Can anyone stop Peyton Manning and the Broncos?

Posted on September 30, 2013 by admin

WOW!  How great has Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos been so far early this season!  Simply awesome, and likely to continue and even improve.  After all, that is the Manning way…always looking to improve and get better.  The Broncos are 4-0 after defeating the Eagles yesterday, 52 – 20.  Manning had 327 yards passing with 4 TD’s, completing 28/34 attempts.  And, he has yet to throw an interception.  After four games, he has set another record with 16 touchdown passes in this young season.  Denver is looking like the class of the AFC at this points.  Meanwhile, brother Eli and the New York Giants are going in the opposite direction, spiraling downward suffering another bad loss yesterday, 31 – 7 to the Kansas City Chiefs.  One thing is for sure, the Chiefs are indeed better than people had expected.  Alex Smith, formerly QB for San Francisco, had 3 touchdown passes for the Chiefs.  The Giants are simply not playing well and missing some key players, but still no excuse.  And then there are the disappointing Atlanta Falcons, who again last night on SNF failed to make the key drive down the stretch in the fourth quarter to tie the Patriots.  The Falcons had their chance(s), not going for a field goal earlier in the game on 4th down was a bad decision by head coach Mike Smith.  Still, with just over a minute to play, the Falcons were the beneficiary of a fumbled snap by Tom Brady on 4th down and had time to drive the field and score to at least tie the game and force OT.  Fourth down inside the redzone and pass incomplete.  Surprising and disappointing to see the Falcons at 1-3 this season so far.  The shining light for Atlanta was the play of Tony Gonzalez, likely the best TE to every play in the NFL, certainly one of them and a future Hall of Famer.  Tony G caught 12 passes for 149 yards (Mr. Dependable as always) and Matt Ryan had over 420 yards passing.  Running game was not there as it needed to be. (Atlanta is certainly missing the services of Steven Jackson, along with Troy Bierman, A. Samuel and Witherspoon)   Julio Jones had a nice game but Roddy White continues to struggle, playing with an ankle that is not 100%.  Tough loss for the Falcons in the Dome where they are used to winning and not losing.  Patriots are now 4 – 0 after defeating the Falcons, 30 – 23.

MNF will offer a match up between two unbeaten teams, the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins (surprising team so far this year).


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More CFB finals and Lane Kiffin out at USC

Posted on September 29, 2013 by susan

Wrapping up yesterday’s college football action, here are some more finals! 4 Ohio State outlasted 23 Wisconsin, 31 – 24 with Braxton Miller returning as QB for the Buckeyes.  1 Alabama took care of 21 Ole Miss 25 – 0, not an easy breezy win in Tuscaloosa but Ole Miss offense vs. Bama defense, not getting it done.  16 Washington blew out Arizona, 31 – 13, 10 Texas A & M out gunned Arkansas 45 – 33 (I continue to say Texas A & M defense has issues), Florida over Kentucky with back up quarterback Tyler Murphy leading the way, 24 – 7, and 5 Stanford rolls over Washington State in windy and rainy Seattle, 55 – 17 (looking good!!).  In the “other” important game involving one of my Pac 12 faves, 2 Oregon ran all over California in Eugene, 55 – 17.  Unfortunately, they suffered a devastating blow on the opening kick-off when DeAnthony Thomas (DAT) went down and spent the rest of the game on the sidelines on crutches.  His return…still don’t know.  Not good news for the Quack Attack although they are not lacking in other talent.  Still, going to need DAT down the stretch!  Meanwhile, at the downtown LA school, USC, head coach Lane Kiffin has been given his walking papers after they were blown out by Arizona State last night.  Many wondered just how Kiffin ever got this job in the first place.  Well, it is over and out now!

New AP and Coaches Polls are out! AP is as follows: 1 Alabama (55), 2 Oregon (5), 3 Clemson, 4 Ohio State, 5 Stanford, 6 UGA (big jump for the dawgs after beating LSU), 7 Louisville, 8 FSU, 9 Texas A & M, and 10 LSU.

Coaches Poll: 1 Alabama (59), 2 Oregon (2), 3 Ohio State, 4 Clemson (1) is that Dabo’s vote?, 5 Stanford, 6 Georgia, 7 Louisville, 8 FSU, 9 Texas A & M, and 10 Oklahoma.  LSU dropped to #11 ( a bit harsh I think).

No votes for GT after that awful loss to VT on Thursday night, but VT did get votes, #27 in both polls.  Also, another ACC team, Maryland (4-0) breaks into the AP poll at #25.  Miami moved up from #15 to #14 in both polls.  GT gets to travel to face Miami next Saturday…yikes!

NFL action today, Peyton is on as the Broncos host Michael Vick and the Eagles.  Eli is also in action and the Giants are getting stomped by Kansas City, 31 – 7.  Two very different years for the Manning boys so far this year.  Also, the Falcons host Tom Brady and the Patriots tonight in the ATL.

Until tomorrow…

 


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UGA wins a big one over LSU, 44 – 41

Posted on September 28, 2013 by susan

9 UGA won a huge game this afternoon over 6 LSU in Athens, 44 – 41.  It was one of those “last man standing” will win the game type of situations.  UGA was the last man standing, as Mettenberger threw an interception with just over one minute left in the 4th quarter to end LSU’s hopes of scoring and either tying the game up and/or winning.  It was a great college football game and the drama started way before kickoff.  Zach Mettenberger starting QB for LSU, at one time was the projected starting QB at UGA.  He got into a little trouble off the field and ended up transferring to a junior college and then finally found his way to Baton Rouge.  Also, Mettenberger’s mother works in the athletic offices at UGA and Mark Richt kindly gave her the week off to avoid the emotional trauma of UGA-LSU week.  She was in the stands, wearing purple and gold in support of her son.  The game may have been costly for the dawgs however as running back extraordinaire Todd Gurley left in the second quarter with an ankle injury.  Dawg QB Aaron Murray was superb, as was Mettenberger.  Murray threw for 298 yards and Mettenberger threw for 372 yards.  Murray led Georgia to the game winning TD late in the fourth quarter after falling behind 41 – 37.  Mettenberger was not able to accomplish the challenge of answering for the Tigers with just over a minute left in the game.  The Dawgs are now 2-1 against top ten teams this year, defeating LSU and South Carolina (ranked in the top ten at the time they played).  That loss to Clemson in the season opener is looking really good for 3 Clemson…who managed to roll over Wake Forest today, 56 – 7.  The Gamecocks from South Carolina, now ranked #12 had a tussle in Orlando with Central Florida, just as I expected they would.  They won the game, 28 – 25 but lost starting QB Connor Shaw with a shoulder injury and RB Wilds with an undisclosed injury.  Back up QB Dylan Thompson got the job done but George O’Leary’s team from Central Florida is for real.

Elsewhere, 8 FSU had more of a struggle at Boston College than was anticipated, winning 48 – 34.  Boston College did not go down without a fight.  Pittsburgh (new member of the ACC) took care of Virginia 14 – 3 and Eastern Carolina embarrassed North Carolina, 55 – 31, bad loss for the ACC.  15 Miami rolled over South Florida, 49 – 21 and will next face Georgia Tech at home. (Hoping GT looks much better in that game next Saturday than they did against VT at home on Thursday night!) West Virginia returned to the land of the winning and upset 11 Oklahoma State, 30 – 21.  They suffered an embarrassing loss last week against Maryland, 37 – 0.  I think that upcoming FSU – Maryland game is going to be a good one!  14 Oklahoma is starting to come on strong and took care of 22 Notre Dame in South Bend, 35 – 21.

Currently, 1 Alabama is leading 21 Ole Miss 16 – 0 and 4 Ohio State leads 23 Wisconsin, 14 – 7. (LeBron James in the house!!)

Later tonight, a couple of intriguing Pac 12 games.  5 Stanford travels to take on Washington State in Seattle (the only Pac 12 loss the Cardinals suffered last year was to Washington State) and 2 Oregon will host California in Eugene (Quack Attack should run wild!)

Until later…enjoy!


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GT suffers disappointing loss to VT at home, 17 – 10

Posted on September 27, 2013 by susan

Very disappointed!  Georgia Tech suffered a bad loss at home last night to Virginia Tech, 17 – 10.  Really looking for the Jackets to win this one and make it into the top 25 for the first time this season.  (GT came in as a touchdown favorite)  Alas, that was far from the outcome.  Georgia Tech turned the ball over three times, and almost lost another fumble and Virginia Tech did a tremendous job of shutting down the powerful rushing game of the Jacket’s option attack.  GT, ranked 4th in the nation in rushing, managed a mere 129 yards on the ground.  A couple of dropped passes and balls caught out of bounds certainly did not help the cause either.  Not to pile on Vad Lee, (I believe him to be a super talent and the best passer at GT in many years) as he is starting for his first season but, his performance was way below the standard he is expecting for himself.  The costly fumble on Tech’s first possession led to a Hokie TD.  So by the time I arrived at the game (what can I say, tailgating went into OT), the Jackets already trailed 7 – 0.  GT managed a mere field goal in the first half.  The second half saw the Jackets stop the Hokies on their first possession and then use the rest of the third quarter to mount a TD drive.  They were aided by a couple of penalties and a beautiful catch by Robert Godhigh.  At that point, trailing 14 – 10, I though the Jackets would pull off another comeback victory in the second half as they did the week before against North Carolina.  That was not the case and again, credit Bud Foster and the VT defense.  Also credit Logan Thomas for a great performance while nursing a sore midsection.  But do not hang this on the GT defense.  I believe they played well enough to win.  This one falls on the GT offense, poor execution and way too many mistakes.  Very frustrating with a trip to Miami looming on the horizon for next weekend.  GT had a chance to control their destiny in the ACC Coastal Division and last night’s loss takes that out of their hands, at least at this early point in the season.  Plenty more football to be played, so just have to suck it up and get ready for the next one.

Footnote:  Georgia Tech wore throwback jerseys last night in honor of the teams of the 1950’s and 1960’s as Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field celebrates its 100th anniversary.  These jersey did not have the players names on the back and GT was missing #4 Jamal Golden who was unable to go.

This Saturday, ESPN College Gameday will be in Athens, GA as the Dawgs will host 6 LSU.  Should be a great SEC battle with kick off at 3:30 pm EST.  I am picking LSU (of course).  Also 1 Alabama will face 21 Ole Miss…could be interesting?  2 Oregon returns to action this weekend against California and 5 Stanford will face Washington State on the road.  Also, ABC primetime game will be 23 Wisconsin vs. 4 Ohio State.

In golf news. Tiger Woods has been named the PGA Tour Player of the Year for the 11th time (yes, that would be #11!).  He was selected over the likes of Adam Scott, Matt Kuchar and Phil Mickelson (who has never won this award).

OK…gotta watch a couple of shows on DVR I missed last night while watching the Jackets go down in defeat last night.  Over and out!


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Nashville returned last night to ABC and…

Posted on September 26, 2013 by admin

Um…Nashville returned last night to ABC and I have to say, I have mixed emotions!  I was really looking forward to this show’s season premiere after enjoying it so much last year.  After watching last night, I felt really stressed …so much drama and subterfuge and cruelty…gee, where was the laughter and the joy?  OK, we are talking about a night time soap opera in many ways but I love the cast and the plot about a wealthy southern family and all of its dysfunction.  But last night’s episode almost seemed to crush any hope of anyone being happy.  So, for starters, Scarlett says no to Gunnar’s proposal.  She has a childhood friend come to town to take over her job at the Bluebird Cafe as she embarks on her new career, having been signed with Rayna’s new record label.  She feels after Avery and Gunnar, she needs to learn to make it alone and on her own first and foremost.  She is moving into her uncle’s home, Deacon.  Deacon is in jail, lying to the judge by saying he was drunk and driving the car with Rayna when it crashed.  If Rayna were to die, he would be charged with vehicular homicide.  Well, of course, Rayna does not die, but she does spend most the show in an induced coma to protect her brain due to swelling from the crash.  A very sharp lawyer that Deacon tries to send away but she will not be denied, figures out based on Rayna’s injuries that she was driving.  Rayna does finally come out of the coma successfully, she has no memory loss and says she was driving, not Deacon.  Deacon is released from jail but one does not feel he is released from his pain and torment over Rayna, finding out Maddie is his daughter, and his failure to maintain his hard fought thirteen years of sobriety.  Teddy thinks Peggy is pregnant with his child and tells her he already has a family.  She finds out at a doctor’s appointment that she has actually miscarried, but in true Nashville fashion, she lies to Teddy and tells him she heard the heart beat.  Juliette remains a dichotomy between heartless and caring, giving Maddie her number and telling her to call her anytime after Maddie shares her secret with her.  Yet, she has a show, supposedly in support of her “friend and mentor” Rayna, that is really all about Juliette.  She also “hires” a new manager/boy toy, not really sure what this fellow’s role will be as the season progresses.  Gunnar’s friend still hides his sexuality, reasons remain unknown except he is trying to be a music star?  Finally, Tandie is told the FBI is investigating Lamar, not just for business improprieties but that he was in fact involved in the death of her mother (and Rayna’s mother as well of course).  Their mother died in a horrific car crash (the irony) while Lamar was supposedly “away”.

In summarizing, there are going to be some new characters, some different story lines, and I did not feel good about Rayna and Deacon as a couple…yet this is night time drama at full tilt, so to even hint at a possible happy ending/union between these two would be way too early in the season opener.  But, give us something happy…well Rayna lived, so that was good (but we knew that Connie Britton’s character was not going to die!)

Would like to see something heartwarming in this show as the season progresses, not all drama and mean spiritedness.

Meanwhile, switching to sports…will be at the Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech game tonight at 7:30 pm from Grant Field in Atlanta, GA.  (GT wins this one and they should make their debut into the top 25! )  GO JACKETS!  Live coverage of this game on ESPN!

 


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It’s Wednesday, Surviving “Paradise” day and Nashville is back!

Posted on September 25, 2013 by admin

Surviving Paradise“I’m so excited, I just can’t stand it”…or so the lyrics go (or something along those lines!)  Anyhow, Nashville returns tonight on ABC at 10:00 pm EST.  Rayna and Deacon in big car crash in the season finale.  Rayna is in a coma, Deacon awaits sentencing.  Should be good…and we know Rayna is, of course, not going to die!  But there will plenty of drama, Peggy pregnant, will Scarlett say yes…and so on…Cannot wait for this show to get started again.  And, speaking of drama…

Check out my book, full of comedy/drama, Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver!  Available at Amazon.com for $8.99 in paperback, $4.99 in kindle edition and at Barnes and Noble nook for $4.99.  It is going to be a movie/TV show one day…I am feeling it!!

 


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Peyton Manning and the Broncos continue to impress!

Posted on September 24, 2013 by admin

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos took care of the Oakland Raiders last night on MNF, 37 – 21.  The Broncos gave up a “cheap” last minute TD in the fourth and final quarter courtesy of yet another fumble by rookie running back Monte Ball.  He has got to learn to hold onto the ball! (no pun intended)  Non the less, Peyton Manning was brilliant, 32/37 with 374 yards passing and 3TD’s.  His wealth of receiver options is staggering.  The Broncos defense is beast like.  Is this the best team in the AFC?  Perhaps…Peyton has again made history, breaking pretty boy Tom Brady’s record for the first three games of an NFL season.  Peyton now has 12 passing TD’s through 3 games (Tom had 11) and equally as important, zero interceptions.  Speaking of the Denver defense, they are enjoying their second year under defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio (former long time head coach in Jacksonville).  He has taken them in his first year (last year) from 24th in overall defense to 2nd.  They continue to improve and impress.

Tonight on ESPN at 8:00 pm EST, a really intriguing show will give an up close and personal look into the lives of the Mannings.  It is one of ESPN’s 30 for 30 shows, titled The Book of Manning.  It promises to be a great view and I already have my DVR set!

After all, I am still a girl and New Girl begins it’s 2013 season tonight with new episodes along with The Mindy Project.  But I will watch The Book of Manning as well.

Tomorrow night the long awaited return of Nashville!  10:00 pm EST on ABC.  Also, the Wednesday plug for my book Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver.   Be there or be square!

Until later…

P.S. How about the Atlanta Braves.  Clinched the NL East and have the best record in the National League (.5 games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals as of today!)  They lost to Milwaukee last night.

 

 

 

 


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Henrik Stenson wins Tour Championship AND FedExCup

Posted on September 22, 2013 by susan

It is all about the big Swede, Henrik Stenson today in Atlanta, GA at Eastlake Country Club, site of the Tour Championship.  The guy from Sweden won the Tour Championship finishing at -13 and the FedExCup taking home 11.44 million in prize money.  Whew…think on that one!!  Anyhow, he held off the charge of the youngest guy, Jordan Spieth, and the oldest guy, Steve Stricker who both finished at -10.  The story of Stenson is a great one, a comeback of sorts, and not for the first time.  He has gone through several slumps, huge drops in his overall ranking, and struggled with his game only to keep coming back, this time all the way to the top!  Gotta believe there is some magic in those word of “don’t ever give up, keep on trying your best”.  Equally as amazing today and this year has been the story of Spieth, a rookie out of the University of Texas who has burst onto the tour this year and now everybody is hoping to get paired with him at the President’s Cup which kicks off in the first week of October at Muirfield Country Club.  Spieth is the youngest player to make the final of the Tour Championship and be selected for the American team in President’s Cup competition.  And then Steve Stricker, playing a reduced schedule at the age of 46 who has arguably had the best year of his career.

Final leaderboard for the Tour Championship: Stenson -13, J. Spieth and S. Stricker at -10, Webb Simpson -9, Dustin Johnson -8 (he was making a furious charge only to triple bogey the 17th hole), Justin Rose -7, Zach Johnson and Billy Horshel at -6.

The final FedExCup standings: (top five)  1 Henrik Stenson, 2 Tiger Woods, 3 Steve Stricker, 4 Adam Scott and 5 Zach Johnson

Tiger Woods finished his play at the Tour Championship with a round of 67 to complete the tournament at E.  Not the finish he wanted, however still coming in second in the race for the FedExCup.  He also had the most PGA tour victories in 2013, the most official money earnings, and the lowest scoring average.  A cute shot of daughter Sam running out to hug him and walk off the green with him when he completed his round.

Mickelson finished at -4 for the Tour Championship and will take a break and then also prepare for the President’s Cup.


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More College Football from Sat. and new rankings

Posted on September 22, 2013 by susan

The latest AP and USA Today Polls are both out but first, a few more results from yesterday in college football.  5 Stanford survived a furious second half comeback from 23 Arizona State to hold on and win 42 – 28.  Starting QB Kevin Hogan did not play much in the second half for the Cardinals but had to come in late to finish the game…something Coach Shaw said his team was going to work on…finishing the game.  USC squeaked by Utah, 17 – 14, not looking impressive but still a win for the Trojans and Coach Kiffin at home.  1 Alabama took care of Colorado State at home, 31 – 6 and Johnny Manziel and the Aggies rebounded from their loss to the Tide with a 42 – 13 thumping of SMU.  Surprising Maryland (4-0) beat West Virginia 37 – 0 and the Terps may be a very pleasant and unexpected surprise team in the ACC.  6 LSU beat Auburn in Death Valley, 35 – 21.  Great performance by Jeremy Hill at RB for the LSU Tigers and they will face UGA next Saturday in a big game.  No one is talking about LSU in the SEC West but as Shaq said last night on the sidelines, they are coming for you Bama.  Um…that game is a little while away so we will wait and see but interesting to see LSU alum Shaq on the sidelines.  Notre Dame beat Michigan State 17 – 13 and Rutgers “upset” Arkansas, 28 – 24.  Michigan barely got by U Conn in a very poor performance by the Wolverines, 24 – 21 which caused their drop in both polls.  Arizona State and Michigan State both dropped out of the polls.  Georgia Tech stands poised to hopefully break into the polls for the first time this season, especially if they succeed in taking care of VT at home on Thursday night ESPN game. (27th in AP, 26th in USA Today)

AP Poll: 1 Alabama (56), 2 Oregon (4), 3 Clemson, 4 Ohio State, 5 Stanford, 6 LSU, 7 Louisville, 8 FSU, 9 UGA, and 10 Texas A&M.

Coaches Poll: 1 Alabama (59), 2 Oregon (3), 3 Ohio State, 4 Clemson, 5 Stanford, 6 LSU, 7 Louisville, 8 FSU, 9 Texas A & M, and 10 UGA.

Michigan fell to #18 in the AP and #17 in Coaches Poll.

Both FSU and Miami (#15 in both polls) put up huge numbers on two cupcake opponents.  Miami starting QB Stephen Morris was injured in the first quarter and did not return.

OK  folks, that should wrap up this past weekend’s CFB.  See you next weekend and will be at GT-VT game on Thursday night from Grant Field! GO JACKETS!

 


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More College Football from Sat. and new rankings

Posted on September 22, 2013 by admin

The latest AP and USA Today Polls are both out but first, a few more results from yesterday in college football.  5 Stanford survived a furious second half comeback from 23 Arizona State to hold on and win 42 – 28.  Starting QB Kevin Hogan did not play much in the second half for the Cardinals but had to come in late to finish the game…something Coach Shaw said his team was going to work on…finishing the game.  USC squeaked by Utah, 17 – 14, not looking impressive but still a win for the Trojans and Coach Kiffin at home.  1 Alabama took care of Colorado State at home, 31 – 6 and Johnny Manziel and the Aggies rebounded from their loss to the Tide with a 42 – 13 thumping of SMU.  Surprising Maryland (4-0) beat West Virginia 37 – 0 and the Terps may be a very pleasant and unexpected surprise team in the ACC.  6 LSU beat Auburn in Death Valley, 35 – 21.  Great performance by Jeremy Hill at RB for the LSU Tigers and they will face UGA next Saturday in a big game.  No one is talking about LSU in the SEC West but as Shaq said last night on the sidelines, they are coming for you Bama.  Um…that game is a little while away so we will wait and see but interesting to see LSU alum Shaq on the sidelines.  Notre Dame beat Michigan State 17 – 13 and Rutgers “upset” Arkansas, 28 – 24.  Michigan barely got by U Conn in a very poor performance by the Wolverines, 24 – 21 which caused their drop in both polls.  Arizona State and Michigan State both dropped out of the polls.  Georgia Tech stands poised to hopefully break into the polls for the first time this season, especially if they succeed in taking care of VT at home on Thursday night ESPN game. (27th in AP, 26th in USA Today)

AP Poll: 1 Alabama (56), 2 Oregon (4), 3 Clemson, 4 Ohio State, 5 Stanford, 6 LSU, 7 Louisville, 8 FSU, 9 UGA, and 10 Texas A&M.

Coaches Poll: 1 Alabama (59), 2 Oregon (3), 3 Ohio State, 4 Clemson, 5 Stanford, 6 LSU, 7 Louisville, 8 FSU, 9 Texas A & M, and 10 UGA.

Michigan fell to #18 in the AP and #17 in Coaches Poll.

Both FSU and Miami (#15 in both polls) put up huge numbers on two cupcake opponents.  Miami starting QB Stephen Morris was injured in the first quarter and did not return.

OK  folks, that should wrap up this past weekend’s CFB.  See you next weekend and will be at GT-VT game on Thursday night from Grant Field! GO JACKETS!

 


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