What a European Super League would look like

With talk of the EPL adding an extra round of matches oversees the idea of creating a European Super League is starting to come up again. While creating a super league would destroy mid-level teams in all of the leagues. The one thing that it would surely destroy is the UEFA Champions League. In a European Super League, you would never see team like Porto win the championship, the champion would come from one of six teams every year.

Here is a list of the teams that I would like to see in the league. The standards I used were history, money, and just common sense.

• Arsenal
• Manchester United
• Chelski
• Liverpool
• Spurs
• AC Milan
• Inter Milan
• Juventus
• Roma
• Real Madrid
• Barcelona
• Valencia
• PSG
• Lyon
• Bayern Munich
• Schalke 04
• Ajax
  
• Celtic
• Rangers
• Shakhtar Donetsk
• CSKA Moscow
• Olympiacos
• Porto
• Fenerbache

I know what people are going to say, 24 teams that is way too many. But if you think about it, there will be no champion’s league if this happens and all of the teams will probally be banned from playing in the domestic cups, so you will really have fewer fixtures. In order to do the league right you have to have teams from all over Europe, that is one of the reasons that I chose teams like Olympiacos and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Starting a super league could be one of the worst things that large clubs could do, the atmosphere at the stadiums would not be the same and it would get make the Champion's League meaningless.

Does Anyone Remember Omar Cook and DaJuan Wagner?

There was a day when Omar Cook and DaJuan Wagner were headed for stardom. Now Wagner is playing for the Polish champions Prokom Trefl Sopot, while Omar Cook is a starring for Red Star Belgrade. Both teams sound like they should be playing in the UEFA Cup, thanks Endy in the Outfield for that line.

This videos shows players like Joseph Forte, Jay Williams, Cook and Wagners when they were superstars in high school.

Oh the memories.

From Alaska to Moscow with Love

Before JJ Ridick, became the face of Duke Basketball, another person that the Dookie Nation loved was Trajan Langdon. After a three year tour in the NBA with the Cavs and Clippers he moved overseas to play with the several different teams. Langdon came to Duke from Alaska.

During Langdon time in the league he played in 119 games averaging 5.4 points a game in 14.6 minutes, at least his numbers are better Josh McRoberts. That is one of the reasons that he was selected as the next in Only Time Will Tell's series on Duke Players that Suck in the NBA.

For the last three years, Langdon has been playing overseas for such teams as Bennetton Treviso, Efes Pilsen, and Dynamo Moscow. Langdon was also drafted by the Padres in the 6th round of the 1996 Baseball Draft. It would have been an easier trip for Langdon to head right from Alaska to Moscow and skip heading to Duke all together.

Sing us a Song

Songs from the terraces are a long standing tradition in England and the BBC always highlights the best from around the leagues in England. Here are some of the best of the year so far.

“Jim Bullard, Bullard,
He's better than Steve Gerrard,
He's thinner than Frank Lampard,
Jim Bullard, Bullard."

- Fulham fans sang over about Jimmy Bullard.

“If you can't find your slippers, wear your Scholes."

- The Stretford End at Old Trafford sang.

"Just one Capello, give him to me, delicious manager, from Italy!"

- sang by England fans

"He's bald, he's old, he never plays in goal - Jens Lehmann, Jens Lehmann."

- Manchester City sang to Arsenal keeper Jens Lehman

The best was exchange of the year happened during the FA Cup third round tie between Liverpool and Luton Town.

"You're getting sacked in the morning"

- Luton fans sang to Rafa during the FA Cup last month

"You're going bust in the morning!"

- Liverpool fans responded to Luton fans during the cup.

"There's only one Jurgen Klinsmann!"

- Luton sang to Rafa.

Sven-tastic

What could be better then Sven and the Special One in puppet form, nothing. I did not know puppets could drive either.

A National Look at Signing Day

All around the country today local newspapers are highlighting the success of their local schools during National Signing Day.

Here are a couple of front pages from around the country:

The Tuscaloosa News: Goes nuts over Julio Jones and the rest of the 'Bama class.

The Quick: Highlights all of the action in Texas

The Daily Reflector: Greenville, North Carolina: Highlights East Carolina's Class.

Athen Banner-Herald: Highlights the Dawgs Class

Marietta Daily Journal: Also highlights UGA class.

The Advocate: Highlights the defending BCS National Champions class.

Florida Today: highlights the Canes, Noles and Gators recruiting success.

Miami Herald: Tells the story of 'Canes great class.

Latrobe Bulletin: Highlights the recruiting saga of America's best player Terrelle Pryor.

The State: Raves about Clemson top class.

Hurricanes are National Champs

For the first time in a couple of years there are reason to smile at the U. ESPNU has the 'Canes class ranked as the number one ranked class in all of the land, yes even better then fat boy at Notre Dame and the king of the text messaging that leads the Gators.

This class has speed and a winning tradition which is something that has been lost on the 'Canes over the last couple of years.

Here is the class:

Travis Benjamin	WR	5-11	160	Belle Glades, Fla.	Glades Central HS
Arthur Brown*	LB	6-1	210	Wichita, Kan.	Wichita East HS
Ramon Buchanan	LB	6-1	181	Melbourne, Fla.	Palm Bay HS
Laron Byrd	WR	6-3	205	Boutte, La.	Hahnville HS
John Calhoun*	FB	6-2	233	Micco, Fla.	Sebastian River HS
Theron Collier	WR	5-9	163	Miami, Fla.	Booker T. Washington HS
Taylor Cook	QB	6-7	230	Eagle Lake, Texas	Rice Consolidated HS
Marcus Forston*	DT	6-2	286	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Jordan Futch	LB	6-3	202	Hollywood, Fla.	Chaminade Madonna College Prep
Gavin Hardin	LB	6-4	240	Jackson, Tenn.	Central-Merry HS
Antonio Harper	LB	6-3	220	Memphis, Tenn.	Melrose HS
Brandon Harris	CB	5-11	185	Miami. Fla.	Booker T. Washington HS
Jacory Harris*	QB	6-4	170	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Patrick Hill#*	FB	5-10	248	Torrance, Calif.	Fairfax HS (Calif.) / El Camino C.C.
C.J. Holton	S	6-2	195	Crawfordville, Fla.	Wakulla HS
Aldarius Johnson*	WR	6-2	200	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Davon Johnson	WR	5-11	170	Miami, Fla.	Booker T. Washington HS
Ben Jones	OT	6-5	280	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Zach Kane	FB/LB	6-3	220	Toms River, N.J.	Toms River North HS
Jeremy Lewis	DT	6-3	295	West Palm Beach, Fla.	Palm Beach Lakes HS
Brandon Marti	LB	6-0	196	Miami, Fla.	Gulliver Prep
C.J. Odom	S	6-0	210	Fort Myers, Fla.	Fort Myers HS
Micanor Regis	DT	6-3	300	Pahokee, Fla.	Pahokee HS
Marcus Robinson	LB	6-2	210	Homestead, Fla.	Homestead HS
Andrew Smith	DE	6-3	240	Coconut Creek, Fla.	Monarch HS
Cannon Smith*	QB	5-11	200	Chatham Va.	Olive Branch (Miss.) HS / Hargrave Military Academy
Sean Spence*	LB	6-0	186	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Tommy Streeter	WR	6-4	190	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Vaughn Telemaque	S	6-2	190	Long Beach, Calif.	Long Beach Poly HS
Kendall Thompkins	WR	5-10	165	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Brandon Washington	G	6-4	315	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Jake Wieclaw*	PK	6-2	180	New Lenox, Ill.	Lincoln Way Central HS
Joe Wylie	S	6-2	172	Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.	Boyd Anderson

* marked players that are all ready enrolled at the U.

Other ranking services have the 'Canes in the top five, but there is nothing negative you can say about the Randy Shannon's first true recruiting class.

Rest In Peace Busby Babes

Fifty years ago today, the face of Manchester United Football Club was forever changed. On their way back from a European Cup game against Red Star, the plane carrying the team stopped in Munich to refuel. On take off the plane crashed killing 23 of the 44 passengers on the plane including Manchester United players: Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Taylor, and Liam 'Billy' Whelan. At the time Manager Matt Busby was also seriously injured and would end up spending three months in the hospital. At the time Busby called the team one of his best.

This weekend when United play their cross town rivals Manchester City, both sides are going to wear kits from the era honoring the tragic events in Munich.

Today United fans all over the world should take a minute and remember those who lost their lives during the tragic event.

The Landlord Should Move to the D-League

Known as the Landlord while at Duke, Sheldon Williams has shown that he should be evicted from the League, look at those stats 2.7 points and 3 rebounds a game.

Wow glad the Hawks spent the fifth overall pick on him. For all of those reasons that is why the Landlord is our next selection in our on going Duke Players that Suck in the League series.

Camp Fabio

The FA hired a drill sergeant, when they hired Fabio Capello and that is starting to show. During his first England Camp, the former Juve and Real Madrid manager has started to lay down the law. First he did not pick David Beckham for his 100th cap and now he has all kinds of rules that the players have to follow.

• No more being late.
• Room Service is banned.
• Cell phones can only be used in the bedroom.
• Players must eat together and be dressed in professional attire.
• Players must wear their England blazers to the game.
• All players will be called by surnames.
• No Wags or agents. Wow no Wags what is Ashley Cole going to do.

Compared to Sven and Second Choice Steve this is going to be like going to jail for the likes of Fat Frank, Rio, Rooney, and Owen.

Sheldon Williams is Stunned!

During his freshman year, Tyler Hansborough wrecked Duke's Sheldon Williams and JJ Redick Senior Night at Cameron Indoor and for one I could not be happier. Just check out the look on Williams face as then freshman Hansborough knocks down the winning shot. The next chapter of the North Carolina vs. Duke feud will take place Wednesday night.

Both Redick and Williams have failed to do anything in the NBA, more on those two in the league to come in the coming weeks during our own going series about great Duke players in the NBA.

Jose Hangs Up on Nelson from South Africa

The Special One sings for the press and announces a possible new signing for his show. Who could it be, could it be a puppet of Glenn Hoddle. Plus he hangs up on Nelson from South Africa. It's Fantastic.

Duke Keys to Success

The big Carolina vs. Duke game is less then a week away and I can not wait. Back during UCLA's great runs, they followed the pyramid of success at Duke that is no different. I think that UCLA's blocks might have been a little different.
Thank the guys at North Carolina State blog Section Six for this creation.

A letter to the Special One

Endy in the Outfield is at it again, now he is trying to fix his beloved Liverpool Football Club. He penned this letter seeking help from someone.

Dear Special One,

Consider this an open invitation Jose. Since September 20th you have been out of football, and those 4 months have been very long for Prem fans across the globe. Especially for the kop. After 23 games and only 10 wins, and zero wins since boxing day, it appears the Rafa Rotating Manager has basically rotated Liverpool out of the BPL title chances and maybe even out of the Champions League next year altogether (good chance Joe Wolf's vertical will see his AC Milan vs. Liverpool UEFA Cup final in Turkey next year). Of course Rafa will try to use the Champions League or the FA Cup to try and save his job. However, the season is more than just 13 Champions League games, or an FA Cup. Scousers want the Prem title which we have never seen since the BPL came about. This is where I offer, actually I beg you Jose, to come to Anfield and lead us to a BPL title.

Rafa and our American owners are making a mockery of LFC and once again seemed to have given up on the Prem this year. The only way to right the ship is with the manager who is fantastic. So Jose if your reading Only Time Will Tell today, please consider making the move to Liverpool. Your our only hope, of course you will realize that Ryan Babel is more than a Carling Cup player, that Harry Kewell is overrated, that Fernando Torres can play every day, and selling Sissoko to Juventus was a dumb move.

My guess is that after February 10th LFC will need a new manager after they play Chelsea, and that man is you, Jose Mourinho.

After all YOU ARE FANTASTIC.

Sincerely an upset LFC fan,

Endy in the Outfield

Another Super Strike from Ronaldo

EPL Manchester United v Portsmouth Ronaldo - Freekick

Cristiano Ronaldo's freekick against Porstmouth in the English Premier League, might be one of the best ever.

There is something in the water at Mater Dei

Every time you turn around a certain high school in California is producing a quarterback that will excel in college and this year will be no different at Mater Dei. Approximately eight years ago, Mater Dei has led by Matt Leinart, who later was a top ten pick in the NFL and won a Heisman Trophy at USC. During his time there Leinart was backed up by Hawaii gunslinger Colt Brennan.

Over the course of the last couple of years, the school has been grooming their next great signal caller, junior Matt Barkley. Very few high school freshman step in at a top ranked program like Mater Dei as a quarterback, but that is exactly what he did. Barkley is the number one ranked junior in the land by Rivals.com. Just like Leinart, Barkley will be playing for Pete Carroll and USC.

Mater Dei has been one of the best football programs in the country for some. Mater Dei is one of two high schools in the nation with two Heisman-trophy winning alumni. Who knows in a couple of years there might be another star quarterback getting ready to lead Mater Dei.

Special One looks good in a Liverpool kit

With Liverpool loss at West Ham United, the idea of the 'Pool having a new manager seems more and more like a possibility. The best choice might be the Special One. During his Setanta skit last week, the Special One showed how he would like in a Liverpool kit, and to some members of the Kops its the perfect look.

Santana, Santana, Santana, Santana

After a winter of watching his favorite teams destroy his life, Endy in the Outfield is back with his view on Johan Santana's trade to his beloved Mets.

By Endy in the Outfield

For once one of my teams doesn't let me down. Being a Mets, Eagles, and Liverpool fan usually means disappointment, so after hearing all week on Mike and the Angry Puppy, ESPN, and the New York Papers that the Mets were in the lead for Santana I figured not to get my hopes up.

After all we didn't have the prospects to match the Yanks and Sox, we didn't even have Jared Camp. All we had was 2 good OF prospects (Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez) and a couple decent pitching prospects (Mike Pelfrey, Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, Deolis Guerra). Of course I figured we'd part with our number 1 pitching and outfield prospects in Martinez and Humber if they had the chance to get Santana. So imagine the level of happiness I felt when I learned that not only did we get the 2 time cy young award winning lefty, but we only parted with Gomez, Humber, Mulvey, and Guerra. No Martinez and no Pelfrey in the deal meant we wouldn't have to rape our farm system to acquire Santana.

Obviously everything hinges on the Mets actually signing the Johan. Which shouldn't be a problem (hand over the keys to the vault Mr. Wilpon, give this man his 7 years). With a rotation of Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Oliver Perez, and 60 year old El Duque, the Mets should be primed to win the NL East and shut up Jimmy Rollins. Now the only problem is, who do we call up when the inevitable happens when Alou misses a month, and Endy Chavez' balky hamstring flares up that he recently re injured again in winter ball?

Now I'm waiting patiently for the Eagles to acquire that play making receiver (Chad Johnson?), and Liverpool to acquire the man we know as The Special One (rotating Rafa Manager anyone?)

Thank God He Chose Duke

The Only Time Will Tell Crew has selected Shavlik Randolph as our next Duke player that sucked at the next level. Randolph could go any where he wanted for college and in the end he chose Duke over North Carolina and North Carolina State. Thank God.

If not for the fact that NBA teams can not release injured players, Randolph would be out of the league. Check out those stats, .5 rebounds per game, yes that is it. Randolph has lacked that scoring touch averaging zero points a game.

United vs. Arsenal in the FA Cup: Oh the Memories

With United and Arsenal being drawn together in the FA Cup fifth round, it's only proper to look back at Ryan Giggs great goal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-finals.

Here are the other fifth round ties, to be played Feb 16 & 17:

• Bristol Rovers v Southampton
• Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
• Liverpool v Barnsley
• Manchester United v Arsenal
• Preston North End v Portsmouth
• Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion
• Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
  

SEC's Power starts in February

Every year fans and talking heads talk about how great the Southeastern Conference is and that can be tied to one thing: recruiting. Every year four or five teams from the league are ranked in the top ten of recruiting.

• 2006: Florida, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn were all ranked in the top 10.
• 2007: Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, Georgia and Alabama were all ranked in the top 10.

This year is no different, with signing day a week away, the SEC has again showed its true colors with three schools in the top four and four in top 15. The drawing power of the conference has been on full display this year as high school seniors like Patrick Johnson (above) and Omar Hunter have switched their commitments after visiting SEC schools. Johnson first committed to Miami and then switched LSU, while Hunter committed to the fat man and Notre Dame then switched to Florida.

One of the things that has made the conference so dominate over the last couple of years is their willingness to recruit other sections of the country. In the past the SEC used to stay in the South to recruit, but now that has all changed. Florida has gone to both Pennsylvania and New Jersey to get top players, while Georgia in the past has gotten both Knowshon Moreno and Kade Weston out of the Garden State.

As SEC teams continue to win BCS Bowl games and National Championships, the conference will continue to win the recruiting National Championship.

Havant & Waterlooville are a great pub team and they know it

With the fourth round of the FA Cup well underway, Havant & Waterlooville fans show that they are the best drinking team left.

2008-2009 Dream UEFA Cup Final

I can see the promos now: two classic clubs one trophy as AC Milan battle Liverpool for the 2008-2009 UEFA Cup.

Did you think that I was going to say Champions League?

At this point the two teams meeting at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul (Turkey) in the UEFA Cup finals seem more likely to happen then the two making the group stages of the Champions League.

While both teams have advanced to the knocked out stages of this years Champions League, their qualification for next years Big Ears Cup through the league seems to be in question as Liverpool sit in 5th place behind Everton, while AC Milan sit in 10^th place 10 points behind a qualification place.

The image of Scousers and AC Milan fans cheering their team on as they battle for the second chance vase is a priceless image.

Another Bad Duke Player in the NBA

Just like Josh McRoberts, Dahntay Jones has shown he really does not belong in the league. Check back as the Only Time Will Tell Crew continues to highlight how bad Duke players have been in the league.

Enigma begins break out

For years soccer fans have been told that Jermaine Jenas has all of the skills to be a superstar at both the club and international levels.But since Juande Ramos took over at Spurs, Jenas has started to show that his play might be living up to his potential .

During the recently completed Carling Cup semi-final against Spurs’ hated rival Arsenal, Jenas might have been the best player on the field. According to The Sun’s player rankings for the second leg of the tie, Jenas was ranked at a 9 out of 10 and the Man of the Match.

Jenas started his career Nottingham Forest during the 2001-2002, and then he moved to Newcastle United before the start of the 2002-2003 for 5 million pounds. Jenas started to show his true skills and he was named PFA Young Player of the Year during his first season in the white and black of Newcastle.

Jenas then moved to the Spurs before the close of the Aug. 2005 transfer window for 7 million pounds, where he was a stalwart for former manager Martin Jol, but under the Ramos, Jenas has shown great improvement and his performances during the Carling Cup semi-finals could only be the tip of the iceberg.

Duke Players Stink in the NBA

Over the course of the next couple of weeks the Only Time Will Tell crew will review the impact that Duke players have had on the NBA. Our first candidate is Duke's Great White Hope Josh McRoberts. He has been such a hit that he is currently in the D-League.

Check back over the next couple of weeks for other players from Duke that Stink in the NBA.

Brotherly Love

A look around the college basketball landscape, show a couple of brother teams that have shown their true family colors.

At Stanford, the Lopez brothers, Brook and Robin (pictured above), have made the Cardinal one of the toughest teams to play against in the Pac 10. The two almost seven footers make it painful for any opponent to come into the painted area. Both of them should be playing in the NBA in the next couple of years.

While at Florida and St. Joe's a pair of Calathes are making their impact felt. At Florida freshman Nick Calathes appears to be the part of the next generation of Gators that are set to rule the SEC. Nick can play all over the back court and small forward. While at Joe's senior Pat Calathes is one of those near six ten guards. While leading the Hawks in scoring, Calathes does all that he can do to keep the hawks in all of their games.

Both the North Carolina and Mississippi State have cases of Hansbrough fever. While everyone who follows college basketball knows that Tyler leads North Carolina. Little brother has been one of the key players for the Bulldogs. Some people remember Ben as the little brother of the Tyler when they played Greg Oden and Mike Conley in a high school game at Butler University, a couple of years ago. At the time Ben was the trusty side kick of big brother, but over the course of the last couple of year, Ben has turned into a good player in his own right. This year Ben has done it all for the dogs averaging 9.8 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assist per game.

And in the coming years, there are going to be more and more brother acts coming to college basketball like the Morris twins going to Kansas next year and the Wear twins heading to North Carolina in two years.

Move over Beasely, Mayo, and Love

For all of the talk of Micheal Beasley, Kevin Love, and Eric Gordon, there seems to be one name that is being left out of the discussion for the freshmen that has made the most impact: Arizona States James Harden. Last year the Sun Devils were one of the worst teams in any BCS League, but that has all changed this year.

The Sun Devils growth has been accelerated by Harden and fellow Artesia High School graduate Derek Glasser. The two have lead the Sun Devils to an undefeated start to their conference season.

The great start show that Herb Sendek is one of the best coaches in all of the land. When Sendek was at N.C. State the Wolf Pack Nation could not wait to see him leave the program. Part of the NC State fans did not realize how great a job Sendek did when he was in Raleigh. Sendek coached NC State to the tournament five consecutive years from 2002 until 2006 (tying the school record). He had his most success during these last five years, winning his 100th game at NC State in 2002 and having a winning conference record in each year but one. But that was not enough as Sendek continued to struggle against the big two of the ACC (North Carolina and Duke).

So thanks to Harden, Glasser and the rest of the young Sun Devils, Sendek is making Arizona State a force in the Pac 10.

Jose Loves The Keegan

Even Alex from Manchester thinks its going to be hard for The Keegan to turn Newcastle United into a winner.

Please Come Back Jose

As an United fan, Jose Mourinho was a pain to play against when he was in charge of Chelski. But now the EPL is not the same, there are no managers running around screaming about how fantastic they are.

Jose, I beg you please come back to the EPL.

Deuce shows his skillz

Clint Dempsey kicks it free style for the UK.

Training to hold a clip board

All during the playoffs, Brady Quinn has been appearing on our television sets telling us all how great EAS is. During the course of his first NFL season EAS has appeared to help Quinn a great deal, a quick look at his stats shows that: 3 of 8 for 45 yards in the one game that he played in. Not bad for a player that some people called the most ready college quarterback to be in the 2007 NFL Draft.

I guess Quinn has to take EAS after his work out in order to have the strength to carry Derek Anderson helmet and the clipboard. I bet Quinn is really trying to get as strong as his brother-in-law Green Bay Packers linebacker AJ Hawk.

Quinn should continue to follow Hulk Hogans advice and Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and take EAS Myoplex to be the best clipboard holder you can be.

Roy is going to run out Jerseys at this rate

Last week the Wear twins and John Henson pledged to be part of the Tar Heel Nation, this week Roy Williams is at it again as he signed St. Pats' point guard Dexter Strickland for the 2009 class.

"We have seen some stellar recruiting classes, but a four-man class of juniors and a two-man class of sophomores, all of five-star caliber, is on the verge of mind-boggling - especially considering that five of the commitments occurred in a two-week period," Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer said in a story posted on the site.

At this rate the Tar Heel 2009 class might rank up there with the Fab Five of Michigan and the Felton, May, McCants class that Matt Doherty brought to Chapel Hill as one of the best ever.

There's no crying during the playoffs

There really is no reason for posting this Terrell Owens photo, from the post game news conference yesterday, except for the fact that he is crying like some kicked his dog. By the way did anyone ever see Owens defend McNabb like he defended Tony Romo yesterday?

Ronaldo shoes can beat a car and Newcastle United

It's gotta be the shoes, was the classic line from Mars Blackmon and it has been a great week to the be the shoes on the feet of Christiano Rolando.

Earlier this week, his new Nike Mercurial Vapor 4 beat a Bugatti Veyron in a foot race.
Then today, the magic orange shoes, scored on a free kick in the second half to start the destruction of the Newcastle United defense and later scored two more to get his first hat trick with United.

With the win, United jump the Gunners on goal difference at the top of the Premier League.

Roy is at it again

This year, Roy Williams decided not to bring a freshman class in at North Carolina. But in preparation for the next couple of years, Roy has really done his work. According to Rivals.com, Roy is bringing in six 5-star recruits and a 4-star recruit in the next couple of classes.

"Carolina has assembled an incredible group of high school players," national recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports, told the Charlotte Observer.
"Roy Williams already has classes that will be among the tops in the country and it is just January."

For the 2008-2009 season Roy has brought in:

• Tyler Zeller, C, Washington, IN
• Larry Drew, PG, Los Angeles, CA
  
• Ed Davis, PF, Mechanicsville, VA
  

For the 2009-2010 season:

• John Henson, PF, Round Rock, TX
• David Wear, SF, Santa Ana, CA
  
• Travis Wear, SF, Santa Ana, CA
  

For the 2010-2011 season:

• Kendall Marshall. PG, Arlington, VA (this story is from 2003 about who good he is)
  
• Reggie Bullock, SG, Kinston, NC.
  

As this current group of Tar Heels moves on, Roy will have another great generation right behind them waiting to make an impact.

Nike Rules College Football

The bowl season, that was just completed, can be described in one word, Swoosh. All over the month long festival of college football, besides the football, the other constant, was that darn Nike Swoosh .

Take a look at the BCS Bowls, the only team that did not sport the swoosh was Kansas who wore the three stripes of Adidas.

Here is the list of the bowl games and the shoes and uniform deals they were wearing:

• Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. Utah: both Nike schools
• New Orleans Bowl: Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis: both Nike schools
• Papajohns.com Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss: Both Nike schools
• New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. Nevada: New Mexico Nike, Nevada Adidas
• Las Vegas Bowl: BYU vs. UCLA: BYU Nike, UCLA Adidas
• Hawaii Bowl: East Carolina vs. Boise State: both Nike schools
• Motor City Bowl: Purdue vs. Central Michigan: Purdue Nike, Central Michigan New Balance
• Holiday Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State: both Nike schools
• Texas Bowl: TCU vs. Houston: TCU Nike, Houston Adidas
• Champs Sports Bowl: Boston College vs. Michigan State: Boston College Reebok, Michigan State Nike.
• Emerald Bowl: Oregon State vs. Maryland: Oregon State Nike, Maryland Under Armour
• Meinke Car Care Bowl: Wake Forest vs. UConn: both Nike schools
• Liberty Bowl: South Florida vs. Mississippi State: South Florida Adidas, Mississippi State Russell Athletic
• Alamo Bowl: Penn State vs. Texas A&M: Penn State Nike, Texas A&M Adidas
• Independence Bowl: Colorado vs. Alabama: both Nike schools
• Armed Forces Bowl: California vs. Air Force: both Nike schools
• Sun Bowl: South Florida vs. Oregon: both Nike schools, but South Florida will be becoming Under Armour next year.
• Humanitarian Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State: Georgia Tech Russell Athletic, Fresno State Nike
• Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Florida State: both Nike schools
• Peach Bowl: Clemson vs. Auburn: Clemson Nike school, Auburn Under Armour
• Insight Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Indiana: Oklahoma State Nike, Indiana Adidas
• Outback Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee: both Adidas schools
• Cotton Bowl: Missouri vs. Arkansas: Missouri Nike , Arkansas Adidas
• Gator Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Virginia: Texas Tech Under Armour, Virginia Nike
• Capital One Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida: both Nike schools
• International Bowl: Rutgers vs. Ball State: both Nike schools
• GMAC Bowl: Tulsa vs. Bowling Green: Tulsa Nike, Bowling Green Adidas

BCS Bowls

• Rose Bowl: USC vs. Illinois: both Nike schools
• Sugar Bowl: Hawaii vs. Georgia: both Nike schools
• Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kansas: Virginia Tech Nike, Kansas Adidas
• Fiesta Bowl: West Virginia vs. Oklahoma: both Nike schools
• BCS Title Game: LSU vs. Ohio State: both Nike schools

Of the bowl games that were played only two games did not feature the swoosh. In college football its all about the swoosh.

The African Cup of Nations Affect on the EPL

The African Cup of Nations, which starts later this month, is going to have its own say on the Premier League title race. Here is the list of players, from The Guardian, that are in the process of leaving their team to play in the tournament:

Arsenal
Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Eboué (Ivory Coast),
Alexandre Song (Cameroon)
Birmingham
Richard Kingson (Ghana), Mehdi Nafti and Radhi Jaidi (Tunisia)
Blackburn
Aaron Mokoena (South Africa)
Bolton
El Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Abdoulaye Méïté (Ivory Coast)
Chelsea
Mikel John Obi (Nigeria), Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast), Michael Essien (Ghana)
Everton
Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Ayegbeni (Nigeria), Steven Pienaar (South Africa)
Liverpool

Nabil El Zhar (Morocco), Mohamed Sissoko (Mali)

Middlesbrough
Mohamed Shawky (Egypt)
Newcastle
Obafemi Martins (Nigeria), Geremi (Cameroon), Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Beye (Senegal)
Portsmouth
Pape Bouba Diop (Senegal), Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka (Nigeria), Sulley Muntari (Ghana)
Reading
André Bikey (Cameroon), Emerse Faé (Ivory Coast), Ibrahima Sonko (Senegal)
Sunderland
Dickson Etuhu (Nigeria)
Tottenham
Didier Zokora (Ivory Coast)
West Ham
John Pantsil (Ghana), Henri Camara (Senegal)
Wigan
Salomon Olembe (Cameroon), Julius Aghahowa (Nigeria)

Sky Sports breaks down who is going to feel the loss the most during the next month. Of the top four Manchester United have no one going and Liverpool only have Sissoko, who will not be with the team when he gets back, and a fringe player going.

Separated at Birth

They are both know as the devils, but the mascots at Manchester United and AC Milan might be separated at birth.

Manchester United's Fred the Red

AC Milan's Milanello

I'm not saying that one used the other as a base, but there look very similar.

The Wizard Rules New Orleans

They call him the Wizard, because he is the man behind the curtain.

During the first half of the BCS National Championship LSU Offensive Coordinator Gary Crowton (right) had the Ohio State brain trust on the run and pulling their hair out. Crowton used every formation from the Pistol to the Spread to the Full House and at each turn the vaunted Ohio State defense did not have an answer for the master planner.

The thing that makes Crowton so good as a play caller is that he is fearless and will try anything. That showed at every turn during the title game.

Crowton should be up for any job that opens up, but a tough end to his head coaching tenure at BYU has turned people off to him. Before coming to LSU, Crowton lead the offense of the Oregon Ducks. When The Mad Hatter Les Miles went looking for someone to replace Jimbo Fisher, who left to become the offensive coordinator at FSU last year, he went to Eugene and talked him to coming to Baton Rouge. Some people questioned the hire but in the end it was one of the best things that Miles did and the rest as they say is history. May be soon, another school will give him another head coaching job.

Joys of the Cup

Every week fans of English football get to see such great meccas as Old Trafford, Anfield, Ewood Park, and in the past Highbury, but during the FA Cup that all changes. Fans like my self, get to see such classic grounds in lower divisions as Portman Road (below), Turf Moor (above) and the Scholars Ground.
The best things about the ground outside of the premier league is that they all have something different to offer, weather its classic terraces or a terrible pitch.

That is what makes the cup so special, it gives fans who have never been to England a look at the smaller clubs that make up the fabric of the game.

Go Back to Canada, Doug

The last time I checked Doug Flutie was from the state of Massachusetts, but after watching the International Bowl, between Rutgers and Ball State, you would think that he was from the land of John Saunders and Jessie Palmer. Throughout the game, Flutie kept making comments about how great Canada is and how great it was to throw the football with gloves on, OK Doug we get it, you love it north of the boarder.
We all know that Doug spent a lot of time in Canada because he could not get a job in the NFL. But come on Doug, you are no closer to being Canadian then I am. So I hope that Doug just spends the rest of his life up there.

All Transfer Rumor 11

With the silly season well underway, it's time to name the Only Time Will Tell All Transfer Rumor 11.

Goaltender: Jens Lehmann, Arsenal: Probably heading back to Germany to keep him in the running for Euro 2008.

Right backs: Willy Sagnol, Bayern Munich: could be great insurance for a team like Manchester United.

Center backs: Vincent Kompany, Hamburg: Might cost a ton, considering Hamburg are in the German title race, but could be money well spent.

Center back: Olof Mellberg, Villa: Out of contract at the summer, might be time to head the Italy.

Left back: Alan Hutton, Rangers: could be finding his way to the EPL sooner rather then later.

Winger: Roysten Drenthe, Real: Was being chased by Chelski over the summer, but could he find is way to Eastland to join Sven’s revolution.

Central Midfielder: Luka Modric, Dinamo Zagreb: Any club in London is looking at the Croatian midfielder that helped doom England in Euro 2008 qualifying.

Central Midfielder: Deco, Barcelona: When Barca won the Champions, he was the heart and soul. Also won the Champions League with the Special One at Porto. Would add toughness and skill to any midfield.

Winger: Giles Barnes, Derby County: He might be the best asset the Rams have and probably will be heading to West Ham sooner rather then later.

Forward: Nicolas Anelka, Bolton: Should be heading for the Bridge. He continues to add to his transfer fee amount that has developed over the years.

Forward: Dimitar Berbatov, Spurs: At this point he just wants out.

Bench: Peter Crouch, forward, Liverpool

Afonso Alves, forward, Heerenveen
Joao Moutinho, midfielder, Sporting Lisbon
Tiago, midfielder, Juventus.

Lets Go Scholars

On Saturday, the best tournament in the world really gets going, The FA Cup and I will have eyes on one team, Chasetown FC.

Sure I will be following United and Villa, but this game will have most of my focus. These part timers will be hosting Cardiff City of the League Championship. So far the gang has had to play nine games to get this point.

So lets go Scholars, it would be great to see them drawn in the fourth round against a EPL team.

Dueling All Stars Game

Six years ago the thought of one high school football all star game seemed a little much, but this year there will be dueling high school football all star games. The first All Star Game to come along was the US Army All American Game in San Antonio, then this year ESPN decided to do their own in the Under Armour All American Game in Orlando.

The dueling all Star games also show the growth of high school football on the national level over the last couple of years. Any weekend during the high school season, you can find a variety of high schools games on different networks like Fox College Sports and ESPN U. Promoters have even gotten involved in creating national match ups like South Lake Carroll and Miami Northwestern, from earlier this year.

The one thing that continues to drive high school football on a national basis is that the high school seniors of today are the college superstars of tomorrow. In this Internet driven world people want to know, as ESPN would say, "Who is Next.'' So the days of the Big 33 Classic and other state vs. state all star showcases being the only show on TV are coming to an end quickly.

Going Bowling

It's a day for a couch, soda and a TV. Here are some of thoughts on the days bowl games.

• Love SEC teams that dress in one color like Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl and Florida in the Outback Bowl.
• A lot of people love the Outback Bowl, but I'm a bigger fan of the Cotton Bowl.
• The new Arkansas coaching staff needs to fix the attitude in the program.
• Two run and shoot teams playing on New Years Day, no one ever thought that would happen.
• Seeing Coach Rod in a Michigan hat and shirt is going to take some getting used to.
• I think a foot race between Florida's Percy Harvin and Mizzou Jermey Macklin would be something special.
• Can ESPN Classic show the Florida/Michigan right now.
• Michigan's Ron English might have written the book on how to beat the Gators, now he is looking for a job.
• Can someone please give Mike Leach a big time job.
• Could Illinois be the worst ever team in a BCS bowl, wait that might be the Hawaii.
• USC and UGA would make a great game, thanks Rose Bowl for not allowing it.