Ohio State attains BCS National Championship bid

The Ohio State University Buckeyes have a earned a spot in the BCS National Championship game for the second consecutive year as the #1 ranked team in the NCAA. They will play Louisiana State University. LSU only lost twice this year, both games in overtime. The last time OSU won a BCS Championship, they won the game in overtime over a top-ranked Miami team. I am anticipating an exciting game between two outstanding teams, one at the end of a rebuilding year that saw them lose only once, by a touchdown. (This despite repeated replays showing a fumble recovered by OSU before an Illinois TD score.

Mentor (11-3) was blown out in the State Championship game vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier (15-0), 27-0. The Cardinal quarterback pulled a Troy Smith ('06 Heisman trophy winner from the OSU) throwing numerous interceptions and having his lowest yardage game after being named Ohio's 2007 Mr. Football. Oh, and don't forget, Xavier's O and D lines outweighed Mentor's opposites by a 50 pound average per player. No wonder they finished #2 in the nation (maxpreps.com). Mentor finished #77.

Have a great new year, even if you have to live in Michigan.

Mentor 39, Brunswick 14

The vaunted Mentor Cardinals (11-2) kept their playoff push alive another week going up against undefeated Brunswick (13-1) last night. Next week, it's the State Championship for the second year in a row. It's a shame that all those years back in the day, there was no state playoff in place. Now they keep saying things like "Mentor has never had a state champion."

They forget the years of Lee Tressel (father of hometown sweater-vest hero, Jim) leading an undefeated Mentor for three consecutive seasons, one of them unscored upon, back in the 50's. What about the days of Frank Domokos and Don Martin in the 70's? And many others?

Next week, it's Cincinnati St. Xavier (14-0) for all the marbles. . . and a little hardware.

http://www.cleveland.com/hsfootball/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1195983750147030.xml&coll=2

http://www.cleveland.com/hsfootball/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1195983559147030.xml&coll=2

Ohio State 14, Ann Arbor 3

The frustration of this game is Ohio State could only manage 14 points against a defense that Appalachian State scored over 30 against. (How many batteries does it take to beat Michigan?) The Buckeyes rocked in their decisive victory over archrival UM. 222 yards for Beanie Wells. Clock management. And the most tremendous defense. They gave up fewer than 100 yards of offense. The Ohio State Buckeyes are the Big Ten Champions again.

With the new rankings out today, I have become the biggest, hugest, most ginormous Oklahoma fan for the next week. Although Missouri (#1 AP or #2 Coaches') looked good against Kansas (who wouldn't against a basketball school), Oklahoma has already beaten them this season, and I hope will again on Saturday. Why? Because the Buckeyes are ranked #3, and West Virginia (#1 Coaches' or #2 AP) plays Pittsburgh (and I could never cheer for a team from the Pitts).

(One double A)

Must be all the references to Mentor, Cleveland, and Ohio State

Rather than insert the accompanying advertisement, I made it so there is no link to the blograter site, nor the loan marketer.

Wedge wins!!

Eric Wedge, the manager for the Cleveland Indians, won the 2007 A.L. Manager of the Year award. See the full story at:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071114&content_id=2300277&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

My favorite line from this article is the following:

Wedge's Indians beat the defending AL champion Tigers by eight games, despite having an Opening Day payroll ($61.7 million) that drastically paled in comparison to that of Detroit ($95.2 million).

Go Buckeyes!!

Sabathia wins A.L. Cy Young Award

C.C. Sabathia, left-handed Cleveland Indians' pitcher, was the clear choice as the best pitcher in the American League. Fausto Carmona was fourth in the voting. Justin Verlander, of Comerica's Team, received only one third place vote in the balloting. Go Buckeyes!!

Feels like Comerica's Team and Indians in late July

Remember that time during the MLB season that the two best teams in the Central Division didn't win many games for awhile? Well, after Ohio State and the other Big Two team lost on the same weekend, I just have that upsetting feeling in my stomach again. At the least, Ohio State made a game of it versus Illinois on Saturday, only losing by one score, 28-21. The other guys were blown out on the road at Wisconsin, 37-21.

But still, Saturday's game will determine the Big Ten champion...again. Ho hum...it is no wonder the conference does not have a championship game. As I recall, last year no one wanted to see the same two teams play twice in a row. Game of the Century, OSU 42-39, #1 beat #2. (Personally, I would have enjoyed watching Ohio State beating them twice in one season.)

But I digress. The Big Game at the Big House is days away. This single game is what college football is all aboout. Two fine teams (the one from Ohio with a better coach), regular contenders for the Big Ten crown, the greatest rivalry in all of sports. (The game was ranked by ESPN in 2000 as the greatest North American sports rivalry.) All that, just 16 miles from our garage door in Canton!

My daughter will be in attendance, cheering for the other guys. On her birthday Saturday, she waited to call me back until the final result was evident from Columbus. She took great joy in the defeat to Illinois. The result this weekend should make for some gloating by one of us (me) on the trip to Gram's house for Thanksgiving.

Four weeks as the #1 team in the nation in a rebuilding year! They have only fallen to #7 in all of the most recent polls. The team from up north is not even in the top 20 of any poll, except for maybe the mgoblue website fan poll.




Incidentally, my high school alma mater (Mentor) continues their state playoff push. Last year, they were 4-1 in the playoffs losing the state championship on a 2-point conversion in double overtime. That season included two victories over Cleveland Glenville (pronounced "Ginn"ville for their coach and graduate, Ted Ginn, Sr. and Ted Ginn, Jr.). This year, after winning their first two playoff games, Mentor faces "Ginn"ville again.

Ohio State Buckeyes #1 in a Rebuilding Year

I haven't posted in a month and look what happened. The Columbus Kids are atop the national rankings due, for the most part, to all the teams above them losing in upset fashion.

The Detroit press can not seem to ignore that a mere nine years ago, the Spartans beat an undefeated top ranked Buckeye team at Ohio State. It could happen, but it would be fun if...

That team up north could try to win out and climb up the standings/rankings and force a #1 vs. #2 game for the second year in a row.

I know it's a dream. Both teams in the rivalry could lose to any of their final opponents (except for the Minnesota home game on the weak schedule for the 2 loss team).

Magic # is 3 after Sweep of Comerica's Team

Finally, a series you can take something from! The Cleveland Indians overcame deficits in three straight games and took it to the Tigers to sweep the most important and pivotal series of the season. The Tigers came to Jacobs Field trailing by 4.5 games (5 in the loss column). A sweep by them and they would have trailed by only 1.5 games. Unfortunately for their plans, the Indians magic number for clinching the Central Division dwindled from nine to three in three days.

It was an impressive performance by the Indians, who now are tied with the Angels for the best record in all of the MLB! The Tribe had hitting for power, awesome starting pitching, and an unbeatable bullpen. {Their defense was horrendous. : ( }

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070920/SPORTS02/709200423/1048

Manager Leyland conceded the Central Division title between puffs after the third beating of the week. Like it was his to give away! The Tigers have never won the division. 2007 will be the Indians division-leading 7th title.

As the Detroit daily newspaper print copy states in headline form, the Tigers magic number is '08.

The season series went to the team from Ohio with Cleveland winning 12 of the 18 games.

The highlight of the series was a fan's sign in the stands after Casey Blake's walkoff home run, stating, "First the Pistons, now the Tigers!" to which I add "...and don't forget Appalachian State!"

That team up north - BCS Champs?

Appalachian State, a great team in their division of the NCAA football world, beat the BCS champion to-be Michigan team. BCS Champ would mean they have the best program in all of the NCAA football world. (Something the Buckeyes of Ohio State have been.) Well, that little misstep cost them all of that and an undefeated season.

Then, they lost again the following week in their worst loss since before Bo Schembechler took over, a 50-14 loss to Ohio State back in 1968.

http://library.osu.edu/sites/archives/OSUvsMichigan/1968game.htm

That Team Up North has not won since Bo Schembechler, another Ohio-born football coach and former Buckeye assistant coach, died on the eve of the 2006 UM/Ohio State game, a string of 4 straight losses.

The Ohio State University Buckeyes remain undefeated and are ranked in the Top Ten (of the NCAA football world) ahead of both Appalachian State and Oregon

Two Game Split at Jacobs Field

The two worst teams in baseball (for the past two weeks) squared off during the last two nights. The Tigers won on Tuesday by attacking Joe Borowski in the 10th inning, 6-2. The Tigers returned the game on Wednesday by only managing 2 runs in 5-2 loss to Cleveland. The teams remain tied for first in the A.L. Central despite the Tribe being swept by the Yankees in a three game sold-out series at Jacobs Field over the weekend.

Grady Sizemore did not bat in the lead off spot for the first time since May of 2005. His first at-bat (in the three spot) resulted in a 2 run home run, his 20th this year. He joins Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and Bobby Bonds as the only Indians with 20 HRs and 25 steals in the same season.

C.C. Sabathia (14-6) pitched well on Tuesday (no decision). Fausto Carmona (14-7) got the win on Wednesday.

Next week, the two teams play a three game series at Comerica Park.

Last line of this article makes for great rivalry building

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070704&content_id=2067476&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

Misplaced Confidence

What a blow out! 12-3!! Detroit's offense looked really good especially when you consider that was our best pitcher that gave up three home runs, ten hits, and 7 runs...in four innings. It was very disappointing.

It was encouraging that the Indians got to Verlander, too. However, he had some fabulous innings in the middle of his appearance where he got eight outs in a row (including five strikeouts in a row).

The Indians remain in first place by a one game margin on Detroit. Now, Cleveland heads to Toronto while the Tigers host the best team in the MLB, the Boston Red Sox.

Detroit Free Press article re: Tigers vs. Indians

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070703/SPORTS02/707030399/1050

Detroit 6, Cleveland 4

Plenty of base runners, not enough two out hits. Had they come through with one or two, what a different outcome this game would have had! How many times did the Indians have the bases loaded and fail to get anyone home?

So, my conclusion? These are two great teams. Detroit has five All Stars, with pitcher Jeremy Bonderman awaiting the results of the "Final Vote". Cleveland has three, Victor Martinez, C.C. Sabathia, and (my favorite) Grady Sizemore.

On the ESPN broadcast of Sunday night's 1-0 Tiger win over Minnesota, John Miller stated that the Tiger players were upset that Sizemore was chosen over Curtis Granderson. Sizemore was chosen by the MLB players. Should the right to vote for the best players be taken away from the players? Their own manager, Jim Leyland did not pick Granderson. What are they saying? The comment was made that the Tiger players felt Granderson had better stats. Let's compare.

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=mlb§ion1=1&statSet1=1&sortByStat=SB&statType=1&timeFrame=1&timeSubFrame=2007&baseballScope=mlb&prevPage1=1&readBoxes=true&teamPosCode=All&box6=XXXX429713cleO&box46=XXXX434158detO&compare.x=24&compare.y=7

At this MLB stats site, I see Sizemore leads in the important statistics including runs, HRs, RBI, and stolen bases. And although Grady has more strikeouts, he has twice as many walks. He even has fewer fielding errors in more games.

I will not attend the game at Comerica Park today because I want to keep score and be close to Canton in case Sandy needs something. Sabathia vs. Verlander is the best pitching matchup of the season. I am confident that the Indians will win this get away game.

(And no, I did not hang out at the front door of the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham waiting for a glimpse of the Tribe. Maybe in August.)

Cleveland 5, Detroit 4

Last night, the Indians won with an 11th inning home run by Casey Blake, but what did it prove? Yes, they are up three games in the standings, the Tigers will be in second place until the end of the series, the Tigers have not beaten Cleveland at Comerica Park this season, and the Indians strike out way too much, but... what has been proved?

I am not entering today's game any more confident than yesterday's. Kenny Rogers, a lefty, brings his 0.75 ERA to the game. The Indians counter with Jake Westbrook (6.01 ERA). It is doubtful either of these pitchers will have a ball called by reason of a delay-of-game charge.

Cleveland's outstanding reliever, Rafael Betancourt (1.19 ERA), had two balls called for delay-of-game during last night's contest. Neither harmed the game's result, but come on. An extra baserunner, another at bat for the next guy? If he is not careful, it will be "All rise, Betancourt is in session" for the standing ovation the Tigers get with the bases loaded.

During the game at Jacobs Field last Tuesday against Oakland, I commented to my mom that Travis Hafner had his foot in the catcher's box behind homeplate. Last night, with Hafner at the dish, Ivan Rodriguez was called for interference, an error for a catcher. Pudge objected, obviously. (It kind of reminded me of the Michigan football coach, he complained so much.) I believe Hafner may have been at fault, however. The next time at the plate, Rodriguez pointed out his foot position and the umpire scolded Hafner. (Why isn't that called a strike?)

Ben Francisco had another home run! He is batting .533 with 7 hits (2 doubles and 3 HRs) in a week. I am hoping for some offensive excitement tonight, too. Watch it on ESPN or Fox Sports Detroit at 7:00 P.m. Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!!

First Blog Posted

Putting aside the greatest rivalry in sports, I want to comment at the beginning of a baseball series between my favorite sports team, the Cleveland Indians, and the local team, the Detroit Tigers. The Tribe is traveling from Ohio after a recent four game sweep of the Tampa club to meet the reigning A.L. champions in Michigan.

Last time here, the Indians swept the Tigers in three games. (We lived in Washington, D.C. at the time, so we could not attend any of the games.) Sandy and I will be in Section 140 for the game on the 4th of July.

The series opens with the Indians in 1st place in the Central Division with a two game lead on the Tigers, losers of four of their last six. The Indians are one game behind the Angels for the best record in baseball.

I am excited about this series because it should tell how "real" this team is. The healthy starters have been fairly consistent during the first half. Paul Byrd (7-3) is starting tonight. What a surprise! He faces Nate Robertson (recently off the DL) tonight. Jake Westbrook and Cliff Lee are both coming off the DL with unpredictable results. Lee goes on Wednesday. He faces Kenny Rogers. The Tigers just got Rogers off the DL, too. He looks better than last year. Thursday's get away game features two All Star pitchers in C.C. Sabathia (12-2) and Justin Verlander (9-3).

On offense, the Indians have been quiet so far. Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore have not put up the numbers they need to if they are going to be contending still in September. Ryan Garko, Victor Martinez, and Jhonny Peralta have been hitting well for themselves. Back up catcher, Kelly Shoppach has been hitting over .360 this season. I saw him hit a walkoff home run last Tuesday against Oakland. (My mom and I went to the game.) http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=431159 The mob at home plate is the background on my desktop right now.

Here's looking forward to many more happy memories caused by Ohio teams beating Michigan teams, e.g. Cavaliers clinch the NBA Eastern Conference championship over the Detroit Pistons.