Friday, March 16, 2012

March Madness: Day 1

I filled out ten brackets, and I don't have a single perfect one left.

I went 14-2 in my best bracket and 8-8 in my worst.

Could've been better; certainly, could've been worse.

In my best bracket, UNLV and UCONN cost me.

Looks like I shouldn't have gone with all caps, but VCU came through for me.

It's just the South bracket that's given me problems so far.

Here's a look at the bracket I'm referring to.

The worst part? I was undefeated until 10:00 last night.

Here's hoping today is similar, if not better!

Manning Watch: Part 2

More interesting developments this morning.

Turns out, I was completely off. Who knew.

Seems like Manning is handling this just as he would, methodically.

The Broncos were the first team he met with, now they'll be the first team he works out for.

The Broncos are sending a private plane out to Durham to watch Manning work out, but aren't expected to bring him back to Denver on the plane.

Broncos officials aboard the plane include John Fox, John Elway, the QB coach and other offensive coaches as well as the medical staff.

Word recently is also that the Dolphins are out of the mix. So, I was dead wrong.

It's seeming more like the Cardinals are falling off the radar as well, since Kolb's deal must be done by the close of business today. If they haven't heard any news from Manning, they've got to get Kolb's deal done.

The Broncos appear to be in the prime spot right now, but like I said yesterday, where does that leave Tim Tebow?

It'd be a perfect slot for him to learn under arguably one of the greatest in the game, but would he want to do that?

Not sure, but I think he'd be able to hone his skills and learn a lot from Manning if Manning becomes a Bronco and Tebow sticks around.

This is bound to get more confusing before it gets any clearer.

Stay tuned for Part 3, which I'm sure is coming soon.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Timing is everything

It's March Madness, and that means college hoops all day, every day.

Not for this girl.

Sure, I'll be tuning in to every game this weekend, but it'll be around listening to the Troy Baseball team as they take on South Alabama in a three game series.

I'll be calling my second baseball game of the season (& of my career) Tuesday night at Riddle-Pace Field as the Trojans take on the Alabama Crimson Tide, and I've got to be prepared!

That means studying both the Trojans and Tide this weekend.

So, while you all are soaking in hoops up to your neck, I'll be doing the same, while still trying to learn more about the game of baseball and get ready to deliver some play by play on Tuesday night.

Let's hope the Troy Trojans can manage some March Madness of their own on the diamond.

Manning Watch

I've said before, I'm a Manning fan.

& it looks like it will still be a few more days before I figure out what team I've got to pull for.

Manning's top suitor's seem to be Denver, Arizona, Tennessee and Miami.

I could pull for any of those.

But what are the repercussions if he goes to those squads?

Denver - What would they do with Tim Tebow? Would he really be gone? What about Tebow Time?

I don't know where Tebow would head. But I know, personally, of a few Bronco's fans that would be extremely disappointed. I would be disappointed, too.

Maybe that wouldn't be for the best.

Arizona - They've got Larry Fitzgerald, who could prove to be a selling point. But they've got to make a decision quick because of their own QB situation with Kevin Kolb. He's owed $7 million if he's on the roster today.

Plus, this is the NFC people. Manning is all AFC.

Looking like they might not be in the running after all.

Tennessee - The same division as the Colts? Really? Would that be a smart idea? I understand you could seek revenge and seek it twice a season, but I'm not sure it'd be worth it. The Titans owner Bud Adams has reportedly said he'll do whatever it takes to get Manning on board.

I wouldn't doubt there are a lot of owners willing to do just the same.

Miami - The same division as the Patriots. This could hold some value in Manning's eyes. Sunny Miami. Beating Brady at his own game. I don't know where he's going or what he's thinking, but this stop seems to have something about it that makes me wonder if he might not end up a Dolphin.

Don't hold me to it though.

This is an article Rick Reilly wrote back on March 8th. A Tribute of sorts to Manning.

The Colts may have gotten lucky with Manning and his success, but clearly now they're looking to get Luck.

This time by the name of Andrew.

I'll still have an interest in how the Colts do, but with so many of their star players gone, it's not the same team. Though they do still have Reggie Wayne.

But, back to Manning.

I don't have a clue where he's going, but he'll have to take a back seat to March Madness now.

And so the Manning Watch continues.

Today's the day

One of the busiest sports days and one of the most fun.

I'll be watching the beginning of the tournament at Coaches Corner in Wetumpka with my dad & not only watching the tournament games but watching the MAX Roundtable with Doug & Josh.

There's nothing like the next two days. Can you beat non-stop tournament style ball?

I think not.

I've filled out my brackets, and I've got a few surprises in there.

I've got mostly Kentucky or UNC winning it all, but I do have a bracket with Marquette taking home the championship.

You never know.

That's why they play the game.

I've filled out eight brackets so far, but the deadline isn't here yet.

I just might get in all ten that ESPN will allow.

I'll have a clue as to which brackets are shaping up the best after today, and I'll post how I'm doing.

Best of luck to you in your picks, and clear the schedule.

The next two days are all hoops.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Selection Sunday

Finally.

This used to be the only time college basketball appealed to me.

Obviously, this is the ultimate appeal, but I do enjoy basketball more during the season than I used to.

But nothing can beat games all day, every day. Especially tournament style.

The atmosphere and energy is unmatchable.

The joy. The heartbreak. The buzzer beaters. The upsets.

Everything.

And I get to be out on spring break and tune in to it all.

#Winning

Up next, bracketology.

Bring it on.

Finally catching up

Just posted all my work from this semester on Youtube.

You can see them at the top of my page!

If you get a chance, check them out.

Including Troy Basketball, Jerrel Jernigan's Superbowl journey, and the Trojan Olympics, even the full length Dancing with the Stars competition!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Man this is tough

Peyton Manning. Peytie-Pie. My favorite for so many years.

Gone.

From the Colts, but probably not from the game.

Manning has always been my favorite player in the NFL.

Why? Of course, he is successful. But I really don't know what attracted me to an infatuation with the player.

I'm not even sure what year it was that I began becoming a huge Manning fan.

The problem was, I claimed Colt fan status.

Today, I realized that I'm not a dedicated Colts fan; I'm a Manning fan.

I don't have anything left for the Colts. Unless they draft Robert Griffin III, which is highly unlikely. In that case, I'd still claim team fan status.

I'm not saying I hope they get beat all but twice again next year, or that I want the Patriots to win it all, but I won't be heartbroken if the Colts don't make the playoffs.

As long as Manning is in the game, I'll be a fan of his. No matter where he goes.

I own a Manning Colts jersey, and I'm sure I'll still wear it. It's a classic.

He'll always be a Colt in my eyes. Just like Brett Favre will always be a Packer despite how he finished things off.

Best of luck to Manning wherever the chips fall, and best of luck to the Colts who will likely be creating their own luck, or at least drafting him.

Success was..

mine, but not the Trojans. UAB took the game by a final of 9-7.

The broadcast was successful and will air on TrojanVision Thursday at 1:00 central and Sunday at 6:00 central!

My broadcast partner was Taylor Burck and we made a pretty good team. We played off each other's comments well and it was an overall success.

The Trojans got down by 5 early in the game before cutting it to 5-4 at the end of the second. A Jake Harrell bomb over the wall tied the game at 6 but the Blazers got three more runs and sealed the win.

I was bitten by the announcing bug though. I thought I would enjoy it and have fun doing it, but I never imagined it'd be that much fun!

I can't wait for my next opportunity to do some play by play!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Ready or not..

Dreams are about to come true.

Tuesday night I will be living out a dream as I call play-by-play for the Troy Trojans baseball game against UAB for the TrojanVision television broadcast.

If I could scream through this, I would!

I cannot wait for this opportunity. I will be calling the game alongside Jonathan Sellers who will be the color analyst.

We work together each week on Trojan Sports Now and get the opportunity this week to move outside the studio for the baseball game.

So, this weekend I will be preparing and studying both the Trojans and the Blazers.

Wish me luck!