Welcome to the final edition of the 2012 NFL Last Place Update.
Congratulations 2-14 Kansas City Chiefs, by losing 38-3 to the Denver Broncos, you are the 2012 Kings of the Cellar Champions and new owners of the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Chiefs will get a new head coach next year and could put themselves in a position to win as the Colts did this season. The 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars put up a good fight by getting dominated by the Tennessee Titans, 38-20, but it wasn't enough. They get the second pick in the draft. The defending champ Indianapolis Colts went a very respectable 11-5 and earned a berth in the playoffs.
The real competition has been for the honorable mention. For a while, it was a broken record, with the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles getting the mention for several weeks. Even Tampa Bay made it. However, none of these teams earned the nod. If the mention was only based on losses or straight losses, the 4-12 Detroit Lions would get the final nod...but it isn't. All of these teams were beaten by one unit on one team and they also earned multiple mentions. This year's Honorable Mention goes to the New Orleans Saints Defense, for allowing more yards than other defense in the history of the NFL. While giving up 530 yards to the Carolina Panthers, the Saints D allowed a season total of 7,074 total yards, eclipsing the 1981 Baltimore Colts defense, who gave up 6,793 yards. That's an average of 442 yards per game. The Saints' high powered offense only gained 6,574 yards.
Other thoughts...
As I do with each conclusion of the final Last Place Update of the season, the updates are a tongue-in-cheek look at the worst teams in whatever professional sport is featured. However it's important to remember that only a tiny percent of our population is even good enough to play for a professional sports team. It doesn't matter if that team wins it all or dwells in the cellar. It's important to remember and appreciate that it takes a special kind of athlete to earn the privilege to play for a professional sports team, whether it's for only a season or a long, Hall of Fame career.
I wrote the NBA Last Place Update last week on a whim and was surprised by the number of views. There were more views for that entry than the previous two blog entries combined. After tomorrow's entry, if that trend continues, there will be weekly Last Place Updates for the NBA season.
As much as I enjoy writing these entries, I need to focus on finishing the final draft of my upcoming novel and novella. The first draft of my second novel needs to be finished as well, hopefully before baseball season starts. So outside of the possible updates, there will be fewer posts for now. However, I may continue the series trivia posts for the NFL playoffs.
Hats off to the NFL players and coaches for another great season!!
Thank you, Reader, for taking the time to read these entries!!!
Hope you all have a Happy New Year!!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Some Bowl Series Trivia
This is for my drum corps friends on Soundmachine.org, who are participating in a friendly pool.
Valero Alamo Bowl - #23 Texas vs #13 Oregon State: Texas leads the series 2-0, both wins at home. They first met in 1980, when the Longhorns shut out the Beavers 35-0. Their other meeting was a 61-16 Texas spanking of Oregon State in 1987.
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl - TCU vs Michigan State: These two teams only met one other time, in 1953. The Spartans won that game 26-19.
Music City Bowl - North Carolina State vs Vanderbilt: The Commodores beat the Wolfpack 7-0 in their only other meeting in 1946.
Hyundai Sun Bowl - USC vs Georgia Tech: The Trojans lead the series 2-1, winning their last meeting in 1973, 23-6 at Georgia Tech. They first met in 1961 and the Yellow Jackets won that game 27-7. The highest scoring game in the series was in their second meeting in 1969. USC won that one, 29-18.
Chik-fil-A Bowl - #14 Clemson vs #8 LSU: This series between the two Tigers teams has been played in nothing but bowl games. LSU leads the series 2-0. They first met in the 1959 Sugar Bowl and LSU beat Clemson 7-0, winning the national championship. They met again in the 1996 Peach Bowl, which LSU won 10-7.
Heart of Dallas Bowl - Purdue vs Oklahoma State: Their only other meeting was in the 1997 Alamo Bowl, which Purdue won 33-20.
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl - Mississippi State vs #20 Northwestern: This is their first ever meeting.
Capital One Bowl - #16 Nebraska vs #7 Georgia: They only met one other time, in the 1969 Sun Bowl. The Cornhuskers beat the Bulldogs 45-6.
Outback Bowl - #18 Michigan vs #10 South Carolina: The series is tied 1-1. They first met in 1980, when South Carolina won 17-14. Michigan won the second meeting in 1985, 34-3.
Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs #6 Stanford: Wisconsin leads the series 3-0-1. They first met in 1959, which the Badgers won 16-14. The highest scoring game in the series was also the only tie, 24-24 in 1995. They last met in their only other bowl game against each other, the Rose Bowl, in January 2000. Wisconsin beat the Cardinal 17-9. The lone shutout of the series was a 14-0 Badger win in 1996.
Discover Orange Bowl - Northern Illinois vs #12 Florida State: This is their first ever meeting.
Allstate Sugar Bowl - #21 Louisville vs #3 Florida: The Gators lead the series 2-0. They first met in 1980, the Florida shut out the Cardinals 13-0. They next played in 1992, when the Gators beat Louisville 31-17.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - #5 Kansas State vs #4 Oregon: This is their first ever meeting.
AT&T Cotton Bowl - #9 Texas A&M vs #11 Oklahoma: The Sooners lead the series 19-11, going 11-2 against the Aggies since 1999. They first met in 1903, when Oklahoma blanked the Aggies 6-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 66-28 Sooner win in 2008. The last time Oklahoma shut out Texas A&M was 77-0 in 2003. The last time Texas A&M shut out Oklahoma was 29-0 in 1998.
BBVA Compass Bowl - Pittsburgh vs Ole Miss: This is their first ever meeting.
GoDaddy.com Bowl - Kent State vs Arkansas State: This is their first ever meeting.
BCS Championship - #2 Alabama vs #1 Notre Dame: This is definitely NOT their first ever meeting. Notre Dame leads the series 5-1. They met in two bowl games. The Irish beat then #1 Alabama the Sugar Bowl in 1973, 24-23, winning the national championship. This was also the highest scoring game in the series. They faced each other again the next season, in the Orange Bowl in 1975. Notre Dame beat the Crimson Tide again 13-11, knocking them out of the #2 spot. Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was winless against Notre Dame. Alabama's only win against the Irish was 28-10 in 1986. The only shutout in the series was a 7-0 Notre Dame win in 1980.
Have a great day!!!
Valero Alamo Bowl - #23 Texas vs #13 Oregon State: Texas leads the series 2-0, both wins at home. They first met in 1980, when the Longhorns shut out the Beavers 35-0. Their other meeting was a 61-16 Texas spanking of Oregon State in 1987.
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl - TCU vs Michigan State: These two teams only met one other time, in 1953. The Spartans won that game 26-19.
Music City Bowl - North Carolina State vs Vanderbilt: The Commodores beat the Wolfpack 7-0 in their only other meeting in 1946.
Hyundai Sun Bowl - USC vs Georgia Tech: The Trojans lead the series 2-1, winning their last meeting in 1973, 23-6 at Georgia Tech. They first met in 1961 and the Yellow Jackets won that game 27-7. The highest scoring game in the series was in their second meeting in 1969. USC won that one, 29-18.
Chik-fil-A Bowl - #14 Clemson vs #8 LSU: This series between the two Tigers teams has been played in nothing but bowl games. LSU leads the series 2-0. They first met in the 1959 Sugar Bowl and LSU beat Clemson 7-0, winning the national championship. They met again in the 1996 Peach Bowl, which LSU won 10-7.
Heart of Dallas Bowl - Purdue vs Oklahoma State: Their only other meeting was in the 1997 Alamo Bowl, which Purdue won 33-20.
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl - Mississippi State vs #20 Northwestern: This is their first ever meeting.
Capital One Bowl - #16 Nebraska vs #7 Georgia: They only met one other time, in the 1969 Sun Bowl. The Cornhuskers beat the Bulldogs 45-6.
Outback Bowl - #18 Michigan vs #10 South Carolina: The series is tied 1-1. They first met in 1980, when South Carolina won 17-14. Michigan won the second meeting in 1985, 34-3.
Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs #6 Stanford: Wisconsin leads the series 3-0-1. They first met in 1959, which the Badgers won 16-14. The highest scoring game in the series was also the only tie, 24-24 in 1995. They last met in their only other bowl game against each other, the Rose Bowl, in January 2000. Wisconsin beat the Cardinal 17-9. The lone shutout of the series was a 14-0 Badger win in 1996.
Discover Orange Bowl - Northern Illinois vs #12 Florida State: This is their first ever meeting.
Allstate Sugar Bowl - #21 Louisville vs #3 Florida: The Gators lead the series 2-0. They first met in 1980, the Florida shut out the Cardinals 13-0. They next played in 1992, when the Gators beat Louisville 31-17.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - #5 Kansas State vs #4 Oregon: This is their first ever meeting.
AT&T Cotton Bowl - #9 Texas A&M vs #11 Oklahoma: The Sooners lead the series 19-11, going 11-2 against the Aggies since 1999. They first met in 1903, when Oklahoma blanked the Aggies 6-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 66-28 Sooner win in 2008. The last time Oklahoma shut out Texas A&M was 77-0 in 2003. The last time Texas A&M shut out Oklahoma was 29-0 in 1998.
BBVA Compass Bowl - Pittsburgh vs Ole Miss: This is their first ever meeting.
GoDaddy.com Bowl - Kent State vs Arkansas State: This is their first ever meeting.
BCS Championship - #2 Alabama vs #1 Notre Dame: This is definitely NOT their first ever meeting. Notre Dame leads the series 5-1. They met in two bowl games. The Irish beat then #1 Alabama the Sugar Bowl in 1973, 24-23, winning the national championship. This was also the highest scoring game in the series. They faced each other again the next season, in the Orange Bowl in 1975. Notre Dame beat the Crimson Tide again 13-11, knocking them out of the #2 spot. Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was winless against Notre Dame. Alabama's only win against the Irish was 28-10 in 1986. The only shutout in the series was a 7-0 Notre Dame win in 1980.
Have a great day!!!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 17 (Part 2)
Here is the rest of this week's series trivia for the final week of the season. All-time records include postseason games. Also, to clear up any confusion, postseason years reflect the season of the previous year, ie, "They won in the Wild Card round in 2010" is from the 2009 season.
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta: The series is tied 19-19, but Atlanta is 7-2 against the Buccaneers since 2008. The Falcons lead the series at home 10-7, winning the last four games in Atlanta. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime three times. The Falcons lead that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2008, 13-10. The last time Tampa Bay shut out Atlanta was 27-0 in 2004. The last time Atlanta shut out Tampa Bay was 17-0 in their first ever meeting in 1977.
Baltimore vs Cincinnati: Baltimore leads the series 19-14 and won their last four meetings by six points or more. The Bengals lead the series at home 9-6 and is 5-2 against the Ravens in Cincinnati since 2005. They never met in the postseason nor have they ever gone to overtime. The last time Baltimore shut out Cincinnati was 16-0 in 2001. Cincinnati has never shut out Baltimore.
Green Bay vs Minnesota: Green Bay leads the series 54-48-1, going 10-3 against the Vikings since 2006 and winning their last four meetings. The series is tied 25-25 in Minnesota, but the Packers are 4-2 in their last six meetings in Minneapolis. They met in the postseason once, in the Wild Card round in 2005, when the Vikings won 31-17. They went to overtime six times. Minnesota leads the OT series 4-1-1, but the Packers won the last time they went to OT in 2000, 26-20. The last time Green Bay shut out Minnesota was 34-0 in 2007. The last time Minnesota shut out Green Bay was 3-0 in 1971. Their only tie was 10-10 in 1978, their first overtime game in the series.
Dallas vs Washington: Dallas leads the series 62-41-2 and is 6-3 against the Redskins since 2008. The series is tied 27-27 in Washington, but the Cowboys are 3-1 against the Redskins in DC since 2008. They met in the postseason twice, both times in the NFC Championship game. The Redskins won both games, first in 1972, 26-3, moving on to lose Super Bowl VII against the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7 and in 1983, 31-17, moving on to defeat the not so undefeated Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII. They went to overtime three times. Dallas leads the overtime series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2011, 27-24. The last time Dallas shut out Washington was 17-0 in 2009. Washington has never shut out Dallas. Their last tie was 35-35 in 1962.
Kansas City vs Denver: The former Dallas Texans leads the series 56-49 over Denver and the series is tied 3-3 since 2010. The Broncos lead the series at home 32-20 and are 9-2 against the Chiefs in Denver since 2001. They met in the postseason once, in the Divisional round in 1998. The Broncos won that game 14-10 and went on to break the NFC's 13 game winning streak in Super Bowl XXXII over the Green Bay Packers 31-24. They went to overtime five times. Denver leads the overtime series 4-1, winning the last time they went to OT, 9-6 in 2006. The last time Denver shut out Kansas City was 21-0 in 1984. The last time Kansas City shut out Denver was 16-0 in 1970.
St. Louis vs Seattle: The Seahawks lead the series 17-12 and is 13-3 against the Rams since 2005. The Seahawks lead the series at home 10-5, winning their last seven meetings in Seattle. They met in the postseason once, in 2005, when St. Louis won in the Wild Card round 27-20. They went to overtime once, in 2004. The Rams won that game 33-27. The last time Seattle shut out St. Louis was 28-0 in 2009. The last time the Rams shut out Seattle was 24-0 in 1979, when they were the Los Angeles Rams.
Oakland vs San Diego: Oakland leads the series 58-46-2, but San Diego is 15-4 against the Raiders since 2003. Oakland leads the series 30-22-1 in San Diego, winning their last two meetings there. They met in the postseason once, in the AFC Championship game in 1981. Oakland won that game 31-27 and went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. They went to overtime five times. The Chargers lead the overtime series 3-2, but the Raiders won the last time they went to OT in 2003, 34-31. The last time San Diego shut out Oakland was 27-0 in 2006. The last time Oakland shut out San Diego was 24-0 in 1977. Their last tie was 17-17 in 1972.
Arizona vs San Francisco: The 49ers lead the series 25-17 and are 6-1 against the Cardinals since 2009. San Francisco leads the series at home 14-8, winning their last three meetings at Candlestick Park. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime six times. The 49ers lead the overtime series 4-2, winning their last meeting in OT in 2007, 37-31. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 28:
1987 New England 24 - Miami 10
1997 New England 17 - Miami 3
2002 New York Giants 10 - Philadelphia 7 OT
2003 Indianapolis 20 - Houston 17
2003 San Diego 21 - Oakland 14
2008 Pittsburgh 31 - Cleveland 0
2008 Carolina 33 - New Orleans 31
Here's some lagniappe I found on YouTube, remembering the previously mentioned 1982 NFC Championship game between the Cowboys and Redskins.
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta: The series is tied 19-19, but Atlanta is 7-2 against the Buccaneers since 2008. The Falcons lead the series at home 10-7, winning the last four games in Atlanta. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime three times. The Falcons lead that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2008, 13-10. The last time Tampa Bay shut out Atlanta was 27-0 in 2004. The last time Atlanta shut out Tampa Bay was 17-0 in their first ever meeting in 1977.
Baltimore vs Cincinnati: Baltimore leads the series 19-14 and won their last four meetings by six points or more. The Bengals lead the series at home 9-6 and is 5-2 against the Ravens in Cincinnati since 2005. They never met in the postseason nor have they ever gone to overtime. The last time Baltimore shut out Cincinnati was 16-0 in 2001. Cincinnati has never shut out Baltimore.
Green Bay vs Minnesota: Green Bay leads the series 54-48-1, going 10-3 against the Vikings since 2006 and winning their last four meetings. The series is tied 25-25 in Minnesota, but the Packers are 4-2 in their last six meetings in Minneapolis. They met in the postseason once, in the Wild Card round in 2005, when the Vikings won 31-17. They went to overtime six times. Minnesota leads the OT series 4-1-1, but the Packers won the last time they went to OT in 2000, 26-20. The last time Green Bay shut out Minnesota was 34-0 in 2007. The last time Minnesota shut out Green Bay was 3-0 in 1971. Their only tie was 10-10 in 1978, their first overtime game in the series.
Dallas vs Washington: Dallas leads the series 62-41-2 and is 6-3 against the Redskins since 2008. The series is tied 27-27 in Washington, but the Cowboys are 3-1 against the Redskins in DC since 2008. They met in the postseason twice, both times in the NFC Championship game. The Redskins won both games, first in 1972, 26-3, moving on to lose Super Bowl VII against the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7 and in 1983, 31-17, moving on to defeat the not so undefeated Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII. They went to overtime three times. Dallas leads the overtime series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2011, 27-24. The last time Dallas shut out Washington was 17-0 in 2009. Washington has never shut out Dallas. Their last tie was 35-35 in 1962.
Kansas City vs Denver: The former Dallas Texans leads the series 56-49 over Denver and the series is tied 3-3 since 2010. The Broncos lead the series at home 32-20 and are 9-2 against the Chiefs in Denver since 2001. They met in the postseason once, in the Divisional round in 1998. The Broncos won that game 14-10 and went on to break the NFC's 13 game winning streak in Super Bowl XXXII over the Green Bay Packers 31-24. They went to overtime five times. Denver leads the overtime series 4-1, winning the last time they went to OT, 9-6 in 2006. The last time Denver shut out Kansas City was 21-0 in 1984. The last time Kansas City shut out Denver was 16-0 in 1970.
St. Louis vs Seattle: The Seahawks lead the series 17-12 and is 13-3 against the Rams since 2005. The Seahawks lead the series at home 10-5, winning their last seven meetings in Seattle. They met in the postseason once, in 2005, when St. Louis won in the Wild Card round 27-20. They went to overtime once, in 2004. The Rams won that game 33-27. The last time Seattle shut out St. Louis was 28-0 in 2009. The last time the Rams shut out Seattle was 24-0 in 1979, when they were the Los Angeles Rams.
Oakland vs San Diego: Oakland leads the series 58-46-2, but San Diego is 15-4 against the Raiders since 2003. Oakland leads the series 30-22-1 in San Diego, winning their last two meetings there. They met in the postseason once, in the AFC Championship game in 1981. Oakland won that game 31-27 and went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. They went to overtime five times. The Chargers lead the overtime series 3-2, but the Raiders won the last time they went to OT in 2003, 34-31. The last time San Diego shut out Oakland was 27-0 in 2006. The last time Oakland shut out San Diego was 24-0 in 1977. Their last tie was 17-17 in 1972.
Arizona vs San Francisco: The 49ers lead the series 25-17 and are 6-1 against the Cardinals since 2009. San Francisco leads the series at home 14-8, winning their last three meetings at Candlestick Park. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime six times. The 49ers lead the overtime series 4-2, winning their last meeting in OT in 2007, 37-31. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 28:
1987 New England 24 - Miami 10
1997 New England 17 - Miami 3
2002 New York Giants 10 - Philadelphia 7 OT
2003 Indianapolis 20 - Houston 17
2003 San Diego 21 - Oakland 14
2008 Pittsburgh 31 - Cleveland 0
2008 Carolina 33 - New Orleans 31
Here's some lagniappe I found on YouTube, remembering the previously mentioned 1982 NFC Championship game between the Cowboys and Redskins.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 17
Here's some NFL series trivia for this week, featuring some rivalries going back to 1930, when Herbert Hoover was president.
Philadelphia vs New York Giants: The Giants lead the series 82-75-2, but the Eagles are 8-2 against their New York rivals since 2008. New York also leads the series at home 46-35-1, but Philadelphia is 5-0 in Giants Stadium since 2008. In the beginning of the series history, the Eagles couldn't buy a win when playing the Giants in New York. From 1933-43, the Giants were 10-0 at home versus the Eagles and shut Philly out five times during that stretch. They met in the postseason four times, twice in the Wild Card round and twice in the Divisional round. The playoff series is tied 2-2, with Philadelphia winning their last meeting in the Divisional round in January 2009, 23-11. They went to overtime seven times. New York leads the overtime series 6-1, the last time a 30-24 Giants win in 2006. The last time the Giants shut out the Eagles was 20-0 in 1998. The last time the Eagles shut out the Giants was 10-0 in 1976. Their last tie was 23-23 in 1973.
Miami vs New England: Miami leads the series 50-44, but New England won the last five meetings. The Patriots lead the series at home 28-18 and are 9-2 against the Dolphins in Foxboro since 2001. They met in the postseason three times. New England leads the playoff series 2-1, winning their last meeting in the Wild Card round in January 1997, 17-3. They met in the AFC Championship game in 1986 for a slot in Super Bowl XX. The Patriots won that game 31-14 and were then spanked by the Chicago Bears 46-10 in that Super Bowl. As with the Eagles vs Giants, the Dolphins and Patriots went to overtime seven times. Miami leads the overtime 4-3, but New England won the last time they went to OT, 19-13, in 2003. The last time Miami shut out New England was 21-0 in 2006. The last time New England shut out Miami was 12-0 in 2003.
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 64-57 and are 23-5 against the Browns since their return to the NFL in 1999. The Steelers lead the series at home 40-21. They are 19-2 against the Browns in Pittsburgh since 1990 and won the last eight games at home in the series. They met in the playoffs twice, with Pittsburgh winning both of them, the last one in the Wild Card round in January 2003, 36-33. They went to overtime five times and the Steelers lead that series 4-1. They last went to OT in 2002, which the Steelers won 16-13. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cleveland was 31-0 in 2008. The last time Cleveland shut out Pittsburgh was 51-0 in 1989.
Chicago vs Detroit: This series goes back to the days when the Chicago Bears played the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930. Chicago leads the series 95-65-5 and is 12-3 against the Lions since 2005. As the Portsmouth Spartans, the Lions trail that series 2-5-1. Detroit leads the series at home 41-39-1, but the Bears are 7-5 in the Motor City since 2000. Throughout their storied rivalry, the Bears and Lions have never met in the postseason. However, they did go to overtime five times. The Bears lead the OT series 4-1, their last overtime game against the Lions, a 19-13 win in 2005. The last time Chicago shut out Detroit was 24-0 in 2001. The last time Detroit shut out Chicago was 20-0 in 1979. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1966.
Carolina vs New Orleans: Carolina leads the series 18-14, but New Orleans is 5-2 against the Panthers since 2009. The Saints trail the series at home 8-9, but won the last three games against Carolina in the Superdome. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. Carolina won that game 26-23 in 2003. The only shutout in the series was a 13-0 win by Carolina in 1997.
Jacksonville vs Tennessee: The Titans lead the series 20-16, but Jacksonville is 4-3 against Tennessee since 2009. Tennessee leads the series at home 9-8, but the series is tied 4-4 in Nashville since 2004. They only met in the postseason once and that was for the 1999 AFC Championship in January 2000. Tennessee won that game 33-14 and went on to lose Super Bowl XXXIV to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. They never went to overtime nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Houston vs Indianapolis: The Colts dominate this series 17-4, with all of their wins against Houston having Peyton Manning as their quarterback. However, the Texans are 3-2 against Indy since 2010. The Colts are 10-0 at home against Houston, including a 19-16 win last season, with Dan Orlovsky as Indy's quarterback. They have never met in the postseason nor have they gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New York Jets vs Buffalo: The Bills lead the series 54-50, but the Jets are 8-1 against Buffalo since 2008, winning the last six meetings. The Bills lead the series at home 28-23, but New York is 4-0 against Buffalo in Rich Stadium since 2008. They met in the postseason once and Buffalo won that Wild Card game in 1981, 31-27. They went to overtime three times. The Bills lead the that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Dolphins 16-13 in 2009. The last time Buffalo shut out the Jets was 37-0 in 1989. The Jets have never shut out the Bills.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 27:
1981 New York Giants 27 - Philadelphia 21
1981 Buffalo 31 - New York Jets 27
1992 Kansas City 42 - Denver 20
1992 Pittsburgh 23 - Cleveland 13
1992 Minnesota 27 - Green Bay 7
1992 Philadelphia 20 - New York Giants 10
1992 Miami 16 - New England 13 OT
1998 Dallas 23 - Washington 7
1998 New York Giants 20 - Philadelphia 10
2009 Dallas 17 - Washington 0
We also have a little lagniappe today, by observing one of the craziest endings to a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, the Miracle At the Meadowlands.
Philadelphia vs New York Giants: The Giants lead the series 82-75-2, but the Eagles are 8-2 against their New York rivals since 2008. New York also leads the series at home 46-35-1, but Philadelphia is 5-0 in Giants Stadium since 2008. In the beginning of the series history, the Eagles couldn't buy a win when playing the Giants in New York. From 1933-43, the Giants were 10-0 at home versus the Eagles and shut Philly out five times during that stretch. They met in the postseason four times, twice in the Wild Card round and twice in the Divisional round. The playoff series is tied 2-2, with Philadelphia winning their last meeting in the Divisional round in January 2009, 23-11. They went to overtime seven times. New York leads the overtime series 6-1, the last time a 30-24 Giants win in 2006. The last time the Giants shut out the Eagles was 20-0 in 1998. The last time the Eagles shut out the Giants was 10-0 in 1976. Their last tie was 23-23 in 1973.
Miami vs New England: Miami leads the series 50-44, but New England won the last five meetings. The Patriots lead the series at home 28-18 and are 9-2 against the Dolphins in Foxboro since 2001. They met in the postseason three times. New England leads the playoff series 2-1, winning their last meeting in the Wild Card round in January 1997, 17-3. They met in the AFC Championship game in 1986 for a slot in Super Bowl XX. The Patriots won that game 31-14 and were then spanked by the Chicago Bears 46-10 in that Super Bowl. As with the Eagles vs Giants, the Dolphins and Patriots went to overtime seven times. Miami leads the overtime 4-3, but New England won the last time they went to OT, 19-13, in 2003. The last time Miami shut out New England was 21-0 in 2006. The last time New England shut out Miami was 12-0 in 2003.
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 64-57 and are 23-5 against the Browns since their return to the NFL in 1999. The Steelers lead the series at home 40-21. They are 19-2 against the Browns in Pittsburgh since 1990 and won the last eight games at home in the series. They met in the playoffs twice, with Pittsburgh winning both of them, the last one in the Wild Card round in January 2003, 36-33. They went to overtime five times and the Steelers lead that series 4-1. They last went to OT in 2002, which the Steelers won 16-13. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cleveland was 31-0 in 2008. The last time Cleveland shut out Pittsburgh was 51-0 in 1989.
Chicago vs Detroit: This series goes back to the days when the Chicago Bears played the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930. Chicago leads the series 95-65-5 and is 12-3 against the Lions since 2005. As the Portsmouth Spartans, the Lions trail that series 2-5-1. Detroit leads the series at home 41-39-1, but the Bears are 7-5 in the Motor City since 2000. Throughout their storied rivalry, the Bears and Lions have never met in the postseason. However, they did go to overtime five times. The Bears lead the OT series 4-1, their last overtime game against the Lions, a 19-13 win in 2005. The last time Chicago shut out Detroit was 24-0 in 2001. The last time Detroit shut out Chicago was 20-0 in 1979. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1966.
Carolina vs New Orleans: Carolina leads the series 18-14, but New Orleans is 5-2 against the Panthers since 2009. The Saints trail the series at home 8-9, but won the last three games against Carolina in the Superdome. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. Carolina won that game 26-23 in 2003. The only shutout in the series was a 13-0 win by Carolina in 1997.
Jacksonville vs Tennessee: The Titans lead the series 20-16, but Jacksonville is 4-3 against Tennessee since 2009. Tennessee leads the series at home 9-8, but the series is tied 4-4 in Nashville since 2004. They only met in the postseason once and that was for the 1999 AFC Championship in January 2000. Tennessee won that game 33-14 and went on to lose Super Bowl XXXIV to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. They never went to overtime nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Houston vs Indianapolis: The Colts dominate this series 17-4, with all of their wins against Houston having Peyton Manning as their quarterback. However, the Texans are 3-2 against Indy since 2010. The Colts are 10-0 at home against Houston, including a 19-16 win last season, with Dan Orlovsky as Indy's quarterback. They have never met in the postseason nor have they gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New York Jets vs Buffalo: The Bills lead the series 54-50, but the Jets are 8-1 against Buffalo since 2008, winning the last six meetings. The Bills lead the series at home 28-23, but New York is 4-0 against Buffalo in Rich Stadium since 2008. They met in the postseason once and Buffalo won that Wild Card game in 1981, 31-27. They went to overtime three times. The Bills lead the that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Dolphins 16-13 in 2009. The last time Buffalo shut out the Jets was 37-0 in 1989. The Jets have never shut out the Bills.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 27:
1981 New York Giants 27 - Philadelphia 21
1981 Buffalo 31 - New York Jets 27
1992 Kansas City 42 - Denver 20
1992 Pittsburgh 23 - Cleveland 13
1992 Minnesota 27 - Green Bay 7
1992 Philadelphia 20 - New York Giants 10
1992 Miami 16 - New England 13 OT
1998 Dallas 23 - Washington 7
1998 New York Giants 20 - Philadelphia 10
2009 Dallas 17 - Washington 0
We also have a little lagniappe today, by observing one of the craziest endings to a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, the Miracle At the Meadowlands.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 16
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. Hope you all had a great Christmas. Even though they all lost last week, the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Detroit Lions are officially eliminated from cellar contention. Now it's down to one game, so let's get started.
The 2-13 Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars share this week's title as Kings of the Cellar. However, a Chiefs loss on Sunday will seal the first pick in the 2013 draft and make them the 2012 NFL Kings of the Cellar. The Jags can win the title with a loss and a Kansas City win. The Chiefs lost their third straight to the Indianapolis Colts by a respectable 20-13 score. The Jaguars lost their fourth consecutive game and remained winless in the regular season against the New England Patriots, also by a respectable score of 23-16.
This week's honorable mention goes to the 6-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After winning four straight games, they went on to lose five in a row, including a 41- 0 spanking by the New Orleans Saints and a 28-13 loss last week to the St. Louis Rams. The Bucs go to Atlanta and will probably win, because they'll face the Falcons' second and third team players and...oh, never mind. If they play with the same imploding precision they have over the past few weeks, Tampa Bay would even lose to the 1976 Buccaneers.
Next Loss...
Kansas City travels to Denver to face the Broncos. Upset Special? It could be an upset special only if Denver had already locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The former Colts quarterback will give the Chiefs' secondary a clinic that the current Colts quarterback couldn't. This will be an easy, if not dominating, loss and Kansas City will clinch the first pick in the 2013 Draft.
Jacksonville goes to Tennessee to take on the Titans. Upset Special? This is a tough call, but the answer is no. Tennessee was surprised in Jacksonville and they won't be surprised this time. The Jags will make a game of it, but this will be a solid Jacksonville loss and they'll clinch the second pick in the 2013 Draft.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 26:
1987 Cleveland 19 - Pittsburgh 13
1993 Detroit 20 - Chicago 14
1993 Buffalo 16 - New York Jets 14
1993 Dallas 38 - Washington 3
1999 Tennessee 41 - Jacksonville 14
1999 San Diego 23 - Oakland 20
1999 Baltimore 22 - Cincinnati 0
2004 Detroit 19 - Chicago 13
2004 Dallas 13 - Washington 10
The 2-13 Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars share this week's title as Kings of the Cellar. However, a Chiefs loss on Sunday will seal the first pick in the 2013 draft and make them the 2012 NFL Kings of the Cellar. The Jags can win the title with a loss and a Kansas City win. The Chiefs lost their third straight to the Indianapolis Colts by a respectable 20-13 score. The Jaguars lost their fourth consecutive game and remained winless in the regular season against the New England Patriots, also by a respectable score of 23-16.
This week's honorable mention goes to the 6-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After winning four straight games, they went on to lose five in a row, including a 41- 0 spanking by the New Orleans Saints and a 28-13 loss last week to the St. Louis Rams. The Bucs go to Atlanta and will probably win, because they'll face the Falcons' second and third team players and...oh, never mind. If they play with the same imploding precision they have over the past few weeks, Tampa Bay would even lose to the 1976 Buccaneers.
Next Loss...
Kansas City travels to Denver to face the Broncos. Upset Special? It could be an upset special only if Denver had already locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The former Colts quarterback will give the Chiefs' secondary a clinic that the current Colts quarterback couldn't. This will be an easy, if not dominating, loss and Kansas City will clinch the first pick in the 2013 Draft.
Jacksonville goes to Tennessee to take on the Titans. Upset Special? This is a tough call, but the answer is no. Tennessee was surprised in Jacksonville and they won't be surprised this time. The Jags will make a game of it, but this will be a solid Jacksonville loss and they'll clinch the second pick in the 2013 Draft.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 26:
1987 Cleveland 19 - Pittsburgh 13
1993 Detroit 20 - Chicago 14
1993 Buffalo 16 - New York Jets 14
1993 Dallas 38 - Washington 3
1999 Tennessee 41 - Jacksonville 14
1999 San Diego 23 - Oakland 20
1999 Baltimore 22 - Cincinnati 0
2004 Detroit 19 - Chicago 13
2004 Dallas 13 - Washington 10
Sunday, December 23, 2012
NBA Last Place Update - December 23
In this 200th post, I hadn't planned on doing a Last Place Update for the NBA. To be honest, I have not had time to pay close attention and have only watch a couple of Hornets games so far this season, along with parts of other games. However, since there are a few teams, including my beloved Hornets (PLEASE don't change the name to Pelicans) who may be in contention to threaten the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers 9-73 record of futility. Here they are...
The 3-22 Washington Wizards are this week's Kings of the Cellar, leading the 5-22 New Orleans Hornets by a game, followed by the 6-23 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Charlotte Bobcats are in in fourth with a 7-20 record. The Wizards are 1-9 in their last ten games and have lost seven in a row. However, the Hornets lost 11 straight, but one team topped that.
Speaking of, this week's honorable mention goes to the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Charlotte Bobcats. They have lost 15 games in a row and 16 of their last 17. Their last win was on November 24 against the Wizards. In all but one of those losses, the Bobcats allowed more than 100 points. They appear to have the same kind of defense New Orleans Saints has early this season...little to none.
At this point last year, the Bobcats were 3-22. The 1973 76ers were 2-23 after 25 games. The Wizards are on pace toward grand futility at this point.
Next Losses...
The Wizards host Cleveland on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Friday. Then the go to Chicago on Saturday to play the Bulls. Washington has a chance to get a win or two in this stretch, if their offense shows up. If not, look for them going 0-3.
The Hornets go to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday and then host the Toronto Raptors on Friday. On Saturday, New Orleans travel to Charlotte to face the Bobcats. Unlike Charlotte, the Hornets have a defense, allowing 100 points or more in only 5 of their last 23 games. New Orleans should go 1-2 in this stretch and if they play well enough on the road, maybe even pull off an upset over Orlando and go 2-1.
Other Thoughts...
Hats off to the NBA's perennial losers, the Los Angeles Clippers...that is the 20-6 Los Angeles Clippers, who have the NBA's second best record and won their last 12 games. They are 7.5 games ahead of the more famous Los Angeles team, the 13-14 Lakers. Way to go, Clippers!
Do Seattle Supersonics fans miss the Oklahoma City Thunder right now? They have the league's best record at 21-5. The answer is probably as much as New Orleans Jazz fans missed the Utah Jazz during their glory days with Stockton and Malone.
The Atlanta Hawks and Falcons have winning records so far this season. Could one or both of these teams win a championship? Maybe. The last Atlanta team to win a championship was the 1995 Braves over the Cleveland Indians. The Falcons made it to Super Bowl XXXIII, but lost. The last time the Hawks won the NBA Championship, was in 1958 when they were the St. Louis Hawks. The Thrashers...well, never mind.
It is said that the average life of a blog is six months. As of this month and 200 entries later, Sports Trivia and Other Musings has tripled that statistic and still chugs on. Thank you readers, for taking the time to read my posts. You are deeply appreciated.
Merry Christmas everybody!!
The 3-22 Washington Wizards are this week's Kings of the Cellar, leading the 5-22 New Orleans Hornets by a game, followed by the 6-23 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Charlotte Bobcats are in in fourth with a 7-20 record. The Wizards are 1-9 in their last ten games and have lost seven in a row. However, the Hornets lost 11 straight, but one team topped that.
Speaking of, this week's honorable mention goes to the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Charlotte Bobcats. They have lost 15 games in a row and 16 of their last 17. Their last win was on November 24 against the Wizards. In all but one of those losses, the Bobcats allowed more than 100 points. They appear to have the same kind of defense New Orleans Saints has early this season...little to none.
At this point last year, the Bobcats were 3-22. The 1973 76ers were 2-23 after 25 games. The Wizards are on pace toward grand futility at this point.
Next Losses...
The Wizards host Cleveland on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Friday. Then the go to Chicago on Saturday to play the Bulls. Washington has a chance to get a win or two in this stretch, if their offense shows up. If not, look for them going 0-3.
The Hornets go to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday and then host the Toronto Raptors on Friday. On Saturday, New Orleans travel to Charlotte to face the Bobcats. Unlike Charlotte, the Hornets have a defense, allowing 100 points or more in only 5 of their last 23 games. New Orleans should go 1-2 in this stretch and if they play well enough on the road, maybe even pull off an upset over Orlando and go 2-1.
Other Thoughts...
Hats off to the NBA's perennial losers, the Los Angeles Clippers...that is the 20-6 Los Angeles Clippers, who have the NBA's second best record and won their last 12 games. They are 7.5 games ahead of the more famous Los Angeles team, the 13-14 Lakers. Way to go, Clippers!
Do Seattle Supersonics fans miss the Oklahoma City Thunder right now? They have the league's best record at 21-5. The answer is probably as much as New Orleans Jazz fans missed the Utah Jazz during their glory days with Stockton and Malone.
The Atlanta Hawks and Falcons have winning records so far this season. Could one or both of these teams win a championship? Maybe. The last Atlanta team to win a championship was the 1995 Braves over the Cleveland Indians. The Falcons made it to Super Bowl XXXIII, but lost. The last time the Hawks won the NBA Championship, was in 1958 when they were the St. Louis Hawks. The Thrashers...well, never mind.
It is said that the average life of a blog is six months. As of this month and 200 entries later, Sports Trivia and Other Musings has tripled that statistic and still chugs on. Thank you readers, for taking the time to read my posts. You are deeply appreciated.
Merry Christmas everybody!!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 16 (Part 2)
Here's the rest of this week's series trivia. Again, the all-time series records include postseason games.
Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 53-32 and is 14-4 against the Bengals since 2004. Pittsburgh leads the series at home 28-13 and is 4-1 against Cincinnati in Heinz Field since 2007. From 1970-79, Pittsburgh is 10-0 at home against Cincinnati. They met once in the playoffs, in the Wild Card round in 2006. The Steelers won that game 31-17 and went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. They went to overtime four times. The Steelers lead the overtime series 3-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Bengals 23-17 in 2006. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cincinnati was 15-0 in 2000. Cincinnati has never shut out Pittsburgh.
New Orleans vs Dallas: The Cowboys lead the series 15-9, but New Orleans is 6-1 against Dallas since 1998. Dallas leads the series at home 9-3, but the Saints won the last three games in Dallas. The Cowboys began the series with the Saints with an 11-1 record from 1967-84 and a 9-0 record at home from 1967-91. They never met in the postseason, but they went to overtime once, in 1984. Dallas won that game 30-27. The only shutout in the series was a 28-0 beating by the Saints over Dallas in head coach Jimmy Johnson's debut game with the Cowboys in 1989.
Indianapolis vs Kansas City: Indianapolis leads the series 13-8 and is 10-2 against the Chiefs since 1990. The Colts are 7-4 in Kansas City, but the Chiefs won their last meeting in Arrowhead Stadium in 2004, 45-35. They met in the postseason three times. Indy leads the playoff series 3-0, the last time, a 23-8 win in the Wild Card Round in 2007. They never went to overtime. The only shutout in the series was a 14-0 win by Kansas City over the Baltimore Colts in 1979.
San Diego vs New York Jets: San Diego leads the series 19-14-1, but New York is 5-2 against the Chargers since 2002. San Diego leads the series in New York 7-6, but the series is tied 2-2 there since 1991. They met in the playoffs twice, both in recent years. The Jets lead the postseason series 2-0, winning their last playoff meeting 17-14 in the AFC Divisional round in 2010. They went to overtime once, in 2005. The Jets won that game 20-17. Neither team has ever shut out the other. Their only tie was 17-17 in 1964.
Cleveland vs Denver: The Broncos lead the series 21-5 and is 9-0 against the Browns since 1991.Denver is 11-3 against Cleveland at home and is 5-1 against the Browns at both Mile High stadiums since 1990. They met in the postseason three times, all in the AFC Championship game. Denver is 3-0 in those games and they went on to lose badly in Super Bowls XXI, XXII, and XXIV. The most famous of these games was the 1986 AFC Championship in January 1987. That game featured "The Drive", when late in the fourth quarter, John Elway drove the Broncos from their own two yard line to score the tying touchdown and send the game to overtime, which they won 23-20. They went to overtime three times, which the Denver leads 3-0, their last one, a 23-20 Broncos win in 2003. In fact, Denver won all three overtime games against the Browns with the same 23-20 score. The last time Denver shut out Cleveland was 12-0 in 1992. Cleveland has never shut out Denver.
Chicago vs Arizona: This series goes back to the earliest days of the NFL, in 1920, when the Chicago Cardinals played the Decatur Staleys. Chicago leads the series 55-27-6 and is 4-2 against the Cardinals since 1990. The Cardinals trail the Bears at home 16-27-1 and they trail the Bears at 2-3 at home since 1984, when they were in St. Louis and Phoenix. Many of the Cardinals' early home games were when both teams were in Chicago and the Cardinals were designated as the home team. From December 1920 until October 1929, the Staleys/Bears were 13-1-3 against the Cardinals. Every game was a shutout, including the ties. As old as this series is, they never met in the postseason and they went to overtime only once. The Bears won that game in 1994, 19-16. The last time the Bears shut out the Cardinals was 20-0 in 1943, when both teams were in Chicago. The last time the Cardinals shut out the Bears, outside of a tie, was 3-0 in 1927. Their last tie was 7-7 in 1935. The rest of their ties, from 1921, 1925, 1926, 1929, and 1932, were all 0-0 scores.
New York Giants vs Baltimore: The Ravens lead the series 3-1, but the Giants won their last meeting. Baltimore won their only meeting at home 37-14 in 2004. Although they never went to overtime, they did meet in Super Bowl XXXV, which the Ravens won easily 34-7. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
San Francisco vs Seattle: San Francisco leads the series 14-13 and won the last four meetings. The series is tied 7-7 in Seattle and is also tied 3-3 there since 2006. When the Seahawks were in the AFC from 1976-2001, the 49er led the series 4-2. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. The Niners won that 2008 game 33-30. The last time Seattle shut out San Francisco was 24-0 in 2007. San Francisco has never shut out Seattle.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 20:
1970 Miami 45 - Buffalo 7
1970 Cleveland 27 - Denver 13
1992 Philadelphia 17 - Washington 13
1998 Atlanta 24 - Detroit 17
1998 Green Bay 30 - Tennessee 22
1998 Cincinnati 25 - Pittsburgh 24
Here's a little lagniappe. We talked about the great 1986 AFC Championship game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, the first of the three they played. Here's a video of The Drive. I make no claims of ownership to the rights of this video.
Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 53-32 and is 14-4 against the Bengals since 2004. Pittsburgh leads the series at home 28-13 and is 4-1 against Cincinnati in Heinz Field since 2007. From 1970-79, Pittsburgh is 10-0 at home against Cincinnati. They met once in the playoffs, in the Wild Card round in 2006. The Steelers won that game 31-17 and went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. They went to overtime four times. The Steelers lead the overtime series 3-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Bengals 23-17 in 2006. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cincinnati was 15-0 in 2000. Cincinnati has never shut out Pittsburgh.
New Orleans vs Dallas: The Cowboys lead the series 15-9, but New Orleans is 6-1 against Dallas since 1998. Dallas leads the series at home 9-3, but the Saints won the last three games in Dallas. The Cowboys began the series with the Saints with an 11-1 record from 1967-84 and a 9-0 record at home from 1967-91. They never met in the postseason, but they went to overtime once, in 1984. Dallas won that game 30-27. The only shutout in the series was a 28-0 beating by the Saints over Dallas in head coach Jimmy Johnson's debut game with the Cowboys in 1989.
Indianapolis vs Kansas City: Indianapolis leads the series 13-8 and is 10-2 against the Chiefs since 1990. The Colts are 7-4 in Kansas City, but the Chiefs won their last meeting in Arrowhead Stadium in 2004, 45-35. They met in the postseason three times. Indy leads the playoff series 3-0, the last time, a 23-8 win in the Wild Card Round in 2007. They never went to overtime. The only shutout in the series was a 14-0 win by Kansas City over the Baltimore Colts in 1979.
San Diego vs New York Jets: San Diego leads the series 19-14-1, but New York is 5-2 against the Chargers since 2002. San Diego leads the series in New York 7-6, but the series is tied 2-2 there since 1991. They met in the playoffs twice, both in recent years. The Jets lead the postseason series 2-0, winning their last playoff meeting 17-14 in the AFC Divisional round in 2010. They went to overtime once, in 2005. The Jets won that game 20-17. Neither team has ever shut out the other. Their only tie was 17-17 in 1964.
Cleveland vs Denver: The Broncos lead the series 21-5 and is 9-0 against the Browns since 1991.Denver is 11-3 against Cleveland at home and is 5-1 against the Browns at both Mile High stadiums since 1990. They met in the postseason three times, all in the AFC Championship game. Denver is 3-0 in those games and they went on to lose badly in Super Bowls XXI, XXII, and XXIV. The most famous of these games was the 1986 AFC Championship in January 1987. That game featured "The Drive", when late in the fourth quarter, John Elway drove the Broncos from their own two yard line to score the tying touchdown and send the game to overtime, which they won 23-20. They went to overtime three times, which the Denver leads 3-0, their last one, a 23-20 Broncos win in 2003. In fact, Denver won all three overtime games against the Browns with the same 23-20 score. The last time Denver shut out Cleveland was 12-0 in 1992. Cleveland has never shut out Denver.
Chicago vs Arizona: This series goes back to the earliest days of the NFL, in 1920, when the Chicago Cardinals played the Decatur Staleys. Chicago leads the series 55-27-6 and is 4-2 against the Cardinals since 1990. The Cardinals trail the Bears at home 16-27-1 and they trail the Bears at 2-3 at home since 1984, when they were in St. Louis and Phoenix. Many of the Cardinals' early home games were when both teams were in Chicago and the Cardinals were designated as the home team. From December 1920 until October 1929, the Staleys/Bears were 13-1-3 against the Cardinals. Every game was a shutout, including the ties. As old as this series is, they never met in the postseason and they went to overtime only once. The Bears won that game in 1994, 19-16. The last time the Bears shut out the Cardinals was 20-0 in 1943, when both teams were in Chicago. The last time the Cardinals shut out the Bears, outside of a tie, was 3-0 in 1927. Their last tie was 7-7 in 1935. The rest of their ties, from 1921, 1925, 1926, 1929, and 1932, were all 0-0 scores.
New York Giants vs Baltimore: The Ravens lead the series 3-1, but the Giants won their last meeting. Baltimore won their only meeting at home 37-14 in 2004. Although they never went to overtime, they did meet in Super Bowl XXXV, which the Ravens won easily 34-7. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
San Francisco vs Seattle: San Francisco leads the series 14-13 and won the last four meetings. The series is tied 7-7 in Seattle and is also tied 3-3 there since 2006. When the Seahawks were in the AFC from 1976-2001, the 49er led the series 4-2. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. The Niners won that 2008 game 33-30. The last time Seattle shut out San Francisco was 24-0 in 2007. San Francisco has never shut out Seattle.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 20:
1970 Miami 45 - Buffalo 7
1970 Cleveland 27 - Denver 13
1992 Philadelphia 17 - Washington 13
1998 Atlanta 24 - Detroit 17
1998 Green Bay 30 - Tennessee 22
1998 Cincinnati 25 - Pittsburgh 24
Here's a little lagniappe. We talked about the great 1986 AFC Championship game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, the first of the three they played. Here's a video of The Drive. I make no claims of ownership to the rights of this video.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 16 (Part 1)
Here is this week's series trivia. All-time records include postseason games.
Atlanta vs Detroit: The Lions lead the series 23-11, but the Falcons are 5-3 against Detroit since 1998. Detroit leads the series at home 15-5, but Atlanta is 3-2 in Detroit since 1998. The Lions won every game in the beginning of the series, going 9-0 from 1966-76. Atlanta got its first win against Detroit in 1977 and in Detroit in 1986. The Falcons have never beaten the Lions three times in a row. Atlanta can do that for the first time with a win tomorrow, since they already won the last two meetings. They have never met in the postseason, but have gone to overtime twice. The Lions won both games, the last time in 1994, 31-28. The only shutout in the series was a 14-0 Falcons victory in 1978.
Washington vs Philadelphia: Washington leads the series 80-70-5, but Philadelphia is 5-2 against the Redskins since 2009. The Redskins also lead the series in Philadelphia 39-36-3, but the series is tied 6-6 since 2000. In fact, the Eagles were winless against the Boston/Washington Redskins at home from 1934-45, going 0-9-2. They first beat Washington at home in 1946, 27-10. They met in the postseason once, in the 1991 Wild Card round and the Redskins won 20-6. They went to overtime four time and Washington leads that series 3-1. They last went to OT in 1999. The Redskins won that game 20-17. The last time Washington shut out Philadelphia was 23-0 in 1991. The last time Philadelphia shut out Washington was 24-0 in 1980. Their last tie was 7-7 in 1971.
Buffalo vs Miami: The Dolphins lead the series 56-40-1 and is 6-3 against the Bills since 2008. Miami leads the series at home 31-16-1, but the series is tied 4-4 in Miami since 2004. Buffalo won their first ever game against the Dolphins in Miami in 1966 and then went 0-15-1 against the Dolphins from 1967-82. The Bills helped their record at Miami from 1987-94, when they went 8-1. They met in the postseason four times, at least once in every round. Buffalo leads the playoff series 3-1. They last met in the playoffs in the 1999 Wild Card round, when Miami won 24-17. They met in the AFC Championship game in 1993 for a berth in Super Bowl XXVII. The Bills won that game 29-10 and were spanked by the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl 52-17. They went to overtime twice, with Buffalo winning both games. The Bills won their last OT game against the Dolphins 34-31 in 1987. The last time Buffalo shut out Miami was 27-0 in 1987. The last time Miami shut out Buffalo was 28-0 in 1985. Their only tie was 14-14 in 1968.
Tennessee vs Green Bay: Tennessee leads the series 6-4 and went 3-0 against the Packers since 2001. The Titans are 4-1 at Green Bay and won their last meeting in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in 2004, 48-27. Okay, so the tundra wasn't frozen, since it was 52 degrees at game time. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime twice. The OT series is tied 1-1 and they went to overtime in their last meeting in 2008. Tennessee won that game 19-16. Green Bay has not beaten Tennessee since 1998. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New England vs Jacksonville: New England owns the series 8-1, winning the last five games in the series. New England owns the regular season series record 5-0. The Patriots also lead the series 2-1 in Jacksonville, winning their last meeting 34-21 in Alltel Stadium in 2006. They met in the postseason four times, playing at least once in each playoff round. New England leads the postseason series 3-1. They last met in the playoffs in the Divisional Round in 2008. The Patriots won that game 31-20 and went on to lose Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants 17-14. The Jaguars only win against New England was in the Wild Card round in 1999, 25-10. Their first playoff meeting was in the AFC Championship game in 1997. New England won that game 20-6 and went on to lose Super Bowl XXXI to the Green Bay Packers 35-21. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Oakland vs Carolina: The series is tied 2-2, with the Raiders winning their last meeting 17-6 in 2008. The series is also tied 1-1 at Carolina, with the Panthers winning their last home game against Oakland 27-24. They never met in the postseason nor has either team ever shut out the other.
St. Louis vs Tampa Bay: St. Louis leads the series 11-8, but Tampa Bay is 6-2 against the Rams since 1994. The Buccaneers lead the series at home 7-5, going 5-0 against the Rams in Tampa Bay since 1994. They met in the postseason twice, both times in the NFC Championship game. The Rams won both meetings. The Los Angeles Rams won 9-0 in 1980, They went on to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-19 in Super Bowl XIV. The St. Louis Rams beat the Bucs for the NFC crown again in 2000, 11-6. They went on to beat the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV. They went to overtime once, in 1986. The Rams won that game 26-20. The last time the Rams shut out Tampa Bay was in that NFC Championship game in 1980. The only regular season shutout in the series was in their first ever meeting. The Rams won that game 31-0.
Minnesota vs Houston: Minnesota leads the series 2-0, winning their last meeting 28-21 in 2008. They went to overtime in their first meeting, with the Vikings beating the Texans 34-28.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 19:
1981 Miami 16 - Buffalo 6
1982 St. Louis Cardinals 10 - Chicago 7
1982 Dallas 21 - New Orleans 7
1993 Buffalo 47 - Miami 34
1994 Dallas 24 - New Orleans 16
2009 Dallas 24 - New Orleans 17
2010 Buffalo 17 - Miami 14
Atlanta vs Detroit: The Lions lead the series 23-11, but the Falcons are 5-3 against Detroit since 1998. Detroit leads the series at home 15-5, but Atlanta is 3-2 in Detroit since 1998. The Lions won every game in the beginning of the series, going 9-0 from 1966-76. Atlanta got its first win against Detroit in 1977 and in Detroit in 1986. The Falcons have never beaten the Lions three times in a row. Atlanta can do that for the first time with a win tomorrow, since they already won the last two meetings. They have never met in the postseason, but have gone to overtime twice. The Lions won both games, the last time in 1994, 31-28. The only shutout in the series was a 14-0 Falcons victory in 1978.
Washington vs Philadelphia: Washington leads the series 80-70-5, but Philadelphia is 5-2 against the Redskins since 2009. The Redskins also lead the series in Philadelphia 39-36-3, but the series is tied 6-6 since 2000. In fact, the Eagles were winless against the Boston/Washington Redskins at home from 1934-45, going 0-9-2. They first beat Washington at home in 1946, 27-10. They met in the postseason once, in the 1991 Wild Card round and the Redskins won 20-6. They went to overtime four time and Washington leads that series 3-1. They last went to OT in 1999. The Redskins won that game 20-17. The last time Washington shut out Philadelphia was 23-0 in 1991. The last time Philadelphia shut out Washington was 24-0 in 1980. Their last tie was 7-7 in 1971.
Buffalo vs Miami: The Dolphins lead the series 56-40-1 and is 6-3 against the Bills since 2008. Miami leads the series at home 31-16-1, but the series is tied 4-4 in Miami since 2004. Buffalo won their first ever game against the Dolphins in Miami in 1966 and then went 0-15-1 against the Dolphins from 1967-82. The Bills helped their record at Miami from 1987-94, when they went 8-1. They met in the postseason four times, at least once in every round. Buffalo leads the playoff series 3-1. They last met in the playoffs in the 1999 Wild Card round, when Miami won 24-17. They met in the AFC Championship game in 1993 for a berth in Super Bowl XXVII. The Bills won that game 29-10 and were spanked by the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl 52-17. They went to overtime twice, with Buffalo winning both games. The Bills won their last OT game against the Dolphins 34-31 in 1987. The last time Buffalo shut out Miami was 27-0 in 1987. The last time Miami shut out Buffalo was 28-0 in 1985. Their only tie was 14-14 in 1968.
Tennessee vs Green Bay: Tennessee leads the series 6-4 and went 3-0 against the Packers since 2001. The Titans are 4-1 at Green Bay and won their last meeting in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in 2004, 48-27. Okay, so the tundra wasn't frozen, since it was 52 degrees at game time. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime twice. The OT series is tied 1-1 and they went to overtime in their last meeting in 2008. Tennessee won that game 19-16. Green Bay has not beaten Tennessee since 1998. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New England vs Jacksonville: New England owns the series 8-1, winning the last five games in the series. New England owns the regular season series record 5-0. The Patriots also lead the series 2-1 in Jacksonville, winning their last meeting 34-21 in Alltel Stadium in 2006. They met in the postseason four times, playing at least once in each playoff round. New England leads the postseason series 3-1. They last met in the playoffs in the Divisional Round in 2008. The Patriots won that game 31-20 and went on to lose Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants 17-14. The Jaguars only win against New England was in the Wild Card round in 1999, 25-10. Their first playoff meeting was in the AFC Championship game in 1997. New England won that game 20-6 and went on to lose Super Bowl XXXI to the Green Bay Packers 35-21. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Oakland vs Carolina: The series is tied 2-2, with the Raiders winning their last meeting 17-6 in 2008. The series is also tied 1-1 at Carolina, with the Panthers winning their last home game against Oakland 27-24. They never met in the postseason nor has either team ever shut out the other.
St. Louis vs Tampa Bay: St. Louis leads the series 11-8, but Tampa Bay is 6-2 against the Rams since 1994. The Buccaneers lead the series at home 7-5, going 5-0 against the Rams in Tampa Bay since 1994. They met in the postseason twice, both times in the NFC Championship game. The Rams won both meetings. The Los Angeles Rams won 9-0 in 1980, They went on to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-19 in Super Bowl XIV. The St. Louis Rams beat the Bucs for the NFC crown again in 2000, 11-6. They went on to beat the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV. They went to overtime once, in 1986. The Rams won that game 26-20. The last time the Rams shut out Tampa Bay was in that NFC Championship game in 1980. The only regular season shutout in the series was in their first ever meeting. The Rams won that game 31-0.
Minnesota vs Houston: Minnesota leads the series 2-0, winning their last meeting 28-21 in 2008. They went to overtime in their first meeting, with the Vikings beating the Texans 34-28.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 19:
1981 Miami 16 - Buffalo 6
1982 St. Louis Cardinals 10 - Chicago 7
1982 Dallas 21 - New Orleans 7
1993 Buffalo 47 - Miami 34
1994 Dallas 24 - New Orleans 16
2009 Dallas 24 - New Orleans 17
2010 Buffalo 17 - Miami 14
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 15
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. We again begin on a somber note. Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre.
Now to the update...
We again have a tie for this week's Kings of the Cellar. The 2-12 Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars are in a dead heat to see who gets the first pick in the 2013 draft. If either team loses this week, they will eliminate 4-10 Oakland, Detroit, and Philadelphia from contention. Both of Kansas City's wins are against NFC South teams and all they have left are AFC teams, including a divisional game at Denver. Jacksonville's two wins are against divisional opponents, including Tennessee, who they play in Nashville next week.
This week's honorable mention goes to...what do you mean, not Arizona? That's right, no broken record this week. The Cardinals finally broke their nine game losing streak against the team that is this week's honorable mention, the 4-10 Detroit Lions. Detroit has a six game losing streak, now the longest active losing streak and have been beaten by a touchdown or more in their last three games. The Lions host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. This could be an upset special if Detroit can catch the Falcons after a big win, like Atlanta caught the New York Giants after a big win.
Next Loss...
Jacksonville hosts the New England Patriots, who are coming off a tough loss against the 49ers. Upset Special? Yeah, right. Although two of New England's four losses came on the road, they were also to winning teams. Jacksonville is 0-3 against the AFC East, losing all three games by at least a touchdown. The Jaguars will get spanked in this game and eliminate the Raiders, Lions, and Eagles from Kings of the Cellar contention.
Kansas City hosts the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were eliminated from a repeat weeks ago, so does this mean this is an Upset Special? Maybe. The Chiefs won their last home game against the Carolina Panthers, but Indy is a much better team. The Colts are 3-4 on the road, but all three of those wins came against losing teams. Again, is this an Upset Special? Maybe, but probably not. Kansas City hasn't shown they can score a lot of points, so unless their offense shows up, this will be an easy Chiefs loss.
Here are some scores for teams playing each other this week, December 18:
1921 Chicago Cardinals 0 - Chicago Staleys 0
1960 Philadelphia 38 - Washington 28
1960 Los Angeles Chargers 50 - New York Titans 43
1966 Philadelphia 37 - Washington 28
1994 San Diego 21 - New York Jets 6
2000 Tampa Bay 38 - St. Louis 35
2011 Miami 30 - Buffalo 23
Now to the update...
We again have a tie for this week's Kings of the Cellar. The 2-12 Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars are in a dead heat to see who gets the first pick in the 2013 draft. If either team loses this week, they will eliminate 4-10 Oakland, Detroit, and Philadelphia from contention. Both of Kansas City's wins are against NFC South teams and all they have left are AFC teams, including a divisional game at Denver. Jacksonville's two wins are against divisional opponents, including Tennessee, who they play in Nashville next week.
This week's honorable mention goes to...what do you mean, not Arizona? That's right, no broken record this week. The Cardinals finally broke their nine game losing streak against the team that is this week's honorable mention, the 4-10 Detroit Lions. Detroit has a six game losing streak, now the longest active losing streak and have been beaten by a touchdown or more in their last three games. The Lions host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. This could be an upset special if Detroit can catch the Falcons after a big win, like Atlanta caught the New York Giants after a big win.
Next Loss...
Jacksonville hosts the New England Patriots, who are coming off a tough loss against the 49ers. Upset Special? Yeah, right. Although two of New England's four losses came on the road, they were also to winning teams. Jacksonville is 0-3 against the AFC East, losing all three games by at least a touchdown. The Jaguars will get spanked in this game and eliminate the Raiders, Lions, and Eagles from Kings of the Cellar contention.
Kansas City hosts the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were eliminated from a repeat weeks ago, so does this mean this is an Upset Special? Maybe. The Chiefs won their last home game against the Carolina Panthers, but Indy is a much better team. The Colts are 3-4 on the road, but all three of those wins came against losing teams. Again, is this an Upset Special? Maybe, but probably not. Kansas City hasn't shown they can score a lot of points, so unless their offense shows up, this will be an easy Chiefs loss.
Here are some scores for teams playing each other this week, December 18:
1921 Chicago Cardinals 0 - Chicago Staleys 0
1960 Philadelphia 38 - Washington 28
1960 Los Angeles Chargers 50 - New York Titans 43
1966 Philadelphia 37 - Washington 28
1994 San Diego 21 - New York Jets 6
2000 Tampa Bay 38 - St. Louis 35
2011 Miami 30 - Buffalo 23
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 15 (Part 2)
Here is the rest of this week's NFL series trivia. Again, the series records will include playoff games.
Minnesota vs St. Louis: Minnesota leads the series 23-16-2, but St. Louis is 4-2 against the Vikings since 2000. The Rams lead the series at home 13-9, but the series is tied 3-3 in St. Louis/Los Angeles since 1992. They met seven times in the playoffs, including two NFC Championship games, and the Vikings also lead that series 5-2. They went to overtime three times and that record is 1-1-1. The last time they went to OT was in 1989 and the Vikings won 23-21. Neither team has ever shut out the other. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1976.
Detroit vs Arizona: In another old NFL rivalry that started in 1930, the former Portsmouth Spartans face the former Chicago Cardinals. Detroit leads the series 31-24-5, but the series is tied 3-3 since 2003. The Cardinals lead the series at home 14-13-2 and is 5-1 in Arizona since 1993, which includes when they were the Phoenix Cardinals. They never met in the postseason. Their only overtime game was in 2002, when Arizona won 23-20. The last time Detroit shut out Arizona was 20-0 in 1969, when the Cardinals were in St. Louis. The last time Arizona shut out Detroit was 7-0 in 1942, when the Cardinals were in Chicago. Their last tie was 14-14 in 1941. Speaking of ties, in the first ever meeting between the Portsmouth Spartans and Chicago Cardinals, they played to a 0-0 tie. The Spartans moved to Detroit in 1934 and became the Lions.
Carolina vs San Diego: Carolina leads the series 3-1, winning their last meeting in 2008, 26-24. The Panthers lead the series in San Diego 2-0. The Chargers got their only win in the series in Charlotte in 2004, 17-6. They have never met in the postseason nor gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Seattle vs Buffalo: Seattle leads the series 6-5, but Buffalo is 3-1 against the Seahawks since 2000. Seattle leads the series 2-1 in Buffalo, but the Bills won their last meeting in Rich Stadium in 2008, 34-10. In their first ever meeting, which was in Seattle's inaugural season of 1977, the Seahawks spanked the Bills 56-17 for their second ever win. They never met in the postseason nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Kansas City vs Oakland: In a rivalry that dates back to the beginning of the AFL, the former Dallas Texans go to Oakland to play the Raiders. Kansas City leads the series 55-50-2, but Oakland is 7-4 against the Chiefs since 2006. The Raiders lead the series at home 25-23-1, but the Chiefs are 8-1 in Oakland since 2003. They met in the postseason twice, the last time, Kansas City won the final AFL Championship in 1970. They went to overtime four times, with the Raiders leading that series 3-1. The last time Kansas City shut out Oakland was 28-0 in 2011. The last time Oakland shut out Kansas City was 24-0 in 2002. Their last tie was 20-20 in 1971.
Pittsburgh vs Dallas: In this rivalry of former Super Bowl opponents, the series is tied 15-15, but Dallas is 5-3 against the Steelers since 1985. The Cowboys lead the series at home 8-5, but the series is tied 2-2 in Dallas since 1982. They met in the postseason three times, all Super Bowls, X, XIII, and XXX. Pittsburgh leads the Super Bowl series 2-1, but Dallas won the last Super Bowl meeting in 1996. They never went to overtime nor has either team ever shut out the other.
San Francisco vs New England: San Francisco leads the series 7-4, but New England won the last three meetings, dating back to 1998. The series is tied 3-3 at New England and the Patriots won the last two meetings in Foxboro. Even though both teams have multiple Super Bowl victories, they never met in the postseason. They have never gone to overtime, nor has either team ever shut out the other.
New York Jets vs Tennessee: The former New York Titans invade Nashville to take on the former Houston Oilers. Tennessee leads the series 22-17-1, but the Jets are 5-1 against the Titans since 1998. Tennessee leads the series at home 16-6, but New York is 3-1 in Nashville since 1998. They met in the postseason once, when the Houston Oilers won 17-10 in the 1991 Wild Card round. They went to overtime twice and that record is 1-1. They last went to overtime in 1980. The Jets won that game 31-28. The last time Tennessee shut out the Jets was 24-0 Houston Oilers win in 1993. The Jets have never shut out the Titans. Their only tie was 28-28 in 1967.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 13:
1964 Dallas 17 - Pittsburgh 14
1964 Houston Oilers 33 - New York Jets 17
1969 Oakland 10 - Kansas City 6
1970 Chicago 35 - Green Bay 17
1987 Kansas City 16 - Los Angeles Raiders 10
1998 Green Bay 26 - Chicago 20
2009 Miami 14 - Jacksonville 10
2009 Green Bay 21 - Chicago 14
Minnesota vs St. Louis: Minnesota leads the series 23-16-2, but St. Louis is 4-2 against the Vikings since 2000. The Rams lead the series at home 13-9, but the series is tied 3-3 in St. Louis/Los Angeles since 1992. They met seven times in the playoffs, including two NFC Championship games, and the Vikings also lead that series 5-2. They went to overtime three times and that record is 1-1-1. The last time they went to OT was in 1989 and the Vikings won 23-21. Neither team has ever shut out the other. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1976.
Detroit vs Arizona: In another old NFL rivalry that started in 1930, the former Portsmouth Spartans face the former Chicago Cardinals. Detroit leads the series 31-24-5, but the series is tied 3-3 since 2003. The Cardinals lead the series at home 14-13-2 and is 5-1 in Arizona since 1993, which includes when they were the Phoenix Cardinals. They never met in the postseason. Their only overtime game was in 2002, when Arizona won 23-20. The last time Detroit shut out Arizona was 20-0 in 1969, when the Cardinals were in St. Louis. The last time Arizona shut out Detroit was 7-0 in 1942, when the Cardinals were in Chicago. Their last tie was 14-14 in 1941. Speaking of ties, in the first ever meeting between the Portsmouth Spartans and Chicago Cardinals, they played to a 0-0 tie. The Spartans moved to Detroit in 1934 and became the Lions.
Carolina vs San Diego: Carolina leads the series 3-1, winning their last meeting in 2008, 26-24. The Panthers lead the series in San Diego 2-0. The Chargers got their only win in the series in Charlotte in 2004, 17-6. They have never met in the postseason nor gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Seattle vs Buffalo: Seattle leads the series 6-5, but Buffalo is 3-1 against the Seahawks since 2000. Seattle leads the series 2-1 in Buffalo, but the Bills won their last meeting in Rich Stadium in 2008, 34-10. In their first ever meeting, which was in Seattle's inaugural season of 1977, the Seahawks spanked the Bills 56-17 for their second ever win. They never met in the postseason nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Kansas City vs Oakland: In a rivalry that dates back to the beginning of the AFL, the former Dallas Texans go to Oakland to play the Raiders. Kansas City leads the series 55-50-2, but Oakland is 7-4 against the Chiefs since 2006. The Raiders lead the series at home 25-23-1, but the Chiefs are 8-1 in Oakland since 2003. They met in the postseason twice, the last time, Kansas City won the final AFL Championship in 1970. They went to overtime four times, with the Raiders leading that series 3-1. The last time Kansas City shut out Oakland was 28-0 in 2011. The last time Oakland shut out Kansas City was 24-0 in 2002. Their last tie was 20-20 in 1971.
Pittsburgh vs Dallas: In this rivalry of former Super Bowl opponents, the series is tied 15-15, but Dallas is 5-3 against the Steelers since 1985. The Cowboys lead the series at home 8-5, but the series is tied 2-2 in Dallas since 1982. They met in the postseason three times, all Super Bowls, X, XIII, and XXX. Pittsburgh leads the Super Bowl series 2-1, but Dallas won the last Super Bowl meeting in 1996. They never went to overtime nor has either team ever shut out the other.
San Francisco vs New England: San Francisco leads the series 7-4, but New England won the last three meetings, dating back to 1998. The series is tied 3-3 at New England and the Patriots won the last two meetings in Foxboro. Even though both teams have multiple Super Bowl victories, they never met in the postseason. They have never gone to overtime, nor has either team ever shut out the other.
New York Jets vs Tennessee: The former New York Titans invade Nashville to take on the former Houston Oilers. Tennessee leads the series 22-17-1, but the Jets are 5-1 against the Titans since 1998. Tennessee leads the series at home 16-6, but New York is 3-1 in Nashville since 1998. They met in the postseason once, when the Houston Oilers won 17-10 in the 1991 Wild Card round. They went to overtime twice and that record is 1-1. They last went to overtime in 1980. The Jets won that game 31-28. The last time Tennessee shut out the Jets was 24-0 Houston Oilers win in 1993. The Jets have never shut out the Titans. Their only tie was 28-28 in 1967.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 13:
1964 Dallas 17 - Pittsburgh 14
1964 Houston Oilers 33 - New York Jets 17
1969 Oakland 10 - Kansas City 6
1970 Chicago 35 - Green Bay 17
1987 Kansas City 16 - Los Angeles Raiders 10
1998 Green Bay 26 - Chicago 20
2009 Miami 14 - Jacksonville 10
2009 Green Bay 21 - Chicago 14
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 15 (Part 1)
Here is the first of two entries for this week's NFL series trivia. The series records will include postseason games.
Cincinnati vs Philadelphia: Cincinnati leads the series 7-3-1, but Philly is 3-2-1 against the Bengals since 1991. The Eagles trail Cincinnati at home 3-4, but is 3-1 at home versus the Bengals since 1991. They went to overtime once, in 2008, their last meeting. That game ended in a 13-13 tie. The only shutout in the series happened in 1975, when Cincinnati won 31-0.
Denver vs Baltimore: Baltimore leads the series 6-3, but the series is tied 2-2 since 2005. The Ravens are 5-0 at home against the Broncos, including their last two meetings in 2009 and 2010. They never went to overtime, but they did meet once in the playoffs. Baltimore won in the 2000 Wild Card round 21-3. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Tampa Bay vs New Orleans: New Orleans leads the series 24-17, but the Bucs are 6-5 against the Saints since 2007. The Saints lead the series at home 13-10, but trail Tampa Bay 4-6 at the Superdome since 2002. They went to overtime twice, the last time in 2009, when the Bucs won 20-17. The OT series is 1-1. They never met in the playoffs nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Indianapolis vs Houston: Indianapolis dominates this series 17-3, but it's tied 2-2 since 2010. Indy leads the series in Houston 7-3, but the Texans beat the Colts the last two times at home. They have never met in the playoffs or gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New York Giants vs Atlanta: New York leads the series 11-10 and has won the last four meetings. The Falcons trail the series at home 3-9 and is 0-7 against New York in Atlanta since 1981. They met only once in the playoffs, which was a 24-2 New York win in the Wild Card round this past January. They went to overtime three times, with the Giants going 3-0. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Jacksonville vs Miami: Jacksonville leads the series 3-2, but the Dolphins are 2-1 against the Jags since 2003. There was only one game in Miami, which was a 24-10 Jacksonville victory. They met only once in the playoffs. The Jaguars put a 62-7 spanking on Miami in the Wild Card round in 2000. They have never gone to overtime, nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Green Bay vs Chicago: In the NFL's oldest rivalry, Chicago leads the series 92-87-6, but Green Bay is 8-2 against the Bears since 2008. The Bears also lead the series at home 51-43-3, but Green Bay leads the series 6-4 in Chicago since 2003. They met twice in the playoffs, both times a stepping store to a championship. In 1941, the Bears beat the Packers 33-14 to go on and win the NFL Championship. Their last playoff meeting was in 2011, when Green Bay won the NFC Championship 21-14. They went on to win Super Bowl XLV. In all those games, they only met in overtime twice, with that series at 1-1. Chicago won the last OT game in 2008 20-17. The last time Chicago shut out Green Bay was 26-0 in 2005. The last time Green Bay shut out Chicago was 21-0 in 1973. Their last tie was 21-21 in 1953.
Washington vs Cleveland: Cleveland leads the series against their former NFL East rivals 33-10-1, but Washington is 5-3 against the Browns since the merger in 1970. The Browns are 17-6 at home verses the Redskins, but Washington is 3-1 in Cleveland since 1975. They never played each other in overtime, nor have they met in the postseason. The only shutout in the series happened in 1951, the Cleveland rolled over Washington 45-0. Their only tie was 30-30 in 1957.
Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 12:
1970 Oakland 20 - Kansas City 6
1971 Kansas City 16 - Oakland 14
1971 Green Bay 31 - Chicago 10
1982 Los Angeles Raiders 21 - Kansas City 16
1993 Detroit 21 - Phoenix Cardinals 14
2004 Indianapolis 23 - Houston 14
Cincinnati vs Philadelphia: Cincinnati leads the series 7-3-1, but Philly is 3-2-1 against the Bengals since 1991. The Eagles trail Cincinnati at home 3-4, but is 3-1 at home versus the Bengals since 1991. They went to overtime once, in 2008, their last meeting. That game ended in a 13-13 tie. The only shutout in the series happened in 1975, when Cincinnati won 31-0.
Denver vs Baltimore: Baltimore leads the series 6-3, but the series is tied 2-2 since 2005. The Ravens are 5-0 at home against the Broncos, including their last two meetings in 2009 and 2010. They never went to overtime, but they did meet once in the playoffs. Baltimore won in the 2000 Wild Card round 21-3. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Tampa Bay vs New Orleans: New Orleans leads the series 24-17, but the Bucs are 6-5 against the Saints since 2007. The Saints lead the series at home 13-10, but trail Tampa Bay 4-6 at the Superdome since 2002. They went to overtime twice, the last time in 2009, when the Bucs won 20-17. The OT series is 1-1. They never met in the playoffs nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Indianapolis vs Houston: Indianapolis dominates this series 17-3, but it's tied 2-2 since 2010. Indy leads the series in Houston 7-3, but the Texans beat the Colts the last two times at home. They have never met in the playoffs or gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New York Giants vs Atlanta: New York leads the series 11-10 and has won the last four meetings. The Falcons trail the series at home 3-9 and is 0-7 against New York in Atlanta since 1981. They met only once in the playoffs, which was a 24-2 New York win in the Wild Card round this past January. They went to overtime three times, with the Giants going 3-0. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Jacksonville vs Miami: Jacksonville leads the series 3-2, but the Dolphins are 2-1 against the Jags since 2003. There was only one game in Miami, which was a 24-10 Jacksonville victory. They met only once in the playoffs. The Jaguars put a 62-7 spanking on Miami in the Wild Card round in 2000. They have never gone to overtime, nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Green Bay vs Chicago: In the NFL's oldest rivalry, Chicago leads the series 92-87-6, but Green Bay is 8-2 against the Bears since 2008. The Bears also lead the series at home 51-43-3, but Green Bay leads the series 6-4 in Chicago since 2003. They met twice in the playoffs, both times a stepping store to a championship. In 1941, the Bears beat the Packers 33-14 to go on and win the NFL Championship. Their last playoff meeting was in 2011, when Green Bay won the NFC Championship 21-14. They went on to win Super Bowl XLV. In all those games, they only met in overtime twice, with that series at 1-1. Chicago won the last OT game in 2008 20-17. The last time Chicago shut out Green Bay was 26-0 in 2005. The last time Green Bay shut out Chicago was 21-0 in 1973. Their last tie was 21-21 in 1953.
Washington vs Cleveland: Cleveland leads the series against their former NFL East rivals 33-10-1, but Washington is 5-3 against the Browns since the merger in 1970. The Browns are 17-6 at home verses the Redskins, but Washington is 3-1 in Cleveland since 1975. They never played each other in overtime, nor have they met in the postseason. The only shutout in the series happened in 1951, the Cleveland rolled over Washington 45-0. Their only tie was 30-30 in 1957.
Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 12:
1970 Oakland 20 - Kansas City 6
1971 Kansas City 16 - Oakland 14
1971 Green Bay 31 - Chicago 10
1982 Los Angeles Raiders 21 - Kansas City 16
1993 Detroit 21 - Phoenix Cardinals 14
2004 Indianapolis 23 - Houston 14
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 14
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. Once again, we begin on a somber note, this time with the death of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jerry Brown, who died in a car accident. His close friend and teammate, nose tackle and former University of Illinois teammate, Josh Brent, was driving. Thoughts and prayers go out to Brown, his friends, family, and the Dallas Cowboys organization. Now to the update.
The 2-11 Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs share this week's title as Kings of the Cellar. Both teams had recent wins and gallant performances, but both lost this week. Although it's easy to name KC as this week's Kings, the tie will stand. At least they're performing better in recent weeks than honorable mention runners up, the third place 3-10 Oakland Raiders and 4-9 Detroit Lions.
Speaking of, the broken record of honorable mentions is kind of fixed. The Philadelphia Eagles won, getting them off the radar for now. Congrats Philly, on a well earned win. However, the "kind of" part is that this week's honorable mention, once again, goes to the 4-9 Arizona Cardinals, for two reasons. First, that they lost their ninth consecutive game, which is the most in the NFL right now, and second, that they got spanked by the Seattle Seahawks 58-0. This is the worst loss of the season and in Cardinals history. Even though they have the same season record as other teams. this earns them the title as the NFC's worst team this week. The Cards host the also struggling Lions. A win here would get Arizona off the radar and Detroit on it. This one's up in the air.
Next Loss...
Jacksonville goes to Miami to take on the AFC in-state rival Dolphins. Miami is 2-5 since their bye week and is primed for an upset. So is this an Upset Special? Maybe. If the Dolphins show up or if Jacksonville shows signs of Jets lag, then Miami will hand the Jags an easy loss. The bottom line is it's a toss-up, which means the tie goes to a Jacksonville loss.
Kansas City goes to Oakland to take on the Raiders in the AFC West Cellar Bowl. A KC loss would keep them at the bottom of the heap, but a win will at least, get them out and bring the Raiders in. Upset Special? This is one of the great rivalries, so it's possible. However, Oakland beat the Chiefs in Kansas City, so chances are, this is yet again, another easy Chiefs loss.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on December 11:
1932 Chicago 9 - Green Bay 0
1977 Chicago 21 - Green Bay 10
1977 Tampa Bay 33 - New Orleans 14 (Tampa Bay's first ever win)
1994 Green Bay 41 - Chicago 3
2005 Minnesota 27 - St. Louis 13
2005 Denver 12 - Baltimore 10
The 2-11 Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs share this week's title as Kings of the Cellar. Both teams had recent wins and gallant performances, but both lost this week. Although it's easy to name KC as this week's Kings, the tie will stand. At least they're performing better in recent weeks than honorable mention runners up, the third place 3-10 Oakland Raiders and 4-9 Detroit Lions.
Speaking of, the broken record of honorable mentions is kind of fixed. The Philadelphia Eagles won, getting them off the radar for now. Congrats Philly, on a well earned win. However, the "kind of" part is that this week's honorable mention, once again, goes to the 4-9 Arizona Cardinals, for two reasons. First, that they lost their ninth consecutive game, which is the most in the NFL right now, and second, that they got spanked by the Seattle Seahawks 58-0. This is the worst loss of the season and in Cardinals history. Even though they have the same season record as other teams. this earns them the title as the NFC's worst team this week. The Cards host the also struggling Lions. A win here would get Arizona off the radar and Detroit on it. This one's up in the air.
Next Loss...
Jacksonville goes to Miami to take on the AFC in-state rival Dolphins. Miami is 2-5 since their bye week and is primed for an upset. So is this an Upset Special? Maybe. If the Dolphins show up or if Jacksonville shows signs of Jets lag, then Miami will hand the Jags an easy loss. The bottom line is it's a toss-up, which means the tie goes to a Jacksonville loss.
Kansas City goes to Oakland to take on the Raiders in the AFC West Cellar Bowl. A KC loss would keep them at the bottom of the heap, but a win will at least, get them out and bring the Raiders in. Upset Special? This is one of the great rivalries, so it's possible. However, Oakland beat the Chiefs in Kansas City, so chances are, this is yet again, another easy Chiefs loss.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on December 11:
1932 Chicago 9 - Green Bay 0
1977 Chicago 21 - Green Bay 10
1977 Tampa Bay 33 - New Orleans 14 (Tampa Bay's first ever win)
1994 Green Bay 41 - Chicago 3
2005 Minnesota 27 - St. Louis 13
2005 Denver 12 - Baltimore 10
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Acts of 1 - Update
For the past two months, my book The Acts of 1 - A Collection of Short Stories has been available only for the Kindle. Now it's available in paperback format on Createspace and Amazon. Each link takes you directly to the book's page. The price for the paperback copy is $9.99. It is still available for the Kindle at $2.99 and also available for now in the Kindle Owners Lending Library. It will also be available for the Nook next month.
As I stated in October, there are a total of seven stories. Four of them are listed in the description: The Prayer, The Note, A Flash In Time, and The Librarian. There other three stories are A Wish For Sarah, Waiting Room, and The Immortals. There was a recent movie called The Immortals, but this story has absolutely nothing to do with that movie. My story takes place in a drama class in the present at a fictional university. It involves a silent movie once considered lost, but was recently found and restored. There's more to the silent movie than meets the drama professor's eye.
Sales have been modest, but the book is selling better than anticipated. The only disappointing numbers come from the Kindle Owners Lending Library. Thankfully, the feedback on The Acts of 1 has been positive. No one has posted any reviews yet, but that's okay.
So what about this upcoming novel? It's in, what I hope is, the last draft. The name of the novel is The Curse. It takes place in 2010 at the same fictional university as in the short story, The Immortals. In fact, there is a reference in one of the other stories from The Acts of 1 to the two main characters in The Curse. Hopefully the novel will be ready by either the end of this month or sometime next month. Right now, all that's left, other than editing, is the get the cover art and the blurb right. Both still need work.
When it comes time to publish The Curse, I learned to do it in Createspace first and Amazon second. In the publishing process for the paperback copy, there's a link to publish for the Kindle, so the transition will be smooth. I'll post an update when it's done.
Hope you enjoy my stories.
As I stated in October, there are a total of seven stories. Four of them are listed in the description: The Prayer, The Note, A Flash In Time, and The Librarian. There other three stories are A Wish For Sarah, Waiting Room, and The Immortals. There was a recent movie called The Immortals, but this story has absolutely nothing to do with that movie. My story takes place in a drama class in the present at a fictional university. It involves a silent movie once considered lost, but was recently found and restored. There's more to the silent movie than meets the drama professor's eye.
Sales have been modest, but the book is selling better than anticipated. The only disappointing numbers come from the Kindle Owners Lending Library. Thankfully, the feedback on The Acts of 1 has been positive. No one has posted any reviews yet, but that's okay.
So what about this upcoming novel? It's in, what I hope is, the last draft. The name of the novel is The Curse. It takes place in 2010 at the same fictional university as in the short story, The Immortals. In fact, there is a reference in one of the other stories from The Acts of 1 to the two main characters in The Curse. Hopefully the novel will be ready by either the end of this month or sometime next month. Right now, all that's left, other than editing, is the get the cover art and the blurb right. Both still need work.
When it comes time to publish The Curse, I learned to do it in Createspace first and Amazon second. In the publishing process for the paperback copy, there's a link to publish for the Kindle, so the transition will be smooth. I'll post an update when it's done.
Hope you enjoy my stories.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 14
Here is some NFL series trivia for this week.
Denver vs Oakland: Oakland leads the series 60-44-2 (including the postseason), but the Broncos won the last two meetings. Oakland leads the series at home 27-20, but the Denver is 7-3 in Oakland since 2002. Their postseason record is 1-1, the last time in 1994, when the Raiders won 42-24. Denver hasn't swept a season series with Oakland since 2006. They went to overtime eight times. The Raiders lead the overtime series 5-3. In 1985, both games between these two teams went to overtime. The Raiders won both games. The last time Denver shut out Oakland was 27-0 in 1995. The last time Oakland shut out Denver was 24-0 in 1992. Their last tie was 23-23 in 1973.
Chicago vs Minnesota: Minnesota leads the series 52-48-2, Chicago has won six straight games against the Vikings. Minnesota leads the series at home 31-21, but hasn't won at home since 2009. Although it won't happen this year, the last time Minnesota swept a season series with Chicago was 2007. They went to overtime three times. Minnesota leads the OT games 2-1. They met in the postseason once, in 1995, when the Bears won 35-18. The last time Chicago shut out Minnesota was 23-0 in 1986. The last time Minnesota shut out Chicago was 17-0 in 1974. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1967.
San Diego vs Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads the series (including playoffs) 22-8 and is 7-1 against the Chargers since 1995. The Steelers are 14-0 at home against San Diego. Pittsburgh is also 15-3 against the Chargers since 1983. San Diego leads the postseason series 2-1, the last time in the Wild Card round in 2009, a 35-34 Steelers victory. The last time Pittsburgh shut out San Diego was 23-0 in 1976. San Diego has never shut out Pittsburgh.
Kansas City vs Cleveland: The series is tied 10-10-2 and is tied 6-6-1 since 1984. However, Cleveland leads the series at home 7-3-1 and is 5-2-1 at the Dawg Pound since 1980.They never met in the postseason. However, they went to overtime twice, which the Browns lead 1-0-1. The only time Kansas City shut out Cleveland was 34-0 in 1990. Cleveland has never shut out Kansas City. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1989.
Dallas vs Cincinnati: Dallas leads the series 6-4 and is 2-1 against the Bengals since 2000. Cincinnati leads the series at home 3-1 and won the last two meetings against the Cowboys at home. They never met in the postseason nor have they ever gone to overtime. Although Cincy once put up 50 points against Dallas, neither team has ever shut out the other.
Philadelphia vs Tampa Bay: Philadelphia leads the series 8-7, but Tampa Bay is 3-1 against the Eagles since 2003, including the playoffs. The Buccaneers lead the series at home 3-2, but the series is tied 2-2 in Tampa Bay since 1988. The postseason series is tied 2-2. Their last postseason game was in 2003, when the Bucs won the NFC Championship 27-10 on their way to winning Super Bowl XXXVII. The last time Tampa Bay shut out Philadelphia was 17-0 in 2003. Philadelphia has never shut out Tampa Bay.
Atlanta vs Carolina: Atlanta leads the series 22-12 and is 8-3 against the Panthers since 2007. The Panthers trail the Falcons at home 7-8 and haven't won in Charlotte since 2009. They never met in the playoffs. Atlanta leads the overtime series 3-0. They last went to OT in 2004, a 34-31 Falcons victory. The last time Atlanta shut out Carolina was 41-0 in 2002. Carolina has never shut out Atlanta.
Jacksonville vs New York Jets: Jacksonville leads the series 6-4, including the playoffs, and is 3-1 against the Jets since 2005. The Jaguars are 3-0 at home against the Jets, last playing in Jacksonville in 2006. They met once in the postseason. They played in the Divisional round in 1999, which the Jags won 34-24 They also met once in overtime, which Jacksonville won 26-20 in 2005. The last time Jacksonville shut out the Jets was 41-0 in 2006. The Jets have never shut out the Jags.
St. Louis vs Buffalo: Buffalo leads the series 6-4 and is 5-1 against the Rams since 1989. The Bills also lead the series at home 4-2 and is 3-1 against the Rams at Rich Stadium since 1989. They never met in the postseason. However, they did meet once in overtime, which the Bills won 10-7 in 1980. The only time the Rams shut out the Bills was in their first ever meeting in 1970, 19-0. Buffalo has never shut out the Rams.
Baltimore vs Washington: Baltimore leads the series 3-1, only losing to the Redskins in 1999. They also lead in Washington 2-1, last meeting there in 2004. They never met in the postseason nor have they ever played each other in overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Tennessee vs Indianapolis: This rivalry was once the Houston Oilers vs the Baltimore Colts, but such is life. Indiy leads the series 21-15, including the playoffs, and is 7-2 against the Titans since 2008. The Colts lead the series at home 13-7 and is 8-1 against Tennessee in Indianapolis since 2003. They met once in the postseason. Tennessee beat the Colts 19-16 in the Divisional round in 2000, on their way to a loss in Super Bowl XXXIV. They played each other in overtime twice, going 1-1. They last met in OT earlier this season, which Indy won 19-13. The only time Indianapolis shut out Tennessee was 23-0 in 2008. Tennessee has never shut out Indianapolis. In another bit of trivia, the series between the Houston Oilers and Baltimore Colts, which ran from 1970-83, is tied 3-3.
Miami vs San Francisco: The 49ers lead the series 6-5, including the playoffs, but Miami won the last two games. San Francisco leads the series at home 3-2 and won the last meeting at Candlestick Park in 2004. They met once in the postseason, in Super Bowl XIX, when San Francisco won the 1984 championship 38-16. They never played each other in overtime. The only time San Francisco shut out Miami was 21-0 in 2001. Miami has never shut out San Francisco.
Arizona vs Seattle: Arizona leads the series 15-12, winning their last two games against the Seahawks, including a 20-16 win in Week 1 this season. The Seahawks lead the series at home 8-6, going 7-2 against Arizona in Seattle since 2003. They never met in the playoffs. The Cardinals are 3-0 in overtime against Seattle, last beating the Seahawks in OT on New Year's day this year. Seattle's only shutout against Arizona was 38-0 in 2003. Arizona has never shut out Seattle.
New Orleans vs New York Giants: New York lead the series 14-12, but New Orleans is 4-1 against the Giants since 2003. New York also leads the series at home 10-4 and is 4-2 against the Saints at Giants Stadium since 1995. They never met in the playoffs or in overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Detroit vs Green Bay: Green Bay leads the series (including playoffs) 92-65-7 and is 22-5 against the Lions since 1999. The Packers lead the series at home 54-24-4, going 21-0 against Detroit at Lambeau Field since 1992. Green Bay is 2-0 against the Lions in the playoffs, the last time, a 16-12 victory in the Wild Card round. They played each other in overtime four time, going 2-2. The last time Green Bay shut out Detroit was 26-0 in 2009. The last time Detroit shut out Green Bay was 34-0 in 1973. Their last tie was 13-13, also in 1973.
Houston vs New England: The Patriots lead the series 2-1, but the Texans won their last meeting in 2010, 34-24. New England is 1-0 at home against Houston. They never met in the playoffs, but they did play one overtime game, which was their first ever meeting in 2003. New England won that game 23-20. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on December 6:
1981 Chicago 10 - Minnesota 9
1981 Green Bay 31 - Detroit 17
1987 Chicago 30 - Minnesota 24
1992 San Francisco 27 - Miami 3
1992 Green Bay 38 - Detroit 10
1998 Minnesota 48 - Chicago 22
2009 Indianapolis 27 - Tennessee 17
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 13
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. Today's entry begins on a somber note. This past Saturday, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher murdered the mother of his three month old daughter and later committed suicide at the Chiefs' practice facility. Thoughts and prayers go out to Belcher's family, Kasandra Perkins and her family, and the Kansas City Chiefs organization.
Now to the update...
The 2-10 Chiefs played an inspiring game and beat the Carolina Panthers 27-21. Because of that and a Jacksonville loss, making both teams 2-10, the Chiefs are not Kings of the Cellar this week. The Jags' loss breaks the tie, so that honor goes to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After beating the Tennessee Titans at home, the Jags went to Buffalo and were dominated by the Bills. In both of their wins, Jacksonville kept the opposing teams to less than twenty points. However, in all of their losses, the opposing teams scored more than twenty points.
And the broken record continues. This week's honorable mention, once again, goes to the 4-8 Arizona Cardinals and the 3-9 Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams lost games they could have or should have won. Their losing streak is now at eight games. Philly's new starting quarterback, Nick Foles had respectable numbers against the Dallas Cowboys, but it wasn't enough. It appears Philly's weakness is defense and Arizona's weakness is offense. The Eagles go to Tampa Bay to face an improved Buccaneers team. They have a chance for an upset, but it's only a toss-up. The Cardinals go to Seattle to play the Seahawks. Seattle is 5-0 at home. Upset Special? Maybe, but it's doubtful. Chances are, Seattle will avenge their Week 1 loss to the Cardinals.
Next Loss...
Jacksonville hosts the New York Jets. Upset Special? Actually, the Jags have a real chance here. If the Jets continue to have quarterback problems, then Jacksonville could take advantage. The Jets are 2-2 since their bye week and have scored more than twenty points only once in that stretch. If the Jags play like they did against Tennessee, they will win. Otherwise, it's an easy loss.
These are usually fun, but not this one...not today. The Chiefs go to Dawg Pound to face the Cleveland Browns. Upset Special? As much as it should be one, it probably isn't. Kansas City beat a Carolina team that's 3-9 and Cleveland, although 4-8 and 2-1 since their bye week, is clearly playing better than Carolina. If the Chiefs show up with their running game, a good defense, and the same level of intensity, then they could pull off a win in the Dawg Pound. Otherwise, as with the Jags, it's an easy loss.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on December 4:
1977 Green Bay 10 - Detroit 9
1988 Detroit 30 - Green Bay 14
1988 Los Angeles Raiders 21 - Denver 20
1994 Detroit 34 - Green Bay 31
2005 Carolina 24 - Atlanta 6
2005 Indianapolis 35 - Tennessee 3
Now to the update...
The 2-10 Chiefs played an inspiring game and beat the Carolina Panthers 27-21. Because of that and a Jacksonville loss, making both teams 2-10, the Chiefs are not Kings of the Cellar this week. The Jags' loss breaks the tie, so that honor goes to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After beating the Tennessee Titans at home, the Jags went to Buffalo and were dominated by the Bills. In both of their wins, Jacksonville kept the opposing teams to less than twenty points. However, in all of their losses, the opposing teams scored more than twenty points.
And the broken record continues. This week's honorable mention, once again, goes to the 4-8 Arizona Cardinals and the 3-9 Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams lost games they could have or should have won. Their losing streak is now at eight games. Philly's new starting quarterback, Nick Foles had respectable numbers against the Dallas Cowboys, but it wasn't enough. It appears Philly's weakness is defense and Arizona's weakness is offense. The Eagles go to Tampa Bay to face an improved Buccaneers team. They have a chance for an upset, but it's only a toss-up. The Cardinals go to Seattle to play the Seahawks. Seattle is 5-0 at home. Upset Special? Maybe, but it's doubtful. Chances are, Seattle will avenge their Week 1 loss to the Cardinals.
Next Loss...
Jacksonville hosts the New York Jets. Upset Special? Actually, the Jags have a real chance here. If the Jets continue to have quarterback problems, then Jacksonville could take advantage. The Jets are 2-2 since their bye week and have scored more than twenty points only once in that stretch. If the Jags play like they did against Tennessee, they will win. Otherwise, it's an easy loss.
These are usually fun, but not this one...not today. The Chiefs go to Dawg Pound to face the Cleveland Browns. Upset Special? As much as it should be one, it probably isn't. Kansas City beat a Carolina team that's 3-9 and Cleveland, although 4-8 and 2-1 since their bye week, is clearly playing better than Carolina. If the Chiefs show up with their running game, a good defense, and the same level of intensity, then they could pull off a win in the Dawg Pound. Otherwise, as with the Jags, it's an easy loss.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on December 4:
1977 Green Bay 10 - Detroit 9
1988 Detroit 30 - Green Bay 14
1988 Los Angeles Raiders 21 - Denver 20
1994 Detroit 34 - Green Bay 31
2005 Carolina 24 - Atlanta 6
2005 Indianapolis 35 - Tennessee 3
Friday, November 30, 2012
More BCS Series Trivia - Week 14
Welcome to the weekend and some good college football, including some BCS 11-25 ranked teams.
In the Marathon Mac Championship, the #21 Northern Illinois Huskies face off tonight against the #17 Kent State Golden Flashes at Ford Field in Detroit. Northern Illinois leads the series 16-7 and won the last five games against the Golden Flashes. The game is at a neutral site, so there will be no home or away records featured here. The same goes for other games at neutral sites this weekend.. The Huskies are also 9-1 against Kent State since 1982. They first met in 1949, when Kent State won 21-19. The highest scoring game in the series was a 44-34 Kent State win in 2001. The last time Northern Illinois shut out Kent State was 25-0 in 1979. The last time Kent State shut out Northern Illinois was 42-0 in 1976.
The #11 Oklahoma Sooners invade Amon Carter Stadium to take on the TCU Horned Frogs. Oklahoma leads the series 7-4, but the series is tied 2-2 since 1996. The Sooners are undefeated in Fort Worth, with a 4-0 record. They first met in 1944, when Oklahoma won 34-19. It's also the highest scoring game in the series. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
In the Big 10 Championship game, the Leaders Division champion Wisconsin Badgers face off against the Legends Division champion #12 Nebraska Cornhuskers at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis. Nebraska leads the series 4-3, including a win against the Badgers on September 29. They first met in 1901, when Wisconsin blanked Nebraska 18-0 and it is the last time Wisconsin shut out Nebraska. They didn't play each other again until 1965, when Nebraska shut out Wisconsin 37-0. It is also the last time Nebraska shut out Wisconsin. The highest scoring game in the series was last season when Wisconsin won 48-17.
In the ACC Championship game, the #13 Florida State Seminoles play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Florida State leads the series 12-9-1, but lost the last two games to the Yellow Jackets. They first met in 1952, when Georgia Tech beat the Seminoles 30-0/ The highest scoring game in the series was in their last game, in 2009, when the Yellow Jackets won 49-44. The last time Florida State shut out Georgia Tech was 38-0 in 1997. The last time Georgia Tech shut out Florida State was 30-0 in 1975. Their only tie was 14-14 in 1962.
The #20 Boise State Broncos invade Mackay Stadium to take on the Nevada Wolf Pack. Boise State leads the series 25-13 and is 11-1 against the Wolf Pack since 1999. The Broncos trail the series at Nevada 9-11, but is 4-1 in Reno since 2002. They first met in 1971, when Boise State won 17-10. The highest scoring game in the series was in the 1990 Division 1 AA Semi-Finals, when Nevada won 59-52. Neither team has ever shut out the other. However, Nevada has never kept Boise State below 10 points in any game, the last time, a 37-10 Wolf Pack win in 1985.
The #23 Oklahoma State Cowboys go to Waco to take on the Baylor Bears. Oklahoma State leads the series 18-12 and won their last six games against the Bears. The Cowboys trail at Baylor 6-7, but is 6-3 in Waco since 1997. They played in the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1983 and Oklahoma State won 24-14. They first met in 1914, when the Cowboys spanked the Bears 60-0. It's also the only time Oklahoma State shut out Baylor. The highest scoring game in the series was a 63-28 Oklahoma State win in 2002. The last time Baylor shut out Oklahoma State was 13-0 in 1939.
Even though these two teams aren't in the BCS Top 25, they each have an 8-3 (6-1) record. In a tiebreaker game, the Arkansas State Red Wolves host the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders in Liberty Bank Stadium. Middle Tennessee State leads the series 9-4, but Arkansas State is 3-1 against the Blue Raiders since 2008. The series is tied 3-3 in Jonesboro, but the Red Wolves are 3-2 at home against the Blue Raiders since 2002. They first met in 1948 when Middle Tennessee State won 14-7. The highest scoring game in the series was a 51-24 Arkansas State win in 2010. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
In the Conference USA Championship, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane host the Central Florida Knights in Chapman Stadium. Tulsa leads the series and won the last three games against the Knights, including the last one two weeks ago. Tulsa is 2-0 at home. They first met in 2005, when Tulsa won 44-27. This is also the highest scoring game in the series. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here is an historical score fore teams playing each other this week, November 30:
1916 Georgia 3 - Alabama 0
In the Marathon Mac Championship, the #21 Northern Illinois Huskies face off tonight against the #17 Kent State Golden Flashes at Ford Field in Detroit. Northern Illinois leads the series 16-7 and won the last five games against the Golden Flashes. The game is at a neutral site, so there will be no home or away records featured here. The same goes for other games at neutral sites this weekend.. The Huskies are also 9-1 against Kent State since 1982. They first met in 1949, when Kent State won 21-19. The highest scoring game in the series was a 44-34 Kent State win in 2001. The last time Northern Illinois shut out Kent State was 25-0 in 1979. The last time Kent State shut out Northern Illinois was 42-0 in 1976.
The #11 Oklahoma Sooners invade Amon Carter Stadium to take on the TCU Horned Frogs. Oklahoma leads the series 7-4, but the series is tied 2-2 since 1996. The Sooners are undefeated in Fort Worth, with a 4-0 record. They first met in 1944, when Oklahoma won 34-19. It's also the highest scoring game in the series. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
In the Big 10 Championship game, the Leaders Division champion Wisconsin Badgers face off against the Legends Division champion #12 Nebraska Cornhuskers at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis. Nebraska leads the series 4-3, including a win against the Badgers on September 29. They first met in 1901, when Wisconsin blanked Nebraska 18-0 and it is the last time Wisconsin shut out Nebraska. They didn't play each other again until 1965, when Nebraska shut out Wisconsin 37-0. It is also the last time Nebraska shut out Wisconsin. The highest scoring game in the series was last season when Wisconsin won 48-17.
In the ACC Championship game, the #13 Florida State Seminoles play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Florida State leads the series 12-9-1, but lost the last two games to the Yellow Jackets. They first met in 1952, when Georgia Tech beat the Seminoles 30-0/ The highest scoring game in the series was in their last game, in 2009, when the Yellow Jackets won 49-44. The last time Florida State shut out Georgia Tech was 38-0 in 1997. The last time Georgia Tech shut out Florida State was 30-0 in 1975. Their only tie was 14-14 in 1962.
The #20 Boise State Broncos invade Mackay Stadium to take on the Nevada Wolf Pack. Boise State leads the series 25-13 and is 11-1 against the Wolf Pack since 1999. The Broncos trail the series at Nevada 9-11, but is 4-1 in Reno since 2002. They first met in 1971, when Boise State won 17-10. The highest scoring game in the series was in the 1990 Division 1 AA Semi-Finals, when Nevada won 59-52. Neither team has ever shut out the other. However, Nevada has never kept Boise State below 10 points in any game, the last time, a 37-10 Wolf Pack win in 1985.
The #23 Oklahoma State Cowboys go to Waco to take on the Baylor Bears. Oklahoma State leads the series 18-12 and won their last six games against the Bears. The Cowboys trail at Baylor 6-7, but is 6-3 in Waco since 1997. They played in the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1983 and Oklahoma State won 24-14. They first met in 1914, when the Cowboys spanked the Bears 60-0. It's also the only time Oklahoma State shut out Baylor. The highest scoring game in the series was a 63-28 Oklahoma State win in 2002. The last time Baylor shut out Oklahoma State was 13-0 in 1939.
Even though these two teams aren't in the BCS Top 25, they each have an 8-3 (6-1) record. In a tiebreaker game, the Arkansas State Red Wolves host the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders in Liberty Bank Stadium. Middle Tennessee State leads the series 9-4, but Arkansas State is 3-1 against the Blue Raiders since 2008. The series is tied 3-3 in Jonesboro, but the Red Wolves are 3-2 at home against the Blue Raiders since 2002. They first met in 1948 when Middle Tennessee State won 14-7. The highest scoring game in the series was a 51-24 Arkansas State win in 2010. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
In the Conference USA Championship, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane host the Central Florida Knights in Chapman Stadium. Tulsa leads the series and won the last three games against the Knights, including the last one two weeks ago. Tulsa is 2-0 at home. They first met in 2005, when Tulsa won 44-27. This is also the highest scoring game in the series. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here is an historical score fore teams playing each other this week, November 30:
1916 Georgia 3 - Alabama 0
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
BCS Series Trivia - Week 14
Welcome to Conference Championship weekend. Today's entry will focus on the Top 10 teams in conference championship games.
In what could be considered the real national championship game, the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide face the #3 Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC Championship in the Georgia Dome. Alabama leads the series 36-25-4, but Georgia won three of the last four games against the Crimson Tide. Since the game is being played at a neutral site, we'll cover both teams' home records. Alabama is 22-13-4 against the Bulldogs at home, but Georgia won the last two games in Tuscaloosa. Alabama also leads the series in Athens 14-12, but the series is tied 3-3 since 1976. This is the first time Alabama and Georgia will face each other for the SEC title. This is Georgia's fifth and Alabama's ninth appearance in the SEC Championship. They first met in 1895, when Georgia won 30-6. The highest scoring game in the series was a 41-30 Crimson Tide win in 2008. The last time Alabama shut out Georgia was 31-0 in 1995. The last time Georgia shut out Alabama was 21-0 in 1976. Their last tie was 0-0 in 1954.
The #6 Kansas State Wildcats play the #18 Texas Longhorns in Manhattan. Kansas State leads the series 7-5 and won the last four meetings against the Longhorns. Kansas State leads the series at home 4-1 and is 3-1 in Manhattan since 1998. They first met in 1913, when Texas spanked Kansas State 46-0. The highest scoring game in the series was in 2006, when the Wildcats won 45-42. The last time Texas shut out Kansas State was 64-0 in 1942. Kansas State has never shut out Texas.
In the Pac-12 Championship, the #8 Stanford Cardinal face the #16 UCLA Bruins for the second week in a row. Stanford won last week 35-17, improving their all-time series record with UCLA to 35-45-3. This is the first appearance for both teams in the Pac-12 Championship game. Check last week's entry for this series trivia.
Here is an historical score for teams playing each other this week, played on this day, November 28:
1929 Georgia 12 - Alabama 0
In what could be considered the real national championship game, the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide face the #3 Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC Championship in the Georgia Dome. Alabama leads the series 36-25-4, but Georgia won three of the last four games against the Crimson Tide. Since the game is being played at a neutral site, we'll cover both teams' home records. Alabama is 22-13-4 against the Bulldogs at home, but Georgia won the last two games in Tuscaloosa. Alabama also leads the series in Athens 14-12, but the series is tied 3-3 since 1976. This is the first time Alabama and Georgia will face each other for the SEC title. This is Georgia's fifth and Alabama's ninth appearance in the SEC Championship. They first met in 1895, when Georgia won 30-6. The highest scoring game in the series was a 41-30 Crimson Tide win in 2008. The last time Alabama shut out Georgia was 31-0 in 1995. The last time Georgia shut out Alabama was 21-0 in 1976. Their last tie was 0-0 in 1954.
The #6 Kansas State Wildcats play the #18 Texas Longhorns in Manhattan. Kansas State leads the series 7-5 and won the last four meetings against the Longhorns. Kansas State leads the series at home 4-1 and is 3-1 in Manhattan since 1998. They first met in 1913, when Texas spanked Kansas State 46-0. The highest scoring game in the series was in 2006, when the Wildcats won 45-42. The last time Texas shut out Kansas State was 64-0 in 1942. Kansas State has never shut out Texas.
In the Pac-12 Championship, the #8 Stanford Cardinal face the #16 UCLA Bruins for the second week in a row. Stanford won last week 35-17, improving their all-time series record with UCLA to 35-45-3. This is the first appearance for both teams in the Pac-12 Championship game. Check last week's entry for this series trivia.
Here is an historical score for teams playing each other this week, played on this day, November 28:
1929 Georgia 12 - Alabama 0
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 12
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. At least there's no tie to break. The 1-10 Kansas City Chiefs sit alone at the bottom as this week's Kings of the Cellar. The 2-9 Jacksonville Jaguars, who had been tied with the Chiefs, played like an NFL team and beat a Tennessee Titans team who had two weeks to prepare for them. Job well done, Jags. The Chiefs have now lost eight straight since beating the New Orleans Saints in overtime in Week 3. Jacksonville is now a game behind Kansas City, with four teams trailing the Jags by a game.
This week's honorable mention, and this sounds like a broken record, goes once again to the 4-7 Arizona Cardinals and 3-8 Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams lost winnable games increasing their losing streaks to seven games. Both teams led at one point in their respective games and both teams blew those leads. Arizona goes to New York to face the Jets and Philly goes to Dallas to face the Cowboys. Once again, they face vulnerable opponents, but until they can win a game, neither is an upset special pick.
A hats off to a former honorable mention: The New Orleans Saints defense kept the San Francisco 49ers offense to 375 yards. This is the first time this season that the Saints defense kept an opponent to under 400 yards.
Next Loss...
Kansas City hosts the Carolina Panthers, who are fresh off their Monday night win over the Eagles. Upset Special? Uh, no, not until they can beat somebody. Maybe Jacksonville's win will inspire them, but probably not. The Chiefs will face a mobile quarterback who, if he throws with a decent degree of accuracy, will pick that defense apart and if Kansas City drops too many players back in coverage, then Cam Newton will run all over them. The Chiefs will make a game of it, but will get loss number 11.
Jacksonville travels to venerable Rich Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills. Upset Special? Possibly. The Jags took Houston to overtime, but lost, and they beat Tennessee. Buffalo is vulnerable. The Bills are 2-6 since Week 2 and a candidate for the Honorable Mention. However, they are also 2-2 at home this season and four of their next five games are at home. Also, southern teams tend to struggle in the cold, so chances are this will be a solid Jaguars loss.
Here are some series trivia notes:
The Arizona Cardinals are 2-5 against the New York Jets. The Cards have not beaten the Jets since 1975, when they were the St. Louis Cardinals.
The once old NFL opponents, Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, have only played each other nine times since the NFL/AFL merger. Indy is 6-3 against the Lions in that span, not losing to Detroit since 1997.
The Seattle Seahawks are 9-4 against the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks are also 5-2 at Chicago, winning their last two meetings in Soldier Field.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-5 against the Denver Broncos, not winning a game in the series since 1999. The Bucs lost their last two games against Denver, each by a 16-13 score.
The Cincinnati Bengals, who trail their series with the San Diego Chargers 11-19, won their last meeting in 2010. If the Bengals win this week, it will be the first time the Bengals beat the Chargers twice in a row since 1988-90. The most consecutive games Cincinnati beat San Diego was 3, from 1970-73.
The Cleveland Browns trail the Oakland Raiders in their series 8-11, but are 7-3 since 1987.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on November 27:
1949 New York Giants 23 - Washington 7
1966 Green Bay 28 - Minnesota 16
1966 Washington 72 - New York Giants 41
1966 Boston Patriots 20 - Miami 14
1977 Minnesota 13 - Green Bay 6
1994 New York Giants 21 - Washington 19
This week's honorable mention, and this sounds like a broken record, goes once again to the 4-7 Arizona Cardinals and 3-8 Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams lost winnable games increasing their losing streaks to seven games. Both teams led at one point in their respective games and both teams blew those leads. Arizona goes to New York to face the Jets and Philly goes to Dallas to face the Cowboys. Once again, they face vulnerable opponents, but until they can win a game, neither is an upset special pick.
A hats off to a former honorable mention: The New Orleans Saints defense kept the San Francisco 49ers offense to 375 yards. This is the first time this season that the Saints defense kept an opponent to under 400 yards.
Next Loss...
Kansas City hosts the Carolina Panthers, who are fresh off their Monday night win over the Eagles. Upset Special? Uh, no, not until they can beat somebody. Maybe Jacksonville's win will inspire them, but probably not. The Chiefs will face a mobile quarterback who, if he throws with a decent degree of accuracy, will pick that defense apart and if Kansas City drops too many players back in coverage, then Cam Newton will run all over them. The Chiefs will make a game of it, but will get loss number 11.
Jacksonville travels to venerable Rich Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills. Upset Special? Possibly. The Jags took Houston to overtime, but lost, and they beat Tennessee. Buffalo is vulnerable. The Bills are 2-6 since Week 2 and a candidate for the Honorable Mention. However, they are also 2-2 at home this season and four of their next five games are at home. Also, southern teams tend to struggle in the cold, so chances are this will be a solid Jaguars loss.
Here are some series trivia notes:
The Arizona Cardinals are 2-5 against the New York Jets. The Cards have not beaten the Jets since 1975, when they were the St. Louis Cardinals.
The once old NFL opponents, Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, have only played each other nine times since the NFL/AFL merger. Indy is 6-3 against the Lions in that span, not losing to Detroit since 1997.
The Seattle Seahawks are 9-4 against the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks are also 5-2 at Chicago, winning their last two meetings in Soldier Field.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-5 against the Denver Broncos, not winning a game in the series since 1999. The Bucs lost their last two games against Denver, each by a 16-13 score.
The Cincinnati Bengals, who trail their series with the San Diego Chargers 11-19, won their last meeting in 2010. If the Bengals win this week, it will be the first time the Bengals beat the Chargers twice in a row since 1988-90. The most consecutive games Cincinnati beat San Diego was 3, from 1970-73.
The Cleveland Browns trail the Oakland Raiders in their series 8-11, but are 7-3 since 1987.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, on November 27:
1949 New York Giants 23 - Washington 7
1966 Green Bay 28 - Minnesota 16
1966 Washington 72 - New York Giants 41
1966 Boston Patriots 20 - Miami 14
1977 Minnesota 13 - Green Bay 6
1994 New York Giants 21 - Washington 19
Friday, November 23, 2012
Some BCS Rank 11-25 Series Trivia - Week 13
Welcome to College Football Friday and the second part of Rivalry Week. I forgot that Texas and TCU played yesterday and there are some good unranked games on tap, including one that will be featured here, so let's get started.
In the BCS 11-25 game of the week, the #11 Clemson Tigers host the #12 South Carolina Gamecocks. Clemson leads the series 65-40-4, but South Carolina is 3-2 against the Tigers since 2006 and winners of the last three meetings. Clemson leads the series at home 16-9-1 and is tied 5-5 with the Gamecocks since 1992. The reason that there are so few Clemson home games in the series is that they only started playing at Clemson since 1960. They first met in 1896, when South Carolina won 12-6. They played every meeting in Columbia from 1896-1959. The highest scoring game in the series was in 2003, when the Tigers spanked the Gamecocks 63-17. The last time Clemson shut out South Carolina was 45-0 in 1989. The last time South Carolina shut out Clemson was 6-0 in 1952. Their last tie was 21-21 in 1986.
In the other BCS 11-25 game of the week, the #21 Oklahoma State Cowboys go to Norman to take on the #13 Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma owns the series 82-17-7 and is 11-6 against the Cowboys since 1995. The Sooners are 39-8-2 at home against the Cowboys, winning the last four meetings in Norman. They first met in 1902, when Oklahoma nailed Oklahoma State 75-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 61-41 Oklahoma victory in 2008. The last time Oklahoma shut out Oklahoma State was 27-0 in 2009. The last time Oklahoma State shut out Oklahoma was 12-0 in 1995. Their last tie was 15-15 in 1992.
The AP #4 Ohio State Buckeyes invade Ann Arbor to play the #19 Michigan Wolverines. Michigan leads the series 58-43-6, including that vacated Ohio State win in 2010. The Buckeyes are still 6-3 against the Wolverines since 2001. Michigan leads the series at home 43-34, but the Buckeyes are 4-2 in Ann Arbor since 2001. They first met in 1897, when Michigan blanked Ohio State 36-0. In fact, Michigan began the series against the Buckeyes with a 13-0-2 record. Ohio State got its first win against Michigan in 1919. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1902, when the Wolverines owned the Buckeyes 86-0. The last time Michigan shut out Ohio State was 28-0 in 1993. The last time Ohio State shut out Michigan was 28-0 in 1962. Their last tie was 13-13 in 1992.
The #23 Kent State Golden Flashes host the Ohio Bobcats in Kent, Ohio. Kent State trails in the series 24-38-2, but is 3-2 against the Bobcats since 2007. The Golden Flashes also trail at home 10-20-1 and are 2-2 against Ohio since 2004. They first met in 1936, when Ohio blanked the Golden Flashes 6-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 45-50 Ohio win in 1991. The last time Ohio shut out Kent State was 50-0 in 2002. The last time Kent State shut out Ohio was 24-0 in 1994. Their last tie was 28-28 in 1995.
The #24 Arizona Wildcats host the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tuscon. Arizona leads the series 47-37-1 and is 3-1 against the Sun Devils since 2008. The Wildcats lead the series at home 28-18, but trail Arizona 4-6 in Tuscon since 1992. They first met in 1919, when Arizona dominated the Sun Devils 59-0. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1998, when Arizona won 50-42. The last time Arizona shut out Arizona State was 10-0 in 1974. The last time Arizona State shut out Arizona was 31-0 in 1971. Their last tie was 24-24 in 1987.
Now let's get to one of the classic great games. In the Bayou Classic, The Grambling State Tigers face off against the Southern Jaguars in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Grambling State leads the series 30-29 and is 6-2 against the Jaguars since 2004. The series is tied 6-6 in Grambling and Southern leads 8-4 in Baton Rouge. They last played in Baton Rouge in 1990, when Grambling State won 25-13. They last played in Grambling in 1987 and Southern won 27-21. The highest scoring games in the series were a 50-35 Tiger win in 2005 and a 44-41 Jaguar win in 2003. The last time Grambling State shut out Southern was 21-0 in 1974. The last time Southern shut out Grambling State was 18-0 in 1948. There are no ties in the series.
Here are the historical scores for BCS Top 25 and Bayou Classic games played on this day, November 23:
1895 Auburn 48 - Alabama 0
1912 Oregon 3 - Oregon State 0
1929 Oklahoma State 7 - Oklahoma 7
1933 Oklahoma State 13 - Oklahoma 0
1935 Ohio State 38 - Michigan 0
1935 Notre Dame 20 - USC 13
1940 Michigan 40 - Ohio State 0
1946 Oregon State 13 - Oregon 0
1948 Michigan 58 - Ohio State 6
1957 Ohio State 31 - Michigan 14
1957 Washington State 27 - Washington 7
1957 Oregon State 10 - Oregon 7
1968 South Carolina 7 - Clemson 3
1968 Washington State 24 - Washington 0
1968 Ohio State 50 - Michigan 14
1968 Oregon State 41 - Oregon 19
1968 Grambling State 34 - Southern 32
1974 Clemson 39 - South Carolina 21
1974 Ohio State 12 - Michigan 10
1974 Washington 24 - Washington State 17
1974 Oregon State 35 - Oregon 16
1974 Grambling State 21 - Southern 0
1985 Clemson 24 - South Carolina 17
1985 Washington State 21 - Washington 20
1985 Arizona 16 - Arizona State 13
1985 Michigan 27 - Ohio State 17
1985 Oregon 34 - Oregon State 13
1985 Grambling State 29 - Southern 12
1991 Washington 56 - Washington State 21
1991 Clemson 41 - South Carolina 24
1991 Michigan 31 - Ohio State 3
1991 Arizona State 37 - Arizona 14
1991 Oregon State 14 - Oregon 3
1995 Georgia 18 - Georgia Tech 17
1996 Washington 31 - Washington State 24
1996 South Carolina 34 - Clemson 31
1996 Oregon 49 - Oregon State 13
1996 Michigan 13 - Ohio State 9
1996 Arizona State 56 - Arizona 14
1996 Alabama 24 - Auburn 23
2001 LSU 41 - Arkansas 38
2001 Arizona 34 - Arizona State 21
2002 Clemson 27 - South Carolina 20
2002 Boise State 44 - Nevada 7
2002 Washington 29 - Washington State 26
2002 Auburn 17 - Alabama 7
2002 Oregon State 45 - Oregon 24
2002 Ohio State 14 - Michigan 9
2007 Arkansas 50 - LSU 48
And a little lagniappe: It's amazing what you find on YouTube. Since Ohio State is on probation and can't play in the post-season, here is their song about Michigan.
Have a great weekend!!!
In the BCS 11-25 game of the week, the #11 Clemson Tigers host the #12 South Carolina Gamecocks. Clemson leads the series 65-40-4, but South Carolina is 3-2 against the Tigers since 2006 and winners of the last three meetings. Clemson leads the series at home 16-9-1 and is tied 5-5 with the Gamecocks since 1992. The reason that there are so few Clemson home games in the series is that they only started playing at Clemson since 1960. They first met in 1896, when South Carolina won 12-6. They played every meeting in Columbia from 1896-1959. The highest scoring game in the series was in 2003, when the Tigers spanked the Gamecocks 63-17. The last time Clemson shut out South Carolina was 45-0 in 1989. The last time South Carolina shut out Clemson was 6-0 in 1952. Their last tie was 21-21 in 1986.
In the other BCS 11-25 game of the week, the #21 Oklahoma State Cowboys go to Norman to take on the #13 Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma owns the series 82-17-7 and is 11-6 against the Cowboys since 1995. The Sooners are 39-8-2 at home against the Cowboys, winning the last four meetings in Norman. They first met in 1902, when Oklahoma nailed Oklahoma State 75-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 61-41 Oklahoma victory in 2008. The last time Oklahoma shut out Oklahoma State was 27-0 in 2009. The last time Oklahoma State shut out Oklahoma was 12-0 in 1995. Their last tie was 15-15 in 1992.
The AP #4 Ohio State Buckeyes invade Ann Arbor to play the #19 Michigan Wolverines. Michigan leads the series 58-43-6, including that vacated Ohio State win in 2010. The Buckeyes are still 6-3 against the Wolverines since 2001. Michigan leads the series at home 43-34, but the Buckeyes are 4-2 in Ann Arbor since 2001. They first met in 1897, when Michigan blanked Ohio State 36-0. In fact, Michigan began the series against the Buckeyes with a 13-0-2 record. Ohio State got its first win against Michigan in 1919. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1902, when the Wolverines owned the Buckeyes 86-0. The last time Michigan shut out Ohio State was 28-0 in 1993. The last time Ohio State shut out Michigan was 28-0 in 1962. Their last tie was 13-13 in 1992.
The #23 Kent State Golden Flashes host the Ohio Bobcats in Kent, Ohio. Kent State trails in the series 24-38-2, but is 3-2 against the Bobcats since 2007. The Golden Flashes also trail at home 10-20-1 and are 2-2 against Ohio since 2004. They first met in 1936, when Ohio blanked the Golden Flashes 6-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 45-50 Ohio win in 1991. The last time Ohio shut out Kent State was 50-0 in 2002. The last time Kent State shut out Ohio was 24-0 in 1994. Their last tie was 28-28 in 1995.
The #24 Arizona Wildcats host the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tuscon. Arizona leads the series 47-37-1 and is 3-1 against the Sun Devils since 2008. The Wildcats lead the series at home 28-18, but trail Arizona 4-6 in Tuscon since 1992. They first met in 1919, when Arizona dominated the Sun Devils 59-0. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1998, when Arizona won 50-42. The last time Arizona shut out Arizona State was 10-0 in 1974. The last time Arizona State shut out Arizona was 31-0 in 1971. Their last tie was 24-24 in 1987.
Now let's get to one of the classic great games. In the Bayou Classic, The Grambling State Tigers face off against the Southern Jaguars in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Grambling State leads the series 30-29 and is 6-2 against the Jaguars since 2004. The series is tied 6-6 in Grambling and Southern leads 8-4 in Baton Rouge. They last played in Baton Rouge in 1990, when Grambling State won 25-13. They last played in Grambling in 1987 and Southern won 27-21. The highest scoring games in the series were a 50-35 Tiger win in 2005 and a 44-41 Jaguar win in 2003. The last time Grambling State shut out Southern was 21-0 in 1974. The last time Southern shut out Grambling State was 18-0 in 1948. There are no ties in the series.
Here are the historical scores for BCS Top 25 and Bayou Classic games played on this day, November 23:
1895 Auburn 48 - Alabama 0
1912 Oregon 3 - Oregon State 0
1929 Oklahoma State 7 - Oklahoma 7
1933 Oklahoma State 13 - Oklahoma 0
1935 Ohio State 38 - Michigan 0
1935 Notre Dame 20 - USC 13
1940 Michigan 40 - Ohio State 0
1946 Oregon State 13 - Oregon 0
1948 Michigan 58 - Ohio State 6
1957 Ohio State 31 - Michigan 14
1957 Washington State 27 - Washington 7
1957 Oregon State 10 - Oregon 7
1968 South Carolina 7 - Clemson 3
1968 Washington State 24 - Washington 0
1968 Ohio State 50 - Michigan 14
1968 Oregon State 41 - Oregon 19
1968 Grambling State 34 - Southern 32
1974 Clemson 39 - South Carolina 21
1974 Ohio State 12 - Michigan 10
1974 Washington 24 - Washington State 17
1974 Oregon State 35 - Oregon 16
1974 Grambling State 21 - Southern 0
1985 Clemson 24 - South Carolina 17
1985 Washington State 21 - Washington 20
1985 Arizona 16 - Arizona State 13
1985 Michigan 27 - Ohio State 17
1985 Oregon 34 - Oregon State 13
1985 Grambling State 29 - Southern 12
1991 Washington 56 - Washington State 21
1991 Clemson 41 - South Carolina 24
1991 Michigan 31 - Ohio State 3
1991 Arizona State 37 - Arizona 14
1991 Oregon State 14 - Oregon 3
1995 Georgia 18 - Georgia Tech 17
1996 Washington 31 - Washington State 24
1996 South Carolina 34 - Clemson 31
1996 Oregon 49 - Oregon State 13
1996 Michigan 13 - Ohio State 9
1996 Arizona State 56 - Arizona 14
1996 Alabama 24 - Auburn 23
2001 LSU 41 - Arkansas 38
2001 Arizona 34 - Arizona State 21
2002 Clemson 27 - South Carolina 20
2002 Boise State 44 - Nevada 7
2002 Washington 29 - Washington State 26
2002 Auburn 17 - Alabama 7
2002 Oregon State 45 - Oregon 24
2002 Ohio State 14 - Michigan 9
2007 Arkansas 50 - LSU 48
And a little lagniappe: It's amazing what you find on YouTube. Since Ohio State is on probation and can't play in the post-season, here is their song about Michigan.
Have a great weekend!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
BCS Top 10 Series Trivia - Week 13
Welcome to the last installment of the BCS Top 10 series trivia for the 2012 regular season. This is definitely not Cream Puff Week. This is Rivalry Week. Next week will focus on ranked and maybe even unranked teams. Also, the BCS Top 25 series trivia entry will be on Friday instead of Saturday.
For the second consecutive week, there is a new #1 team. The top ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish go to sunny California to take on the USC Trojans in a renewal of this storied rivalry. Notre Dame leads the series 43-35-5, but USC is 9-1 against the Irish since 2002. Notre Dame trails the series 18-21-4 in Los Angeles and are 2-6-1 at L.A. Memorial Coliseum since 1994. They first met in 1946, when Knute Rockne's Irish edged Howard Jones's Trojans 13-12. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1974, when USC spanked Notre Dame 55-24. The last time USC shut out Notre Dame was 38-0 in 2007. The last time Notre Dame shut out USC was 51-0 in 1966. Their last tie was 17-17 in 1994.
The former top ranked team, the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide will host archrival Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. Alabama leads the series 41-34-1 and is 3-1 against the Tigers since 2008. Since most of the games in the series were played at a neutral location, Legion Field in Birmingham, there are only a few home games one way or the other. The Tide trail the Tigers at home 3-7 and are 3-5 in Tuscaloosa since 1996. They first met in 1893, when Auburn won 32-22. Yes, that game was played in Birmingham. They first met in Tuscaloosa in 1895, which Auburn won 48-0. They first met in Auburn in 1902, a 23-0 Auburn victory. The highest scoring game was in 1969, when Auburn spanked the Crimson Tide 49-26. The last time Alabama shut out Auburn was 36-0 in 2008. The last time Auburn shut out Alabama was 9-0 in 2000. Their only tie was 6-6 in 1907.
The #3 Georgia Bulldogs take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets between the hedges at home. Georgia dominates this series 62-39-5 and is 10-1 against the Yellow Jackets since 2001. Georgia also leads the series at home 30-16-1 and is 7-3 in Athens since 1992. They first met in 1893 when Georgia Tech won 28-6. The highest scoring game in the series was a 45-42 Yellow Jacket win in 2008. The last time Georgia Tech shut out Georgia was 6-0 in 1969. The last time Georgia shut out Georgia Tech was 7-0 in 1964. Their last tie was 0-0 in 1938. They also played to a 6-6 tie the previous year. Another trivia note, the man who the Heisman Trophy is named for, John Heisman coached Georgia Tech from 1904-19 and led the Yellow Jackets to a national championship in 1917. He also coached Auburn from 1895-99 and Clemson from 1900-03. Heisman is the reason Auburn and Clemson are called the Tigers.
In the only BCS Top 10 game of the week, the #4 Florida Gators invade Tallahassee to take on the #10 Florida State Seminoles. Florida leads the series 31-21-2, but the Seminoles won the last two games against the Gators. Florida leads the series in Tallahassee 12-11-1, but Florida State leads 8-3-1 at home since 1988. They are 1-1 against each other in the post-season, both in the Sugar Bowl. Florida State won 23-17 in 1995 and Florida won 52-20 in 1997. They first met in 1958, when Florida won 21-7. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1990, when Florida State won 45-30. The last time Florida shut out Florida State was 49-0 in 1973. Florida State has never shut out Florida. Their last tie was 31-31 in 1994.
The #5 Oregon Ducks go to Corvallis to take on the #15 Oregon State Beavers. Oregon leads the series 59-46-10, winning their last four meetings. Oregon State trails the Ducks at home 19-27-6, but is 5-2 against Oregon in Corvallis since 1998. They first met in 1896, when Oregon won 12-8. The highest scoring game in the series was a 65-38 Oregon win in 2008. The last time Oregon shut out Oregon State was 7-0 in 1992. The last time Oregon State shut out Oregon, outside of a tie, was 7-0 in 1953. Their last tie was 0-0 in 1983. In fact, they played to a scoreless tie 6 times in the series: 1902, 1906, 1920, 1921, 1931, and 1983.
Last week's #1 team, the #6 Kansas State Wildcats, have a bye this week. They face #16 Texas Longhorns next week.
The #7 LSU Tigers go to Pig Sooie Country to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU leads the series 35-20-2, but are 2-3 against the Razorbacks since 2007. The series is tied 8-8 in Little Rock, but LSU is 2-5 there since 1998. As with the Florida/Florida State rivalry, the Tigers and Razorbacks played against each other in the postseason, each time in the Cotton Bowl. They played to a 0-0 tie in 1947 and LSU won in 1966, 14-7. They first met in 1901, when LSU won 15-0. The highest scoring game in the series was in 2007, when Arkansas won 50-48. The last time LSU shut out Arkansas was 28-0 in 1995. The last time Arkansas shut out LSU, outside of a tie, 32-0 in 1929. Their last tie was that 0-0 Cotton Bowl game in 1947.
The #17 UCLA Bruins host the #8 Stanford Cardinal in Rose Bowl Stadium. UCLA leads the series 45-34-3., but Stanford has won the last three meetings. The Bruins also lead the series at home 26-13-1 and are 9-3 against the Cardinal in Los Angeles since 1988. They first met in 1925, when Stanford decimated UCLA 82-0, which is also the highest scoring game in the series. The last time Stanford shut out UCLA was 35-0 in 2010. The last time UCLA shut out Stanford was 31-0 in 2006. Their last tie was 13-13 in 1974.
In a battle of the two newest members of the SEC, the #9 Texas A&M Aggies host the Missouri Tigers. Texas A&M leads the series 7-4, but Missouri is 5-1 against the Aggies since 2002. Texas A&M leads the series at home 4-3, but they are tied 3-3 at College Station since 1992. They first met in 1957, when the Aggies blanked the Tigers 28-0. The highest scoring game in the series was when Texas A&M nailed Missouri 73-0. It's also the last time Texas A&M shut out Missouri. The Tigers have never shut out the Aggies.
Here are some historical scores for BCS Top 25 games played on this day, November 21:
1903 Oregon 5 - Oregon State 0
1905 Washington State 11 - Washington State 5
1908 Oregon 8 - Oregon State 0
1913 Oklahoma 7 - Oklahoma State 0
1914 Nebraska - 16 - Iowa 7
1914 Oregon 3 - Oregon State 3
1931 USC 16 - Notre Dame 14
1936 Ohio State 21 - Michigan 0
1936 Oregon State 18 - Oregon 0
1942 Ohio State 21 - Michigan 7
1942 Oregon State 39 - Oregon 2
1953 LSU 9 - Arkansas 8
1953 Oregon State 7 - Oregon 0
1953 Michigan 20 - Ohio State 0
1953 Washington State 25 - Washington 20
1959 Florida 18 - Florida State 8
1959 Michigan 23 - Ohio State 14
1959 Oregon State 15 - Oregon 7
1959 Washington 20 - Washington State 0
1964 South Carolina 7 - Clemson 3
1964 Florida State 16 - Florida 7
1964 Oregon State 7 - Oregon 6
1964 Michigan 10 - Ohio State 0
1964 Washington 14 - Washington State 0
1970 Oregon State 24 - Oregon 9
1970 Ohio State 20 - Michigan 9
1970 Washington 43 - Washington State 25
1970 South Carolina 38 - Clemson 32
1981 Oregon 47 - Oregon State 17
1981 Ohio State 14 - Michigan 9
1981 Washington 23 - Washington State 10
1981 Ohio 20 - Kent State 7
1981 Clemson 29 - South Carolina 13
1982 Ohio State 24 - Michigan 14
1987 Oregon 44 - Oregon State 0
1987 Ohio State 23 - Michigan 20
1987 Washington 34 - Washington State 19
1987 South Carolina 20 - Clemson 7
1992 Arizona State 7 - Arizona 6
1992 Oregon 7 - Oregon State 0
1992 Washington State 42 - Washington 23
1992 Michigan 13 - Ohio State 13
1992 South Carolina 24 - Clemson 13
1998 Clemson 28 - South Carolina 19
1998 Ohio State 31 - Michigan 16
1998 Washington 16 - Washington State 9
1998 Ohio 31 - Kent State 21
1998 Alabama 31 - Auburn 17
1998 Florida State 23 - Florida 12
1998 Oregon State 44 - Oregon 41
1999 Michigan 24 - Ohio State 17
2009 Ohio State 21 - Michigan 10
For the second consecutive week, there is a new #1 team. The top ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish go to sunny California to take on the USC Trojans in a renewal of this storied rivalry. Notre Dame leads the series 43-35-5, but USC is 9-1 against the Irish since 2002. Notre Dame trails the series 18-21-4 in Los Angeles and are 2-6-1 at L.A. Memorial Coliseum since 1994. They first met in 1946, when Knute Rockne's Irish edged Howard Jones's Trojans 13-12. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1974, when USC spanked Notre Dame 55-24. The last time USC shut out Notre Dame was 38-0 in 2007. The last time Notre Dame shut out USC was 51-0 in 1966. Their last tie was 17-17 in 1994.
The former top ranked team, the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide will host archrival Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. Alabama leads the series 41-34-1 and is 3-1 against the Tigers since 2008. Since most of the games in the series were played at a neutral location, Legion Field in Birmingham, there are only a few home games one way or the other. The Tide trail the Tigers at home 3-7 and are 3-5 in Tuscaloosa since 1996. They first met in 1893, when Auburn won 32-22. Yes, that game was played in Birmingham. They first met in Tuscaloosa in 1895, which Auburn won 48-0. They first met in Auburn in 1902, a 23-0 Auburn victory. The highest scoring game was in 1969, when Auburn spanked the Crimson Tide 49-26. The last time Alabama shut out Auburn was 36-0 in 2008. The last time Auburn shut out Alabama was 9-0 in 2000. Their only tie was 6-6 in 1907.
The #3 Georgia Bulldogs take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets between the hedges at home. Georgia dominates this series 62-39-5 and is 10-1 against the Yellow Jackets since 2001. Georgia also leads the series at home 30-16-1 and is 7-3 in Athens since 1992. They first met in 1893 when Georgia Tech won 28-6. The highest scoring game in the series was a 45-42 Yellow Jacket win in 2008. The last time Georgia Tech shut out Georgia was 6-0 in 1969. The last time Georgia shut out Georgia Tech was 7-0 in 1964. Their last tie was 0-0 in 1938. They also played to a 6-6 tie the previous year. Another trivia note, the man who the Heisman Trophy is named for, John Heisman coached Georgia Tech from 1904-19 and led the Yellow Jackets to a national championship in 1917. He also coached Auburn from 1895-99 and Clemson from 1900-03. Heisman is the reason Auburn and Clemson are called the Tigers.
In the only BCS Top 10 game of the week, the #4 Florida Gators invade Tallahassee to take on the #10 Florida State Seminoles. Florida leads the series 31-21-2, but the Seminoles won the last two games against the Gators. Florida leads the series in Tallahassee 12-11-1, but Florida State leads 8-3-1 at home since 1988. They are 1-1 against each other in the post-season, both in the Sugar Bowl. Florida State won 23-17 in 1995 and Florida won 52-20 in 1997. They first met in 1958, when Florida won 21-7. The highest scoring game in the series was in 1990, when Florida State won 45-30. The last time Florida shut out Florida State was 49-0 in 1973. Florida State has never shut out Florida. Their last tie was 31-31 in 1994.
The #5 Oregon Ducks go to Corvallis to take on the #15 Oregon State Beavers. Oregon leads the series 59-46-10, winning their last four meetings. Oregon State trails the Ducks at home 19-27-6, but is 5-2 against Oregon in Corvallis since 1998. They first met in 1896, when Oregon won 12-8. The highest scoring game in the series was a 65-38 Oregon win in 2008. The last time Oregon shut out Oregon State was 7-0 in 1992. The last time Oregon State shut out Oregon, outside of a tie, was 7-0 in 1953. Their last tie was 0-0 in 1983. In fact, they played to a scoreless tie 6 times in the series: 1902, 1906, 1920, 1921, 1931, and 1983.
Last week's #1 team, the #6 Kansas State Wildcats, have a bye this week. They face #16 Texas Longhorns next week.
The #7 LSU Tigers go to Pig Sooie Country to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU leads the series 35-20-2, but are 2-3 against the Razorbacks since 2007. The series is tied 8-8 in Little Rock, but LSU is 2-5 there since 1998. As with the Florida/Florida State rivalry, the Tigers and Razorbacks played against each other in the postseason, each time in the Cotton Bowl. They played to a 0-0 tie in 1947 and LSU won in 1966, 14-7. They first met in 1901, when LSU won 15-0. The highest scoring game in the series was in 2007, when Arkansas won 50-48. The last time LSU shut out Arkansas was 28-0 in 1995. The last time Arkansas shut out LSU, outside of a tie, 32-0 in 1929. Their last tie was that 0-0 Cotton Bowl game in 1947.
The #17 UCLA Bruins host the #8 Stanford Cardinal in Rose Bowl Stadium. UCLA leads the series 45-34-3., but Stanford has won the last three meetings. The Bruins also lead the series at home 26-13-1 and are 9-3 against the Cardinal in Los Angeles since 1988. They first met in 1925, when Stanford decimated UCLA 82-0, which is also the highest scoring game in the series. The last time Stanford shut out UCLA was 35-0 in 2010. The last time UCLA shut out Stanford was 31-0 in 2006. Their last tie was 13-13 in 1974.
In a battle of the two newest members of the SEC, the #9 Texas A&M Aggies host the Missouri Tigers. Texas A&M leads the series 7-4, but Missouri is 5-1 against the Aggies since 2002. Texas A&M leads the series at home 4-3, but they are tied 3-3 at College Station since 1992. They first met in 1957, when the Aggies blanked the Tigers 28-0. The highest scoring game in the series was when Texas A&M nailed Missouri 73-0. It's also the last time Texas A&M shut out Missouri. The Tigers have never shut out the Aggies.
Here are some historical scores for BCS Top 25 games played on this day, November 21:
1903 Oregon 5 - Oregon State 0
1905 Washington State 11 - Washington State 5
1908 Oregon 8 - Oregon State 0
1913 Oklahoma 7 - Oklahoma State 0
1914 Nebraska - 16 - Iowa 7
1914 Oregon 3 - Oregon State 3
1931 USC 16 - Notre Dame 14
1936 Ohio State 21 - Michigan 0
1936 Oregon State 18 - Oregon 0
1942 Ohio State 21 - Michigan 7
1942 Oregon State 39 - Oregon 2
1953 LSU 9 - Arkansas 8
1953 Oregon State 7 - Oregon 0
1953 Michigan 20 - Ohio State 0
1953 Washington State 25 - Washington 20
1959 Florida 18 - Florida State 8
1959 Michigan 23 - Ohio State 14
1959 Oregon State 15 - Oregon 7
1959 Washington 20 - Washington State 0
1964 South Carolina 7 - Clemson 3
1964 Florida State 16 - Florida 7
1964 Oregon State 7 - Oregon 6
1964 Michigan 10 - Ohio State 0
1964 Washington 14 - Washington State 0
1970 Oregon State 24 - Oregon 9
1970 Ohio State 20 - Michigan 9
1970 Washington 43 - Washington State 25
1970 South Carolina 38 - Clemson 32
1981 Oregon 47 - Oregon State 17
1981 Ohio State 14 - Michigan 9
1981 Washington 23 - Washington State 10
1981 Ohio 20 - Kent State 7
1981 Clemson 29 - South Carolina 13
1982 Ohio State 24 - Michigan 14
1987 Oregon 44 - Oregon State 0
1987 Ohio State 23 - Michigan 20
1987 Washington 34 - Washington State 19
1987 South Carolina 20 - Clemson 7
1992 Arizona State 7 - Arizona 6
1992 Oregon 7 - Oregon State 0
1992 Washington State 42 - Washington 23
1992 Michigan 13 - Ohio State 13
1992 South Carolina 24 - Clemson 13
1998 Clemson 28 - South Carolina 19
1998 Ohio State 31 - Michigan 16
1998 Washington 16 - Washington State 9
1998 Ohio 31 - Kent State 21
1998 Alabama 31 - Auburn 17
1998 Florida State 23 - Florida 12
1998 Oregon State 44 - Oregon 41
1999 Michigan 24 - Ohio State 17
2009 Ohio State 21 - Michigan 10
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 11
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. The race for the first pick in the 2013 draft is heating up.
Although the bottom two teams are 1-9, since the Jacksonville Jaguars took a good Houston Texans team to overtime, the Kansas City Chiefs are this week's Kings of the Cellar. I picked them as an upset special over a vulnerable Cincinnati Bengals team, who instead dominated the Chiefs. Both the Chiefs and Jags lost seven straight, but Kansas City hasn't scored more than 16 points since Week 4, scoring 20 in a loss to the San Diego Chargers.
The 2-8 Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns trail the Chiefs and Jags by a game, both taking their respective opponents to overtime, but losing. Cleveland hosts a Pittsburgh Steelers minus Ben Roethlisberger. However, the Browns are not the Baltimore Ravens and will keep pace with the Jags and Chiefs.
Arizona seems to practically reside here. This week's honorable mention is a tie between the 4-6 Arizona Cardinals and the 3-7 Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams have played poorly and lost six straight. Both teams also have a shot at a win this week. Arizona faces a struggling St. Louis Rams team. Philly, after getting schooled by RGIII, hosts Cam Newton and the Panthers.
Next Loss...
Kansas City hosts the surging Denver Broncos. Upset Special? Not this time. I'm 0-2 with the Chiefs on that pick. Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense will give Kansas City an easy loss.
Jacksonville returns home to face the Tennessee Titans. Although this could be an upset special, the Titans have won their last two on the road and are coming off a bye week. The Jags will keep it interesting and pull off the loss.
Here are some historical scores for this week's matchups: Today, November 20:
1949 Los Angeles Rams 28 - Chicago Cardinals 28
1955 Cleveland 41 - Pittsburgh 14
1960 Pittsburgh 14 - Cleveland 10
1977 Chicago 10 - Minnesota 7
1977 Denver 14 - Kansas City 7
1988 Cleveland 27 - Pitssburgh 7
1994 Dallas 31 - Washington 7
2005 Jacksonville 31 - Tennessee 28
2005 Tampa Bay 30 - Atlanta 27
2005 Arizona 38 - St. Louis 28
2011 Dallas 27 - Washington 24 OT
Although the bottom two teams are 1-9, since the Jacksonville Jaguars took a good Houston Texans team to overtime, the Kansas City Chiefs are this week's Kings of the Cellar. I picked them as an upset special over a vulnerable Cincinnati Bengals team, who instead dominated the Chiefs. Both the Chiefs and Jags lost seven straight, but Kansas City hasn't scored more than 16 points since Week 4, scoring 20 in a loss to the San Diego Chargers.
The 2-8 Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns trail the Chiefs and Jags by a game, both taking their respective opponents to overtime, but losing. Cleveland hosts a Pittsburgh Steelers minus Ben Roethlisberger. However, the Browns are not the Baltimore Ravens and will keep pace with the Jags and Chiefs.
Arizona seems to practically reside here. This week's honorable mention is a tie between the 4-6 Arizona Cardinals and the 3-7 Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams have played poorly and lost six straight. Both teams also have a shot at a win this week. Arizona faces a struggling St. Louis Rams team. Philly, after getting schooled by RGIII, hosts Cam Newton and the Panthers.
Next Loss...
Kansas City hosts the surging Denver Broncos. Upset Special? Not this time. I'm 0-2 with the Chiefs on that pick. Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense will give Kansas City an easy loss.
Jacksonville returns home to face the Tennessee Titans. Although this could be an upset special, the Titans have won their last two on the road and are coming off a bye week. The Jags will keep it interesting and pull off the loss.
Here are some historical scores for this week's matchups: Today, November 20:
1949 Los Angeles Rams 28 - Chicago Cardinals 28
1955 Cleveland 41 - Pittsburgh 14
1960 Pittsburgh 14 - Cleveland 10
1977 Chicago 10 - Minnesota 7
1977 Denver 14 - Kansas City 7
1988 Cleveland 27 - Pitssburgh 7
1994 Dallas 31 - Washington 7
2005 Jacksonville 31 - Tennessee 28
2005 Tampa Bay 30 - Atlanta 27
2005 Arizona 38 - St. Louis 28
2011 Dallas 27 - Washington 24 OT
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Heisman Trophy Trivia
It's not often I do two entries in one day, but here we are.
While watching the Ole Miss/LSU game, CBS posted their the trivia question of the game. It involved the two Mannings who were Ole Miss quarterbacks, Archie (1970) and Eli (2003). Both men were 3rd in the Heisman voting in their senior seasons. CBS asked the question who were ahead of Archie and Eli in the Heisman voting? Here is the answer.
Archie was 3rd behind Joe Theismann and winner Jim Plunkett. Eli was 3rd behind Larry Fitzgerald and winner Jason White.
That trivia question inspired these two trivia questions.
1) Which NFL team drafted the most Heisman winners?
The Detroit Lions drafted 10 Heisman winners.
1936 Larry Kelley - E (Yale)
1937 Clint Frank - RB (Yale)
1942 Frank Sinkwich - RB (Georgia)
1946 Glenn Davis - RB (Army)
1949 Leon Hart - E (Notre Dame)
1955 Howard "Hopalong" Cassidy - RB (Ohio State)
1969 Steve Owens - RB (Oklahoma)
1978 Billy Sims - RB (Oklahoma)
1988 Barry Sanders - RB (Oklahoma State)
1989 Andre Ware - QB (Houston)
2) Which NFL teams have never drafted a Heisman Trophy winner?
There are 5 teams:
Miami Dolphins
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers
Seattle Seahawks
There are three teams who drafted Heisman winners, but no longer exist:
The Brooklyn Dodgers drafted 1939 winner Nile Kinnick from Iowa in 1940. The Dodgers were in the NFL from 1930-44. The Boston Yanks drafted QB Angelo Bertelli from Notre Dame with their first ever pick in the draft in 1944. Boston was in the NFL from 1944-49. The New York Bulldogs drafted RB Doak Walker from SMU in the first round. The Bulldogs were in the NFL from 1949-51. They were the Bulldogs in 1949 and the Yanks their last two years.
While watching the Ole Miss/LSU game, CBS posted their the trivia question of the game. It involved the two Mannings who were Ole Miss quarterbacks, Archie (1970) and Eli (2003). Both men were 3rd in the Heisman voting in their senior seasons. CBS asked the question who were ahead of Archie and Eli in the Heisman voting? Here is the answer.
Archie was 3rd behind Joe Theismann and winner Jim Plunkett. Eli was 3rd behind Larry Fitzgerald and winner Jason White.
That trivia question inspired these two trivia questions.
1) Which NFL team drafted the most Heisman winners?
The Detroit Lions drafted 10 Heisman winners.
1936 Larry Kelley - E (Yale)
1937 Clint Frank - RB (Yale)
1942 Frank Sinkwich - RB (Georgia)
1946 Glenn Davis - RB (Army)
1949 Leon Hart - E (Notre Dame)
1955 Howard "Hopalong" Cassidy - RB (Ohio State)
1969 Steve Owens - RB (Oklahoma)
1978 Billy Sims - RB (Oklahoma)
1988 Barry Sanders - RB (Oklahoma State)
1989 Andre Ware - QB (Houston)
2) Which NFL teams have never drafted a Heisman Trophy winner?
There are 5 teams:
Miami Dolphins
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers
Seattle Seahawks
There are three teams who drafted Heisman winners, but no longer exist:
The Brooklyn Dodgers drafted 1939 winner Nile Kinnick from Iowa in 1940. The Dodgers were in the NFL from 1930-44. The Boston Yanks drafted QB Angelo Bertelli from Notre Dame with their first ever pick in the draft in 1944. Boston was in the NFL from 1944-49. The New York Bulldogs drafted RB Doak Walker from SMU in the first round. The Bulldogs were in the NFL from 1949-51. They were the Bulldogs in 1949 and the Yanks their last two years.
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