Friday, January 29, 2010

Hawks Sweep Celtics

For the first time in 11 years, the Atlanta Hawks have swept their season series against the Boston Celtics. How 'bout that? Tonight's game featured a half court buzzer beater by Jamal Crawford and many terrible calls by the officials. And, in the end, Atlanta emerged triumphant with a 100-91 victory over Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics.

With 28 points and 6 assists, Crawford showed the world that he is the best 6th man in the NBA. Atlanta holds onto a scrawny half game lead over the Orlando Magic for 2nd place in the East. How long will the Hawks remain amongst the Eastern elite? That depends on what happens tomorrow night in Orlando, when Atlanta faces off against the Magic.

Click on the title of this post. The Celtics need to remember this, when they face our Hawks in the playoffs. Ha.

Hawks vs KG and the C's

Jamal Crawford has hit three huge 3s to give Atlanta a 35-26 lead over the Boston Celtics. As the first quarter expired, Crawford drilled a shot from half court to ignite Atlanta's offense. Joe Johnson is having a tough night from the floor, currently shooting 0-9. But, the Hawks are beating Boston with their hustle and efforts on the glass. Al Horford and ZaZa Pachulia are giving the Celtics trouble in the post. Atlanta leads 41-30 after another basket by Horford. Look for Crawford's half court shot on SportsCenter.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Later, Lane

In just one season at Tennessee, Lane Kiffin posted a 7-6 record as head coach of the Volunteers. During his days in Knoxville, Kiffin was a constant source of controversy. And now, he's gone. I believe the SEC is a better conference without his ignorant antics. But, I will definitely miss Kiffin's ludicrous sound bytes.

Speaking of that, Lil' Lane never got to sing Rocky Top all night after beating Florida. That was a "tradition" he was unable to embrace, because Kiffin's Vols couldn't get the job done against UF. Aided by his sudden departure, Kiffin did make good on one promise. After thumping UGA 45-19 in Neyland Stadium, LK stated that UT would never lose to Georgia as long as he was coaching the Vols. A bold statement after just one game against Tennessee's rival from the Peach State. This lame prophecy leaves me wondering, "How would Mark Richt have handled his shot at revenge against the shot taking Kiffin?"

Maybe the Dawgs would have stormed the field and personal foulishly danced after their first successful field goal against UT in 2010. But, now we'll never know. I just wish Richt could have given Kiffin a huge cup of STFU. Hopefully, UCLA can do that on his behalf next season. Go Bruins!

Click on the title of this post to hear a tribute to Lane Kiffin.
P.S. Thanks to Matt Chernoff of 680 the Fan for recommending this song.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Orlando Magic

At 26-15, the Orlando Magic are a half game behind the first place Atlanta Hawks in the Southeast Division. All Star center, Dwight Howard is averaging 17 PPG, 13.1 rebounds per game, with 1.6 assists and 1 steal per contest.

Tonight, Orlando is hosting the 14-27 Indiana Pacers. The Magic lead 33-17 with little time left in the first quarter. Dwight Howard leads all scorers with 10 points in the period.

Back in Atlanta, the Hawks lead Sacramento 27-25 in the early moments of the 2nd quarter. Kings PG Tyreke Evans has 9 points in the contest.

Hawks vs Kings

The Hawks (26-14) couldn't hit the broad side of the barn in their contest against the OKC Thunder on Martin Luther King Junior's birthday. But, with 4 scrawny seconds left, Jamal Crawford had a chance to send the game into OT. Unfortunately, his 3 point attempt clanked off the iron and Atlanta went down in defeat.

Tonight, the Hawks look to "right the ship" against a Sacramento squad that is just 15-25 on the year. Rookie PG Tyreke Evans has been sensational is his first NBA season. The kid from Memphis is averaging 20.5 PPG with 5 assist and 1.5 steals per game. Opening tip is just a few minutes away.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

RS Sports Radio Awards

Live from Sandersville, these are the first ever RS Sports Radio Awards. Ha.

Let's get things started with the State Champs of Atlanta Sports Radio:
The winner is Buck and Kincade of 680 the Fan. Featuring legendary Bulldog Buck Belue and proud Philadelphian John Kincade, this is the best show on Atlanta sports radio. Buck and Kincade are live Monday through Friday from 3PM -7PM (6:30PM when the Thrashers play). Their show provides interesting and often contrasting views on both local and national sports. With most of its content centered around the local area, the Buck and Kincade show gives listeners of 680 The Fan the most compelling show on Atlanta sports radio. Personally, I'm eagerly awaiting the first "Mets Song" of 2010.

The first runner up goes to Chuck and Chernoff of 680 the fan. These guys set the stage for Buck and Kincade with strong sports opinions from 12PM to 3PM Monday through Friday. The show features a healthy balance between Matt Chernoff's sophomoric sense of humor and Chuck "The King" Oliver's strictly business attitude. Regular guests of the show include former Dawgs coach Jim Donnan and Dan Reeves.

Knocking on the door, is 790 The Zone's Brandon and Woolvey. Their show airs from 11AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday. The broadcasts feature strong sports opinions from Dawg fan Brandon Adams and Georgia Techster Jeff Woolverton. This is the house divided of Atlanta sports radio. Except for one thing... the co-hosts are always cordial, even when broadcasting differing views. These guys bring class to "Clean, old fashioned hate."

Finishing in 4th place are The 2 Live Stews of 790 The Zone. A couple years ago, Doug and Ryan would have been battling Buck and Kincade for first. But, the format of their show has gravitated more toward national sports radio than what's going on locally. I'm happy to see these guys succeed. But now that the 2 Live Stews are nationally syndicated, their show is a very different broadcast. In order to reach a broader audience, the Atlanta sports scene has taken a back seat during their time on the airwaves. You can hear The 2 Live Stews on 790 The Zone Monday through Friday from 1PM to 3PM. Also, look for them on ESPN First Take, where they have become regular guests.

Mayhem in the AM of 790 The Zone comes in at 5th best show on local sports radio. The lineup features Steak Shapiro, Sandra Golden, Chris Dimino, and Nick Cellini. Shapiro is the front man, but Cellini and Dimino are what makes the show work. They both have a dry sense of humor that will either make you cringe or laugh your azz off, early in the morning. You can listen to Mayhem in the AM on 790 The Zone Monday through Friday from 6AM to 11AM.

Honorable mention goes to The Rude Awakening of 680 The Fan. Leo Mazzone, Perry Laurentino, and Christopher Rude provide good insight on local sports. Recently, Buck Lanford of Fox 5 has filled in nicely for Christopher Rude. You can listen to the Rude Awakening Monday through Friday from 6AM to 10AM on 680 The Fan. Get well soon, Rude.

And for the Worst show on local sports radio, the Turn the Dial Award goes to:
The Herd on 680 The Fan from 10Am to 12PM Monday through Friday. This isn't a knock on Colin Cowherd. The man is good at what he does. But, The Herd doesn't appeal to me, because I'm not looking for any ESPN flavor from my local sports stations. If I need to check out SportsCenter, I know where that channel exists on my television set. As far as I'm concerned, local sports radio should be (wait for it...) LOCAL. The existence of this show keeps my radio away from 680 The Fan until it ends at 12PM.

For those of you residing outside the metro Atlanta area, you can listen to all of these shows online, by visiting www.680thefan.com and www.790thezone.com. If you have any good sports radio stations you think I'd be interested in, please let me know and I'll check 'em out.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Kiffin to USC?

Just read on www.ajc.com that Lane Kiffin will replace Pete Carroll as USC head coach. Don't know much about the situation, but you can click on the title of this post to read the AP Article. ESPNEWS is currently covering the topic as well.

I guess Lane was right on one of his arrogant predictions. After upsetting the Dawgs in Knoxville, Kiffin vowed that Georgia would never beat Tennessee, while he was at the helm. Maybe he was afraid that the 2010 rematch would prove himself to be a false prophet. Ha.

I thought UGA's failed DC search could have a major impact on SEC recruiting, but this will really shake things up in the league.

UGA DC Search

Georgia needs a new DC just as badly as Dawg fans need patience and faith in the direction of this program. Kirby Smart just said, "No thanks, I've got a prettier prom date," so Richt must go back to the drawing board. In the long run, this is probably best for Georgia. Smart is highly thought of and presumed to receive a Head Coaching job somewhere else within the next 2-3 years.

To be honest, Kirby Smart would have been a quick fix for the defensive debacles at UGA. But, I don't believe in quick fixes. Why? Because they do little to provide long term stability. And that's what this regime desperately needs. Mark Richt needs to find and cultivate the talents of a Mickey Andrews-esque assistant. The problem is, do men with such loyalty still exist? And, where do you find such a DC?

Georgia might be better off with a lesser known commodity, who is thankful for the opportunity to coach in Athens. That could be a Travis Jones, Todd Grantham, or someone so far unnamed in this process. Most of the local media has their money on Grantham, but who knows what UGA will do?

G Tech is after Al Groh. Maybe Richt could at least escalate the pay scale for his services. Go Dawgs!

To hear what Willie Martinez told Mark Richt after getting his pink slip, click on the title of this post.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Hawks Vs KG less C's

As I started to scribe this post, this is what transpired:

Jamal Crawford just hit a huge 3. Atlanta leads Boston 91-82 with 52.5 seconds left in the game. Kendrick Perkins just answered with an old fashioned 3 point play (and 1 for the youngsters out there).

Any way, Al Horford just got fouled. He made the 1st of 2. After a miss, Boston called time. Hawks lead 93-85 with 30 something seconds left.

The Hawks are going to beat the Kevin Garnett-less Celtics in Philips Arena, 93-85. Atlanta is 2-0 vs Boston on the season. 6th man, Jamal Crawford finished with 18 points off the bench.

Atlanta is 23-12 on the season. Go Hawks!

Click on the title of this post for some southern hospitality. 'Scuse their language.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

BCS Championship Game

Prior to kickoff, the Keith Jackson tossed coin landed in favor of the Crimson Tide. Alabama elected to receive the kick. After starting at their own 33, the Tide regressed toward its own endzone. Head coach Nick Saban dialed up one of the dumbest calls of his career. Bama attempted a fake, but the pass from punter P.J. Fitzgerald was intercepted on the Tide 42.

A few plays later, Texas tailback Trey Newton ran the ball down to the alabama 16. On the next play from scrimmage, star QB Colt McCoy went down with a shoulder injury, after a minimal gain. (Garrett Gilbert inserted into the game). Texas RB D.J. Monroe rushed to the 1 yard line. But, Alabama's defense held the Longhorns to a field goal.

Julio Jones of Alabama failed to cover a short kick by Texas and the Longhorns again took possession within Crimson Tide territory. But, the Longhorns could only tack 3 more points on the board.

Alabama has dodged some huge mistakes early. They are very fortunate to trail by just 6 points. Unfortunately, Colt McCoy might be done for the evening.

Texas has sacked McElroy 3 times on 2 Bama possessions. The punt by Fitzgerald sails into the endzone. The Colt McCoy-less Longhorns will have the ball on their own 20 with 4:29 left in 1st quarter.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Falcons Make History

The Atlanta Falcons will not be playing post season football in 2010. But, that doesn't mean they can't make a little history of their own. With a victory over NFC South rival, Tampa Bay, Atlanta can secure its second consecutive winning season. That is a feat never accomplished before, by this franchise.

With 1:00 left in the 4th quarter, The Falcons are on the cusp of making team history. Place kicker Matt Bryant just nailed a 36 yard FG to put Atlanta up 20-10. Looks like a 44 year trend is about to be broken. As play by play announcer Wes Durham said, "The anvil that has been around the Falcons' neck is gone."

It's about dang time. Congratulations to the Atlanta Falcons.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Liberty Bowl

Petrino's Pigs are playing ECU in the Liberty Bowl on ESPN. It's early and the score is still 0-0. Who do you expect to win? I'll be keeping an eye on this game. Look for some updates in the comments section.

P.S. How do you call the Hogs? Click on the title of this post.

SEC Still Bowlin'

There are a couple of good bowl games going on right now. Sloth Carolina currently has their hands full with UConn in the Papajohns.com Bowl on the 4 letter network. The Huskies have a 10-0 lead with 9:07 left in the first half. UConn is down to the 26 yard line of Sloth Carolina.

Over on Fox, Ole Miss is battling Oklahoma State. Just a few moments ago, the Rebels were denied on 4th goal from the Cowboys 1 yard line. Oklahoma State will be punting from deep inside their own territory. The first quarter will end in less than a minute. So far, it's a scoreless game in the Cotton Bowl.

And just in case you missed it, Florida took Cincinnati to the woodshed last night with a 51-24 beat down in the Sugar Bowl. Click on the title of this post for more details, via ESPN.com. How 'bout them Gators, 850?