woke up at 2:14 AM on the 18th. I felt it in my bones that we made a move. I jumped out of bed and flipped on the computer and I was up for the rest of the night. Originally, it was said that we were moving Tracy McGrady, Carl Landry, and Joey Dorsey to Sacramento for Kevin Martin and co.. I knew immediately that this wasn't accurate. There was more to the story than what was first reported. I spent the rest of the day, work time included, trying to figure out what we were really doing. When I heard that we were also acquiring Jordan Hill, Jarred Jefferies, and a number one pick from the Knicks, I got down on my knees and I thanked Basketball Jesus for Daryl Morey. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">He robbed the NBA. He got a new Carl Landry that is 3 inches taller. He acquired picks that are very valuable. He set us up perfectly to make a huge move this summer by way of trade- instead of free agency. We have a nucleus in tact with AB, Kevin Martin, and Trevor Ariza. That's a damn good young nucleus. Throw a healthy Yao Ming into the mix, as well as Luis Scola possibly, and you got a great team. I say possibly because I am predicting that we acquire Chris Bosh from the Raptors in a sign-and-trade that would send Luis Scola, Shane Battier, a young asset, and maybe a pick to Toronto. If your starting line-up consists of Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza, Chris Bosh, and Yao Ming, then you got the best team in the entire association. And we would still have a serviceable bench. The foresight that Daryl Morey shows is truly remarkable. He is the best executive in the league, and he has a chance to prove it this off-season by making a huge splash via trade. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The rest of the season was great- especially the final 11 games when we fought hard to finish the season and won 8 of the 11. The highlight of the actual basketball season (more to come later) was beating the Boston Celtics in Boston on the memorable Friday Night. I felt like we were playing for the Larry O'Brian Trophy that night. We got down early. We stormed back. We struggled to start the 4th quarter. AB steps up to the plate. Hits the 3 to send it into overtime. We start out slow in the overtime. We then go on a 10-0 run to end the overtime and steal the victory. I was like a little kid in the candy shop. I couldn't have been happier. I felt it in my heart once again. I shed a man tear. I realized then that it isn't a mistake to put all you got into something like The Rockets. The lows are extremely low, but the highs are incredibly high. The highs are worth banging your head against the wall when things aren't going your way. It's difficult to explain- the euphoria you feel when you win a game in March that means absolutely nothing and you go crazy and feel like your on top of the world. That's how I felt that night. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">We saw Chase Budinger expand his game. We saw glimpses of what Jermaine Taylor can become. We saw how serviceable Jared Jefferies can actually be. We saw how rock-solid Chuck Hayes is on the defensive end- pun intended. We also saw how much The Wagon has improved on the offensive end. We saw glimpses of how great Trevor Ariza can be if he has a supporting cast around him and is not one of the top options on the offensive end. When he sets his feet, has his balance, and let's it fly he is an incredible asset to a good basketball team. He will be this next year. Just look at how he played on the Lakers last year in the postseason. I am truely excited to see how he grows next season as a player and as a leader. He can grow so much with this team because we don't have a Kobe Bryant. He was never going to grow in Las Angeles. But, even being the 3rd or 4th option next season, he can grow into a leader and maybe get into that role he talked about growing in to when he signed with us. We saw Aaron Brooks develop into a stud. Easily the most improved player in the league. We saw how dominant Luis Scola really is. We saw how bad our broadcasting team has become. We saw how important Kyle Lowry is to the team. I know I'm missing other things that we saw so please forgive me. In conclusion to this thought- we saw how bright the future is. We saw that this team is capable of competing with the big boys and bringing home some hardware. And for this, I am very thankful and God damned proud to call myself a Rocket fan. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I achieved my goal of watching 80 out of the 82 Rockets' games live. It was a grind. It took some sacrificing. It took me staying in some weekends on both nights because I had my priorities straight and needed to see the Rocks. It seemed like we played an incredible amount of back-to-backs to me. But, anyway, the grind was great. It was a success. I am not a fan of moral victories, but I feel like we won this year. I felt like I won as a fan. We finished 42-40 and faced a lot of adversity along the road. We beat teams that we shouldn't have beaten, but we lost to teams we shouldn't have lost to. It was a young and inexperienced team trying to find its way. And I really believe that we did find our way. Next year is going to be special. We are ready for the next step. With a little luck, and a little health there is no reason to believe that the NBA Finals is a pipe dream- it can become reality. I promise you.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Last Wednesday. April 14th, 2010. Last game of the season. A game that was more about showing appreciation to the guys for all their hard work more so than getting a victory. Obviously, I wanted to win, but on this night, I wanted to show the team appreciation for all that they have done over the last few months. I wanted to thank them for all the joy they really do bring me. When life is tough it is nice to have something to go to and know it will make everything better. The Rockets are this for me and last Wednesday was a special night. Thinking back on what happened really does make me cry. I know I am an overemotional fan. I put too much into the lows and too much into the highs. But that is the only way I know how to do it. I don't know how to be a casual fan. And for this, I am thankful. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">We laid a dud against the Hornets on the final contest of the year. We didn't come ready to play. We got beat. The game ended and on the loud speaker they instructed the fans that had stayed until the end to stick around for the players coming back out to show appreciation and throw out prizes. I sit in section 119, row 10, seat 10 which is right behind the Rocket's bench. It is my spot. Chuck Hayes looks up every game and gives me a salute. And every time he does it, it becomes more special. He is, without a doubt, my favorite basketball player of all time- possibly my favorite athlete of all time.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So, when John Paul announced that the players would come back out, I struggled with the decision to stay in the seat that I love, or move down to maybe get to talk to a player or two. In the end, me and my boy Ricky, sneak down to the row right behind the Rockets' bench not having any expectations. And, one by one the players start to trickle out to applause by us true Rocket Fans. The first 8 players all have shoes in their hands and give them to fans that caught a shirt that night that has a coupon to come down to the floor to receive a pair of game worn autographed shoes. I am sitting there jealous as hell to everyone out on the floor. Then, The Wagon comes out. He walks right passed the group of kids/fans standing under the basket. He first takes a glance up section 119 right about row 10 and I am not there. He then glances down directly to where I am standing and he doesn't hesitate. He stays in his stride. As he is walking I know he is headed right for me. I am shaking. I don't know what to do. This moment is so big to me. It is what someone who loved LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant, or Michael Jordan would feel if they got to meet their hero. He came right up. He handed me his pair of size 14 Nike shoes. He grabbed my hand and we went in to the hug. I promise I have never had a hug like this one. I hugged Chuck Hayes so hard for 3 or 4 seconds. I told Chuck that "I love the Rockets, and you're my favorite player ever." And he responded with, "I really appreciate you, and I love your jerseys."</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I almost fainted. I had a little tear as he walked away. I held on to those shoes like no one in this world has ever held on to a pair of shoes. It was the moment of a lifetime. It was easily one of the top moments of my life. I can't rank them, but that moment ranks up there with my first trip inside of Doak Campbell, being present at Bobby's last game in Jacksonville, playing golf with my Pop and 2 brothers, winning 22 in a row, taking the Lake Show to 7, going wire-to-wire in '99 and becoming a Nole Season Ticket Holder. Bottom line- it was an incredible moment- a top 5 moment- in my life. I met my hero, my idol. It proved to me once again that all hard work and diligence really does pay off. I thought numerous times that Chuck would never know how much he actually means to me and Rocket Nation. I was scared that I would never get to talk to him. I feared these things. All of this was erased last Wednesday. Chuck knows me. He really does. He cares about me. I know it in my heart. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I really can't describe it. My life is now different. My passion for The Rocks is stronger. I am going to have a really tough time making it to football season and then basketball season. I haven't watched a second of the NBA Playoffs because we aren't in it. In a nut shell- the Rocks and Noles are the 2 most important things in my life. They are my life line. They create every emotion possible. And, for that, I am lucky. I am special. I get to feel things that other people don't- things that other people are scared to feel. The true sports fan makes huge sacrifices. These sacrifices turn in to returns that are unimaginable. The pride of loving something more than you love yourself is an incredible feeling. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">With all that being said I want to thank the Rockets for another amazing ride- another amazing grind. I will be back next October giving everything that I have into the season in search of the title that has missed up for 15 years. In closing I want to say two things.....Thy Noles. Thy Rocks. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">God Bless.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Dos</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-6813370584461522202010-01-28T07:24:00.000-08:002010-01-29T11:52:41.926-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimslpRmOFos5KEjaxrCCm0dlcHXz0BiVm11GTChxfkoxrlLcU-aEULtJvs5fthwM0h2YMsHREfaFJs6O0-vcljjSzDG1qEtUXC5aoqQnRbJeIFiApdJLN6YyZa4vr0-oSx6i4yUv7Xp8uV/s1600-h/aptopix_winter_x_games_400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432250215602622594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimslpRmOFos5KEjaxrCCm0dlcHXz0BiVm11GTChxfkoxrlLcU-aEULtJvs5fthwM0h2YMsHREfaFJs6O0-vcljjSzDG1qEtUXC5aoqQnRbJeIFiApdJLN6YyZa4vr0-oSx6i4yUv7Xp8uV/s320/aptopix_winter_x_games_400.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy Friday AROTCW,<br /><br />It's been a while since I've taken a ride on this-here Wagon so I figured I'd see if we can get this thing rollin again. There have been a couple of things going on in my life that I felt like sharing. All of them are really unimportant, so feel free to stop reading now. Here we go:<br /><br /><strong>IcedOutEskimoz.com: Farewell</strong><br />After 5 long years of dominating the Internet, the IOE have made the executive decision to take down IcedOutEskimoz.com. Do not be alarmed: This has nothing to do with us "growing up" or anything drastic like that. The IOE will still continue business as usual...which consists of making about 1 song every 3 years.<br /><br />In all seriousness though, IOE.com was truly an amazing experience. Skittle and I could have never imagined the support the site would generate. Whether you thought we were two white wiggers with nothing better to do or saw the site for what it really was (a successful joke), over 5 million people from all over the world got to witness what was and still is the IOE. Throughout those 5 years, many people vocalized their opinion on the IOE....a quick google search of "Iced Out Eskimoz" brings these to light. While I have the stage, I'd love to share some of my favorites:<br /><br />____________________<br /><strong>From YouTube:<br /></strong>Posted by: <a class="username offline popupctrl" id="yui-gen15" title="JuLiO-R- is offline" href="http://www.mixmakers.net/forums/member.php?u=8030">astralninja</a> and others, 2 years ago<br /><br />"White guys will ALWAYS look stupid when they dress and act like rappers. At least these fools know they are foolin'" </div><div> </div><div></div><div>“I used to work at what-a-burger, it’s not A-1 Angus Beef, Its American Beef”</div><div> </div><div></div><div>“Tell the tall dude in the maroon hat and pants to hit me up jessica21604 on yahoo messenger.<br />Reply- “who the f—k uses yahoo messenger????”<br />____________________<br /><strong>From MixMakers.net:</strong><br />Posted by: <a class="username offline popupctrl" id="yui-gen15" title="JuLiO-R- is offline" href="http://www.mixmakers.net/forums/member.php?u=8030">JuLiO-R-</a>, 01-01-2006 01:31 AM<br /><br />"These Guys are really gonna make some noise in '06! Check Out their Awsome Website. Check out their Photo Section, these guys are real gangtas!<a href="http://http://www.icedouteskimoz.com" target="_blank"></a> They even got a great Forum. These guys are crazy. I can't wait for their next video! Maybe It'll make it all the way to MTV and BET!<br />*Sarcasm Was Used In the Making of This Thread. Please Understand that. Some people just can't tell.*"<br /><br /><strong>Yeast: Looks like this guy really blew it out on New Years Eve 2006! A fun-filled night of blogging criticism about obscure white rappers on MixMakers.net!</strong><br />____________________<br /><strong>From YouTube:</strong><br />Posted by: dupomang, 4 months ago<br /><br />"racist"<br /><br /><strong>Yeast: Haha. More on this under "Obamanation." </strong><br />____________________<br /><strong>From the Houston Press:</strong><br /><br />Article written by: John Nova Lomax, 6/29/06<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"It started as a joke when they were freshmen at Memorial and continues to be mostly a joke. But they really do love hip-hop, and they aren't that bad at it. In a genre that all too often takes itself way too seriously, guys like these are most welcome additions."<br /><br />____________________<br /><br /><br />It was a fun ride. RIP IcedOutEskimoz.com.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Obamanation? </strong><br /><br />Two nights ago, President Obama gave his State of the Union address. I didn't watch a single second of it, nor did I care to. I've taken a break from politics for the next 3 years (hopefully not 7) while Mr. Obama & Co. spend millions. Wait I mean billions. Wait I mean trillions. But, whatever, it's not his policies that make me dislike him; it's his ignorant, blood-sucking supporters that make me want to move to Canada.<br /><br /><br /><br />I could give many examples of this ignorance, but I'll give one from two nights ago. After President Obama gave his Union address, Hardball host Chris Matthews was quoted as saying, "I forgot he was black tonight, for an hour...He's gone a long way to become a leader of this country and passed so much history in just a year or two. I mean, it's something we don't even think about. I was watching, I said, 'Wait a minute, he's an African-American guy in front of a bunch of other white people.' And here he is. President of the United States, and we've completely forgotten that tonight." Pretty nice thing to say huh? Nope. A bunch of people are offended again. But for what?<br /><br /><br /><br />America didn't vote for a man, they voted for an idea: change. "Change" came in the form of President Barack Obama. The first American black president. Fantastic. Truly revolutionary. But, wait a minute, why is that when someone tries to acknowledge that this change is actually taking place, they are considered to be racist? Here are a couple of reasons:<br /><br /><br /><br />1. The person doing the acknowledging (Chris Matthews in this case) is undoubtedly white. Had an African American person said this of Obama there would be no story...note to self, do not acknowledge the fact that the president has overcome hundreds of years of social inequality.<br /><br /><br /><br />2. People like Jesse Jackson and Quanell X just to name a few. America will never truly be able to move past issues like slavery and racial inequality as long as these "revolutionaries" are around. People need to realize that individuals like Jesse Jackson would't have a job if racism never existed. It's in their best interest to suppress their own people! These villains purposedly keep outdated issues at the forefront of their campaigns so that they can make a buck or two off of the slave-owner's great, great grandchildren. It's sickening.<br /><br /><br /><br />It's time to move on. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Either give up the president, or give up the race card.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Jersey Shore:</strong><br /><br />Jersey Shore is just all-around great television. I see alot of myself in Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino. I read that Snooki is trying to get her own show with MTV: Snookin' for Love. Will someone please tell this girl she's not that hot? And while you're at it you can pass the same message along to about 80% of the girls that run around Uptown Dallas.<br /><br />Thanks for reading. See yall soon.<br /><br /><br />Yeast</div>Big Yeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439219509226737183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-43005611136347789162009-12-21T05:54:00.000-08:002009-12-21T05:57:20.786-08:00The BPE LivesDear Most Loyal Denizens of A Ride on the Chuck Wagon:<br /><br />Rumors of my untimely demise are premature. The BPE lives. <br /><br />The BPE had to go to the mattresses for a few weeks surrounding the Notre Dame coaching search. In the end, we got our man. The one. The only. The impenetrably awesome Brian Kelly. Bob Stoops was practically begging Jack Swarbrick for the job, and Jack told him to get lost because we had Brian Kelly IN THE BAG. Like Barzini, it was Kelly all along.<br /><br />Brian Kelly now follows the BPE on Twitter (ndeconprof) and you should too. <br /><br />Back to the salt mines, you good folk. Peace and hair grease to you and yours this holiday season.<br /><br />The BPE. Out.The BPEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195830030722656254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-19883842193980400512009-12-16T15:12:00.000-08:002009-12-16T15:13:33.196-08:00Pick of the DayThere will be no pick of the day. I do not know when it will return. I apologize to my fans and ask for your understanding. It is just not in me today and I don't know when it will return.The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-91357524103041272512009-12-15T14:24:00.001-08:002009-12-15T20:59:31.906-08:00Pick of the DayDinosaurs +7 @ Miami<br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>Toronto is playing better with Jarret Jack in the starting line up and Jose Calderon on the bench with an injury. Toronto's inside game will be an advantage and considering Miami's struggling as of late, I like Toronto to possibly even pull this one out. I will not be able to watch because I will be in Church watching us take on the Pistons. Feeling pretty good about this pick- take the Raptors and thank me later.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Tuesday Night Update: </strong>Not only did I fail you, I failed myself. I am sorry. Didn't see a second- too busy watching the Rockets Dominate. I will pick a winner tomorrow- I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">GUARANTEE</span> IT.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>13-12-1</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-49568457381676037362009-12-14T14:21:00.000-08:002009-12-14T20:46:56.720-08:00Pick of the Day<div align="justify">TWolves +13.5 @ Mormons</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>I struggled long and hard with this pick. In the end, I had to go with my theory of taking double digit underdoggs. There were a few other games that I certainly liked tonight, highlighted by the Wizards getting 2 points at the Clippers. But, I believe in my strategy and I believe in my knowledge. I like Kevin Love to play big tonight. The thing that scares me about this game is the fact that Minnesota actually beat Utah straight up 9 days ago- so, I hope that revenge isn't on the Jazz mind. I am sticking to my guns- take the double digit doggs. I am also going to start keeping track of my theory and test some other theories that I have regarding NBA gambling. Let's Go Wolves.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Monday Night Update: </strong>Minnesota gets it down with the outright W. I didn't watch all of it due to my other NBA interests. I was getting a look at the Nuggets since the Rockets have to travel to Denver on Wednesday. All three double digit doggs covered tonight. I am very curious to see how this works out. I love the big doggs in the NBA. I am really starting to feel comfortable again picking NBA games. Stay tuned for tomorrow's pick.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>13-11-1</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-20120556708412793582009-12-13T15:13:00.000-08:002009-12-13T20:46:23.290-08:00Pick of the DaySpurs -5.5 @ The Clips<br /><br /><strong>Sunday Night Update:</strong> This game was never really in doubt. SA got up early and although LAC did make a few runs and close the gap, they never really challenged. I am feeling really confident that this is going to be a good week. I know I have struggled recently, but stay with me. I am going to turn this thing around.<br /><br /><strong>Pick of the Day Record:</strong> 12-11-1<br /><br /><strong></strong>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-9285772807706895022009-12-08T14:28:00.001-08:002009-12-08T14:29:00.464-08:00Pick of the DayI am taking a day off. Tomorrow may be a day off as well as I will be in attendance at the Rockets game vs. Cleveland. Look for a new pick on Thursday and I guarantee a winner.The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-23931833120857510882009-12-07T13:37:00.001-08:002009-12-07T20:22:51.881-08:00Pick of the DaySan Antonio +2 @ Utah<br /><br /><strong>Basis: </strong>San Antonio has to win a game. They've lost two in a row and Duncan is mad. Look for Manu to finally play like a man tonight and have a big game. The Spurs win this game outright, but the moneyline does not pay enough for you to pick it. Just take the points and you'll be thanking me later.<br /><br /><strong>Monday Update:</strong> San Antonio blew it by losing the 3rd quarter by 18 points. Then they blow it down the stretch. I can't win for the life of me. Jazz win by 3. Sorry people. DON'T LOSE FAITH IN THE DOS. I will rebound.<br /><br /><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>11-11-1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-30334682752921006142009-12-06T13:51:00.000-08:002009-12-10T05:07:32.118-08:00The Life of Dos Continued.......<div align="justify">It has been a crazy couple weeks of sports my friends. My head is still spinning. Let's recap:</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">- Notre Dame can't get a hire because no one wants that job</div><br /><div align="justify">- Bobby Bowden announces retirement from the Florida State University</div><br /><div align="justify">- Urban Cryer is treated for dehydration at a local Gainesville Hospital following the loss to Alabama</div><br /><div align="justify">- God's gift to football, Timmy Teabag, cried like a little girl after losing the SEC Championship to Alabama (although I will give him credit for saying that they simply got beat by a better team)</div><br /><div align="justify">- The Rockets go 3-1 on their recent roadtrip with the one loss coming in controvercial fasion in Portland last night.</div><br /><div align="justify">- Jimbo Fisher is building a serious staff at Florida State</div><br /><div align="justify">- ESPN Classic realized that College Football just lost a legend and did the right thing and ran a 24 hour Bobby Bowden Special</div><br /><div align="justify">- Did I mention that Notre Dame can't hire a coach?</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">It is unbelievable to me how this whole thing has worked out. For those that don't know, my brother, THE BPE, is a professor at Notre Dame. My brother, THE BPE, USED to be a reliable poster on the Chuck Wagon. My brother, THE BPE, is shit out of luck at this point. My bother, THE BPE, is delusional if he thinks he is going to make a "splash" coaching hire. No coach from a big time program would go to Notre Dame. Any BCS conference job is better than the job that presents itself in South Bend. It really is. A Bob Stoops, Urban Meyer, or Jim Harbough would be simply foolish to go to Notre Dame. It is a lose-lose situation. Let's take Stoops situation for example: you have a job that pays you very handsomly. Yes, your expectations are high and you've stuggled this year, but you have the 2nd youngest team in the Big XII conference and your fanbase at Notre Dame would create unatainable expectations compared to OU's fanbase. You play in a top 5 college football rivalry every year in Dallas. You are God in Norman, Oklahoma. If for some reason you went to Notre Dame and you didn't play in a BCS bowl in 3 years, you wouldn't be employed. You would be searching for a coordinator position at a big school, rather than a head coach position. Yes, you would be very well compensated for your failure, but being compensated isn't worth leaving a perfect situation. Notre Dame needs to readjust their thinking here. It's not a top 10 job in College Football. It really isn't. Yes, there is serious history. Yes, there is the stigma that is Notre Dame. But, in actuality, Notre Dame hasn't been relevent in 15 years. The last piece of relevent Notre Dame History is beating Florida State in 1993 in the "Game of the Century". Florida State returned the favor in 2003 by shutting the Irish out in South Bend 37-0 by the way. Notre Dame has simply lost its luster. And please believe me, I am in the camp that thinks that College Football isn't the same without a powerful Notre Dame Team. I am the guy who believed that College Football wasn't the same when Alabama was down- and thankfully they are now back. We need Notre Dame to be good. We need Notre Dame to be relevent. But, their only option is to hire Brian Kelly. And, if Notre Dame has the audacity to make this "unpopular" hire, it gives them the chance to save their program. You have to hire someone who is hungry. You have to hire someone who feels like they have something to prove. You have to hire a "mikey-mouse" coach if you want to win. You have to take a chance. Who knows, Brian Kelly, as the Notre Dame coach, may fall flat on his face, but he is the only viable option. My brother is a believer that you can't have a coach that hasn't won at a "big" school be sucessful- and I beg to differ. Brian Kelly has won everywhere he has been. Two national titles at Grand Valley State. MAC Championship at Central Michigan. Big East Champion at Cincinnati and a date with the Gators in New Orleans. The problem now is that Notre Dame has probably waited too long. Brian Kelly would have walked to South Bend 3 days ago, but now he has the dominant program in the Big East. He can play for a BCS bowl year in and year out. He would be playing for a National Championship had Nebraska not played for field goals last night. You could get Kelly for half the price that you would potentially be paying Meyer or Stoops. That equates to half as much money that you'd be paying them to get the hell out of dodge in 3 years. If I am Notre Dame's Athletic Director, the choice is easy. I would take a chance. Just give it a try. Notre Dame has lost its luster and I think that someone with Brian Kelly's resume would be the perfect fit. I want Notre Dame to be good, I really do. It is important for College Football. It is important to me because I don't want my brother to be miserable. But, I am affraid to say that I think Notre Dame has waited too long. Brian Kelly was the correct hire and I think they thought that they could unrealistically lure Meyer or Stoops away. And now, I don't know where they turn to. In closing to this thought, Go Irish.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Let's now talk about my Seminoles. I said last week that I regretted how I acted towards Bobby Bowden. I said that:</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">"The world is a funny place, you know? I wanted Coach Bowden to step down, but I never imagined it would hurt this much. It's hard to be happy about it. The man just has so much pride. You cannot fault someone for believing in himself and his skills to get something done, and I failed miserably here by bashing him. I try to live my life without regrets, and for the most part I have succeeded in this- not this time. I try to look at every mistake I make- and believe me, I have made my share- as a learning experience and not as an experience to regret. But, I wholeheartedly regret the negativity that I shared with regards to Coach Bowden. I think it is fair to say that it is time to move forward, but I just wish it had gone down differently. I want what is best for the football program, but losing Coach Bowden is just a shot to the heart. He is the only coach I know. It's a tough day for the Nole Nation. Thanks for everything Coach. You're the best."</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">This is the coach that I wrote a birthday letter to 3 years ago and had a package in the mail adressed to me less than a week later. Inside the package was a photo of Bobby Bowden with the words "To Scott: Thanks for being a Seminole! -Bobby Bowden". I am tearing up thinking about it. I have a real hard time believing that any coach at a big time football program would do this. Try sending a letter to Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer, and NOT EVEN ASKING FOR A RESPONSE, and see if you get a personalized autograph within a week. It was simply an amazing experience. The loss of Bobby Bowden is truely an end to an era. A tremendous era. When I think College Football, I think Bobby Bowden. Yes, I am biased in this belief, but he is undoubtably on the Mount Rushmore of College Football alongside Bear Bryant and Joe Paterno. He is the only coach I have known my entire lifetime. I ridiculed him. I talked about how he was being selfish sticking around too long. I asked the Lord to make Bobby hang 'em up. And God Damnit I regret it. Bobby Bowden is my idol. He is my hero. If I ever have children- outlook not looking so good since my love of sport is bigger than my love for any woman- I am going to teach them about Bobby Bowden. I am going to tell them to model their life around Bobby Bowden. Yes there has been controversey around his tenure at FSU. Yes he has given second chances. Yes there have been scandels. But, Bobby Bowden has had a positive impact on the world. The players that have had the pleasure of playing for him talk about how he changed their life. It is only fitting that his final game will be against West Virginia- where he left to come to Florida State. People, he changed College Football. 14 consecutive top 5 finishes in the AP Poll. 14 strait 10 win seasons. In 1981 he took Florida State on a 5 week roadtrip to Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Louisiana State, and Nebraska. And he won 3 of the games. This guy built a football dynasty out of nothing but a team that won 4 games in the three years prior to his arrival. Simply amazing. Simply my hero. Simply my idol. Simply accomplishments that will never occur again. I can only hope and pray that he takes a position with Florida State after his year of traveling that he says is coming up. We are better people because of Bobby Bowden. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Jimbo Fisher. Somehow his presence has helped me feel better about the whole situation that has taken place in Tallahassee in the recent weeks. The man carries himself well. He knows what's going on. He never EVER tried to play his hand and force Bowden out. He loves Bobby Bowden. He loves the Bowden Family. He embraces the challenge that lies ahead. He is putting together a staff that is scary good. He is attempting to build a SEC Powerhouse in the ACC. If he can somehow put together something even close to resembling a SEC Powerhouse the world of College Football is in deep trouble. He is relentless. When Bobby announced his retirement last week guess where Jimbo was- on the road recruiting. He has 4 commitments in his first 4 days as "the guy". He has handled this situation with more class and more pride than I could ever imagine. He wants the challenge to follow the Legend. He isn't scared. People are saying that you can never be successful following a legend- saying that Jimbo is dead in the water following Bobby. I am not drinking the Florida State Koolaide here- and I believe it in my bones that Jimbo is the right guy. He is a Saban deciple. He learned under the best. Saban is the best in the buisiness and you're telling me that my new head coach learned under him? I am feeling just fine. He is going to bring in a staff that is competent and wants to win. His staff is going to recruit relentlessly. His staff is going to put our players in positions to be successful- on and off the field. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Although I really do regret how the whole Bobby situation was handled, I am very excited about the future. I was a mess for a few days. It was tough. But, I am very comfortable where our program is heading and Florida State may get a bigger donation from me come spring time. I am so thankful that I purchased season tickets last year when we were hovering above the abyss. Now I have 30 yard line seats for the remainder of my life and these wouldn't be available now. It has also just been announced that Florida State will be playing West Virginia in the Gator Bowl on New Year's day in Jacksonville. Me and my best Nole Friend, Todd, will be in attendance. So thankful that I will be able to be there when Bowden says goodbye. It is going to be a defining moment in my life. It really is. It is an amazing feeling to love something as much and with all you have like I do to Florida State. I know I am not an alumnus, but I consider myself to be a Nole. I will do anything for this University and I am very excited about the direction that the football program is moving in. My email adress while attending Texas AS&M university was <a href="mailto:warrick@tamu.edu">warrick@tamu.edu</a>.- in honor of Warrick Dunn and Peter Warrick. And I will be a supporter, both emotionally and financially, until I get put in the ground. The future looks bright my friends. The Future looks bright. And Heather Dinich still has a dick in her mouth 24/7. How she has a job is beyond me.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Let's do a little Rockets Talk now.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The other team that will forever hold a place in my heart. I will take a 3-1 roadtrip anytime. But, the way we lost in Portland last night makes me upset. We have no "superstar" and we are paying the price with the officials. It's not illegal to call a foul on the opposing team when the Rockets are playing. How Aaron Brooks didn't get the call last night is beyond me. I don't understand. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">We play so hard. We play as a team. In simpler terms, we do what we have to do to win. We have a line up that any fan would say "Wow, I can't believe that the Rockets are winning so many games." The wins against the Clippers and the Thunder were wins that we must get. We have to get wins against teams that you are "suposed" to beat. Yes, it hurts that we lost to both Texas teams 2 weeks ago, but I still stand behind my belief that we are the best team in the state. I said recently that "it's pretty easy to see, for anyone who is an NBA fan, that the best team in Texas plays its home games at a place called toyota Center that resides on Bell and LeBranch street in Downtown Houston." I still believe this. We have a certain chemistry with our current squad. We play very well with eachother. It is a complete unknown how we will react to the return of Tracy McGrady. It is simply unknown. We don't know if McGrady has played his last game in the red and white. We don't know if Morey is activly shopping Tracy to the whole league like we've been reading from Yahoo Sports. We don't know for certain if Yao is actually beating his original prognosis and could possibly be ready for the playoff push. Imagine this for a second- the Rockets trade TMac, Battier, and Scola to the Toronto Raptors in a sign and trade for Chris Bosh. It's okay to dream people. It is okay to dream. Think about the possibilities. There is no doubt in my mind that Yao Ming will be a Rocket for life. It is going to happen. He is too valuable to our franchise to let go. He is the BEST center in the NBA. With him and Bosh controlling the middle, the Rockets would be tough to defeat. But, of course, this is a pipe dream. We have to work with what we have.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">There was a play a few nights ago against the Clippers where Trevor Ariza took it to the rack with authority and dunked over Chris Kaman. It was a beautiful sight to see. He must keep this aggresivness up. We have to have Trevor taking it to the rack and try to kill anything in his way. Trevor is so long and a good enough free throw shooter that we need him to attack the basket and manufacture points from the free throw line. Chase Budinger continues to be a huge suprise to me this year. Everytime he steps on the floor I am reminded on how I wasn't a believer in him when he dominated the summer league. I never thought in a million years that he would be a solid NBA player. But, I have been proved wrong. I am really happy with his development and he really does have a great set of tools, as Bullard would say. I hate Matt Bullard by the way. Chuck has been his usual self- getting after it on the defensive end and actually adding a little offense to his game. I have been really pleased with David Andersen. If he can continue to develop a defensive game then he will be more than a capable backup once The Great Wall comes back. Scola is Scola. We play Brooks too many minutes but it has been nice to see Lowry step up and take some of these minutes the last few games. I love Aaron Brooks. His game has evolved more than I could have ever wished, and I think he is an elite point guard in this league. But, he has shown his temper lately. I don't get upset when a player gets a random technical but AB has been bitching a lot as of late. I hate players that bitch at the officials. I was one of the worst to be honest with you. I want our team to just play the game. We have to realize that we aren't going to get all of the calls with the absense of a superstar, and we just need to go do what we do. We play hard. We play the right way. And I will take our chances against anyone in the league. I know this is an earfull right now, but I am just expressing my thoughts. Kyle Lowry's shot seems to be coming along, but he is a bit out of control at times. I find myself yelling uncontroulable at the television system 4 times a game when he runs the fast break. I just want him to slow down. I am learning to be more faithful in him at the end of games. As long as his shot continues to improve he will be a viable point guard in this league. Carl Landry is an ANIMAL. I love him. I am very glad that I made the purchase of his authentic jersey 2 years ago during game 22 of our streak. I will never regret that decision. He plays so hard. He is a warrior. He is quickly becoming the model player of our team. He doesn't care that he doesn't start- he just wants to help the team win. And, he does this to perfection. Battier had an incredible game the other night against Oakland. I was starting to wonder about his ability then he went out and had an incredibly efficient first half. His game has defenitly taking a slide for the worst, but he still plays good defense and is a valuable asset to our squad. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I know this has been a lot of blah blah blah and random. I did not have any idea what I was going to write when I started this piece, I just kind of let it go. Typical Sunday in the life of the Dos. I want to wish Tracy McGrady good luck in his rehab and I really do hope to God that he comes back with a new attitude and a want to win. He really could be an incredible asset to this team and help us get over the next hump. These Rockets are blue collar. They play the game the way that Dr. Naismith intended it to be played. I love the Rockets. I love the Noles. I love the direction that both of my teams are moving in. It's a great time to be the Dos. I want to wish everyone a happy Sunday.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Dos</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;">note: this was written while under the influence of many beverages. sorry if it was just rambling.<br /></span><div align="justify"></div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-34593841790982361432009-12-06T13:28:00.000-08:002009-12-06T17:50:14.188-08:00Pick of the DayWashington +3 @ Detroit<br /><br /><strong>Basis:</strong> Washington has won 2 out of 3 and I like them to continue their winning ways. I know Detroit has also won 2 out of 3, but I really do like the Wizards tonight. Ben Gorden MAY be back and obviously everyone knows that Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun are out. Look for this game to be kind of sloppy. I like a low scoring game, and I like Washington to win it outright. Go ahead and take the money line if you feel like gambling.<br /><br /><strong>Sunday Update:</strong> I suck.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>11-10-1The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-23800341609969028112009-12-05T18:24:00.000-08:002009-12-05T18:25:21.303-08:00Thank You Alabama<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMiQ2xlwzZLNb5sRRKZgukFg3nHnSv2aShb12kxmHppBDHyPnRQQDJ_AO-nptV7nPLB0LHREdsJq1rHkLzqlUHEC36n7gi7jt_IoB0KZZgm16nQWYoGPoVL4zGpbGORvIgx8IzpRlpA4/s1600-h/Tebag.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411943615924389842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMiQ2xlwzZLNb5sRRKZgukFg3nHnSv2aShb12kxmHppBDHyPnRQQDJ_AO-nptV7nPLB0LHREdsJq1rHkLzqlUHEC36n7gi7jt_IoB0KZZgm16nQWYoGPoVL4zGpbGORvIgx8IzpRlpA4/s400/Tebag.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-50359358412911608832009-12-05T08:56:00.000-08:002009-12-05T19:24:31.986-08:00Pick of the DayToronto +6 @ Chicago<br /><br /><strong>Basis: </strong>I have decided that I am going to ride Toronto until the get out of their slump. Chicago coming off a back to back. If you really feel like gambling, then take Toronto money line. This game is going to hit. You got to trust me people.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday Update:</strong> Winner winner Chicken dinner.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>11-9-1The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-90891987879728862932009-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:002009-12-04T18:41:02.919-08:00Pick of the DayDallas -6 @ Memphis<br /><strong></strong><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>Dallas has won 4 of their last 5 and seem to be hitting a little stride. Memphis has been on the road for a while and I look for them to stumble getting it going back at home. Dallas matches up well with Memphis, especially with Dampier back in the lineup. This game might be close for a while, but I like Dallas to win by double digits when it's all said and done.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Friday Update: </strong>I failed you again. Geeze what a stink bomb by Dallas. I PROMISE that I am going to turn this around. We would be killing if I told you all the games I play- I just seem to tell you the games I lose. This will be changed. Stick with me, you'll regret it if you don't.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>10-9-1</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-61226713642730958142009-12-03T12:06:00.000-08:002009-12-03T21:40:05.967-08:00Pick of the DayParlay: Boston +1.5 @ San Antonio and Miami +8.5 @ Denver<br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>Miami is on a much needed road trip where they can actually grow as a team instead of playing at home with the pressure of the fans to get it going. We saw them take a step the other night by getting the W in Portland. I like their improvement to continue tonight in Denver. They may not win, but I like them to fight and keep it close throughout. Have I mentioned how much I like 8+point underdoggs in the NBA? I love them. Both Boston and San Antonio are on 5 game win streaks, but I take the Celtics here because of favorable matchups. I have a feeling that this game could get ugly. Boston has owned Tim Duncan over the last few seasons, and I don't see why that would change tonight. Once again, parlay these two games. And, for clarification, I am playing this parlay as ONE game in my POTD record, not two- because I will parlay them as well.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Thursday Night Update: </strong>My Celtics pick was flawless. The Heat are struggling right now, but remember- this is a game of runs. Stay tuned. Miami laid an egg. Sorry followers. I should have just stuck with the one game I liked. Future tip- don't bet parlays. Doc C once told me that his bookie said you can call him at anytime while he is doing anything and he will pick up the phone for a parlay bet. This was bad judgement on my part.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>10-8-1</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"></div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-83288539726174840452009-12-02T08:57:00.001-08:002009-12-02T21:54:50.787-08:00Pick of the Day<div align="justify">Houston -2.5 @ Los Angeles Clippers</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>As of now, it is looking like Luis Scola will be in the line up tonight wearing protective goggles- I like this game even if Scola doesn't play. I like the way we match up with there somewhat eratic play. I think Hayes will be very effective guarding Kaman and Andersen can play with the likes of Marucs Camby, but DeAndre Jordan may pose a few match up problems. The key match up is how we can defend Al Thorton. If he can get hot, then it could be a difference maker. The Clippers have quite a bit of talent, but I still like this young Rockets team to battle and pull out a win at the end. Eric Gordon is listed as questionable, which downgrades their point guard play. It is also important to note that this line moved 3.5 points in favor of the Rockets already. As long as it stays under 4 points, I think it is a solid choice. Rockets by 13 in this one. </div><div align="justify">edit: I don't know what I was thinking saying that DeAndre Jordan was going to cause problems. My fault. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Late Wednesday Update: </strong>Kudos to Adelman for sticking with the second teamers + Ariza in the crunch time. We had a great balance of scoring. Budinger came in and played really well. I am really proud of Scola for playing through the eye problem, and Budinger playing through the sprained ankle. It was nice to see Novak get some minutes, as he always holds a special spot in my heart for hitting the game winner in game 8 of the 22 game streak, but, right when he got in the new and improved Rocket Novak- Budinger- rained a 3 on him. I really enjoy watching Kaman play- the dude never, ever bitches about the officials. It is quite refreshing to see, especially for someone who plays down low. Sorry, I was 4 points off on the 13 point win prediction. I am very confident that if I picked all 82 Rocket games against the spread during the season that I would have a record of at worst 65-17. I would do this, but the problem lies within my moral beliefs. I could never tell someone to bet against my team. Anyway, great win. See you in Golden State tomorrow. Travel safely fellas.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>10-7-1</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"></div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-67421652986321514912009-12-01T20:14:00.000-08:002009-12-01T20:27:35.005-08:00From Mainframe_nole on Warchant<div align="justify">"How can I begin? He came here and inherited a grease fire for an offense at a time when the only person keeping the FSU team afloat, Kevin Steele, was leaving. He took over an offense that was left in shambles after Jeff Bowden was done with it.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Witch each succeeding year FSU's offense got better and its defense got worse. His presence was so critical as the FSU offensive coordinator that many other programs were trying to hire him as their head coach. In a strategic move the FSU athletic department offered him the keys to the head coaching job when Bobby retires, thus eliminating the threat from other college football programs desperately looking for a viable head coach.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The following two years FSU's defense nearly collapsed. Had the offense done the same FSU would've fallen off the deep end and turned into the Nebraska of the early 2000's. Had the administration not had the wisdom to go to extreme measure to retain him then it's likely Bobby's retirement wouldn't have been a retirement, but an outright firing. Had all these terrible things transpired FSU's football program would've gone from the highest heights to rock bottom in the quickest time college football has ever seen.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">But, as the defense was falling apart and defensive recruiting turned into a grease fire, Jimbo was slowly, patiently preserving and slowly rebuilding the offense from the Hiroshima that Jeff Bowden left it. Brick by brick, inch by inch, against the prevailing current that wanted to engulf the entire program, Jimbo patiently endured the criticism from impatient and spoiled fans that wanted the hurricane Katrina type disaster that his predecessor left him to be turned around in a year, and stayed the course.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">By the end of 2008 the tables turned and the offense became the saving grace for FSU football. By 2009 the offense that Jimbo built was all that stood in the way between the abyss and the football program. With Jimbo's offense FSU would've resembled what it looked like the year before Bobby arrived in 1975."</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I couldn't have said this better, so I thought it was appropriate to post Mainfram_nole's thoughts here on the Chuck Wagon. </div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-44894270425090852842009-12-01T13:40:00.000-08:002009-12-01T18:07:37.282-08:00<div align="justify">There will be no pick of the day today, but if you feel like gambling take Boston -3.5 @ Charlotte. Today and tonight will be used for one thing: remembering Coach Bowden. I will be watching ESPN Classic all night and will not have time for NBA games. I apologize to people who were looking for me to get on a roll- it will have to wait another day. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Thank you for all you have done Coach Bowden. I have already booked airfare, hotel, and gotten Gator Bowl tickets. The Gator Bowl better freaking take us like they said. See you in Jacksonville, Coach. At least I hope to see you in Jacksonville.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The world is a funny place, you know. I wanted Coach Bowden to step down, but I never imagined it would hurt this much. It's hard to be happy about it. The man just has so much pride. You cannot fault someone for believing in himself and his skills to get something done, and I failed miserably here by bashing him. I try to live my life without regrets, and for the most part I have succeeded in this- not this time. I try to look at every mistake I make, and believe me-I have made my share, as a learning experience and not as an experience to regret. But, I wholeheartedly regret the negativity that I shared with regards to Coach Bowden. I think it is fair to say that it is time to move forward, but I just wish it had gone down differently and that I had acted differently. I want what is best for the football program, but losing Coach Bowden is just a shot to the heart. He is the only coach I know. It's a tough day for the Nole Nation. Thanks for everything Coach. You're the best. </div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-28979303004178549812009-11-30T16:21:00.000-08:002009-11-30T16:24:35.143-08:00The End of an Era<div align="justify">If what is expected to occur does in fact happen, tomorrow will mark the end of an era, excluding a bowl game appearance obviously. You can be sure to see a full write-up on my opinion. At this current moment, I am having a real tough time wrapping my emotions around this. I am at a complete loss for words. Completely bitter sweet. Bobby Bowden is one of my heroes and idols. This is just too much to handle right now.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Go Noles</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-56929489863563156212009-11-30T11:38:00.000-08:002009-11-30T19:32:26.817-08:00Pick of the Day<div align="justify">Milwaukee -2.5 vs. Chicago</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>I am not crazy about the NBA games tonight, but this one makes the most sense to me. Both teams have been struggling lately evidenced by their 4 game respective losing streaks. The reason that I tend to gravitate towards the Bucks in this one is the fact that their losses have been in closer games. Chicago has been getting blown out of the water and the diagnosis on Kirk Hinrich is that he will not be able to go tonight. I also like the fact that this game will be played in the Bradley Center. Look for this game to be a close one throughout, with Milwaukee pulling away in the second half of the 4th quarter.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Monday Night Update: </strong>Betting the NBA is a tough job. Milwaukee started to pull away only to let John Salmons and the Bulls come back. This league is a league of runs. Delfino makes 1 of 2 then Salmons drains a second chance 3. Brandon Jennings knocks down two clutch free throws with 13 seconds left in regulation. Of course they let Salmons go in for a quick deuce the following play. Charlie Bell then goes up and and makes 1 of 2 for the 2 point win. I lose by a half point. Sorry followers. I prefaced this one by saying that I wasn't crazy about these games. Hopefully tomorrow I will find something that I really like. Stay tuned.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>9-7-1</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-41073968767393078662009-11-29T14:04:00.000-08:002009-11-29T14:10:12.532-08:00<div align="justify">Loyal Followers of the Chuck Wagon-</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Be on the look out for a post devoted to the 2009 Florida State football season and Head Coach Bobby Bowden within the next week. There is a lot of stuff going on in Tallahassee, and it might get ugly. Also, I am thinking about writing a piece on the Rockets dissecting the season at this juncture, including, for the first time, going all out citing certain players that I believe are not carrying their weight. For the first time in years, I feel that the Rockets are in potential big time trouble. It is a must win tonight in Oklahoma City. We must bounce back. I hope everyone had a good holiday with your respective families. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Dos</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-49120933224505160422009-11-29T11:00:00.000-08:002009-11-29T20:35:39.349-08:00Pick of the Day<div align="justify">Houston Money Line @ Oklahoma City Thunder<br /><br /><strong>Basis: </strong>Depending on the site you use to make your selection, you will receive Rockets +125-+135. These odds are too good to pass on. The Rockets are in about as desperate need of a win as you can be 16 games into the season. Oklahoma City has been playing well recently picking up wins at Utah and home against Milwaukee. But, I like the Rockets to bounce back. It always seems with our young group that when the going gets tough we step up to the plate and make a statement. Look for the Rockets to win this one by 5-12 points.<br /><br /><strong>Late Sunday Update:</strong> Rockets get it done and win by 9. We were dealt a blow on the very first play when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scola</span> got swiped on the eye causing the need for 7 stitches. He did not return. We fought back after a 10 point deficit and we showed great heart. It was a really rewarding team victory. Carl Landry played like a man possessed and, along with AB, refused to let us lose. We dominated the offensive glass, especially in the second half. It was a great win and more importantly, a must win. Go Rocks.<br /><br /><strong>Pick of the Day Record: </strong>9-6-1<br /><br /></div><strong></strong>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-2122926431413573962009-11-28T08:22:00.000-08:002009-11-28T08:48:14.122-08:00Pick of the Day<div align="justify">There will be no pick of the day on this 28th day of November, year 2009. The reason being that this day belongs to one team- The Noles. PotD will return tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258150406197776904.post-53545347471305850952009-11-27T09:43:00.000-08:002009-11-27T20:55:59.978-08:00Pick of the Day<div align="justify">Toronto +10 @ Boston</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Basis: </strong>Once again, I love double digit doggs in the NBA. Toronto is a solid team and Boston hasn't been too convincing lately. I like Toronto to keep this game close throughout, maybe even winning. The +400 Money Line might be a decent play if you really feel like gambling.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Late Friday Update: </strong>I didn't see the game. But I did see that Orlando was winning at halftime but gave up some ridiculous run in the 3rd quarter. I lost the bet, but I stand by the pick.</div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Pick of the day Record: </strong>8-6-1</div>The Doshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771279915454008372noreply@blogger.com0