Monday, December 22, 2008
My Playoff Solution
1. OU
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Bama
5. USC
6. Utah
7. Texas Tech
8. PSU
9. Boise ST
10. OSU
12. Cincy
19. VT
The only Top 12 team not to make it is TCU who loses out to auto bid VT. BCS teams are happy as they get 10 of 12 slots. Non BCS team are happy as teams like Boise St dont get screwed out of the BCS. Team like Texas Tech dont get screwed by the 3rd team conf rule. And teams like Texas dont get screwed by tie breaking rules.
So where are the games played? The closest NFL venue to the higher seed. Having true road games are not fair. But neither are completely neutral games. So give each team 10k tickets and the rest are sold locally. Since the higher seed is closer the majority of the tickets will go to their fans. But having it in a NFL venue will take away a little from the home field advantage and give the lower seed a chance. Also I think a venue should only be used once a year. Which would give us:
Dec 13th
VT vs USC in PHX
Cincy vs Utah in Denver
OSU vs Texas Tech in Dallas
Boise St vs PSU in Philly
Dec 20th
Bosie St/PSU vs OU in KC
OSU/TT vs Florida in Jax
Cincy/Utah vs Texas in Houston
VT/USC vs Bama in ATL
Then for the Final Four and Champ game have it at neutral sites. So assuming higher seeds win:
Dec 27th
Bama vs OU
Texas vs Florida
Jan 12th (Mon)
Florida vs OU
I would give 2 weeks before the Champ game. It builds up some hype and gives the teams a chance to get healthy and gameplan. Also it allows time for Bowls. Most Bowls are just for fun. I would have the Bowls schedule from Dec 28th to Jan 3rd. That means 11 Bowls that happen before Dec 28th have to reschedule. To me that is a good thing. There are currently only 5 New Years Day Bowls. That is a joke. There should be twice as many that day.
What about the BCS Bowls? Well you give them the playoff loser. The second round ends Dec 20th. That gives 11 days to prepare for a Jan 1 game. The Rose still gets the P10 vs B11, the Sugar the SEC, the Orange the ACC, and the Fiesta the B12. Assuming the Top 4 seeds make the Final Four, we are left with Bowls of:
Rose PSU vs USC
Sugar OSU vs Boise St
Orange VT vs Cincy
Fiesta Texas Tech vs Utah
This year under the current setup I believe the Fiesta gets first at large followed by the Sugar, and Orange. The Rose is the same, the Sugar is worse (had Bama vs Utah), the Orange is exactly the same, and the Fiesta is worse (traded Texas and OSU). But if one of the Top 4 seeds were upset these would change.
Some may say what if the best team doesnt win? Well I say if a Top 4 seed cant win 3 games, then they arent the best team. Just look at the teams that would make the playoffs. OU and Florida are in the game now. So you cant be upset if they won a playoff. Texas deserves a shot as they beat OU. Can be upset by them. Bama, USC, Texas Tech, and PSU only have 1 loss each. What makes their loss any worse than OU or Floridas? Yes OU and Florida are likely the most talented teams but isnt that an opinion? Shouldnt they have to prove it on the field? Then you have an undefeated Utah and Boise St. If they go undefeated and win it all (meaning each wins 4 games including Utah beating Texas in Houston and Boise St beating PSU in Philly and OU in KC) would they not be worthy? The only teams that we would feel cheated by the best team not winning it all would be if OSU, Cincy, or VT won it all. But really what are the chances of that. VT would have to beat USC in PHX, Bama in ATL, and then 2 neutral games. Cincy would have to beat Utah in Denver, Texas in Houston, and then 2 neutral games. OSU would have to beat Texas Tech in Dallas, Florida in JAX, and then 2 neutral games. Worst case you have a Final Four of Boise St, OSU, Cincy, and VT. And then a Final of Cincy vs VT. But the chances of that are very very very slim.
Commander Cali's Corner
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What do you think of the Devo situation?
Devo is being screwed by an over zealous bunch of power ladened committee who are blind to justice . Maybe they will wise up and lessen the sanctions for everyone's sake
What do you think of Marrone?
Doug Marrone is the best thing to happen to the football program since the Dome and he will put fannies in the seats when he gets the wins.
What would you like Santa to bring SU?
If Santa will bring me a couple impact recruits for the team I will be more then happy. I also want the loyal commandos to be healthy and happy this current basketball season and no more wasted efforts like the one against Cleveland which was a porly played game with no offensive strategyYou can't allow a team to limit Andy to one 3 point attempt and keep Jonny from trying his shot Devo is the irom man heart of the team his anger gets directed into his game on drives and the 3. AO is good early on until the defense starts to figure out his stle . Passes into the post border on each end of the polar extremes asin poor to sensational but the pass must hit the big guys square in the chest or its an automatic TO Harris must become a bit more offensive minded to the basket and start drawing fouls, Ogenaet must find a way to score a few to go with his hustle game Boeheim is beginning to go to his nose more. Never a good sign. Lets hope he dosn't get any other itches on his body before the whole game is censored for indecent touching Run for the hills if Bernie leans one way or the other as a WMD will be released. Pity the people behind him and their families Start passing the hat for the survivors if any make it past the first rip.
Over and out Don't shoot your eye out Over and out! Drink your Ovaltine and spend time with your family.
Cali out!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Doug Marrone's nickname
HNGRob- Hes not GRob
DMOE- Doug Marrone of the Orange Empire
HCDM- Head Coach Doug Marrone
DMarr- short for Doug Marrone
CMDM- coming home
Carpe DM- Carpe Doug Marrone
DM2- since Coach Mac is DM1
CMJR- Coach Mac JR
Big Mac- Coach Mac but bigger
RT8- remember the 80s
Seven8- his number
FOOD- Friend of Ours Doug
DMX- Doug Marrone eXtreme
BX- from Bronx
bE- Bronx Express from Bronx and Elmira Express combo. Also play on bE.
bED- be extraordinary Doug
BDDB- Boogie Down Dougie Brown from Bronx and last name is Brown in Italian
Brownie- play on last name Brown
Boss Brown
Dougie
Doug
Marrone
Doogie
BIHDM- Bring it home Doug Marrone
Dugma
Run DMC
DMZ- Doug Marrone Zone
The Rejuvenizer
Saint Doug
HGDM- Home Grown Doug Marrone
DM5O- Doug Marrone One Of Our Own Orangemen
Dome Marrone
BUD- Big Ugly Doug plays on being OLman and OL Coach and he is a buddy or the Orange
Kotter- welcome him back
Paisano
TRO- the right one
Monday, December 8, 2008
Commander Cali's Corner
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The Band? Part of the college experience? Or a bunch of annoying nacho eating wastes of space?
The Orange babd ,I believe had only one or two different pieces of music to perform but I concentrated on the baton girl who looked like a a young ladt trying very hard to look normal instead of a tightly wrapped sausage ready to explode from its casing. When she dropped a baton and bent over to pick it up it was "run for your life If that costume ever blows the only survivors might be the tuba section which at least has some sturdy metal in front of their bodies. The school's tradition of the lithe talented twirlers has gone the way of the team;down the poop shoot.
The Wave. Do you find it an annoying distraction to the game or is it part of the fun and excitement of FB?
The wave is a distracton from a poor team and does nothing to add to the game experience Most of the old farts in my old section 301 wouldn't stand up for a great play much less to participate in a sophmoric visual distraction.
What games are you looking forward to this Bowl season?
I havre no favorite bowl games unless the Orangement are participating so now I foloow the Big Zeast and cheer any team playing Rutgers and/or West zvirginia and of course Notre dame if they happen to get into a game.
What do you think of Skip Holtz rumors?
As far as Skip Holtz goes if he comes her its going to be good . as far as his father goes. I always wonder how he survived the school yard bullies He still looks like a prime target for losing his lunch from a shot to the gut. If he makes suggestions to Skippy we win but I wouldn't bet my basketball tickets on him coming here I suspect Gross will screw the pooch once again unless he brings in an alum like Marrone.
What is the best drink to have after an SU win? After an SU loss?
Drinks after loss Anything that destroys brain cells and makes you for get. My preference is Grey Goose or a hgh quality gin Bribes are graciously accepted in this man's army In a pinch I go with Jack and Jim or even the Captain. If we win repeat above so that you don't expect winning to become a habit.
Over and out and don't forget to spike the eggnog Get your Commander Çali rings while they last
KOmputer Rankings
10. TCU
9. Boise St
8. Utah
7. Texas Tech
6. Penn St
5. USC
4. Bama (1)
3. Texas (4)
2. OU (3)
1. Florida (2)
It is too bad that Texas and Bama cant play. And it is a shame or sham that Ohio St gets a BCS Bowl game over Boise St. Although the matchup with TCU should be a good one.
My Top 10 HC List
For likely the last post before we hire a HC I will give you the Top 10 Worst Case List and Top 10 of the names that have been mentioned.
Worst Case
10. Don Treadwell
9. Dean Hood
8. Brady Hoke
7. Gary Crowton
6. Charlie Strong
5. Doug Marrone
4. Steve Addazio
3. Mike Locksley
2. Ron Prince
1. Mark Whipple
There really is no reason what so ever to end up with anyone below Whipple on this list.
Best Case
10. Turner Gill
9. Chip Kelly
8. Skip Holtz
7. Al Golden
6. Chris Petersen
5. Gary Patterson
4. Randy Edsall
3. Tommy Bowden
2. Tommy Tuberville
1. Mike Leach
So realistically I would like to see SU hire in order Golden, Holtz, Gill, Whipple. I will be shocked if we get someone on my list higher than Golden. I will be extremely disappointed if we get someone lower than Whipple.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Commander Cali's Corner
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Who is your favorite current FB player?
My initial view of Donte Davis was impaired perhaps because of his early drops in his first few games last year but he has emerged as a "go to kid of guy so My favorite player goes to him.
What is your favorite position?
My favorite position in football is the MIKE and let me add it hasn't been dominant for some time now I want speed and killer instinct.
What will become of Elon Mitchell?
Elon Mitchell needs to get his degree and continue hiding from the coaching staff or they might put him in at a position that he excells at now that hid personal guarfian is gone.
Do we need a big name/celeb HC to replace GRob?
If we want to kill off the football team by natural causes just bring in Paris Hilton as the towel girl. Within 6 months the team is gone by a combination of STD and skankacytis.
What are you thoughts on Jim Boeheim going with the Man D?
Jim Boeheim might be giving us a hint that tha apocalypse is about to be upon us by showing so much man defense. At some point his reluctance to use Sean Williams will bite his and the team's ass.
Cali's orders: keep a good thought about the next coach and remember your family. Spend time and plan activities with them. Teach your kids about the game of basketball meaning subtleties . Like the open man and how he got that way not just what a dunk means
Over and Out" Drink your Ovaltine and don't shoot your eye out. "Make sure your Glock is out of children's reach and keep the safety on.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
King Ottos KOnclusion
KOmputer Rankings
10. TCU (NR)
9. Boise ST
8. Utah
7. Texas Tech
6. Penn St
5. USC
4. Texas
3. OU
2. Florida
1. Bama
We know the winner of Florida-Bama is in the title game. Who joins them? I think OU should play Missou for that right. But it may end up being Texas.
Friday, November 28, 2008
My Top 10 HC List
Each week I will update my list of Top 10 choices to replace GRob. I will only use guys who I think we have a realistic chance of getting.
10. Gary Crowton (NR)
9. Charlie Strong (-1)
8. Steve Addazio (+2)7. Chip Kelly (-4)
6. Mike Locskley (+3)
5. Bud Foster (-3)
4. Mark Whipple (NC)
3. Al Golden (-2)
2. Brady Hoke (+4)
1. Skip Holtz (+4)
Dropped Dean Hood (7)
Why all the changing? I think a guy who can put together a staff is important. Which gives the advantage to guys who are HCs.
TATTOO: Syracuse Orange vs Cincinnati Bearcats
Born on Date
UC: 1819 vs SU: 1870
Advantage: UC... who also has the 4th oldest Law School
City named after
UC: George Washington vs SU: Siricusa, Sicily
Advantage: UC... Cincinnatus was a Roman General who after war relinquished his powers much like GW
Local nut job
UC: Charles Manson vs SU: Tom Cruise
Advantage: UC... Cruise is still at large
Local Brothers
UC: Nick/Drew Lachey vs SU: Baldwins
Advantage: Push... there are no winners here
Airport
UC: Greater Cincinnati (which is in Kentucky) vs SU: Hancock International
Advantage: SU... at least ours is in the same state
Also misnamed…
Coney Island Amusement Park
UC: in Cincy vs SU: in Brooklyn
Advantage: SU... cant beat the original
Sticking with names...
City Nickname
UC: Queen City vs SU: Salt City
Advantage: SU... not that there is anything wrong with that
Some may call them Queens…
School Pres
UC: Nancy Zimpher vs SU: Nancy Cantor
Advantage: SU... why did Zimpher have to be such a "nancy" with Huggins?
Speaking of Nancys…
Public Service
UC: William Howard Taft (UC law) Pres and Chief justice vs SU: Donna Shalala Secretary US Department of Health and Human Services
Advantage: UC... Taft's father wouldnt let him play FB at Yale (undergrad) cuz it was not safe and not a gentleman's sport. Wuss.
Taft was round like a…
Mascot
UC: a Bearcat vs SU: an Orange
Advantage: SU... Otto is fierce
Speaking of fierce…
Interior Design
UC: top notch program vs SU: Thom Filicia (alum) from Queer Eye
Advantage: Push... dont ask me, my place is a mess
While we are on Queer…
Actor
UC: alum Randy Harrison (Queer as Folk) vs SU: Tom Cruise (Syracuse native)
Advantage: SU... I was gonna make a joke but Cruises lawyers wouldnt let me
Ok enough of this, time for some manly categories…
Fighters
UC: Rich Franklin (UFC) vs SU: Mike Rotunda (WWF)
Advantage: UC... ultimate fighting is for real
Adult Mags
UC: Stephanie Heinrich (UC and Playboy alum), Carmen Electra (native) vs SU: Vanessa Williams (alum)
Advantage: UC... aaaahhh Carmen. Also Miss Heinrich was one of Hef's girls
Beef
UC: Goetta (ground meat and oats) vs SU: Heids Hotdog
Advantage: SU... I never been to Heids but goetta sounds gross.
Chilli
UC: Skyline (over spaghetti) vs SU: Dino (normal)
Advantage: SU... not a chilli fan but I dont see the point of adding it to spaghetti
Sticking with food…
Ice Cream
UC: Graeter's vs SU: Byrne Dairy
Advantage: Push... we all win with ice cream
And now the manliest sport of them all…
1st year of FB
UC: 1885 (5th oldest) vs SU: 1889
Advantage: UC... if it werent for their age they would have no tradition
All Time Wins
UC: 500+ vs SU: 600+
Advantage: SU... UC has a losing overall record
Bowl Games
UC: 5-4 vs SU 12-9-1
Advantage: SU... not many are as good as SU
Head to Head
UC: 4 wins vs SU: 4 wins
Advantage: Push… winner Sat takes all
Rival
UC: Miami vs SU: Colgate
Advantage: UC... they have played Miami since 1888 (8th oldest) while SU hasnt played Colgate (65 meetings) since 1987 and only 3 times since 1961. However UC trails the Miami series 46-59-7
Stadium
UC: Nippert (35k) vs SU: Carrier Dome
Advantage: SU… theirs is out of date.
Nippert is one of the oldest stadiums (1924) and was named after Jimmy Nippert. On Thanksgiving of 1923 he was cleated in a game against rival Miami. He died of blood poisoning on Christmas. His grandfather donated $250k toward the stadium to help complete it.
Founding Member of
UC: Metro Conf vs SU: BE Conf
Advantage: SU... we made the BE
QBs
UC: Gino Guidugli (#1 UC passing yards), Greg Cook vs SU: McNabb, Graves, McPherson Advantage: SU... not very close
All time leading rusher
UC: Reggie Taylor vs SU: Joe Morris
Advantage: SU... Lil Joe was big
WR
UC: LaDaris Vann (#1 UC yards) vs SU Quadry Ismail
Advantage: SU... didnt even have to take out the big guns
OLmen
UC: Jason Fabini vs SU: Jim Ringo
Advantage: SU… another win for SU
Safety
UC: Sam Garnes vs SU: Donovin Darius
Advantage: SU... easy win for SU
K
UC: Jim Obrien (who is also #2 UC WR yards) vs SU: Gary Anderson
Advantage: UC... bonus points for hitting SB V game winner and being a real FB player
Former coach
UC: Sid Gillman vs SU: Ben Schwartzwalder
Advantage: UC... Ben won a title in CFB but Sid won an AFL title and had a bigger influence on the game
While we are on coaches…
Dick MacPherson
UC: Asst during the early 1960s vs SU: Head Coach
Advantage: UC... Don Nehlen and Urban Meyer were also Assts at UC
BBall Coach
UC: ??? vs SU: JB
Advantage: SU… this wouldn’t have been so one sided if Huggins was still there
Sticking with BBall…BBall Great
UC: Oscar Robertson vs SU: Dave Bing
Advantage: UC... the Big O wins this one
Denver Nugget
UC: Kenyon Martin vs SU: Melo
Advantage: SU… Melo comes through
Mellos sidekick at SU…
"Jerry, Jerry, Jerry"
UC: Jerry Springer vs SU: GMac
Advantage: SU... how the hell was he mayor?
Moving on to another sport…
Baseball
UC: Sandy Koufax (alum), Kevin Youkilis (alum), Pete Rose (son of city), Marg Schott (Reds owner) vs SU: Skychiefs
Advantage: SU... not giving this to UC until that SOB Rose admits what he did. Bonus negative points for Youkilis (and his beard), as well as Schott, although she was a character.
Characters are found on TV shows created by…
TV writer/producer
UC: Earl Hamner (The Waltons/Falcon Crest) vs SU: Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing)
Advantage: SU... he gets bonus points for A Few Good Men
And on TV are gameshows…
$20,000 Pyramid
UC: Nipsey Russell vs SU: Dick Clark
Advantage: For the category, here is your subject. Go!
Salt potatoes… Things that are side dishes?
Lake effect snow… Things that arent good cold?
Erie Canal… hmmmmm
Destiny USA…. Things that are fictional?
Sorry time is up. What if I said “44”?... ooooh SU
From TV to…
Radio
UC: WXRP's Jennifer Marlowe vs SU: WFAN's Marc Malusis
Advantage: UC... where is Loni these days?
We now have satellite radio. And a satellite (Sputnik) launched the space race which led to…
Astronaut
UC: Neil Armstrong (UC teacher) the first man on the moon vs Eileen Collins (alum) the first female pilot
Advantage: UC... unless of course you believe it was staged
And finally this year’s weekly category…
I Love the 80s
UC: DB Mel Jenkins vs SU: DB Markus Paul
Advantage: SU... Markus takes us home with a W
And the TATTOO goes to....
The Syracuse Orange. SU will win this one and send the SRs and GRob out on a high note. Plus Cincy deserves to lose after celebrating the Orange Bowl last week before the game was over and rushing the field for no reason. Pathetic.
Join us next year as Nancy Cantor gets TATTOO'd.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Commander Calis Corner
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Would you like to issue any orders for Thanksgiving week?
Cali Comandos are hereby ordered to spend the biggest family day with family and not just sitting on their stuffed asses watching football unless it s the Syracuse Notre Dame video. And since its a family day teach the youngsters about the game both offense and defense.No expletives allowed for the very young and impressionable minds. You might remember we won that game so a happy calm demeanor is warranted. If you can muster the energy go to the backyard and toss a football around with the youngsters. Don't forget the girls. No reason they shouldn't be able to throw the ball for a little fun.Your old commanderremembers a church picnic thati ncluded church groups rom all of NY's larger cities On the day of the picnic in the midst of a softball game a young ladt drove onto the field in a 1951 Riley. She stopped the car and her escort got out and started to runacross the field;the girlnamed Ellie got out with a football and tossed a perfect spiral to her escort40 yards away. That night at the dinner dance she arrived in a long red dress with a slit up to there. she was drop dead gorgeous and quite the athlete as well as a knockout. So its no problem if a girl can throw the ball better then some men;myself included.Enjoy your family dinner and see to it that everyone helps mom clean up the table and put the kitchen back in order. Give thanks for your blessings like a good American and that we beat Notre Dame like good Americans Remember family first then God country and Orange colored uniforms that bear the name Syracuse. Over and out Commander Çali
King Ottos KOnclusion
My Top 10 HC List
10. Steve Addazio (-4)
9. Mike Locksley (NC)
8. Charlie Strong (NC)
7. Dean Hood (+3)
6. Brady Hoke (+1)
5. Skip Holtz (-2)
4. Mark Whipple (-2)
3. Chip Kelly (+2)
2. Bud Foster (+2)
1. Al Golden (NC)
KOmputer Rankings
10. UGA (NC)
9. Boise St (-1)
8. Utah (+1)
7. Texas Tech (-5)
6. Penn St (+1)
5. USC (+1)
4. Texas (NC)
3. OU (+2)
2. Florida (+1)
1. Bama (NC)
At this point it looks like it will be SEC vs B12 in the title game. However Bama and Florida have rivalry games this week which could change things. Same can be said for OU and Texas. Who ever looks the best next week could get the bump needed to make the B12 Champ game. Then again Missou could easily win making the team left out the #2 BCS team. USC needs everyone to lose but that did happen a few years ago so who knows.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Beer Review: Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale
The haunting memories of lost love. Our eyes met across the crowded hat store. I, a customer, and she a coquettish haberdasher. Oh, I pursued and she withdrew, then she pursued and I withdrew, and so we danced. I burned for her, much like the burning from the Alpha King that I would experience soon afterwards.
Alpha King smells fruity. It tastes like beer and is a little bitter. Most interestingly it burps fruity. The bottle desrcibes it as:
Alpha King is an American pale ale with a bold citrus hop character. We brew our beers for our own demanding tastes. If your unwilling to compromise on your beer, we urge you to try it.
It is Three Floyds (Munster, IN) signature beer and is 6% ABV. The bottle has a Halloweeny feel with monster like characters. It also has a hidden message on the bottle: Its not normal. If it is dark or you are drunk, you could easily miss it as it is the same color as the background.
I give Alpha King a C+ but then again I dont like my beer to have taste and prefer it to be like water. So what do I know. For real beer reviews go to the The Vice Blog.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
TATTOO: Syracuse Orange vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Welcome to this weeks Team Against Team: Trivia and Obscure Observations (TATTOO). Facing off are the Syracuse Orange and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This weeks TATTOO is an Orange Shamrock:
Since the team is a little down I think they need a pep talk...
We're gonna go inside, we're gonna go outside, inside and outside. We're gonna get 'em on the run boys and once we get 'em on the run we're gonna keep 'em on the run. And then we're gonna go go go go go go and we're not gonna stop til we get across that goalline. This is a team they say is... is good, well I think we're better than them. They can't lick us, so what do you say men? Lets win one for the Gumper!
Born on Date
ND: 1842 vs SU: 1870
Ottos Edge: ND... which is officially named the
GPS (Location)
ND:
Ottos Edge: SU...
GPS or navigation systems werent around for...
Transportation
ND: Studebaker was based in
Ottos Edge: Push... both are no longer
Let's put the women and children to bed and go lookin' for dinner (Food)
ND: Paczki vs SU: Salt Potatoes
Ottos Edge: SU... Paczki are Polish donuts shaped like a flat sphere and filled with sweet filling. Paczki Day is on Fat Tuesday and celebrated in many Midwestern cities.
While we are on food...
Soup
ND: the 1979 Cotton Bowl, popularly called the Chicken Soup Game vs SU: McNabb pushes
Ottos Edge: ND... by the fourth quarter,
Famous upside down bowl...
Dome
ND: Golden vs SU: Carrier
Ottos Edge: ND... still cant believe that naming contract SU agreed to
That showed a lack of...
Edumacation
ND: 18th (US News) vs SU: 53rd
Ottos Edge: ND... at least they are still good at something
Student Body
ND: 11,500 students vs SU: 19,000
Ottos Edge: SU... typically around 21–24% of ND students are children of alumni which is weird and kinda incestuous. That means there is 1/4 chance that you hook up with someone whose parent your parent hooked up with (ok maybe not that high but it you get the point).
Religion
ND: more than 93% of students identify as Christian, with over 80% of them being Catholic vs SU: founded by Methodists
Ottos Edge: SU... not much diversity there ND. Also every classroom displays a crucifix.
Residence Halls
ND: halls single sex vs SU: rooms single sex
Ottos Edge: SU... ND has specific times when members of the opposite sex are allowed to visit, however, most residence halls have 24 hour social spaces in which the rule is not enforced.
Greek Life
ND: no frats or sororities vs SU: have them, including the founding of some
Ottos Edge: SU... personally I dont see the need for them but one should have the option. Many ND students live in the same residence hall for all four years fostering a similar sense of community. Even so I wouldnt want to live in a residence hall for 4 years. Especially if women arent allowed to stay over.
School Colors
ND: Madonna Blue and Papal Gold vs SU:
Ottos Edge: ND... you cant beat God
School Paper
ND: The Observer vs SU: DO
Ottos Edge: SU... that sounds like a mag for peeping Toms
Team Name
ND: Fighting Irish vs SU:
Ottos Edge: SU... how can the NCAA allow such a politically incorrect name?
ND was also known as the Rovers and the Ramblers because they were willing to travel nationally well before it was common.
So how did ND get that name? It isnt really clear:
Some say that it comes from Irish immigrant soldiers who fought in the Civil War as the Irish Brigade.
Some say NW fans shouted beat the Fighting Irish during a game.
Some say trailing at halftime of a game against
Mascot
ND: Leprechaun vs SU: Otto
Ottos Edge: SU... if they had a midget as the leprechaun instead they would win. From 1930-1965 the mascot was an Irish Terrier.
Band
ND: began in 1846 and oldest continuous band vs SU: had less members than UConns at the last home game
Ottos Edge: ND... not that it matters with all the announcements
Fight Song
ND: Notre Dame Victory March vs SU: Down, Down the Field
Ottos Edge: ND... wake up the echoes
No one, and I mean no one, comes into our house and pushes us around (Home Field)
ND: ND Stadium 81k vs SU: Dome
Ottos Edge: ND... they have Jesus signaling TDs. The stadium opened in 1930. Prior to 1997, it lacked permanent field lights.
FB Catch Phrase
ND: Play Like a Champion Today vs SU: Just Win Baby
Ottos Edge: ND... well that is an alumns and not really ours
Four
ND: 4 Horsemen vs SU: 44
Ottos Edge: Push... few can name the horseman and 44 has been retired
KingOttos Fav team
ND: as a kid vs SU: now
Ottos Edge: SU... having KingOtto as a fan is a privilege that cannot be matched
First year of FB
ND: 1887 vs SU: 1889
Ottos Edge: Push... what is 2 years in the grand scheme of things?
All Time Wins
ND: 829 vs SU: 673
Ottos Edge: ND... they have the 2nd highest W%
Other ND notes:
Notre Dame has produced the most All-Americans
Ten former players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, second only to USC(11)
Notre Dame has produced the largest number of players to go on to play in the National Football League
Since 1962, Notre Dame has graduated 98.74% of its football players in four years
Notre Dame is one of only five 1A teams to have never played a 1AA team since the division was made in 1978
Notre Dame has participated in nine #1 vs #2 games going 5-2-2
Forbes named the team as the most valuable in college football, worth a total of $101 million in 2007
National Champs
ND: 11 vs SU: 1
Ottos Edge: ND... easy win there
Bowl Record
ND: 13-15 vs SU: 12-9-1
Ottos Edge: SU... ND has lost 9 straight
Conf
ND: Big East all but FB vs SU: Big East all sports
Ottos Edge: ND... I dont want to be in the BE for FB either
Head to Head
ND: 3 Ws vs SU: 2 Ws
Ottos Edge: ND... it should be ahead but we was robbed in 1961
We are going streaking
ND: ended OUs 47 straight Ws in FB and UCLAs 88 straight Ws in 1984 in BBall vs SU: non losing seasons in BBall and Lax Final Fours
Ottos Edge: SU... it is harder to have the streak than break it. OUs last loss before the streak was also to ND.
Rivalries
ND: Many vs SU: Few
Ottos Edge: ND... lets see there is:
Navy (71-10-1) who they had a 43 game winning streak against, the longest streak ever. They played in 1996 at
Purdue (52-26-2) who they play for the Shillelagh Trophy
USC (42-32-5) who they play for the Jeweled Shillelagh. Hopefully they will be looking ahead to that game and overlook SU.
Pitt (44-19-1) NDs longest game ever was this years 4 OT loss to Pitt
Army (37-8-4) who they use to play at Yankee Stadium and it was once considered the biggest game on NDs schedule. In 1946 they played a scoreless tie in one of CFBs greatest games. In 1944 Army gave ND its worst lost ever 59-0.
Northwestern (37-8-2)
Stanford (17-6) who they play for the Legends Trophy, a combination of Irish crystal with
BC (9-9) who they play for the Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl and Ireland Trophy. The rivalry is nicknamed the Holy War. ND has lost 6 straight to BC. Maybe they should take notes from SU as we own BC. Also in 1993 BC ruined NDs undefeated bid by kicking a last second FG to win 41-39. The rivalry crossed over to Hockey as BC beat ND in this years title game.
Former HCs
ND: Lou Holtz, Dan Devine, Ara Parseghian, Frank Leahy, Knute Rockne vs SU: Coach Mac, Coach P, Ben Schwartzwalder
Ottos Edge: ND... those are some greats
HC that popularized the forward pass
ND: Knute Rockne vs SU: GRob
Ottos Edge: ND... Rockne did it by executing on O, GRob couldnt stop it on D.
2007
ND: most Ls in school history vs SU: tied for most Ls in school history
Ottos Edge: Push... the only winners were the teams each played
Heisman Trophy Winners
ND: 7 (Angelo Bertelli, Johnny Lujack, Leon Hart, Johnny Lattner, Paul Hornung, John Huarte, Tim Brown) vs SU: 1 (Ernie Davis)
Ottos Edge: ND... that should be 5-3 but Jim Brown and Don McPherson were robbed. ND has only had 1 since 1964. Also they are tied with USC and OSU with most Heismans (OSU only has 6 winners).
QBs
ND: Angelo Bertelli, Steve Beuerlein, Paul Horning, Daryle Lamonica, Johnny Lujack, Rick Mirer, Joe Montana, Ron Powlus, Brady Quinn, Joe Theismann vs SU: Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, Marvin Graves, McNabb, Bill Hurley, Don McPherson
Ottos Edge: ND... the golden boys win here
RBs
ND: Jerome Bettis, Rocky Bleier, Allen Pinkett, Ricky Watters, George Gipp vs SU: Moose Johnston, Jim Nance, Larry Csonka, Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little
Ottos Edge: SU... the 44 boys win here
WR/TEs
ND: Tim Brown, Dave Casper, Mark Bavaro, Rocket Ismail vs SU: Marvin Harrison, Art Monk, Rob Moore, John Mackey
Ottos Edge: SU... some greats there
D Players
ND: Bobby Taylor, Rudy Ruettiger, Bob and Mike Golic, Alan Page, Nick Buoniconti, Justin Tuck vs SU: Donovan Darius, Tim Green, Kevin Mitchell, Dwight Freeney, Keith Bulluck
Ottos Edge: Push... neither are know for their D
K/Ps
ND: John Carney, Craig Hentrich vs SU: Olinda Mare, Gary Anderson
Ottos Edge: SU...
2008 SB Winning NY Giants
ND: Justin Tuck vs SU: Coughlin and Tyree
Ottos Edge: SU... even though Tuck was a monster
Ex Giants
ND: Mark Bavaro, Eric Dorsey, Derek Brown, Dave Duerson, Luke Petitgout vs SU: Larry Csonka, Joe Morris, Will Allen
Ottos Edge: SU... nice busts with Dorsey and Brown
Sticking with Rambo...
Bavaro
ND: Mark vs SU: David
Ottos Edge: ND... he was a beast
Ismail
ND: Rocket vs SU: Missle
Ottos Edge: ND... legend says he once was timed at 4.16 in the 40 yard dash at Notre Dame while running in pads and full equipment. They also had a brother nicknamed The Bomb.
Rob Carpenter
ND: started there vs SU: ended here
Ottos Edge: SU... thats what got him to the NFL
Dantley
ND: Father Adrian vs SU: Son Cam
Ottos Edge: ND... he is a HoFer
Sticking with BBall...
BBall Greats
ND: LaPhonso Ellis, John Paxson, Kelly Tripucka, Austin Carr, Bill Laimbeer vs SU: Billy Owens, Dave Bing, Melo, Derrick Colemen, Rony Seikaly
Ottos Edge: SU... Carr is their all time leading scorer
Sticking with Kelly...
Like father like son
ND: Frank Tripucka QBd at ND and his son Kelly played BBall there vs SU: Andy followed Leo Rautins playing BBall at SU
Ottos Edge: Push... there is also a Canadian connection here as Frank played in the CFL and the Rautins are Canuckers.
Back to Billy...
Laimbeer
ND: father Bill vs SU: daughter attended
Ottos Edge: SU... do you really want to claim him?
Recent G
ND: Chris Quinn vs SU: GMac
Ottos Edge: ND... he is in the NBA
The BBall team plays in...
ND: home of BBall team vs SU: home of communications auditorium
Ottos Edge: ND... the part of the
Other top national program
ND: Intramural vs SU: Lax
Ottos Edge: SU... who cares about intramural
ND intramural sports program has been named by SI as the best program in the country. The annual Bookstore Basketball tournament is the largest outdoor five-on-five tournament in the world with over 700 teams participating each year. Also ND offers the only non-military academy program of full-contact intramural American football. I wonder if any intramural ND FBer ever made the team as a walk on?
Charles Dutton/Chelcie Ross Movie
ND: Rudy vs SU: Express
Ottos Edge: ND... Rudy was 5ft nuttin, 100 and nuttin, without a speck of athletic abilitiy and hung in there with the best CFB players in the country for 2 years. And walked away with a degree from ND. Also ND had the movie Knute Rockne, All American.
Along with movies...
Entertainment
ND: Brian Kelly (father on Flipper), George Wendt (Norm!), Phil Donahue, Regis Philbin vs SU: Jerry Stiller, Aaron Sorkin, Dick Clark, Lexington Steele
Ottos Edge: SU... can you imagine the reaction had Steele been an ND grad?
And TV...
West Wing
ND: Jed Bartlet (played Pres) vs SU: Aaron Sorkin
Ottos Edge: SU... he created the show
Which is about...
Politics
ND: Condoleeza Rice vs SU: Joe Biden
Ottos Edge: SU... VP beats Sec of State
Which are reported about on...
Fox News
ND: Andrew Napolitano vs SU: Megyn Kelly
Ottos Edge: SU... she is hostess with mostest
Sticking with TV hosts...
Sports Casting
ND: Don Criqui, Hannah Storm vs SU: endless list
Ottos Edge: SU... Hannah Storm alone would kill ND even if SU had no one but Dave Pasch
While we are in the sports world...
FB ownership
ND: Curly Lambeau (founded Packers), Ed DeBartolo Jr (former 49ers owner), John York (49ers co-owner), Ted Phillips (Pres and CEO of Bears) vs SU: Al Davis
Ottos Edge: ND... Lambeau also played RB at ND.
Baseball
ND: Cap Anson, Craig Counsell, Aaron Heilman, Brad Lidge, Carl Yastrzemki, Larry Dolan (owner Indians), Joe Garagiola (VP MLB Ops), Vince Naimoli (founding owner of Rays), Steve Bartman (Cubs fan) vs SU: used to have a baseball team
Ottos Edge: ND... although I hate Counsell, the Mets, the Sox, the Rays, and the Dolans.
But the Dolan thing is because of...
BBall Management
ND: Jim Fitzgerald (former owner Bucks and Warriors) vs SU: David Falk
Ottos Edge: SU... he is a power broker
And finally the category of the week…
I love the 80s (aka oh yeah I remember him)
ND: QB Tony Rice vs SU: QB Todd Philcox
Ottos Edge: SU... who cares about the ring making the NFL is what counts
And the TATTOO goes to...
The Syracuse Orange as they pull of a tight one.
Monday, November 17, 2008
King Ottos KOnclusion
Cant wait till next year when the KOnclusion will be back in full force.
Word Association with Otto the Dog
I am sure many of you are wondering about Otto the Dogs thoughts on everything SU. Well here they are:
-------------------------
Word: Greg Robinson
Otto! That is mean. GRob may not be a good HC but he certainly shouldnt be put in jail.
Word: Daryl Gross
Come on Otto! TGD may have made a giant mistake in hiring GRob but there is no reason to break his neck.
Word: SU Football
Otto, Otto, Otto. SU FB is down but it certainly isnt dead.
Ok that is more like it. SU FB will rise again.
Word: Randy Edsall
Interesting. You are in HCREs corner as the next SU HC. Do you have any inside info?
You are in the dark like the rest of us.
Word: SU Basketball
So we are a sleeping giant? I hope that is the case as we are long over due for an NCAA run.
Commander Calis Corner
-------------------------------------------
Is it better to love a woman or
Fuck, Marry, Kill: Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera
Brittany Spears is in agony and should be put down like a hurting dog, Jessica Simpson just might be td brighter then given credit for although Christina Aguilera is a close secon.
You are on a deserted island. What is one thing you wish you had?
Don't for get to drink your Ovaltine like "Richie"If you haven't seen Chritsmas Story you are half dead already;forget football. Over and out
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Computer Rankings
10. UGA
9. Utah
8. Boise St
7. PSU
6. USC
5. OU
4. Texas
3. Fla
2. Texas Tech
1. Bama
No change in any of the rankings this week.
My Top 10 HC List
10. Dean Hood (NC)
9. Mike Locksley (-6)
8. Charlie Strong (NR)
7. Brady Hoke (NR)
6. Steve Addazio (NR)
5. Chip Kelly (+2)
4. Bud Foster (+2)
3. Skip Holtz (-2)
2. Mark Whipple (+3)
1. Al Golden (+1)
Dropped: Glen Mason (4), Ron Prince (8), Don Treadwell (9)
Mason has been out of coaching for 2 years. Not sure he has the fire to take on the challenge. I decided I dont want a guy who has been fired as a HC, which is why Prince dropped off. I also think SU should target a guy who is currently a HC. First you dont want a guy learning on the job. Second it is a lot easier for a guy who has a staff to get a staff at SU.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Commander Cali's Corner
------------------------------
My good Sir what are you thoughts on the Sovereign Laws of Orangeland?
On Thou shall worship Otto:
I like Otto He puts smiles on people's faces and generally a happy character. I have never been intimidated by a ferocious characature as a fan and I don't think any of our players have either. I would have preferred a character from NYS mythology written by James Fenimore Cooper . My favorite would have been "Hawkeye but
On Thou favorite number shall be 44:
Retiring 44 was and continues to be a mistake Dr Gross was too anxious to make a statement here and retiring our biggest tradition and history should have been over ruled by the Chancellor and trustees.
On Thou shall call the Dome your home:
The Dome is aging and a smart CFO should be accruing for a replacement structure and designed to hold more for basketball. If we can get 33,00 in the Dome now we or they should be preparing for 35,00+.
On Thou shall call the teams Orangemen, including the women teams:
Changing our name t "The Orange is optional at best . No one can stop anyone from referring to the team as our Orangemen. Just continue to refer to the teams in that manner and email ESPN and tell tell them to do so as well.
On Thou shall covet the old FB unis:
Screw Gross and his attempts to hide the fact that football has taken a Greg Louganis in quality and attendence..
On Thou shall wish ye had a team to hate in Football:
Our biggest rival is who ever comes out of the other entrance. I hate losing to
Over and Out.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
TATTOO: UConn Huskies vs Syracuse Orange
Born on Date
UConn: 1881 vs SU: 1870
Ottos Edge: SU... UConn was founded as
UConn: the middle of nowhere vs SU: a city
Ottos Edge: SU... unless you are an Aggie (as the UConn teams once were) or like Ram-napping (as they used to do to
UConn: 66th (US News) vs SU: 53rd
Ottos Edge: SU… cant believe UConn is that high
UConn: Puppetry vs SU: Communications
This is a hard one to call so I will defer to Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog…
UConn: Daily Campus vs SU: Daily Orange
Ottos Edge: SU… although they have better stories to write about (laptops, pellet guns, etc).
UConn: Jonathan vs SU: Otto
Ottos Edge: SU... War Otto.
UConn: none vs SU: tons
Ottos Edge: UConn... who cares look at their nice facilities
UConn 1896 vs SU 1889
Ottos Edge: SU... 1896 if you want to call that football. More like 2000, when they joined D1A.
UConn: 462 vs SU: 673
Ottos Edge: SU… and their Ws are against a weak schedule
UConn: ’04 Motor City Bowl vs SU: '59 Cotton Bowl
Ottos Edge: UConn... the Motor City Bowl is basically the SuperBowl, plus they beat
UConn: 1 vs SU: 4
Ottos Edge: SU... boy this conf sucks if UConn can share a title
UConn: 2 wins vs SU: 2 wins
Ottos Edge: Push... this one is for the lead
UConn: is BCs bitch vs SU: BC is our bitch
Ottos Edge: UConn… they threatened a law suit if I didnt pick them
UConn: Dan Orlovsky vs SU: McNabb
Ottos Edge: SU… slight edge
UConn: Walt Trojanowski vs SU: Jim Brown
Ottos Edge: SU… easy win
UConn: in state vs SU: as player
Ottos Edge: SU... he would be in the Arena League if he went to UConn
UConn: Rent (40k) vs SU: Dome
Ottos Edge: SU… fitting that they have a MAC sized stadium
UConn: Pratt & Whitney donated Rentschler airfield to
Ottos Edge: UConn... theirs was a gift to the state while ours ended up being one of the worst deals of all time
UConn: not even close to campus vs SU: on campus
Ottos Edge: SU... nuttin like having to take a long bus trip to a home game for UConn
UConn: only to home games vs SU: up and down the eastern seaboard
Ottos Edge: UConn... you try traveling to a pasture to watch a game
UConn: HCRE vs SU: GRob
Ottos Edge: SU… hes coached 33 years, is a great recruiter/evaluator (you can read it in any press guide), and his record shows he is a good coach.
UConn: Steve Spagnuolo (asst) vs SU: Coughlin
Ottos Edge: SU... he is the man in charge
UConn: JC vs SU: JB
Ottos Edge: SU... B comes before C, who is a miserable prick
UConn: Tom Penders (alum) vs SU: Pitino (asst)
Ottos Edge: SU... a little more successful
UConn:
Ottos Edge: UConn... why do the hard work?
UConn: Womens BBall vs SU: LAX
Ottos Edge: SU... and they like their soccer too. That tells a lot.
UConn: SI writer (Lobo to Steve Rushin) vs SU NFL star QB (Raquel Nurse to McNabb)
Ottos Edge: SU... I cant believe Lobo met a man. Thinking of her makes me want to McPuke
UConn: cannot be done after 8pm vs SU: anytime you want
Ottos Edge: SU... nuttin like a late night run to the Nice N Easy (while drunk and underage) and having no problem getting beer. Aaaah college.
UConn: Ed Kennedy Jr alum vs SU: JFK spoke at commencement
Ottos Edge: SU... BTW how is Ted and Ed the same?
UConn: Joe Liberman vs SU: Hillary Clinton
Ottos Edge: Push... there are no winners here
UConn: around neck vs SU: like you should
Ottos Edge: SU... how annoying is that?
UConn: Chris Berman was born in state vs SU: Tom Cruise was born in area
Ottos Edge: SU... atleast we got rid of our demon child. Berman still lives there.
UConn: The Monkees (Peter Tork went to HS in
Ottos Edge: UConn... not a trace of doubt in my mind
UConn: Khalid El Amin vs SU: Otto
Ottos Edge: SU... Otto is cute and cuddly. El Amin is just a fat boy.
UConn: Julius Nasso (Steven Seagal movies) vs SU: Dick Clark (everything on TV)
Ottos Edge: UConn... I couldnt imagine a world without those great Steven Seagal movies. Too bad he ate himself out of a career.
UConn: was married to Meg Ryan vs SU: played Ben in Express
Ottos Edge: Push... both turned into bombs
UConn: Moby (dropped out) vs SU: Grace Jones
Ottos Edge: SU... she could kick his ass
UConn: Tony Todd (The Rock bad guy who wanted to get paid) vs SU: Vera Farmiga (The Departed chick)
Ottos Edge: SU... I wasnt a big fan of the way The Departed ended. I like it when the Detective gets the bad guy just like...
1970s TV guy
UConn: Ron Palillo (Horshack from Welcome back, Kotter) vs SU: Peter Falk (Columbo)
Ottos Edge: SU... just one more thing...
The category of the week…
1980s SB RB
UConn: Skins Nick Giaquinto vs SU: Giants Joe Morris
Ottos Edge: SU... little Joe was the man
And the TATTOO goes to...
The Syracuse Orange as they beat the Nuthuggers... I mean meggers in an upset.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Bottom 10 HCs
10. Walt Harris
9. Ron Turner
8. Larry Coker
7. Frank Solich
6. Kevin Gilbride
5. Marty Mornhinweg
4. Ty Willingham
3. John Blake
2. Dan McCarney
1. Terry Shea
King Ottos KOnclusion
That may have been the worst O game I have even seen. We had one good play, a great one at that. Besides that we did absolutely nothing. Bad game all around. Coaching, QBing (Cam was awful while ARob was apocalyptically awful), and the OL.
The D was just as bad. Sure we picked off Teel a few times. But its Mike Teel, he sucks. For most of the game we sat back off the WRs, bringing no pressure, and let Teel take us apart. Had we been aggressive we would have had at least a dozen INTs. The only good thing about the D was the Art Jones mohawk.
We did block a punt which is always good. You could see it coming from a mile away. The end of half was a mess. First we wasted time and the chance to call another play. Then Shady decided to use his TOs right before the snap. He lucked out as Shaddle missed all 3. But just dump HCing as in those conditions missing the first kick is more likely than the third. Another note on Scumbag Schiano, that was cheap taking out Dantley. Are we to think it is a coincidence that Cam said RU is beatable and then he has his leg swept in the game? If the BE had any balls they would fine this guy. Then he had Teel still throwing the ball on first down and second down while up 18 in the 4th Q in SU territory. I wish GRob was as scummy and had our guys take Teel out. Schiano will get his soon enough.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Compuer Rankings
10. UGA (NC)
9. Utah (NR)
8. Boise St (+1)
7. PSU (-5)
6. USC (+1)
5. OU (+1)
4. Texas (+1)
3. Fla (+1)
2. Texas Tech (+1)
1. Bama (NC)