Super Bowl XLI

Immediately following the conference championship games, the big questions -- Who is going to win? What are both teams going to do to win the game? -- start getting asked. I think some of the trends that led to success in previous Super Bowls may not be as strong over the last couple of years as they were 10 years ago. That said, I'll try to give you some thoughts on what it will take to win Super Bowl XLI.

The teams that allowed fewer points in the regular season are 28-11 in the Super Bowl (in 2004, the Patriots and Eagles allowed the same number of points)… In the last four games of the regular season, the Colts allowed 109 points and the Bears allowed 105. In the playoffs, the Colts have allowed an average of 16 points per game, and the Bears have allowed 19 points per game.

Bears on offense

When Chicago has the ball, it needs to control the clock. The ideal situation would be to have 32-plus minutes of possession. The Bears have to throw the football to set up the run -- the passing game needs to have success early, much like New England tried to do two weeks ago.

I think the Bears will have trouble with the quickness of Indianapolis defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.  Offensive tackles John Tait and Fred Miller need to negate some of the quickness of that Colts pass rush.

Probably the most important thing that quarterback Rex Grossman has to do --  aside from avoiding turnovers, of course -- is to convert the third-and-short situations.

Bears on defense

The Bears need to tackle well. If they don't, then tight end off Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai and receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne will break off some big plays   Despite the Bears' penchant to play the Cover 2 defense, I think you'll see them playing more man-to-man coverage here with cornerbacks Nathen Vasher and Charles Tillman.  According to Saints quarterback Drew Brees, the Bears were in man coverage 80-85 percent of the time in the NFC Championship Game, and we could see that again here. If that's the case, then it's also imperative for the Bears to stop the run when they're in nickel defense.

 Can Peyton direct the Colts to a Superbowl victory?

Colts on offense

Tight end Dallas Clark is expected to be a key factor in the Colts' explosive offense.

In previous years, the aggressive Colts offense struggled a bit in taking what the defense gives them -- but it has done a nice job of it this season, and needs to continue that here. The unit needs to be patient and protect Peyton Manning.

In the first two playoff games against Kansas City and Baltimore, Indianapolis protected very well -- especially against the Ravens' terrific pass rush. I would throw out the second half of the AFC title game, however, because the New England defense was clearly tired -- not only from the game, but from the heat of the building and coming off a tough game in San Diego the previous week.

Colts tight end Dallas Clark is a big factor here. He had his best game ever against New England and I think he'll continue to be a huge factor.

Colts on defense

It's pretty simple here: The Colts need to be able to stop the run and make plays on short yardage. They can't overrun plays -- otherwise they'll allow big plays by receivers Bernard Berrian and Rashied Davis, who have a habit of making big plays.

Special teams

The Bears have a sizeable edge on special teams mainly due to the play of Devin Hester.

This is where the Bears have a bigadvantage. Statistically, there is a wide gap when it comes to average starting drives. The Bears led the NFL in average starting drives on offense, and they were second in average starting drives on defense. The colts, meanwhile, were in the bottom third of the league in both categories during the regular season.

That said, the Colts will have to decide how they handle kickoff off to dangerous Chicago return specialist Devin Hester. They allowed 220 kickoff return yards to New England two weeks ago, and that was a conference championship game record. So will Adam Vinatieri kick it deep -- and chances are the Bears will at least get the ball out to the 30-yard line? Or will he try to kick to the side, and if the ball goes out of bounds Chicago starts at the 40?

So Hester can be a huge factor in this game. One thing to remember, though: Hester has had a little trouble holding on to the football in recent games.

The pick:

Indianapolis 27, Chicago 17

Life Is Comfy At Club Fed!

 Federer falls to the ground in excitement after winning another Grand Slam title.

People said Fernando Gonzalez had a chance.  People said his game had improved to the point he could beat Roger Federer.  People were wrong.

Roger Federer rolled to a straight set, 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4, win to take the Australian Open without losing a set.  For the time being, Club Fed looks to be completely unbeatable.  The next Grand Slam title is at Roland Garros at the French Open in Paris at the end of May.  If there is a Grand Slam that will give the other players on the tour a chance to win, it's the French.  Federer has said he wants to win the French, but realistically he is going to have trouble with that title.  Wimbledon and the U.S. Open he should again completely dominate. 

"In the end I said, you know what, I've beaten him nine times, so just take it easy and play your game, and hopefully it is going to work out. It did," said Federer.

If Federer stays healthy, he could win upwards of twenty Gland Slam titles.  Mind you, he'll have to keep the same mindset, which, as Sampras has said, takes it's toll after ten years straight.  Bjorn Borg retired at 25 because he was tired physically and mentally (Borg was also the last person to win a major, the French, without losing a set in 1980).  Let's just hope that doesn't happen to Federer.  I can honestly say I do not think it will happen because Federer will concentrate on Slams if he has to.  The other tournaments are important but Slams are what he will be remembered for.

 

Complete and Utter Domination!

 Unstoppable!

Serena Williams played absolutely amazing tennis on Friday night, completely trouncing Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-2.  From the start, Serena was completely focused on one thing:  Dominating this match.  As ESPN commentator Mary Carillo said, 'Serena dominated Sharapova like Roger Federer has been dominating his opponents.'

Ranked No. 81 at the end of 2006, Serena will now rise to No. 14 after this win and is the second unseeded player to win a Grand Slam Final.  The match took one hour and three minutes.  Serena looked upset to lose 3 games, but could do no wrong.  Her serves were perfect, her ground strokes were exquisite and mentally she was just plain awesome.  Hopefully, she'll be back for good now and get back to the top of the rankings and obviously looks ready to move back on top of the woman's game. 

 Eight slams for the American.

"It was an awesome win, because I had so many critics. So many people ... saying negative things," Williams said. "Saying I wasn't fit, when I felt that I was really fit, and I could last three sets.

At her best, Serena is the best player on the woman's tour.  She didn't allow Sharapova to get into any rhythm.  This was as close to perfection as you are going to get from Serena.  She dedicated the tournament to her sister, Yetunde Price, who was killed in September, 2003.  Congratulations Serena Williams.  You were incredible these last two weeks and a joy to watch.  Glad to have you back.

Federer Dismantles Roddick!

 The Swiss Genius was at work last night.

Roger Federer destroyed Andy Roddick again earlier today in the Australian Open, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2.  Federer, as usual in a Grand Slam tournament, could do no wrong as he continued to walk through the draw down under.  He's made very, very good players look like good high school players and Club Fed did the same thing with Roddick. 

Using great defense which turns into incredible offense, Roddick was stuck in quicksand.  Roddick played very well and tried throwing the book at Federer.  Federer read every page brilliantly, was incredibly patient and took his chances when he had them.  At 4-4 in the first set, Federer broke to go up 5-4 and served the set out easily.  The second and third sets were more of the same as the best player in the men's game showed why he is head and shoulders above everybody else on the tour.

Whether it's amazing forehand (called the best weapon on the tour) or his knifing slice backhand, Federer has every shot.  Watching him last night proves what I've thought and now know.  He is the best player to ever play tennis. 

Baring an injury that will keep him out for ten years or retiring early like Borg, we will see him win more Grand Slams than Sampras and be No. 1 for the most weeks straight, passing Connors.  It is very hard to comprehend how easy Federer makes the game look.  He has the precision that Sampras had with a better backhand and a better forehand which makes him unstoppable.  He can hit any serve as fast as he wants, when he wants and wherever he wants.  He can completely dominate play or play defense and turn it into offense.  He can attack the net or he can stay at the baseline and win. 

Whatever is thrown at Federer he can handle.  The Open final for Roger versus Tommy Haas or Fernando Gonzalez, to be played late Thursday night here in America, will be no different than the entire tournament.  The Swiss General will completely dominate either one thrown at him come Saturday night in Australia.

It's Serena vs Maria For The Women's Title

 Bring it on, Maria!!!

Serena Williams on Wednesday night here in America, Thursday afternoon in Austraila beat a feisty Nicole Vaidisova at the Australian Open, 7-6 (5), 6-4, to move into the Women's final.  She will play top-seeded Maria Sharapova who, by her own admission, is not playing her best, took out fourth-seeded Belgian Kim Clijsters, 6-4, 6-2. 

In the first set tie-break, Williams, ranked 81 in the World before the tournament, started out quickly in the tiebreak to take the first set, then stayed strong up 5-1 in the second to win 6-4 and overtake the 17-year-old, up-and-coming Czech, Vaidisova.  On the otherhand, Sharapova, who had 12 break points against her on her serve, was only broke twice.  Clijsters, playing her last time down under before retiring at the end of this year, had trouble getting to the Russian while Sharapova double-faulted mutiple times.  In one game, Sharapova double-faulted FOUR times, yet Clijsters still couldn't break the Russian.

"Somehow I managed to fight through and make the first serve when I had to and I think that was the key, and will also be the key in the final," Sharapova said.

Friday night, here in America, Saturday down under, should be a fantastic matchup between the two toughest players in the women's tour (Justine Henin is injured but she is also a fantastic fighter).  Both Williams and Sharapova have both been on the edge of being out of the tournament.  Sharapova, in the first round, was down 6-5 in the third set while battling 120 degree on court temperatures. 

As much as I dislike women's tennis, I will watch it.  These are my two favorite women's players as I have described before.  Mentally and physically, Serena and Maria will put on a show in the final.  I haven't been this excited for a women's match in a long, long time.  I don't know if it's an upset but Serena beats Maria Friday night in three.

I HATE WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL TENNIS!

 'I need my dad's help to win!  That is good, no?'

Good lord, it's hard to watch women's tennis.  A lot of what goes on in the women's game is the same as the men's.  There are huge differences in the pace of the ball, how quick men are, personalities, etc.  Watching Maria Sharapova take on No. 12 and fellow Russain Anna Chakvetadze is excrutiatingly hard to sit through.

All the commentators talk about how women's tennis has 'improved dramatically.'  I know the women now are hitting the ball a ton but when it A.) doesn't go in the court and, B.) goes right back to their opponent, it really doesn't matter.  Both Sharapova and Chakvetadze are 19.  Sharapova has been ranked #1 in the world and will be again come next Monday no matter what happens in this tournament (because Mauresmo played awful at the beginning of the Aussie Open), so Sharapova, at 19, is a veteran on the tour.  Chakvetadza can hit the ball, but mentally she completely tanked the first set and lost 7-6 (7-5 in the tiebreaker).  When the going gets tough, Sharapova has 'it.'  Most of the other women don't. 

On the other hand is Serena Williams who, being out of shape and having not played much last year, is on a complete tear.  She is hitting the crap out of the ball and going for chances.  I wish more of the other women on the tour would take a note from Serena; go for it when you have a chance.  Don't hit the ball right back to your opponent and give them a chance to win the point.  If you give Serena or Sharapova a chance to win a point, they will take it.  The younger players, like Chakvetadze, don't have that mentality yet. 

**  For year's, I have thought Sharapova has been 'cheating.'  During change overs at the U.S. Open last year, the camera's were fixed squarely on Maria and her dad and coach, Yuri.  The camera's would show Maria, banana in one hand, water/drink in the other.  Papa Sharapova would motion for her to take a drink and how many bites of her banana to eat.  Let's say you are Sharapova's opponent.  If you are playing for three hours in 100 degree heat and somebody is motioning for your opponent to take a drink of water or to eat more of a banana, when mentally you might not be able to think for yourself, would you be okay with that?  No, you wouldn't.

 Maria celebrates after beating Chakvetadze 7-6 (5), 7-5 on Wednesday afternoon down under.

During this match, Yuri Sharapova, has gotten a warning for, as ESPN analyst Luke Jensen calls, 'barking out orders.'  Yuri was yelling at her to get to the net, hit it more to Chekvatadze's backhand and so on and so on.  Finally, the women's tour has done something to stop this from happening.  Don't get me wrong, I know Sharapova is by far the most mentally strong women's player in the world.  She does not need the help she is getting, but we'll see how she plays without the help from here on out.

Roger Federer Has Spoiled Me!

 This shot was a winner I know it.

I hate every men's tennis player on the ATP, besides Roger Federer (and sometimes Rafael Nadal).  Nadal is good, if not great, but is not even in the same hemisphere as the Swiss Maestro that is Roger Federer.  I have played tennis for 27 years.  I have taught and coached the sport.  I grew up with Connors, McEnroe, Becker, Sampras and Agassi, among others.  I have witnessed all of the above in person and I know if Federer were to take the court against anyone of them, Roger would dissect them like they were frogs on a science table. 

I don't like it though.  Sampras was the man.  I thought he was the greatest player to ever walk this earth.  I was actually able to get his autograph, shake his hand and have a 15 minute conversation with him.  (That's a whole other story in itself....)  Federer walked onto the scene and beat Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001 to end Pistol Pete's 31-match winning streak at the hallowed ground that is Centre Court in East London.  That was it.  I hated Federer from right then.  I shouldn't hate the guy.  He has my birthday, (he's a couple of eights himself.  August 8 if you are wondering).  He has completely mastered the game of tennis. 

Here is why I really hate Federer.  It's not him.  It's everybody else that I have to watch during the Australian Open and any other tournament.  At the moment, I am watching Mario Ancic of Croatia take on Andy 'I have a serve and a forehand and that's it' Roddick.  It is disgustingly painful to watch.  They are both very, very good players though.  Ancic is like 6'5, gawky, and he serves and stays at the baseline expecting to hit winners.  Where did the serve and vollier go?  Goran Ivanisevic was CROATIAN FOR GOD'S SAKE!  Didn't Ancic grow up watching the fiery left-hander serve and come straight to the net?  Don't get me started on Roddick.  He hasn't had a backhand or a net game for his entire career.  He can feelfree to get to No. 3 in the world all he likes, but he sure as heck won't come close to Nadal and Federer with that game.

SEE!  THAT'S THE PROBLEM!  I blame you Federer.  There are good players out there, but I don't want to watch them after seeing you play so magnificently.  To me, everybody else stinks and are no fun to watch.  During this Ancic vs Roddick match, I find myself thinking to myself 'Roger would do this' and 'Roger would do that' and every point would be over long before these two slops have finished a point. 

So in closing, Roger Federer is too good for the game of tennis.  He will win more Grand Slams than any other player ever.  He is only 25 years old and hopefully, and I do mean hopefully, will play for another ten years so he can win 20 Slams, if not more.  Keep on keepin' on Roger.  You are the man. 

The Ryan and Wonder Boy Conference Championships Preview!!!

at  2 p.m. central Sunday on FOX

Ryan says -- It's been a long time since the Bears reached the Super Bowl. The Saints have never reached the Super Bowl. Two hungry teams kick off Championship Weekend Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX. It figures to be an exciting game between two teams who have shown an ability to hit big plays ... as well as an ability to come up with damaging mistakes. Both the Bears and the Saints will also look to get the ground game running with a pair of quality backs (Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush for New Orleans, Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson for Chicago). The big battle could be Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees against the opportunistic Bears passing defense.  PICK: SAINTS

Wonder Boy says -- The Saints have the better offense, Chicago the better defense.  If you subscribe to the cliche "defense wins championships," then as Dennis Green said, "Just crown their ass."  But the New Orleans running game poses some matchup problems with the different things Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush bring to the table.  Drew Brees always limits his mistakes as well.  But the Saints had trouble stopping the Eagles running game last week, so I expect Chicago to use Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson to try and take the pressure off Rex Grossman.  Ultimately, the Saints have to prove they can win outside that comfy dome.  PICK: Bears

at 5:30 central Sunday on CBS

Ryan says -- The Chargers and the Ravens were the favorites, but playoff veterans New England and Indianapolis prevailed in the Divisional Round, and now a tremendous matchup awaits in the AFC Championship Game when the Colts host the Patriots at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS. New England has traditionally been a thorn in theside of Indianapolis, especially in the playoffs, often frustrating quarterback Peyton Manning into mistakes. But the Colts have been a different team during this year's playoffs, relying not on Manning but on hard-hitting defense. The Patriots will try to match the Colts' intensity and count on Tom Brady to lead them to yet another Super Bowl. PICK: COLTS

Wonder Boy says -- Indy won at Foxboro earlier this season and the Colts haven't lost at home this season.  Their run defense has been nothing short of phenomenal in the postseason and the tandem of Dillon/Maroney might have trouble getting it going for New England.  Tom Brady has been the premiere player in terms of handling pressure.  This will arguably be his toughest assignment to date.  Peyton Manning has struggled thus far (5 INTS in two games) but has always done just enough to win.  The Colts duo of Rhodes/Addai along with TE Dallas Clark gives Manning additional weapons as the receivers draw most of the attention.  I think the Colts have what it takes this time.  PICK: Colts

THE BECKHAM IS COMING!!!

 The $250 million Beckham will receive will be nothing compared to what MLS will get in return for his services.

Major League Soccer has needed a lift.  Over the past 12 years, since MLS was launched, they were a very good league that was lacking something.  Thursday, ex-England National team Captain and Real Madrid star, David Beckham, signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy.  Beckham will be paid in excess of $250 million over the next ten years will significantly inflate ticket sales, publicity and general awareness in the 12-year-old operation.  Beckham was a star at Manchester United and helped lift the Red Devils to be the most popular sports team in the world by being a great footballer, but also with his smile, personality and wife, Spice Girl 'Posh.'

Is Beckham, Ronaldinho?  No.  Is he Thierry Henry?  No.  His talents are not what they used to be, but what Beckham has is a world popularity nobody else who play's the World game has.  What Beckham will bring is fans to the seats which will help MLS more than any goal he could score.  Am I excited to see Beckham in America?  Most definitely.  It's a very exciting time for soccer in America and Becks could help draw more stars from around the world to the U.S.A. 

This coming summer I might actually turn on an MLS game for the first time.  This is the best move MLS could ever make. 

 Beckham will be leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid at the end of the La Liga season in May.

The Ryan and Goofball Divisional Playoffs Preview!

 at    Saturday, 3:30 P.M. Central on CBS

Ryan says -- It will be strength vs. strength as the Colts will bring the third-ranked offense to Baltimore to face the Ravens' top-ranked defense. Coming off a 23-8 win over the Chiefs in a wild-card game, the Colts are in the divisional playoffs for a fourth straight year. The Ravens, winners of the AFC North, are in the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and enjoyed a bye week as the AFC's No. 2 seed. The teams last met in the opening game of 2005 with Indianapolis winning 24-7 in Baltimore, where the Colts made their home until 1984. In 2003, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Ravens QB Steve McNair (then of the Titans) were the league's co-MVPs.  PICK - COLTS

Goofball (Josh) says -- Whenever the Colts are involved, the game boils down to one player: Peyton Manning.  He threw three INTs last weekend and it was at home against the Chiefs.  This Ravens D doesn't compare.  The pressure will be on Manning since Baltimore was 2nd in the league against the run.  If Indy's defense shows up like it did last week, this could be a great game.  But if Manning's protection folds under the rush and pressure...sayonara Colts.  PICK: Ravens

 at Saturday, 7:00 P.M. Central on FOX

Ryan says -- As winners of the NFC East in five of the past six season, the Eagles are no strangers to the playoffs. No so for the Saints, who are in the postseason for thefirst time since 2000. Even theirheadcoach is a rookie, but Sean Payton has been largely credited for the Saints' turnaround from a 3-13 record in 2005, earning him Coach of the Year honors. The Eagles come to New Orleans after dispatching the Giants in the wild-card round with a last-second David Akers kick. Philly was the victim of a game-winning kick when the Saints knocked off the Eagles in Week 6. PICK - SAINTS

Goofball says -- CB Lito Sheppard being out for the Eagles could result in his team being out of the playoffs.  The secondary is already suspect to begin with and Drew Brees has been one of the best QBs this year.  Philly d-coordinator Jim Johnson is arguably the best at his position and loves to throw blitz packages at QBs.  If the Saints' line can handle the pressure, Bress should take advantage of the Eagles DBs.  The Superdome crowd should be unbelievable.  PICK: Saints

 at  Sunday, 12:00 P.M. Central on FOX

Ryan says -- The Bears are trying to repeat what the Seahawks did last year, riding the NFC's No. 1 seed all the way to the Super Bowl. But the uneven play of quarterback Rex Grossman and numerous injuries on the NFL's fifth-ranked defense has caused concern in the Windy City. The Seahawks edged Dallas at home in the wild-card round and are looking to recapture their form from last year's postseason run after an up-and-down season. One of Seattle's lowest points was a 37-6 loss at the hands of the Bears in Week 4. "Obviously, that was probably the worst we have played as a team this year -- and for sure me," Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said.  PICK - SEAHAWKS

Goofball says -- If this were any other team than the Seahawks, I'd be smelling upset only because I don't think Rex Grossman has the experience or talent to exploit Seattle's depleted secondary.  Don't let the Week 4 blowout by the Bears fool you though.  Shaun Alexander is backnow and Chicago is missing stud DTTommie Harris.  Jeramy Stevens found his hands and will provide another weapon for Hasselbeck.  If Grossman limits his mistakes, the Bears should win.  PICK: Bears

 at  Sunday, 3:30 P.M. Central on CBS

Ryan says -- So what do the Chargers get as a reward for winning their final 10 games of the season and earning the AFC's No. 1 seed? A date with the Patriots, who boast a coach (Bill Belichick) and quarterback (Tom Brady) that together are 11-1 in the playoffs. San Diego doesn't have nearly as much experience at quarterback, where Philip Rivers will be making his first postseason start. But the Chargers do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the league's MVP who set an NFL record with 31 touchdowns. New England is in the divisional playoffs for the fourth straight year after putting away the Jets in a wild-card game.  PICK - CHARGERS

Goofball says -- No question, the game of the week.  League MVP LaDanian Tomlinson will be tested by the 5th-best run defense and Philip Rivers gets his first playoff start against a guy who gameplans better than any current coach.  Combine that with the fact that Rivers hasn't had a solid game in a month.  Tom Brady has no All-Pro receivers, he's done remarkably with what he has.  New England's front 7 are physical but not fast and could challenge LT.  PICK: Patriots

The Ryan and Josh NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview!

AFC Wild Card Games

  @   Saturday, 3:30 P.M. CT on NBC

Ryan says -- The Chiefs got the help they needed Sunday and earned a date with Indianapolis in the wild-card round of the playoffs. But it won't be easy for the AFC's sixth seed as they head to the RCA Dome, where the Colts completed their first perfect season at home since 1958 when the Baltimore Colts won the NFL championship. Still, the key for the Chiefs will be the matchup of running back Larry Johnson, who set an NFL record for carries this season with 416, against an Indianapolis defense that has surrendered rushing yardage in bunches this year.  PICK: COLTS

Josh says -- I'd be willing to bet this will be the highest scoring game in the entire playoffs.  David Gerrard and Quinn Gray (?!) of the Jaguars passed for over 300 yards against the Chiefs.  Peyton Manning is light years beyond these guys.  The Colts will put up points quickly and easily.  Offensively Kansas City will try to run Larry Johnson as much as possible.  The issue with this is it's going to take some time to score points whereas Indy could get to the end zone in a matter of minutes...even seconds.  If the Chiefs falter on offense, this could be a potential blow-out.  PICK: COLTS

  @   12 P.M. CT on CBS

Ryan says -- It will be Round 3 for the Jets and Patriots after the AFC East rivals split the regular-season series, with each team winning on the road. New York won the last meeting at Foxboro 17-14 on Nov. 12. Once again, all eyes will be on the head coaches as Jets rookie Eric Mangini served six years under Bill Belichick, five as defensive backs coach andlast season as defensive coordinator.  PICK: PATRIOTS

Josh says -- The Jets road record(6-2) is pretty good and overachieved getting to the postseason.  They have no feature back and Chad Pennington has done better than a lot of people expected coming back from an injury.  Tom Brady on the other hand, underachieved from what we know he can do.  His receivers are nobodies and his TE Ben Watson has been banged up.  Bill Belichick is the master gameplanner and he flusters Pennington into making some dumb mistakes, New England should have an easy time. PICK: PATRIOTS

NFC Wild Card Games

 @    Saturday 7 P.M. CT on NBC

Ryan says -- Despite owning the top wild card, Dallas goes into January having lost consecutive games for the first time all season. The Cowboys also have dropped three of four since owning a two-game division lead in early December. The situation is equally disappointing for the Seahawks, who needed a win in the finale to halt a three-game skid. "Our record isn't what we had hoped, to be honest with you, but there's something about 9-7 being a lot better than 8-8," coach Mike Holmgren said. The teams have met 10 times, with Dallas holding a 6-4 edge, but this will be the first postseason encounter.  PICK:  COWBOYS

Josh says -- Shaun Alexander came back in week 11 and has slooooowly been returning to form.  He's just getting back on top of his game.  Hasselbeck just got by in his absence and certainly found out Maurice Morris is not a suitable replacement.  Alexander could get 30 carries.  The Cowboys lost to the Lions last week (aka the team with the #2 pick in the Draft).  That's not a good way to move into the postseason.  Tony Romo is more talented than Rex Grossman, yet is every bit as up and down.  Also to note, a body language analyzer surveyed Bill Parcells last weekend and said he looked like a man who had just given up.  Not good.  PICK: SEAHAWKS

  @    Sunday 3:30 P.M. CT on FOX

Ryan says -- With their victory over the Redskins Saturday night, the Giants earned the final NFC wild-card berth and a third game with the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles. The teams split their regular-season meetings, with each winning on the other's field. New York rallied from a 24-7 fourth-quarter deficit in Week 2 to post a 30-24 overtime win in Philadelphia. The Eagles returned the favor in Week 15, riding a 22-point fourth quarter and the outstanding play of Jeff Garcia.  PICK: EAGLES

Josh says -- Riding momentum into the postseason is huge and right now that's what the Eagles have.  Since Jeff Garcia took the reins, Philly has been hot.  And they're playing at home.  Despite a week in the final week of the regular season, the Giants aren't very convincing.  New York has lost six of its last eight.  If Eli Manning struggles, the offense just can't recover.  Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs are a great 1-2 combo in the backfield, but Eli needs to get something going through the air.  Hopefully a playoff game can properly motivate Plaxico Burress... PICK: EAGLES

The Best College Football Game Ever Played!

 Ian Johnson, No. 41 had two victories Monday night in the Fiesta Bowl. 

Last night my Oklahoma Sooners faced a tough WAC opponent in Boise State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.  Being the Big 12 champion and having their All World running back Adrian Peterson back, everybody and their brother picked the Sooners to run over the WAC champion from Idaho.

The Bronco's were rolling along until late in the fourth quarter.  Down 28-20, Oklahoma got the ball back with two minutes to go.  They drove straight down the field and scored on a tipped pass.  Needed a two-point conversion with a minute to go, they needed three tries to complete it; two pass interference calls then Oklahoma QB Paul Thompson hit Juaquin Iglesias to tie the game up, 28-28.  Then, after the kickoff, on the first play, Bronco quarterback Jared Zabransky threw an out pass that Oklahoma cornerback Marcus Walker intercepted and took 33-yards for a seven point lead, 35-28.

On the next possession, with the clock running down, Boise State had a fourth-and-18 at the 50 yard line.  It looked like the WAC champion would finally run out of time until Zabransky threw a hook-and-ladder stunning the Sooners and tying the game up at 35-35.  Zabransky, from the 50, through a pass to wide receiver Drisan James at the OU 35, then pitched the ball to Jerard Rabb who ran into the endzone with seven seconds left.

Next came overtime.  The Sooners started with the ball and scored with a 25-yard run on it's first play.  The Bronco's got the ball and needed a touchdown to tie it up.  They came down to the 3-yard line with a fourth-and-2.  With a walk-on receiver, Vinny Perretta, throwing a pass to tight end Derek Schouman.  They needed an extra point to tie the game up and go to double overtime.  The Bronco's decided to go for two and the win.  Zabransky had three receivers out wide and star running back, Ian Johnson, was in the backfield.  Zabransky took the snap, faked a pass to thewide receivers with his right hand, gave the ball behind his back with his left hand to Johnson who took the ball and ran the opposite way for the two-point conversion and a win for Boise State.

It is being called the best college football game ever played.  Boise State, 13-0 from the WAC Conference, will get no chance to win the national title.  This is just another reason a playoff is needed in college football.  Could Boise State beat Ohio State?  Who knows.  I do know that after USC's whipping of Michigan in the Rose Bowl, I would like to see them given a chance. 

"We went 13-0 and beat everyone on our schedule," said quarterback Jared Zabransky, selected the offensive MVP after completing 19 of 29 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. "We deserve a chance at the national title."

"They should be up there playing for a national championship -- 12-0, finish the season 13-0 -- and hopefully they get some more looks in the future," Oklahoma linebacker Zach Latimer said. "At least a chance. That's all you ask for is a chance. You never know what can happen."

After the game, Ian Johnson ran over to the Bronco faithful where he had 56 family members cheering Boise State on.  Johnson was being interviewed by a Fox commentator with his girlfriend, Bronco cheerleader Chrissy Popadics, watching when he got down on one knee and asked Popadics to marry him.  She was stunned and had no idea it was coming.  With a Fox microphone stuffed in her face (see below), she said yes. 

 Johnson gets a yes from his girlfriend.

Three gimmick plays, two teams and one proposal.  A fantastic game, an amazing ending and no playoff.  We will never know who the best team in college football is this year, even after next Monday night's BCS Championship game in that same stadium between Florida and Ohio State.  Boise State deserves a chance and will not get it.