ARMCHAIRGM.COM Week 8 NCAA Football Poll

Ohio State, Michigan, USC and West Virginia held on to their spots in the top four of the ArmchairGM College Football Poll this week. Texas and Louisville swapped in the five and six positions.

Wake Forest finally made it into the Top 25 after receiving a few votes every week since Week 5.

The most notable movement of the week came from Oregon who fell to number 25 after suffering their second loss of the season. Georgia Tech also fell seven spots after their own second loss. The only significant movement up the list was from Arkansas who jumped from 17 to 13.

For full voting results, visit the Week 8 home here.

Poll

RNK	Team	W-L	PTS	PVS
1.	Ohio State (16)	8-0	448	1
2.	Michigan (2)	8-0	431	2
3.	USC	6-0	400	3
4.	West Virginia	7-0	383	4
5.	Texas	7-1	358	6
6.	Louisville	7-0	356	5
7.	Auburn	7-1	342	7
8.	Florida	6-1	324	9
9.	Tennessee	6-1	312	8
10.	Clemson	7-1	301	11
11.	California	6-1	271	10
12.	Notre Dame	6-1	244	12
13.	Arkansas	6-1	214	17
14.	Rutgers	7-0	203	15
15.	Boise State	8-0	198	20
16.	LSU	6-2	188	16
17.	Boston College	6-1	153	20
18.	Wisconsin	7-1	146	22
19.	Oklahoma	5-2	114	21
20.	Georgia Tech	5-2	101	13
21.	Nebraska	6-2	89	19
22.	Texas A&M	7-1	81	23
23.	Missouri	7-1	64	25
24.	Wake Forest	6-1	56	NR
25.	Oregon	5-2	25	18
Others receiving votes: Georgia 11, Virginia Tech 10, Miami 7, Florida State 5, Iowa 5, Washington State 4, South Carolina 3, Maryland 2, Hawaii 1

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West Virginia High School Football - 2006 Update

Well, we are 8 weeks into the season here in WV and there are some standout teams and performances to talk about.

1. Is Paul McCoy really that good?
This is a kid playing on a single A team that has battled through the SSAC taking wins away, then giving them back because of a player they say was ineligable. Not him of course. The team has fought hard through that and in setting at 5-2, rankes 10th in class A. Yes this is our small school division but watching this kid, he could play with the big boys of AAA. Here is some of his stats:

• Season: 165 carries, 1,859 yards, 25 TDs; TD catch, punt return TD
• On pace to break the state rushing record, set just last year, in only 10 games.

2. Can anyone beat Parkersburg?
This season it seems like the Big Red are on a mission. I have seen this team play and they were not that impressive. However, they continue to be ranked #1 in AAA and win games. Last week knocking off Capital 17-6. They are led by RB Matt Lindamood who against Capital had 19 carries for 136 yards and a TD. On the season his stats are: 32 carries, 971 yards, 18 TDs; TD catch; six QB sacks

3. What happened to DJ Taylor?
Last season DJ was runner-up in the Kennedy Award, our state's top player award. This season he has been an enigma for Herbert Hoover. The Huskies are struggling to make it to the playoffs, setting at 4-3. They play AA #12 Bluefield tonight and a loss could keep them out of the playoffs after going 9-1 last year. Taylor has struggled along with his team as he has been keyed on all year long. He has not come close to putting up the type of numbers as last year but still has respectable stats for the season: 135 carries, 1,129 yards, 13 TDs; TD catch

My Top Five Kennedy Award Leaders:

1. Paul McCoy - Matewan 65 carries, 1,859 yards, 25 TDs; TD catch, punt return TD
2. Christian Edwards - Cabell Midlans 66 carries, 1,465 yards, 22 TDs; TD catch
3. Jordan Roberts - Scott 141 carries, 1,530 yards, 24 TDs; three TD catches
4. Kyle Allard - Fairmont Senior 103-of-169 passing, 1,596 yards, 18 TDs, four interceptions; three TD runs, interception return TD
5. Carter DeVault - East Fairmont 57-of-112 passing, 1,140 yards, 20 touchdowns, six interceptions

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ARMCHAIRGM.COM Week 7 Poll

Ohio State once again held on to its undisputed first place spot in the AGMVC College Football Poll this week and Big Ten rival Michigan moved into the number two spot previously held by Florida.

The only team to leave the jumbled top ten was Notre Dame, California finally leaped over Clemson and nabbed the vacated 10-spot.

Newcomers to the Top 25 include Boston College at 20, Texas A&M at 23 and Pittsburgh returned to the list in the number 24 position.

Tulsa grabbed a few votes for the first time, most likely because of their appearence at the bottom of the BCS standings.

Poll Results

RNK	Team	W-L	PTS	PVS
1.	Ohio State (19)	7-0	475	1
2.	Michigan	7-0	451	3
3.	USC	6-0	421	5
4.	West Virginia	6-0	399	4
5.	Louisville	6-0	386	6
6.	Texas	6-1	384	7
7.	Auburn	6-1	355	10
8.	Tennessee	5-1	321	8
9.	Florida	6-1	320	2
10.	California	6-1	290	12
11.	Clemson	6-1	285	11
12.	Notre Dame	5-1	280	9
13.	Georgia Tech	5-1	248	13
14.	Boise State	6-0	187	16
15.	Rutgers	6-0	173	20
16.	LSU	5-2	171	19
17.	Arkansas	5-1	169	23
18.	Oregon	5-1	162	18
19.	Nebraska	6-1	156	17
20.	Boston College	5-1	96	NR
21.	Oklahoma	4-2	91	24
22.	Wisconsin	6-1	84	25
23.	Texas A&M	6-1	70	NR
24.	Pittsburgh	6-1	66	NR
25.	Missouri	6-1	46	15
Others receiving votes: Wake Forest 26, Georgia 15, Florida State 14, Iowa 12, Virginia Tech 10, Miami 4, TCU 3, Indiana 2, Tulsa 2, South Florida 1

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NL Champs - St. Lous Cardnials

Wow, what a series this was! The NY Mets weresuppose to blow the Cardinals away. Thanks to a great performance from their pitching staff St. Louis will be playing Detroit starting Saturday for the World Series Title.

Carlos Beltran just got caught looking to end the game by a rookie pitcher. This after he has owned the Cadinals in the playoffs with 7 lifetime HR in 14 games againts them.

Look for a great series. I look for the Tiger to win in 5 games to win the title for the first time since 1984.

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Charleston Newspapers High School Football Game of the Week

ArmChairGM.com Week 4 Poll Results

NCAA Football Week 4 Poll

RNK Team W-L PTS PVS
1. Ohio State (14) 4-0 398 1
2. Auburn 4-0 371 2
3. USC 3-0 355 3
4. Michigan (1) 4-0 345 5
5. Florida 4-0 329 6
6. West Virginia 4-0 322 4
7. Louisville (1) 4-0 308 7
8. Texas 3-1 282 9
9. LSU 3-1 261 10
10. Virginia Tech 4-0 227 12
11. Georgia 4-0 215 8
12. Iowa 4-0 213 13
13. Oregon 3-0 197 11
14. Notre Dame 3-1 193 14
15. Tennessee 3-1 165 15
16. Oklahoma 3-1 150 17
17. Florida State 3-1 132 20
18. California 3-1 125 22
19. Clemson 3-1 120 24
20. TCU 3-0 116 16
21. Boise State 4-0 78 25
22. Nebraska 3-1 65 23
23. Rutgers 4-0 42 NR
24. Georgia Tech 3-1 37 NR
25. Alabama 3-1 27 21

Others receiving votes: Missouri 24, Wake Forest 21, Purdue 16, Michigan State 15, Boston College 14, Penn State 8, South Carolina 8, Arizona State 5, Utah 5, UCLA 4, Texas A&M 3, Pitt 3, Texas Tech 1.

Jered Weaver Goes for AL record tonight!

Jered Weaver can become the first American League rookie to win his first 10 career decisions tonight when the LA Angels of Anaheim host the Boston Red Sox in the finale of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. Weaver, 23, equaled the 56-year-old mark of former New York Yankees great Whitey Ford in his last start, when he defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-0 for his ninth straight victory. In that win, the former first-round draft pick allowed three hits and struck out seven batters in seven innings. He's held opposing batters to just a .191 average through his first 78 1/3 innings of work this season, while striking out 65 and walking only 20.

Football Season is Here!

Can you smell it. The fresh cut grass, the fall Friday nights, the smell of sweat rolling down the faces of the players! Wow, it's another football season. Here with all the great things that come along with it.

The High School game on Friday nights ready to lace them up for school pride. To go to pep rallies and cheer for your favorite team. The school pranks to the other teams mascot, make sure there all legal! Anticipation of your teams best player getting an offer to play D-1 ball. What a life!

The college game, with all the rules and regulations but still having the school spirit and the national championship aspirations! The rivalry games like Ohio State - Michigan, WVU - Marshall, FSU - Miami, USC - UCLA, Texas - Oklahoma, there all coming up soon and you can't wait to participate in them. 100,000 people in the Horseshoe in Columbus, fans so crazed about their team that they think of nothing else but getting to the tailgate party at 7am.

Let's get ready to play some FOOTBALL! Good luck to each of you as you cheer your favorite team on. Just remember that Ohio State will be #1 at seasons end!

ArmchairGM.Com Preseason Poll

Here you will find the first preseason NCAA football from ArmchairGM.com writers. Enjoy the results. Comment if you dare.


Ohio State received 12 first place votes to sit atop the inaugural ArmchairGM User Top 25 College Football Poll. The Buckeyes garnered 526 total points to beat out Notre Dame, who got 501 points to place second.

West Virginia got the nod for third place by one point over fourth-place Texas despite receiving only one first place vote to the Longhorns' three. Auburn rounded out the top five.

News of Rhett Bomar's suspension must've swayed the minds of the voters as Oklahoma, a team that many thought could contend for a national championship, placed 10th in the poll.

Louisville managed to get one first place vote, but the Cardinals didn't receive much other attention as they were placed 13th.

Here is how the AGM Poll stacks up against the USA Today Coaches' Poll:

ArmchairGM Users

RNK Team W-L PTS PVS
1. Ohio State (12) 0-0 526 -
2. Notre Dame (3) 0-0 501 -
3. West Virginia (1) 0-0 456 -
4. Texas (3) 0-0 455 -
5. Auburn (1) 0-0 450 -
6. USC 0-0 438 -
7. Florida 0-0 384 -
8. LSU 0-0 372 -
9. Florida State 0-0 351 -
10. Oklahoma 0-0 334 -
11. California (1) 0-0 310 -
12. Miami (FL) 0-0 290 -
13. Louisville (1) 0-0 284 -
14. Michigan 0-0 268 -
15. Georgia 0-0 225 -
16. Penn State 0-0 214 -
17. Virginia Tech 0-0 194 -
18. Iowa 0-0 178 -
19. Nebraska 0-0 142 -
20. Clemson 0-0 137 -
21. Oregon 0-0 117 -
22. Arizona State 0-0 104 -
23. Alabama 0-0 73 -
24. Tennessee 0-0 65 -
24. TCU 0-0 65 -
Others receiving votes: Texas Tech 51, Boise State 28, Wisconsin 26, South Carolina 25, Utah 24, Georgia Tech 20, Arkansas 17, Boston College 5, Missouri 4, BYU 3, Colorado State 3, Oregon State 3, Pittsburgh 3, Kansas 2, UTEP 2, Arizona 1.


USA Today Coaches As of 8/4/06

RNK Team W-L PTS PVS
1. Ohio State (28) 0-0 1487 -
2. Texas (11) 0-0 1378 -
3. Notre Dame (9) 0-0 1348 -
4. USC (1) 0-0 1348 -
5. Oklahoma (13) 0-0 1320 -
6. Auburn (1) 0-0 1206 -
7. West Virginia 0-0 1202 -
8. Florida 0-0 1054 -
9. LSU 0-0 1037 -
10. Florida State 0-0 874 -
11. Miami (FL) 0-0 839 -
12. California 0-0 798 -
13. Louisville 0-0 785 -
14. Georgia 0-0 784 -
15. Michigan 0-0 778 -
16. Virginia Tech 0-0 591 -
17. Iowa 0-0 519 -
18. Clemson 0-0 493 -
19. Penn State 0-0 406 -
20. Oregon 0-0 373 -
21. TCU 0-0 270 -
22. Nebraska 0-0 261 -
23. Tennessee 0-0 216 -
24. Alabama 0-0 210 -
25. Texas Tech 0-0 198 -
Others receiving votes: Arizona State 182, Boston College 87, Utah 84, Arkansas 64, South Carolina 55, Boise State 46, Wisconsin 37, UCLA 29, Georgia Tech 28, Fresno State 14, Tulsa 11, Iowa State 9, Minnesota 9, Maryland 8, Purdue 7, Texas A&M 6, Memphis 5, UTEP 3, Arizona 2, BYU 2, Nevada 2, Northern Illinois 2, Northwestern 2, Oregon State 2, Rutgers 2, Colorado 1, Duke 1

The Coal Bowl!

Well it is a little over a month away. The renewal of the state clash. Not played that many times but to hear West Virginians talk it is on the same level as Ohio State - Michigan. Not me, I think its a bunch of over covered hype.

Marshall is in now way in WVU's league. The Mountianeers should pummel the Thundering Herd. With the game in Morgantown, there is no chance.

We can't even get the game on TV. They just set the start time yesterday and no national TV coverage exists. Maybe on some small local station....whoo hoo..

Was there any doubt over what to call the game. The Friends of Coal and the Coal Association jumped all over that one. Paying $100,000 for the sponsor rights.

I look for Steve Slaton and Pat White to light it up against a subpar Marshall defense that can't stop the lower C-USA teams. Slaton might score 6 td's in the opener. Both may easily go over 100 yards rushing and White might not even attempt 15 passes the entire game.

Nothing like coming out of the gates and getting blasted huh, Marshall.

Dusty's Time to Go!

Guys come on, what in the world is going on in Chicago? The Cubs front office must have a special off-field relationship with manager Dusty Baker. His time is long past. It's time for him to get the boot and get the crap out of Chicago!

I have been watching the Cubs for a very long time now and I have seen a very short straw when it comes to managers. I have seen some good ones come through the clubhouse and not get a chance to show what they could do when left alone to manage. But this guy, I mean good Lord, he could mess up a Chicago deep dish in a take-n-bake pie.

Dusty has already, as you've heard before, ran Sammy out of Chicago. He has distroyed two great pitching arms in Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. He has no sense of how to handle his lineup now and his time is past. Just fire the man already.

The Cubs are in a down spiral and need some energy injected into the lineup and rotation. Greg Maddux is just wasting his last years of a Hall of Fame career toiling in the rotation for a team that if it could score runs still can't keep the other team off the board.

And what the crap was this trade that the GM pulled off. Boy Phil Nevin has really helped out, not! Yeah that's what we needed a .259 batting average and 9 home runs really makes up for D-Lee's absence.

Maybe there will be change on the horizon if a new owner comes in or if the front office gets some visine and gets the red out of it's eyes. From a fans side you still have to say Go Cubs!

Chicago Cubs All-Star Team 1980-2006

As I was watching the Cubs game yeterday verses the Milwaukee Brewers I started thinking about all those players I have wathed over the last 25 years as a Cubs fan. I thought man that is a lot of different players, as any Cubs fan knows. Then I thought, self what is the top Cubs players you have seen during that time? So here goes.

Cather: Jody Davis- Jody may have not had awesome numbers but he was the steadiest cather over that period.

1st Base: Mark Grace- Need I say more about Gracie. One of the best ever.

2nd Base: Ryne Sandberg- The best ever! nuf said.

Shortstop: Shawon Dunston- Athleticism, range and offense.

3rd Base: Ron Cey - Yeah he came from the Dodgers but still best if seen.

OF: Andre Dawson - The Hawk, great in Montreal even better in Wrigley.

OF: Sammy Sosa- Would have been still patroling RF if not for Baker. One of the Best Ever.

OF: Gary Matthews- Sarge was in charge when he roamed LF.

Starter: Greg Maddux- One of the last 300 game winners we may ever see.

Relief: Lee Smith- Still the all-time leader in Saves.

Many other players have come thru the Friendly Confines but these I believe are the best of the last 25 years.

Ryne Sandberg - Legend!

In my opinion Ryne Sandberg is the best 2nd baseman to ever lace up the cleats and take the infield. I know, I know, some of you would say Joe Morgan is, some Craig Biggio and still others would throw Jeff Kent's name in there.

But let me tell you, from watching all of those play, I never seen anyone as fluid as Sandberg at the bag. A nice throws over to first, smooth double play. And at the plate, well he was the sole of the Cubs offense for years.
Just look at these lifetime numbers: 2164 games .285 Batting Average 282 Home Runs 1061 Runs Batted In 344 Steals Pretty impressive for the period of time that he played. 1984 NL MVP. 10 time All-Star, 9 time Gold Glove winner, 7 time Silver Slugger award.

All these stats were tops among 2nd basemen when he played. Some may have had more home runs, more steals, more RBI but none had the all-around game of Ryno. And you couldn't find a finer person off the field.

Yes I like Ryne Sandberg as the best 2nd baseman ever. I even named my son after him.

Canadian Football - Is It Really Football?

Have you ever wondered what those peskie Canadians were up to? Me niether so imagine my suprise when I turned through the FOX sports stations the other day and there it was! The CFL on TV.
What's that a 110 Yard field, a Center field line(55 Yard line), goal posts on the goal line, 25 yard end zones and that silly looking striped football.

Then I remembered, these guys have been around for years but no one pays them any attention. I remember back in high school and college watching Warren Moon, yes the same one as in the NFL, throwing the ball all over the place for the Edmonton Eskimos. What a name Eskimos, seems to fit with the area huh. I remember watching him win Grey Cup after Grey Cup. That's their title game for those of you who don't have a clue.

I remember even Doug Flutie starred up there in the cold. As a matter of fact his brother Darren still hold the pass reception record, although not much longer as Terry Vaughn is only 15 catches away. And now Ricky Williams is up there freezing his butt off just to play football. Now his case might be different than the other stars there, he is still trying to pay off the Dolphins for his stupidity.

So the next time you are surfing FOX Sports and you see the CFL game, sit back, enjoy the ride and learn something about our neighbors to the north. Who know you might even catch a glimpse of an NFL star or two. Remember Damon Allen, Marcus' brother has been a star for years up here and you may even find out what a Tiger-Cat is.

Randy Moss on the Jucie?

Randy Moss on the Juice?

On Saturday, June 24th, Randy Moss came back to Charleston WV. Not to do anything linked to his past or even sports. Randy was in Charleston to open a juice joint. Inta Juice, which he became aware of and is now a major investor and on the companies board, has a new franchise in Charleston.

From what I heard it was a great success as people were lined up all day just to get a glimpse of the NFL star. He was behind the counter serving up wonderful tasting juice and signed a few autographs along the way. Thanks for giving back to the community Randy Moss!

College Baseball - WOW!

College Baseball - WOW!

You know while I was watching the Championship game of the CWS Monday night, I realized that this was really awesome. How many recent years have gone by and thses contests been blowouts. I mean I started watching the CWS while in high school, 1983, you know when Texas was a real power. Clemens and cast were killer then. You had Barry Bonds at Arizona State. And "OSU" was not Oregon State but Oklahoma State. Well there colors are close. But these team battled each year to a close and competitive championship.

Not so recently, until now. North Carolina and Oregon State battled, and I mean battled like the old days, last night. With Oregon State scoring the winning run in there last at bat, in the bottom of the eighth and facing one the nations top pitchers. They manufactured, now thats a word you don't hear often anymore, the winning run and took home the Beavers fist baseball championship.

These kids battled and battled right down to the end, like the sport is meant to be played. No arguing, no fighting, nothing but competitive spirit and sportsmanship to the highest. I was thinking about stopping watching the CWS but these kids have saved the game for me. At least until next year.

2006 NBA Draft 1st Round Thoughts

Ronnie's 2006 NBA Draft 1st Round Thoughts

Setting hear watching the NBA "Trade Show" I mean Draft, I can't help but notice that this is nuts. Nobody wants to pick for their selfs. I mean come on draft pick is made and the trade was made before the pick. So the team picking was actually selecting the player that the other team wants. What happened to just trading the pick spots and selecting your own player!!!

Also what is up with the Knicks? They suck at drafting. I mean they select Renaldo Balkman in the top 20. This guy is a late 2nd round, if that, pick. The could have used Marcus Williams with this pick. Then at 29 they take a Temple guy in Mardy Collins. Not terrible but left a lot of talent on the board that is better than his.

Not bad top 5 picks but I think the best impact player for next year went at number 3. Adam Morrison is going to make a tremdous impact on Charlotte. He will compliment Emeka Okafor and make them really competitive.

J.J. Redick is a close second. He has a back problem but I think it will work it out and J.J. will be a great force in Orlando's backcourt.

Portland went crazy in the first round. Trading everything in site. I think one trade came across for the Rose Garden! Looks like they are building an entirely new roster. Looks good too.

Buckeyes Will Reign Supreme

Buckeyes Will Reign Supreme

I don't care what others may say I think that OHIO STATE will be on top again. I can't wait til that September Saturday when they get hold of TEXAS and wrangle up some beef!

Even with the loss of Santonio Holmes the offense will roll. I think it may even be better this year with just Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. That way you don't have to try to work Holmes in the mix and it opens up more touches for Ginn. The rushing attack will be realied upon a bit more it think. But it will be up to the task.

The big test of course will come on the defensive side of the ball. With losing AJ HAWK, BOBBY CARPENTER and cast the new starters will have to step it up a notch to replace the lost talent. I look for the offense to have to score more to keep up with the points the defense gives up this year.

Look out Michigan - Here we come! Michigan is the only bump in the road I see could stop an undefeated season bor the Buckeyes.

Santonio Holmes?

Santonio Holmes?

What in the world is former Ohio State receiver, Santonio Holmes, thinking? Apparently not much when he get arrested for Domestic Violence charges. Drafted by the World Champion Steelers, he has his whole life in front of him and within two months of the draft is arrested twice. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Stay tuned!

NBA Finals, is it really basketball?

NBA Finals, is it really basketball?

I noticed today where Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, was fined for a tirade after the game last night. An OT loss to Miami. He was upset with the officiating and I can't agree with him more. These days watching a basketball game is like watching a horse race. I mean seriously, when was the last time you took three or four steps and wasn't called for walking? Even in rec leagues and pick-up games these guys in the NBA today would be called. And shooting, the game used to be nice and clean with 15-18ft jumpers, layups and the occasional 3 pointer and dunk. I mean lately its feast or famine, dunk or three. I ask again, Is it Really Basketball? Not!

Draft Not Kind to WVU

Draft Not Kind to WVU Players

WVU was left out in the cold by NFL teams around the county. Only one Mountaineer was drafted and he was not even the best player available. Alton McCann was taken in the 6th round (179) by the Detroit Lions. This left Jahmile Addae and Mike Lorello looking for free agent contracts when they were much better than McCann. This also leaves in question the developement of WVU's football team.

Looks like they are good to play in college but the talent is not being developed for the next level. Compared to the Buckeyes, my favorite team, they ar eway behind in NFL skills as no less than 9 OSU players were selected. Including 1st round picks AJ Hawk (5), Donte Whitner (8), Bobby Carpenter (18), Santonio Holmes (25) and Nick Mangold (29). Now thats developing talent for the next level.

Mountain State Cut Short in Tourney

Mountain State's Trip Cut Short

Mountian State Univertsity Cougars trip to another NAIA Div. I national championship was cut short in the second round. Olivet Nazarene defeated MSU 79-65 on day 2 of the tourney. MSU finished the season at 29-3. A great record but not quite good enough. This little know team from Beckley should make the state just as proud as WVU did.

2nd Straight Sweet Sixteen

2nd Straight Sweet Sixteen

WVU's run at the Final Four came up a bit short but the Mountianeers did achieve something that had not been done since the day of Jerry West. 2 consecutive trips to the sweet sixteen. What a road for these seniors, they really put WVU basketball back on the map.

Now if they can only find some rebounding they would be blowing people out. Thanks goes though to Pittsnogle, Ganset, Herber, Collins and Beilein for making the state proud with their play on the court and there walk off of it. They have had as big as impact on the community as any senior class at WVU.

Yeah, I know too that Ohio State went down in the tourney but I was trying to keep that to myself!

WVIAC Update

WVIAC Update

Congratulations to the WV State men and the University of Charleston women for winning their respective tourney's this past weekend in Charleston. The Yellow Jacket men won on a shot with 1.5 seconds left in an exciting championship game.

Look for both of these teams to do good in the Division II playoffs.

What a Ride!

WVU women's basketball went on a killer run this week in the Big East tourney. Starting as the #12 seed in the 12 team tournament the Lady Eer's made a run that reminded me of the men's team last year. They knocked off the #5, #4 and #1 seed before falling a bit short tonight against #2 seed UCONN.

The girls playing without leader Meg Bulger, who will have knee surgery tomorrow, played a great game against the Huskies but couldn't pull it out down the stretch, losing 50-44. The team finished 15-16 on the season.

WVU BOUNCES BACK

After losing 4 of 5 games the Mountianeers came back with a strong showing Saturday in Morgantown. They held off a late surge to defeat Louisville, 68-64. In the process WVU ran its record to 19-8.

Kevin Pittsnogle led WVU in scoring with 21 points and suprise point guard J.D. Collins scored a career high 13 points to provide and extra lift.

The Mountaineers next game is Monday night. The Panthers of Pitt come in for a fired up senior night crowd.

Huntington Hero's Update

Arena Indoor Football Team Lost It's Mind!

Daytona Thunder signed 57 year old Terry Bradshaw to an actual player contract paying him $254.88 per game as it's "Franchise Player"! Thats funny don't you think?

Six Former Mountaineers Playing Arena Ball

Former WVU players in Arena ball in 2006 are:

• Tom Briggs - Austin Wranglers
  
• Cecil Doggette - Columbus Destroyers
• Angel Estrada - New York Dragons
• Wes Ours - Philadelphia Soul
• David Saunders - Columbus Destroyers
• Jay Taylor - Orlando Predators

Arena Football info at: www.arenafootball.com

WVU Down in Polls Next Week

WVU, after a loss to PITT last week and a loss to Seton Hall last night, will certainly drop in the polls next week. They looked pretty beatable as the Pirates rolled to a 71-64 victory over the 11th ranked Mountaineers. At least Kevin Pittsnogle was back on track after suffering what was arguably his worst game in the Gold and Blue, a 0 point fouled out game against Pitt.

Sisters Make National FCA Story

Ferguson sisters are finally on same team

By TOM BONE - Bluefield Daily Telegraph

ATHENS — Jan and Jessica Ferguson are living a “dream come true.” Finally, they’re teammates.The sisters from Nicholas County, four years apart in age, are both on the Concord University basketball team — Jessica is a sharp-shooting senior forward, while Jan is learning the ropes as a freshman point guard.That dream was nurtured as the two, along with a sister and younger brother, played under a backyard backboard growing up. It was threatened by Jan’s back surgeries in junior high school. It was glowing brightly when Jan tied Jessi-ca’s high-school 3-point shooting record.Now it is a reality.After a standout career at Nicholas County High School, Jessica enrolled to play basketball at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. When that didn’t work out, she hit the road for another Athens, the home of Concord, to play ball for Coach Ken Osborne.Jan’s route was even more torturous. She had surgeries in seventh and eighth grade to correct a slipping vertebra in her backbone. “I missed my seventh grade year because I was in a body cast for about three months and a wheelchair for about three or four months. ... I shot around the house a little bit, in my body cast, the best I could. It was hard.“It was tough, being out, but it just made me want to work hard to get back. ... I knew how much I loved the game. ... I got to play in my eighth-grade year because I was only out for two months.”The permanent effect of the fused vertebra is “not too bad,” she said. “I’ve learned how to cope with it, I guess.”In junior high school, Jan tied Jessica’s record of six 3-pointers in a game. In a sectional playoff game at the varsity level, Jan had a similar experience, tying her sister’s record of seven treys.Jan said, “I didn’t even realize she held the record. I didn’t even realize how many I had. It was still a close game. I found out afterward. My mom told me that.“I would’ve liked to have one more, to break it, but I guess it’s good that I tied it.”Jessica said, “She had seven (at the end of) the third quarter. Mom called me and said she’d tied it and had one quarter to go. I always told (Jan), ‘You can go tie my records but I don’t want you to go breaking them or anything.’ She tried really hard the fourth quarter but she ended up with seven for the game.“So we both hold that record together. That’s pretty neat.”Prior to Saturday’s contest at Shepherd, Jessica is third in the West Virginia Confer-ence in 3-pointers made (53), 11th in 3-point percentage (.384) and 13th in the league in scoring average (14.5 points per game) on an 8-8 Concord team.She has blocked 21 shots in 16 games and is ranked second on the team in assists (42) and rebounds (88). The fifth-year senior has again demonstrated her versatility by stepping in at point guard in relief of the equally resourceful Shari Walker.However, Jessica said, her real strength is “coming off the screen and shooting the jumper. I’ve always been really comfortable, since I was little, shooting 3-pointers up.”She feels fortunate to be on a team in which several share similar statistics.“I think that’s definitely one of our strengths. The defense can’t concentrate on one person, because somebody else’ll hurt you. If we can ever get all of us, on one night, scoring a lot, the other team’s in a lot of trouble.” She added, “I think we will.”Osborne said he feels fortunate that Jessica “leads by example. Her work ethic is extraordinary. She’s a great role model on and off the floor; she exemplifies what a student-athlete should be.“She’s not only a good basketball player, but she’s a top-notch student. … We’re proud of her, not only for what she’s done with the team, but clear across campus, with her involvement in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and all.”Jessica helped begin an FCA chapter in Athens with the assistance of area director Mike White.“In high school, we had a really big FCA, and I was vice president my senior year,” Jessica said. “When I transferred to Concord, there wasn’t any of that type of athlete Christian Bible study organization. ...“I think my first year here, we started with seven people, and we’ve slowly built up to where this year we average 40 at a meeting. That’s really encouraging. ...“It’s a good opportunity to hang out with other Christian athletes and see how you can influence the rest of the student body. They really look up to athletes, I believe, and (we can) use it as a tool to spread the Word.”Her leadership continues at the athletic center. Jessica said, “I think the younger players do look to the seniors for a lot of leadership. As far as I go, I’m not real vocal. If they ask me, I’ll try to help them out or take them off to the side and help them, but as far as, like in practice, yelling or telling everybody that’s what you do, that’s not my style.“But I do believe that that’s one of our responsibilities ... to help them adjust to the college game.”She got the chance with her younger sister. Jan said, “She always tells me little things to do. If my shot’s not on, she’ll always be like, ‘Just move your foot back a little bit,’ things like that.“She’s a better shooter than me. She always has been. ... She’s helped me a lot.”Jessica said, “I’ve actually never played with her before, on a team, because she’s four years younger. But (with me) being a fifth-year senior, that’s really been neat that I’ve got to play with her.“And I’m proud of her. She’s had some struggles as far as health issues and stuff ... but to be able to overcome that and see her play basketball, it’s pretty neat.”Jan said, “I wanted to come here and play with Jessica. But I like this school, and I like Coach Osborne, and I like pretty much everything about it here. It’s a good fit for me.”Jessica said, “That’s been one of her dreams, to play (in college), since she was little. And playing in the backyard, she’s always been very competitive. ... Even though my younger brother is five years younger than Jan, she’d still knock him down if he came inside.“I think she’s a very hard worker. As far as point guard, right now, that’s where we really need somebody, with Jamie (Cluesman) out. Hopefully, she’ll be able to step in and help us out there.“As far as being a smart player on the court, she definitely knows the game of basketball. And she’s a very good listener. ... She takes criticism well, which is hard for a lot of players.”Osborne said that Jan’s time has been limited, but “she’s put forth good effort. We got a lift from her when she got on the floor, particularly her shooting.”The coach said, “They’re both quality individuals. They have two different personalities — Jan’s a lot more outgoing; Jessica is quiet and reserved.”Asked about the Lady Lions’ future, Jan said, “I think we have a lot of potential. I’m really excited. I can’t wait to see what happens. I think we can get on a little roll here, and we’ll be doing good.”Jessica, in contrast, is coming to grips with her last few months in uniform. “I’m definitely feeling it this year,” the senior graphic design major said. “I always make fun, that I’m old, and after every game I’m always sore and stuff. “But ... I’ve had a good career, and it’s time to move on and do other things.”One of those things she hopes to do is to keep her little sister motivated. “I have to keep her in shape, and beat up on her a little bit, and make sure she’s doing her workouts,” Jessica said.Jan’s future may lie at point guard, but she appears happy with the present.“I feel lucky. It’s a dream come true, to me, to keep playing basketball.”— Contact Tom Bone attbone@bdtonline.com

SCOUT.COM RATES WVU 57TH!

Scout.com released it's recruiting ratings today and ranked WVU 57th in the nation. Marshall was not far behind? I spoke the other day about not recruiting in state but looks like not very good out of state either.

Of course, my Buckeyes were ranked 13th. More on these rankings to come. Keep checking back for individual reports.

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WVU Again on Top

The Mountianeers escaped Madison Square Garden with a victory Sunday against St. Johns. WVU improved to 15-4, 6-0 in the Big East. They are off to an incredible start under Coach Beilein. One that I haven't seen for quite some time.

Kevin Pittsnogle had 19 points and 8 rebounds, Mike Gansey 15 and Frank Young 11 points for WVU. J.D. Collins, pictured here contributed 6 assists.

What is up with recruiting?

Tell me what in the world is going on with WVU football recruiting? The states top players not even offered. Nitro High's dynamic duo, Josh Culbertson and Chris Fulmer were not even offered scholarships from WVU. Fulmer plans to attend Eastern Kentucky and it looks like Culbertson in planning on attending the University of Charleston. I diid see where Coach Rod did come down to try to talk Josh into walking on at WVU.

Walking on, what a joke! The state record holder for running backs and the EER'S head coach trying to talk him into walking on. Man I thought Nehlen was gone. I guess some traditions are hard to break, not recruiting instate.

Ohio State Recruits Shine!

With a crazied sold-out crowd on hand, Ohio State recruits Greg Oden and Michael Conley, Jr. domninated the matchup with 11-3 North Central. They led their Lawrence North team to a 78-59 win in the nationally televised match.

With their future coach looking on from a packed stand both Conley and Oden showed why the Buckeyes have a bright future. Oden poured in a game high 33 points and Conley added 18. Oden also chipped in 12 rebounds 4 blocks and 3 assists, while Conley had 2 assists and 4 steals.

The game was never close on the scoreboard and let's hope that is the was OSU's will look in the future.

The game also featured another Big Ten recruit in Eric Gordon. He is headed to Illinois and Coach Bruce Weber also attened the game. Gordon finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. Let's look for some great Big Ten matchups in the next few years with these 3 star players manning the floor.

WVU-Tech Switches to NAIA

News out of Montgomery shocked an entire community today. WVU-Tech announced today that it was applying for NAIA status. Tech which previously competed on the NAIA level for years before going to Div. II with the rest of the WVIAC will also be giving up membership in the conference. They will be competing on the same level as Mountain State University in Beckley. A natural rival to start of with.

This may have been the best thing for the football program. A lot less restrictions than NCAA level.

HERBERT HOOVER HIGH BASKETBALL

Just have a quick rant about the state of basketball at HHHS. The Huskies do have a winning record so far this year. But what does it say about the state of high school sports in the state when the coach of the team has not even come close to having a winning season. (9-14 last year was his best season) In fact Hoover has not had a .500 season since 1970. 1970 that was a long time ago! What does it say when you don't have to win to be the coach. Now I know there has been some good players come through the school. This year Grant Buckner for example. But some coaches need to learn to use the whole team not just one player. I guess this is what happens when the school regulations allows for school employees to get coaching vacancies before qualified coaches, no matter how it affects the kids.

Don't believe me just look at the girls team at Hoover. Their new coach has no clue what he is doing. I will be really suprised if the girls win 7 games this year.

Huge Wins for the Mountaineers!

Kevin Pittsnogle and Mike Gansey lead WVU to two huge wins this week. First #3 ranked Villanova and tonight Georgetown. WVU came back from a 15 point second half defecit against the Wildcats and then from being down 23-12 to the Hoyas. A three point barrage carried both comebacks. All I can say is WOW! This win against Georgetown kind of legitimzes the Mountaineers as they were being put down by the RPI rankings. Look for more Big East wins down the road. May be a return NCAA trip.

Show Down in Knoxville!

In a battle of former WV prep stars, Alexis Hornbuckle and Renee Montgomery did something they had not done since middle school. When they took the court today, they took is as opponents instead of teammates. And what a game they played. As each helped their team in a college basketball classic. Tennessee at No.1 and UCONN at No.7 battled back and forth the entire game. Montgomery battled hard as she guarded Hornbuckle and held her scoring in check. But in the end Alexis was one assist away from a triple-double and had more help from her Tennessee teammates coming out on top 89-80.

Stat Lines: Pts. Reb. Assists Steals

R.Montgomery 0 1 3 1
A.Hornbuckle 10 14 9 4

Look for future matchups of these two stars to be just as good.

WOW!!!

I don't know if you have noticed it or not, since we don't get any coverage around the state on them, but MOUNTAIN STATE UNIVERSITY, up in Beckley, is whipping up on their opponents. They are 14-0 going into today's game against NAIA #3 Union. They are a quiet force here in the state. For some reason the only coverage they get is in the Beckley newspaper.

Since the start of the 2003-2004 season the small NAIA school has went 82-5. Now that's a winning record. We sometimes get so caught up in the D-I, D-II mentality that we overlook some of the classic achievements of the smaller schools. Also somewhere in there is the NAIA national championship. Don't think anyone else in the state can say that!

A side bar to Beckley area sports. I see where The Legend is coming to town. Looks like Larry Bird will be in town the end of the month for the Coal Classic to be the keynote speaker at the banquet. Wonder if he will stop over to see Marcus Manns play. That kid is a beast for the Eagles. Scored 30 last night in a loss the South Charleston.

Drop by the Coal Classic and see Marcus play as Beckley-Woodrow Wilson takes on national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy at 7:00pm, Feb. 1st.

TOP TEN MEN'S NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL

WEEKEND OF 1-6-06

Check here each Friday evening as I post my Top Ten Men's College Basketball teams. See how I stack up with the big boys that do this for a living.

1. Duke
2. Illinois
3. Florida
4. Villanova
5. Memphis
6. Michigan State
7. Louisville
8. UCONN
9. Gonzaga
10. Washington

I think it is a real strong top ten what about you?

2005 NCAA Football Top Ten

My picks for the final Top Ten of College football for 2005!

1. TEXAS LONGHORNS
2. USC TROJANS
3. PENN STATE NITTNY LIONS
4. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
5. LSU TIGERS (FIRST SURPRISE PICK)
6. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
7. WVU MOUNTAINEERS
8. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
9. WISCONSIN BADGERS (SECOND SURPRISE PICK)
10. GEORGIA BULLDOGS

A couple surprises but overall a strong top ten. Let me know what you think about it. Post back.

Going Bowling!

Well how about those Mountaineers! I have to say I was as surprised as the Georgia Bulldog, Uga. The way Steve Slaton went crazy on them Dawgs. Man, with him, Pat White and a lot of other talented underclassmen WVU might be looking good for years to come. I have to say it is hard for me to write this, my distaste for football teams not nicknamed Buckeyes and all. But they really did look great Monday night.

Speaking of great, I have to mention the Fiesta Bowl, or should I say OSU-West campus. Man my Bucks really put it on Notre Dame. Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, Santonio Holmes and oh yeah, AJ Hawk and that awesome defense. What more do I need to say.

I seen where South Charleston's Renee Montgomery had a really good game last night and her stats have improved dramatically in the last 4 games compared to the first 9. Look at these numbers: The freshman point guard had 7 assists (her 2nd most this season) and 7 rebounds last night. After posting 28 assists, 24 turnovers and 17 steals in her first 9 games, she has 24 assists, 9 turnovers and 12 steals the past 4. Way to make the state proud Renee.

Look for upcoming post on High School basketball and our states college players in the comming days and weeks.

• One last shout out - Congratulations to Grant Buckner from Herbert Hoover on his recent all expense paid trip to the Rose Bowl. What a game to get to for free. The best NCAA Championship game since Ohio State - Miami.