OTWT Starting 11 for 2011

Everyone is doing it, so I thought we would too. Here is the OTWT starting 11 for 2011

• Goalkeeper: Joe Hart, Manchester City
• Left Back: Ashley Cole, Chelsea
• Center back: Vincent Kompany, Manchester City
• Center back: Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United
• Right Back:  Gregory van der Wiel, Ajax
• Left side: Eden Hazard, Lille
• Central Midfielder: Javier Mascherano, Barcelona 
• Central Midfielder: Xavi, Barcelona
• Right side:Mario Goetze, Borussia Dortmund
• Striker: Ronaldo, Real Madrid
• Striker: Lionel Messi, Barcelona

I know everyone does not agree with my starting 11, so let the trashing begin. 

A year in Tailgating: Video Edition

Its been a long year for the OTWT Tailgating crew. There have been trips to Buffalo to see the Eagles, to Harrisburg for a minor league baseball game and to Washington DC to see Manchester United. Here are some of my favorite videos from our 25 events that we attended.


Nats super prospect Bryce Harper comes to Lakewood
 Manchester United take the field in Washington DC vs Barcelona

 Rutgers Eric LeGrand leads his team out before the West Virginia game
 Philly fans turn on Andy Reid during the Eagles Patriots game

Merry Christmas from Only Time Will Tell

Merry Christmas to all from our family at Only Time Will Tell.

World Junior Championships continue to grow

On Monday the eyes of the hockey world will be on Western Canada for the World Junior Hockey Championships. Over the years the tournament has grown from scouting show to must see TV. The growth of the event has also led to it becoming a big money-maker for the host.

Will Uihlein be a trend setter

After failing at PGA Tour Q School, former Oklahoma State star Peter Uihlein is heading to Europe to start his career. In addition to heading to Europe to start his career, Uihlein is heading to Europe for his agent. Uihlein, signs with Chubby Chandler. Chandler is a power broker in Europe, he manages three of the four of this years Grand Slam winners. So will more young Americans head to Europe if they don't make it here, its just a thought.

Open for Debate: Top 10 running backs in South Jersey history

A very interesting list of the top 10 running backs in S.J. history on comcast. As a person that lives in the area its great to see all of the great backs that have come out of the area.

He will be missed

I never thought that Chris Pronger would ever stop playing but yesterdays news that he will not play again this season because of concussion issues, leaves his future in doubt. Pronger was one of the nastiest and best players ever to play his position.

In 1993, the Ottawa Senators select Alexandre Daigle with the first pick, while Pronger was selected second overall by the Hartford Whalers. You think the Senators want a redo on that. If this is the end for Pronger, its been a great trip and career for him.

Andy Carroll makes money for doing nothing

Last January Liverpool paid 35 million pounds to Newcastle for striker Andy Carroll and 13 starts later that its not looking like the greatest purchase ever. Despite his struggles Carroll is set pocket £150k bonus from Liverpool, according to the Daily Mail. Not bad for a guy who has only scored four times for the reds.

Happy Holidays Pro V1 Style

One of the few truly great Holiday commercials in sports

Its so bad that Bieber is going replace Torres at Chelsea

If life at Chelsea can not get any worst for Fernando Torres at Chelsea, now the blues are looking a signing a replacement him, Justin Bieber. Bieber trained at Chelsea with Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres and some people said he does not miss sitters like Torres does.

Savage on the move again

Two years ago Rutgers starting qb Tom Savage was on track for big things. Then after getting injured and replaced by Chas Dodd, Savage decided to transfer to Arizona.

Now after a year there and coaching changes, Savages is looking for another place to play. Savage is transferring from Arizona for family reason, according to the Star Ledger His once promising career now looks like a thing of the past. It's a shame because he does have the talent to play and you wonder if their is something else going on here.

It's so bad now former Eagles Players are fighting on Twitter

On Thursday while the Eagles were falling apart on the field again, two of the their former players where having their own issues on twitter. During the game, former running back Brian Westbrook, @36westbrook, and Dan Klecko, @kleck90, got into a twitter fight. Above is a screen cap of Westbrook's answer to one of Klecko's tweet. Based on Westbrook tweet it does not seem to be a pleasant twitter discussion.

I went searching for what triggered the fight but it appears that Klecko has deleted his account. Just when you think that this season could not get an worst for the Birds, now you have former players fighting each other in social media.

Cover Story: The Eagles season

For the most part the Philadelphia Eagles season has been a total mess. Each week has been a total disaster. The only positive to come from this has been the headlines and back pages of the Philly Daily News. They have been terrific. Here is a small sampling of some of the better ones of the season so far. 

Professional Tailgating: It has turned

OTWT Tailgating Crew made the trip to the Linc to see the Pats take on the Eagles, it ended up not being much of a game but rather a funeral for the birds. Here are some of the sites from the game. 

The Comcast crew breaks down the game during pregame.

 At the end of the day, Howard Eskin would have plenty to talk about

 TV trucks where ready to cover, what is left of the birds season 

 Maybe my final time saying good bye to Andy 

Fire Andy chants break out

The end is here. Everyone has turned on Andy Reid. Shot this video during the game late yesterday afternoon against the Patriots. He has lost the fans and this could get real ugly by the end of the year. More sites and sounds from the game coming later today.

We may not win every game, but we've never lost a party

As a big tailgater, ESPN College Gameday breaks it down and does a great job.

Professional Tailgating: The Dream is still alive

Its been a couple of years since Rutgers was a factor in the Big East, but with one game to go they have a shot at BCS Bowl. On Saturday, the Scarlet Knights beat Cincy to stay in the Big East race. 

I guess the Nets are looking for something to do since the NBA is in a lockout

Who does not love a live horse 

Flags all over the place

I've had these tickets for the last five season and I've never seen the front of the stadium

Santa even took time out of his busy schedule to show up 

The game that could changed everything

Last Saturday TCU beat Bosie State 36-35 albut ending the Broncos chances of qualifiying for a BCS Bowl but will the loss end up creating far reaching effects in college football. Playing in the Mountain West was supposed to increase Boise State chances of being a national title contender, but without an automatic bid a single loss all but kills their chances.Could this loss make the Broncos look hard at joining the Big East in football.where there is an automactic bid for the their conference champion.

Also what impact will the loss have coach Chris Peterson.  With high profile jobs openings at Penn State, Ohio State and UCLA could this be moment that Peterson takes his talents elsewhere. It would be similar to the situation in 2007 when West Virginia, then ranked #2 in BCS lost the Backyard Brawl to a terrible Pitt team 13-9. The loss ended up costing the Mountaineers a shot at the BCS National Title. The game ended up changing college football. Then West Virginia head coach Rich Rod ended up leaving for Michigan and destorying that program.

So one game could me a lot in the college football landscape and I have this feeling that Boise State's loss to TCU is going to be a moment we look back on and think that.

JaMarcus Russelll > Ryan Leaf

Interesting look at what former first overall NFL draft pick JaMarcus Russell is up to. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft should be out on the field. Tells are complete story on what happened to Russell with the Raiders and what he is up to now.

College Basketball: The Cover Story

The college basketball season is here and here are the Sporting News covers for their college basketball preview issues.

Mover over West Ham: Southampton Academy is now on top

For years West Ham United was considered to have the best academy in England but that appears to be changing. Southampton is looking to change that. After Walcott, Bale and Oxlade-Chamberlain, Southampton are aiming to create a new golden generation for Enlgand:

The Next Generation The top 101 youngsters in world football

Don Balon has released its list of the top 101 youngsters in world football. There are a lot of interesting names of the list including Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is featured above.

Maybe Schiano will be a lifer at Rutgers

With the Penn State football program in free fall, the idea of Greg Schiano being at Rugters for life might be a reality. The Star Ledger's Steve Politi makes the case for Schiano staying at Rutgers for a long time.

Rutgers: The New Oregon

For the last couple of years, the University of Oregon has set the college football world on its ears with its different combinations of uniforms. You name the shade of green, the Ducks use it. This year Oklahoma State got into the act with a bunch of different uniforms. Now Rutgers seems to be getting into it. With the Army game on Saturday, Rutgers is set to wear their six different uniform in nine games. On Saturday, Scarlet Knights are set to introduce a white helmet with an American flag logo Rutgers logo on it

Here is the break down:

• North Carolina Central State: All red 
• Ohio: red jersey/white pants/red helmets
• Syracuse white jerseys/red pants/red helmets
• Pitt: All black 
• Navy: red jerseys/white pants/red helmets
• Louisville: white shirts/black pants/black helmets.
• West Virginia: all black
• USF: all red 
• Army: white helmets with an American flag "R"

So far the different uniform combinations have been fine, I just hope that the Nike and the school continue to tasteful when it comes to the uniform design.

Professional Tailgating: The Return of Chas

For the last five games, Rutgers sophomore quarterback Chas Dodd has been nowhere to be found, but on Saturday night he came in and saved the day. Dodd led Rutgers to a 20-17 come from behind overtime win over South Florida. The OTWT Tailgating Crew was there to take in the sights and sounds.

No burgers and dogs for us, fried chicken was the call.

 The fried chicken was really tasty

 I think one of my goals in life is to have a condiment stand named after me.

 Midway through the second quarter everyone started check their phones to see what was going on with the 'Bama/LSU game

 

Fans got what they wanted Chas Dodd

This man really wants to save breasts

For the last month, the NFL has been putting everyone in pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and during the Eagles Cowboys game on Sunday night someone took it to another level. A section over from us was a guy who dressed in a pink robe with a pink tie and danced around during the whole game. Below he gives the business to a Cowboy fan wearing a Drew Bledsoe jersey. He took breasts cancer awareness to a new level.

Fergie's Babes

You know you have been a club a long time when you can make a starting 11 with players that weren't born when you took over. Sir Alex can do that and his team would probably end up finishing in the top half of the Premier League, simply amazing.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer: Molde Legend

Ole was a legend a United and now he is a legend at Molde. Solskjaer did what no other manager in the clubs 100 history had done: win a title. Maybe in a couple of years, you will be the one tapped to replace Sir Alex.

Professional Tailgating: Now that is a "Dream Team"

For the first seven weeks of the season, Eagles fans have been waiting for all of the pieces to come together and on Sunday night against the Cowboys they did. OTWT Tailgating Crew was there to document the fun. 

 The Comcast gang gets ready for their pregame show

 

A band plays in the parking lot before the game

 

 At halftime, the Eagles inducted Jim Johnson and Eric Allen into the honor roll

The Eagles offense introduced before the game

Steve Smith is a useless part of this team, while the offense is on the field he is standing by the heater.

Jim Johnson's inductions into the Eagles Honor Roll

Professional Tailgating: A real snow game

  There are games that are played in the snow then there are "snow games" and Saturday's West Virginia Rutgers was a "snow game." A freak October storm dropped almost six inches on snow on the Rutgers Stadium and made for some interesting travel and watching conditions. Despite the snow, the result was still the same as West Virginia beat Rutgers again. There was one highlight as Eric LeGrand lead his team out of the tunnel.

The snow was so bad that West Virginia had to borrow someones tailgating tent

Carts clear the field





Eric LeGrand leads Rutgers out of the tunnel

A real winter wonderland in October

A very large snowball

Another Busy Football Weekend

A couple of weeks ago the OTWT Tailgating crew took in the Rutgers vs. Pitt game and then drove to Buffalo for the Eagles and Bills game. This weekend it will be more of the same, as we head to Rutgers for the Knights game against West Virgina on Saturday and then head to Philly on Sunday for the Eagles and Cowboys game. It's going to be another long weekend, lets hope that both of my teams can win, so all of the driving will be worth it.

ESPN is the true puppet master

With all of the talk of conference realignment going on right now, Poynter takes a looks at ESPN's roll in the whole situation. A very well done story. This comment by LSU Chancellor Michael Martin sums it up the whole situation best: "I think we could end up with two enormous conferences, one called ESPN and the one called Fox." So I guess ESPN is the true puppet master in conference realignment.

Oh No the Sky is falling for United

After yesterday you would think that United are going to get relegated. Daily Mail looks at what is next for everyone: Manchester City thrashing United: Is the future all blue?

Cover Story: A busy Sunday

Sunday was a busy and tragic day in sports. From the St. Louis Cardinals making the World Series to the tragic death of Dan Wheldon to the Eagles saving their season. Here are some of the papers from around the country.

Professional Tailgating: Wow 5-1

At the start of the year, expectations at the State University of New Jersey were really low, but after six weeks that has all changed. OTWT was there as Rutgers moved to 5-1 thanks to a stand out game from our favorite player Brandon Jones.

Homecoming activities before the game

These people are bananas for Rutgers football 

The student section knows where they are 

Jones got all of the headlines after blocking at game winning field goal attempt by Navy

Next step 5-1

Rutgers face off against Navy and the OTWT Tailgating Crew will be there on Saturday to see if the Knights can move to 5-1 on the year

Stay Classy Buffalo

Sign inside the bathroom at Ralph Wilson Stadium

Paging Jeff Fisher or Mr. Gruden

photo credit Dan McQuade

 For the last three years, I have defended the actions of Andy Reid to all of my friends. From the text messages calling him a "fat piece of shit" to the ones questioning his playing calling in the red zone.

I have been a member of Team Reid, but Sunday afternoon sitting in Ralph Wilson Stadium that all changed. While sitting in section 316 it hit me, this is not a football game but rather a funeral for a once proud coach. My buddy looked at me at the time and was like "I know its over if you are not supporting him anymore."

Reid has been a fantastic coach for the Birds. He led the Eagles to five NFC championship games, including four consecutive appearances from 2001-2004 and to Super Bowl in 2004. His career record is 119-71-1 with 7 division titles. The only thing lacking from his resume is a Super Bowl ring and in Philly that is the only thing that matters.

Despite his success, Reid will never been truly loved by the football mad fans of Philly. Most fans want a guy, like Rex Ryan, that gives great sound bits during press conference. That was never Reid, his classic: "I have to do a better job preparing my team" comment is mocked all around the Eagles Nations. Its gotten so bad that his press conference are now subject of drinking games because he says the same thing week after week.

At the start of the season, the Bird went all in to win a Super Bowl and now it appears they went all in with nothing. The season is turning into a train wreck and has made Reid look like he has lost the team. So after 13 years of coaching this team its time for a change. I think that Andy can still coach, but its time for him to move on just like what happened with Tony Dungy in Tampa. There comes a time when it's just not working anymore and we have gotten there. I'm so much in support of the getting rid of Andy Reid that I joined the "Andy Reid Must Go"  and "Fire Andy Reid" groups on Facebook, something a couple of months ago I would have never thought of.

If Andy gets another job and returns to Linc, I would be one of the first people to stand up and give him the standing ovation that he deserves for his time here. Its sad that it has come to this. Its time to swing for the fences and go out and get either Jon Gruden or Jeff Fisher to coach this team.

The Ajax way

An amazing look at the set up at Dutch club Ajax, which includes former Arsenal star Dennis Bergkamp. They have an amazing coaching staff.

Professional Tailgating: Its the end

After taking in the Rutgers game on Saturday, the OTWT Tailgating crew head up to Western New York for the Bills and Eagles game. As an Eagles fan it was a disaster with them going down 31-24 and falling to 1-4. The game made me realize that its time for a change its sad it only took driving 7 hours to see that.

It's a lot different then tailgating in Philly

 Ralph Wilson Stadium, very old, very white. 

 A lot of Eagles fan made the 7 hour trip 

 Large horse will scare anyone

 It's a big day out for most in Buffalo, take a look at all of the limos parked at the stadium