Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving break has come and gone and now it’s exam time. Hip Hop Horary! I refuse to complain. Thanksgiving was great – lots of food, fun, and football. This was the first year that I spent it completely away from any of my family, so it was kind of sad, but Swamps’ family filled in nicely and treated me like family. GAT (Swamps’ mom) cooked some tasty traditional Thanksgiving treats while the rest of ladies displayed their mad cooking skills with a variety of side dishes, deserts, and beverages.

The Falcons handled their Thanksgiving business by manhandling the Detroit Lions 27 – 7. Simply put, the Falcons did whatever they wanted with the Lions. The offensive starters didn’t even play the fourth quarter. Michael Vick won the third annual Thanksgiving Day Gobbling Turkey Award, going 12 of 22 for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns. Warrick Dunn had 116 yards rushing and T.J. Duckett added an additional 72 rushing yards. Tight end Alge Crumpler had 104 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, and Todd Peterson had one field goal. Lastly, the Atlanta defense finally showed up after two weeks.

My believed Georgia Bulldogs took a bite out of our cross state rival Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a close 14 – 7 game. The Bulldogs have won the last five meetings. This was an old school defensive game. Once again quarterback D.J. Shockley showed why he’s Georgia’s MVP by finding wide receiver Bryan McClendon for the game winning touchdown. Shockley went 15 of 34 for 198 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Kraig Lumpkin reemerged, rushing for 74 yards on the tough Tech defense. Lastly, the G-Unit defense looked awesome, forcing three Tech turnovers, containing Yellow Jacket superstars P.J. Daniels and Calvin Johnson, and coming up with the game saving interception on the Bulldog 6 yard line – big ups to Tim Jenning who had the interception.

Next Week: the Bulldogs travel to the Georgia Dome to compete in the SEC Championship game against the Louisiana State University Tigers. The winner is conference champion and represents the SEC in the Sugar Bowl!

As for me, it’s Exam Time, so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I attempt to learn a semesters worth of material and strive for excellence.

Happy Exam Time!

The Fall 2005 semester flew by. I guess when you're having fun, time really does fly. Good luck to everyone as they prepare for their exams. Although this is a stressful time, please take a few moments out each day to breath, eat, rest, and exercise. I promise it will make your study sessions that more productive.

6 - 4

The Atlanta Falcons are now 6 – 4 on the season and fighting to stay in the playoff race. After a disappointing loss to the lowly Green Bay Packers, the Falcons fell to their arch-rival, the Tampa Bay Bucs, in a close and intense 30 – 27 battle. This was rivalry football: penalty flags flew, fist flew, and the Falcons’ composure flew out the window at the beginning of the game. Atlanta had 11 penalties called against them, they spotted the Bucs ten points in the opening quarter, and they looked like a team lacking discipline.

Thankfully, the team got things together after halftime and rallied to play new school Atlanta Falcons football: discipline defense, solid rushing, and flashy quarterback play. Michael Vick continued to show his brilliance as a pocket passer, going 21 of 38 for 306 yards and 2 touchdowns; clearly his best performance of the season, but Vick kept it real after the game when he said, “[My numbers] don’t mean a thing if we lose”.

See Michael Vicks gets it – high individual numbers don’t mean a thing if the team doesn’t win. I’d rather have a Michael Vick that puts up moderate numbers, protects the ball, manages the offense to a win, and makes the big plays whether it’s with his feet or arm, as opposed to a Michael Vick that acts as a purely pocket passer who throws for 300+ yards and it equals a loss. My message to Vick: play your game and don’t worry about the critics. My message to the Vick haters: son is sick – he can consistently throw and run – he is the future – get use to it!

Other Falcon high points: Warrick Dunn rushed for 82 yards, “Mountain Man” T.J. Duckett had 52 rushing yards and a touchdown, rookie wideout “Rowdy” Roddy White had a breakout receiving game with 108 yards, and second year wideout Michael Jenkins finally had a consistent game with 62 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

The Falcons next game is on Thanksgiving Thursday at 11:30 a.m. on Fox as they take on the Detroit Lions in their annual Turkey Bowl!

#14 Georgia 45, Kentucky 13

Georgia ended its two game losing streak by taming the lowly Kentucky Wildcats 45 - 13. As a restult of the dominating win, the Bulldogs will travel to Atlanta to play in the Southeastern Conference Championship game against the SEC West champion (either Alabama, Auburn, or LSU). This is Georgia's third appearance in the title game in four years.

Shockley went 17 of 31 for 159 yards and four touchdowns. Joe T came off the bench and went 4 of 5 for 64 yards and 1 touchdown. Danny Ware rushed for 71 yards, Kraig Lumpkin had 38 rushing yards, and Georgia punter Gordan Ely-Kelso rushed 34 yards on a fake punt that actually sparked the Bulldog offense. Bryan McClendon caught two of the touchdown passes, tight end Leonard Poper and full back Brandon Southerland each caught touchdown passes, and A.J. Bryant had a receiving touchdown. Brandon Coutu also kicked a 56 yard field goal.

Next Week: The Bulldogs travel to Atlanta to take on the upset minded Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who just knocked off #3 Miami.

Go Wylie Panthers!

Big ups to my little brother Bean and the rest of Wylie Panthers on a great football season! They played in the Wylie Super Bowl today and lost a tough hard fought game 13 -12. Bean played exceptionally well on offense, offering big blocks , and showed no quit on defense with some hard hitting tackles. As a big brother I am really proud of his effort, his sportsmanship, and his love for the game of football and his teamates. There are some professional players who should've taken note.

GO PANTHERS!

Packers Pack Falcons

On Sunday it looked like the Atlanta Falcons took the Green Bay Packers lightly and as a result, they suffered an unexpected 33 – 25 lost. The story of the game was Atlanta turnovers. The team had five turnovers. At least two of them resulted in Green Bay touchdowns. Michael Vick continued to show that he’s a proficient passer, going 20 of 30 for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns. The run game returned, with T.J. Duckett rushing 31 yards, and Warrick Dunn rushing for 76 yards and receiving for 52 yards and a touchdown. Brian Finneran also had 50 receiving yards.

#9 Georgia 30, #15 Auburn 31

Auburn is always a tough game because like Florida and Georgia Tech, it's a rivary game. The game is all emotional, it doesn't matter what the rankings are or which big name players are on the field - the game comes down to who wants it more, and Auburn definitely wanted it more. This lost was a big let down to me. Although Georgia played their heart out and never gave up; they made so many mental mistakes, and they just didn't play like a team coming off an off week. Plus, Auburn got some questionable calls (the two late timeouts after Georgia sacked them big).

D.J. Shockely's (pictured) performed wonderfully in his first game back. It stinks that he's only here for one season. No disrespect to David Greene, he was amazing, but just imagine if Shockley had started all four years as quarterback. He went 20 of 36 for 304 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 40 yards. His stats should've been higher, but once again Georgia wide receivers dropped catchable balls in key situations. Thomas Brown rushed for 74 yards, tight end Leonard Pope caught 102 yards, and Mohamed Massaquoi had 108 yards receiving. Brandon Coutu also had 2 field goals.

Next Week: The Bulldogs play the Kentucky Wildcats. A win sends them to the SEC Championship game. Thankfully, Georgia is still in the hunt since South Carolina beat Florida.

Down with Auburn

This weekend's game against Auburn is the biggest game since the Florida game (I don't care if it's the next game). If UGA wins, they go the SEC championship game in Atlanta, and if they lose, the don't. I generally don't have any distain for the Tigers / War Eagles, at least no more than I have for any other Georgia opponents, but this weekend - Die Auburn Die!



According to University of Georgia Red and Black, the second best college newspaper (the best is the Emory Wheel), there are five keys to a Bulldog win:

1. Georgia has to Score. Auburn's defense is second in the SEC in scoring, allowing just 12.7 points per game, so UGA needs to put points on the board.
2. Keep Auburn from Scoring. Auburn ranks first in the SEC in scoring, averaging 35.2 points per game. The G-Unit defense will have to stop them.
3. Protect Shockley. This is Shockley's first game back, so the offensive line will have to protect him, and hopefully Coach Richt will limit his use of the QB draw.
4. Be Efficient in the Red Zone. Georgia has struggled scoring touchdowns this season, so hopefully will be able to score touchdowns instead of field goals.
5. Forget Florida. That was two weeks ago, and this game will be the difference between going to the title game or watching an undeserving Florida play for the SEC title.

For some funny Auburn jokes, checkout Law Dawg's "Auburn Sucks" post.

Terrell Owens: Take Your Frown and Go Home

After months of bickering and internal conflict, the Philadelphia Eagles did the unthinkable; they sent their superstar wide receiver Terrell Owens home. This is a case of team unity triumphing over individual agenda. Apparently, T.O.’s brilliant play on the field was not worth the headache he caused in the locker room.

In the beginning I could understand T.O.’s petition for a salary increase. After all, he was arguably the best person on the team, or perhaps a close second to quarterback Donavon McNabb, and he was getting paid considerably less than other team leaders. Furthermore, NFL football is one of those tricky sports where if you don’t get your money now, then you may not get it because there are no guaranteed contracts, i.e. if you get hurt, if you get old, if you get slower, then you could get fired, and there is no recourse for the players. From a financial standpoint, it makes lots of sense for a veteran player like T.O. to try to secure his financial well-being because in the NFL you never know how long a team will keep you around.

But T.O. took it to an extreme. Instead of just holding out the season like other players do, T.O. decided to return to the team and talk junk about his most popular teammate Donavon McNabb, his coach Andy Reid and the entire Eagles organization. This was a receipt for disaster. T.O. should’ve known that you can’t travel with the team and publicly trash them at the same time. That just doesn’t work. This situation just goes to show that everyone, even the best person on the team, can be replaced or dismissed, especially when he becomes a detriment.

This possibly could’ve turned out completely different if T.O. had kept quite after his training camp holdout, and allowed his on-the-field football genius be his biggest advocate as to why he should be given a mid-contract raise. Teams increase salaries mid-contract all the time, see Michael Vick and Bret Fauve, and even if he didn’t get an increase, he possibly could’ve signed with another team for an even larger salary and bonus. Now, I imagine he won’t be returning to the Eagles and he’ll be lucky if any team picks him up for the amount of money he wants because of all the baggage he brings.

Georgia at 9 in BCS

The BCS ranking were published tonight and my beloved Georgia Bulldogs are ranked #9, which is up from last weeks #11 ranking. Southern California has retaken the #1 spot, the recently beaten Virginia Tech fell to #6 and the still undefeated Alabama has moved up to #3. Here is the top 10:

1. Southern California
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Miami
5. Penn State
6. Virginia Tech
7. Louisiana State
8. Ohio State
9. Georgia
10. Oregon

Just think how much better it would be if College Football had an eight team playoff to decide who would play for the National Title. As opposed, to allowing middle-aged sports writers, coaches, and computers decide who should play. I'd still be sad because my #9 Bulldogs would be left out the tournament, but hey, they should've beat Florida.

The PiB road to the National Title. Who do you think would win these first round match ups:

The National Division:
#1 Southern California v. #8 Ohio State
#3 Alabama v. #6 Virginia Tech

The American Division:
#2 Texas v. #7 Louisiana State
#4 Miami v. #5 Penn State

Just imagine how the above matchup would play out - is USC really a semi-pro team? Will Bama roll? Who can stop the U (Miami)? Will former 2003 National Champion LSU finally get respect? Does Penn State have the speed to play with the big boys? Can Texas return to glory? Can Hookies make it back to the National Title game?

The above matchups would be awesome! Every time the BCS top 10 changes, I'll try to reallign the PiB American and National Divisions to show what a dream tournament would look like.

Vick Silence Critics

Last week the national media heavily criticized Michael Vick because of his 16.3 quarterback rating against the New York Jets. The talking heads attempted to create tension in the Atlanta locker room by saying the team wins despite Vicks’ play, almost suggesting that second year backup quarterback Matt Schaub should start over Vick, but thankfully Atlanta Falcons Coach Jim Mora dissipated the negative media saying the Falcons were completely committed to Michael Vick because as a starting quarterback he does one thing – WIN! Of all the active quarterbacks in the league, Vick has the third most wins in the league.

Today was no exception – the Atlanta Falcons beat the Miami Dolphins 17-10 at Dolphins Stadium. Michael Vick went 22 of 31 for 228 yards, 1 touchdown, a QB rating of 102.6, and rushed for 38 yards. National media get the picture – Vick may be inconsistent at times but he is a legitimate superstar quarterback because he wins. Warrick Dunn rushed for 88 yards and 1 touchdown and Justin Griffith had 20 yards rushing.

The Atlanta wide receiver corps had a great game, lead by Brian Finneran with 92 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Rookie Roddy “Rowdy” White got his first start and had 50 yards, and tight end “Mr. Hands” Alge Crumpler had 65 yards. The Falcons defense continued to dominate and safety Keion Carpenter had a key interception at a critical moment during the fourth quarter. Todd Peterson also added a 21 yard field goal.

Next Week: The Green Bay "Fake G" Packers travel to the Georgia Dome to take on the hometown Atlanta Falcons.

A Clear Midnight

By Walt Whitman

This is thy hour O Soul, thy free flight into the wordless,
Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the
lesson done,
Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing pondering the
themes thou lovest best,
Night, sleep, death and the stars.

I read the above Whitman poem this morning and it reminded me of the importance of taking a mental break, especially during the last couple of weeks of class were there seems to be a lot of work to be done.

Speak and I Listen

"The secret of success is constancy to purpose."
- Benjamin Disraeli

"All our dreams can come true - if we have the coverage to pursue them."
- Walt Disney

"What you have become is the price you paid to get what you used to want."
- Mignon McLaughlin

We're Playing Basketball

The baby bird Atlanta Hawks kick off the 2005-2006 NBA season as they travel to California to take on the Golden State Warriors. The last year has been hard for the Hawks; they went a franchise worst winning 13 of 81 games and starting center Jason Collier passed away due to an enlarged heart. In other words, the Hawks hit rock bottom, so that means they can only get better. Meet your NEW Atlanta Hawks:

1. Esteban Batista: Forward, 6-9, 270, Rookie, Nicknamed "El Toro" for his brutish style, Batista has to live up to it for the Hawks' sake.
2. Josh Childress: Guard, 6-8, 210, 2nd year, Promising talent must develop a better outside touch to match the rest of his skills.
3. Tony Delk: Guard, 6-2, 189, 10th year, Veteran sharpshooter will have to suffer through trade rumors until something happens.
4. John Edwards: Center, 7-0, 275, 2nd year, Raw prospect will have to help fill the void left by the death of Jason Collier.
5. Al Harrington: Forward, 6-9, 245, 8th year, Leading scorer is playing for more than just pride; he's in a contract year.
6. Royal Ivey: Guard, 6-3, 200, 2nd year, No returning player improved more over the summer, but playing time will still be tight.
7. Joe Johnson: Guard, 6-8, 230, 5th year, The pressure will be on the Hawks' $70 million man, who'll open the season at point guard.
8. Tyronn Lue: Guard, 6-0, 178, 8th year, Will work primarily as Johnson's backup but could be called upon to start later.
9. Zaza Pachulia: Center, 6-11, 240, 3rd year, The surprise acquisition of the offseason, Pachulia is poised for a breakout season.
10. Donta Smith: Guard, 6-7, 215, 2nd year, He's officially listed as a guard but could see time at forward in a pinch.
11. Josh Smith: Forward, 6-9, 225, 2nd year, Reigning slam-dunk champ must avoid sophomore slump for Hawks to succeed.
12. Salim Stoudamire: Guard, 6-1, 186, Rookie, As lethal a shooter as advertised, Stoudamire could be league's highest scoring rookie.
13. Marvin Williams: Forward, 6-9, 228, Rookie, Versatile top draft pick has the skills and work ethic to become a star but is only 19.

#4 Georgia 10, #16 Florida 14

The World’s Largest Cocktail is over – the bars have closed, the students have gone home, and now the only thing left is the hangover. This hangover wasn’t caused by alcohol, but rather caused by the fact that I didn’t do a once of schoolwork over the weekend, and now my Black behind is paying the piper big time. Who cares about schoolwork, here’s the recap on the World’s Largest Cocktail.

First off, if you haven’t made it down to Jacksonville, Florida for the annual GEORGIA-Florida game, then you must go! You’ll probably need to book your room within the next five months, but it will be worth it. Jacksonville is one of those cities where you can either ball out – yachts, fancy restaurants, or do it gangsta – the football game and the Landing with all the bars and clubs, or you can do it family – site seeing historic sites, zoos, and museums. I along with Slick and Wubya did a little bit of all three. We stayed in St. Augustine, about 40 miles south of Jacksonville and it was beautiful. The beach was across the way and the historic significant was impressive.

As far as the game goes, Georgia suffered a coaching lost. The players worked with what they had, but ultimately the coaching staff lost this game. Initially, the Georgia G-Unit defense looked beat up and worn down, giving up two quick scores on Florida’s first two drives of the game, but after the first shock and awe of the remixed Florida offense (I call it remixed because the Gators didn’t run their typical spread opinion offense), the G-Unit held Florida scoreless for the next three quarters.

The G-Unit put the Bulldogs in a position to win, but the offense couldn’t finish the drill. Backup quarterback Joe Tereshinski III went 8 of 21 for 100 yards, and had an awesome receiving touchdown from a Thomas Brown pass. Considering this was Joe T’s first start and he was playing against the Bulldogs archrival he did alright, considering his receivers dropped at least four catchable passes. The run game lead by Danny Ware’s 71 yards and Thomas Brown’s 54 yards, helped Joe T, but Georgia as a team (including coaches) didn’t do the things that champions do, like make field goals (Brandon Coutu missed 2), receiver Bryan McClendon and tight end Martraz Milner dropped catchable balls, and Coach Mark Richt called at least two bad plays on 3rd and 18 and 4th and 11.

The Bulldogs are off this week and receive a needed break.