College Football Run Down

Another regular season of college football is in the books and it has done nothing to calm the calls from the masses for a playoff system in college football. Of course, until it becomes economically beneficial to the NCAA, we won't see a playoff. Personally, I'm fine with that.

If the point of the "system" is to find the best team, then I don't see how a playoff is any more accurate at finding that than the current system. Let's say you have a six team playoff and that the sixth team in is a two- or three-loss team (not true this year, but it certainly has been in past years). That team goes through two undefeated teams to wind the national championship. Is that team really a better team, or just better at the end of the season? When you play a team matters a lot in college football. Why is it that the way you are playing at the end of the year matters more than other points? Only because that's how other sports work so college football should work the same way?

From a competitive stand point the current system isn't great. You shouldn't reward a team for playing a weak out of conference schedule to help ensure an undefeated regular season. Texas, I'm looking at you and the overrated Big 12 Conference. We get so caught up with which conference was best and better. Was the Big 12 Conference the second best in the country this year? Maybe so. Was it considerably better than the PAC-10, Big East, ACC or Big 10? No.

Let's penalize teams for playing cupcakes, not reward them. Then you'd see better regular season games every year throughout the year, which is essentially what we want from a playoff: compelling games between good teams.

This would also open the door for consistently good mid-majors to join in the fray, because more majors would be willing to schedule them instead of other good programs in major conferences. In my mind this works out so well. The NCAA gets to keep the cash cow flowing and football fans see more really good match-ups. So I say, let's re-program the computers and see if we can't get this thing going!

Other college football thoughts:

• Bobby Bowden is leaving. He's a legend. I get it. Still, for that FSU to jump Clemson, Miami and UNC to play in the Gator Bowl just seems crazy. I know it's all about selling out and maximizing revenue, but can you really tell me that Clemson and WVU wouldn't have sold out their allotments if they were matched up?
• Mark Ingram won the Heisman. Before the SEC Championship Game he doesn't win it. Thanks to technological advancement he won it. He didn't deserve it any more or any less than Gerhart or McCoy, so the fact that he won it was fine with me. Plus you have keep in mind what the award has become: the best QB or RB on the best team in the country.
• If the Heisman went to the best player at his position, then it would have gone to Suh of Nebraska. He was a man amongst boys every time I saw him play this season.
• Best non-BCS bowl match-ups of the postseason? Try these: Cotton Bowl (Ole Miss vs. OK State), Chick-Fil-A (Tenn vs. VT), Capital One (Penn St vs. LSU), Sun Bowl (Oklahoma vs. Standord) and Meineke Car Care (Pitt vs. UNC). In other words, lots more college football to watch!

World cup Draw Part IV

Group G (Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal)
This group ensures that at least one of the top attacking players in the world will not make it to the second round. Brazil, one of the favorites to win the Cup, boasts one of the most talented rosters in the tournament, including all-world attacking midfielder Kaka. They are a team that could bring a B or C team to the tournament and still be competitive. Under coach Dunga, they play hard and disciplined while also bringing their trademark Brazilian flair to the game.
North Korea are in the tournament for the second time ever. They draw a nightmarish group and will probably go home without any points. However they will definitely play hard and passionately for their nation.
African qualifier Ivory Coast were one of the favorite African teams to advance to the second round prior to the draw. Lead by Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, they bring an fan-friendly all-around style. Much like Ghana, they will carry with them the weight of a continent despite their difficult draw.
Rounding out the group is the indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Despite needing a playoff to earn their spot in the World Cup, they are still considered one of the top teams in the world. Another side with quality everywhere they will bring their game to anyone, including the likes of Brazil.
Group Prediction: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal, North Korea

Group H(Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile)
European Champions Spain must be feeling good about their chances to get into the knock-out phase with this draw. Their biggest worry at this point is probably the fact that they have to play the second-place team from Group G. No team in this group can compete with the Spanish in terms of talent. Of course, soccer is a funny sport and the Spanish haven't exactly been world beaters in their national team's history. Still, they should progress easily from this group.
Fellow European side Switzerland are in the tournament after co-hosting the European Championships two summers ago. They defend well and have a couple players who can find the back of the net, but they won't win many style points, even in this group.
Honduras finished third in CONCACAF after a dramatic last round of games in qualifying. They have a mix of talent and experience and will need to get the most out of both to earn enough points to progress from this group.
South American side Chile will also be happy to find themselves in this group. If they can continue the form that they showed throughout qualifying they will be a tough opponent that could get a result from any team in the group.
Group Prediction: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras

World Cup Draw Part III

Group E (Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon)
If you don't love the Dutch in this group then I think you are crazy. They are as attacking a European side as you'll see (equaled only by Spanish), have fabulous technical skill on the ball and love to go forward to score goals. Of course, they can be vulnerable in the back, which is what most often holds them back in major international tournaments. Based on their current group of defenders and keepers, they'll probably meet a similar end in this edition of the World Cup.
Denmark was also drawn into this group and, due to the close proximity and familiarity to the Dutch, should provide one of the better first round match-ups in the tournament. The Danes aren't a flashy side, but they are solid all-around and have a good opportunity to qualify for the second round.
Co-hosts of the last World Cup, Japan is another consistent, hard-working team that typically plays above the level of its individual players. They have the type of team to pull a surprise result that could influence who comes out the group.
Last in the group is Cameroon. Lead by star striker Samuel Eto'o, the Cameroonians will play with pride, but don't have the same quality as other teams in the group. Still, being on home soil could carry them to play well, and if they find a way to get Eto'o in on the defense, they could make it difficult on the group favorites.
Group Prediction: Netherlands, Denmark, Cameroon, Japan

Group F(Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia)
Defending Cup holders Italy will be looking to strike a balance between integrating the next generation of Azzuri with the old-guard who has done so well for the country. Despite some Italian media criticism (common in all top soccer countries) the Italians will be a formidable opponent for anyone.
South American qualifiers Paraguay will look to continue their strong play throughout qualifying. They have some experience making it to the final 16 and will look to return there after missing out last time around.
Soccer fans who watched the Confederations Cup over the summer will remember the New Zealand side as one that got mostly pounded in their group of Spain, Iraq and South Africa. Not a good sign for a side that harbors dreams of advancing out of the first round. Of course, the Kiwis probably don't realistically harbor those dreams. A point (or even a win) would be considered an accomplishment.
Last in the group are European side Slovakia. Well organized in the back with a number of strong players at different places on the pitch, this could be a surprise team to come out of the group stages. Of course it could also be another European side that loses its composure away from Europe.
Group Prediction: Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand

World Cup Draw Part II

Group C (England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia)
This group is a dream draw for all four teams involved. Crazy I know, but here's why:
England is the seeded team and group favorite. They have quality all over the field and in some spots even have world class quality. Here's the thing about England though, they underachieve. Sometimes terribly. The British press is already assuring a first place finish in the group, so the pressure is on and the tournament is still six months away.
The US also found it's way into this group, which is somewhat surprising, since it's relatively easy compared to the types of draws they usually receive. The other thing the US has going for it is that the World Cup won't be held in Europe. The US is consistently terrible in Europe, but pretty good everywhere else. (I'm planning a longer post dedicated to nothing but the US team's chances in SA2010. Stay tuned.)
Next is the African enigmas Algeria. It's really hard to know what this team will look like come June. They generally play above their skill level, but are the African team that most feel is the weakest of the bunch.
Last is Slovenia. This is a stereotypical counter-attacking central European side. They are an up and coming team, and can definitely play the role of spoiler against the Brits or the Yanks. How Slovenia goes will play a major role in how this group goes. If they get a good result against Algeria right out of the gates they could be a very tough opponent.
Group Prediction: England, United States, Slovenia, Algeria

Group D (Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana)
Some have called this the Group of Death and I suppose if there has to be one in every World Cup, this is as good as any. The reason you can say that about this group is that any two of these teams could go through to the second round and it wouldn't be totally surprising (note: a group of death has to have four teams that can advance, not just three really good teams and one weak team). I tend to think this group will be much more predictable than others do.
For starters, Germany is always strong in the World Cup play and should continue that trend. They are always well organized and get great effort out of their players. They will be hard to attack and hard to defend which is usually a good recipe for success.
Australia had a very good showing in the last World Cup, but that is not the norm for this nation. They have a handful of quality professionals, such as Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer, but don't have the same overall team quality as others in the group.
Now to the Serbians. Another well-organized defensive-minded Euro squad. They'll be tough to break down and will take advantage of defensive mistakes by their opponents. Probably the sleeper team of the group in terms of what they bring to the pitch.
Last in Group D is Ghana. This side should quickly became a local favorite as they are the best African side in the tournament. They also have my favorite player on the planet, Micheal Essien (I'm not a Chelsea fan for the record). They will be ready to play and provide joy for the African continent.
Group Prediction: Germany, Ghana, Serbia, Australia

World Cup Draw

One of the most awaited days of the international soccer calendar happened on Friday: the announcement of the group draw for the World Cup in June 2010. Since this only happens once every four years it's a huge deal for soccer fans around the world, especially those countries whose national teams don't make the tournament every time around.

So let's look at how this thing turned out.

Group A (South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France)
For the host nation South Africa, this is going to be a very difficult group to advance out of, as I and many others see them as the weakest team in this group. Of course, being the host nation does give them a shot. They deserve credit for playing surprisingly well in the Confederations Cup over the summer and may be able to surprise.
Mexico traditionally does very well in World Cup play. Their coaching issues seem to be behind them for now and if they are healthy going into June they should be a player in this group.
Uruguay is a question mark in my mind. They have great strikers, but can the rest of the team do enough to highlight that fact? In this group, they certainly have a shot.
France has to feel incredibly lucky to be placed in this group. If they had been seeded (which most Frenchmen felt they should) they could have easily been given a much tougher draw. As it stands, Henry's handball has now cast a doubly long shadow on France's aspirations for World Cup glory.
Group Prediction: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay

Group B (Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece)
This group is incredibly interesting to me. First, you have one of the top three most talented teams in the world in Argentina. They have so much quality that it's almost embarrassing they made such an ordeal of their qualifying campaign. They have players who won't make the plane the South Africa that would be star players on other teams in the tournament. As always, this will be a fun team to watch.
Speaking of fun teams to watch, whenever the Nigerians make the field you know that they will bring an offensive approach to the game. Their opening round game against Argentina is a must watch for fans of attacking football.
In almost complete contrast to the top half of the group is bottom half. South Korea is an experienced, well-organized side who is tough to play against. After Argentina, this group is wide open and if the South Koreans can take their opportunities they have as good a shot as any at making it to the knock-out stage.
And then there's Greece. They are happy to site back and defend with the hopes of winning games one - nil, which they do better than any other nation. They score on the counter attack and off set-pieces. They aren't fun to watch, but they are effective. Their game against Nigeria will be a complete contrast in styles and the result (in my mind) will probably be extremely confusing to casual soccer followers.
Group Prediction: Argentina, Greece, South Korea, Nigeria

Check back in later as I pick the rest of the groups.

What You Need To Know About Sports Medley

Alright, a lot of people have sports blogs. I know. So you should be asking, why spend my time reading this one as well? Good question. I have no good answer for you. This blog isn't really for you, it's for me. I wanted a place to put my thoughts about sports down "on paper" and came up with this very unimaginative idea. That being said, if you'd like to comment on anything I have to say about sports (or other topics that will randomly be commented about) please go to town. I love hearing other people's thoughts on things. So what kind of information will you see on this blog? The simple answer is stuff that interests me. So what are the things I'm most interested in talking about? Well, here's a quick rundown:

• Soccer (US National Team, EPL, World Cup and MLS)
• Virginia Tech (Football and Basketball especially)
• Popular News (The significant story of the day)
• Football (NFL and College)
• NCAA Basketball
• Other (News items that catch my attention, not necessarily related to sports)

So, welcome to Sports Medley. I hope you'll stick around and check back from time to time to see what's happening and to leave your thoughts.