The Return

Perspectives in Black is back from its one year sabbatical.  Let's see what's in store for 2014. 

#10 Oxford College (NJCAA III National Poll)

Congratulations goes out to the Oxford College of Emory University Eagles on their #10 ranking in the National Junior College Atheltic Association ("NJCAA") III National Poll.  These Birds have come a long way since the 1998-1999 season when Oxford restarted its competitive basketball program.  Go Eagles!

Saxby Stands His Ground

I have not always agreed with U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), but I agree with his recent position on the need for a balance approach to resolving the national debt, which should include increased revenue and spending cuts.  Additionally, it is good to see Chambliss stand up to Grover Norquist and his ridiculous "No Tax Ever Pledge" that is currently holding the Republicans hostage.  This morning, Chambliss stated:

 

“I think that you sent me to Washington to think for myself. And I want to vote the way you want me to vote...[and I] don’t want to be dictated to by anybody in Washington, as to how I’m going to vote on anything.”

 

We need leaders to be courageous and willing to make difficult decisions.  We have a debt problem and spending cuts alone will not solve the problem.  It is unpopular to raise taxes, but if we are to move pass this we need all reasonable options on the table.

6-Game Win Streak

I am pleasantly surprised by the Atlanta Hawks who are currently in the middle of a 6-game win streak.  The Birds have acquired wins at home and away over the Sacramento Kings (112-96), Orlando Magic (81-72), Washington Wizards (101-100), Charlotte Bobcats (101-91), Los Angeles Clippers (104-93), and the Charlotte Bobcats (94-91).

This streak is impressive because the team is in rebuilding mode and comprised of role players and lack top tier players – no disrespect to Josh Smith and Al Horford.  The other players on the consist of Devin Harris, John Jenkins, Ivan Johnson, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, Zaza Pachulia, Johan Petro, Mike Scott, DeShawn Stevenson, Jeff Teague, Anthony Tolliver, and hometown favorite Louis Williams.

One of the reasons this team is finding early success is because it is stacked with jump shooters like Harris, Korver and Williams and guys who can play an up-tempo style of basketball like Smith and Teague.  Horford and Pachulia give you grit and Johnson is surprisingly effective after the bench.

#3 Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 10

Instate rivalry games are often wildcards because the players often know each other, but this year’s “Good Old Fashion Hate” rivalry game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets was never close.  The game could be called, “A Good Old Fashion Beat Down.”  It is hard to believe that UGA has won 11 of the last 12 against GT.  I hope this is a lasting trend.

 Aaron Murray continued to dissect defenses.  He finished 14 of 17 for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The offensive line created massive holes, which allowed Todd Gurley to rush for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns while Keith Marshall rushed for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns.  It is still hard to believe that these 2 guys are true freshmen.

The G-Day Defense gave up rushing yards, but did not give up the big play.  They played assignment football and out-muscled the Yellow Jackets.  I perfect example of this is when Bacarri Rambo ripped the ball out of Robert Godhigh’s hands on the 1-yard line and returned the ball to the 50-yard line.

This was a great final home game for the Dawgs, especially for the seniors as they got to hammer their instate rival one last time.  Georgia once dominated all 4 phases of the game (offense, defense, special teams, and coaching) and the Dawgs have great momentum as they head into the SEC Championship game were they will play the Alabama Crimson Tide.

 Alabama is a 7 ½ favorite and all the media types are picking the Tide to win the game.  Some “experts” are even questioning Georgia’s creditability as a national title contender.  Some have even said that the Florida Gators are better suited to challenge Norte Dame for the national title over UGA.

I want to be mad over the disrespect, but I refuse to let the hate bother me.  Georgia earned their spot in the SEC Championship game; they beat their hated rival Florida in a game that was not as close as the score reflects.  They won the games on their schedule.

 The Georgia Bulldogs will get their shot at the defending national champions on Saturday.  They control their destiny, and they will have an opportunity to silence their critics once and for all.  This is our team, it is our time, and come Saturday, there will be no regrets - Go DAWGS!

Promotion and Regulation

 

I read an interesting article yesterday about how professional soccer in the United States would benefit from adopting the European soccer model of promotion and regulation. For example, if U.S. professional soccer adopted this model, Major League Soccer (“MLS”), the top tier soccer league in the country, would partner with the North American Soccer League (“NASL”) and/or the United Soccer Leagues (“USL”), the second tier soccer leagues, to implement the promotion and regulation process.

Under this model, the respective winner of the annual NASL championship and the USL championship would be promoted to the MLS while the teams with the worst record in the MLS Eastern and Western Conference would be regulated to play in the NASL and USL the next season.  Based on the 2011-2012 season, the NASL Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies and USL Champion Orlando City Lions would be promoted to the MLS.  On the contrary, Eastern Conference loser Toronto FC would go to the NASL and Western Conference loser Chivas USA would go to the USL.

 

In order for this work, all three leagues would have to have similar standards regarding league/team financial stability, stadium size, player contracts, endorsements, and fan support because of the possible migration of teams between the respective leagues.  I think this model would be interesting because it would force MLS team owners to invest in their teams to make them competitive so they could stay in the top tier, and it would force NASL and USL team orders to further invest in their teams so they could have a shot at fielding a top tier team with access to top tier endorsements, television deals, and players.

Atlanta Silverbacks, 2012

I am glad the results of the "Decision 2012" resulted in the team keeping the name "Atlanta Silverbacks".  As a metro Atlanta native, the "Silverback" name reminds me of Zoo Atlanta's most famous resident - Willie B, the silverback ape.  It seems like the Red Apes are making moves this off season to generate support and buzz. I hope it results in on-the-field victories.  The metro Atlanta area loves soccer.  We just need a team that competes, consistently wins, and provides an overall enjoyable soccer experience.  The above logo was designed by a fan of the Silverbacks.  Unfortunately, I do not know their name, so I cannot give them proper credit.