|
 |
|
Rusty's Blog
|
4/14/2008
OK, so let’s start with my less-than-stellar predictions from the last blog:
As it turns out, I couldn’t have won my NCAA pool if you spotted me the final four. When given a 2nd chance, I still missed on both the semifinal games. If you’re a Memphis fan, have you gotten a moment of sleep since that giveaway?
Like everyone, I was wrong on the Masters. Tiger did finish 2nd, but he never really threatened to win. I never figured that Tiger would finish 2nd as often as Nicklaus – who did it 19 times in majors – but now he’s been the runner-up 2 years in a row in Augusta. And he finished 2nd at the US Open 2 of the last 3 times, as well. So it’s now thirteen major championships and five 2nd place finishes for Tiger. I still think he’ll break all of the Nicklaus records except one – come-from-behind wins. When will he get his 1st?
Unfortunately, I was right on the Brave’s pitching staff. Hampton is already on the DL – I think I’d give up on him – and Glavine now has a strained hamstring. I know it’s early, but they sure look like a .500 team. That bullpen is scary; no lead seems safe.
The Falcons have 2 weeks to decide what to do with the #3 pick in the draft. They’ve got a 3-day mini-camp starting Monday (April 14); Chris Redman’s performance may decide how early they draft a QB. But look for their 1st pick to be DL Glenn Dorsey of LSU. If he’s available, I think that selection is a lock.
Georgia Tech’s spring game is Saturday (April 19). The Jackets fumbled 14 times in their 1st spring scrimmage. Who said it was going to be easy to install Paul Johnson’s Triple Option offense!
March 31, 2008
I was out of my NCAA pool early, but I still like my UNC-UCLA Championship Game pick – with the ‘Heels to win it all.
One of the fringe benefits of the NCAA Tournament is the fact that it means the Masters is right around the corner. I’ll make a pick Thursday morning on the air; can’t imagine anybody but Tiger winning this thing, but I think Retief Goosen will be a real contender.
I see where some experts – Jayson Stark at ESPN, for one - are picking the Braves to win it all this year. I’m just not completely sold on the pitching staff. Smoltz and Glavine are both over 40, Hampton has missed 2½ years, and Jurrjens is untested. Hudson will be fine, but health issues WILL pop up, and might be difficult to overcome.
I couldn’t be more excited about football. I’m still more passionate about the Falcons than anything else and can’t wait for the draft. Let’s hope Dimitroff takes linemen early and a QB a little later.
And as a GT grad, I’m ecstatic about Paul Johnson with the Yellow Jackets. I wanted Tech to hire him 5 years ago. I don’t know if the Triple Option will work in the ACC, but I know this much; the guy is a winner and will outsmart everyone else to get it done.
Tech will be in a BCS Bowl soon – beating Georgia is still going to be a challenge. Richt has that program loaded with talent and seemingly on cruise control.
|
