FanIQ Blog

FanIQ Quick Fantasy, Week 1 [Live Quick Fantasy Thread]

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST

And so begins the first week of FanIQ Quick Fantasy! Do you have a game (or 11 like me)? How are you doing? If you don't know, here's how you can find out:

Go to "Quick Fantasy" using the banner on the front page.
Click "Start a Challenge".
Go to "Current Challenges" on the left side.

To view each matchup just click "View Match" and to see which players you got in the draft, click "View Draft".

Who are you playing against?
How are you doing?
Let's give updates here!

Mike Holmgren could be working for the Browns... but not as head coach

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:54 EST

According to Adam Schefter, Holmgren is on a list of 4 (includes Ron Wolf, Ernie Accorsi, and Rich McCay) to become VP of Football Operations in Cleveland (the same job Bill Parcells has in Miami). Can we just give Mike a headset and let him coach this damn team.
Source: sports.espn.go.com

Brittney Griner Dunk In Exhibition Game

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with Britteny Griner. She's a 6'8" basketball player and a freshman at Baylor...who can dunk. And I don't mean she can barely clear the rim or something. She can throw it down hard.

This video below is from a recent exhibition game Baylor played, and around the 50-second mark, you'll see Griner dunk more or less from a standing position, as a girl is trying to guard her.

It's pretty ridiculous that Griner can dunk from a standing position. No other woman in the NCAA can do that. In fact, I don't know any woman anywhere that can do that. Griner may seriously spend the whole year just dunking on people, since no one can block her.

And maybe some of you weren't overly impressed by the dunk above. That's OK, just watch this tape of her from high school, including the off the backboard dunk.

[HT: The Big Lead]

College football rankings AP and Coaches poll

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:03:10 EST

The AP and Coaches polls are out and they're a tad confusing. Although, when haven't they been confusing?

The most confusing thing is that USC is now ranked ahead of Oregon, even though Oregon destroyed USC eight days ago. I mean, yes, Oregon lost to Stanford yesterday, but they have two loses just like USC, and their two loses were to better opponents than USC's two loses. I have no idea what's going on there.

Other interesting news is that Boise State's close call against Louisiana Tech cost them, because TCU has now jumped them and currently sits 4th in the polls.
Source: espn.go.com

Doc Rivers is impressed by the Nets' young players. Really. And he should be.

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:39:44 EST

Yesterday, the Celtics worked hard for a victory against a Nets team that should have been cannon-fodder for the talent-laden Cs. The Nets were missing starting point guard Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian. The game was a grind and while the Celtics prevailed 86-76, Doc Rivers came away from the contest quite impressed by Brook Lopez and Chris Douglas-Roberts in particular.

CDR is interesting because, coming out of Memphis the same year as Derrick Rose, he was an option for the Celtics. Instead the Celtics went with J.R. Giddens, and that hasn't work out so well. Giddens is averaging four minutes and 0.4 points per game to Douglas-Roberts' 34 minutes and 15.6 points. CDR wouldn't command that much burn from the Celtics' bench, true, but clearly he has taken his game to a level that Giddens can't even smell.

The Nets may be 0-7 after their loss to the Celtics but they have a number of interesting young players who could push them into playoff contention in the next few years:

Brook Lopez should be an all-star as soon as this season.
Chris Douglas-Roberts is a pure scorer and has energy to burn.
Terrence Williams is probably the most talented all-around player on the team and fantasy owners would be wise to keep close tabs on the rookie out of Louisville.

And let's not forget that Devin Harris is only 26 and Yi, well no one knows exactly how old he is, but he's either 22 or 25. So, he's young as well. As odd as it sounds, the Nets, especially after garnering a high draft pick for 2010, should have an excellent core of young players.
Source: www.boston.com

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Dickies 500 Live Thread

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

Just 3 races to go, and it seems like Jimmie Johnson's championship to lose, BUT anything can still happen. NASCAR finishes the weekend at Texas this afternoon, and there's a lot on the line. Jeff Gordon is on the pole, that's right, Gordon on the pole at Texas. He's actually going for the Texas sweep after finally getting the monkey off his back at this place back in the spring. That also broke the longest winless streak of his career. His next win ties him with Cale Yarborough, but that tie has been put on hold, he hasn't won since. 8 of the 12 chasers have won here before, but Jimmie Johnson is not one of them. He was fastest in Happy Hour, but that doesn't guarantee a win.

Last year in this race, Carl Edwards took a huge bite out of Johnson's point lead when he won the race and Johnson finished well out of the top 10. Edwards is winless this year. You've also got some non-chase drivers who would love to win. Jamie McMurray is coming off a huge win last week at Talladega. Yes he probably got lucky that the caution came out when it did, but he was at or near the front for much of that race, and much like his win at Daytona, I'd hardly consider it a fluke. Then there's Kyle Busch, all he's trying to do is sweep the weekend, the triple sweep. He won the truck race Friday night, led all but 21 laps and stunk up the show yesterday in the Nationwide race, and starts 5th in this race.

We should see a great race. Texas is the 3rd in the set of triplets with Atlanta and Charlotte, and out of the newest tracks on the schedule, this place was really the only one that DID deserve that second race date. So with all the stories waiting to be written in the history books, who wins this thing?

My Pick: Kasey Kahne

He won at Atlanta which is a carbon copy of Texas. and he's on the front row for today's race. I'd expect to see him stay up there for a good bit of this race.

Dark Horse: Only because he's not in the Chase am I picking him as a dark horse, but it's Kyle Busch.

The Shrub is trying to do something that has never been done before. He has a great chance to pull off the weekend triple sweep. While Jimmie Johnson is 3 races away from history, Shrub is trying to make some more history of his own.

As always, this is your official open race thread to discuss the happenings before, during, and after the race.

NOTE: I personally won't be here for the race, I have a jazz concert to play in, but hope everyone has fun watching the race.

Area man discovers Cleveland Browns really are a professional football team: The Onion to launch a sports satire on Comedy Central

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:07:22 EST

Recently the League launched on FX, spoofing fantasy football and sexually frustrated white men. Now we have even bigger sports comedy news: The Onion is going to produce a pilot satirizing sports news for Comedy Central.

From the article:

The show will amplify the approach of the online video site Onion Sports Network, which features such stories as "a touching piece on the first openly gay horse to run in the Breeders' Cup or the Yankees building a summer stadium in the Hamptons."

The pilot is scheduled to be completed next spring but I am setting my Tivo now.
Source: www.chicagotribune.com

At least one person out there doesn't think Redskins' owner Dan Snyder is a tool.

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:46:33 EST

You read the headline correctly. There is one person in the world who does not think Dan Snyder is a horrible owner and person. That person is Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache. Me thinks someone smells a head coaching opportunity.

From the article here are a few of Blache's quotes on Snyder, who was recently called out by legendary Redskins running back John Riggins:

"The problem is the fans don't get to know Mr. Snyder like we do, and so they get an impression of things that are written and things people say."

He also said Snyder was "one of the most generous, kind individuals you could ever meet."

Yes, he really said this. Just watch Showtime's Inside the NFL if you don't believe it. And, yes, there will be a job opening at head coach in Washington before next season. So, well played, Greg, even if it was a little obvious.
Source: stats.washingtonpost.com

Week 9 NFL Live Thread

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:35:00 EST

Week 9 action kicks off shortly, and there are some interesting matchups today. My personal favorites are the Ravens/Bengals and Texans/Colts at 1:00, and then the Chargers and Giants at 4:00. There are also a few games that look like they could get out of control. Personally, I think that the Patriots, Packers, Falcons, Saints and 49ers will all win by a lot. Here's the schedule:

1:00

Dolphins at Patriots
Cardinals at Bears
Packers at Buccaneers
Ravens at Bengals
Texans at Colts
Redskins at Falcons
Chiefs at Jaguars

4:00

Panthers at Saints
Lions at Seahawks
Chargers at Giants
Titans at 49ers

If you're watching the games, chat it up with us here. Make your last minute predictions on our NFL Pick 'Em Page, and as always, enjoy the games!

SEC Referees Blow Another Call, Helping Alabama Against LSU

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST

You'd think the SEC would be pretty confident about their chances of making the BCS Championship. Pretty much no matter what happens at this point, one of their teams is going to the game. Period. Because that's just how the broken system works, and we all have to deal with it. But for some reason, the SEF officials still feel the need to help out their undefeated teams in every way they possibly can.

Saturday's example: Patrick Peterson picked off a Greg McElroy pass, but he was ruled out of bounds, despite pretty obvious video evidence to the contrary.

The result of the missed call allowed Alabama to score again, instead of giving LSU a chance to take the ball and potentially take the lead.

This has happened for both Alabama and Florida previously this year, and it's starting to get pretty tiresome. I honestly believe that both Florida and Alabama are good enough that they could win legitimately... why do officials continue to blatantly corrupt the games?

SEC Officials Miss Call on LSU Interception by Patrick Peterson [Larry Brown Sports]

Fedor Emelianenko KO's Brett Rogers in MMA's return to network tv

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:59:52 EST

After a lackluster card in mixed martial arts’ first network television card in 13 months, the legendary Russian and the upstart American put on a memorable slugfest that ended with Emelianenko stopping Rogers in the second round.
Source: sports.yahoo.com

Sammy Sosa Is Getting Lighter

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:49:17 EST

This isn't exaclty relevant news but...

Sammy Sosa has corked his bat, very likely used steroids, forgotten how to speak English in front of Congress and now, appears to be getting lighter. And no, I'm not talking about losing weight. It could be vitiligo (the skin-lightening genetic disorder Michael Jackson claimed to suffer from), after-effects of steroid use, or just too much powder from his makeup person and a hot camera flash. Whatever it is, the dude just looks freaky!
Source: www.nbcchicago.com

Cal's Jahvid Best injured, carted off field after nasty fall vs Oregon St.

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:07:23 EST

After scoring a touchdown, Best landed on his head, and the impact took his helmet off. He laid motionless, needed oxygen, and was carted off the field. he is on his way to an area hospital. This page will update as more information is released. please pray for Jahvid right now.

UPDATE: a video of the fall is posted below. viewer discretion is advised and is NOT for the faint of heart.
http://www.sbnation.com/2009/11/7/1120954/jahvid-best-neck-injury-cal-oregon-state

UPDATE #2: Best's injury is officially being listed as a concussion. the grade is still unknown.
Source: www.sfgate.com

Oregon loses to Stanford 51-42

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:58:51 EST

Most people are unaware that arguably the best college running back in the country plays for Stanford. Well, after today, I think they're aware.

Toby Gerhart of Stanford rushed for a ridiculous 223 yards and three touchdowns to help the Cardinal hold on in shootout in Palo Alto against the Oregon Ducks.

Oregon rallied with two late touchdowns to cut a 20-point lead down to six, but Stanford recovered an onside kick with 2:38 to go and tacked on a field goal with 11 seconds left.

This loss, in reality, doesn't really change much in the Pac-10. Oregon has only one loss in the conference and remains in the driver's seat to go to the Rose Bowl. However, if they lose again, lord only knows what'll happen and who would actually go to the Rose Bowl.

But what's fascinating is that one week ago, Oregon looked like arguably the best team in the country, as they utterly annihilated USC. Then this week they lose to a seemingly minor roadblock in Stanford.

Make no mistake, even though USC has had a down year, and Cal was overrated, the Pac-10 is as strong this year as I've ever seen it. They'll likely have 5 teams in the top 25 this next week and even the bottom of the conference teams are incredibly tough outs - with wins against USC and Arizona to their credit.
Source: rivals.yahoo.com

Allen Iverson has left the Memphis Grizzlies for personal reasons

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:41:50 EST

Allen Iverson has left the Grizzlies for personal reasons, and received permission from the team to go back to his offseason home in Atlanta to address those personal issues. The team is unsure how long he'll be gone, but I don't think he was too much of a difference maker anyway. He started the season with a hamstring injury, and has come off the bench (unhappily) ever since.

No word yet on whether his "personal reasons" had anything to do with not getting enough playing time.
Source: www.miamiherald.com

NCAA Football Week 10 Primetime Live Thread

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:58:00 EST

Tonight's games don't have any great marquee games, but there are quite a few solid matchups. Florida plays Vanderbilt without LB Brandon Spikes, and UConn once again tries to pick up a win after the death of CB Jasper Howard. Oklahoma will try to stay ranked as they head into Lincoln, Nebraska, and USC will try to bounce back from their devastating loss to Oregon. Here's the schedule:

7:00
Oregon State vs #20 California
Memphis vs Tennessee [ESPNU]

7:15
Vanderbilt vs #1 Florida [ESPN2]

7:30
#15 Houston vs Tulsa

7:45
Florida State vs Clemson [ESPN]

8:00
#12 USC vs Arizona State [ABC]
#24 Oklahoma vs Nebraska [ABC]
Connecticut vs #5 Cincinnati [ABC]

If you're watching, chat it up here. As always, enjoy the games!

Ryan Moats will replace Steve Slaton in the Texans starting lineup

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:18:33 EST

Thanks to both Steve Slaton's fumbling issues as well as Ryan Moats' solid performance, Moats will be the starter on Sunday for the Texans against the Colts. Coach Gary Kubiak says that Slaton will split carries, but Moats will start.

Adjust your fantasy teams accordingly.
Source: www.chron.com

Tom Brady says that he is not able to influence calls

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:04:20 EST

Joey Porter was pretty vocal about his opinion that Tom Brady's whining to the referees has had an impact on the officiating, and leads to him receiving beneficial calls.

While I firmly believe that Porter is just out of touch, it seems like Brady might be a little in denial, as well.

"You may get more calls. I don't know. I think the ref calls what he sees. I don't think I've ever influenced a call. The refs we have are very good. If they make a call on that, great. If they don't, that's fine."

For starters... if you can't influence a call, then why even try? Don't give the appearance that you're trying to influence the refs.

Second, it's crazy to think that future Hall of Fame caliber players are unable to influence officiating. It has happened all across sports for decades. That's not going to change.
Source: nfl.fanhouse.com

Jordan Shipley sets Texas record with 273 receiving yards against Central Florida

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:38:22 EST

Jordan Shipley had quite a game against Central Florida, including a Texas school record 273 receiving yards. The previous record was only 198 yards, set back in 1979 by Johnny Jones.

Colt McCoy almost set a record as well, passing for 470 yards. The school record is 473. That's especially impressive, considering McCoy threw his final pass with almost 10 minutes left in the game.
Source: sports.espn.go.com

Notre Dame could still go to BCS bowl game if they win out

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:32:21 EST

I think most people agree that Notre Dame has no business being in a BCS bowl game this year, but guess? They may still be.

Gator Bowl president Rick Catlett would love to have a Fighting Irish team that finishes 10-2, but can't imagine it happening.

"I can tell you that four BCS bowl directors are hoping they finish 10-2 and in the top 14 in the BCS poll," Catlett said.

That's because Notre Dame, with its tradition of eight national championships, seven Heisman Trophy winners and a national fan base, brings TV ratings and strong ticket sales.

"Everyone involved in the bowl business is aware of Notre Dame, aware of their fan base, aware of the economic impact it would have on their bowl," Rose Bowl executive director Mitch Dorger said.

This is just another reminder that life isn't fair, kids. But at least if Notre Dame makes a BCS bowl game, they'll lose by 35 points. And Charlie Weis will still be fat.
Source: sports.espn.go.com