Boardwalk Empire

Cast of Characters

Chalky White, head of the Atlantic City African American community, with the confidence from his close criminal relationship with Atlantic City County Treasurer Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, butts heads with the Klu Klux Klan.  This struggle leaves off in Season 1 with unfinished business.

Nucky came to power under the wing of Commodore, the old mob boss of Atlantic City.  The treasurer of the county “is as corrupt as the day is long,” says agent Nelson Van Alden of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.  Commodore went away to prison for a few years before the show aired.  The transition of power came during this period when Nucky began running operations.  Commodore essentially was forced into early “retirement”, although season one does little to explain why.

Agent Van Alden is the head of Federal Investigation on the very infant black-market of “boot-legging.”  He firmly believes he is doing the work of God, and he further believes that he can do no wrong as he works to banish all liquor from Atlantic City.  He knows Jimmy Darmody and Nucky Thompson are both at the source of liquor boot-legging in Atlantic City.  He can do everything, except prove the fact he is most certain of.  Through his frustrations he strays from the Lord, most likely on account of self defeat and self pity, and commits perhaps the worst crimes of all through the series.  An interesting story, touched upon teasingly but never developed through the first season, was Agent Van Alden's obsession with Nucky's mistress, Margaret Schroeder.

Jimmy Darmody was taken under Nucky’s wing, in much the same way Nucky was taken under Commodore’s.  Jimmy was set for greatness, attending Princeton for a time before America’s involvement in the First World War.  In some eyes, very honorably, and in other eyes, foolishly, Jimmy fights in the War.  He comes back with immaterial wounds physically, but mentally he is a changed man.  He sees the wealth and power that can be had from bootlegging, and his family and surrounding network of people dictate that he ends up bootlegging with them.

All these stories develop through the first Season and climax with whispers of mutiny, and the Commodores return to power.  Behind Commodore is the Sheriff of police, who happens to be Nucky’s brother Elias Thompson.  With the sheriff of police in Nucky’s pocket, his power and influence in the city is very large, and he knows how to wield it.  Commodore, at one point during the first season, looked to be on his death bed, but he regains his health, and with it his confidence in being able to run the city again.  Convincing Eli, and working on Jimmy as well, he believes he can do it.  Commodore is very, very old fashioned, and he will not work with Chalky.  The last twist to this story is that Commodore is actually Jimmy’s father.

Another thing to look for is Al Capone's rise in Chicago.  He was the a pawn in the first season, a loose canon really, but the first season showed him slowly rise the ranks to the equivalent of a Sargent by the end of the season.

The first episode aired last weekend, and I am anxiously awaiting the second episode tomorrow night on HBO.  This was supposed to recap the first episode, but I will make that another post, as recapping the first season proved to be a post in itself! 

Kevin

NLDS: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks

What a great weekend in Wisconsin sports! The Packers host the Broncos on Sunday and the Badgers host Nebraska in a Big 10 showdown Saturday night. The weekend begins with the Brewers hosting the Diamondbacks in Game 1 of the NLDS. The Dbacks took the regular season series 4 games to 3, but the Brew Crew enjoys what should be a decisive home-field advantage in the series.

In today’s Game 1 matchup, the Brewers send Yovani Gallardo (17-10, 3.52 ERA) to the mound to face Dbacks hurler and former Yankees bust, Ian Kennedy (21-4, 2.88 ERA).

The Brewers boast a 57-24 mark at home and feature a lineup brimming with pop. Left fielder Ryan Braun (.332 / 33 / 111) and first basemen Prince Fielder (.299 / 38 / 120) lead the charge. Corey Hart, Nyjer Morgan, and Rickie Weeks complement a lineup with very few weaknesses, see: Betancourt, Yuniesky and McGehee, Casey.  Interesting strategy by manager Ron Roenicke to go with Jerry Hairston Jr. at the hot corner today over the struggling McGehee. It’s a totally justifiable move though, as McGehee has hit a disappointing .223 this season and may actually function better as a pinch hitter.

The Diamondbacks came out of seemingly nowhere to win the NL West this season. The lineup isn’t as scary as Milwaukee’s, but right fielder Justin Upton (.289 / 31 / 88) is a beast. Center fielder Chris Young and catcher Miguel Montero also can do damage with the bat and excel at defense.

This blogger predicts that the Brewers will ride a surge of momentum into the playoffs and out muscle the less – talented Dbacks. Arizona could steal a game at home in Phoenix, but home field advantage will be enough for the Brewers should the series go for five games.

Brewers take the series 3-1. Bank on it (if gambling were legal).

(stats courtesy of mlb.com and espn.com)

- Dan

Fantasy Football: Week 4.

[10/01/11 Edit] Editor's Note: Column was submitted Wednesday [09/28/11]

Greetings internet folk. I would like to thank @DaGoodOlBoys Chief, Kevin McMullen, for the opportunity to help you with the most important decisions you face every week – yes, what to do with your fantasy football team.

As an unemployed education major, I have the time to ponder matchups and view trends that help predict who to target, who to start, and who to win with every week. Furthermore, I won my family’s fantasy league title back in 2006 or something, so I’m only 5 years removed from fantasy football ecstasy!

Week 4

Let’s start off simple. Here’s a list of players at each position that I feel must be started EVERY week (in all formats) regardless of opponent at this early point of the season (provided they are healthy and team is not on bye). Order is not necessarily important, but rather a relative gauge of confidence.

Quarterback: Guys who are proven studs through 3 weeks / could give you 20+ points

1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Tom Brady
3. Drew Brees
4. Michael Vick
5. Philip Rivers
6. Ben Roethlisberger
7. Tony Romo
8. Matt Schaub
9. Matthew Stafford
10. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Running Back: Guys who are clearly the top option in their offense / receive ample touches and opportunities to score TDs

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Ray Rice
3. Darren McFadden
4. LeShon McCoy
5. Maurice Jones-Drew
6. Michael Turner
7. Fred Jackson
8. Matt Forte
9. Peyton Hillis
10. Arian Foster (banking his hammy is better)

Wide Receiver: Guys who receive the most looks / have chemistry with QB

1. Andre Johnson
2. Calvin Johnson
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Mike Wallace
5. Greg Jennings
6. Wes Welker
7. Vincent Jackson
8. Roddy White
9. Brandon Marshall
10. Miles Austin (News since post submission: Injured)

Tight End: Big targets whom their QBs trust (especially in the red zone)

1. Jermichael Finley
2. Jimmy Graham
3. Rob Gronkowski
4. Jason Witten
5. Vernon Davis
6. Owen Daniels
7. Dustin Keller
8. Brandon Pettigrew
9. Antonio Gates *
10. Aaron Hernandez *

* Gates and Hernandez are banged up at the moment and have each missed a game.

D/ST and Kicker: Chances are, whoever you have will be fine. Streaming matchups is pretty effective too.

Week 4: Players of Interest: In this section, I’ll offer some players I think will have big weeks, some players to temper expectations with, and some trendy waiver-wire additions that will add depth to your team.

Pull the Trigger and START these guys:

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Titans: Hasselbeck looked done the last few seasons in Seattle. A terrible offensive line saw him constantly under pressure and / or injured. However, the twilight years of his career have been rejuvenated - must be the country-western tunes of Nashville. Hasselbeck is off to a great start, although losing star WR Kenny Britt to a knee injury hurts. I still think he has a nice day against the Browns.

Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins: I never thought I’d be advising this, especially after watching him stink up the joint in Chicago and thwart a potential Super Bowl a few years back. In Washington, Sexy Rexy has been on a tear. At least 250 yards and a TD in each game this year, now he gets to face a St. Louis defense that was last seen surrendering 389 yds and 3 TDs to Joe Flacco. So this isn’t so much an endorsement of Rexy’s talents, but more so saying go ahead and beat up on the subpar defense when it’s down.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: Mathews was last season’s token ‘rookie RB to breakout as a fantasy stud.’ Expected to fulfill the departed LaDainian Tomlinson’s role, Mathews was pegged as a sure-fire fantasy star. Unfortunately, nagging injuries kept him limited and allowed Mike Tolbert to have a nice season. The season began with Tolbert scoring 3 TDs in the opener, but Mathews is quicker and more athletic. He’s also improved his blocking and pass catching. He’s very close to Every Week Must – Start territory.

[10/01/11 Edit] Editor's Note: Column was submitted Wednesday.  I was going to edit this out because of recent news, but I thought it was written well! [09/28/11] Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins: Speaking of rookie RBs, Thomas was hyped widely before the season. His value took a hit when Reggie Bush was announced as Miami’s starter. However, in each of the past 2 games Thomas has gained 100+ yards from scrimmage and scored last week. Reggie Bush may be a Kardashian-romancing ex-Heisman Trophy winner, but he sure ain’t a starting NFL RB. Thomas is a workhorse and should be ridden accordingly.

Mike Williams, WR, Bucs: After setting the world on fire as a rookie last year, Williams has started his sophomore campaign with a slump. Defenses roll coverage towards him, forcing Josh Freeman to rely on his other weapons. However, a Monday Night home game against a vulnerable Colts defense may be just what Williams needs to break out of his slump.

Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks: It’s typically fantasy suicide to rely on receivers who have Tarvaris Jackson chucking it to them, but Rice did manage to catch 8 passes for 109 yards in his season debut and now gets to face a struggling Atlanta secondary. Can lightning strike twice?

Washington Redskins, D/ST: I think Sam Bradford is actually a good quarterback and may be a superstar on the Brady/Manning/Rodgers level some day. However, at the moment he is stuck with a shaky o-line and skill players that can’t even be classified as weapons of any level of destruction. The Redskins D has looked solid so far, and should feast on a lousy St. Louis team.

Go ahead and SIT these guys:

Sam Bradford, QB, Rams: As mentioned above.

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets: Not that you’re probably going to start him anyway, but he’s facing a tough Ravens defense and is a turnover machine to begin with.

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: Matty Ice, or Douche Ice, as I affectionately call him, is off to a shaky start. He’s not a fantasy asset at QB to begin with and faces a challenge this week playing at noisy Qwest Field in Seattle. Too risky, best to stay away.

Jason Campbell, QB, Raiders: Yes the Patriots D has been victimized by opposing passers to start the season. However, the Bills offense is on a role, Chan Gailey is a hot play caller at the moment, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is connecting with his receivers. If the Raiders beat the Patriots, it will be on account of McFadden running wild. Don’t get cute here.

Ben Tate, RB, Texans: A nice story to start the season filling in for injured team mate and last year’s rushing champ, Arian Foster. However, Foster is expected back and the matchup is against the tough Steelers run D that has looked human to start the year, but is still a solid unit. Tate will still be in the picture, but unclear how much. If Foster is a no-go, he could be a sneaky good play, but have other plans on Sunday.

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets: This guy is a flat-out tease. The Jets are a smash-mouth team, but Greene hasn’t seized the opportunity as the starter for this team. His season high is 59 rush yards. The guy might just stink. The matchup is against the Ravens D, and I’d rather use Greene against a less formidable opponent, if I had to use him at all.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: Very disappointing start, although it’s unclear if that’s a product of Cam Newton airing it out, a mediocre o-line, or Williams just having lost a step. Has yet to top 30 rush yards in a game this year and hasn’t scored a TD yet. Refrain from usage until he shows signs of life.

All Your Broncos: Denver has a very tough matchup on the road this week, visiting the defending Super Bowl Champs at Lambeau Field. The Packers’ D has given up yardage in the passing game, but clamped down on Jay Cutler last week. This has the makings of a blow out, so there could be garbage-time points to be had, but there are better options in fantasy. Stay away from Kyle Orton, Brandon Lloyd, Eric Decker, Willis McGahee, and Knowshon Moreno this week.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens: Faces a tough Jets secondary that features Revis Island and Antonio Cromartie. Flacco looked great slinging it last week, but this game is likely a low-scoring affair. There are better options.

Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings: It remains a mystery as to why he hasn’t been getting more touches this season. This side of AP, he is their most talented playmaker. However, I would keep him on the pine until the Vikes show that they’re willing to use him more.

Waiver Wire Gems: Looking for depth or a spot starter? Maybe these guys can help:

Nate Washington, WR, Titans: Should fill the void left by injured Kenny Britt. Hasselbeck will need a go-to guy. Could be a big-time play maker.

Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers: Frank Gore is injured (again) and could be limited this week at Philly. That may not be a bad thing for San Fran, however. Hunter is young, quick, and decisive. The rookie has a burst that Gore simply no longer has at this point. Jim Harbaugh used smash-mouth football to bring Stanford back to national attention, and will try to do the same with the 49ers. If Gore has a decreased workload or misses a game, Hunter will have an opportunity to become a star. Buyer beware: the SF O-line is one of the shakiest in the league. However, a starting RB is a starting RB.

Montario Hardesty, RB, Browns: With one of the best names in the NFL, Hardesty was expected to make a splash as a rookie last year. However, his ACL had other ideas and Peyton Hillis turned out to be a white Jim Brown. At the moment, Hillis is fighting strep throat, and Hardesty looked good filling in for him last week. Continued success could lead to a time-share, as Hillis faded down the stretch in 2010.

Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens: Now THAT is how to make a debut. 5 catches, 152 yards, 3 TDs. Obviously you can’t expect anything near that every week, but Smith made his presence known and the Ravens appear willing to air it out if the matchup is right. I wouldn’t plug him in as a starter just yet, but wait and see.

Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals: Contrary to popular belief, Cincinnati DOES have a professional football team in 2011 and their points count in fantasy, too. Cedric Benson is shall we say, unstable at best; but did enjoy a full work load. Starting this week, Benson is suspended for the next 3 games. The Bengals play the Bills, Jags, and Colts in that stretch. Scott is projected to step in as the starter and could make something happen.

Victor Cruz, WR, Giants: With Mario Manningham injured, Cruz torched the Eagles for 2 TDs in exciting fashion. Eli Manning has to chuck it to someone, and with defenses focused on Hakeem Nicks, Cruz will benefit if Manningham misses more time.

Tashard Choice / DeMarco Murray, RBs, Cowboys: Well, the inevitable Felix Jones injury is upon us. Not clear at the moment if Felix will miss time, but if he does - monitor the situation closely. Either or both of these guys could see time as the starter and Coach Garrett will likely ride the hot hand. Advantage Choice in terms of experience with the offense, but Murray is a talented option as well.

Randy McMichael, TE, Chargers: With all-world stud Antonio Gates limping around and questionable to play, McMichael steps into the lucrative Chargers starting TE role. Although Vincent Jackson figures to see most of the looks, McMichael has been a reliable receiving threat in the past and could score a cheap TD.

Well that’s it for this week, good luck with your matchups in Week 4. Eyes on the Prize folks, Eyes on the Prize.

- Dan (Mac)

[10/01/11 Edit] Editor's Note: Column was submitted Wednesday [09/28/11]

Broncos vs. Packers Late Week Report

The Green Bay Packers come into this weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos at 3-0. They are one of only two undefeated teams remaining in the NFC and are looking for their tenth straight victory dating back to last season. The Broncos, on the other hand, are playing mediocre football. They come to Lambeau with a 1-2 record and a fed up fan base. The Broncos fans are chomping at the bit to have Tim Tebow, the third string quarterback, replace starter Kyle Orton. The fans feel that if they are going to lose, they should lose with Tebow as their quarterback. I am a big fan of Kyle Orton and consider him very underrated as a quarterback. He is tough, mentally and physically. Since he has come into the league he has been overlooked. First in Chicago when he was replaced by Rex Grossman and now in Denver with fans calling for his benching in favor of Tim Tebow. This could be looked at as a trap game for the Packers because it is, on paper, an inferior team and the Packers go to Atlanta next Sunday and play a big game against the Falcons. In the NFL you have to be on your game every week or you are going to lose and I believe the Packers will not take the Broncos too lightly.

The Packers vs. Broncos rivalry is a pretty historic one. The two teams have faced off in a Super Bowl and have had some pretty historic matchups. The Packers come into this game relatively healthy. Ruled out for the game are Nick Collins (neck), Mike Neal (knee), and Frank Zombo (scapula). Collins was lost for the season but is still on the active roster and Mike Neal will be out at least 4-5 more weeks after finding a cartilage tear on his injured knee. Zombo may return to practice next week but still could be out a couple more weeks. Ryan Grant (kidney), Bryan Bulaga (knee), Charles Woodson (foot and knee), and Brad Jones (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Grant and Bulaga are long shots to play on Sunday, even though they expressed their availability to play to the media. If Grant and Bulaga cannot go on Sunday, James Starks and Marshall Newhouse would take their spots on offense. Woodson should practice in the walkthrough on Friday and be ready to go on Sunday. Jones is harder to tell because it is a hamstring. I would inactivate him this week because Vic So’oto got a full week of practice in and should be healed from his weightlifting back injury. The Pack practiced outside on Thursday and where in full pads working on tackling and hitting drills. I would expect the Pack to exploit the Broncos safeties and linebackers in coverage and get the ball to Jermicheal Finley with a heavy dose of play action passes. The Broncos will try to take away Greg Jennings, so Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver and James Jones should have more passes thrown to them.

The Broncos have no one ruled out of the game yet. Wide receiver Eddie Royal (groin), Demaryius Thomas (finger), and tight end Julius Thomas (ankle) all sat out Wednesday’s practice and all will likely be game time decisions on Sunday. The Broncos should have cornerback Champ Bailey (hamstring), defensive end Elvis Dumervil (shoulder) and running back Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) back in the lineup for Sunday after missing last week’s game in Tennessee. Their defense will try to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers with Dumervil and first round draft pick Von Miller and I would expect them to go after Marshall Newhouse. Newhouse held his own and played pretty well against Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije last week against the Bears. On offense, the Broncos will try to exploit Charlie Peprah in coverage and look for them to try to run the ball between the tackles with Willis McGahee and Moreno.

My Prediction: I think the Packers will handle the Broncos from the opening kick. Rodgers to Finley all day and the Packer's defense will cause turnovers and get to Orton. Packers win this one big.

Packers 42 Broncos 17

Matt

End of the Week NFL Picks – Week Four

Record: 10-6

All times are Central Standard Time

Washington (2-1) vs. St. Louis (0-3)

12:00 FOX St. Louis, Missouri

The Rams are a mess and Washington is hungry after letting one slip away in Dallas. Watch for Washington’s running game to take advantage of the weak front seven of the Rams.

Prediction: Washington 24 St. Louis 14

San Francisco (2-1) vs. Philadelphia (1-2)

12:00 FOX Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I see the Eagles getting back on track against the 49ers. It will be a tough cross country trip for the Niners and Michael Vick and the Eagles are looking for something to prove.  If the 49ers have a shot at winning it is dependent on whether they have success running the football and setting up play action for Alex Smith. I just don’t see that happening.

Prediction: Philadelphia 28 San Francisco 10

Pittsburgh (2-1) vs. Houston (2-1)

12:00 CBS Houston, Texas

This could be the game of the weekend. Pittsburgh struggled against an inferior team last week and the Texans had a lead in the fourth quarter in New Orleans last week. I think both defenses have the advantage in this game. This will be the Texans coming out party and they will show everyone that they are a serious threat to win the AFC.

Prediction: Houston 20 Pittsburgh 17

New Orleans (2-1) vs. Jacksonville (1-2)

12:00 FOX Jacksonville, Florida

The Saints are clicking on offense but the defense is giving up too many points and yards. They are licking their chops because of the Jags and rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Greg Williams will confuse the young man behind center and the Saints will win easily.

Prediction: New Orleans 31 Jacksonville 13

Carolina (1-2) vs. Chicago (1-2)

12:00 FOX Chicago, Illinois

This game will be closer than most think. Cam Newton is the real deal at quarterback and Chicago has a hard time defending a mobile quarterback. The Panthers will hang around long enough for the Chicago faithful to boo and moan about how bad their team is but then the Bears will force a key turnover late to secure a Bears victory.

Prediction: Chicago 21 Carolina 17

Detroit (3-0) vs. Dallas (2-1)

12:00 FOX Arlington, Texas

Detroit has been impressive on both sides of the ball. Dallas has disappointed me on offense but their defense is why they are 2-1. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are playing out of their minds pressuring opposing quarterbacks and Jay Ratliff is a beast in the middle of an underrated defensive line. Detroit will get a shot of reality this week but it may benefit them. Don’t believe the hype, Detroit, or you will fall victim to it.

Prediction: Dallas 34 Detroit 17

Minnesota (0-3) vs. Kansas City (0-3)

12:00 FOX Kansas City, Missouri

There are very few guarantees in life but one of them is that after Sunday either the Vikings or Chiefs will have their first win of the year. Kansas City showed great resolve last week in a close loss to the Chargers and the Vikings collapsed in the second half for a third straight game. This game will not be pretty to watch but in the end Adrian Peterson is the difference and the Vikings earn their first win of the year.  I use the term "earn" loosely here.

Prediction: Vikings 28 Kansas City 14

Buffalo (3-0) vs. Cincinnati (1-2)

12:00 CBS Cincinnati, Ohio

This could be a letdown game for the Bills after a huge win at home against the Patriots last week. I think this game stays close right down to the end and see the Bengals pulling off a huge upset in front of their home crowd. Buffalo has been porous in coverage and I see AJ Green having a big game.

Prediction: Cincinnati 21 Buffalo 14

Tennessee (2-1) vs. Cleveland (2-1)

12:00 CBS Cleveland, Ohio

This will be another close game but in the end it will come down to who can control the line of scrimmage and give their quarterback enough time to air it out. Chris Johnson could be an X factor in this game. I say he gets it going in this game and the Titans win by a couple touchdowns.

Prediction: Titans 27 Browns 13

New York (NFC) (2-1) vs. Arizona (1-2)

3:05 FOX Glendale, Arizona

The Giants are on a roll and that will continue in the dessert on Sunday. I just don’t trust Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals offense. They only scored 10 points against the Seahawks last week and turned the ball over when it matter most. Eli Manning will protect the football and make big plays down the field to lead his team to a convincing victory in Arizona.

Prediction: New York (NFC) 34 Arizona 17

Atlanta (1-2) vs. Seattle (1-2)

3:05 FOX Seattle, Washington

The Falcons play bad on the road and the Seahawks play well at home. Regardless, I just don’t see Atlanta losing two in a row to inferior teams. Seattle will keep it close for the first half but Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will lead the Falcons to a much needed victory.

Prediction: Atlanta 23 Seattle 10

New England (2-1) vs. Oakland (2-1)

3:15 CBS Oakland, California

This will be a tough game for the Patriots because of the travel. Tom Brady will put up his numbers but he has to protect the football. Oakland is one of the best rushing teams in the NFL and that will be on full display against a very bad New England defense. In the final minute, Tom Brady will be Tom Brady and pull it off for the Pats.

Prediction: New England 38 Oakland 35

Denver (1-2) vs. Green Bay (3-0)

3:15 CBS Green Bay, Wisconsin

Please see my Broncos vs. Packers Late Week Report for my analysis and breakdown of the game. (coming soon!)

Prediction: Green Bay 42 Denver 17

Miami (0-3) vs. San Diego (2-1)

3:15 CBS San Diego, California

Three of San Diego’s first four games have been against winless teams (Minnesota, Kansas City, and now Miami). Miami’s offense is non-existent and their defense gives up way to many yards. Expect this to hold true on Sunday and for Phillip Rivers to have a field day against the Dolphins.

Prediction: San Diego 33 Miami 13

New York (AFC) (2-1) vs. Baltimore (2-1)

7:20 NBC Baltimore, Maryland

This is going to be a physical, hard hitting football game. Both defenses will be the key figures in the game. The Jets couldn’t stop the run last week in Oakland and Ray Rice could be the difference maker in this one. The Jets have trouble late and leave Baltimore with a second consecutive loss.

Prediction: Baltimore 17 New York (AFC) 10

Indianapolis (0-3) vs. Tampa Bay (2-1)

7:30 ESPN Tampa, Florida

Tampa Bay got a huge win against the Falcons last week but can they sustain the success that they had? They are the youngest team in the NFL and will be playing on Monday Night Football. They are going up against an opponent that will possibly be without their starting quarterback. If Tampa Bay can keep Josh Freeman clean they will win. I bet they do.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 26 Indianapolis 17

Matt

NFL Player Profile: Marshall Newhouse

Last Sunday suffered another injury to a starter with Bryan Bulaga leaving the game with a bruised knee. You could hear all of Packer Nation let out a collective gasp when Bulaga pounded his fist in disappointment. Fans asked each other who would go in and replace Bulaga. Would it be first round pick Derrick Sherrod? Nope, he was inactive for the Bears game just like he was for the first two games. Many believe it is taking Sherrod more time to adjust to the pro game because of the lack of off-season work due to the NFL Lockout. They only other person on the depth chart was Marshall Newhouse. Newhouse, a second year pro out of TCU, was inactive for the first 14 games last season and injured his back on December 22 and was placed on Injured Reserve. He came into this year as just another name in a crowded line of offensive linemen. He battled in training camp and the coaches were high on his effort and picture perfect technique. When Bulaga went down, Newhouse grabbed his helmet and the offense didn’t miss a beat the rest of the game.

For most of the game Newhouse went up against Israel Idonije most of the time and held his own well. We all thought that as soon as Newhouse went in the Bears would move Julius Peppers over and line him up on the second year pro all game but that rarely happened. Newhouse at times looked like a seasoned veteran moving Idonije and Peppers when he was lined up against him. The communication was great and he, with Josh Sitton, opened massive holes and cut back lanes for Ryan Grant. Newhouse was humble after the game and gave attention to the reps in practice and being comfortable at his position for his success against the Bears. "Any D-line in this league is good," Newhouse said. "They're going to test you. But luckily I got a lot of reps at tackle and felt like I was prepared mentally. It gave me a chance to just play football and be athletic. Just be sound and play." Newhouse continues to take snaps with the first team offense while Bryan Bulaga rests his bruised knee.

Bulaga stated yesterday that he would be ready to play but Coach McCarthy said today that he and Ryan Grant would, “be challenged to play on Sunday”. If Bulaga is not ready to go on Sunday then Newhouse will be prepared and ready to play and play at a high level. This team is starting to take the same approach as last year’s team. The next man up will go in, and no matter if it is offense, defense or special teams, and not miss a beat.

My Ten Pack of College Football Picks for Week Five

All game times are Central Standard Time

#16 South Florida (4-0) vs. Pittsburgh (2-2)

Thursday, September 29 7:00 pm ESPN

South Florida is really playing good football. They are in the top twenty in both running the ball and scoring. Pittsburgh had a heartbreaking loss last weekend against Notre Dame. Their offense is terrible. It is hard for them to get a first down, let alone score points to win a game. South Florida will roll in this one.

Prediction: #16 South Florida 45 Pittsburgh 17

Minnesota (1-3) vs. #19 Michigan (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am Big Ten Network

The Battle for the Little Brown Jug will be fought at Ann Arbor on Saturday for the first time since 2008. Minnesota is really hard to figure out. They lost tough to USC but then got manhandled against North Dakota St. Michigan is playing well and will look to start Big Ten play off strong and they will succeed. Prediction: #19 Michigan 38 Minnesota 20

#3 Alabama (4-0) vs. #12 Florida (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm CBS

This will be a heavyweight fight down in Gainesville and will come down to the better defense. I pick Alabama to man up and make the plays late to preserve a Tide victory.

Prediction: #3 Alabama 23 #12 Florida 12

Nevada (1-2) vs. #4 Boise St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 1:30 pm Versus

Boise St. remembers what Nevada did to them last season. They dashed their BCS Championship shot with an upset win last November. The Wolf Pack have not gotten to a good start and that will continue against the Broncos. Boise St. wins in a romp!

Prediction: #4 Boise St. 55 Nevada 21

#17 Texas (3-0) vs. Iowa St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 6:00 pm FX

This is my upset special of the week. Texas has not impressed me and Iowa St. is at home and will ride that home crowd to a huge win against the Longhorns.

Prediction: Iowa St. 28 #17 Texas 17

#8 Nebraska (4-0) vs. #7 Wisconsin (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ABC

This is the game of the week. Nebraska is making their Big Ten debut in Madison where the Badgers never lose. The Badgers are a different team than in years back because this is a passing offense with the arrival of Russell Wilson. Wilson will be the key, if he can protect the ball then the Badgers win but if he turns it over, this is Nebraska’s night. I am betting Wilson protects that football and the Badgers get a huge win.

Prediction: #7 Wisconsin 30 #8 Nebraska 20

#13 Clemson (4-0) vs. #11 Virginia Tech (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 5:00 pm ESPN2

Clemson is playing their third straight game against a ranked opponent and they keep getting better and better. Virginia Tech is going to hit a buzz saw in Clemson and the Tigers will take control of the Atlantic Division of the ACC.

Prediction: #13 Clemson 31 #11 Virginia Tech 24

#14 Texas A&M (2-1) vs. #18 Arkansas (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am ESPN

The Aiggies lost a heartbreaker against Oklahoma St. last week and will look for revenge against a worn down Arkansas team. Arkansas played a really physical game against Alabama last week and will not be ready for this one. The Aiggies take it early and win it going away.

Prediction: #14 Texas A&M 32 #18 Arkansas 14

Michigan St (3-1). vs. Ohio St. (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 2:30 pm ABC or ESPN

This is a huge game for both teams because they both have one loss already. I see Ohio St. struggling in the first half but getting back on track. Michigan St. quarterback Kirk Cousin will make a late mistake and the Buckeyes will win it.

Prediction: Ohio St. 27 Michigan St. 21

Notre Dame (2-2) vs. Purdue (2-1)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ESPN

Notre Dame is playing with some confidence now and Purdue is a mess. Look for Notre Dame to run it up and leave no doubt that they are back to winning football.

Prediction: Notre Dame 48 Purdue 14
 
Matt
 
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Fielder Receives Ovation, Sits 9th.

Prince Fielder sat out the 9^th inning of tonight’s Brewer game.  Casey McGehee played first base, and he was using Prince’s glove.  That is kinda bittersweet in itself.  He came out before the ninth and tipped his hat to a very loud, adoring crowd.  I hope it isn’t his last regular season game as a Brewer, I really hope.  

What a great night for baseball.  Boston is winning 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh.  The Yankees and the Devil Rays are in extra innings.  7-7 in the 10^th.  Atlanta and Philadelphia are tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 12^th.  Are you kidding me?  Are you kidding me?  Well, the #cubs are being whalloped.  

Gomez got caught on the base paths again tonight.  I’ve seen him thrown out on the bases just about every game.  Granted this one was a play at the plate, and a beautiful throw from the outfleid, but Gomez didn’t even slide.  Injury or not, sometimes when you are playing on the stage you are, a slide, feet first even, is warranted.  Not just a half-assed, reach around slide.