William Green, a 4 star linebacker, has committed to the Gators. Green is the 7th ranked outside linebacker in the country, and according to Rivals.com, the #83 overall prospect.
Hopefully this will go better than, you know, the other guy named Green that Gators recruited this season.
And yes, the Gators once again have the best recruiting class in the country.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Foolish Hopes For Brandon Harris
The Orlando Sentinel notes that Brandon Harris, the number 3 corner recruit in the country is choosing between Ohio State, Miami . . . and UCF.
Yes, we noted that this was bizarre in an earlier post.
The Sentinel's Kyle Hightower points out recent comments by Harris:
Hightower notes, "UCF has 18 commitments following the weekend commitment of Brynn Harvey. That number would go up to 19 with Harris." Of course, this is roughly equivalent to saying "If I found a million dollars tomorrow, I'd have a million dollars and six cents in liquid assets!"
UCF fans should congratulate themselves for having a program (apparently), but Harris is not going to be a Knight. If he wants to play in state, he'd go to Miami. If he wants to play for National Championships, he'd go to Ohio State.
Yes, we noted that this was bizarre in an earlier post.
The Sentinel's Kyle Hightower points out recent comments by Harris:
"At this point, the two schools that stand out are Ohio State and Miami . . . They've made me feel comfortable around them, the program and their players. When we did our home visits, we just didn't talk about football, but about life in general. We were able to relate on different issues. They made my parents feel comfortable, we grew to trust them and that they would take care of me if I were to choose their school. Actually, I feel the same way about Central Florida. They made me feel like I can trust them. If I were to go there, I'd be in good hands.”
Hightower notes, "UCF has 18 commitments following the weekend commitment of Brynn Harvey. That number would go up to 19 with Harris." Of course, this is roughly equivalent to saying "If I found a million dollars tomorrow, I'd have a million dollars and six cents in liquid assets!"
UCF fans should congratulate themselves for having a program (apparently), but Harris is not going to be a Knight. If he wants to play in state, he'd go to Miami. If he wants to play for National Championships, he'd go to Ohio State.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Stadium That Care Forgot
As many of you know, the last game ever played in the Orange Bowl happened just the other day-- flag football between former Dolphins and former 'Canes. Here's an essay written by Scott Holtz memorializing the Orange Bowl. It was penned shortly before the last college game played in the stadium and is reprinted with permission.
The Stadium That Care Forgot
By Scott Holtz
Scott dot Holtz at gmail dot com
I find myself sitting in Natural Resources Law (much more boring that
it sounds, if you can believe it), and instead of the usual course of
Cricklers, Chess, and College Football blog checking, I want to talk
about the black cloud that hangs over me this week- the death of the
Orange Bowl.
The Critics
1. No one will miss that old dump.
2. Why do you even care about that toilet?
3. Miami sucks anyway.
- a representative sample
Yeah, all of you who have said one of the above (or a variation) to me
are right. The Orange Bowl is a dingy, old stadium. It's full of
obstructed views. There's a mysterious yellow liquid that comes down
from the upper deck onto the people directly below the vents in the
overhang (everyone prays it's beer). I just wish that you all could
look at it and see what I see.
I could easily explain the Orange Bowl's cemented place as a football
shrine. (As if ubersentimental ESPN won't do enough of that on
Saturday.) Here's a very inexhaustive overview:
NFL- Super Bowl III (Jets over Colts), The Longest Game Ever Played,
Miami gives Chicago it's only loss of 1985- on Monday Night
Football-preserving the 1972 Dolphins' record, home of the 1972
Dolphins, hosted 5 Super Bowls, Finkle is Einhorn-Einhorn is Finkle,
the debut of Dan Marino.
NCAA- Record 58 game home winning streak, Miami won three of 5
National Championships in Orange Bowl, home of the Orange Bowl-the
second oldest bowl-from 1937-1995 and again in 1999, Wide Right II and
Wide Left that decided trips to the National Championship for Miami
and FSU, the Gator Flop, 1989 #2 Miami ends #1 Notre Dame's 18 game
winning streak and a bid for a repeat National Championship winning
before the largest crowd in OB history and converting on 3rd and 43
from inside the 5 yard line, Miami Florida State's first National
Championship, Tom Osborne's first National Championship.
But when I shed a tear as a walk out of the Old Lady for the last
time, those great moments will likely be far from my mind. The Orange
Bowl is where I saw my first football game when I was four years old.
It's where I spent practically every fall Saturday until I was
thirteen. Only there would they put the Family Section in one half of
the endzone and the rowdiest, drunken fans of the cheap seats in the
other half of the same endzone. I was a six-year old kid when I was
taught how to turn the "Tomahawk Chop" into the Italian gesture for
"Fuck You" and to call them "Semenholes." I was eight before I figured
out what that meant. Sometimes when I cross the street I flash back to
my dad grabbing my hand screaming, "Let's Go!" and yanking me across
the street to the stadium as cars bore down on us. I'll miss the
80-year old ladies who can't speak English beyond calling out,
"Shiski! Shiski!" The first Gator player I can remember recognizing?
#9 Shane Matthews. Know why? The mural on the wall of the Orange Bowl
Bar that faces the stadium. First memory at a sporting event? Nov. 25,
1989- Miami 27 Notre Dame 10 in front of a then record 81,000 plus. At
night. The stadium was so packed that we were two to a seat on the
bleachers in the West Endzone. There won't be General Admission at
Dolphins Stadium, so next year some little kid won't get the same
experience I did of being put up on Dad's shoulders while he and Mom
raced up the ramp to get good seats. Dolphins Stadium won't thunder
the same way the Orange Bowl does when everyone stamps on the floor
during a big play or when Sebastian beckons a the stadium to make as
much noise as possible before a C-A-N-E-S, CANES! I had my first beer
at a game in the Orange Bowl. I shook Warren Sapp's hand when my
friend and I snuck onto the field before a game-they almost kicked our
parents out.
So, excuse me if I wax nostalgic this week for a grand old stadium
that like so many other things and people was let down by the City of
Miami. I'm not just saying goodbye to a building, I'm saying goodbye
to a big part of my childhood. And a big part of my love of the Canes.
Oh, and if you just don't get the bond someone can have for a stadium
that houses so many memories, or for the profound effect that sports
can have on a person's life, then I pity you.
The Stadium That Care Forgot
By Scott Holtz
Scott dot Holtz at gmail dot com
I find myself sitting in Natural Resources Law (much more boring that
it sounds, if you can believe it), and instead of the usual course of
Cricklers, Chess, and College Football blog checking, I want to talk
about the black cloud that hangs over me this week- the death of the
Orange Bowl.
The Critics
1. No one will miss that old dump.
2. Why do you even care about that toilet?
3. Miami sucks anyway.
- a representative sample
Yeah, all of you who have said one of the above (or a variation) to me
are right. The Orange Bowl is a dingy, old stadium. It's full of
obstructed views. There's a mysterious yellow liquid that comes down
from the upper deck onto the people directly below the vents in the
overhang (everyone prays it's beer). I just wish that you all could
look at it and see what I see.
I could easily explain the Orange Bowl's cemented place as a football
shrine. (As if ubersentimental ESPN won't do enough of that on
Saturday.) Here's a very inexhaustive overview:
NFL- Super Bowl III (Jets over Colts), The Longest Game Ever Played,
Miami gives Chicago it's only loss of 1985- on Monday Night
Football-preserving the 1972 Dolphins' record, home of the 1972
Dolphins, hosted 5 Super Bowls, Finkle is Einhorn-Einhorn is Finkle,
the debut of Dan Marino.
NCAA- Record 58 game home winning streak, Miami won three of 5
National Championships in Orange Bowl, home of the Orange Bowl-the
second oldest bowl-from 1937-1995 and again in 1999, Wide Right II and
Wide Left that decided trips to the National Championship for Miami
and FSU, the Gator Flop, 1989 #2 Miami ends #1 Notre Dame's 18 game
winning streak and a bid for a repeat National Championship winning
before the largest crowd in OB history and converting on 3rd and 43
from inside the 5 yard line, Miami Florida State's first National
Championship, Tom Osborne's first National Championship.
But when I shed a tear as a walk out of the Old Lady for the last
time, those great moments will likely be far from my mind. The Orange
Bowl is where I saw my first football game when I was four years old.
It's where I spent practically every fall Saturday until I was
thirteen. Only there would they put the Family Section in one half of
the endzone and the rowdiest, drunken fans of the cheap seats in the
other half of the same endzone. I was a six-year old kid when I was
taught how to turn the "Tomahawk Chop" into the Italian gesture for
"Fuck You" and to call them "Semenholes." I was eight before I figured
out what that meant. Sometimes when I cross the street I flash back to
my dad grabbing my hand screaming, "Let's Go!" and yanking me across
the street to the stadium as cars bore down on us. I'll miss the
80-year old ladies who can't speak English beyond calling out,
"Shiski! Shiski!" The first Gator player I can remember recognizing?
#9 Shane Matthews. Know why? The mural on the wall of the Orange Bowl
Bar that faces the stadium. First memory at a sporting event? Nov. 25,
1989- Miami 27 Notre Dame 10 in front of a then record 81,000 plus. At
night. The stadium was so packed that we were two to a seat on the
bleachers in the West Endzone. There won't be General Admission at
Dolphins Stadium, so next year some little kid won't get the same
experience I did of being put up on Dad's shoulders while he and Mom
raced up the ramp to get good seats. Dolphins Stadium won't thunder
the same way the Orange Bowl does when everyone stamps on the floor
during a big play or when Sebastian beckons a the stadium to make as
much noise as possible before a C-A-N-E-S, CANES! I had my first beer
at a game in the Orange Bowl. I shook Warren Sapp's hand when my
friend and I snuck onto the field before a game-they almost kicked our
parents out.
So, excuse me if I wax nostalgic this week for a grand old stadium
that like so many other things and people was let down by the City of
Miami. I'm not just saying goodbye to a building, I'm saying goodbye
to a big part of my childhood. And a big part of my love of the Canes.
Oh, and if you just don't get the bond someone can have for a stadium
that houses so many memories, or for the profound effect that sports
can have on a person's life, then I pity you.
Sutton Too Dumb to Breath Unaided, Sinks UF Recruiting Class to #2
Gator Recruit Chaz Sutton failed to qualify academically, meaning that the Gator's recruiting class has now dropped to #2. Funny, it wasn't too long ago that we mocked his classmate and would-be Gator recruit Franklin Green for failing to qualify. The loss of Chaz also means that the Gators are denied the opportunity to have both a Chaz and a Chas on the team simultaneously.
Chaz Sutton is therefore too dumb to breath without assistance.
Breath, Chaz Sutton! BREATH
Chaz Sutton is therefore too dumb to breath without assistance.
Breath, Chaz Sutton! BREATH
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Whatever Happened to UCF Recruiting, Anyway?
Uh, not too damn much.
UCF has the 61st ranked recruiting class, according to Rivals.com. UCF has no five star commits (obviously) and no four star commits, though ten of UCF's 17 recruits are rated with three stars. Though that's pretty lackluster, the only C-USA school with a better recruiting class is Southern Miss., currently ranked at 54.
Those singlet-wearing dirty USF bastards sit at number 57. Florida, Florida State and Miami have classes ranked 1, 6, and 8 respectively.
UCF has the 61st ranked recruiting class, according to Rivals.com. UCF has no five star commits (obviously) and no four star commits, though ten of UCF's 17 recruits are rated with three stars. Though that's pretty lackluster, the only C-USA school with a better recruiting class is Southern Miss., currently ranked at 54.
Those singlet-wearing dirty USF bastards sit at number 57. Florida, Florida State and Miami have classes ranked 1, 6, and 8 respectively.
Foolish Reporting From the AAFL Post-Draft Party
We had the good fortune to attend the post-draft party for AAFL Team Florida. We had a fantastic time meeting former Florida greats, including Travis McGriff, who invited us. We also bent the ear of a self-effacing Chris Leak, whom we thanked for that whole National Championship thing last year. Perhaps the most absurd comment overheard as we mingled was "Dude, Chris Doering is so drunk right now." Doerings got a vodka! Doerings got a vodka! That's something you don't hear every day.
Yes, we also saw Darren "D'Lish," the best sports agent we know. And, in fact, the only sports agent we know. (Look, dude, a shout-out.)
The event was surreal, owing in no small part due to the quinceanera going on nearby, which seemed at times to blend with the AAFL party in a confusing way. The ratio of skanky women to players was extraordinarily high. A plethora of apparent hookers attended, wearing a variety of animal print items and almost a whole square foot of fabric each. We can honestly say we've never seen so many zebra skin stoles-- anywhere. Tempted as we were to take photos, we refrained out of fear of getting nailed in the eye with a stiletto. Even more hilarious was the cluster of scantily clad women lurking outside the ropes, held at bay by the bouncers. Just fantastic.
All in all, a great time, and a hilarious one. We are totally rooting for the AAFL to succeed.
Is there a nobler death than sacrificing yourself for a skank to look hilarious?
Yes, we also saw Darren "D'Lish," the best sports agent we know. And, in fact, the only sports agent we know. (Look, dude, a shout-out.)
The event was surreal, owing in no small part due to the quinceanera going on nearby, which seemed at times to blend with the AAFL party in a confusing way. The ratio of skanky women to players was extraordinarily high. A plethora of apparent hookers attended, wearing a variety of animal print items and almost a whole square foot of fabric each. We can honestly say we've never seen so many zebra skin stoles-- anywhere. Tempted as we were to take photos, we refrained out of fear of getting nailed in the eye with a stiletto. Even more hilarious was the cluster of scantily clad women lurking outside the ropes, held at bay by the bouncers. Just fantastic.
All in all, a great time, and a hilarious one. We are totally rooting for the AAFL to succeed.
Is there a nobler death than sacrificing yourself for a skank to look hilarious?
Colt Brennan Performs Miserably at Senior Bowl
We've pointed out that Colt Brennan is overrated. We've gloated gleefully after Brennan's Sugar Bowl beating. Recently, we pointed out that Brennan stunk in Senior Bowl practices.
He, uh, still stinks. In Senior Bowl play, Brennan went 2 for 6 for 29 yards and one interception.
Does The Persistent Fool's heart good.
He, uh, still stinks. In Senior Bowl play, Brennan went 2 for 6 for 29 yards and one interception.
Does The Persistent Fool's heart good.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Persistently Foolish with the AAFL
The Persistent Fool is pleased to announce that we will be partying with the AAFL's Team Florida at the post-draft party on Saturday. AAFL? You have no idea what this is? Neither does anyone else.
The AAFL is a new professional football league, destined to die after one or two seasons. The franchises are all based in college towns, and all players must hold four year college degrees. "To the extent practical, graduates of host universities will play for the team hosted by their alma mater." There are currently six teams-- none have nicknames: Team Florida, Team Arkansas, Team Alabama, Team Michigan, Team Tennessee, and Team Texas.
We would love it if the AAFL actually survived- it would give us football to obsess with in the off-season (though, I guess it's the All-American Football League's ON-season).
How did we score an invite to party with former Gator greats such as Shane Matthews and Chris leak? We'd like to say it was because Team Florida is trying to curry favor with the critically important media outlet that is The Persistent Fool.
...right. It's actually thanks to a certain Bar Association. Hooray for special privileges!
We'll update you on the event on Saturday . . .
The AAFL is a new professional football league, destined to die after one or two seasons. The franchises are all based in college towns, and all players must hold four year college degrees. "To the extent practical, graduates of host universities will play for the team hosted by their alma mater." There are currently six teams-- none have nicknames: Team Florida, Team Arkansas, Team Alabama, Team Michigan, Team Tennessee, and Team Texas.
We would love it if the AAFL actually survived- it would give us football to obsess with in the off-season (though, I guess it's the All-American Football League's ON-season).
How did we score an invite to party with former Gator greats such as Shane Matthews and Chris leak? We'd like to say it was because Team Florida is trying to curry favor with the critically important media outlet that is The Persistent Fool.
...right. It's actually thanks to a certain Bar Association. Hooray for special privileges!
We'll update you on the event on Saturday . . .
Why are our Readers Interested in Pretty Mexican Brides?
This blog uses Google Adwords. No, no one's ever clicked on one-- ever. That's ok. We feel good knowing that in roughly two thousand years, we will have earned three cents from them.
Normally, these seem pretty well keyed in to the contents of this site-- Gator gear, Knights ringtones, bowl betting tips. But for some reason, this appeared today:
I wonder what contextual detail Adwords must have fixated on to come up with this gem. Truly bizarre.
Normally, these seem pretty well keyed in to the contents of this site-- Gator gear, Knights ringtones, bowl betting tips. But for some reason, this appeared today:
is Waiting for You. Browse 100s of Profiles & Find Your Perfect Match!
latinwomensite.com
I wonder what contextual detail Adwords must have fixated on to come up with this gem. Truly bizarre.
Fantastic Rebuttal to Mike Bianchi's Article Accussing Meyer of Cheating
For those not aware, Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi published a highly specious column: Urban Meyer Should Pay If He Broke Recruiting Rules. The column contains essentially naked accusations and unsourced statements. As one individual who commented on the story noted:
"Meyer should pay IF he broke recruiting rules" Thats a pretty strong statement, Mike. Here's a good headline: "Mike Bianchi should pay if he molested little boys."
We wish we had thought of that first. In any case, the blog Saurian Sagacity has posted a phenomenal rebuttal using, yes, FACTS. If you're interested, check it out. Otherwise, continue to ignore what is, essentially, a non-story.
"Meyer should pay IF he broke recruiting rules" Thats a pretty strong statement, Mike. Here's a good headline: "Mike Bianchi should pay if he molested little boys."
We wish we had thought of that first. In any case, the blog Saurian Sagacity has posted a phenomenal rebuttal using, yes, FACTS. If you're interested, check it out. Otherwise, continue to ignore what is, essentially, a non-story.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)