Michigan State 55, Penn State 16: Shame/John Donavan fired

Photo creds to www.usatoday.com

Since I started writing about Penn State football this season, I have written two negative articles after losing efforts. The first post came after week one when the Nittany Lions lost to Bill Cosby's Temple Owls for the first time since FDR was president. The second post came after Penn State lost a very winnable game at Northwestern. This article comes from yesterday's 55-16 loss to the Michigan State Spartans. When Penn State lost the first two games that prompted my negative reactions, my emotions were filled with anger and frustration. When I watched the embarrassment that took place in East Lansing on Saturday, my emotions were filled with just sadness.


It wasn't a game that made me want to throw anything or punch a wall. It wasn't a game that ruined the rest of my day, as I have learned that it is not healthy to let a sporting event do that to my brain. It was a game that saddened me as to what Penn State football has become. It's not that I expected Penn State to win yesterday, as Michigan State is one of the best teams in the nation and certainly better than my Nittany Lions. It wasn't that I even expected the game to be very close, as I figured Sparty would win by at least a two touchdown margin, which I would have accepted. What ended up taking place at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, November 28th, 2015 was an absolute embarrassment to the Penn State football program.


After a fairly close first half, the Spartans undressed the once mighty Nittany Lions in the final 30 minutes and ended up winning by a 39 point margin. Michigan State capped off Penn State's embarrassment when Jack Allen, their center, that's right, their center, ran in for a touchdown to give Michigan State their final 7 points of the day. It was the ultimate case of pouring salt into the wound, and Penn State deserved it. Penn State's last three games have been hard, and Saturday's game was depressing to see. 55-16 losses are supposed to happen to Purdue and Rutgers, not to Penn State. The Nittany Lions were pathetic yesterday, and there is no excuse.



I don't want to hear that the Penn State defense was banged up. I don't want to hear that the score does not indicate how close the game was, and I don't even want to hear performances like yesterday pinned on the sanctions. Yes, the punishments that were handed down by Mark Emmert and the NCAA back in 2012 have had a lasting impact on the program, but that does not excuse yesterday's performance or, for that matter, this season. The talent that Penn State has at their disposal in spite of those sanctions could have performed better yesterday, and they could have been better than a 7-5 football team.



James Franklin does not have an alibi. This is his team now, and the program is not making progress under his watch. Franklin is a good man and a very good recruiter, but he has yet to prove that he can be a good coach for this historic school, in spite of having a solid defense and ultra talented QB in his arsenal. In his first two seasons in State College, Franklin has had 6 chances to knock off a top 25 opponent and has cashed in on none of them. That statistic is telling as to how minimal the progress has been since Franklin was hired in January of 2014



Franklin will unquestionably be on the Beaver Stadium sideline when Penn State opens up their 2016 campaign against Kent State on September 3rd, but if there is not progress made next season, the higher ups in Happy Valley should at least begin to consider finding a new man for the job. As coaches such as Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer have proven over the years, great coaching trumps great recruiting, and the time for Penn State to look in another direction might not be terribly far away.



Several Penn State alumni took to Twitter to express their displeasure, as can be seen is this article. http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football-news/4662299-penn-state-michigan-state-score-result-winner-stats-former-players-rip-james-franklin. Who could blame them? This weekend has not been a total loss for Penn State fans, however, as offensive coordinator John Donovon was fired today. Donovon's predictable play calling in my mind held Christian Hackenberg, and, therefore, the entire offense back. His offense was simply not suited for the athletes he was coaching, and I'm speculating that not a lot of tears were shed in Central Pennsylvania when the announcement was made early Sunday afternoon.

photo creds to www.collegin.psu.edu

Almost as much to blame as Donovan for the offense's shortcomings is offensive line coach Herb Hand. Penn State's offensive line has been repulsive the past two seasons, and their prized QB has suffered greatly as a result. It's not kind to wish for a person to lose his job, but I think it would be in the best Interest of Penn State football if Hand were let go as well.



Times are hard for Penn State football, and all we can do is hope for an encouraging bowl game performance (although it will not salvage this season) and better days ahead. I will leave my fellow members of Nittany Nation with a tune that we all can relate to.

 

NFL Week 12 Preview/Predictions

 

 

Happy Turkey Day everybody! Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and football. The boys are back with week 12 of NFL predictions. The race is getting tighter by the week, as I, Joseph Arthur Smeltzer, am now tied with my intellectual but inferior cousin, Ryan Carlton Stewart. I cannot let the man with the Harvard Law degree steal my thunder.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!
1:00
The ‘’I don’t have a good title for this’’ game of the week
Bills (5-5) at Chiefs (5-5)

Joe: Last week, I wrote that Kansas City was ‘’going nowhere’’. I was sadly mistaken. With the AFC being as bad as it is, I expect KC to sneak into the playoffs as a #6 seed, as they are in line to do right now. Buffalo has been one of the most inconsistent teams in football this year, and I don’t trust them enough to go into Arrowhead and come in with a win against a red-hot Chiefs team riding a four game win streak. Expect Tamba Hali to sack Tyrod Taylor twice, with Justin Houston contributing another. Buffalo’s defense will keep the game close, but I think KC will be too much in the end.

Chiefs 20, Bills 10
Player to Watch: Tamba Hali


The ‘’St. Louis has really let Smeltz down’’ game of the week
Rams (4-6) at Bengals (8-2)

Joe: I had high hopes for St. Louis coming into this season, but they have disappointed me greatly with their 4-6 start. That said, my thoughts are with them this week, as receiver Stedman Bailey was shot in the head on Wednesday in the Miami area. The Rams will play an emotionally charged game, but I still think that the Bengals will pull it out. The Rams offense is weak, and the Bengals defense ranks among the very best in the league. The big hoss that is Geno Atkins will not make life fun for whoever is starting behind center for St. Louis, and the rest of the Bengals defense will play accordingly.

Bengals 24, Rams 10.

Player to Watch: Geno Atkins 

The ‘’Archie Bowl’’, kinda
Saints (4-6) at Texans (5-5) 

Joe: Archie Manning is somewhat connected to both of these franchises, as he was the foundation of the Saints before becoming a member of the Houston Oilers, who are now the Tennessee Titans. This footnote is probably the most interesting thing that this game has going for it. The Saints are going nowhere, and although the Texans are my pick to win the AFC South… what does that really say? The Texans win this game simply because they are at home. Meh.

Texans 30, Saints 20.

Player to watch: As always, JJ Watt



The ‘’Phillip Rivers really deserves better’’ game of the week
Chargers (2-8) at Jaguars (4-6) 

Joe: If you want to put your child to sleep, just put this game on your television. The Chargers are awful and playing on the road, and although Jacksonville has a shot at moving into a first-place tie in the AFC South, that says far more about the division that it does the team. Blake Bortles is the best thing that Jacksonville has going for them, and I see a big game out of him and his top receiver (and Penn Stater), Allen Robinson against the Chargers secondary. The Chargers will lose another tough one, and Phillip Rivers will wonder what he did to deserve this. The Chargers suck, while the Jags just stink.

Jags 24, Chargers 20.

Player to watch: Blake Bortles.

The ''Dungy Bowl''
Buccaneers (5-5) at Colts (5-5) 

Joe: Both of these teams were once coached by Tony Dungy, hence my title for this game. The Colts may have won with Matt Hasselbeck last week in Atlanta, but the Falcons don't have the momentum that Tampa Bay has. Doug Martin is a beast, Jameis Winston is a leader, and the Bucs are hungry to be winners. Hasselback will receive a rude awakening from Mr. Gerald McCoy, and Doug Martin will run for 100+ yards yet again in a fairly comfortable win for Tampa.

Bucs 34, Colts 20

Player to Watch: Doug Martin


The ''We bow to Brady'' game of the week
Dolphins (4-6) at Jets (5-5)

Joe: Both of these teams theoretically have a shot at a wildcard spot in the AFC, but New York's chances are a little more reasonable. The Jets pounded Miami in their week 4 meeting in London, and I expect them to be victorious again in the Medowlands. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a quarterback that does not get the credit that he deserves, and he will have another solid, but not flashy outing of 270+ yards, while Chris Ivory will have 75+ yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. New York's defense will also come to play even without Darrelle Revis, and Miami's inconsistent offense will have one of its bad days.

Jets 24, Dolphins 10

Player to Watch: Ryan Fitzpatrick

The ''Gary Anderson Flashbacks'' game of the week
Vikings (7-3) at Falcons (6-4)

Joe: Time for a history lesson. In January of 1999, these two teams met in the NFC Title game. The Vikings were heavily favored, with a 15-1 record and one of the most prolific offensive attacks in NFL history. Minnesota's kicker, Gary Anderson, had not missed a single field goal that whole year and had a chance to put the game on ice, with his team up by 7 with just over two minutes to play. Instead, his 38-yard kick sailed wide left, and Atlanta would pull off a shocking upset when their Anderson, Morton, nailed his FG attempt in overtime. Now to the present. The Falcons have proven themselves to be overrated with losses against sub-par competition, and I think Minnesota will add to their frustration. After a stinker against Green Bay last week, the Vikings will bounce back this week, due in large part to Adrian Peterson. Peterson was held to 45 yards by Green Bay last week, and that is bad news for Atlanta. AP doesn't have two bad games in a row, and he will return to himself and rush for 150+ yards all over the land of cotton.

Vikings 34, Falcons 17

Player to Watch: Who else?

The NFC East is awful
Giants (5-5) at Redskins (4-6)

Joe: The NFC East is right there with the AFC South for the title of the NFL's worst division. The East is so poor, that I will lay down my prediction that whoever wins this match-up of two mediocre football teams will win this division. New York struggles on the road while Washington thrives at home. This game is a tossup, but this combination is what gives the Skins the edge. Kirk Cousins will be dealing on Sunday, and I expect a 300+ yard performance from him with a little help from DeSean Jackson.

Redskins 31, Giants 23

Player to Watch: Kirk Cousins 

The other ''I don't have a good title for this'' game of the week
Raiders (4-6) at Titans (2-8)

Joe: Oakland has fallen on hard times, as they are in the midst of a 3 game losing streak. However, they have not fallen far enough to lose to the dreadful Titans. As anybody who reads this blog regularly knows, I think quite highly of Oakland's QB, Derek Carr. The young man is developing into a superstar, and he will shine against Dick LeBeau's defense. I think Marcus Mariota will make things close, but Oakland will have too much firepower in the end for the rebuilding Titans to handle.

Raiders 27, Titans 20

Player to Watch: Derek Carr

4:05
The Best and Worst of the NFC West
Cardinals (8-2) at 49ers (3-7)

Joe: Yeah, this won't be fun for San Fran fans. Zona is right there with Carolina for the title of best team in the NFC, and Carson Palmer should have a field day with the 49ers defense, with a little help from John Brown, who I predict will have 100+ yards receiving. The misery will continue for the gold rushers.

Cardinals 31, 49ers 10



Player to Watch: John Brown 

4:25
Will the Steelers win?
Steelers (6-4) at Seahawks (5-5)

Joe: It will be close, but the Steelers are catching Seattle at the wrong time. The Seahawks are slowly starting to put it all together, and playing in the loudest stadium in the NFL does not help. Marshawn Lynch is out, but he has a fine back-up in Thomas Roles, and I think that Roles will give the Steelers defense migraines. In toss-up games like this, the tie often goes to the home team. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

Seahawks 31, Steelers 21

Player to watch: Thomas Roles 

8:20
Will the Patriots lose?
Patriots (10-0 at Broncos (8-2)

Brock Osweiler is starting for Denver, so sorry Patriot haters. No.

Monday Night
The ''Who the Hell Cares''?  game of the week
Browns (3-7) at Ravens (2-8)
Two already bad teams. No Joe Flacco. No Justin Forsett. No Johnny Manziel. The intrigue is non-existent. The Ravens will win by something. I don't even care what the score will be. This doesn't even deserve a picture, it's that awful. No, Hank, on Monday night, I will not be ready for some football. I might be watching WWE Raw instead.

College Football: Predictions for key Saturday rivalries

Hello, all. The 2015 College Football regular season is drawing to a close, and the final season’s final true Saturday bring us a lot of intense rivalry games with big implications. Let’s get into what Smeltz thinks will happen in these key match ups.

12:00
#8 Ohio State at #10 Michigan

If you don't understand the importance of this game, you're at the wrong website. It's known as "The Game" for a reason, and this year, there is more at stake than simply 365 days of bragging rights. Both of these teams still have a shot to win the Big 10 East and fix themselves a date with Iowa in the Big 10 championship game. Before the season started, I did not see any chance of Michigan winning this game, but my tune has changed. The Buckeyes have not shown me anything this season and losing last week in their own stadium to a Michigan State team with a backup QB exposed them as an overrated football team. Jake Rudock is playing great football behind center for UM, and he will come to play on Saturday. JT Barrett has been struggling, and the Michigan defense will give him a harsh welcome to the Big House. I think Michigan is simply in better form than their rivals right now, and they will be playing extra inspired as it is the first time Jim Harbaugh will get to coach for his alma mater against the team he once guaranteed victory over as the QB of the Maze and Blue.

Michigan 31, Ohio State 17

Player to Watch: Jake Rudock



#1 Clemson at South Carolina

Clemson is undefeated and #1 in the country. South Carolina is 3-8 and lost to The Citadel last week. Yep, this is a mismatch. Clemson will roll over there in-state rivals, and Wayne Gallman will have 150+ yards rushing. End of story. Clemson 45, South Carolina 10.

Player to Watch: Wayne Gallman

3:30
Penn State at #5 Michigan State

My beloved Nittany Lions have let me down greatly the past two games, and I dread the thought of them playing a team that is actually well coached and gets to most out of their ability. Michigan State is fighting for a place in the College Football Playoff (which would be theirs to lost if not for a screw job at Nebraska), and Penn State simply does not have enough guts to get in Sparty's way. The Spartans can win with or without their starting QB, Connor Cook, and if Cook plays, Penn State's day will be even more miserable. All Penn State fans can look forward to is the possibility of Saquon Barkley going over 1,000 yards rushing for the season. Unfortunately for the winner of the Michigan-Ohio State game, an MSU victory would eliminate any possibility of getting into the Big 10 Title Game. Don't count on Penn State to save those dreams.

Michigan State 34, Penn State 17

Player to Watch: Aaron Burbridge

#2 Alabama at Auburn

The Iron Bowl was supposed to be extra significant this year with both teams ranked highly, but Auburn has underachieved and therefore is trying to play spoiler to Alabama's national title dreams. Unfourtanly for the Tigers, I do not see that happening. Nick Saben is too smart to ever let his team overlook an opponent, and the Tide will come at Auburn the same way they would if the Tigers were ranked in the top 10. Derrick Henry will add to his Heisman resume, and the Tide will roll (no pun intended).

Alabama 38, Auburn 20

Player to Watch: Derrick Henry


7:15
#18 Ole Miss at #21 Mississippi State

Once a playoff contender, Ole Miss will view 2015 as a season of missed opportunity, and losing the Egg Bowl would pour salt in the wound for Rebels fans. After having their playoff dreams crushed by Hotty Toddy last November, Mississippi State will be out for revenge. No player will want this win more than Dak Prescott, who will be playing his last game at Davis Wade Stadium as MSU's QB (and the greatest in school history). Prescott will not be denied, and he will have a stellar performance that his teammates will feed off of. 

Mississippi State 38, Ole Miss 24

Player to Watch: Dak Prescott

7:30
#13 Florida State at #12 Florida

The Seminoles have had the upper hand in this rivalry the past two season, but Jameis Winston is gone and Jim McElwain is in. The first year head coach has made the Gators relevant again, as they have already sewed up a 10-win season and an SEC East Title. The Gators have been led by their defense, and I expect that unit to perform at a high level on Saturday night. It will be a defensive battle, and I think that Florida's defensive will prevail in the end due to them feeding off of the energy from playing in The Swamp.

Florida 20, Florida State 13

Players to Watch: Florida Defense



#6 Notre Dame at #9 Stanford

Not really a rivalry game, but there is still a lot at stake here. Both teams need to win to keep any playoff hopes they have left alive, and Stanford's Christian McCaffrey would love a big performance here to add to his Heisman resume. A lot would have to happen for Stanford to sneak into the playoff, but a win on Saturday night would at least give them the satisfaction of wrecking Notre Dame's dreams. With the emotions of Senior Day running high and McCaffrey being the most versatile player in College Football, I think the Cardinal will pull out a win behind 200+ all purpose yards from the man himself. It's a tossup, but my gut is with the home team.

Stanford 33, Notre Dame 21

Player to Watch: Christian McCaffrey

8:00
#3 Oklahoma at #11 Oklahoma State

This rivalry is known as Bedlam, and that word certainly applies to this game. With TCU beating Baylor Friday night, the Big 12 championship is to be decided and for Oklahoma, a playoff berth is at stake in addition. Both teams have high-powered offenses, and the quarterback matchup between Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph should be fun to watch. It will be a close game, but I think that the Sooners will have too much firepower. 

The edge that OU has in the running game will be evident as Samaje Perine is an animal in the backfield. Perine will have 100+ yards rushing while Mayfield will have 350+ yards passing to pad his stats in this wide-open Heisman race. Also, watch for Mayfield's top receiver, Sterling Shepard. Boomer Sooner in a shootout.

Oklahoma 44, Oklahoma State 34

Player to Watch: Mayfield, Perine and Shepard

Predictions for WPIAL Championships.

Saturday will be a bitter sweet day for High School fans in Western Pennslyvania. The day will bring excitement due to it being the day of the 2015 WPIAL Football Championships at Heinz Field. It will also be bittersweet, however, because these WPIAL Championships could very well be the end of the WPIAL Championships as we know it due to the expanding classifications starting next fall. In short, these could be the last title games played in Heinz Field. The match ups, as usual, are exciting, and hopefully, if these are to be the last games played at Heinz, this tradition will go out with a bang.

A
Clairton (12-0) vs. Jeannette (11-1)
The Jayhawks of Jeannette have had a great ride in getting to the dance, but I think that their luck will run out on Saturday morning. The Clairton Bears have been an absolute juggernaut this season, as they have scored 50+ points in 8 of the 12 games that they have played. I don’t see the Clairton train slowing down at any point this year, and Jennette will be just another victim. Clariton 55. Jeannette 14

AA

South Fayette (12-0) vs. Alliquppia (12-0) 

The AA title game pits these two titans against each other for the 3rd straight year. Although I feel that South Fayette is stronger overall, I don't see coach Michael Zmijanac losing at Heinz for the 3rd straight time to the same foe. Alliquppia will be kings AA for the first time since 2012 (which is a long layoff for them). Alliquppia 27, South Fayette 24.

AAA

Central Valley (11-1) at Thomas Jefferson (10-2) 

Having seen both of these teams play in person, I think that this will be a very competitive game. Thomas Jefferson has a very good run defense, and I since they are so focoused on stopping the run, I think that Central Valley can use this to their benefit. The Warriors have a very strong QB in Chirs Callaghan, and I think hat his passing ability will make it easier for CV to avoid running into the TJ front 7. It will be close, but Callaghan will be the difference in the Warriors reapeating as AAA champs. CV 31, TJ 27.

AAAA

Central Catholic (11-1) vs Penn Trafford (12-0)

Central Catholic has been a staple of WPIAL football for decades, while Penn Trafford is not quite as recognized in the area. Central Catholic will be out to avange last years senior class, who came to Heinz only to be defeated by Pine Richland. Penn Trafford is coming off of a wild overtime win over Pine Richland in the semifinals, and I think that they will run out of gas on Saturday. Central Catholic’s defense, which features 7 players who have received divison 1 scholarships and controlled Woodland Hills last week, will be too tough for Penn Trafford to handle, and Terry Totten's squad will finish the job downtown. Central 24, Penn Trafford 6. 

NFL: Thanksgiving Day Predictions

Happy Turkey Day everybody! Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and football. The boys are back with week 12 of NFL predictions. The race is getting tighter by the week, as I, Joseph Aruther Smeltzer, am now tied with my intellectual but inferior cousin, Ryan Carlton Stewart. I cannot let the man with the Harverd Law degree steal my thunder.

Thursday 

12:30

The ‘’I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to watch something else on Thanksgiving’’ game of the week
Eagles (4-6) at Lions (3-7)


Joe: Both of these teams have greatly disappointed this season, but the Lions are riding a mini-hot streak with two straight wins. The Eagles, on the other hand, have been just awful, with last Sunday’s embarrassment at the hands of Doug Martin and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being a strong example of just how underwhelming this team is. The Eagles are a mess, and Chip Kelly has to be on the hot seat if the front office cares at all about the future of the franchise. The Lions defense is playing well, and I will predict that Mark Sanchez throws at least three interceptions, which may or may not be partially due to this bringing back memories of the 2012 ‘’Butt Fumble’’ on Thanksgiving night. Lions 31, Eagles 17.
Player to Watch: Matthew Stafford 
David: After Philly’s display last week, I can’t see Detroit falling at home.

4:30
The ‘’Joe is feeling an upset’’ game of the week
Panthers (10-0) at Cowboys (3-7)

Joe: I love the Carolina Panthers. They are 100% legit and are the best team in the NFC right now. However, I think that the quest for perfection stops in Dallas. Looking at Carolina’s remaining schedule, I feel that this is the game that they are most likely to lose. Tony Romo and Dez Bryant are back, and they will be fired up and ready to go. Dallas finally looked like themselves last week in Miami, and every game is a must-win for them to win the weak NFC East. I have a gut feeling that Dallas will have a nothing-to-lose mentality coming into this game. Teams like this are dangerous, and I think that Romo, Bryant and Darren McFadden will put an end to Carolina’s quest for 16-0. Eat your heart out, Skip Bayless.
Player to Watch: Tony Romo

David: Romo is a winner now, and the Panthers will come back down to earth.

8:30
The ‘’Rivalry Game’’ of the week
Bears (4-6) at Packers (7-3)

Joe: After causing concern by losing three games in a row, last week's performance in Minnesota signified that the Pack is back. I expect the momentum from that Vikings win to carry over into Thursday night, and Aaron Rodgers will do what Aaron Rodgers does. Eddie Lacey appears to be finding his groove as well, and I expect another 100+ yard performance out of him Even if John Fox decides to kick the field goal on 4th and goal, Chicago still will not win this game.  Packers 35, Bears 20.
Player to Watch: Eddie Lacy

David: Jay Cutler is a horror show at Lambeau. It won’t be quite as bad as it was last year, be Cutler won’t win there and probably never will. 

Smeltz: Browns were right to punish Manziel

By: Joe Smeltzer

Photo creds to www.usatoday.com

Over a week ago, I wrote an article in reaction to the Steelers 30-9 defeat over the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field.http://joesmeltzer775.blogspot.com/2015/11/steelers-reaction-ben-is-awesomewhat.html In the article, I was defensive of Cleveland's controversial QB, Johnny Manziel. I wrote about how the Browns lack of talent was holding Manziel back and not allowing him the reach his full potential as a player. This week, the Browns did not fail Johnny Manziel, but rather Johnny Manziel failed the Browns.

Last Tuesday (the same day I published that article), it was announced that Manziel would remain the Browns #1 quarterback for the remainder of the season. Boy is it amazing how stupid athletes can be. After the Pittsburgh game, the Browns had a bye week. Knowing that his franchise had just committed to him for the next month and a half, it seems that it would be common sense for Johnny to stay in Ohio and not do anything stupid, right? Nope. Instead, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner apparently decided to travel to his home state of Texas and party hard, as http://www.tmz.com/2015/11/23/johnny-manziel-slammin-champagne-during-2-night-party-bender/ this video below would suggest.



Now there is nothing wrong with a person above the drinking age having a little fun, but not when your employers have just put their faith in you and, therefore, trust you not to do anything that can be classified as childish. The Browns trusted Manziel, and "Johnny Football" let them down because he couldn't resist being a party animal.

It is no secret to anybody who follows sports that Manziel has been living on the edge for quite a while now, and his previous incidents made it much easier for the Browns to take action. Over the past year, Manziel  has reportedly been involved in a fight along with his entourage, threw a party that lead to receiver Josh Gordon missing practice and being suspended for a game, was criticized by approximately 20 of his teammates due to his tumultuous rookie campaign, allegedly got into a domestic altercation with his girlfriend, and checked himself into a rehabilitation facility. Because of these prior issues, either true or alleged, the Browns had no choice but to take action.

When I wrote my article last week that defended Manziel, I should have taken a harder look at all that Manziel has done since the Browns traded for the rights to draft him in 2014. I wrote in the article that Manziel's only crime was liking a good party, and I think that this was a false statement on my part. I sent the link to my article to my cousin and fellow sports intellectual, Will Sturm.

Will was not in 100% agreement with what I wrote, and he said that he disagreed with my claim that Manziel had the potential to carry a franchise, stating that Johnny does not have the leadership that a QB needs to be the man. After this story, I can say that Will was correct. Manziel has the maturity of an immature teenager, and until he cleans up his act, he will never be a great, or even a very good NFL quarterback.

Photo Creds to www.buccaneers.com

A person who Manziel should look at is Jameis Winston. Winston, like Manziel, is a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, winning the award in 2013 at Florida State, the year after Manziel did it at Texas A&M. Much like Manziel, Winston's college career was filled with controversy. Unlike Manziel, Winston is making the most of his NFL opportunity, as so far in his career as quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winston has behaved himself off the field and, judging by this video,http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/12039/bucs-post-video-of-jameis-winstons-fervid-postgame-speech has become a leader on it. Winston is making the most of his NFL opportunity and is a year younger than Manziel is.

Tampa Bay put their faith in Jameis Winston, and he is making the most of it. The Cleveland Browns put their faith in Johnny Manziel, and he is making the least of it. I hope this kid gets it together. Maybe he needs another trip to rehab. Maybe he needs somebody to watch over him and keep him under control. Whatever it is, the Browns and/or NFL need to help this kid sooner rather than later.

Late but still great: 2015-16 college basketball predictions

Special Thanks to Bradley William Stewart

Hello, all. The college basketball season has been underway for over a week now, and we have already seen plenty of upsets, including Northern Iowa's shocking 71-67 win over #1 North Carolina. Although we have started the season, I still feel that it is early enough to write a preview article. With the help of my cousins, we have all given our predictions for the winners of some major conferences, as well as our final four predictions.

Joe: Duke 

The champs are here and looking to repeat

No surprise here. Coach K once again has a strong team, and I don't think that loss to Kentucky will be a sign of things to come. Duke has a lot of talent coming back, including its national title game hero, Greyson Allen, who will be manning the #2 guard position. Marshall Plumlee and Amile Jefferson are also returning, and they will be leading Duke's front court along with freshman Derryck Thorton. Freshman Brandon Ingram could prove to be a force in the backcourt, as he will be filling Tyus Jones's shoes at the point guard position. Duke is loaded once again, and I think they have been the team to beat in the ACC ever since Marcus Paige went down with a fractured hand, which I believe will hinder UNC's chances of a conference championship. The ACC is strong as always, as North Carolina, Virgina, and Notre Dame are in the top 25 in addition to Duke, with Miami not too far away from the rankings. All of those teams are good, but I think that Virgina will miss Justin Anderson just as much as UNC misses Marcus Paige, and the Wahoos are off to a rough start with a surprise loss to Geroge Washington. Notre Dame is a good team with some good players coming back, but they are also losing their leader in Jerian Grant. Much like the other teams in the ACC, the Dukies are losing a lot of talent. However, I think that Coach K is better at recruiting and reloading than the rest of his ACC coaching counterparts, and that is what sets Duke apart from the rest.

Top 4
1. Duke
2. UNC
3. Notre Dame
4. Virgina 

Brad: North Carolina 

Can the Tarheels rely on Marcus Page to be a factor once he returns? 

The ACC is the best conference in the land, and it features the most complete team in the country. North Carolina has more talent from top to bottom than any other team in the country when healthy, and injuries are the only thing that can hold the Heals back.


Jeff: Notre Dame

I originally had Duke here, but after watching them play, I don't think they have what it takes to win this conference. Notre Dame is a talented and hungry team, and I have a gut feeling that they will have a big year.

Ryan: Notre Dame
Can the defending champion be a sleeper? Notre Dame plays a different kind of basketball than the rest of the ACC. It may take a few years for the other teams in this conference to figure the Irish out. A consensus is centered around #1 UNC, but the Tar Heels are too dependent on the injury-prone Marcus Page.

Joe: Kentucky

Who else but the Cats? After falling short of an undefeated season and national championship last year, a new batch of Wildcats will be out to finish what the previous group of one-and-done's started. Tyler Ulis is one of the few returning players from last year's Final Four team, and he will lead the offense as arguably the best point guard in the country. Marcus Lee is another returning member of last year's team as a big man. Jamal Murray, Skal Labissiere, and Isaiah Briscoe are three freshmen who can make a big difference for John Calipari this year. Vanderbilt and LSU are the only two other ranked teams in the SEC, and those teams simply are not talented enough to knock the Cats off of their perch.

Brad: Kentucky


Jeff: Vanderbilt
I'm going with my gut here.

Ryan: Kentucky 
Until somebody knocks Kentucky off their perch, it's hard to imagine anybody beating them. Of course, there is always a chance that Calipari fails to get his Freshman to compete as a team (see Robert Morris 2013)

Joe: Maryland

This is the year that the rest of the Big 10 will learn to ''Fear the Turtle''. Led by sophomore guard Melo Trimble, the Terps are a talented team that is coming off a hard-luck second-round loss to West Virginia in the second round of the NCAA tournament last season. The Terps are very experienced as well, as Jake Laymen and well as Duke transfer Rasheed Sulaimon, will play huge roles as Senior leaders. The Terps are hungry to be once again a national powerhouse, and I think their combination of talent and experience have them poised to take that next step

1. Maryland
2. Michigan State
3. Purdue
4. Wisconsin 

Brad: Michigan State

With one of the greatest coaches in college basketball in Tom Izzo, the Spartans are always a force in the Big 10. This year will be no different.

Jeff: Maryland
Got a good team in an okay conference.

Ryan: Maryland
Maryland has a solid set of players that have bought into Mark Turgeon's system. With the addition of Sulaimon (assuming he stays out of trouble), Maryland will be a force on both ends of the court.

Joe: Kansas

The Jayhawks are the class of the Big 12, as evidenced by their streak of 11 Big 12 titles in a row. I have no reason to think that this streak will end this year.

Brad: Kansas

Jeff: Kansas
Expect the Jayhawks consistent habit of winning to continue in 2015-16.

Ryan: Why would any sane person pick anyone other than Kansas to win the Big 12?

Top 4
1. Kansas
2. Oklahoma
3. Iowa State 
4. Baylor

Joe: UcConn 

Slam dunk here. UcConn is far, far above the rest in this conference. Led by Senior point guard Sterling Gibbs, Kevin Ollie's troops look poised for a conference title as well as a deep run in the NCAA tournament. I don't see any other team in this conference that can compete with the Huskies.
Top 4
1. UcConn
2. Memphis 
3. SMU
4. Temple 

Brad: UcConn
Kevin Ollie's team is poised for a big season, and I see them going deep into March to surprise the nation once again.

Jeff: UcConn
The Huskies will rebound from a disappointing season last year.

Ryan: UcConn
This team has the most talent as well as one of the best coaches in the league. Tough to go against them here.



West Coast

Joe: Gonzaga

Who else? Much like Kansas is in the Big 12, Mark Few's Gonzaga Bulldogs are the unquestioned class of the West Coast Conference. Kyle Wiltjer is my pick for conference player of the year, and the Zags will be a force both in the WCC and during March.
Top 4
1. Gonzaga
2. BYU
3. Pepperdine
4. Saint Mary's
Brad: Gonzaga


Jeff: Gonzaga
Wiltjer will be a star this season. Expect big things from the Zags.

Ryan: Gonzaga
Some teams can beat Gonzaga in this league, but it's hard to imagine any team will be as consistent. Kyle Wiltjer will dominate en route to an early exit in the NCAA tournament.

Joe: Arizona

This will be a close race between the Wildcats and the California Golden Bears, but I'm taking Zona because of their consistency under Sean Miller. Miller is one of the best coaches in the country, and he has another talented team. Arizona will be losing their leader and point guard in TJ McConnell, but Gabe York is a worthy replacement and has been playing stellar ball so far this season. Caleb Tarczewski is a defense stalwart in the middle, and he will be helped out in the front court by Ryan Anderson, who is eligible to play after sitting out last season due to transfer rules. Miller has a talented and experienced squad, and I would not bet against them to again conquer the west.

Top 4
1. Arizona
2. Cal
3. Oregon
4. UCLA

Brad: Cal

Jeff: Arizona
Arizona has a good team, with some good transfers and recruits coming in.

Ryan: Cal
Cuonzo Martin is a great coach, and Vols fans everywhere will be crying when Cal takes home the Pac 12 title and a nice NCAA tournament seed. The Bears have great guard play and young developing big men that can push them through a relatively weak Pac-12

Joe: Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona, Gonzaga
With the crazy world of college basketball, there is a good chance that our picks will look pretty idiotic within the next four months, but for right now, this is what we believe. Kentucky and Kansas are two teams that are always in contention for a Final Four spot, and I think the Jayhawks are due for another appearance after three-year layoff. Kentucky is, well, Kentucky, and a trip to the Final Four for the 5th time in John Calipari's regime. Arizona and Gonzaga are two teams that I have gut feelings about. Both Sean Miller and Mark Few have come up short several times in their seperate quests for a Final Four bearth, and I think that they are due to finally make it there. What better time for these two schools than 2016?

Brad: Kentucky, UNC, Michigan State, UConn 
Kentucky has made four out of the past five Final Fours and was in the Elite in 2010. The Wildcats are, I think, the best team in the country. Like I said above, I think UNC is the most complete team in the country, and when healthy, they can beat anybody. The only things holding them back are Roy Williams and injuries. Michigan State has one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history in Tom Izzo, and Sparty is a threat for the Final Four every year. With a team full of returning starters and some key freshman coming in, the Spartans can win the whole thing if they have their confidence. The revival of UConn basketball will lead to another surprise final four performance from Kevin Ollie and the Huskies.


Jeff: Kentucky, Vandy, Maryland, Gonzaga

Ryan: Cal, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State