All posts by Payne Insider

At one point Crabtree threatened to sit out the entire season. At that point it looked like another troubled wide receiver was entering the NFL.

However, after months of holding out Michael Crabtree sat down with the 49ers and has agreed to a 6-year contract that allows him to void the final year of his deal if he surpasses performance clauses.

Crabtree and agent Eugene Parker met into the early-morning hours Wednesday with 49ers owner Jed York, general manager Scot McCloughan and Paraag Marathe, vice president of football operations. The two sides had gone almost three weeks without talking.

As we know this league is about TALENT, and that is exactly what Michael Crabtree will bring to a team that lacks an explosive wide receiver. Coach Mike Singletary, whose 49ers lead the NFC West at 3-1 are off to their best start since 2002 isn’t stupid – He wants things to remain that way. With it’s best offensive player in Frank Gore out until at least October 25th getting Crabtree signed was a bigger priority.

If Crabtree wasn’t signed by November 17th he would not of played for the 49ers this season and would of been eligible to re-enter the NFL draft next season.

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Nobody wanted it to happen but, reality is this situation was going to happen sooner than later.

After another loss on Saturday coach Bobby Bowden said Sunday morning he isn’t planning on quitting anytime soon.

Florida State is 2-3 for the first time since Bowden’s inaugural season at the school 33 years ago, and 0-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time. After more than a few years in decline, Florida State is no longer the powerhouse they were, or want to be.

In a statement most some people saw coming but, hoped it wouldn’t – Jim Smith, the chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, told the Tallahassee Democrat it’s time for a change.

“My hope is frankly that we’ll go ahead, and if we have to, let the world know that this year will be the end of the Bowden era,” said Smith, according to the newspaper. “… I do appreciate what he’s done for us, what he’s done for the program, what he’s done really for the state of Florida. But I think the record will show that the Seminole Nation has been more than patient. We have been in a decline not for a year or two or three but I think we’re coming up on seven or eight. I think enough is enough.”

When Florida State brought Jimbo Fisher on board it was understood he would be Bowden’s successor after he stepped down.

After Saturday’s 28-21 loss at Boston College, it looks like FSU is wanting Fisher to take over the head coaching duties starting next season.

These thoughts not only are coming from the higher ups within the Football Program but two Florida newspapers, including the hometown Democrat, also said Bowden should call it a career at the end of this season.

“The love and admiration we all have for Bobby doesn’t put fans in the seats, money in the coffers or national championships in the trophy case,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi wrote. “Bobby used to be able to do all those things, but clearly he cannot anymore.”

Steve Ellis, the Democrat’s beat writer who frequently doubles up with opinion pieces, wrote that Florida State must make a tough decision while Bowden’s successor, Jimbo Fisher, calls the plays for the offense.

“It is time,” Ellis wrote in Sunday’s edition. “This should be Bowden’s last season.”

Bowden’s 384 wins are three fewer than Penn State coach Joe Paterno, the career leader in victories among major college coaches. Bowden turns 80 in just over a month, and has a contract that gives him the option to return in 2010 — but no later, or the school will have to pay Fisher a $5 million bonus.

Bowden, known for turning a program in shambles to a Nation Powerhouse, and affable personality that will be remember forever, said Sunday that he’d make the decision on his future in conjunction with the university president when the time is right.

“We are the ones who will determine what we do and what kind of progress we make,” Bowden said. “I will determine my situation. I won’t let some guys’ speculation tell me when to move.”

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If losing game after game wasn’t enough, the Raiders have some serious turmoil within. It appears as if the training camp rumors were true about Tom Cable getting into it with one of his assistants.

The Oakland Raiders are bracing itself for the possibility that head coach Tom Cable could be arrested soon in relation to an alleged assault on an assistant coach. Criminal charges against Cable could lead to a suspension by the league.

Napa Valley (Calif.) police have declined to comment on the investigation but, the attorney for Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson said that Hanson told police he had been assaulted by Cable on Aug. 5 while the Raiders were in training camp. Hanson was treated for a broken jaw and his attorney, San Francisco-based John McGuinn, said three other coaches, including Marshall, witnessed the attack.

McGuinn did not return three messages left by Yahoo!, but told NFL.com that the situation was “a textbook case of felony assault.”

Napa Valley police Commander Andy Lewis declined to discuss the matter, but defended the progress of the investigation even though no arrest had been made in nearly two months.

“I’m not going to address the case, but it’s not as simple as just making an arrest,” Lewis said. “You don’t know the issues involved with the case.”

If arrested, Cable could also face a suspension from the NFL for violation of the personal conduct policy. Under the policy, coaches and executives are held to the same standard, if not a higher one, than the players.

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A Catch-less Sunday in Buffalo, T.O. made News other ways.


After Buffalo’s 27-7 loss to the Saints on Sunday Owens faced a gauntlet of questions from the local Media on why he was held without a catch. Like old times, he put the blame on everyone but himself. From play calling to the quarterback.
Here is the quick lipped Owens during Sunday’s press conference

Q: What did you think of the offense overall?

T.O.: “Didn’t execute.”

Q: Why do you think the offense didn’t execute?

T.O.: “We lost the game, what do you think?”

Q: On the deep ball at the tunnel end did you pull up on that?

T.O.: “No.”

Q: Trent couldn’t get the ball downfield and it seemed like everything was short and check downs.

T.O.: “I was just going with the plays that were called.”

Q: Was it something their defense was doing out there?

T.O.: “What do you think?”

Q: You tell me, you’re out there

T.O.: “I’m just going with the plays that are called.”

Q: Your frustration level right now?

T.O.: “I’m good. Just got to get ready for next week.”

Q: Do you feel you and Lee (Evans) are being wasted in this offens?

T.O.: “We’re just going with the plays that are called.”

Q: You could say ‘no’ right there.

T.O.: “I’m just going with the plays that are called.”

Q: Do you like the plays that are called?

T.O.: “Whether I like them or don’t, I’m just going with the plays that are called.”

Q: How about the decisiosn that are made after the plays are called? The quarterback’s decisions after the play is called?

T.O.: “You’d have to ask him.”

Q: I’m asking what you think.

T.O.: “I don’t want to answer that because whatever I say you guys are turn it into however you want to say it.”

Q: We’ll print whatever you say word for word.

T.O.: “I just answered you sir.”

Q: Any thoughts on the end of your catch streak (185 straight games)?

T.O.: “It’s over.”

Q: Did it have any meaning to you at all?

T.O.: “We didn’t win the game.”

Q: Do you feel bad for the defense?

T.O.: “We’ve just got to regroup and get ready for next week.”

Later in the Evening things got worse when…

Pro Bowl Safety Rodney Harrison called out Mr. Owens on the NBC Nationally Televised pregame show before the Colts & Cardinals game.

Harrison Said:, “He’s a clown, he’s all about the circus show and the cameras. He’s just so, so miserable. He wants to seek so much attention.”

Terrell Owens responds to Harrison Via Twitter“I could care less about Rodney Harrison! Anybody tht using steroids, yes STEROIDS rodney, is a cheater & cheated the game!”

“Is that Y u used steroids b/c u were worried about ur stats or was it b/c u were losing it? Lol! U’re a loser & a cheater? Got any steroids I can borrow?”

“Hey Rodney! Send me sum steroids 2 the Bills facility next week!”

“Since I know the media reads my tweets, will sum1 ask Rodney how long the cycles take b4 I feel results of the steroids when he sends em? Lol!”

“So Rodney, I’m thinking if u overngh it 2day, I’ll get em by 2morr @ noon. Better yet, mark it Priority!! I “really” wanna b a CHAMPION like u!!”

“Hey Rodney if I really considered using them, could u please lv instructions on how & where 2 stick the needle just like u did 2 assure I do it rite!”

“My bad Rodney! I have been corrected by ur supporters, u used HGH not steroids! So, every1 go ahead & use HGH!! Geez, I guess that makes it better 2 use!!”

Were only in Week #3 of the NFL season and already Owens is up to his usual behavior…Buckle up Buffalo it’s going to be a loooooooooooong season!

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Just in case you missed it…Here’s an A – Z Recap!!!

It was a long week that featured upset after upset after upset, a miracle basketball shot, the best of the Manning’s and a very strange Lambeau Leap. So if you were napping, we have you covered! Here is an alphabetical look back on the week/weekend that was in sports.

Arkansas…The biggest let down for me in 2009, the Razorbacks came out firing in the first quarter to take a 10 point lead only to be shut out in the 2nd quarter and choke down the stretch to lose a 52-41 shootout.

Brees’e Does It Again… Another week in the books, another lights out performance from Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Not only has he locked down a spot as number one across all fantasy leagues, but more importantly is what appears to be a permanent spot as my letter B each week in this article.

C-A-N-E-S… Miami steam rolled Georgia Tech last Thursday 33-17 easily covering the 3.5 point spread. That win bumped the University of Miami up to 13th in the national rankings this week as they have Virginia Tech on deck this Saturday.

Don’t Look Now… But the Minnesota Vikings are 2-0, a very impressive 2-0 at that. With their home opener this weekend, followed by Green Bay and St. Louis the Vikings can easily cruise to a 5-0 start this season.

Eli… Manning led the Giants down the field for the winning score with no time left on the clock to spoil the Cowboys stadium opening party. I guess a Billion-One doesn’t go as far as it used to…

Forth And Long… Fourth and really long… Texas Tech found themselves in a fourth and forty two situation this Saturday night against rival Texas. The Red Raiders punt was returned 8 yards to the original line of scrimmage.

Gore! Frank Gore absolutely destroyed the Seahawks defense running for a 78 yard touchdown and an 82 yard touchdown on Sunday. Gore totaled over 200 yards on the ground before departing early with a minor injury.

Hassel…Back? Matt Hasselbeck, quarterback for the Seahawks, dove for the goal line late in the 1st half in their game against San Francisco on Sunday. Patrick Willis speared Matt in the back while he was attempting to cross the goal line possibly re injuring the back which Matt had surgery on just a year ago.

Indiana Football…??? There won’t be a “Hoosiers Like” movie for the football team anytime soon but; Indiana has started off the season an impressive 3-0 as they head to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines of Michigan this week. Odds makers have them installed as a 3 Touchdown dog.

J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets Jets! Backing up the trash talk, shutting up the critics, the Jets were victorious over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots Sunday. This was the first game since 2005 where the Pats did not find the end zone once.

King again… Congratulations to Mark Reynolds of the Arizona Diamondbacks who is the all time strikeout king of the MLB. Reynolds broke the record becoming the only player in MLB history to strike out more then 200 times in a season.

Longest ever… The world record for longest basketball shot ever was broken this weekend. A college student from Texas A&M threw a ball from the upper deck of Aggie stadium an estimated distance of 450 feet. Although no one ever heard him call bank, we will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Mad Milton… Milton Bradley got suspended by his own team for the rest of the season on Saturday…must I say any more?

New Jersey…Nyets? Russia’s richest man Mikhail Prokhorov purchased roughly 80% of the team Wednesday Night. The rumors are true that a new arena is in the works for downtown Brooklyn but, there is no set date at this time for the move.

Ohcocinco… Chad Ohcocinco out did himself this Sunday yet again. After catching a touchdown pass Chad did a Lambeau leap disregarding the fact he wasn’t wearing a Packers uniform. Luckily, he found himself in the area of 3 hardcore Bengals fans.

Peyton… Manning matched his Brother Eli as he led the Colts down the field in Miami and taking just 4 plays to put up the winning touchdown. Not only did the Colts win outright but the TD put the Colts up 27-23 for good to also cover the 3.5 point spread.

Quite The Line Up… CBS has set the bar in cable television yet again. After opening premier week off with an extremely high rated episode of CSI Miami, they dropped back to back NCIS’. Wednesday followed with Gary Unmarried, thrillers in Criminal Minds, and CSI New York. However, you aint seen nothing yet. CBS is gearing up for the highest ratings Thursday Night when CSI: Las Vegas is set to break all time records set by the same show three years ago when they dropped “Grave Danger” as the 2005 season finale.

Record Breaking… Over 105,000 fans packed Cowboy Stadium for opening night on Sunday. That number set the all time NFL attendance record.

See Ya Later… Bobby Cox has decided to call it a day after next season. After fifty years in baseball Cox announced Wednesday night he would retire preceding next season.

Them Bengals… Cincinnati goes into Lambeau and comes out with a…victory!? Cincinnati had tacked on a late Field Goal to make it a 2-possession game in which the Bengals held on to a 31-24 victory.

Upset Of The Year… Has been awarded to the Washington Huskies who knocked off the USC Trojans Saturday afternoon; The Huskies kicked a last second field goal to win 16-13.

Vick… The time is now for Michael Vick. Week three will be the first time we see him in action since spending 18 months in federal prison.

Wildcat… The wildcat offense celebrated its one year birthday in the NFL as the Dolphins displayed it to perfection in front of a packed crowd on Monday Night. After holding the ball for over 45 minutes they still managed to lose the game to the Colts.

eXactly What The Doctor Ordered… After losing the Super Bowl last season, the Cardinals started off with a loss to San Francisco. Thankfully for Cards fans the team righted the ship Sunday with a 14 point victory over Jacksonville in an extremely tough spot traveling East for a 1:00PM Start.

Yikes… Is all I can say after seeing who Kimbo Slice will fight in his first ever UFC Fight next Wednesday on the Ultimate Fighter. This one could get very ugly, very quickly. Goodnight street brawler from the hood…you’re 60-Seconds of fame is over!!!

ZZZZZZZZZ… The word that best describes this year’s pennant races so far. Unless the Braves and the Twins rally, the last week or two of the season could be meaningless. Wager with caution folks!!!

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2009 NCAA Football Rankings – AP Top 25 Week 4 (Sept. 20)

AP Top 25
RK TEAM RECORD
1 Florida (55) 3-0
2 Texas (2) 3-0
3 Alabama (3) 3-0
4 Mississippi 2-0
5 Penn State 3-0
6 California 3-0
7 LSU 3-0
8 Boise State 3-0
9 Miami (FL) 2-0
10 Oklahoma 2-1
11 Virginia Tech 2-1
12 USC 2-1
13 Ohio State 2-1
14 Cincinnati 3-0
15 TCU 2-0
16 Oklahoma St. 2-1
17 Houston 2-0
18 Florida State 2-1
19 BYU 2-1
20 Kansas 3-0
21 Georgia 2-1
22 North Carolina 3-0
23 Michigan 3-0
24 Washington 2-1
25 Nebraska 2-1

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Just in case you missed it…Here’s an A – Z Recap!!!

It was a long week that featured the start of Pro Football; A costly fumble, a death threat and a rapper who lost his mind in front of millions on TV! So if you were napping, we have you covered! Here is an alphabetical look back on the week/weekend that was in sports.

Ahhh, Yes…!!!! A thought that crossed the minds of everyone who bets sports at 1:01pm Eastern on Sunday when the NFL season kicked off.

Brandon Lang… Everyone’s favorite movie star handicapper; proclaimed best NFL handicapper puts clients outside their front door with cups in their hands. After an 0-7 Saturday +Sunday Mr. Lang made matters worst when he laid the chalk with the Patriots Monday, and road the Angels Tuesday. 0-9!!!??? Normally, I don’t include other handicappers in the list, or comment on their shortcomings but; this was too good to pass up.

Cutler… Arguably the biggest disappointment in week one was Jay Cutler’s 4 interceptions and a gaudy 43.2 passer rating. Do I need to tell you numbers like those delivered a losing effort against NFC North rival Green Bay?

Del Potro… Roger Federer was 54-3 after winning the first set in a Major after the fourth round. Much like Tiger choking to Y.E. Yang, Roger blew a 2-1 set lead to Juan Martin Del Potro and lost his first match at the US Open in 5 years!

Easy Brees’y… Drew Brees didn’t miss a beat throwing for 6 touchdowns against a woeful Detroit Lions secondary. That of course led to a multiple digit win and a cover this past Sunday.

F$$king Terrible… The only adjective combination that can be used to describe the quality of Football officials this week. From the phantom illegal contact against Green Bay, to the 8.5 yard first down given to New England and golden boy Tom Brady.
Going for it!? Tom Cable sent the offense back out on 4th and 11 with 2 minutes to go down 3 points. JaMarcus Russell then hit Louis Murphy with a pass over the middle for a 57 yard go-ahead TD as the Charger secondary broke down.
Holy Toledo! After torching the Colorado Buffs for 23 in the first half, Toledo added an additional 31 in the 2nd half to win 54-38 on Friday Night.

I Will Kill You!? The unheard words from Serena Williams to (Leodis Mckelvin of the Buffalo Bills after he fumbled the kick off with 1:50 to go during Monday Night’s game verse New England…) I mean…to a back judge who called Serena for a foot fault during match point in her Saturday battle with Kim Clijsters. Williams’ exploded after this remark, costing her to default the point handing unranked Clijsters a ticket to the Sunday final.

Just about… The theme of the Monday Night double header; Buffalo blows a lead late, San Diego dashes Oakland hopes late. Both dogs were winning outright with 2 minutes left to go, but failed to hang on.

Kolb… Eagles fan? Shield your eyes. Mcnabb is out, Kevin Kolb is in. Since Vick is suspended until next week, Kevin Kolb will get the start this Sunday for Philly in McNabb’s absence.

Leodis Mckelvin… The permanent goat of 2009; instead of taking a knee, Leodis tried to be a hero and run back a kick with no blocking. 30 yards later the cornerback put the ball on the turf handing New England the 25-24 victory after a Tom Brady touchdown pass late in the game. ESPN reported that teens had vandalized McKelvin’s yard to the point where charges were filed.

Minnesota… The Vikings are the real deal. Father time looked great in the pocket and looked even better handing the ball off to Adrian Peterson. This combination of run and pass could lead to big things for Minnesota this season. The Vikings travel to Detroit for their week two match up. Safe to say 2-0?

Notre Dame… The Fighting Irish had a good run while it lasted. Saturday, they went into the Big House as a favorite but, came out defeated after a late touchdown by Michigan’s Greg Mathews.

Oh My God… The thoughts of thousands of people watching and attending the MTV Video Awards this Sunday after Kanye West ripped the microphone out of Taylor Swift’s hands as she was being given the video of the year award. The reason for this you may ask? Mr. West felt he needed to express his thoughts about how friend Beyonce had a better video than Swift and should have won the award. Kanye then threw the microphone back at a stunned Swift and walked off the stage.

Pittsburgh… After being horribly out played by Tennessee all game, Pittsburgh drove the field late in the game and got to the 20 yard-line before Hines Ward fumbled the game winning score on the 5 yard line with a minute to go. Luckily, the fumble didn’t haunt the Steelers as they got the win after driving the field in overtime and setting up for a game winning field goal.

Quite the Feat… Derek Jeter passed Lou Gehrig for all time hits by a Yankee with 2,723. DJ’s opposite field single came against AL East rival Baltimore and Chris Tillman in the 3rd inning of Friday night’s game.
Rothlisberger… Is again accused of sexual assault this week, again no one really cares.

Southern California… Played a hell of a game in what I considered the best game of the week against Ohio State on Saturday Night. The Trojans escaped Columbus with a18-15 win as Freshman QB Matt Barkley lead the Trojans on an 86-Yard scoring drive late.

Texas / Texas Tech! One of the games I look forward to each year. The Longhorns and Red Raiders square off in their annual battle. Unfortunately there is no Gram Harrell or Michael Crabtree in the lineup for Texas Tech this year, but Colt is back and ready to avenge last years loss at home in front of a sold out crowd.

UCLA… Pulled the upset of the week in College Football taking down SEC giant, Tennessee. The Vols led after the first quarter 10-3 but didn’t find the end zone the final 45 minutes of the game and lost by 9 to an under-rated Bruins squad.

Victory… Is all but sealed for Tiger Woods this PGA Season as he has a choke hold on the Fed Ex Cup standings… What’s another 10 million dollars?

Wow… The Houston Cougars had their own upset magic Saturday as they rolled into Boone Pickens Stadium and took down the Oklahoma State Cowboys 45-35.

X-ceptional… The reviews for Direct TV Red Zone which debuted on Sunday. This channel is non stop Red Zone action from any game all day long. Multiple split screens, picture in picture and commercial free television make this even more enjoyable.

You have to be kidding… Is what Chicago Bear fans must be thinking after hearing news Monday that the heart and soul of the defense in Brian Urlacher would miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated wrist.

Zumba Dance… If, and when Ocho Cinco crosses the goal-line this season look for him to pull off a Latin based dance called the Zumba.

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With millions of Fantasy Football team owners, you can expect a variety of different team names. Of course there’s Mr. Conservative who’s lived in Wisconsin all his life and “Packers-4-Life” is his team name. On the flip side, there are some pretty interesting names that make you burst out in laughter.

Below is a list of team names we have compiled over the years that we have seen, heard, or played against…
LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!!

#10 On-The-Mendenhall

#9 Pimpin’ Ain’t Brees-E

#8 Addai-In-Your-Sleep

#7 Hands off my Jennings

#6 Schaub on my knob

#5 Vick-In-A-Box

#4 Favre-dollar-foot long

#3 Somewhere over the Dwayne Bowe

#2 I’m a man, I’m “Forte”

#1B. Hide your beagle, Vick’s an Eagle

Drum Roll Please………………………….

#1A. If shes got Bush, Turner over…

Inside The Huddle: Tennessee @ Pittsburgh
By: Eddie Vickers

Are you ready for some football? If you are a first time reader which; I presume you are, hopefully you will check out the blog every game day for an in-depth preview of the games that matter. The season kicks off tonight in Pittsburgh with the Steelers hosting the Titans. Get ready to go inside the huddle!

Looking Back/Ahead:

Tennessee Titans:
20-1 To Win SBXLIV
12-3 ATS
7-8-1 O/U

Tennessee started the 2008 season 10-0 behind a dominant defense and a strong running game. Kerry Collins replaced Vince Young at quarterback and played flawless football. After winning the AFC they faced Baltimore in the divisional round and turned the ball over one to many times and ended up losing 13-10. Chris Johnson has emerged as the first big play guy in Tennessee since Eddie George and is turning into one of the biggest scoring threats in the NFL. The Titans had a strong draft replacing the loss of Pro Bowler DT Albert Haynesworth, with Jovan Haye and Sen’derek Marks. They picked up a strong receiver in Kenny Britt via the draft and signed Ex-Steeler wideout Nate Washington. Titans hope these two additions address their biggest weakness the past few seasons, lack of production from the wide receiver position. Looking ahead, the Titans travel West to take on some NFC foes, and East to take on the tough part of the AFC. This years schedule has them all over the map, but it starts tonight with the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers!

Pittsburgh Steelers:
SBXLIV 10-1
9-7 ATS
8-8 O/U

The Steelers grinded out a 12-4 season and reached the Super bowl with wins over Baltimore and San Diego. In the big game they were badly outplayed but escaped with a 27-23 victory over Arizona. Their offense struggled for most of the season but it did not matter with the number one ranked defense in the league behind them. This season is just like any other, the Steelers rebuilt within using low key free agent pickups and the draft. Pittsburgh has an extremely easy schedule only facing six playoff teams from last season, four of which are at home. They only face two top ten offenses from last season in Green Bay and Chicago. If a repeat is in the future for the Steelers expect the defense to lead the way.

Tale of the Tape:

Pittsburgh opened as a -4.5 to -5.5 favorite depending on which book you play at. Since then it has moved up a point to -6 (-115). Most of this action has come late as bettors have taken notice to the fact that Albert Haynesworth is no longer on the D Line for Tennessee. If you recall last season the five games he was not in the lineup the Titans went 1-4 outright and gave up nearly 4 touchdowns each game. Willie Parker missed 3 preseason games for the Steelers with a hamstring injury. A key role in Pittsburgh’s offense, Parker is listed as probable tonight. The last matchup between the two was in Week 16 last season. The Titans prevailed in that contest 31-14 covering the 3 point spread. At the end of the game, LenDale White and Keith Bulluck added insult to injury stomping on a “terrible towel” thrown by a Steeler fan. The fans will be out like never before to kick off another promising season in Pittsburgh. Revenge is not so much a factor for the players on Pittsburgh after winning the Super Bowl. However; the stomping of the towel will be overplayed and give fans extra motivation to make some noise, and keep Heinz Field rocking all night.

Trendy Approach:

Since the NFL moved the season openers to Thursday Night seven seasons ago, the home teams have won six times. Pittsburgh won their only time in 2006 over Miami. Pittsburgh usually starts fast as they have won and covered their last 4 home openers. Jeff Fisher and the Titans are monsters on the highway as they are 16-7 ATS when being installed as road dogs. The over between these two teams has cashed in at the window 7 of the last 8 times while the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past 6 meetings.

The Play:

Pittsburgh clearly has the advantage going in with the momentum off the Super Bowl win. Sometimes that brings a let down though, will that be the case tonight? The crowd will be absolutely crazy on opening night. Tennessee is rebuilding its defense which was the main reason for success last season. However, behind the scenes there is a distinctive edge for those of you playing the point spread that will make the difference between a winning and losing ticket. If you want this edge, click here to get it!

Just in case you missed it…Here’s an A – Z Recap!!!

It was a long week that featured the start of College Football, a Cinderella story; a right hook felt around the nation, and a couple big upsets. So if you were napping, we have you covered! Here is an alphabetical look back on the week/weekend that was in sports.

Amazing… The only word that can describe the Miami Florida State game on Monday Night, thank god football is BACK!

Blount… Oregon Running Back Legarret BLOUNT promised to put an “Ass Whoopin’” on the Boise State Broncos Thursday night. The Ducks couldn’t do it on the score board so he threw a right hook that drilled Broncos defensive end Byron Hoult in the face…and then took a swing at a couple fans for good measure. Perhaps we will see him in the CFL, err UFL some day soon.

Cilic… Unranked tennis player Marin CILIC pulled the upset of the tournament Tuesday night taking down #2 seed Andy Murray in straight sets. Murray’s response to the loss “I played bad, I guess…”

Derek… DEREK Jeter goes 0 for 8! Yes, 0 for 8 against Tampa Bay Monday and remains 3 hits shy of Lou Gehrig in the Yankee record books.

fEdEx Cup… Hello Steve Stricker! After winning on Monday, Steve Stricker has over taken Tiger Woods for FEDEX CUP points lead. Is anyone else disappointed Tiger might not make another 10 Million extra this season?

Florida… The FLORIDA Gators failed to cover the second biggest point spread in College Football betting history of 62.5 points by a field goal as they beat Charles Southern 62-3.

Gruesome… Is the gut feeling that must be circling Norman this week after Heisman Hopeful Sam Bradford and his Oklahoma Sooners go down. To make matters worse, All-American TE Jermaine Gresham is now out for the season with a knee.

Heisman… Sam Bradford the HEISMEN trophy winner last year is out for two to four weeks after taking a hit and injuring his shoulder. Big college career…bad injury in junior season…lost draft stock, hell; you may see him handicapping sports full time on this site soon if he keeps this pace up.

Iowa, Iowa, Iowa… Not once, but twice did the IOWA Hawkeyes block a kick late in the 4th quarter to conserve a one point lead new rivals Northern IOWA. Perhaps the match up with IOWA State this coming Saturday will deliver such excitement as well.

Just Kidding… The Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL signed corner back Adam “PacMan” Jones to a contract, too bad he was JUST KIDDING about signing the contract once he realized he was in fact going to be playing in Canada.

Kickers… I know the NFL is in full-swing this coming week, but when drafting your Fantasy team please do not take a KICKER before round 14!!! Fantasy leagues are not won by going out and getting the best kicker on the board in round 7.

Lights Out… Shawne Merriman, known for his hard hitting coined the nickname “Lights Out.” Correct me If I’m wrong but…I believe they meant on the field Shawne, not off the field by choking and throwing women.

Midshipmen… The Navy MIDSHIPMEN were seconds from possibly pulling the upset over Ohio State on Saturday. The Buckeyes intercepted the ball on a 2 point conversion late in the game and returned it for a touchdown to win by 4 points 31-27.

Not Quite Yet… Is what the Boston Red Sox SHOULD have been thinking before going on a losing skid and giving up their comfortable cushion in the AL Wildcard race. Going into Wednesday the Sox are only 1.5 up on the Texas Rangers.

Oh my Oklahoma… After losing Quarterback Sam Bradford, the OKLAHOMA Sooners cracked and ended up getting upset by the BYU Cougars 14-13 at home. BYU jumped up from 22nd to 9th in the Polls. (Yes, Oklahoma Football gets 3 letters!!!)

Pittsburgh… The STEELERS open the NFL season and try defending their super bowl rings Thursday night at home to the Tennessee Titans. Late Tuesday night the Steelers were 6 point favorites.

Quidditch… Not that I care or any of you should…but the name Quidditch I find extremely fun to say. Say it with me… Quidditch… Quidditch… Quidditch…Oh, and last week it was announced the latest Harry Potter movie will be released on DVD & Blue Ray December 11th.

Rodney… Fernando RODNEY, Closer for the Detroit Tigers is the latest to pull a Milton Bradley. On Thursday, Rodney apparently got disorientated and fired a 95 MPH fastball into the stands and not the catchers’ glove. He was promptly suspended 3 games.

Seymour… After getting traded from the Pats to the Raiders Friday, Richard SEYMOUR has gone MIA and has yet to report to practice. Do you really blame him?

That bad… Another season, another losing one for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates have not finished the season above .500 since 1992. 17-Straight losing seasons!!! Considering the success of the Steelers and Penguins this is extremely shocking.

Unbelievable… Melanie Oudin is on a simply UNBELIEVABLE run at the US Open and will be a story to remember for a long time. The 19 year old beat Nadia Petrova on Monday to advance to the quarter finals against Caroline Wozinacki Wednesday. The 19 year old is listed as a +180 underdog.

Vick… Michael VICK Is cleared to play in week three of the NFL season, a mix of him and McNabb could be what the Eagles need to take them back to the Super Bowl.

Welcoming Jordan… Michael JORDAN is set to enter the Hall of Fame this week. He is along side John Stockton and David Robinson.

eXcited…??? As of Thursday Night both College and Pro football will be in full swing. The NFL kickoffs a full schedule of games this weekend with Titans/Steelers Thursday Night, Packers/Bears Sunday Night and a Monday Night double header featuring the regular season debut in Buffalo for T.O. in Foxboro.

You May Have Seen… The newly renovated Oklahoma State field, expert architects constructed the stands only 7 yards off the side lines and 5 yards off the back of the end zone. The only thing that separates the players from the fans is a cement wall and 3 inch foam padding. Hopefully Oklahoma State players all have good health insurance.

Zac Robinson… After all the preseason OVER hype you managed to impress me (Hard to do). Only 50% completions and 135 yards passing yes…but leading you’re team to victory over Georgia with 3 touchdowns gets applause. Clap for him…

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