Tag Archives: Greg Hall
OTC: Are Mizzou Fans Bowl Blas
“Year after year, the bowl selection process slights the Missouri football program. Year after year, lesser teams – like Kansas and Iowa State from the Big 12 Conference – earn invitations to better bowl games. Year after year, Mizzou fans complain about this travesty. And year after year Mizzou fans fail to support the Tigers to the maximum, thus perpetuating the problem. They have only themselves to blame for this annual aggravation. Missouri football has a lot of loyal supporters, but it needs more.”Jeff Gordon, writer, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: The college bowls are an absolute mess and have been for two decades or more. They are a joke that tugs at the heartstrings of loyal fans each holiday season, pretending to be a test of these fans’ and alums’ dedication to their school. In my mind it is complete bullshit. Read on.
“We just need our Missouri fans there (at the bowl game). It’s real critical that we show well as we build our program. We’ve got the fan base to do it. They’ve just got to get onboard. Mike Anderson uses that, ‘You go to root on the Tigers.’ That’s what they do at Nebraska, at Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M. They don’t care where they’re going. They don’t care who they’re playing.”
Gary Pinkel, urging Tiger fans to buy tickets to Mizzou’s yet-to-be-announced bowl game, 610 AM
Take 5: Why OU/NU Still Matters (At Least To Me)
November is the cruelest month in Nebraska. Sun-splashed days can hint at the Indian summer that was October. But more often the winter winds of what is to come unearths lost stocking caps and your older brother’s hand-me-down parka.I yanked down hard on my frayed red polyester cap as my father ignited the family Plymouth. As a mailman, getting up at 4:00 AM to be at work by 5:00 was my dad’s daily routine for the past 25 years. For me it had been a torturous way to pay my high school tuition since September.
Dad dropped me off in front of St. Mary Magdalene’s church at the corner of 19th & Dodge just as Omaha’s cruel downtown wind made me clutch for my coat’s collar. Vestments needed to be laid out for the morning mass and breakfast readied for the three parish priests. My younger brother, Tim, and I rotated each morning for $50 a week. The priests were always much happier to see Tim at the stove than me. Tim could cook eggs any way you wanted while my expertise lay in devouring the morning edition of the Omaha World Herald’s sports page.
This was the week every human in the state of Nebraska (and many outside) with a football-shaped heart had anticipated since September. The early non-conference games pointed to Oklahoma and Nebraska being not just a cut above the other teams the 1971 season had to offer but maybe two of the best college football teams of all time. The upcoming Thanksgiving Day battle in Norman, Oklahoma would pit the undefeated and untested Huskers and Sooners to decide everything. The Big 8 title, the national championship and bragging rights for the remainder of the century rode on the backs of helmeted heroes named Tagge, Mildren, Glover and the Selmon brothers.
OTC: TCU Heads To Big East While B12 Coasts
“Texas didn’t want TCU in the Big 12 so Dan Beebe didn’t invite them. It’s that simple, right?”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
“Big 12 has been pretty steadfast in its no-interest stance re: TCU. Not sure why so many fans feel like it missed out on something here.”
Curtis Kitchen, Twitter
“TCU was never an option for the Big 12.”
Bob Fescoe, after TCU accepted an invitation to join the Big East, 810 AM
GH: Fescoe and Josh Klingler echoed the familiar refrain that the Big 12 doesn’t need more schools in the Dallas/Texas market. I would argue that quality football programs no matter what their zip code add power, prestige and money to your conference. I think TCU would have been an exciting addition to the Big 12 on the heels of losing two of its original members. As it is, the Big 12 again resembles a Yugo on the NCAA Autobahn.
OTC: Bowe Show Makes Emerald City Look Like Munchkins
“(Dwayne) Bowe is the new leadership’s masterpiece, the face of a transition from punks to playoffs, the shining example of the organization’s emphasis on character, and the knucklehead receiver playing like an honest-to-goodness MVP candidate is a dream come true. So long as it doesn’t turn into a nightmare.”Sam Mellinger, columnist, Kansas City Star
GH: Bowe was another washout underachieving top-draft-pick LSU bust King Carl and Herm Edwards. He made little progress on that resume with his “importing” quotes this summer. But the past three weeks Bowe’s production has gone fantasy football fanatical. The question Sam Mel is asking is the same one we all want answered. Where does the Bowe Show go now that it’s a hit? Read on.
“Those are blank pages I can’t answer.”
Mitch Holthus, when asked how he thinks Bowe will handle his recent success, 810 AM
Mitch Holthus, when asked how he thinks Bowe will handle his recent success, 810 AM
OTC: Beebe Says Nebraska Too Scary For Him
“Neb AD (Tom) Osborne said no division trophy presentation cause Big 12 “did not think it would be safe to send somebody up."
Blair Kerkhoff, Twitter
GH: Rumors that Big 12 officials were issued death threats from Nebraska fans appear to have been scary enough to keep Dan Beebe and his bunch from attending the final regular season game in Lincoln on Friday – the last one of its kind in the history of the short-lived original Big 12 conference. Read on.
Blair Kerkhoff, Twitter
GH: Rumors that Big 12 officials were issued death threats from Nebraska fans appear to have been scary enough to keep Dan Beebe and his bunch from attending the final regular season game in Lincoln on Friday – the last one of its kind in the history of the short-lived original Big 12 conference. Read on.
“The amount of (fans dressed as) refs I saw in the stadium (and flags in the student section) was excellent. Saw some dude at the tunnel walk as a ref with a sign that said ‘Beebe’s army.’ Bahah.”
HuskerFan2002, gamefaqs.com
GH: The most creative fans in Lincoln Friday may have been the group of students who donned shirts of the other Big 12 teams and went to extremes to make themselves look like the walking dead. The photo above is from the Denver Post.
OTC: Is Just Making Playoffs Enough For Chiefs?
“The Chiefs are going to get in (the playoffs). There’s no doubt about it! I think they win the division. I don’t think San Diego can catch them.”Herm Edwards, 810 AM
GH: Herm is pouring what all Chiefs fans are drinking – a syrupy mix and NFL playoff elixir. It’s Turkey Day and the Chiefs are atop the AFC West but much works still needs to be done. Read on.
“I like Seattle (over the Chiefs). It’s hard to take the Chiefs on the road right now.”
Jeff Chadhia, ESPN NFL reporter, 810 AM
GH: Each week it seems the Chiefs find themselves in must-win mode. While this week’s game cannot be considered in that category, a road win in the Emerald City would go a long way in securing playoff play for "The Clarks" squad.
Jeff Chadhia, ESPN NFL reporter, 810 AM
GH: Each week it seems the Chiefs find themselves in must-win mode. While this week’s game cannot be considered in that category, a road win in the Emerald City would go a long way in securing playoff play for "The Clarks" squad.
“The West (Divisions) are just brutal. Could you imagine a 7-9 team (making the playoffs)?”
Mike Goldberg, while analyzing the NFC and AFC West divisions, ESPN Radio
Mike Goldberg, while analyzing the NFC and AFC West divisions, ESPN Radio
“Who cares if they just make the playoffs? I think Chiefs fans want to see a team that can do some damage in the playoffs. And to me that would be a team that can show they can win on the road in the regular season.”
Danan Hughes, 610 AM
Take 5: Day One At The CBE At Sprint
I spent Monday night inside a friend’s suite at Sprint Center taking in the CBE Classic first-round games. I have been lucky enough to attend every one of these CBE tourneys since Sprint opened. This year’s CBE might be the most loaded yet. Here are some of my takeaways from day one.Bond Bridge: Being a KC Northlander (since moving from the Kansas side of town 20 years ago) we took the new Bond Bridge south into Downtown on Monday night to attend the CBE Classic. Wow! KC’s new welcome mat from the north is gorgeous at night. You first spot the lit top of the Bond Bridge as you approach from the north as it sits off to the left. My first drive south across the impressive and beautiful addition to our city’s landscape made me feel damn proud to be a part of this city that continues to improve its culture, ambiance and head-turning attractions.
OTC: The Bo Show Embarrasses Nebraska & College Football
“Should be a pleasant week for Nebraska football. No pressure or anything. No hot debates about (allegedly) slanted officiating. Pass the cranberries, and cover up the little ones’ ears.”
Steve Sipple, columnist, Lincoln Journal Star
GH: If you’re a member of the media who has even a passing interest in covering or commentating on Nebraska football, the holidays got kicked off a bit early for you after Bo Pelini’s nationally televised out-of-control, embarrassing, f-bomb dripping, Martinez ripping, projectile spitting, referee hitting performance on the Nebraska sideline at Texas A&M on Saturday night.
OTC: Bowls Bite / Chiefs Need Win Over Cardinals
“For those who want a college football playoff, you have that right now in the Big 12 the next few weeks!”Gary Barnett, 810 AM
GH: Barnett is spinning fairytales but unfortunately neither Steven St. John or Nate Bukaty challenged his inane comment. Like most college football coaches, Barnett doesn’t want anything to do with a postseason tournament that would eliminate the need for the worthless bowls. The truth is, none of the Big 12 teams have a chance at winning the national title this season – and they haven’t since October. But a playoff would mean mediocre coaches couldn’t claim success with a six- or seven-win season and gaining the popular but worthless “bowl eligibility” label. Here is what the opening round of a 16-team single-elimination playoff might look like using the current BCS standings.
Oregon vs. Virginia Tech
TCU vs. Oklahoma
LSU vs. Michigan St.
Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma St.
Stanford vs. Alabama
Nebraska vs. Ohio St.
Boise St. vs. Arkansas
Auburn vs. Missouri
TCU vs. Oklahoma
LSU vs. Michigan St.
Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma St.
Stanford vs. Alabama
Nebraska vs. Ohio St.
Boise St. vs. Arkansas
Auburn vs. Missouri
Tell me again why we need the bowls?
OTC: Is Kansas State Hoops The Nation’s Best?
“He’s probably the best shooter in the college game today.”
Chris Dortch, editor of BlueRibbonInsider.com, on KSU’s Jacob Pullen, in an interview with Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Pullen let the nation in on just how good and clutch he is when he went viral in the NCAA tourney against Xavier last season to put his Cats in the Elite Eight. The sunrise to this college basketball season is just peaking over the shoe tops of the football season. We’re not quite ready for full-on hoops but with 5:00 PM darkness comes Big Monday. And next week the CBE brings Duke to Sprint Center. Football might have to jump in the backseat for a few nights.
OTC: Is Boxing Worthy Of Local Sports Talk Coverage?
“Let’s be honest, nobody talks about boxing but me and they want me down there (to watch the pay-per-view fights).”Steven St. John, on why he attended the Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito fight at a local venue, 810 AM
GH: I am not sure who SSJ is referring to when he says “they” but my guess is the area boxing fans. Read on.
“For those of you that say boxing is dead… YOU ARE F*CKING WRONG!!!! Look at that crowd!”
Steven St. John, on the crowd in Dallas for the Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito fight, Twitter
GH: Boxing might not dead but it’s barely breathing when it comes to popularity. Sure, a marquee fight light this will bring out a crowd and create some buzz but there is almost no media coverage of anything but the very elite fights. The once popular heavyweight division is all but expired. There are fans for every sport but minor sports like boxing don’t deserve air time on local sports radio shows.
OTC: Wright Pushing Haley/Weis Bickering Theory As Chiefs Ills
“It’s like a river. It just keeps running. All (Todd Haley and Charlie Weis) did all week was bicker over the (Denver) game plan and what they should do and how they should attack them.”Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Maas has been pushing this point that Haley and his new offensive coordinator are at constant odds over the offensive game plan and play calling. Is there truth to it? Is it overblown? Is it causing a rift between the staff that is filtering down to the players? Good questions. Read on.
“The most important moment of the (Denver) game for fans was finally seeing Haley bitch out Weis (on the headset). This is a major issue in the locker room.”
Nick Wright, Twitter
OTC: Columbia Trib To Charge Web Readers
“We came to the realization free online access is hurting us.”Andy Waters, Columbia Tribune’s VP of interactive media, on the Tribune’s announcement to begin charging for unlimited online access on December 1st, ColumbiaTribune.com
GH: The Tribune will charge online-only customers $8/month or $96/year for each account. Online readers will be allowed to read 10 stories a month online at no charge. It is the Wild West in the newspaper biz right now. Do you die with your printing presses on or go down charging for online content? Read on.
OTC: Todd Haley Shows The NFL He’s A Spoiled Golf Brat
“After the Broncos’ 49-29 win Sunday against the Chiefs, Denver coach Josh McDaniels got a quick scolding, not a sportsmanship handshake, from Chiefs coach Todd Haley.”Mike Klis, writer, Denver Post
GH: After absorbing a 49-29 bitch-slap beating in Denver, Todd Haley just showed the NFL that the Chiefs have a spoiled golf brat as their head coach instead of the maturing professional we thought he was rounding into. His decision to point at and scold (threaten?) Denver’s Josh McDaniels instead of the traditional post-game hand shake was as bush and offensive as John Holmes circa 1972. Read on.
OTC: Haley Apologizes To McDaniels, Denver & Fans
“I do want to apologize for me not shaking Josh’s hand after the game. I do believe in doing what’s right. And that was not right. I let the emotions of the situations get to me too much and I apologize to the fans and to Denver and to Josh. So, any questions?”Todd Haley, in his opening remarks during his regularly scheduled Monday press conference
GH: Whether or not Haley was asked, told or forced to make a public apology, I like that he chose to do it in his opening remarks instead of waiting for the media to broach the subject.
OTC: Are Chiefs in Must-Win Situation In Denver?
“If they don’t win this game, I don’t think they win this division and I don’t think they make the playoffs.”Frank Boal, on the importance of the Chiefs game this Sunday in Denver, 810 AM
GH: The winds of the NFL change direction quickly – especially in November. Only a week ago the Chiefs were 5-2 with a 10-0 lead inside the Raiders’ 5-yard line. Poof. Now they head to Denver for a game Boal believes is a must win. Read on.
“Why do I get the disgusting, stinking feeling that San Diego’s going to win this division?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
OTC: DeJesus Trade Looks Good To Media But Sours Fans
“What else did you want back (for David DeJesus) angry Royals fan? No one has any love Kansas City for any of your players outside of Soria and Greinke. No one has any love for David DeJesus outside of this city!”
Shan Shariff, after the Royals traded the popular DeJesus for two young and inexpensive Oakland pitchers, 610 AM
GH: I have observed the various reactions to the Royals’ decision to trade DeJesus, and the opinions mostly fall into two camps; fans who are irate overly losing a good player and seamheads who understands the economics of baseball and are nonplussed over the move. I fall into a third category – apathetic over any and all moves the Royals make. Yeah, David Glass and his troops have pretty much killed the off-season Royals fan in me. Read on.
OTC: How Did Mizzou Get So Bad So Fast?
“I think you guys were the ones that wanted me pulled. Everybody on my team wanted me out there. I wanted to be out there. Your guys’ opinions on who should get yanked, what should be called, really does not matter to us at all.”
Blaine Gabbert, MU quarterback, responding to reporters on Monday about his play at Texas Tech, Kansas City Star
GH: I think Gabby might be 1-for-2 in his comments above. I’m pretty sure there were a few more MU fans calling for James Franklin than Gabbert knows. But as far as the media not having a say in who plays, that is a no brainer. What I am beginning to wonder is whether or not Gabbert has the brain power necessary to handle his role as Mizzou’s QB. Read on.
OTC: KU Comes Back From Dead / But Are They Still Terminal?
“I was knee deep in bean dip and guacamole dip by then.”Bob Fescoe, confessing that he bolted from Memorial Stadium at halftime Saturday with KU down 35-17, 610 AM
GH: I was driving back from the Missouri State CC meet in Jeff City Saturday afternoon and despite my wife’s constant glare, I listened to the second half of the KU radio broadcast. I had heard the halftime score so I was not expecting Bob Davis to be jumping up and down in our car’s front seat. Whatever was happening in Lawrence, Davis and his cohort, David Lawrence, were juiced – despite the three-touchdown deficit. I listened to the entire fourth quarter as the Jayhawks pulled off one for the ages. Read on.
OTC: Raiders Turn Chiefs’ Hold On AFC West South
“There was some crazy stuff that was going on, on the field – especially between the big guys up front that hadn’t been happening all season. You could tell this was a playoff-type atmosphere out there.”
Matt Cassel, when asked by Steven St. John to discuss the uniqueness of the physical play of the Raiders’ game, 810 AM
GH: For four hours I was transfixed on my couch by this game that took place two time zones to the west. The zaniness, the fumble scrum, the overtime sudden-death finish, the sheer lunacy of the refs – all brought me back to Chiefs/Raiders circa the ‘60s. This one may have been one of the looniest in the history of the rivalry. Read on.
