BCS: Calm Before the Storm

The pressure is low and conditions to reek havoc are as strong as ever. Opening day is jammed with a cloud of collegiate match-ups that will launch 2012's quest for the 'crystal' on Labor Day weekend.

Thursday will begin an initial tidal wave of games (seventeen to be exact) including the ninth ranked Gamecocks of South Carolina visiting the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Hunker down! Just when things appear to clear up, Auburn will take on No. 14 Clemson and attempt to stop junior quarterback Tajh Boyd in Atlanta. Obviously, there will Tigers everywhere.
Another clash will include two teams ranked in the top twenty-five on Friday night as No. 24 Boise State in their post Kellen Moore-era will test waters of No. 13 Michigan State in their post Kirk Cousins-era.
Naturally, the biggset match-up of week one will take place under the gigantic scoreboard in the weather-controlled Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas where the defending BCS champion (#2) Alabama Crimson Tide will lock tusks with the winningest school of all time in the form of the (#8) Michigan Wolverines.

It is imperative that everyone stock up on survival supplies and remain inside - tuned in. Help is on the way and relief is in sight.

The Brain: Week One

The psyche of many laboratory mice is often unusually aggressive and delusional as a result of the various injections of drug cocktails. The excessive amounts of potassium attack the central nervous system, then the brain, where which the specimen begins to experience unrealistic life ideals and scenarios. Large victories seem attainable. Anxiously scrambling, searching for that first win.

Although most lab mice don't end up in a roadside ditch rocking an eye patch, some could likely find themselves on the wrong end of  a proverbial maze hunting a deadly mix disguised as a cheesy win.

Boundaries, lanes and roles are implemented for a reason. As long as all beings remain aware of their boundaries, inside its lane accepting the given role, life will be spared. Maybe.

As the 2012 Fantasy football season approaches, we at Tazsports would like to extend a good luck wish to all who participate, going forward.

Punch-Drunk With Talent

By now, we should all be familiar with the superstar-laden roster of the United States men's basketball team. There are some teams that feel they may have a shooter's chance to swipe victory from the jowels of the Americans.

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng intends to improve Great Britain's roster with his presence. The French national team will promote balance, but lean heavily on the services of NBA stars Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Nicolas Batum for pursuit of the ever-elusive 'W'. San Antonio's Manu Ginobili and former Houston Rocket Luis Scola will compete for Argentina while the world watches. The stiffest competition may reside with the Brothers Gasol, OKC's Serge Ibaka and Spain.

In hindsight, does really matter which roster has the best mix of NBA players? After Thursday night's 54-point thrashing of the Dominican Republic (with Atlanta's Al Horford), the Americans are favorites to win every game in the same fashion. Perhaps Spain will hold the smallest margin of defeat, only losing by 31. Maybe.

Stat Stuffers

This season, although abbreviated, was quite intriguing with at least one game being played every night. As the 2012 fantasy basketball season draws to a close, the time has come to recognize those who may have helped owners win an ever-elusive championship. Here is the cream of the fantasy crop.

PG
Russell Westbrook (OKC)  23.6 ppg, 82 FT%
Brandon Jennings (Mil)  19.1 ppg, 80 FT%
SG
Kobe Bryant (LAL)  27.9 ppg, 84 FT%
Monte Ellis (Mil)  20.4 ppg, 6 apg
SF
LeBron James (Mia)  27.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 6.2 apg, 53 FG%
Kevin Durant (OKC)  28 ppg, 8 rpg, 86 FT%
PF
Blake Griffin (LAC)  20.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 54 FG%
Kevin Love (Min)  26 ppg, 13.3 rpg, 82 FT%
C
Dwight Howard (Orl)  20.6 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 2.1 bpg
Andrew Bynum (LAL)  18.7 ppg, 11.8 rpg

Congratulations to those who made magic happen this season in fantasy. Now, let the playoffs begin.

Drum Roll, Please?

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell approaches the podium on April 26, it's imperative that the first name he will call is senior quarterback Andrew Luck from Stanford. What about the rest of the ordered picks? Here's a sneak peek into the future, Tazsports style. Maestro....

1.  Indianapolis Colts 

Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford

The Colts have glaring issues elsewhere, like defensive tackle, linebacker and secondary. The quarterback position must be addressed first, however.

2.  St. Louis Rams  (Trade with Washington)

Justin Blackmon - WR - Oklahoma State

Linebacker is a dire need for the Rams, going forward, but Blackmon is one prospect a franchise can't pass on.

3.  Minnesota Vikings 

Matt Kalil - OT - USC

With big brother Ryan grooming him, Matt has a leg up on the rest of the class at his position.

4.  Cleveland Browns 

Trent Richardson - RB - Alabama

With the NFL migrating toward the 'running back by committee' philosophy, franchises are reluctant to draft a running back so early in the first round. The consensus will take Richardson every time.

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Morris Claiborne - CB - LSU

An aging Ronde Barber lurks in the balance. Why not scoop up the best corner back in the draft and have the wiley veteran take Claiborne under his wing?

 6.  Washington Redskins  (Trade with St. Louis)
Robert Griffin, III  - QB - Baylor

Washington may as well get a QB since they traded away first round picks for the next three seasons. The glaring need at the position doesn't hurt.

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars 

Michael Floyd - WR - Notre Dame

The Jags lack a big, efficient target at receiver. Floyd will prove to be the best in this year's draft at his position.

8.  Miami Dolphins 

Riley Reiff - OT - Iowa

Miami may have more serious needs on the defensive side of the ball, but Reiff is a top ten talent.

9. Carolina Panthers

Quinton Coples - DE - North Carolina

A dominant defensive end from North Carolina remindssome of pro bowler Julius Peppers. The proverbial jury is still out.

10. Buffalo Bills 
Devon Still - DT - Penn State

 The Bills rarely put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, accumulating only 29 sacks (t-30th) in 2011. Still should contribute nicely.

NFL team logos courtesy of  NFL.com.

Manning the Brady Bunch

Imagine waking up on an interstate freeway blindfolded. Your senses heighten as your sight is taken from you. Your palms moisten as your brain alarms you to act fast but strategically. For if you stand in one spot too long you're sure to be run over with colossal force. The vehicles represent defenders. The freeway signifies the stage known as Super Bowl forty-six.

                     New England Patriots

                                   (13-3)

The Baltimore Ravens is the only team with a winning record the Patriots defeated all season. Their defense ranks 31st of 32 teams, allowing 411.1 yards per game. They have a hobbled secondary with safety Patrick Chung nursing a knee injury. He'll play, more than likely, but won't be 100%. Just about every skilled position on offense has some sort of ailment on the injury report including quarterback, wide receiver and tight end. They have question marks heading into Sunday on either side of the ball. They also have....Tom Brady, which is the reason New England will be victorious when the clock reads 0:00.

New York Giants

(9-7)

The Giants are currently the NFL's hottest team, winning their last five straight games. However, after defeating New England on the road on November 6, the Giants lost five of their last eight games to end the regular season. As the Dallas Cowboys self-destructed, the Giants won the NFC East by default. Everything is dependent on which team shows up for the Giants on Sunday.

As neither team is a defensive juggernaut by any imaginary stretch, New York has a stronger pass rush which should contribute to getting Tom Brady 'off the spot'. Look for the running game to be a deciding factor on who will hoist the Lombardi as multi-colored confetti falls from the raptors.

New England  24

NY Giants       20  Final

After the Confetti

When all the sparkly, bubbly stuff is gone and the noisemakers and serpentine have been swept up, it's time to show appreciation to the players who made such a championship run possible.

QB

1. Aaron Rodgers - GB
2. Drew Brees - NO
3. Tom Brady - NE
* Sam Bradford - StL

RB

1. Ray Rice - Bal
2. LeSean McCoy - Phi
3. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jac
* Toby Gerhart - Min
* Roy Helu - Was

WR

1. Calvin Johnson - Det
2. Wes Welker - NE
3. Victor Cruz - NYG
* Kenny Britt - Ten
* Pierre Garcon - Ind

TE

1. Rob Gronkowski - NE
2. Jimmy Graham - NO
3. Aaron Hernandez - NE
* Jake Ballard - NYG
* Jermaine Gresham - Cin

DEF

1. San Francisco

2. Chicago

3. Baltimore
* Philadelphia
* Minnesota


* Top sleepers for 2012