Tis the Season

Hello blogger world. I have officially been gone for far too long, chalk that up to starting a new and fantastic job at Piedmont Healthcare, but nonetheless sports have not stopped during my absence. I do apologize for being gone for so long, but absence makes the heart grow fonder so my readers should have a pretty big heart right now. With that being said, let's try to recap what has gone on the best 3 months.

We will start where we left off, with college football. Oregon and Auburn will be duking it out this year for college football's most prestigious title, National Champions and the way the stats line up this should be a high scoring, fast paced game. Auburn is lead by Heisman winning quarterback Cam Newton, whom amongst stark controversy surrounding his old high school recruiting days, has proved no matter what is happening off the field when it come to game time he is truly in it to win it. On the other side, Oregon is lead by Heisman trophy candidate running back LaMichael James, who finished the regular season with over 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns. While this game should definitely be great prime time television I'm going to say that Auburn will come away with the victory with a spread of 41-38.

On to the NFL we go.
Boy, has this been one crazy season. Finally that old dinosaur, Favre snapped his 297 straight starts with an injured shoulder that sidelined him because he couldn't feel his fingers. Dear Brett Favre, please retire now. The Vikings have not benefited with you being at the helm, and without you they are just as bad, so it is just time to go. K, Thanks. The real surprise of this season has been the Atlanta Falcons. I can't say that I am surprised, have you seen their roster, they are stacked from linebackers to wide receivers, and nothing thrills me more than finally seeing them showcase their true talent. Their 11-2 record is the best in the NFC and with the remaining schedule shaking out quite nicely for them, they should finish at worst 13-3, clinching home field advantage, which we know should bode very well for my boys in black and red.

However, as many of you know I am a Chicago Bears girl through and through and my team has, at times, shown some real promise. Last weeks bludgeoning aside, we have won when we needed to win and the Packers have lost when they needed to lose, so the Bears seem to be in good shape when it comes to at least making a playoff run. How far they go in the playoffs, is yet to be determined. It is just so great to see Brian Urlacher back on the field, healthy, and really doing work on every quarterback that he faces. Did you see him and Julius Peppers destroy MVP candidate Michael Vick, because I did and I loved every minute of it.

Some of the more shocking teams that have really unraveled this year include the Jets who have now dropped 2 in a row after being embarrassed by the Patriots, and then letting a warm weather team come into New York and beat them on their own field. Not looking good for ole Rex Ryan, but knowing the Jets they will make a last season surge and clinch the wild card. However, the most disappointing team this year without question has to be the Cincinnati Bengals. I don't even know where to begin. They draft two huge players in Ochocinco and T.O. and they still can't win more than 2 games? I understand that Carson Palmer hasn't been the lights out quarterback he was earlier in his career, but with talent stacked like this on offense, and a defense that isn't great but certainly not terrible, how do you not beat teams like Buffalo and Cleveland. I guess this just proves that the NFL is a crazy sport and on any given Sunday any team can win, or in the Bengals case lose.

Finally let's have a quick recap on the NHL.
My beloved Blackhawks have been plagued with injuries since Week 3 and after losing some of my favorite players in the off season due to salary caps, have not played very well. Currently, they are on pace to, dare I say it, not even make the playoffs this year. Here's to hoping that once my beloved Kane and Hossa return, the offense will return and we can turn this year around. Fingers crossed. Aside from the Blackhawks early season meltdown, most of the heavy hitters in the NHL are still the heavy hitters. The Penguins, Flyers, and Red Wings, are all holding there own and beating the teams they are suppose to by rather large margins making it all the more concerning for me and my Blackhawks.

So there you have it, my 5 minute rundown of 3 months worth of sports. Hopefully, I can get back to writing on a daily basis, but until next time, GO BEARS and BLACKHAWKS! :)

Pick of the Day!

Brett Favre (4) getting hit by the Saints D-Line

It is officially MY favorite time of the year, the first game of the NFL!!! I cannot contain my excitement about tonight and while I get ready to snuggle up on my couch in my Chicago Bears Snuggie, I am here to offer my advice on who I think will win tonight's game between the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings.

My pick to win tonight's game is New Orleans by a spread of 35-28. There are numerous reasons why I think the Saints will win tonight, with the most compelling fact being that the past 10 Super Bowl Winners have all gone on to win their first game of the following year. Second, I just love the dynamics between Drew Brees and Reggie Bush and think that they will be able to out run and out score that ancient dinosaur on the other side, Brett Favre. 

I will be posting post-game analysis so that all my readers out there will be able to have some great water cooler talk tomorrow! Enjoy the most wonderful day of the year ladies! : )

We Made It

Congratulations Ladies you have successfully made it through the first weekend of college football! Let's all let out a deep sigh of relief and pat ourselves on the back for making it through unscathed. However, the buzz from Week 1 will unfortunately be hanging over the work cooler until Saturday when the next round of games begin. So, in order to keep you fresh on all of this past weekend's highlights, below you will find some of the highlights from the biggest game, best catches, and a few surprising upsets, to chat about with your male counterparts over lunch.

Biggest Game from this Past Weekend:

It comes as no surprise that Monday night's game was the BIGGEST game from opening weekend. The Boise State vs Virginia Tech game was the gridirons best showcase of everything college football has to offer. It featured big hits, thrilling come backs, and held National Championship implications. What keeps this game buzzing around the water cooler is the fact that with Boise State winning the match in a hard fought, 4th quarter stunner, it has paved the way for Boise State to most likely win a bid to the National Championship game at the end of the year. With the rest of Boise State's schedule being nothing but the "Little Sister's of the Poor", they should finish the year undefeated and clinch a berth in the biggest game of the year.

With Boise State winning it's now time for everyone to board the Boise bus. Before the season started no one believed Boise could handle the big-boy league and would instead embarrass themselves in their season opener. However, after their steely rally in the 4th quarter to beat out the Hokies in a 33-30 victory, it's time to realize that Boise State is here to play behind a stellar coach and even more impressive quarterback.

Impressive Catches/Plays from Week 1:

Janoris Jenkins Florida Gator Cornerback

Janoris Jenkins' Pick 6 (intercepting the ball and taking it back for a touchdown) in Florida's game against Miami (OH), helped lead a sputtering Florida Gator team to a  34-12 win.

Kansas State's Daniel Thomas

As Kansas State works to rebuild its football program here in 2010, Daniel Thomas will be the one to look out for. Thomas was the key offensive player in KSU's 31-22 win over UCLA, running for over 230 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns.

Georgia State RB Travis Evans

For all of us local here in Georgia, last Thursday represented the birth of a new era in college football. Local college, Georgia State University, held its first football game in the school's history. Blowing out Shorter in a 41-7 rout, the Georgia State Panthers hope to become the newest powerhouse football team in Georgia. 

East Carolina's Justin Jones

East Carolina's Justin Jones caught an improbable Hail Mary pass from QB Dominique Davis to propel East Carolina to a 51-49 win over Tulsa in their home opener.

Georgia Tech QB Joshua Nesbitt

Georgia Tech star QB, Joshua Nesbitt led the team to an impressive 41-10 rout of South Carolina State. Nesbitt and team went for it on 4th and goal twice, and both times Nesbitt scored touchdowns, solidifying why he should be considered for the highly accredited Heisman Trophy. Nesbitt ran for 130 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.

Upset of the Week:

Jacksonville State Head Coach Jack Crowe Celebrate after Winning in 2OT

It should come as no surprise that the biggest upset that plagued Week 1 of college football, was Jacksonville State University upsetting Ole Miss in Double Overtime. Possibly one of the biggest wins in young Jacksonville State's football record, the win over Ole Miss didn't come easy. However, the Gamecocks were able to stun the Ole Miss Rebels with a crazy final play in 2OT, nudging out a 49-48 victory.


Well ladies, I hope I have armed you with some of this week's biggest plays, games, and catches that are sure to impress all the males in your life! Once again, congratulations on making it through one of the craziest weekends all year, COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKOFF! :)

Fantasy of the Day

With the US Open heating up, I thought it was only fitting that our Fantasy of the Day be none other than sexy US Tennis player, Andy Roddick.

Name: Andy Roddick

Sport: Professional Tennis Player

Birthday: August 30, 1982

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Marital Status: Married to model, Brooklyn Decker

Current Tennis Rating: Roddick is currently 8th in the ATP Rankings

Andy Roddick is one of the most celebrated athletes in the United States. Not only has he been so kind as to grace our television set with his adorable smile and killer backhand, but he has been featured in magazines like Vogue and Rolling Stone. When Andy isn't playing tennis he enjoys listening to music, his favorite band is the Dave Matthews Band, and taking his boat out in Texas. With hotties like this playing in the US Open, ladies it's time to tune in and let the drooling commence! 

Know a Fantasy of the Day? Nominate him! Post a Comment and YOUR Fantasy of the Day could become OUR Fantasy of the Day.

Your Crush...The Quarterback

As promised yesterday, in order to understand the inner workings of a defensive line I have decided it would be best played out in a common Friday night scenario: attending the same party as your crush. We have all been there before, we go to a party, we see our crush and he is surrounded by 10 other girls all vying for his attention. It sucks right...but have no fear the same plan you set up with your girls in order to catch his eye, is the same type of play defensive men call in order to get to the opposition's Quarterback.

The Scenario:

It's Friday night, you have just had one of the longest weeks of your life and all you want to do is go out with your girls and unwind. You just got a Facebook message from your crush about an awesome house party happening only 10 minutes away and you immediately sharpie it into your planner. Sitting on Cloud 9, because your crush not only acknowledged you but he took the time to personally invite you to the house party, you call up your 10 best friends and you all prepare for your big night out.

With the help of your girl friends you look smoking for the big party. You have on your favorite party dress, your hair and make up is fierce, and you are wearing the new pumps you just got yesterday, nothing can shake your confidence tonight. Ready to get the night started and really wow your crush you and your girls all head out for the party. You arrive right as the party is heating up and you immediately spot your crush across the room....surrounded by 8 other girls and even more coming through the door. You stop in your tracks and turn to your girls who have already spotted the major issue and you all decide to regroup outside and figure out how best to tackle this problem.

While inside the house you were quick to survey the room and really take in your surroundings so as you step outside with your girls you are confident that you can figure out how to get to your crush and make all of those other girls obsolete. You take the reigns once outside and you and your girls come up with a fail-proof plan with each person having a key responsibility once you go back inside. You are acting just like a Middle Linebacker acts in football, you surveyed the house, figured out the best way to get to your crush, and then relayed that message to your girl friends. In football a Middle Linebacker is responsible for surveying the field and seeing how the opposition lines up and then telling his defensive counterparts what play to run in order to get to the Quarterback quickly and keep them from gaining yards. The Middle Linebacker is the "Quarterback of the Defense," and draws up the plays for the defensive line.

Once back inside, your girls immediately jump into action. Six of your girl friends were quick to notice that they knew 6 of the girls standing in front of your crush. In order to help you get to your crush they are best used as decoys. They go up to the girls that they know and immediately strike up a conversation distracting them completely from your crush. You see immediate success, 6 of the girls around your crush are now completely out of the picture as your friends talk their ear off. In this sense, your 6 girl friends are acting just like the Defensive Line in football, this includes tackles, guards, and Linemen. During the game the Defensive Line is responsible for distracting the offensive line and keeping them from protecting their Quarterback. Just like your girl friends distract the 6 girls by talking to them, the Defensive Line distracts the Offensive Line by hitting them and drawing them out of the play thus allowing you to get to the Quarterback.

However, while your 6 friends have been a tremendous help in clearing your path to your crush, there are still 2 other girls keeping you from your prize, not to mention all of the girls that keep coming through the door. Have no fear, you still have 4 of your closest friends right by your side to help catch your crush's eye. The 2 girls still by your crush are the typical party girls: the ones that always try to be the center of attention and have to cling to your crush like their life depended on it. It's going to be hard to get them separated from your crush but you are confident in your friend's capabilities. Never to back down to a challenge, your 2 most outgoing friends jump right into action. They move fast and think on their feet, so quick in fact that before you know it they have managed to get everyone on the dance floor including the 2 people who were clinging onto your crush. These 2 friends act just like Cornerbacks in football. Cornerbacks are quick on their feet and are the big play makers on defense. They are the ones that you see making the crazy acrobatic jumps in the air swatting the ball away from a Wide Receiver. Your friends primary responsibility is to think fast, act quickly, and draw the girls away from your crush, or in football terms, break up the play.

Finally, your crush is by himself, for the time being. In order to help you get to your crush before another girl swoops in, your 2 remaining friends block the path to your crush. They focus on not letting the girls who are walking through the door get to your crush. They are your last line of defense in helping ensure that you get to your crush. Your 2 remaining friends act like Safeties on the football field. Safeties are the last line of defense and their sole purpose is to keep the big play from happening. For your girl friends, the "big play" they are trying to prevent is having more girls approach your crush before you can get to them. In football, the big play Safeties work to prevent, is the big pass play that gains 20, 30, or even 40 yards. So, with all of your girls in place and doing their respective duties, you are free to make your move right towards your crush. You push through the crowd and you finally catch the eye of your crush. You guys start talking and hit it off. Little did you know but you have a lot in common, and your knowledge of college football blows him away!

Isn't it crazy how confusing sport's broadcasters work to make football seem to the innocent bystander; when it can easily be decoded using simple scenarios. I hope this scenario has helped you understand how a Defense works in football and how their major mission is to get to the Quarterback and keep the other team from scoring points. Defensive Lines spend just as much time figuring out how best to attack a Quarterback, as we do on figuring out how to catch our crush's eye...see I bet you never thought you would have something in common with those huge football players you see!!

Stick with me ladies as we move through the trenches that is football. Next on the agenda is decoding and simplifying football penalties. We'll tackle questions like: What is an Illegal Shift? Why do they have to throw a little yellow flag? Why do coaches review plays? and everything in between!

Football...Like Shopping?

Ladies, I have just had an epiphany after my last post. I feel as though I am doing exactly what everyone else is doing to us...just regurgitating a bunch of information and we are expected to understand it no questions asked. However, I realized I'm not being as helpful as I can be. So, in order to remedy this situation I have decided to relate football to OUR favorite pastime...shopping. 

You really wanna understand the offensive line? Well, let's compare it to shopping.

Here's the scenario...imagine H&M is having a huge blowout sale and everything, yes EVERYTHING, in the store is 75% off. So you grab 10 of your closest friends and take off for the nearest H&M. On your way to the mall, you begin strategizing with your friends about how to tackle the feat that is a 75% off sale. What side to attack first, do we split up into teams, go at it all together, what clothes we really need, you know the drill. In this sense, you are acting as a Quarterback acts on the field, you are leading the troops and figuring out how best to penetrate H&M that will result in the greatest amount of clothes purchased. A Quarterback strategizes how to attack a defense in order to gain the most yards and ultimately score the most points.

The time has arrived you have finally made it to H&M so you and your friends take off running to try and beat the crowd. Unfortunately, you take 2 steps into the mall and realize everyone had the same idea as you and now you are left fending off the crowds for that most perfect party dress. Lucky for you, you guys come armed with plans, in football we call them plays, in order for you all to be successful. As you enter into H&M, you decide instead of breaking into groups (your original plan), you decide you all would be best served if you stay together, so you change the plan. This change of plan is what in football they call as an audible. The quarterback, after surveying the field realizes his team would be better off doing a different play than the one he originally called, so he changes it at the last minute.

Now that you and your girls are armed with your new play you decide to put it into action. Let's be honest we always have those 5 or 6 friends who come along on a HUGE shopping trip to just browse because they just don't have the money to spend on clothes. It's ok, we have all been that person before, and let's be honest these 5 or 6 friends make the best people to shop with because instead of looking for stuff for themselves they scour the racks helping YOU find the perfect shirt to go with your new skinny jeans. These friends will do whatever it takes, from just standing around racks keeping other people from getting through them, to pushing through everyone and their brother because they have spotted THE shirt. Their only goal is to help you find the perfect outfit and make sure that you are able to get wherever you want to get in the store as easily as possible. In a way these 5 to 6 friends are acting just like Offensive Linemen in football. In football, the offensive linemen sole goal is to protect the quarterback and make his job as easy as possible. Like your friends do for you when they block people from getting to the rack you are rushing for, linemen block the opposition so that the running backs can get through them and ultimately score touchdowns. A touchdown for you at H&M is totally snagging the last size M shirt for $4, well in football it's putting 7 points up on the scoreboard!

You and your friends are now in full shopping mode. You have made it into H&M and even landed a few amazing finds in the first 30 seconds so you are feeling good. While you have those 5 to 6 friends who are just along for the ride and making sure that all of your shopping needs are met, you still have 4 other friends who are working just as hard as you to find that killer outfit. Two of your friends immediately stay behind you, using you to and the 5 to 6 friends in front to push through the crowd and trusting in you to lead them in the right direction. They have similar tastes and preferences as you and they know that by following you, they will in no doubt land the perfect shirt just like you. Once you all have made the initial surge through the crowd, these 2 friends are the ones that, in some seemingly impossible way, slip through the 25 people in front of the rack and in 30 seconds emerge with shirts for everyone, donning the right size and color for each person in your group. Before you even have time to ask how in the world they squeezed through everyone, you are all on to your next mission, finding the perfect pair of pants to go with your newfound love. In many ways these 2 friends act like Running Backs on the football field. They initially hang back behind the quarterback, surveying the field and the way defense is set up, and then after the initial snap, they take off and find holes and gaps to squeeze through to gain yards. No one really knows how most Running Backs find these tiny holes and gaps, but we all love them for gaining the yards. Lord knows as ladies, we love these 2 friends when we shop, because they do the impossible, slip through the crowd, find the right size, and are back in 20 seconds. 

Finally, this leaves your remaining 2 friends. They are the silent strikers as I like to call them. They usually walk by your 5 to 6 friends who are there just to shop, but they often stray one way or another after the initial surge of people. Whether it's a cute boy they spot by the window or a killer pair of heels, these 2 friends are the ones that always see past what we are all captivated by and instead come back with some of the greatest finds. These 2 friends act just like Wide Receivers in football. Wide Receivers are the big play makers and they are the ones that go down field and look for holes and gaps that the QB might not see right away. Like your friends who find the killer pair of heels marked down to $5, Wide Receivers are responsible for gaining 20, 30, even 40 yards on one pass play because they got down the field and open and the quarterback was able to hit them with a pass. 

So, it's all in a days work for us girls when it comes to shopping and being strategic. We know just how to navigate through a store in order to get 3 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, 2 pair of heels, and a killer hat to top it all off for only $40. Well for football players it is all about putting the most points up on the scoreboard and keeping their quarterback safe. I bet you didn't think that one simple shopping example could teach you everything you need to know about offense in football!

Now stick with me, because tomorrow I will teach you how defense works using a simple scenario I'm sure we have all been exposed to before: a party where it just so happens your crush is attending.

Playbooks Decoded.

As many of you will find out as I continue on my journey through bloggerdom, I am very close with my friends and family. Because of this one of my best friends, Nikki, approached me asking me to write an article on football terminology. I understand that the terms pigskin, running back, halfback, Hail Mary, and sack can leave most girls shaking their heads thinking what in the world is this person talking about?!

Have no fear, I hope to put to rest all of your football terminology concerns right before season starts and get you ready for all the action. Ready? Set. Hike!

Football Positions:

Let's start with the Offensive Positions (designated in RED above):

1. Quarterback (QB): These are the true leaders on the field. They are responsible for calling the plays during offensive series
   
   
2. Fullback (FB)/Running Back (RB): These players line up behind the Quarterback (this area where they line up is referred to as the Backfield) and they have 2 general responsibilities: 
• Run the Ball also known as power running
• Block for the Quarterback during a Pass play or Block for the Halfback (defined below)
  
  
3. Halfback (HB)/Running Back (RB): These players line up in the backfield and their sole responsibility is running the ball on running plays.
   
   
4. Wide Receivers (WR): WR's can be the truly exciting players to watch on offense. They tend to be the speedy, big play-makers and their main job is to run passing routes and catch the ball.
   
   
5. Tight End: Tight Ends, so accurately named to describe how good their butts look in spandex pants (jk!), generally line up next to the Tackles (see below). They perform 2 main functions on the field:
• Block for the RBs on running plays
• Catch the ball on pass plays
  
  
6. Offensive Tackles (OT)*: There are usually 2 tackles on the field during each play. Offensive Tackles are the big blockers during running and passing plays. Their sole purpose is to help the WRs and RBs move down the field by keeping the opposing team from tackling them.
   
   
7. Offensive Guards (OG)*: Just like tackles there are usually 2 tackles on the field during each play. Similar to the tackles their primary purpose on the field is to hit the other team and block them from getting to their RBs and WRs. Guards and Tackles are very similar and strive to block the other team.
   
   
8. Center*: Perform the same duties as the Guards and Tackles in blocking the other team. They also put the ball in play by snapping the ball to the Quarterback. 

* OGs, OTs, and the Center are all known as Linemen because of where they set up on the field, right on the line where the ball is placed (also known as the line of scrimmage).


Now on to the Defensive Positions (designated in BLUE above):

1. Defensive End (DE): These 2 players line up next to the Defensive Tackles and their main function is to attack the passer (if it's a pass play) or stop offensive runs. To be a good DE you have to be really quick on your feet!
   
   
2. Defensive Tackle (DT): Also referred to as a Defensive Guard's main function is to rush the passer (if they can get past the offensive linemen blocking them) and stop running plays directed at the middle of the line of scrimmage. These guys just want to tackle someone (just like their name implies!) See, it's not that hard to learn all these crazy positions!
   
   
3. Middle Linebacker (MLB): This is the true leader on the defensive side of things. They are responsible for figuring out what play the offense is going to call. Tricky right?! They are suppose to figure out what in the world the other QB is calling in their huddle..almost impossible right?! This is why teams read and watch film before a game because then they get used to what plays the offense runs, so this is what the MLB has to go on when deciding what formation he needs to put his defense in to be the most successful. Because of this task, the MLB is usually referred to as the "Quarterback of the Defense."
   
   
4. Outside Linebacker (OLB): These guys are usually the busiest on the field. They have multiple responsibilities depending on the play the offense is running and so their tasks can be any of the following:
• Rushing the Passer
• Covering Receivers
• Defending Against the Run
  
  
5. Cornerback (CB): There are usually 2 CBs and they focus on covering the wide receivers. These are the guys you see jumping in the air and swatting away the ball from a reciever or catching the pass themselves (known as an interception). 

Cornerback Intercepting a Pass

     6.   Safety (SS or FS): The safeties are your last line of defense and they usually help the CBs with deep      passes. The strong safety (SS) is usually the bigger of the 2 safeties and the free safeties (FS) is usually the faster of the 2 safeties. Both are known for their hard hitting abilities!

Commonly Used Football Terms and Acronyms:

1. AFL: Acronym that can mean either American Football League or Arena Football League. Most commonly used for American Football League.
   
   
2. Astroturf: Artificial surface used instead of grass on some football fields.
   
   
3. Audible: This one is rather complicated but it is initiated by the Quarterback- it's changing the play at the line of scrimmage using a set of verbal and/or visual signals. An audible can also be referred to as a check off. Quarterbacks call an audible in the huddle because they see a defensive change.
   
   
4. Blind Side: No, not the Oscar-winning Sandra Bullock film, but the blind side refers to the side of the field opposite the way a player is facing. This term is often used when describing offensive tackles. The left tackle is often said to be protecting the quarterback's blind side, since most quarterbacks are right handed.
   
   
5. Bootleg: An offensive play where the quarterback fakes a hand off to the running back and then goes the opposite way either passing to an open WR or TE or running the ball himself.
   
   
6. Chop Block: This is a very illegal and dangerous play, it can actually end people's careers. It occurs when an offensive player drops down and hits the opposing player below the knees.
   
   
7. Encroachment: A defensive penalty which is called when the defender crosses the neutral zone (see definition below) and makes contact with an offensive player before the ball is snapped.
   
   
8. Flea Flicker: One of the greatest trick plays in football history. The QB snaps the ball and then hands the ball off to another player B, who turns around and laterals (see definition below) to another player C, who then throws the ball down field to player D.
   
   
9. Hail Mary: A long pass play, thrown towards a group of receivers near the end zone in hopes of a touchdown. This is usually the last play you see ran before halftime in desperation in hopes of scoring a touchdown. 
   
10. Lateral: A usually underhand pass that is thrown sideways or somewhat backward with respect to down field.
    
    
11. Line of Scrimmage: An imaginary line stretching the width of the field that separates the two teams prior to the snap of the ball.
    
12. Neutral Zone: The space between the offensive and defensive lines of scrimmage. This is called the neutral zone because no player (offensive or defensive) may stand in this space before the ball is snapped, thus a neutral field in which neither team posses.
    
    
13. NFL:  Acronym for National Football League
    
    
14. Pigskin: Slang term referring to the football
    
    
15. Sack: Occurs when the Quarterback gets tackled before he has the chance to throw the ball or hand the ball off. This is the sole mission of all defensive linemen! 

Ok ladies, this list is in no way a complete list and lucky for you by the end of the season we will go through almost all of the terminology including penalties, play calls, slang terms, and everything in between. However, I think this is enough to get you started for college football. Check back soon because we will have an article dedicated to learning all about those silly penalties they are always calling. What the heck do they mean by personal foul, block in the back, or illegal shift? Stick with me and find out!

Thanks again to my amazing friend Nikki for suggesting this awesome topic, and we will definitely be expanding on this one each day!

Star of the Night

Every now and again you come across a play be it in any sport, that makes you scratch your head and say WOW did that just happen? Well, last night that very thing occurred during the US Open. Roger Federer, Swiss tennis star, made an incredible shot during his match against Brian Dabul. The craziest part about this is Federer has landed this shot more than once!

Check out the video below that will blow you away and maybe even get you to start watching tennis!

Fantasy of the Day

With college football only 2 days away, it's only fitting to share with my readers some of the hotties donning spandex pants and preparing to get knocked around for 4 quarters. Today's Fantasy of the Day comes from The Ohio State University.

Ladies, feast your eyes on the adorbs Quarterback of The Ohio State University, Terrelle Pryor.

Name: Terrelle Pryor

College: The Ohio State University

Sport: College Football

Position: Starting Quarterback

Major: Exploring

Marital Status: Single

Hometown: Jeannette, PA 

Terrelle Pryor gets crowned our Fantasy of the Day for multiple reasons. Not only does he have a killer smile and quick feet on the football field, but he's active on campus and in the community at the Ohio State University. Nothing warms our heart more than a killer bod coupled with genuine niceness and that is what you get with Terrelle Pryor. Enjoy this Fantasy of the Day ladies, and remember with these cuties running around in spandex pants maybe college football season won't be that bad!

Know a Fantasy of the Day? Nominate him! Post a Comment and YOUR Fantasy of the Day could become OUR Fantasy of the Day.

Daily Bases

With baseball season winding down and the race for the pennant is heating up, I see no better time than now to explain some of baseball's most thrown around phrases. You can expect to hear these phrases and acronyms thrown around not only by the announcers on the tv screen, but in local bars, during any heated baseball debate, and even in everyday conversation. Now whenever you hear these you can finally understand them and even start throwing them around yourself! *Note: Use your new found powers as you wish, but please note I will not be held accountable for any extra attention you receive during the game!

Commonly used phrases in baseball decoded:

1. Around the Horn: This is not only the name of a hit show on ESPN that I'm sure you have been forced to watch a time or two, but it's one of the most popular phrases used during a ball game. Around the Horn describes a double play that goes from third base to second base to first base.
   
2. Circus Catch: A circus catch is most often used to describe an outstanding catch made by an outfielder. It usually involves some sort of acrobatic movement whether it be diving, jumping, sprawling, or anything of the sort. *Note: Circus Catch can also be used to describe a football player making an outstanding catch during a game.
   
   

   

   Ken Griffey Making One of His Many Circus Catches

3. Can of Corn: Possibly one of the weirdest phrases used around the diamond, however, it's meaning is rather simple. When you hear someone refer to a play as a Can of Corn, it simply means a fielder made an easy catch to record an out.
   
4. The Hill: refers to the pitcher's mound
   
5. Good Cheese: Again, I have no idea where people came up with some of these phrases that have stuck since the beginning of baseball, but someone did and they leave most us scratching our heads thinking "what in the world?!" Good Cheese refers to a good fastball that a pitcher delivers to the plate.
   
6. A Batter's Sweet Spot: This is the part of the bat, generally a few inches from the barrel, that delivers the greatest amount of power for a batter.
   
7. Frozen Rope: A frozen rope is a hard line drive hit by a batter.
   
8. South Paw: Again one of the most thrown around phrases in baseball, a South Paw, refers to a left-handed pitcher. *South Paw can also be used in boxing, tennis, or fencing.

Pitcher John Danks throwing left-handed

Commonly used Terms and Acroynms in Baseball:

1. Alley/Gap: The section in the outfield that is between two outfield players. It forms a "gap" in the playing field.
   
2. Backdoor Slider: Refers to a pitch that appears to be out of the strike zone, but then breaks/curves back over the plate resulting in a strike.
   
3. Basket Catch: Term used when a fielder catches a ball with his glove near or below the belt-line.

    4.   RBI: Run Batted In 

    5.   Dish: Refers to Homeplate

    6. Chin Music: A pitch that is high and right under a batter's chin. 

  

    7.  Punchout: Whenever a pitcher strikes out a batter. 

    8.  Cycle: When a batter hits for the cycle, that means during the game they have hit a single, double, triple, and a homer. Very uncommon in baseball games.

These are just a few of some of baseball's most common terms and phrases. Of course this list is not exhaustive and if there is something you continue to hear and have no idea what it means, just leave me a comment and I will answer the question for you. Enjoy the final stretch of the baseball season!

...Really?

Manny Ramirez...Really?

Los Angeles Dodger slugger Manny Ramirez was ejected after only 1 pitch during last night's Colorado Rockies vs Dodger game. In the sixth inning, Ramirez had a chance to cut a 8-2 deficit when he pinch-hit with the bases loaded. After just one pitch, in what is being reported as his final at-bat as a Dodger, a called strike, Ramirez began arguing with home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom, who quickly ejected him from the game. Really Manny, thanks for the help.

*The video, compliments of YouTube, was obviously shot by a non-Manny fan.

Fantasy of the Day

Here's the deal ladies, everyday I will grace your screen with one of the most beautiful guys in sports. This guy can come from any sport in any league, the only criteria is they have to look good on and off the field. I will provide some statistics so you can wow your boyfriend with your newfound knowledge, but let's be honest all we really care about are the stunning pictures.

Without further ado, today's Fantasy of the Day, is my personal sport's crush. Patrick Kane.

Name: Patrick Kane

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Sport: Professional Hockey

Birthday: November 19, 1988

Age: 21

Martial Status: Single

Hometown: Buffalo, NY

Nickname: Kaner

Play of the Year: Kane scored the winning goal in overtime to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup playoffs propelling the Blackhawks to its first Stanley Cup win in 49 years. Check out the amazing goal below compliments of my brother, Nick.



2009-2010 Statistics: 30 Goals, 58 Assists

Patrick Kane has become one of Chicago's most beloved athletes. His mastery of hockey skill, coupled with his bad boy persona off the ice has made him one of Chicago's most sought after bachelors.

Know a Fantasy of the Day? Nominate him! Post a Comment and YOUR Fantasy of the Day could become OUR Fantasy of the Day.

Let's Cut to the Chase

Ok ladies, it's that time of the year again. Summer turns to fall, bikinis change to sweaters, and baseball becomes football. For those of you who are unaware, today officially marks the 3 day countdown until college football begins! This means no more Saturdays spent cuddling with the boyfriend or your significant other, instead it means dust off the jersey your boyfriend so thoughtfully purchased you for your 1 year anniversary and get ready for beer, yelling, and rambunctious guys to fill your living room every Saturday afternoon. It doesn't end there unfortunately, because the NFL season begins in less than 2 weeks, which means no more Saturdays and no more Sundays. Don't worry though ladies we will get you through the first week of college football and then we will tackle pro ball. Who knows by the end of the season you might actually start enjoying everything football has to offer.

Have no fear ladies, this year will be different for you, this year you will be armed with me, your guide to everything football, the remainder of baseball including up to date playoff coverage, and once hockey and basketball start up I will be right by your side. From what teams to cheer on, what players to check out, and who looks the best in those spandex pants, it will be my personal mission to make sure all my ladies out there will wow their significant others. You will no longer just be a pretty face in the room during your guys favorite sports, but you will be able to ramble off more stats than his best bro.

Getting to Know Me

I feel it is only fitting that for my first blog post I not only introduce you to who I am, where I come from, and why you should read anything I have to say about sports, but I also want my readers to know this blog works both ways, if you, as a reader, have any question related to sports or the who's who in sports right now, please comment or send me a message and I will personally dedicate an entire blog to your question.

With that being said I will give you the 30 second run-down of who I am and why I think this blog is beneficial to any girl who has been forced to watch sports when all you really want to be doing is shopping, cuddling, or you know anything that doesn't take 4 hours and all you see is a group of people running one way, and then turning around running the other way. I am 22 years old, I have just graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Management and a concentration in Marketing, and I have no idea what my next career step will be. I have worked for the Atlanta Falcons, RedPrairie, Terry Hines and Associates, and the Georgia Tech Alumni Association during my college tenure. All of these experiences were very different and very exciting. Of course the most beneficial experience in relation to my blog will be my work with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2009 football season.

Growing up I was your stereotypical tom-boy. My days as a child were filled with baseball, football, basketball, swimming, and volleyball, with my personal mission being to never come home until I had a new cut on my knee, or a bruise on my arm. I was that kid. My family is my life, my Mom, Dad, and big brother Nick have been my inspiration throughout my life. We are an Italian family and so of course family is everything and I live to protect my family. These two men, my father and brother, have molded me into the sports fanatic I am today. I have played almost every sport at some point in my life...even trying my hand at rugby my freshman year of college and so I come armed with useless baseball statistics from the 60s, to knowing that Dan Marino threw over 61,000 yards during his football career. Stick with me ladies and I promise I will make learning about sports and their respective players fun and entertaining.

As a side note, I want all of my readers out there to know that while I will try my best to be a non-biased writer, I have been branded a true Chicago fan. This title comes with a lifetime commitment to Chicago teams, thanks again to my Dad, which proved to be pretty exciting in the 90s during the Jordan era of the Chicago Bulls, and just last year I got to see my lovable Blackhawks behind my sport's love Patrick Kane, take home the Stanley Cup, but it has proved to be a black hole when it comes to my baseball loves the Chicago Cubs and football loves the Chicago Bears.  However, there's always next year...right?