AFC South Preview

With the NFL evolving into a higher flying, quick, passing game, the most important position on the field is the quarterback. And in the AFC South, quarterback is the position that will be the difference between its teams. The Indianapolis Colts, who won the division last season, come in with Andrew Luck, the best young QB in the NFL. Meanwhile, the other three teams, the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars, all face multiple questions at the quarterback position.

Here is how I think they will finish:

1. 1.    Indianapolis Colts 12-4

Last Season 11-5, Division Champs

photo credit helmet2helmet.com

The Colts enter this season as one of the front-runners in the AFC. This season, they will have one of the most potent attacks in football, led by 3^rd year QB Andrew Luck. In his first two seasons, Luck has proven himself to be an excellent NFL QB, leading the Colts to 22 victories, and 10 game winning 4^th quarter drives. In the offseason, the Colts added Hakeem Nicks and rookie 3^rd round pick Donte Moncrief, to an already talented receiving bunch. Veteran WR Reggie Wayne and talented young TE Dwayne Allen will be returning from injury, to join T.Y. Hilton, who broke onto the scene last season after Wayne’s suffered a season ending torn ACL. However, questions still remain on defense. With Robert Mathis being suspended for the first four games, who will step up in his place? The Colts desperately need their first round pick from 2013, Bjoern Werner to step it up. He struggled with injury last year, and was unproductive when healthy. Additionally, who will start at safety alongside LaRon Landry to replace Antoine Bethea? These questions still loom for the Colts, as their defense needs to be better in order to take down Denver and New England. Ultimately, this talented Colts squad will take advantage of the league’s easiest schedule, and cruise to 12 wins and a first round bye.

1. 2.    Houston Texans 8-8

Last Season 2-14, 4^th in the division

Change is the word of the offseason for the Texans, as they have a new head coach and QB. After firing Gary Kubiak, Houston hired former coach at Penn State Bill O’Brien. The Texans went out and signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has spent time with the Bills and Titans in his NFL career. He is the expected starter, although rookie QB Tom Savage may play well enough to eventually take the job from Fitzpatrick. The Texans will be returning Arian Foster, who struggled with injuries last year after logging over 350 carries the previous year. In order for the Texans to be a contender, they need to establish the run, and utilize Fitzpatrick similarly to the way Gary Kubiak used Matt Schaub. If the Texans avoid turnovers, and rely on their stingy defense, led by J.J. Watt, first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney, and pro bowl corner Jonathan Joseph, then they can possibly ride a favorable schedule to a wild card berth. However, Fitzpatrick’s play will hold them back, and leave them on the outside looking in come January.

1. 3.    Tennessee Titans 6-10

Last Season 7-9, 2^nd in the division

photo credit USA today sports

Another season is here, and it is time to see if Jake Locker is the real deal. Although this is said every year, the Titans need quality production out of Locker if they wish to contend. Last season, the Titans were 4-2 when Locker played, and 3-7 when he did not . Ryan Fitzpatrick simply was not good enough to carry this team in Locker’s absence. Entering this year, the Titans will need Locker to stay healthy, and hope that their trio of RBs, Shonn Greene, Dexter McCluster, and rookie Bishop Sankey are able to get the job done. Otherwise, the Titans have very limited talent in the passing game to threaten teams. Defensively, the Titans picked up former Broncos Shaun Phillips and Wesley Woodyard, and lost number 2 corner Alterraun Verner. The defense will be average, the offense will be mediocre, and the Titans will struggle to a 6-win season. After this year, the Titans will be on a search for a new QB.

1. 4.    Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

Last Season 4-12, 3^rd in the division

Once again, the Jaguars are still around or in the basement of the league’s worst division. However, the Jaguars may have finally found the missing piece to the puzzle. His name is Blake Bortles. After taking Bortles 3^rd overall in this year’s draft, they are hoping that he pans out into a good NFL QB of the future. However, his NFL career will be put on hold, as Chad Henne will start the season as the starter. The Jaguars do not want to immediately throw their rookie into the fire, on what is likely already a lost season for the Jaguars. In the offseason, the Jaguars did make moves to bolster their roster. They added former Bronco guard Zane Beadles, acquired RB Toby Gerhart from Minnesota, and drafted talented WR Marqise Lee. Also, they now feature two talented pass rushers, Chris Clemons and Red Bryant, who both won championships with Seattle last season.

This division is the most straight forward in the NFL. The Colts will easily win it because they have what no one else does, a Quarterback. Andrew Luck is the difference between a 12 win division champion, and a 5-11 Jaguar team with almost no upside for this upcoming season.

Sports Spin Podcast Presented by BadWolfCasino.com: NFC Preview

Addison Hunsicker joins Connor Jones and Josh Neighbors to discuss the loaded NFC. The guys talk the possible regression of the Panthers, the loaded NFC West, and assess how good Nick Foles really is. Click the link below, download, and enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/a/collegiate-va.org/uc?id=0BzIFhsm50aDZaF9Ka0RsQ0FYOXc&export=download

Photo credit Grantland.com

Golf's Four Leaf Clover

photo credit the guardian

The PGA Championship is often deemed the lesser of the four major championships in professional golf, but after Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy gutted out an exciting victory at Valhalla this past weekend, the same may not be said. The PGA rarely presents the same level of difficulty as the U.S.Open, nor does it carry the incredible tradition that are the Masters and the British Open. These three tournaments are tournaments that are really unique to sports, and the determination and passion seen by the players has always been incredible. However, this year, the PGA was by far the most exciting. 

The Masters was fun to watch as lovable Bubba Watson ran away with it, and won with ease. The U.S. Open was nothing short of dull as Martin Kaymer grabbed a big lead early and never looked back. The British Open, while exciting at times, was never really in doubt with Rory McIlroy stealing the show with flawless golf. At the year's final major, at 8:42 P.M. Sunday night, the Wannamaker trophy was still up for grabs, and damn it was beautiful. Some of the top players in the world came into contention, and it was clear that this major championship meant just as much to them as the other three did.

Let’s start with good ole' Lefty. Phil Mickelson inspired us all with his performance this weekend at Valhalla. Phil had an absolutely brutal 2014 for the most part. Before this weekend his best finish on the season was tied for 15th, but per usual that did not phase the veteran. Phil came out with a different look in his eyes this weekend, and on Sunday you could see that he was focused and ready to collect his 6th major title.

Phil played mistake free round on Sunday which was highlighted by a 28-foot par on the twelfth. However, Phil would have to settle for runner-up as he missed an eagle chip by a few inches that would have probably sent the tournament to a playoff. Many had put Phil on the back-burner this season and some believed that the 44 year old is slowing down, but this weekend reminded us of why you can never turn your back on Lefty. He still has the ability to win major championships and compete at the highest level with consistency.

Next, I want to formally apologize to Rickie Fowler, who I bashed this spring for not having accomplished anything in his career. I thought that he did not deserve the great fan base he had because the lack of success he's experienced. Rickie, I am sorry.

Fowler had an incredible 2014 in the majors finishing fifth, second, second, and third in the four events. Let’s also take a minute to recognize Rickie’s orange driver, which, on Sundays, matches his famous orange shirt. Once again, well played Rickie. Not only did Rickie play veryy well, he also showed an incredible amount of mental toughness this year and especially this past Sunday. He held the lead for a portion of Sunday’s round, but when others caught up to him, he did not falter like we've seen him do in the past.

Yes, he hit a couple of bad shots, but even then he did not get down on himself. Arguably Rickie’s finest moment came on the 16th hole, after he shanked his drive onto the 15th fairway, he hit a miraculous shot over the trees and onto the green, that would set up an amazing par. One cannot blame Rickie for being disappointed with his lack of victories, but keep your chin up big guy, there is a lot of success in your future.

Now, for the champion, Rory McIlroy. Rory proved his incredible ability at Congressional and Kiawah a couple of years ago, but everyone still had doubts about his mental toughness. Nobody has doubts anymore. After his victory this year at Liverpool in the Open Championship, McIlroy came into this weekend looking to join Jack and Tiger as an elite group to have won 4 majors at such a young age. It is scary to think that Rory did not play his best golf, but still shot 16 under on the weekend. When Fowler, Stenson, and Mickelson pulled ahead a little bit on Sunday, it seemed Rory would be left on the outside looking in. However, an incredible eagle on the 10th hole propelled Rory to a fantastic back nine. Coming down the stretch, there were many opportunities for Rory to choke, but he stayed within his game and saved par on the 18th to become victorious, showing why he is number 1 in the world.

With a rain delay earlier in the day, the players were trying to scramble to finish their rounds late into the night. While it is a shame that there was slight controversy, with Rory and the man who had absolutely no business being in the final group, Bernd Weisberger, hitting their shots early, making Phil and Rickie wait, and not allowing them to put as much pressure on Rory as they would have liked. Poor Bernd must have felt so out of place. However, at the end of the day, I do not think the circumstances affected the final result of the tournament. Rory McIlroy has asserted himself as the best golfer in the world, and while it is still to early to jump to conclusions about breaking records, this year proved to us that Rory has what it takes to make himself one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the game. He’s likeable, tough, passionate about the game, and let’s not forget, he is ridiculously talented.

As he sank the gimme putt for par on the 18th hole of Valhalla, Rory pumped his fists and screamed in excitement. He will be threatened by the veterans, such as Phil,and the rising stars, just like Rickie, and there will be ups and downs, but Rory right now is the man at the top. We will see if anyone can unseat him, but for now, this Irishman is not in need of any luck. Keep it up Rory, and whatever you do, be smarter than Tiger.

-Ben Greer

Sports Spin Podcast presented by BadWolfCasino.com: AFC Preview

Josh Neighbors and Connor Jones talk to AFC expert Anthony Dabbundo as they go team by team discussing this season's outlook in the wide open AFC. The guys discuss the quarterback situations in New York, Cleveland, and Houston. The guys conclude by making their picks for a super bowl team from the AFC, click on the link, download, and enjoy.

https://docs.google.com/a/collegiate-va.org/file/d/0BzIFhsm50aDZUFp2blBSbmFIQ1E/edit

photo credit www.lookpictures.net 

Sports Spin Podcast presented by BadWolfCasino.com

Josh Neighbors and Connor Jones discuss what the final 2 months of the MLB season will look like after the trade deadline. They weigh in on the suspensions of Ray Rice and Dustin Johnson respectively and finish up by discussing the success of Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. Click on the link below, download and enjoy.

https://docs.google.com/a/collegiate-va.org/file/d/0BzIFhsm50aDZMEhMNElUS05JeXc/edit

photo credit boston.com

NFL Fantasy Football

Josh Neighbors talks with new Sports Spin fantasy football expert Frankie Coppola, who makes his podcast debut alongside veteran NFL analyst Addison Hunsicker. The guys break down Frankie's position player ratings for fantasy football and talk about the strength of the NFC.
Click on the link and download the file to listen. All feed back is appreciated!
https://docs.google.com/a/collegiate-va.org/file/d/0BzIFhsm50aDZQVV6UlRnb1pvSlk/edit

ffunited.com

Germany goes wire to wire

Germany outlasted Argentina 1-0 in yesterday’s World Cup final at the Maracana stadium in Rio on the strength of 22 year old German substitute Mario Gotze’s left footed strike in the 113’ minute propelling the Germans to their 4th world cup title.

In a contest that appeared destined for penalty kicks, Gotze struck late, using his chest to bring down a beautiful cross from Andre Schurrle and crushing the tie-breaking game winner passed Argentine keeper Sergio Romero leaving a pro-Argentina crowd stunned at the Maracana.

While the scoreline might indicate the Germans dominated defensively, Argentina had ample quality opportunities. In the 20th minute Bastian Schweinstager mis-struck a header which sailed over defenseman German Jerome Boateng, landing directly on the foot of Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain 10 yards outside the box. With only the keeper to beat, the Napoli man squandered arguably Argentina’s most promising chance. Upon corralling the ball, Higauin sprinted forward and powered a shot 5 yards outside the left post. All the 26 year old could do look on in bewilderment and ponder how he wasted a golden opportunity.

Higuain did find the back of the net in the first half when he beat German Keeper Manuel Neur with a left-footed shot in the box after a perfect ball in from Ezequiel Levezzi in the 30th minute. Higuain’s triumph was ephemeral as he looked back goalward with his teammates only to discover that the referee had ruled him offsides. Higuain's misfortune culminated, coming to a head in the 75th minute when he took a Manuel Neur knee to the head at the edge of the box as the German keeper attempted to clear a potential threat.

Argentina’s last chance took the form of a free kick in the 120’ minute. The preservation of Argentina’s dream of World Cup glory rested on the shoulders of the most scrutinized player in the soccer world, Lionel Messi. It turned out Argentina’s well of Messi dependence had run dry. Number 10 in blue blasted the free kick 10 yards over the bar, and as he scratched his head in frustration German jubilation set in.

As the game dragged on, both sides traded shots as it became obvious the first team to strike would take home the silverware. For Germany, substitute Andre Schurrle had a pair of shots which came within a foot of giving Germany the lead. His most notable attempt came in the 91’ minute when he ripped a shot inside the box directed right at Romero, who raised his glove and stymied the shot.

While the Germans crushed Brazilian dreams last week in their 7-1 romp of the hosts, yesterday they prevented Brazilian nightmares from coming true. The hosts would not suffer through experiencing their loathsome neighbors from the south celebrate on their soil in route to claiming their fourth title and first as a unified Germany.

The Germans championship performance was indicative of the form they had been in all tournament, racking up their third 1-0 victory and fourth shutout of the tournament. All tournament the Germans bent, they became undone, but they never broke. Shockingly, Argentina registered 0 shots on goal and a dominant defensive performance such as this is worthy of the silverware.