WAYNE ROONEY!!!

This is Wayne Rooney, Manchester United newest signing.  In his first game in a Red's uniform on Tuesday he scored three goals.  He's 18 years old. 

By the way...he wears # 8.  Giddy up.

First 3 Weeks of the NFL Season

So what are the surprises of the NFL season so far?  Did anybody expect Philly and New England NOT to be undefeated?  Philly has the one need in TO that they have missed in a go-to receiver.  New England was the best in the NFL before adding Corey Dillon.  But what about Jacksonville?  I would never have predicted the Jags to be at the top of the AFC South right now over Indy.  Granted the Colts only loss is to the Patriots.

Another surprise is the Chiefs being 0-3.  Why does it look like they have like 7 defensive players on the field during every play?  Man their D is disgusting.  Priest Holmes can only do so much on offense as can Tony Gonzalez.  The Chiefs, like the Eagles, need a go-to receiver.  They should have went after somebody in the offseason. 

After the first weekend's loss to the Browns, I also would not have predicted that the Ravens would come back and win two games in a row.  They looked completely awful in that loss.  The offense stunk and the defense was horrible.  They've pulled it together like the playoff team they should be. 

What about my friend Josh's pick of the Buffalo Bills going to the Super Bowl you ask?  They are 0-2 heading into a matchup this Sunday vs the Pats.  Good luck with that one.  He did have Seattle being the top team in the NFC West which is something I did not think would happen.  Seattle has their weapons firing on all cylinders. 

The Vick-led Falcons have the fans of Hotlanta breathing a sigh of relief.  They seemed to think that because Vick didn't play much (or well for that matter) in the preseason that they were going to struggle this year.  Not quite.  Vick is the real deal as we all know and as long as he stays healthy there is no stopping them...well, until they reach the Eagles in the NFC Championship game that is. 

Miami stinks.  Tampa Bay stinks.  San Francisco stinks.  We expected those teams to be god awful. 

My Top Eight Games to look forward to this week:

1.  Indianapolis at Jacksonville -- Can Tony Brackens and the Jags D get some pressure on Peyton like the Packers could not?

2.  Atlanta at Carolina -- Again...Carolina's D-line stopping Michael Vick...that is the question.

3.  Cincinnati at Pittsburgh -- Two rookie QB's facing each other (I consider Palmer a rookie considering he played squat last year behind Kitna).

4.  Philadelphia at Chicago -- This is high on my list just because I want to see TO score 7 td's on that crappy Bears D.

5.  NY Giants at Green Bay -- Packers need a win to stay close to the Vikings. 

6.  New England at Buffalo -- Buffalo just needs a win.  Can it happen?  Uhhhh.....

7.  Oakland at Houston -- What are the chances of the Raiders keeping the wins coming?  Can the oldies stay un-injured and not end up in the hospital for one more week? 

8.  Kansas City at Baltimore -- The Chiefs need a win and at Baltimore is not the best place to try and get one...especially on a Monday night in front of a national tv audience. 

Clueless

SCENE IV - CLASSROOM DEBATE

MR HALL

Should all oppressed people be allowed refuge in America? Amber will take the con position. Cher will be pro. Cher, two minutes.

CHER (Alicia Silverstone)

So, OK, like right now, for example, the Haitians (she pronounces it HATE-ians) need to come to America. But some people are all "What about the strain on our resources?" But it's like, when I had this garden party for my father's birthday right? I said R.S.V.P. because it was a sit-down dinner. But people came that like, did not R.S.V.P. so I was like, totally buggin'. I had to haul ass to the kitchen, redistribute the food, squish in extra place settings, but by the end of the day it was like, the more the merrier! And so, if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty?

(Class breaks into applause)

CHER

Thank you very much.

MR HALL

Uh, Amber? Replying?

AMBER (Elisa Donovan)

Mr. Hall, how can I answer that? The topic is Haiti and she's talking about some little party.

CHER

Hello?! It was his fiftieth birthday!

AMBER

Whatever. If she doesn't do the assignment, I can't do mine.

Classic movie.

#38 by ee cummings

may i feel said he

(i'll squeal said she

just once said he)

it's fun said she

 

(may i touch said he

how much said she

a lot said he)

why not said she

 

(let's go said he

not too far said she

what's too far said he

where you are said she)

 

may i stay said he

(which way said she

like this said he

if you kiss said she

 

may i move said he

is it love said she)

if you're will said he

(but you're killing said she

 

but it's life said he

but your wife said she

now said he)

ow said she

 

(tiptop said he

don't stop said she

oh no said he)

go slow said she

 

(cccome?said he

ummm said she)

you're divine!said he

(you are Mine said she)

 

#38 by ee cummings

The Ryan and Josh NFL Prediction Machine

The much anticipated Ryan and Josh NFL Preview is ready for viewing.  We have worked long and hard so read thoroughly.  (* = wildcard teams)

 Daunte has all the tools around him.

Ryan's NFC North
1. Vikings
2. Packers*
3. Lions
4. Bears

Josh's NFC North
1. Vikings
2. Packers*
3. Lions
4. Bears

Ryan's North Rundown -- The Vikings control their own destiny this year...like they did last year (Thank you Arizona).  The Vikes have all the tools to go all the way yet something holds them back.  Could it be Randy Moss's Terrell Owens syndrome?  With the Packers we all realize it comes down to Favre's health...and his head.  Oh yes, and Mike McKenzie.  Without him, no Super Bowl run for the Pack.  The Lions have the obvious potential in years to come, but not yet.  The Bears?  Rex isn't the answer.  Next.

Josh's North Rundown -- Two teams in this conference are on the rise, one is remaining steady and another I'm afraid to say is heading downward.  The Vikings have an improved defense and their O could be the next "best show on turf." Green Bay could sneak a wild card at best but with Favre aging the defense will have to pick up the slack and I'm afraid they can only take it for so long...  Lions will turn some heads this year with several offensive gems.  Chicago.....Rex Grossman era.....next.

Ryan's NFC East
1. Eagles
2. Cowboys
3. Redskins
4. Giants

Josh's NFC East
1. Eagles
2. Cowboys
3. Giants
4. Redskins

Ryan's East Rundown -- TO finally cried his way out of San Fran and Baltimore and into an Eagles uniform.  I don't remember a great receiver McNabb has had to throw to (Marvin Harrison at Syracuse maybe).  The East is tough.  All four teams have great coaches, solid QB's, good defense, yet the Eagles seem to have the whole package.  Cowboys, with Testaverde, will be solid but not great on offense.  The G-men will struggle and Kurt Warners life will be ruined by his wife in NYC and Dan Snyder will do everything he can to ruin another Redskins season. 

Josh's East Rundown -- Philly is going to be so tough to beat this year it's kinda sick.  Their defense flies and their offense won't miss a step with Buckhalter's injury.  Dallas, as much as it pains me, will improve leaps and bounds with Parcells at the helm.  QB is one of the only issues, but it's a big one.  Tough call in New York: do you throw the boy to the wolves or risk it with the veteran who tanked last year?  Money gets spent in Washington as fast as the Redskins keep changing personnel.  Ridiculous.

Ryan's NFC South
1. Panthers
2. Falcons*
3. Buccaneers
4. Saints

Josh's NFC South
1. Panthers
2. Falcons*
3. Saints
4. Buccaneers

Ryan's South Rundown -- The Panthers, in my eyes, came out of no where last year.  I didnt see that coming at all.  They have all the pieces back but whether they can stay healthy or not is another matter.  Just ask the #2 team...the Falcons and Michael Vick.  If he stays healthy they might be 13-3.  If he gets injured...eesh...I can't even watch the Falcons without Vick.  Who is his backup?  Tim Couch?  Bucs and Saints have no shot at anything...so why even talk about them.  I'm not.  Next.

Josh's South Rundown -- Super Bowl runner-up hasn't really lost a step and their defense is anchored by the best DL in the game: Julius Peppers.  I'm leery about Jake Delhomme though...one good year and they throw him tons of money.  We'll see.  Atlanta will go as Vick goes, duh.  New Orleans will be in almost every game, or they should be.  When did you think you'd see the Bucs, a Super Bowl team in the last couple years, at the bottom of the conference?  Well, you'll see it this year.

Ryan's NFC West
1. Rams
2. Seahawks
3. Cardinals
4. 49ers

Josh's NFC West
1. Seahawks
2. Rams
3. Cardinals
4. 49ers

Ryan's West Rundown -- Thank you St Louis for getting rid of Kurt Warner and letting Marc Bulger take over this team.  He doesn't have to look over to the sideline every two minutes to see Kurt warming up.  I'm not falling into the 'Matt Hasselback is taking the Seahawks to the Super Bowl' fever.  Good RB (Shaun Alexander), good D, good WR's, yet Hasselback doesn't do it for me.  Cardinals might actually start moving upwards with Denny Green but it will still take a couple years.  The 49ers?  Didn't I say something to the effect of if the team stinks don't talk about them....done.

Josh's West Rundown -- This is Seattle's year if they're going to do anything.  They're almost guarenteed a playoff spot with this conference.  Their defense is tight as a drum and their offense is powered by two Pro Bowlers (Hasselbeck and Alexander).  St. Louis will still score points, but won't be nearly as tough.  Most of them are aging rapidly.  The battle here will be the cellar. San Fran is absolutely dreadful.  Their best player is a LB.  'Zona will be slightly improved with Denny Green calling the shots.

Ryan's AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Bengals*
3. Steelers
4. Browns

Josh's AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Bengals*
3. Steelers
4. Browns

 Get ready for more of Ray Ray

Ryan's North Rundown -- I wish the Ravens had an offense.  I do like Kyle Boller but boy...other than Jamal Lewis they have nothing.  TO could have helped in that capacity I think.  The Bengals and starting QB Carson Palmer are on the up and up.  Palmer has all the tools to take the Bengals a long way...but not past the first round of the playoffs this year.  The Steelers?  Time for Ben Roethlisberger to start.  He will be solid for the Steelmen for the next ten years.  The Browns?  Jeff Garcia?  You serious?

Josh's North Rundown -- Baltimore's defense will keep giving the offense opportunities.  But sooner or later they're going to get tired of carrying the team.  Lewis at RB will be steady but Boller will HAVE to improve.  The Bengals will be a wild card team, I'll say that right now.  Rudi Johnson can carry the load at RB and
Carson Palmer will be decent.  Pitt has a nice addition in Duce Staley but former XFL MVP Tommy Maddox will finally revert back to stinky form.  Cleveland, aside from rookie Kellen Winslow's mouth, has shown me nothing.

Ryan's AFC East
1. Patriots
2. Jets*
3. Bills
4. Dolphins

 Corey has to be a team player in New England.

Josh's AFC East
1. Buffalo
2. New England*
3. Jets
4. Dolphins

Ryan's East Rundown -- The Pats?  Don't even have to talk about them.  We all know what they have and what they added in Corey Dillon.  If he can't be a team player in New England then he will never be a team player.  The J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS have signed Chad Pennington long term so expect good things from them.  I'm waiting for the running back situation to blow up in Buffalo and Drew Bledsoe to go ballistic on somebody.  Nothing changes with the Bills.  The Fins?  Ha....ha....ha. 

Josh's East Rundown -- I think this also might be Buffalo's year.  The defense rivals the Patriots and I think their offense is actually better overall.  Look for Lee Evans to make an impact as well.  New England will fight them tooth and nail for the conference title.  The Jets will just kind of hang around.  They gave Pennington serious dough after a so-so season.  Don't know what that's about...  Miami.....oh boy.  Could any team have had a worse offseason?  Williams is gone and Boston is done for the year.  Fiedler leading them to glory?  Pfft.  Forget it.  Mail it in right now.

Ryan's AFC South
1. Colts
2. Titans
3. Jaguars
4. Texans

Josh's AFC South
1. Colts
2. Titans
3. Jags
4. Texans

Ryan's South Rundown -- Colts will stroll through the South.  I want to see Peyton and Co. go farther this year.  Thus...the Super Bowl.  The Titans?  Steve McNair is a walking disaster and no running game.  The Jags?  I see nothing come from them.  The Texans?  Give them a couple years and they will be all set in Houston.  Domanick Davis is showing a lot more than people gave him credit for on draft day. 

Josh's South Rundown -- Everybody is expecting a step up from Tennessee because of fresh legs at RB with George gone.  Well, McNair is getting seriously fragile.  He can't do everything for them anymore.  Indy is the team to beat.  With Dungy
continually upgrading their D, the O just keep going along steadily.  Jacksonville will be improved and might compete with the top two, but not enough to steal a top-half finish.  Houston is going nowhere fast.  Hope fans down in Texas are patient...

Ryan's AFC West
1. Chiefs
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chargers

Josh's AFC West
1.) Chiefs
2.) Broncos
3.) Raiders
4.) Chargers

Ryan's West Rundown -- Gotta like the Chiefs offense...just not the defense.  We all saw what happened vs the Colts last year.  Not pretty.  The Broncos have Champ Bailey and John Lynch in the secondary.  Their running game, with former OU standout Quentin Griffin, will hold them back from going anywhere.  The Raiders just keep getting older and older.  Can we just transport the team bus to a hospice center?  I don't like Drew Brees in San Diego.  When can Philip Rivers get his shot? 

Josh's West Rundown -- Kansas City better do something and now or else they're time will have come and gone.  Trent Green throw for over 300 yards continually and Priest Holmes runs for over 2000 yards...and yet a Super Bowl is out of reach.  Someone explain it to me.  I still like Plummer in Denver, but Quentin Griffin can't handle the load, I'm sorry.  The O in Oakland stands for OLD.  San Diego....I feel sorry for LaDanian.  He's the best guy there and their administration stinks.  I just hope they haven't spoiled things for Rivers at QB.

Ryan's Final Predictions:
AFC Champ: Pats
NFC Champ: Eagles
Super Bowl Champ: Pats

Josh's Final Predictions:
AFC Champ: Bills
NFC Champ: Eagles
Super Bowl Champ: Eagles

Ryan and Josh's Top Eight Reasons to Move in Together...We Both Enjoy:

1. Pro Football

2. College football

3. Baseball and the pennant races

4. European Soccer (Manchester United especially...)

5. Training for triathalons

6. Camping

7. Being outdoors

8. Reading poetry...

Well, I'm not sure how many of those Josh actually enjoys, but I, Ryan, enjoy them all.

The Best Time Of The Year

So, for me, this is the best time of the year.  It's the second week of the US Open, college football is underway, baseball pennant races are heating up and pro football starts this next week.  Could it get any better?  (Well, it could be March and the NCAA Tournament, but it gives me something to look forward to in six months)

At the US Open, there is a lot to look forward to.  Roger Federer and Andre Agassi face off on Wednesday night; Serena Williams plays Jennifer Capriati; Lindsey Davenport beat Venus Williams Monday afternoon leaving her with a quarterfinal matchup versus Shinobu Asagoe of Japan.  I have yet to mention Andy Roddick who faces Spanish phenom Tommy Robredo on Tuesday night.  It's a good time to be in New York.  Men's Final:  Federer/Roddick.  Women's Final:  Davenport/Serena Williams.  (A couple of Russians studs stand in Davenport's way)

Over the weekend, college football got into full swing.  My Oklahoma Sooners had a nice stroll in the park in their opening win over Bowling Green.  Number 3 ranked LSU had to struggle to get past Oregon State.  LSU pulled the victory out 22-21 at the end but everybody will remember the three missed extra points OSU missed which would have given them the victory.  We'll have to remember this in December if LSU makes it through the SEC unscathed.  Congratulations to Texas for stomping on North Texas 65-0.  Now show me in October vs Oklahoma you can do that and I'll be proud of you.  Wont happen though.

Games to look forward to this weekend? 

Michigan at Notre Dame -- Let's see the Irish go on a slide like no other. 

Georgia at South Carolina -- The Bulldogs take their freshman running back and national championship contender on the road to Lou Holtz and the Gamecocks.

Florida State at Miami (Friday) -- Haven't we seen this game like three times in the past 12 months?  Should still be exciting. 

Texas at Arkansas -- I know the Razorbacks can put up more of a fight than North Texas could.  I just want UT to keep winning so Oklahoma can crush them again in the Red River Shootout next month.

The pennant races are heating up.  The American League wildcard looks to be a two team race.  Boston is up 3 1/2 games on Anaheim.  Boston is still on the heels of the Yankees for the AL East title, down just 3 games.  In the National League, five teams still have a shot for the wildcard.  The Cubs are up 1/2 game on the Giants, but they still hold five games in hand.  The Cubs/Marlins series was postponed over the weekend because of Hurricane Frances.  The Marlins, Padres and Astros (with their ten game winning streak) are just a few games back of the Cubs. 

My early pick for the World Series?  St Louis Cardinals vs Oakland A's.

My friend, Josh, and I are going to have an NFL Preview in the next few days.  I'll keep my thoughts on the NFL until then. 

My Top Eight Fall Activities in Wisconsin

1. Camping

2. Hiking

3. College football games

4. NFL games.

5. Playing tennis

6. Golfing

7. Watching the pennant races

8. Going to pumpkin patches

Realize if the weather is nice, I would rather be outside doing anything than watching tv.