Sunday, January 31, 2016

Ducks Move To Top Of Pac-12 Standings After Beating Sun Devils In Tempe

At Tempe, Arizona:

Chris Boucher scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed ten rebounds while blocking seven shots on Sunday night as the Oregon Ducks (#23 in the Associated Press poll, #24 in the USA Today/Coaches rankings; 18-4 overall, 7-2 in Pac-12 play) find themselves alone at the top of the Pacific-12 Conference standings midway through league play following their 91-74 road triumph over the Arizona State Sun Devils ( 12-10, 2-7). 

Wildcats Continue Beavers Pac-12 Road Woes

At Tucson, Arizona:

Gabe York converted six three-point shots en route to a 24-point night as the Arizona Wildcats (#18 in the Associated Press poll, #15 in the USA Today/Coaches rankings; 17-5 overall, 5-4 in Pac-12 play), after having had their 49-game home winning streak snapped two night before by Oregon, broke open what had been a close game at halftime and ended up running away from the visiting Oregon State Beavers (12-8, 3-6) 80-63.

Wildcats head coach Sean Miller picked up his 300th career coaching victory.

The Beavers have now dropped ten straight conference road contests and have not beaten a ranked opponent away from home since 1985.

Vandals Overcome Cameron Forte's 20/20, Hold Off Vikings

At Moscow, Idaho:

Nate Sherwood scored 15 points while Chris Sarbaugh converted a pair of free throws with eight seconds remaining as the Idaho Vandals (13-9 overall, 5-4 in Big Sky play) held off the visiting Portland Pilots (7-12, 3-5) 56-55, spoiling a 20-point, career-high 20-rebound performance from the guests' Cameron Forte.

Broncos Buck Pilots In Portland

At Portland, Oregon:

Jared Brownridge scored 38 points on Saturday as the Santa Clara Broncos (8-15 overall, 4-7 in WCC play) defeated the Portland Pilots (9-15, 2-8) 90-84.

Alec Wintering paced the Pilots with 31 points.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Sun Devils Scorch Visiting Beavers

At Tempe, Arizona:

Obinna Oleka set the pace with 17 points as the Arizona Sun Devils (12-9 overall, 2-6 in Pac-12 play), with five players scoring in double figures, dominated the visiting Oregon State Beavers (12-7, 3-5) 86-68 on Thursday.

Ducks Knock Off Cats In Tuscon, End Zona's 49-Game Home Winning Streak

At Tucson, Arizona:

Dillon Brooks scored 24 points on Thursday as the Oregon Ducks (#23 in the Associated Press poll, #24 in the USA Today/Coaches rankings; 17-4 overall, 6-2 in Pac-12 play) ended Arizona's 49-game home winning streak with a 83-75 victory over the Wildcats (#18 AP, #15 Coaches; 16-5, 4-4).

Ryan Anderson paced 'Zona with 22 points.

Balanced Scoring Helps Lead Dons Past Pilots In Portland

At Portland, Oregon:

Ronnie Boyce III scored 19 points and Tim Derksen added 16 on Thursday night as the San Francisco Dons (11-9 overall, 5-5 in WCC play), with six players scoring in double figures,  defeated the Portland Pilots (9-14, 3-7) 87-76 on the road.

D'Marques Tyson scored a career-high 27 points while Alex Wintering added 24 points for the Pilots, who have dropped three successive starts and seven of their last eight.

Austin and Venky's Excellent Adventure Equals Easy Triumph For Eagles Over Vikings

At Portland, Oregon:

Austin McBroom scored 25 points (while making six of ten three-point shots) while Venky Jois added 23 (to go with his nine rebounds) on Thursday night as the Eastern Washington Eagles (10-10 overall, 4-4 in Big Sky play) dominated the Portland State Vikings (7-11, 3-4) 112-83 on the road, easily overcoming the hosts' Cameron Forte's career-high 37 points (he grabbed 13 rebounds). 


Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Abe Vigoda, Actor Remembered For Role On "Barney Miller," R.I.P.

Abe Vigoda, the sad-eyed veteran character actor who played the role of a mobster in the 1972 motion picture "The Godfather," then played the role of dyspeptic police Detective Phil Fish on the 1970s ABC Network sitcom Barney Miller, passed away  in his sleep on Tuesday morning at Woodland Park, New Jersey at age 94.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Men's College Hoops: Ducks Return To Both Polls; Beavers Regain Support In Coaches' Poll

Following their home sweep of the Pac-12's Los Angeles schools, the Oregon Ducks returned to both the Associated Press (#23) and USA Today/Coaches (#24) men's college basketball polls.

After their Sunday home win over Southern California, the Oregon State Beavers regained a measure of support in the Coaches' poll, where they would be ranked #46.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

NFL Playoffs: It's Broncos vs. Panthers For The Marbles (And The Vince Lombardi Trophy)

Both National Football League conference championship games were contested on Sunday as the two Super Bowl 50 entrants were determined.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Denver:

Quarterback Peyton Manning threw two touchdown (21 and 12 yards) passes to tight end Owen Daniels and Brandon McManus, who converted both extra point kicks, added a pair of field goals (52 and 31 yards) as the Denver Broncos stopped a New England game-tying two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds and held off the defending Super Bowl champions Patriots 20-18 at home for their eighth AFC championship, enabling them to tie the number of Super Bowl appearances at eight (the same as Dallas, Pittsburgh, and New England).



NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Charlotte, North Carolina:

Quarterback Cam Newton became the first QB in NFL playoff history to throw for more than three hundred yards (335 in fact, while throwing for two touchdowns, one each to Corey Brown [86 yards] and Devin Funchess [five]) and run for two touchdowns (one and twelve yards) as the Carolina Panthers claimed their second NFC crown (their first in 12 years) by devouring the visiting Arizona Cardinals 49-15.



The Broncos and Panthers will face off in Super Bowl 50, which will take place at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, February 7 (3:30 Pacific Time, CBS).

Denver will be aiming for their third Super Bowl crown; Carolina, their first.

GP2's Double-Double Helps Beavers Top Trojans At Home

At Corvallis, Oregon:


Gary Payton II scored 22 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out eight assists, and had four steals on Sunday as the Oregon State Beavers (12-6 overall, 3-4 in Pac-12 play) upended the visiting Southern California Trojans (#21 in the Associated Press poll, #25 in the USA Today/Coaches rankings; 15-5, 4-3) 85-70.

Gaels Coast Past Pilots, Stay Atop WCC Standings

At Moraga, California:

Dane Pineau, who grabbed 13 rebounds, and Emmett Naar, who dished out eight assists, each scored 20 points on Saturday as the Saint Mary's Gaels (17-2 overall, 8-1 in WCC play) stayed atop the West Coast Conference men's basketball standings following their 89-74 home victory over the Portland Pilots (9-13, 3-6).

Vikings Too Much For Hornets On Road

At Sacramento, California:

Cameron Forte converted 12 of 15 shots from the field en route to a 25 point (and 12 rebound) night on Saturday as the Portland State Vikings (7-10 overall, 3-3 in Big Sky play) dominated the hosts Sacramento State Hornets (8-9 ,1-5) 81-63.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Ducks Dump Visiting Bruins For 20th Straight Home Victory

At Eugene, Oregon:

Dillon Brooks scored 25 points while Chris Boucher added 18 (to go with his ten rebounds) on Saturday as the Oregon Ducks (16-4, 5-2 in Pac-12 play) collected their 20th successive home victory, 86-72 over the UCLA Bruins (12-8, 3-4), despite all five of the guests' starters---led by Aaron Holiday's 19 points---scoring in double figures.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Tigers Hold Off Visiting Pilots

At Stockton, California:

Ray Bowles canned three three-pointers en route to a 19-point night on Thursday as the Pacific Tigers (6-12 overall, 4-4 in WCC play) held off the visiting Portland Pilots (9-12, 3-5) 70-61.

Ducks Top Visiting Trojans

At Eugene, Oregon:

Elgin Cook matched a career high by scoring 26 points on Thursday night as the Oregon Ducks defeated the visiting Southern California Trojans (#21 in the Associated Press poll, #25 in the USA Today/Coaches rankings) 89-81.

Bennie Boatright scored 23 points to pace the Trojans while grabbing 12 rebounds. 

Both teams are 15-4 overall and 4-2 in Pac-12 conference play.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Bruins Top Beavers In Corvallis

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Isaac Hamilton converted 10 of 14 shots from the field on Wednesday as he scored 25 points in the UCLA Bruins' (12-7 overall, 3-3 in Pac-12 play) 82-73 road win over the Oregon State Beavers (11-6, 2-4).

Monday, January 18, 2016

Brain-Dead Idiot Move Helps Cost Beavers Game At Utah

And it's gonna cost this anal cavity at least four games.

Maybe they should have stripped him of his scholorship.

Men's College Hoops: Ducks Support Drops In AP Poll While Remains Somewhat Steady In Coaches Rankings; Support For Beavers In Media Poll Evaporates

Following a split trip to the Rockies (win at Utah, defeat at Colorado) the Oregon Ducks' support in the Associated Press poll (where they would be tied for 36th place with Navy, Monmouth, and Arkansas-Little Rock) dropped off while their support in the  USA Today/Coaches rankings (they would be ranked at #29) more or less held steady.

After falling to the Buffaloes and Utes on the road, what support the Oregon State Beavers had in the AP poll evaporated.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Late Spurt Carries Utes Past Beavers

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

Jacob Poeltl scored 15 points on Sunday night as the Utah Runnin' Utes (13-5 overall, 2-3 in Pac-12 play) went on a 6-1 spurt in the final 2:56 of regulation and defeated the visiting Oregon State Beavers (11-5, 2-3) 59-53.  


Bench Helps Buffaloes Overcome Ducks

At Boulder, Colorado:

Josh Scott scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while the bench added 45 points on Sunday night as the Colorado Buffaloes (14-4 overall, 3-2 in Pac-12 play) held off the visiting Oregon Ducks (14-4, 3-2) 91-87, despite 21 points from the visitors' Dillon Brooks.

NFL Playoffs: Panthers, Broncos Win Right To Host Conference Title Games

Two games were played on Sunday as the divisional round of the National Football League playoffs concluded.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Charlotte, North Carolina:

Jonathan Stewart ran for two touchdowns, quarterback Cam Newton hit Greg Olsen for another score, and Luke Kuechly returned an interception for still another TD as the Carolina Panthers raced out to 31-0 halftime lead, then held off a furious Seattle rally to hold off the visiting two-time defending NFC champion Seahawks 31-24 in a divisional playoff to advance to their first NFC title game in 10 years, their fourth overall.

The Panthers will host the Arizona Cardinals in next Sunday's NFC Championship Game, which starts at 3:40 PM Pacific Time (FOX).



AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Denver:

C.J. Anderson ran less than a yard for the game-winning touchdown with three minutes left in regulation while Brandon McManus converted an NFL postseason single-game record-tying five field goals (in as many tries) as the Denver Broncos came from behind to upend the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 23-16 in an AFC divisional playoff.

The Broncos will host the New England Patriots in next Sunday's AFC Championship Game, which commences at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (CBS).

Saturday, January 16, 2016

NFL Playoffs: Pats, Cardinals Advance To Conference Title Games

The divisional round of the National Football League playoffs commenced on Saturday with two games.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Foxborough, Massachusetts:

Quarterback Tom Brady accounted for three touchdowns (throwing two such passes to Rob Gronkowski and running for a score himself) as the New England Patriots ended the visiting Kansas City Chiefs' 11-game winning streak 27-20 in a divisional playoff game.

The Patriots next Sunday will play in their fifth consecutive AFC Championship Game.



NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Glendale, Arizona:

After Aaron Rodgers threw a regulation-time-ending 41-yard hail-Mary game-tying touchdown pass to seldom-used Jeff Janis, the Arizona Cardinals, with Carson Palmer throwing two big passes to Larry Fitzgerald, one of 75 yards, and a five-yard shovel pass for the game-winning touchdown 65 seconds into overtime as the Arizona Cardinals defeated the visiting Green Bay Packers 26-20 to advance to their first NFC Championship Game in seven years.

Bengals Hold Off Vikings In Portland

At Portland, Oregon:

Ethan Telfair scored 25 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed six rebounds on Saturday night as the Idaho State Bengals (7-10 overall, 2-3 in Big Sky play) held off the Portland State Vikings (6-10, 2-3) 73-70 on the road.

Pilots Knock Off Visiting Cougars

At Portland, Oregon:

Alec Wintering scored 22 points while Bryce Pressley and D'Marques Tyson each added 21 on Saturday as the Portland Pilots (9-11 overall, 3-4 in WCC play) upended the visiting BYU Cougars (13-6, 4-2) 84-81.

Chase Fischer scored 22 points to pace the Cougars.

Dan Haggarty, TV's Grizzly Adams, R.I.P.

Dan Haggarty, the actor best remembered for his title role on the late 1970's NBC Network adventure series The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, which was adapted from the 1974 movie which starred him in the same, passed away on Friday at Burbank, California from spinal cancer at age 74. 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Ducks Dump Runnin' Utes In SLC

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

Dillon Brooks scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds on Thursday night as the Oregon Ducks (14-3 overall, 3-1 in Pac-12 play) defeated the Utah Runnin' Utes (12-5, 1-3) 77-59 on the road.

Vikings Fall At Home

At Portland, Oregon:

Joel Bolomboy (who grabbed 13 rebounds) and Jeremy Senglin each scored 22 points on Thursday night as the Weber State Wildcats (12-5 overall, 4-0 in Big Sky play) overpowered the home-standing Portland State Vikings (6-9, 2-2) 73-58.

Duda Makes Things Rough For Pilots

At Portland, Oregon:

Duda Sanadze scored a season-high 29 points as the San Diego Toreros (6-10 overall, 1-4 in WCC play) picked up their first conference win of the season on Thursday, 82-71 on the road against the Portland Pilots (8-11, 2-4), despite 23 points from the hosts' Alec Wintering and 20 from Bryce Pressley.

Chip's New Gig

Now, we'll see if he brings the success that Jim Harbaugh brought during his stint with the Niners.

Beavers Buffaloed In Boulder

At Boulder, Colorado:

Josh Scott scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds on Wednesday night as the Colorado Buffaloes (13-4 overall, 2-2 in Pac-12 play) brushed off a career-high 26 points and season-high 15 rebounds from Gary Payton II and overpowered the visiting Oregon State Beavers (11-4, 2-2)71-54.

Monday, January 11, 2016

CRIMSON TIDE UPEND CLEMSON TO WIN FOURTH NATIONAL TITLE IN SEVEN YEARS

At Glendale, Arizona:
USP NCAA FOOTBALL: CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP-ALABA S FBC USA AZ
Quarterback Jake Coker connected with O. J. Howard for a pair of touchdowns, while Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry ran for three other scores (that's him, here, after his second TD), and Kenyon Drake ran back a kickoff 95 yards on Monday night as the second-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (14-1) upended the top-seeded Clemson Tigers (14-1) 45-40 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, enabling them to win their fourth national title in seven years while head coach Nick Saban won his fifth title (four with 'Bama, one with LSU).

USA Today photo by Joe Camporeale

Men's College Hoops: Ducks Still Have Support In Polls; Beavers Support In AP Poll Drops While Support In Coaches Poll Evaporates

Following their home sweep of the Pac-12 Conference's Bay Area schools, the Oregon Ducks still had support in both the Associated Press and USA Today/Coaches men's college basketball polls that were released on Monday.  After dropping a home decision to Stanford but knocking off visiting California, the Oregon State Beavers saw their support in the Coaches' poll disappear, but they still have a little support in the media rankings.

The Ducks would be tied for 33rd place in the AP poll (with Valparaiso) while the Beavers would be tied for 36th place (with Dayton, Akron, and St. Bonaventure).

The Ducks would be ranked #27 in the Coaches' poll.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Ducks Top Visiting Cardinal For 18th Straight Home Win

At Eugene, Oregon:

Dillon Brooks scored 15 points and grabbed ten rebounds on Sunday night as the Oregon Ducks (13-3 overall, 2-1 in Pac-12 play) downed the visiting Stanford Cardinal (9-6, 2-2) 71-58 for their 18th consecutive home victory.

NFL Playoffs: Seahawks, Packers Grab Road Wins As Opening Round Concludes

The opening round of the National Football League playoffs concluded on Sunday with two games from the National Football Conference.

At Minneapolis:

The Seattle Seahawks scored all of their points in the fourth quarters (a Russell Wilson touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin and a field goal from Steven Hauschka) as they came from behind to upend the home-standing Minnesota Vikings 10-9 in their opening-round contest.  The hosts' Blair Walsh, who made three field goals, saw his game-winning attempt from 27 yards sail wide left.

The Seahawks will visiting the Carolina Panthers in next Sunday's NFC divisional playoff in Charlotte, North Carolina at 10:05 AM Pacific Time (FOX).



At Landover, Maryland:

Aaron Rodgers threw for two touchdowns (12 yards to Randall Cobb and 10 yards to Davante Adams) while James Starks and Eddie Lacy each ran for a score as the Green Bay Packers overcame a slow start and overpowered the Washington Redskins 35-18 on the road, enabling the road teams to sweep all four opening-weekend playoff games.

The Packers will pay a visit on the Arizona Cardinals this coming Saturday night at Glendale, Arizona (5:15 PM Pacific Time, NBC) in an NFC divisional playoff.

Saturday, January 09, 2016

NFL Playoffs: Chiefs Blow Out Texans In Houston; Steelers Take Advantage Of Imploding Bengals, Pull Out Late Road Win

The National Football League playoffs commenced on Saturday with two games, both played in the American Football Conference.

At Houston:

Knile Davis took the opening kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown, Alex Smith threw a nine-yard TD pass to Chris Conley, Spencer Ware ran five yard for another score, and Cairo Santos kicked three field goals as the Kansas City Chiefs registered their first playoff victory in 22 years by demolishing the Houston Texans 30-0 on the road in an opening-round playoff contest.

The Chiefs ended a string of eight straight playoff defeats and will take on the New England Patriots on the road in an AFC divisional playoff at Foxborough, Massachusetts next Saturday at 1:35 PM Pacific Time (CBS).



At Cincinnati:

Chris Boswell kicked four field goals, including the game winner from 35 yards out with 14 seconds remaining as the Pittsburgh Steelers took advantage of a late fourth-quarter Jeremy Hill fumble and successive 15-yard personal-foul penalties against Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones to pull out an 18-16 opening-round road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals have now gone 9,134 days since their last playoff victory, a home win in the opening round after the 1990 season over the Houston Oilers.  Cincinnati has now dropped eight straight playoff games and head coach Marvin Lewis is now 0-7 in postseason contests.

The Steelers will pay a visit on the Denver Broncos in an AFC Divisional playoff next Sunday at 1:40 PM Pacific Time (CBS).

GP2's Near Triple Double Carries Beavers Past Visiting Cal

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Gary Payton II scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out eight assists, and had four steals on Saturday night as the Oregon State Beavers (11-3 overall, 2-1 in Pac-12 play) held off the visiting California Golden Bears (12-5, 2-2) 77-71.

Jaylen Brown paced the Bears with 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds.

Zags Prove Too Much For Pilots

At Spokane, Washington:

Kyle Wiltjer scored 32 points while Domantas Sabonis added 28 (to go with his 17 rebounds) on Saturday as the Gonzaga Bulldogs (#22 in the USA Today/Coaches poll; 13-3 overall, 5-0 in WCC play) defeated the visiting Portland Pilots (8-10, 2-3) 85-74 to move to the top spot in the West Coast Conference standings.

Alec Wintering topped the Pilots with 27 points.

Vikings Hold Off Bobcats In Bozeman

At Bozeman, Montana:

Cameron Forte (who hit 12 of 18 shots) scored 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on Saturday as the Portland State Vikings (6-8 overall, 2-1 in Big Sky play) held off the home-standing Montana State Bobcats (7-9, 2-2) 77-70.

Bryce White added to the Vikings' coffers with a career-high tying 20 points.

Tyler Hill, who converted four three-pointers, paced the Bobcats with 24 points.

BISON CAPUTRE FIFTH STRAIGHT FCS CROWN

At Frisco, Texas:

Quarterback Carson Wentz completed 16 of 30 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown on Saturday afternoon (while also running for 79 yards and two more scores) as the North Dakota State Bison (13-2) won their fifth consecutive Football Championship Subdivision national championship (a record for consecutive national football titles at any level) 37-10 over the Jacksonville State (Alabama) Gamecocks (13-2).

Friday, January 08, 2016

Kitty Kallen, Big-Band Singer Who Had Hit In '54 "Little Things Mean A Lot," R.I.P.

Kitty Kallen, the Big-Band era vocalist whose scored several Top 10 hits, including "Besame Mucho" and "Little Things Mean A Lot," passed away on Thursday at her home in Cuernavaca, Mexico at age 94.

After singing with several of the era's top bandleaders---Harry James, Artie Shaw, Jimmy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden----Miss Kallen outlasted that era.

Kitty's last big hit came in 1962 with "My Coloring Book."

Pat Harrington, Jr., Portrayed Super On "One Day At A Time," R.I.P.

Pat Harrington, Jr. the actor-comedian who is best remembered for his portrayal of apartment-building superintendent Dwayne Schneider on the CBS sitcom One Day at a Time (1975-84), passed away on Wednesday at Los Angeles at age 86.

The cause of Mr. Harrington's passing was complications from Alzheimer's disease and a recent fall, according to his manager.

The Manhattan-born son of a vaudevillian, Pat also played the role of the Italian Guido Panzini on television shows headlined by such luminaries as Steve Allen and Jack Paar in the late 1950s and early '60s.

Pat also voiced the Inspector in a series of theatrical cartoons (1965-69) produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises (released through United Artists) that were based on the character played on Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther motion pictures.

Thursday, January 07, 2016

Vikings Fall To Grizzlies In Missoula

At Missoula, Montana:

Walter Wright scored a career-high 22 points (while dishing out nine assists) on Thursday while Michael Oguine added 20 as the Montana Grizzlies (8-6 overall, 3-0 in Big Sky play) defeated the visiting Portland State Vikings (5-8, 1-1) 79-66.

Isaiah Pinero paced the Vikings with 20 points.

Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Beavers Fall Short Against Cardinal

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Rosco Allen scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds on Wednesday night as the Stanford Cardinal (9-5 overall, 2-1 in Pac-12 play) overcame Gary Payton II's 22 points and the Oregon State Beavers (10-3, 1-1) 78-72 on the road.

Ducks Hold Off Visiting Cal

At Eugene, Oregon:

Chris Boucher scored 18 points and Tyler Dorsey added 17 on Wednesday as the Oregon Ducks (12-3 overall, 1-1 in Pac-12 play) held off the visiting California Golden Bears (12-4, 2-1) 68-65, despite Jaylen Brown's 20 points, which paced the guests.

Bucs Make Lovie Walk The Plank

Tampa Bay won six games this past season, triple their 2014 total.  Still, ownership decided to make a change.

The Buccaneers lost their last four games this year.

Junior Griffey, Mike Piazza Elected To Baseball Hall Of Fame

Outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr. (who received a record 99.3% of the vote), in his first year of eligibility, was elected on Wednesday to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. During his 22-year career, in which he played with the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox, Junior hit 630 home runs and amassed 2,781 base hits.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza was also elected.  His named appeared on 83% of the ballots and this was his fourth year of eligibility.  Perhaps the greatest power-hitting catcher in baseball history, Mike had a career .308 batting average, 2,127 base hits, and 427 home runs.

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Monday, January 04, 2016

Tom Coughlin Steps Down As Giants Coach

At least the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach elected to shove off before getting pushed out.

Or maybe Tom was pushed out after all.

Men's College Hoops: Beavers Get Support In Both Polls While Ducks Support Drop

After their Civil War (and conference-opening) home victory over Oregon, the Oregon State Beavers, for the first time in ages, gained support in the Associated Press men's college basketball poll.  The Beavers would be in a three-way tie for #32.  The Ducks, meanwhile, saw their support in the AP poll decline.  They would be tied for 41st place.

The Ducks would be tied at #32 in the USA Today/Coaches poll while the Beavers would be ranked while the Beavers would be at #37.

Sunday, January 03, 2016

Playoff Schedule Set

The schedule for the National Football League playoffs, leading up to Super Bowl 50, is now set.

All times Pacific.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

Opening Round:

This coming Saturday:

Kansas City @ Houston, 1:35 PM (ABC/ESPN)

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati, 5:15 PM (CBS)

Divisional Round:

Saturday, January 16:

Kansas City, Houston, or Cincinnati @ New England, 1:35 PM (CBS)

Sunday, January 17:

Pittsburgh, Kansas City, or Houston @ Denver, 1:40 PM (CBS)

AFC Championship Game:

Sunday, January 24 (CBS)



NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

Opening Round:

Next Sunday:

Seattle @ Minnesota, 10:05 AM (NBC)

Green Bay @ Washington, 1:40 PM (FOX)

Divisional Round:

Saturday, January 16:

Green Bay, Washington, or Minnesota @ Arizona, 5:15 PM (NBC)

Sunday, January 17:

Seattle, Green Bay, or Washington @ Carolina, 10:05 AM (FOX)

NFC Championship Game:

Sunday, January 24 (FOX)



SUPER BOWL 50:

Conference champions at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, February 7, 3:00 PM (CBS)




Black Monday Comes Early In Frisco, Too

So much for the Jim Tomsula error, I mean, era.

Black Monday Starts Early In Cleveland As Browns Can Coach, GM

Is Johnny Football next?

In the seventeen years since returning as an expansion club, the Brownies have made exactly one playoff appearance.

In their lone playoff game, at Pittsburgh after the 2002 season, Cleveland blew a double-digit lead and fell to the Steelers.

Beavers Overpower Ducks In Pac-12 Opener

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Tess Tinkle scored 19 points on Sunday as the Oregon State Beavers (10-2 overall, 1-0 in Pac-12 play) knocked off the visiting Oregon Ducks (11-3, 0-1) 70-57 in the latest edition of the men's basketball Civil War series that also served as the Pac-12 Conference opener for both squads.

Niners Battle Back, Top Rams In OT To Cap Off Rough Season

At Santa Clara, California:

Phil Dawson kicked four field goals on Sunday, including the game-winner from 23 yards out 11:33 into overtime as the San Francisco 49ers (5-11) came back from a 16-10 halftime deficit and knocked off the St. Louis Rams (7-9) 19-16 to close out the National Football League season for both clubs.

The Niners avoided going winless in divisional games for the first time since 1978.  It may also have been Jim Tomsula's swan song as San Francisco's head coach.

The game may have been the Rams' finale after 21 years as a representative of St. Louis with a possible return to Los Angeles for the 2016 season a distinct possibility.

Cactus Bowl: Mountaineers Top Sun Devils In Shootout As Bowl Season (Save For Alabama-Clemson) Concludes

At Phoenix, Arizona:

In the final collegiate football bowl contest prior to the January 11 National Championship game between Clemson and Alabama, quarterback Skyler Howard threw for a game-record 532 yards and hit David Sills with a 15-yard touchdown pass (his fifth) with 2:19 remaining in regulation as the West Virginia Mountaineers (8-5) defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils (6-7) 43-42 in the Cactus Bowl.

Saturday, January 02, 2016

Vikings Hold Off Hornets In Big Sky Opener

At Portland, Oregon:

Bryce White scored 19 points while Calaen Robinson added 17 on Saturday as the Portland State Vikings (5-7 overall, 1-0 in Big Sky play) defeated the visiting Sacramento State Hornets (7-5, 0-1) 76-68 in the Big Sky Conference opener for both schools.

Justin Strings paced the Hornets with 19 points while grabbing 13 rebounds.

Alamo Bowl: Horned Frogs Erase 31-Point Halftime Deficit, Knock Off Ducks In Triple Overtime

At San Antonio, Texas:

Quarterback Bram Kohlhausen, in place of the suspended Trevone Boykin, threw for 351 yards and accounted for four touchdowns, running for the game winner in the third overtime period as the Texas Christian Horned Frogs (#11 in the final College Football Playoff rankings; 11-2) came back from a 31-point deficit----equaling the biggest comeback in bowl history----and knocked off the Oregon Ducks (#15 CFP; 9-4) 47-41 in Saturday's Alamo Bowl game.

Quarterback Vernon Adams, Jr. led the Ducks to four first-half touchdowns but suffered an injury in the second quarter and did not return, taking Oregon's  offensive prowess with him as the Ducks led 31-0 at halftime.  The Ducks' second-half offensive performance looked like it originated from a morgue while the Frogs scored on all offensive possessions during that same second half.

Broncos Buck Visiting Pilots

At Santa Clara, California:

K. J. Feagin scored 25 points while Jared Brownridge added 23 on Saturday as the Santa Clara Broncos (5-11 overall, 1-3 in WCC play) ended a four-game losing streak with an 84-77 home victory over the Portland Pilots (8-9, 2-2).

Bryce Pressley paced the Pilots with 23 points.

Liberty Bowl: Hogs Too Much For K-State

At Memphis, Tennessee:

In Saturday's AutoZone Liberty Bowl, running back Alex Collins ran for 185 yards and three touchdowns as the Arkansas Razorbacks (8-5) overpowered the Kansas State Wildcats (6-7) 45-23.

TaxSlayer Bowl: Dawgs Top Nittany Lions

At Jacksonville, Florida:

Terry Godwin threw a touchdown pass on a trick play, then later caught one, helped the Georgia Bulldogs (#25 in the final regular-season USA Today/Amway Coaches poll; 10-3) defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-6) 24-17 in Saturday's TaxSlayer Bowl.

It was the Bulldogs' fifth consecutive victory, this one during Bryan McClendon's one-game stint as interim head coach following the departure of Mark Richt.

Friday, January 01, 2016

Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss Too Much For OK State

At New Orleans:

In the last of the New Year's Six bowl games, quarterback (and game MVP) Chad Kelly threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns (three of them to Laquon Treadwell) as the Ole Miss Rebels (#12 in the final College Football Playoff rankings; 10-3) dismantled the Oklahoma State Cowboys (#16 in CFP; 10-3) 48-20 in Friday's Sugar Bowl.

Rose Bowl: Cardinal Run Roughshod Over Hawkeyes

At Pasadena, California:

Running back Christian McCafrey gained a game-record 368 al-purpose yards on Friday as the Stanford Cardinal (#6 in the final College Football Playoff rankings; 12-2) ripped apart the Iowa Hawkeyes (#5 CFP; 12-2) 45-16 in the Rose Bowl, part of the New Year's Six.

The sophomore running back caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kevin Hogan (who threw for two more TDs---both to Michael Rector) and returned a punt 66 yards for another score.

Fiesta Bowl: Buckeyes Down Fighting Irish

At Glendale, Arizona:

In his collegiate finale on Friday, running back Ezekiel Elliot ran for 149 yards and a game record-tying four touchdowns as the Ohio State Buckeyes (#7 in the final College Football Playoff rankings; 12-1) handled the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (#8 CFP; 10-3) 44-28 in the Fiesta Bowl, part of the New Year's Six.

Citrus Bowl: Wolverines Skewer Gators

At Orlando, Florida:

Jack Rudock threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns on Friday as the Michigan Wolverines (#14 in the final College Football Payoff rankings; 10-3) capped off Jim Harbaugh's first year as their head football coach with a 41-7 annihilation of the Florida Gators (#19 CFP; 10-4) in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.

Outback Bowl: Vols Blow Out Wildcats

At Tampa, Florida:

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns while running back (and game MVP) Jalen Hurd ran for 130 yards and another score as the Tennessee Volunteers (#23 in the final College Football Playoff rankings; 9-4) demolished the #13 (CFP) Northwestern Wildcats (10-3) 45-6 in Friday's Outback Bowl.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

A joyous New Year's greeting from all of us at Bob's House!