text:
in town for free camps
Unverified Voracity: Bird Of Frank Thomas Edition
The Elite 11 quarterback camp is underway and Ryan Mallet is performing to mixed reviews. You can take the breathless opening paragraph from GBW at face value...
Once again GBW managed to get a bird's eye view of the Elite 11 goings-on. This is our 5th straight camp. There is only one Superstar at the camp ... the separation between this ONE ELITE QB and the others is so great as to make it a little hard to report upon ...
...but I would try to keep your face well removed from the vicinity of such a... vigorous endorsement. Somehow I find this random poster from an obscure Internets outpost more credible:
1. It was Ryan then everybody else
2. Kid grows each time I see him
3. Footwork will not be an issue
4. Arm is a cannon and he is "on"
Maybe it's the laconic, unexcited prose that engenders trust. Maybe it's the lack of implied fellatio. Who knows?
Unfortunately for the visions of crystal footballs dancing around in our heads, Ryan finished 17th of 18 (the "counselors" throw as well) in the accuracy competition. This is obviously no big deal for the following reasons:
- It's one hackneyed drill at a camp.
- He beat someone.
- If Clausen wasn't such a big chicken that he dodged the camp entirely he would have finished last.
- Because I say so.
The most encouraging bit of unconfirmed Internet speculation comes from RCMB poster tritongreen, who knows a couple of people in charge of the camp and announced the selection of Nichol to the board a week before it happened. That may have been a fairly obvious prediction, but he also revealed that Stanton would be a counselor, which he is. tritongreen would like to see Ann Arbor burn to the ground. Despite that, he says this:
Mallett is the 2nd best QB at the camp behind the kid going to Florida. [This is probably a typo and means the "kid from Florida," Texas-bound John Brantley -ed]They love him. Monster arm, great footwork and other intangibles. Michigan is getting a very good QB.
Nichol is very average. Please know that this means very average for being one of the best 11 in the country so no one get the noose out yet, but dont expect Smoker or Stanton type of quality the next 4 years.
Good news....Stanton is the best counselor out there.
As always, take it FWIW.
Wither Mike Croel? This Slate article on the demise of the baseball (/football /hockey /basketball) card touched a nerve with me, especially because I've just moved all my crap from one place to another. There's always a moment when you move when you stumble across stuff you forgot you had: for me it was the dingy old backgammon set that encased the most precious treasures the twelve-year-old version of myself owned. Opening up the case -- something I've just done for the first time in years -- is an interesting look back into a younger version of myself.
Card collecting was weird combination of sentimentality with ruthless economics, so the things that ended up in the case reflect both my personal preferences and what I no doubt thought was a keen financial acumen that would net a cool 20 grand sometime down the road. The former explains the dual Dikembe Mutumbo rookies (recently imported from Colorado, I was still fond of the Nuggets and Broncos -- the Rockies and Avs did not exist yet). The latter explains the David Robinson rookie as well as the four or five cards displaying an oversized human being that eventually resolves itself into a version of Shaq that's too small and impossibly huge all at the same time.
Also of note:
- The famous -- at least amongst my circle of preteen friends -- card featuring Frank Thomas subtly giving the bird to the cameraman.
- A Shawn Kemp rookie card even less recognizable than the Shaq versions.
- A panoply of Lindros cards... thanks for nothing, Eric! You and your stupid concussions cost me some "clams" or "bones" or whatever you people call them! Don't get me started on your stupid "knee injury," Pavel Bure!
- A gold-embossed card featuring the infamous Todd Van Poppel, he of the infinite promise and ERA.
- At least the reasoning for having Van Poppel in there is sound, as he was one of the most highly touted prospects of my collecting era. But why in God's name do I have two-count-'em-two Felix Jose rookie cards? Who the hell is Felix Jose?
- I do know who Joe Juneau is, but there's still no excuse for his rookie card in this case.
- Mark McGuire used to be very very tiny.
- Boy, Kid Brian was in for some disillusionments: there are four or five different Barry Sanders cards and three featuring Chris Webber decked out in maize and blue. Plus, Mike Croel would never repeat the form of his rookie season with the Broncos.
- Think I could wrangle a column on Page 2 in exchange for a Larry Bird '92 Dream Team card?
- I think I have to go burn this Alonzo Mourning "Future Heroes" card.
- I have an entire hologram set of the '92 award winners, featuring the following players: Michael Jordan (points, MVP), David Robinson (blocks, DPOY), John Stockton (assists, steals), Larry Johnson (ROY), Dennis Rodman (rebounds) aaaaaaaaaaand... the immortal Detlef Schrempf!
Apparently I could sell these things for a total of eight dollars. I should have got more Dikembe Mutumbo rookies.
It's official: blog make newspaper crazy. The News and Free Press are seriously weirding me out, man. First: Angelique Chengelis apparently has this column-ish thing called "The Buzz" wherein she writes chatty blurbs on relevant news. The overall effect is freakin' creepy:
He absolutely knows Michigan is behind in terms of a practice facility for both basketball programs. Recruits need to look no further than neighboring Michigan State to see the type of top-notch facilities of which Michigan is absolutely worthy.
Those who like motor sports have their biases.
I have mine.
Open-wheel racing on a high-speed oval is racing at its purest -- breath-taking, dangerous, and quite frankly, awesome.
Is it just me, or does this seem like the sort of thing an editor bestowed upon the plebes in an attempt to get back all those readers distracted by the shiny Internets? That's bad, but the News, as per usual when it comes to miraculously bad ideas, has nothing on the Free Press. You probably saw this cited on Deadspin, but if you didn't it must be brought to your attention so we can collectively beat it to death. It is a liveblog of the British Open. In a newspaper. Apparently written by a man who digs Carrot Top. Argh:
Free Press golf writer Carlos Monarrez recaps the British Open third round from the best seat of all -- his couch.
7 a.m. -- TNT's coverage begins. Yeah, right, like a sports writer is really going to be awake at 7 a.m. Thank God for TiVo.
7:02 -- Angelina Jolie and I are riding unicorns over a sea of strawberry marshmallows.
9:04 -- Dang it, I'm awake! See you tonight, Angelina. ABC is starting its third-round recap with the usual overwrought soundtrack. Presidential inaugurations don't get the kind of fanfare golf majors get from networks.
9:05 -- A replay of John Se
nden's ace on the 13th hole. Who says 13 is unlucky?
Obviously this newspaper/blogwar thing has gotten out of hand. We need some sort of ceasefire, a line drawn in the sand. (Across this line you do not... also, Dude, Chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature, etc.)
How about this: you leave the liveblogs, jokes, statistical analysis, and devastating good looks to us. We'll stop pretending we're real journalists and blathering on about long tails and new media and how useless y'all are. This way no one gets hurt.
The Autolink. Badger Sports brings the following delicious passage from an article on the UW university system to the world's attention:
The UW System administration saw UW-Milwaukee, with its doctoral status, large size and urban setting, as a place to address the needs of students rejected by UW-Madison. It envisioned turning UW-Milwaukee into a Wisconsin version of Michigan State University or the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Please forward this to everyone you know who goes or went to State. Multiple times. If this is an attempt to join the BlogPoll via sucking up, it's working.
Etc.: Random gambly-type Big Ten preview projects Michigan as champions (via Badger Sports); EDSBS caption contest (warning: not suitable for basically everyone); The 614 starts in with the OSU preview, again references this "two game season" thing which you'd better believe I am preparing to throw in the face of anyone who even so much of thinks of mentioning it (lo, I am wroth and my vengance will be Internet sarcasm).
Iowa Preview: Show Me Your Tates
The Story
Last year Iowa was the only team in the conference that could give Michigan a run for its money when it came to snakebites. A 23-3 loss to ISU was a comedy of errors performed mostly with Tate on the bench; replacment Jason Manson went 10/31. The loss to Michigan -- suffered without Ed Hinkel -- was full of uncharacteristic drops, penalties, and execution errors. Iowa carried the balance of the play and likely would have won that game seven of ten times if given the opportunity. The Northwestern and Florida games made the word "onside" a guaranteed bar fight in Des Moines. Only a vengeful stomping at the hands of OSU stands out as a game Iowa really deserved to lose.
This was a reversion to the mean -- or possibly past it -- after Iowa's charmed 2004, which was full of fortituous bounces on turnovers of all kinds. As a result, Kirk Ferentz's inexorable march to godhood took a bit of a siesta last year as Iowa stumbled to a 7-5 record. Sportswriters, always projecting things to be just like they were last year, have noticed.
The general consensus is Iowa's 2005 was something more than a blip. The Hawkeyes are projected to return to their newly familiar stomping grounds in the top 25, but if Stewart Mandel represents conventional wisdom at its coventional-est it appears the sportswriters of America are focusing more on 7-5 than the Tates: he has them #18. Athlon says #16. Even all-seeing, all-gambling Argus Phil Steele places Iowa but #15. Last year I argued that Iowa was overrated at number eight as journos focused more on Iowa's record than the fortune it had taken to get them there. This year they've multiplied that mistake by negative one.
No headliners remain on the Iowa defense after two years in which graduation has taken Matt Roth, Jonathan Babineaux, Abdul Hodge, and Chad Greenway to the NFL, but the Hawkeyes have star power on the other side of the ball in Drew Tate (the flingingest quarterback this side of the Pecos), Albert Young, and Albert Young's cadaverous ACL. The offensive line is either experienced or OMG shirtless. The defensive line looks poised to resume the terror of the Roth-Babineaux days. The defensive back seven? Well, you can't have everything. There are indeed ominous holes at corner and linebacker.
Despite that, viewers should be prepared for a faceful of Tate this year.
Last Year: Like everyone else in the Big Ten, Iowa had an excellent offense: 22nd nationally, 27th in passing and 34th in rushing. Also like everyone else in the Big Ten, it's hard to tell whether or not this was more a product of the offense or the defenses they faced, especially because Iowa missed Penn State.
Rating: 5. Drew Tate is one of the best quarterbacks in the country no matter your preferred metric. He has the numbers: two straight years with around 2800 yards passing, a completion percentage hovering around 62 percent, and 22 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions last year. He has the accolades: two years on the All Big Ten teams. And for those who like talking in vague generalities, he is the very avatar of "heart" or "moxie" or whatever you people call it.
The UFR from last year's Iowa game is downright effusive:
Great galloping gravy! Remember the breakdown of positive/negative downfield plays I did for the PSU game? Henne had 14 positive to 16 negative. Take away two TE screens, two dumpoffs to Young on third and long, and four Solomon stop routes (to play this conservatively) and Tate had 23 positive to 7 negative, and that's being super harsh on the "Inaccurate" category, which holds two bombs and the third down comeback route in OT that glanced off Solomon's fingertips.
It's not fair to hold Henne to that standard--it probably isn't fair to hold Tate to that standard, that was one of the finest quarterbacked games I've seen, like, ever--but that's kind of mindboggling. Seriously, I think Tate made a total of three bad plays (holding the ball too long on one sack, fumbling a snap, and letting Woods bat a ball down on the waggle easily). That says a lot about Tate and a lot about how far away from him Henne has been this year.
It was only a series of tiny miracles (penalties, sacks, and Iowa receiving screwups) that prevented the Hawkeyes from running up 35 points on Michigan that day. That game perfectly encapsulates what will happen if you let Tate sit comfortably in the pocket: he will kill you on laser-accurate throws long, short, and in-between.
The backup situation is dire. Manson is a senior who Iowa will try to avoid at all costs and the next quarterback on the depth chart is redshirt freshman Jake Christensen. Christensen was a touted recruit a couple years ago but an awful showing in the Army All-American game had many wondering whether his presence there was less because of his talent and more due to the tendency of Tom Lemming (in his last year of picking the rosters for the game) to wildly overrate players from Illinois even more than players considering Notre Dame. He might be okay down the road, but if pressed into service this year throats will constrict across the state.
Running Backs
Rating: 4.
Rating: 4.Albert Young emerged from the vast morass of Iowa running backs with torn ACLs to crush opponents on his way to 1334 yards and plenty of hype, but his two games against actual run defenses sound a caution: he totaled 23 carries and 59 yards against Ohio State and Florida. There are many great backs who would have struggled to do better against those defenses, but those numbers indicate that without a proper hole to burst into Young is not a Fred Russell capable of materializing yards from seemingly nothing.
However, he is capable of taking those holes and ruthlessly exploiting them. Against Michigan Young was impressive, slashing through the MasseyGap (TM) time and again with decisive cuts and bursting past Michigan's oft-befuddled outside linebackers en route to 153 yards. He should do very well again this year behind an ornery offensive line stocked with what seems like six different guards.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
Rating: 3. Clinton Solomon, Ed Hinkel, and Matt Melloy depart. Left behind are junior Herb Grigbsy's 25 catches, Brobdingnagian tight end Scott Chandler, and nothing else resembling experience. Senior Calvin Davis is projected to join Grigsby in the starting lineup but has struggled with injuries over the past two years and had only eight catches in '05. In general, MGoBlog is skeptical of journeyman seniors, especially at positions that see a lot of rotation, so it would be wise to examine Iowa's other options. Redshirt freshman Trey Stross is distinctly Caucasian and thus is guaranteed to be Iowa's annual Inexplicably Great White Receiver at some point in his career. It also helps that Stross displayed velvet hands and great leaping ability in high school. Another player to keep an eye out for: freshman James Cleveland, an early enrollee who lit up the spring game.
Fee fi fo fum.
The inexperience at wide receiver will be offset by the talent at tight end. Iowa loves the one-back, two-tight end ace sets I can never get to work in NCAA and has the personnel to threaten run or pass out of them. Chandler is fairly ponderous but giant and a
good receiver. His 47 catches led Iowa a year ago. Second-stringer Anthony Moeaki, a highly touted recruit, played in every game as a freshman, catching eight passes. He will see plenty of time and two or three dozen catches by the end of the year.
Offensive Line
Rating: 4. There's more instability here than one might initially assume there would be with three returning starters, as Iowa can't seem to decide where anyone should play on the line. Right tackle Marshall Yanda started all last season but started out at left guard. Right guard Mike Elgin had a full year of starting at that position in '05 but was the starting center the year before. But they have nothing on senior Mike Jones, who could release a hit single titled Where is Mike Jones? The answer last year was, variously, "left tackle," "right tackle," and "left guard." This year -- at least for now -- he's the right tackle.
So those guys have a ton of experience if a fairly uncertain notion of where, exactly, they're supposed to line up before each play. Jones is the most talented, having burst into the starting lineup as a true freshman. He finds himself a preseason All Big Ten pick by The Sporting News (TSN, understandably confused, named him the fifth best guard in the country), Lindy's, and Blue Ribbon. Yanda and Elgin are both somewhere between competent to good. But there is the niggling issue of center and, oh, left tackle.
Those positions will be filled by two touted members of Iowa's monster 2004 recruiting class. Redshirt freshman Rafael Eubanks, a consensus four-star ranked the #13 offensive lineman by Scout and the #5 guard by Rivals, emerged as the starting center in the spring. True sophomore Dace Richardson is projected to start at left tackle. Richardson was even more touted than Eubanks and was clearly being groomed for the role the instant he stepped on campus, as Iowa chose to forgo his redshirt year in favor of spot plays in most of their games. A large portion of the Hawkeye's success this year relies upon how effective last year's crash course as a collegiate lineman was.
Last Year: Excellent against the run, bad against the pass. Iowa finished 22nd nationally in run defense and had two standout performances against Minnesota, who managed 129 yards as a team, and Wisconsin, who got all of 12. Possibly because of Iowa's tendency to crush tailback like bug, teams went to the air against the Hawkeyes and more often than not found success: Iowa was but 77th in pass defense efficiency and 96th in terms of yardage.
Defensive Line
Rating: 4. This was supposed to be a disaster zone after the loss of the entire '04 line. Freshmen and sophomores were to be thrust into the uncaring maw of the Big Ten and swallowed whole. This did not so much happen. There was certainly a dropoff -- let us remember that messrs Roth and Babineaux combined for 40 TFL a year ago -- but all told the defensive line did more than just survive.
Junior defensive ends Ken Iwebema and Bryan Mattison were both disruptive forces as sophomores, combining for 19.5 TFL and 11 sacks. Iwebema found his way on the the media's selections for first team All Big Ten. While that may say more about the media than Iwebema in a year that featured Tamba Hali, Lamarr Woodley, and Mike Kudla, it does indicate his impressive talent.
The defensive tackles were also fairly competent despite being undersized. Then-freshmen Matt Kroul and Mitch King held down the starting jobs all year and were not utterly destroyed. King was even kind of good at times with 10 TFLs. One does not hold Minnesota and Wisconsin's run games down with linebackers alone. Kroul and King kept Hodge and Greenway free all year.
A repeat of last year's performance will not be enough for the defensive line, however. Minus Hodge and Greenway and with shaky cornerbacks the line will have get more pressure on the quarterback against tough opponents than the did a year ago, when Iowa had one three yard sack against OSU and none against Michigan. If that happens again this year games against good opponents will dissolve into shootouts that Iowa would like to avoid.
Rating: 3. The Big Ten wishes Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway all the luck in the world in the NFL and encourages them to never, ever return. Replacing the two departed stars are EDSBS/SMQB All-Name Team candidates Mike Klinkenborg ("Der resistance is der futile, jah") and Mike Humpel (hur hur hur), both juniors who saw sporadic action a year ago. The functional Edmond Miles returns to start alongside the newcomers.
My flimsy excuse for posting this picture: Edmond Miles is the Hawkeye on the
right. Hey, blame Google.
Much like last year's defensive line, there must be a dropoff from Hodge and Greenway to Klinkenborg and Humpel. The n00bs are unlikely to average thirteen tackles a game and even more unlikely to cause Pavlovian salivation amongst NFL GMs, but unlike last year's defensive line the new linebackers have cut their teeth against the Big Ten and shown themselves at least decent. Both players are getting raves from the coaches for being intelligent players ready to step in and not screw things up entirely, and I believe them since this is Kirk Ferentz we're talking about.
Not screwing stuff up is a good baseline, but it does shift more pressure onto Miles and the defensive line to make the plays that stop drives. Miles was no wallflower a year ago, hitting double digits in TFLs, and is a candidate to break out now that Iowa is clearly in need of another thumping badass. The linebackers won't be a liability.
Defensive Backs
Rating: 2. Iowa may not miss longtime starters Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson as much as you might expect. Iowa's pass defense wasn't that good with them: 96th in the country in yardage terms and 77th in efficiency. Some of that is probably attributable to a lack of quarterback pressure -- 2.1 sacks per game placed Iowa 68th nationally -- but most of the blame has to rest with the secondary.
In retrospect Johnson's placement on the All Big Ten first team seems to be more a product of longevity than quality: you started for three years on one of the Big Ten's better teams, so we assume you're good. For further reference see Lentz, Matt. Allen was only afforded honorable mention status and neither was drafted. So the dropoff from the duo to juniors Adam Shada and Charles Godfrey may not be great, but given the secondary's performance a year ago Iowa will want to shoot higher than mere maintenance.
I'm from Nebraska.
Better than maintenance may be hard to achieve, however. Adam Shada... well... is from Nebraska, if you know what I mean. He would have to buck an awful lot of history for a guy from Nebraska to become a standout corner on the collegiate level, especially as an unheralded recruit. Many cite his three interceptions from a year ago as reason to believe in his ability, but interceptions are usually fluky events and should not be relied upon for projection. Meanwhile, Godfrey was bouncing to and from safety as recently as last year and seems to have moved to corner because Iowa has no alternatives. It is always, always, always a bad sign when a player goes from backup safety to starting corner over the c
ourse of one offseason. Mediocrity here would be great.
Safety is more secure. Miguel Merrick and Marcus Paschal are both experienced seniors able in run support. Neither has the sort of range or playmaking ability you'd like in the ideal safety, but they're safe players who don't miss many tackles or assignments.
Special Teams
Kickers & Coverage
Rating: 5. Iowa and Ohio State must have a factory somewhere: Kaeding-replacment Kyle Schlicher was 17 of 21 a year ago and is one of the favorites for the Groza award this year. He's the best in the league.
Punter Andy Fenstermaker is an analogue of Michigan's Ross Ryan: the punts he gets off are often ugly, short ducks (84th in gross average), but they're difficult to return and thus the team's net numbers are acceptable (50th).
Since kickers are so much more important than punters and Fenstermaker is okay in net punting, the precious five is bestowed.
Non-Conference: I-AA snackycake Montana, a decent MAC foe in Northern Illinois, and two low-level BCS teams in Syracuse and Iowa State. Respectable-ish, though the biggest threat may well be Garrett Wolfe and company the week after the Hawkeyes' trip to Michigan.
Conference: Michigan State and Penn State are absent from the schedule, which is a small net benefit. More important is the timing of the Ohio State game, which is a night game at home immediately after a virtual bye against Illinois. OSU, meanwhile, will be coming off the Penn State grudge match. That game's homefield advantage may be worth five or six points.
Compounding the scheduling goodness is this fierce slate of away games:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
The trip to Ann Arbor is the only thing resembling an actual crowd Iowa will face all year, and Michigan Stadium is only mildly intimidating minus the winged helmets that dwell within.
We're Sure About
Tate. He's the closest thing to Drew Brees since Drew Brees.
We Have An Idea About
The Defensive Line. What should have been a painful year of learning was instead fairly competent all around. All four starters return; Ferentz and Norm Parker have a proven track record of building terrifying linemen out of whole cloth; watch the eff out.
The Offensive Line Aside From Dace Richardson. A ton of experience save for center Eubanks, but he should be okay as a VHT in a position that's not all that demanding. Everyone else is going to be good.
We Have No Clue About
Dace Richardson. We do have some idea: VHT recruit under the Ferentz regime, but Richardson's performance very well could mean the difference between Drew Tate, Iowa Legend and Drew Tate, Damn Good But Frustrating. If Richardson is wobbly at some point and costs Iowa a game it could cost Iowa much more than that.
Cornerback. Even though it's been theorized that Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen weren't really all that good, Iowa isn't exactly bursting at the seams with candidates to replace them.
An Embarassing Prediction, No Doubt
Best Case
Given the schedule and the talent the Hawkeyes have, a run to the national championship game is not out of the question. There's not a team on the schedule obviously better than Iowa and everyone remotely dangerous save Michigan must travel to Kinnick. 12-0 could happen. It wouldn't even be that surprising.
Worst Case
Maybe the run defense disintegrates without Greenway and Hodge, but I doubt it. If it does then some wonky corners could make the Iowa defense eminently perforable again. Throw in a lot of drops from the wide receivers, the complete implosion of Richardson, and a lot of bad luck... and Iowa's still very good with a favorable schedule. 9-3.
Final Verdict
Iowa was better than its record a year ago and returns the building blocks of a potentially great team in Tate, Young, and the defensive line. Replacing the wide receivers and linebackers will be a chore and some corners must turn up, but the tight ends should reduce the WR burden, the safeties should to likewise for the LBs, and the corners will probably get help from a ravenous defensive line.
As previously discussed, the schedule is a dream. Visits to Syracuse, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota all promise to feature more Iowa fans than opposition ones. The nonconference schedule is managable without being embarassing. The Hawkeyes miss two potentially dangerous teams in MSU and PSU. The only downers are a trip to Michigan and the shame that the national championship game is in Arizona instead of New Orleans, which prevents what would have been a beautiful joke about Tates and beads.
Wins: Montana, @ Syracuse, @ Illinois, @Indiana, Northwestern
Probable Wins: Iowa State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, @ Minnesota, OSU
Tossups: @ Michigan
Probable Losses: None
No Chance: None
Iowa gets OSU in the most favorable spot possible and catches the Buckeyes early in the season when their defense still figures to be breast-feeding. Iowa wins that game, loses to either Michigan or one of the "probable wins" category, and coasts to the Rose Bowl at 11-1.
Unverified Voracity: Apocalypse Edition
These words are not minced. Not even chopped. Bill Martin on Crisler Arena:
"Our basketball coaches are struggling with a second-rate facility,'' Martin said. "It's in dire need of upgrading.''
Yow. Ammunition for the baskeball facilities wars, no doubt, but possibly just empty talk given the vast array of athletic department construction already planned for the next few years. Lining up donors for basketball has proven much more difficult than for football or even baseball, which will have a new stadium this year.
What? Mattias Askew is in the NFL? Sure, sure, he just got tasered because he didn't want to move his car but the real question is: Mattias Askew is in the NFL? A player from one of John L. Smith's defenses is currently being paid by a professional football team?
(Via Deadspin)
The Apocalypse: coming. The first sign was the Whitlock column in which he eviscerated Scoop Jackson. The second: Askew. The third: College Football News giving a shiv to Notre Dame, ranking them 18th and pointing out those uncomfortable facts about the pass rush, secondary, and last year's strength of schedule. Personally, I think 18th is flashily contrarian -- I'll probably rank them around 8 or 10 in the preseason BlogPoll -- but credit must be given to CFN for doing something other than tongue-bathing enormously fat head coach Charlie Weis. (via College Footblog)
Etc: Ty Law is a Chief.
The Most Loathsome People In Sports: 31-40
31-40: The Bothersome
40. Jason Whitlock
Note: this was written before Whitlock's column in which he A) called Scoop Jackson's inane "1.3 percent" piece "so juvenile and flawed" that he "nearly broke down in tears after reading it" and B) sensibly tackled the new ASPE study that revealed vanishingly small numbers of black sports editors and columnists. As much as I really, really dislike Whitlock I'd move him down into the 40s because of it if they hadn't been published already. I would remove him entirely if he mentioned that Scoop looks like a muppet.
Whitlock is infuriating because everything he writes seems precisely calculated to be outlandish, outrageous, or controversial. It seems he can't go a month without expressing his opinion that everything that has ever happened is because of racism. Bob Huggins getting fired? Racism. An extension for Charlie Weis? Racism. Everyone hating Barry Bonds? Racism. Distaste for the US basketball team during their run to sixth place in the Olympics? Racism. His placement on this list? Racism, no doubt. Even more infuriating are the less-frequent columns that have the gall to chide others for focusing too much on race. Almost completely round sports columnist who isn't nearly as funny as he thinks he is, heal thyself.
39. Jacques Lemaire
Not satisfied with watching Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow strangle hockey ninety percent of the way to death, Lemaire's Minnesota Wild attempt to finish the job every night with their suffocating nu-90s trap. Lemaire is a main reason that Sean Avery is the only other NFL employee to make this list, having directly caused the death of interesting hockey (and thus indirectly the strike) by riding the same trap to the Stanley Cup at the helm of the New Jersey Devils. Inspired by New Jersey's ability to win games -1 to -2, the rest of the league immediately started boring other teams into submission.
As the evilest of the evil men who kill the interesting bits of hockey for their own personal benefit, he lands at #40.
38. Mike Kryzerzwierskiziziskiywerkski
I don't think of Mike Kryzerwksizi (-ish) as a basketball coach; I think of him as a smug asshole. Okay, so he runs a program as clean as college basketball programs get that's more successful than any other in college basketball and neither of these things are traditionally objectionable, but come on:
Meet Coach K: Leader
"I don't look at myself as a basketball coach. I look at myself as a leader who happens to coach basketball."
- Coach K
MUST FIND. MUST PUNCH. MUST FIND AND PUNCH. On his official website you're invited to "Meet Coach K" not only as a leader but also a coach, father, friend, mentor, motivator, student, and teacher. No doubt Coach K excels in all these roles, as he excels in everything. And if there's one thing people hate more than a loser it's one of those guys who wins over and over and over again and then details his incredible home life, wonderful children, and twelve inch penis. There is nothing about Coach K that's remotely likeable precisely because he is the best human to ever exist. And damn him further for turning unathletic white guys -- normally basketball underdogs that are tremendous fun to cheer for -- into a neverending March scourge.
37. NBA Referees
College referees are vastly more incompetent, but lack the belief that their cranky, elderly asses walk on water. No doubt the reason each and every NBA foul short of a beheading is met with a torrent of bitching no matter the team, time, or place has much to do with the fact that the definition of a foul changes depending on who you are, where you are, and several other mysterious factors including the phases of the moon and just how senile Dick Bavetta feels today. Everyone around the league -- everyone -- acknowledges the existence of a star system wherein your Dwyane Wades get calls that other players simply wouldn't, which makes the NBA seem more scripted than spontaneous at times.
Besides, don't you understand that you're killing Mark Cuban? You're killing Cubes!
37. The Sun Belt Conference
Perhaps if this was a Texas A&M blog the Sun Belt would check in much lower, if at all. But it isn't. The Sun Belt -- previously a conference best known for having a hilariously inappropriate name (hello Moscow, Idaho) -- exploded onto the national scene by totally and irrevocably fucking up the Alamo Bowl. Causing conniption fits across the educated bits of Michigan was bad enough, but the conference compounded its error by attempting to justify the fiasco, releasing a document laden with feeble double-speak, obfuscation, and general LIES LIES LIES.
As a result, Michigan fans have been plugging ULM, ULL, and whatever other half-ass universities comprise the damn thing this year into NCAA 2006, turning the difficulty down to "retard," and ritualistically beating the Sun Belt 2,100-0 since the final whistle went.
The next time you hear a columnist or non-BCS school member whinge about small schools being left out in the cold, remember the Alamo.
35. This Guy
Watch the video; this one is self explanatory. We must find this man and punish him. Not to be missed is the EDSBS evisceration of same.
34. Jim O'Brien
In a tepid effort to be fair to OSU, this nutjob must be mentioned. O'Brien landed Ohio State's basketball program on probation by attempting to pay recruit Boban Savovic thousands of dollars. Ohio State noticed this transgression and sensibly fired the man. Loathesome, sure, but the kicker: O'Brien sued Ohio State for breach of contract.
Kicker part II: he won. OSU's basketball team will be fine, what with Oden and everyone coming in next year, but the nerve!
33. Lou Holth
Not content with driving every thchool he's ever coached thtraight into the loving arms of Mither NCAA Investigationth man, Holth decided he needed to inflict more pain upon the nation at large. The vehicle via which he doleth out the punishment: placement next to douthestache purveyor and fellow list-member Mark May on ESPN college football theth. From this inexplicable pe
rch, Holtz lithpth out incoherent, utheleth analythith with a dazed thmile upon hith face. [/EO hilarious lisping]
Why so high up? Holtz makes me miss Trev Alberts, which is sort of like wondering what happened to the good old days with world leaders like Mao and Hitler. Thufferin thccotath!
32. Alonzo Mourning
It takes an awful lot of work to erase the sympathy one receives when returning from an inexplicable kidney disease that nearly ends one's career, but Alonzo Mourning managed to do it in, oh, about seven days. I'll let this random blogger detail Mourning's epic pouting, lying, and doggin' spree that took him from New Jersey to Toronto and finally to Miami, where he could ride the coattails of Dwyane Wade to an NBA championship ring that he deserves about as much as I do (though to be fair both 'Zo and I deserve one more than Gary Payton). I'll let my own fictionalized version of Hubie Brown summarize:
"You cannot put your hands on another player, but Alonzo Mourning is one of the great assholes we have in this league."
31. George Shinn
Shinn is a man who cares about nothing except lining his pockets with money. He managed to turn baskeball-mad North Carolina against their once-beloved Hornets (they led the league in attendance from 1988 to 1996), then moved the team to New Orleans when Charlotte asked him to cough up a piddling $13 million for an arena otherwise totally funded with public money. Now he's riding New Orleans for money and threatening to move the team again:
Shinn's lawyers have seized upon a contractual clause in the Hornets' 2002 relocation agreement that requires the city and state to build the team a new practice facility adjacent to the New Orleans Arena, the team's fate in the Crescent City appears sealed. The new practice facility would require an $8.5 million minimum public commitment.
You may remember that about half of New Orleans is underwater.* Someone get Chris Paul away from this man before he gets sexually assaulted, too.
*(To stave off the inevitable correction: not really.)
Some Recruiting Notes
The Pittsburgh Sports Report has an interview with WR Toney Clemons:
Clemons said Pitt, Michigan, and surprising contender Akron have impressed him the most so far. With no decision in sight, Clemons is leaving the door wide open for the traditionally late-acting powers of the college football landscape to get involved. Naming Ohio State, Miami (FL), Florida, and Florida State, Clemons said he gets mail from all over, but "an offer would be overwhelming" from one of the big boys yet to get involved.
Probably not deciding soon. I received an email forwarded along from a reader whose brother-in-law has a daughter at Mullen:
Steve Watson Jr.'s pedigree and physical toools have not so far paid off on the football field. Steve Junior is every bit as tall as his dad (6'4") but much more filled out (although I suspect less than the 240 lbs. listed in the article). But I have yet to see Junior show any of the pass catching skills his father honed to perfection with the Broncos. To my knowledge, Steve Junior has not made a game winning catch or even racked up a 100+ yard game, but he sure looks like a football player. Steve Senior has been seen at many Mullen games rooting his boy on and has been something of an informal coach to Dave Logan, the former Cleveland Brown tight end and current coach of the Mullen Mustangs. I have yet to see any of Watson Junior's potential realized on the field. Maybe this year, his last at Mullen. ...
There are two footnotes about Steve Watson Senior you may find interesting. First, Watson's career with the Broncos was shortened significantly when he was hung out to dry on a short pass during the NFL season all the players were on strike and teams were fielded mostly by replacement players and a few NFL scabs who crossed the line. Watson was one of those scabs. Second, Watson's post-playing career as a cohost of the Bronco's after game show ended abruptly when, during the sign-off the night before the gubernatorial election, Watson innocently said something like, "and good luck to Roy Romer." Even though the comment was innocent and Watson was actually a personal friend of Governor Romer, the comment apparently triggered some kind of equal time provision in force and embarrassed the Denver affiliate enough to terminate his contract immediately. It sort of reminded me of Billy Pilgrim's best friend, an American prisoner of war in "Slaughterhouse Five" who was shot by Nazis following the bombing of Dresden for picking up what turned out to be a small Christmas figurine that reminded him of one he had been missing in his house
back home.
A "Slaughterhouse Five" reference == guaranteed inclusion on blog. Sounds like Watson may be more of a project than you might expect a son of an NFL receiver to be. Rivals gave him three stars for that reason; Scout gave him four for the "looks like a football player" bit, no doubt.
The editor of Scout's Oklahoma State site tossed off a prediction that OL Matt Romine, who's very highly touted, will end up at OU. I don't know if that has backing or is just random speculation. CA CB Donovan Warren still lists Michigan but Scott Wolf posted this downer recently:
USC and UCLA are also locked in a battle for Long Beach Poly cornerback Donovan Warren. But a Pac-10 coach recently told me some members of Warren's family want him to attend Ohio State.
Gross! Everyone expects Warren to go to USC anyway. Apparently Michigan led at one point for Minnesota DE Broderick Binns -- who I know nothing about -- and could possibly still be on top according to yet another irritating question headline from GBW.
ESPN's Top 150 was roundly lambasted across the Internets for being dumb; perhaps this is why:
In the six BCS conferences in the 2005 season, just 26 freshmen actually made a significant impact or even got on the field at all. This is a staggering statistic. Despite all the talk about freshmen making an impact early on, the truth is that it is extremely difficult to make the jump from high school to college, and not as many kids are doing it as fast as many think.
Because we do put emphasis on a player's ability to contribute early, the grades for all players naturally become lower -- and therefore more realistic -- when the odds against a player contributing as a true freshman is factored in.
Um... okay. First of all, "odds [modifier] is" ain't proper Englishes. Second of all, universally depressing rating isn't the criticism leveled by annoying recruitniks. Rather, the critcism comes because players that virtually every coach in the country would thoroughly enjoy offering eligibility-maintaining sham classes to are totally absent. When in doubt, Trust The Coaches.
Lion Taming
The Penn State preview drew Avignon-level flak for cynicism and condesencion plus a snide riposte from 50-Yard Lion. This comment caused remorse:
The analysis is fair enough, but could you have possibly been more condescending?
Ouch. That was not my intent but unfortunately was the result. Occasionally in the pursuit of a good line or five the tenor of an article will veer off course. For that I'm sorry. In an attempt to make good, I'll respond to the saner comments and emails I received. First a comment from PSUMike of Hail To The Lion:
I think Morelli is going to surprise a lot of people. Like Lane pointed out, he didn't get on the field much because doing so would have meant benching Michael Robinson, who finished 5th in the Heisman voting. He only got to play during garbage time against Cinn, Central Michigan, and Illinois. His combined stats were 13-20 155 yds 1 TD 0 INT. Not bad considering Joe's tendency to pull in the offensive reins when he's up. He didn't light anyone up but he didn't let them get back in the game either. In the games I saw him, including the spring game, he showed good footwork and confidence. His release was quick and his passes were on time with good armstrength. As good as MRob was, he was horrible throwing the ball. His best passes were when he heaved it up and let his Butler and Williams run under it.
I remain skeptical about Morelli but admit that the evidence against is as flimsy as the evidence for. We must agree to disagree. The season will prove one of us wrong. If it heartens you, given my track record it will probably be me.
Hunt is a good back, but he's not a star. He will churn out 4 and 5 yard gains all day, but he won't break a 50 yd run. But that's all Hall will ask him to do. Keep the offense out of 3rd and long and let the WR's go for the big plays. ...
You're right the offensive line is the big question mark. But then they were the big question mark going into last year too. They weren't great but they weren't bad either. I can't see this group being worse than last year.
Really? Offensive linemen tend to be the slowest developing players on the field other than maybe quarterbacks. Going from four seniors, a junior, and years of starting experience to Levi Brown and four guys who haven't started a game in their lives is going to be a huge dropoff. If Morelli lives up to expectations that will be offset by a much improved passing game, but a tetchy offensive line and the loss of Robinson's 800 yards means that the run game will be hard pressed to come anywhere near its performance of a year ago. If Hunt was the sort of back to make things for himself I could see something effective emerge, but he seems like the kind of guy who needs the hole to be precisely where it's supposed to be.
On defense, we lose three starters on the D-Line, but return Jay Alford who had 8.5 sacks and 11.5 TFL last year. Ed Johnson is returning and should be a force in the middle. I also expect some of their freshmen recruits to step in and make a contribution by the start of Big Ten play. The LB's will be fantastic. I'm glad to see you recognize that.
The DB's are a question. No doubt. They have talent, but they lack experience. Fortunately, you can coach the latter and not the former.
There is still a steep dropoff from Hali to either the journeymen veterans currently in place or freshmen, no matter how highly touted Maurice Evans is. As for the DBs, I'm not sure how much raw talent there is other than Justin King -- and I don't think anyone else does either. The remainder of the secondary had middling guru ratings and was stuck behind Phillips, Lowry et al over the past few years. It could be rough to start.
My prediction is 10-2. We will split the ND and OSU games. Win one and lose one. Don't ask me which but I hope it's ND. God I hate them. I think we will beat you guys. We're due and we're hungry. Penn State is tired of hearing the press tell us you own us. But I think we will slip somewhere along the line and lose to either Wisconsin, Purdue or Minnesota.
I think beating ND is going to be a very tough task on the road with a quarterback getting his first experience against a real opponent. The young secondary and (projected) flimsy pass rush don't match up well against Quinn, Smarjadskazieksa, and company. Obviously PSU has a chance, but I think that's a loss.
As for Michigan, I don't think PSU will be any hungrier to beat Michigan than they were last year or the last seven times they played. A night game at the Beav will be Edmonton-Stanley-Cup-Finals insane, granted, but the game is still played on the field. On said field, I think the Michigan defensive line will give PSU all kinds of problems. Hunt isn't the kind of back to exploit Michigan's dodgy outside linebackers with uncovered bounce-outs. Derrick Williams will be matched up against Leon Hall, who is pretty good. If Henne is on I think Michigan wins -- a big if given last year, granted.
An email from John Uhl:
I don't share all your pessimism about PSU's team and the final results this year, but, hey, you're entitled to your opinion. Your analysis is well researched. What many seem to ignore is that PSU was one of the absolute elite teams (they have played and beaten the best in college football over the years and in bowl games) for a long, long time and then they ran in to some lousy recruiting and coaching decisions which resulted in a horrible 3-4 years. The old man has turned the reins over to some very capable ass't coaches and, well, you saw the results last year. Galen Hall is an offensive genius. Expect very good things from this year's team .They are LOADED with talent on both sides of the ball. AND, attitude! To expect a repeat of last year is unrealistic, but if Morelli hits the ground runnin', who knows.
Hope you're in Happy Valley for the night game with your team. It will be an experience you will NEVER forget. The streak ends this year. Ask OSU what the atmosphere is like. Hell, ask ESPN's Game Day crew.
I did totally overlook the presence of Galen Hall. The PSU offense did perk up under his leadership and was decent despite having little raw material to work with. His track record at Florida, aside from the rampant cheating, was impressive. If my PSU preview turns out to be exceedingly pessimistic at the end of the year it'll probably be because of that.
Another email from Robert Croumathel, though with fewer comments as I've already expressed my opinion on Morelli and Hunt, etc:
I don't know about the X's and O's, but Morelli has the best young arm I've seen at Penn State in a very long time. No big wind up and slow-motion release. Just three steps back, read, and boom. Honestly, he's got the quickest release I've seen since Dan Marino, which is so important in preventing defenders from jumping the play. If he can learn to look off his receivers, he's got some pretty good guys to throw to, so I suspect the passing game will be fine.
Tony Hunt is a complete back, meaning he can hit the crease with speed and power and also take out a linebacker when required. Yah, we played some weak defenses, but so did everyone else in the Big Ten, as you pointed out. Tony gained over 1,000 yards in the Big Ten, which puts him in some pretty good company. If you watch him for awhile you'll see he runs with heart and toughness, as opposed to Austin Scott, who avoids the contact whenever possible.
The O-line has to grow up quickly, but the strength of our defense will keep us in games. So a 9-win season is very doable, and I think we will lay a beating on ND, a
s will Michigan.
I bet the Pitt fans are thrilled with the Dan Marino comparison.
One defender you didn't mention is safety Mark Rubin. You should watch for this guy. He was a receiver who broke his ankle in the pre-season last year and missed the entire season. He's been moved to safety, and if he can learn his assignments he will be a terrific safety. He can punish people back there.
Noted, though I think any impact Rubin makes will be next year at the earliest, as he's coming off a serious injury, moving positions, and stuck behind a couple seniors.
One last thing - I've never held anything against Chad Henne, and I don't know a single Penn State fan who does. Sure I was disappointed, and it would've been great if he had landed in the SEC, but after his stellar Freshman season, it was apparent that he absolutely made the right choice.
This I am glad to hear, but obviously you haven't been to BWI. Something about the Internet fanbase that has sprung up around BWI is deeply wrong and there's an unparalleled hatred for all things block M there. Even on places like the OZone there is some underlying respect, heavily cloaked though it may be.


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23 year old man | Barrington, NJ, USA | Seeking women 18-29
Active within 1 week
My best friends would describe me as a driven...
My best friends would describe me as a driven guy who drinks way too much iced tea, and is an aspiring musician/engineer (whichever comes first). I have an old soul, which I guess nowadays means morals and common sense. I working to get my own apartment again, and I'm completely independent of my parents with the exception of college. I'm deeply involved with music - whether it's playing music or listening to music, it's rare to find no music on nearby. I'm not into bars, and I don't have a lot of time to search otherwise, so I hope to find someone here. My social life isn't drama filled; life consists of just daily tasks, and trying to help people out, both directly and indirectly. I'm looking for the lady that gets me and can add to it. She must have morals, and a love for the arts. If that's you, send me a message and we'll see where it goes!
Hobbies and crafts , Movies/Videos , Music and concerts , Performing arts , Playing sports , Video games , Watching sports
Basketball, Running
I exercise 1-2 times per week.
I like Fish
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Coffee houses, quiet places, friends' houses, Boston, MA, Ann Arbor MI
DeVry University Online, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Hispanic food, the color orange, Arizona Iced Tea, intelligent people
play my musical instruments, sleep, work on cars
Novel wise: The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Otherwise: My Engineering circuits book.
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What he is looking for
|6'2" (187cms)
|3'0" (91cms) to 8'11" (271cms)
|Body type:
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I load tractor trailers at a postal facility
|$25,001 to $35,000
|Less Than $25,000, $25,001 to $35,000, $35,001 to $50,000, $50,001 to $75,000, $75,001 to $100,000, $100,001 to $150,000, $150,001+
|Never Married
|Never Married, Currently Separated, Divorced
|Have kids:
|Yes, and they sometimes live at home, No, Yes, and they live at home
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|Not sure
|Black / African descent
|Asian, Black / African descent, Latino / Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, White / Caucasian
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|Christian / Catholic, Christian / Protestant, Christian / Other
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I'm currently in school for a Bachelors for Computer Engineering.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
MVPAlvin Burke, Jr.
- Birthdate: 10/28/1973 (age 41)
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 252 Ib
Assad was trained by former professional wrestl...
"The night before wrestling's biggest and grandest event of the year and right after thousands gather at Madison Square Garden for the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame induction, Hot 97′s Peter Rosenberg and grappling great MVP team up and for an entertaining conversation about all things sports entertainment. This unique event will offer an inside behind the scenes glimpse into the wrestling business that will include a questions-and-answers session and a meet-and-greet with MVP and other surprise guests. So come down to Carolines and hang out with the stars of the squared circle."
You can get tickets at this link.
-- The following was cut from this week's WWE RAW on Hulu…
1) Mark Henry vs. the Usos
2) The Prime Time Players vs. Team Hell No
3) Wade Barrett vs. The Miz
4) Backstage segment with AJ Lee and Kaitlyn
5) Team Rhodes Scholars vs. Brodus Clay and Tensai
6) Arnold Schwarzenegger inducting Bruno Sammartino announcement
7) AJ Lee vs. Kaitlyn


text:
Nobel prize-winning Irish poet Seamus Heaney died Friday. His publisher says he passed away after a short illness. Heaney was widely considered one of the greatest poets of his generation.
More bad news for NBA player Lamar Odom. He was arrested early Friday morning for driving under the influence. Police say he failed sobriety tests, and showed clear signs of being intoxicated.
According to Triple-A, the number of Americans traveling for Labor Day will be at its highest level since the recession. The top U.S. destinations for the long weekend are Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago. Internationally, Cancun.
In California, a storm dumped several inches of rain, and this is the aftermath. Hills are washed away and roads filled with mud, rocks and debris. The mess has about 15-hundred residents in the community stuck.
President Obama, meeting with key members of his national security team, discussing how to respond to alleged chemical attacks in Syria, but he has yet to make a final decision. The U.S. says the evidence is as clear as it gets, an intelligence report released by the administration Friday shows rockets filled with chemical weapons were launched from government controlled areas. Now, all eyes are now on President Obama.


text:
Rochelle, Illinois
|Rochelle, Illinois
Sign seen entering the city of Rochelle
|Nickname: The Hub City
|United States
|Ogle, Lee
|Flagg, Dement, Alto
|823 ft (251 m)
|41°55′24″N 89°03′56″W / 41.92333°N 89.06556°WCoordinates: 41°55′24″N 89°03′56″W / 41.92333°N 89.06556°W
|12.92 sq mi (33 km2)
|- land
|12.90 sq mi (33 km2)
|- water
|0.02 sq mi (0 km2)
|9,574 (2010)
|488.29 / sq mi (189 / km2)
|Chet Olson (R)
|- summer (DST)
|Postal code
|Area code
|Wikimedia Commons: Rochelle, Illinois
|Website: www.cityofrochelle.net
Rochelle is a city in Ogle County and Lee County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,574 at the 2010 census, up from 9,424 at the 2000 census. Rochelle is approximately 80 miles (130 km) west of Chicago and 25 miles (40 km) south of Rockford.
Originally named Hickory Grove, the town sits at the intersection of two rail lines. Having a number of granaries holding corn, wheat and other crops for shipping eastward, the town was an important rail link for farmers. During the Civil War, an arsonist burned some of the granaries. He was arrested but vigilantes stormed the local jail and hung him from a tree. The town then was called Hang Town by locals and travelers. Later in the local pharmacy, some of the city fathers were discussing the problem of lack of people coming to reside in the town. It was agreed a new name was necessary. One of the men reached up on a shelf and picked up a bottle of Rochelle Salts, saying Rochelle would be a good name for the town.[citation needed]
After World War II, Rochelle grew, becoming a center for Swift Meat Packing and Del Monte canned vegetables such as asparagus, corn, green beans, and peas. Now the town hosts Nippon Sharyo, a Japanese maker of railroad passenger cars for commuter lines and regional corridor routes operated by Amtrak,[1] as well as a meat packing plant owned by Hormel Foods.[citation needed]
On April 9, 2015, parts of the city suffered damage after a large wedge EF4 tornado struck the town.[2][3]
Rochelle is located at 41°55′24″N 89°3′56″W / 41.92333°N 89.06556°W (41.923274, -89.065694),[4] along the Kyte River (commonly, if inaccurately, known to most locals as "Kyte Creek").
According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 12.92 square miles (33.5 km2), of which 12.90 square miles (33.4 km2) (or 99.85%) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.052 km2) (or 0.15%) is water.[5]
As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 9,424 people, 3,688 households, and 2,415 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,260.9 people per square mile (487.1/km²). There were 3,895 housing units at an average density of 521.1 per square mile (201.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.81% White, 1.14% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.92% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 8.69% from other races, and 1.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.16% of the population.
There were 3,688 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. Of all households 29.3% were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city the population was spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,984, and the median income for a family was $46,563. Males had a median income of $35,890 versus $25,058 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,139. About 7.6% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.
Rochelle is served by two separate school districts. Rochelle Community Consolidated District 231 serves Rochelle and limited areas just outside of town. District 231 has four elementary schools serving grades K–5: Abraham Lincoln Elementary, Central Elementary, Floyd J. Tilton Elementary, and Phillip May Elementary. The district also operates one middle school, Rochelle Middle School, serving grades 6–8. Rochelle Township High School District 212 operates Rochelle Township High School. About half of the high school's students come from Rochelle and District 231; the remaining students come from a number of outlying communities, including Kings, Steward, Creston, Hillcrest, Esmond, and Lindenwood.
There is also a private school named, St. Paul Lutheran School which enrolls children from the age of three, and up through the eighth grade.
Rochelle Railroad Park has spawned many imitators, such as the Railroad Platform in Folkston, Georgia. For many years the Whitcomb Locomotive Works, founded by George Dexter Whitcomb, manufactured industrial locomotives as well as the Partin Palmer automobile, in Rochelle.
Rochelle is also home to Union Pacific's Global III Intermodal Facility. At the time it opened it was Union Pacific's largest intermodal facility. Construction on the state-of-the-art facility was completed in 2003.[7]
The Illinois River Energy ethanol plant is located in Rochelle.[8]
Rochelle owns and operates Rochelle Municipal Airport.
Rochelle is known as the "Hub City" because of its location at the intersection of several major transportation routes. The first transcontinental highway in the United States, the Lincoln Highway, passed through Rochelle, as did US-51, one of the first highways to go the full north-south length of the United States. Both these roads have diminished in importance (and are now state highways 38 and 251, respectively), but Rochelle continues to be crossed by major highways, especially Interstates 88 and 39. Besides roadways, Rochelle is also crossed by two major rail lines; the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway mainlines cross inside of the city limits.[9] The effect, as seen on a map, was one of the spokes of an old wagon wheel meeting at the "hub", and thus the nickname was born.
Today, literally dozens of businesses carry the moniker "Hub City", including furniture stores, shopping centers, realty firms, dry cleaners, and many others. Even the local high school's teams are known as the "Hubs".[10][11]
Rochelle was once a stop for passenger trains operated by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and its successor, the Burlington Northern, such as North Coast Limited. The town saw its last passenger train in 1971, and in 2007, the depot, which had been built in 1921, was demolished.
Notable people[edit]
- Joan Allen, actress
- Daniel Van Kirk, comedian
Notable buildings[edit]
- ^ http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/
- ^ Severe weather: Tornadoes hit Iowa, Illinois, Ohio; CNN; April 9, 2015.
- ^ Tornadoes touch down, leave 1 dead in Fairdale; ABC7; April 9, 2015.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ^ "2010 Census U.S. Gazetteer Files for Places – Illinois". United States Census. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Malone, Frank (2003). "Design for decongestion". Railway Age.
- ^ http://www.pjstar.com/free/x1260739567/Farmers-ethanol-makers-likely-OK-with-no-subsidy
- ^ http://www.rochelletourism.com/brochure.pdf
- ^ http://www.rths.rochelle.net/index.shtml
- ^ http://www.rochellehubssports.com/
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rochelle, Illinois.


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Date: 2004
Description: Donna, who moved here 9 years ago, shows off her horses, Red and Dasher.
Date: ????-02-16
Description: "Bicyclist, Mark Musack, one of Theresa's best 'Paper Persons,' making the rounds on 'The Reporter' route."
Date: 1980-01
Description: "When this airplane developed engine trouble, it was forced to land on the Myron Weninger farm, south of Theresa. Hillary Weninger explains what happened."
Date: 1992-12
Description: Built in 1916, the Theresa Village Dam has played a large part in the appearance of the Rock River. Dam is pictured in winter.
Date: 1978-02-21
Description: "Theresa Barber Shop. Jan Reuter carries on the business after the untimely death of her husband, Carl. Her customer is Eric Schaumberg."
Date: 1980-02
Description: "Dr. Greg Langenfeld is an avid photographer, shoots color film, and does his own processing."
Description: David Huettner and wife, Karen, milked the last cows in 1998.
Date: 1979-08
Description: "Widmer Cheese employees. Front; Pat Geschke, Harvey Kamrath, Joe- John- Ralph- Jim Widmer."
Date: 1978-02-23
Description: "Tri-County Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Almond Giese and Ralph Langenecker, proprietor, talk over a work project."
Description: Dan and Diane Krueger pose with sons, Jimmy, and Jerry (the tallest), on their property at N8990 Sunnyview Road (Section 7).
Date: 1978-02-16
Description: "Rev. Herbert Lemke and Charles Koepsell, Mayville, lead the mourners to the grave site."
Date: 1978-02
Description: "Eric Schaumberg has his 'bangs' cut by barber, Jan Reuter."
Date: 1983-08
Description: "Threshing on the Batzler farm."
Date: 1997-04-05
Description: "Cynthia Neitzel weds Scott Bernhard at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Theresa."
Description: "This old milk wagon will be in Theresa Firemen's parade."
Description: Richard and Gayle Christian live at W1624 Allen Rd (Section 21). This barn was built in 1914, and they are still milking.
Description: Ken and Sandy Gerlach live at N8684 Bancroft Rd (Section 15).
Description: This ancient Pomeranian-style building, made of bricks and stone, still stands on the Gebhard property.
Date: date unknown
Description: Elevated view of a parade featuring children and adults carrying American flags. Spectators can be seen on the sidewalk.
Description: Jeff Adams is in the car repair and restoration business, as is evidenced by the many cars on the property. This property was formerly owned by the Ted Eck...
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EI-LO offers designers, manufacturers, and apparel brands the perfect T-shirt at the perfect price point. We combine quality blank knit apparel with easy ordering, no minimums and immediate delivery. As a completely vertical manufacturer, we control every aspect of the process to ensure the highest quality products. Using 100% USA Cotton & Ring-spun Yarn our fabrics are softer, more stable and are USDA and NAFTA Certified. For more info please visit
I am a big fan of Tiffany and her team as well as an avid reader of Shop-Eat-Surf. I shop, I eat, I surf -- I should pay.- By Kevin Bailey, President, Vans
There is no better publication that I am aware of that is so accurate and on top of any news and developments in our industry. I personally recommend it to many people that want to know and understand more about our industry. For the most part, shop-eat-surf.com gets the stories first. As a matter of fact, I require all the executives in our company to read it.- By Hezy Shaked, President & CEO, Tilly's
AGENDA: Last chance to register before July 8-9 show.
ISPO: Shanghai trade show runs July 2 - 4.
Details on Industry Insight.
Press Release:
June 27, Fountain Valley, CA— ONE Distribution today released a really cool action sports press release that announced that Michelle Smith would be the new Senior Vice President of Sales.
"We are proud to have Michelle Smith as part of the ONE Distribution Leadership Team," said CEO Scott Bailey in his typically cool press release fashion. "Michelle's experience as a senior sales executive is reflective of ONE's strategic growth strategy. Michelle's style and approach complement the company culture at ONE and we look forward to a great future together."
The press release went on to list Michelle's experience in skateboarding and action sports. It said, for instance, that Michelle recently held the same SVP of Sales position at DC Shoes for two years (she spent a total of eight years at DC). Her experience in the action sports industry, and in particular skateboarding, is impressive and runs deep.
She worked for Burton as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Analog and Gravis, and she held the same position at Dwindle Distribution overseeing the brands Enjoi, Blind, Deca, A-Team, Tensor, and Speed Demons. She was even at Dwindle during the first Axion attempt with Kareem Campbell.
She got her start in the industry with Split as a sales manager.
The entire press release is pretty cool from start to finish, but the part of the press release that everyone is going bonkers for is a section that features a really cool quote from Michelle.
"I'm extremely happy to have joined ONE Distribution," Michelle Smith said, "and to be working with a team of people that all have the same goals in mind. There is so much opportunity for both brands, KR3W and SUPRA and I am looking forward to being a part of the future success."
The amazing press release more or less ended there, but its effects have been echoing across the action sports industry all day. Insiders who knew about this over the weekend were saying things like, "This is the most exciting press release I've seen in a long time."
And others were all, "Michelle Smith totally made this press release. She rules." And this one guy was all, "I can't wait to see what Michelle does at KR3W and SUPRA because that announcement was flabbergasting." And then he banged a shovel on the ground three times and said, "Woo."
Inspired by the filthy streets of Los Angeles, California KR3W was founded in 2002. Since its inception, KR3W has embodied everything we feel is right about skateboard culture - independence, creativity and originality. KR3W's K Slim Jean simultaneously revolutionized the industry and established KR3W as a brand known for innovation and unique vision.
KR3W manufactures a full collection of denim, woven shirts and shorts, outerwear, accessories and footwear for today's forward-thinker who prefers to always lead and never follow. We work with the most talented skaters, musicians and artists that have contributed their own signature styles to the wide-ranging denim assortment. KR3W features some of the best and most relevant denim cloths, treatments and washes while delivering proprietary cuts and fits at competitive price points. KR3W is sold at better skate shops, denim boutiques and specialty stores worldwide. Filthy KR3W forever. http://kr3wdenim.com/
Founded in 2006, SUPRA quickly emerged as one of the leading independent footwear brands globally. SUPRA is recognized around the world for its groundbreaking silhouettes, unique combination of materials and dynamic color stories. Originally born from Southern California skateboard culture, SUPRA has been able to remain firmly committed to its roots, while simultaneously branching out to offer compelling and functional products to a much broader international audience. www.suprafootwear.com


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(Memphis) People are lining up for membership at the Salvation Army's Kroc Center before it's even open.
"I wanted to be a part of something that was really great and big in Memphis," says
Michelle McKissack, who is getting a family membership for herself and her brother.
"I paid $660 for an annual membership for two of those. It was a good deal though because I have four children. My brother and his wife have 4 children. So we will be spending a lot of time here at the pool," says McKissack.
As a member, she can use the Aquatic Center, the Fitness Center and the in-and-out-door sports areas.
For a family of four, membership is $600, $360 for individuals, plus a $50 registration fee.
Some say the Kroc Center will give places like the YMCA competition.
At the "Y," a family membership runs $900, $600 for individuals.
The YMCA however has multiple locations, lower rates based on income and you don't have to enter a contract.
Both facilities offer programs for children including swimming and after care.
"We have set it at a rate that we need to set it at to pay the bills. So it's not so much to compete with others. We have a large operating endowment that was provided by the Kroc Trust and also funds that were raised here in the community. So we were able to keep our membership costs low," says Captain Jonathan Rich, Area Commander of the Memphis Salvation Army.
A one day pass at the Kroc Center costs $5 to 10 which is comparable to a YMCA.
Concerts and plays will be featured in the theater, which rents for $250 an hour.
The largest room, Hardin Grand Hall, costs $450 an hour.
With amenities like two hours of free child care, a Kroc Cafe and a problem solving challenge lab, many think it's worth it.
"I think it's a great price for what you get. This is a fantastic facility," says Tom Leitzell, who signed up for a family membership.


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Learn more about Versatile Mobile's hardware and software solutions
Versatile Mobile Systems is a leader in the sales and service of mobile computing devices used in the retail and distribution industries. We enable major corporations and small businesses to purchase new mobile handhelds, printers and components from Honeywell, Intermec, Zebra and others. Since 1992 we have operated a highly innovative repair and asset management depot facility that allows us to become the one-stop mobile device partner to any customer.
We offer a portfolio of route accounting software solutions that enable field sales and delivery teams to perform more efficiently and maintain real-time connectivity to enterprise ERP systems. Our dedicated software development and support team has over 15 years working closely with major customers to seamlessly integrate our software into corporate systems.
Versatile Mobile is your one-stop shop for industry leading handheld computers, scanners, batteries, mobile printers, networking equipment and accessories.
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The Versatile Mobile suite of handheld and tablet software is built to meet the requirements of field sales, merchandising, delivery and route accounting.
Learn more about Versatile Mobile's hardware and software solutions


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Around the Web: Kelley Blue Book
- Auto, Boat & Air
Thursdays with Pioneer: Novelist Plus
USL Training
Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM (MDT)
Novelist Plus, the newest Pioneer: Utah's Online Library resource, is all about Reader's Advisory. It is a comprehensive source of information about books that includes expert recommendations, reviews, articles, lists and more. NoveList has reading recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction, for all ages. NoveList's expertise in books and reading means that you'll always get the best help for finding just the right books.
Location: Online
Audience: All Utah library workers
Instructor: Kristen Stehel, USL
To join the meeting: http://stateofutah.adobeconnect.com/usltraining/
If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before, set up your computer: http://stateofutah.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview
Jessica Whetman, Utah State Library Training Coordinator
801-715-6762; 800-662-9150 x 56776
Utah State Library Division
250 N 1950 W Suite A
Salt Lake City UT 84116
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Big Fun Exciting Announcement Monday With Sean and Richie
Make sure you listen to the Sean and Richie Show on Monday morning at 7:40.
Make sure you listen to the Sean and Richie Show on Monday morning at 7:40.
Twitter has 500 million users according to TechCrunch.com so we figure some of our listeners might be hanging out in the Twitter-sphere. Are you on the Twitter thing?!
What a great day today on the Sean and Richie Show! We were lucky enough to get to talk to one of country music's biggest superstars. Toby Keith called in today and if you missed it, I'm going to give you another opportunity to hear it here.
Everyone has a lucky number. Mine is 44. It was my jersey number in high school and is awesome. I know you have a lucky number too.
It's time for our Fall swing on the Sean and Richie Show's "Small Town Tour". We will be broadcasting live from 4 awesome small towns in the 1077 'GNA listening area every Friday morning in October from 6-10am.
We always say that 1077 'GNA Fanatics have more fun and we're proving it again. If you're not a member join now at WGNA.com We've got a chance for you to win an awesome trip and more!
Last week Fonda was the winning town in the Small Town Tour poll so the Sean and Richie show will be heading to Fonda the 3rd Friday in October to broadcast their morning show live and enjoy enjoy a nice breakfast with all of our awesome listeners in Fonda. This week we see who gets the final stop on the 1077 'GNA Small Town tour with the poll below.
Are you the next morning radio star? Maybe you are, or maybe it's one of the girls who have already submitted their videos for consideration. We posted a video Friday morning to show that we are in desperate need of some female companionship here on the Sean and Richie Show, otherwise things just get a little too locker room-ish.
Alan Jackson has a huge list of #1 hits that he is proud of. He is really excited about his new song that is climbing the charts, and he should be.
It's finally here! Wing Wars is ready to roll at the Washington Avenue Armory at 1pm this afternoon. Wings and Yeungs (Yeungling beer) for all.
Tomorrow is the day! Wing Wars is ready to roll at the Washington Avenue Armory. I did some looking in the country music file and found a tune that was a hit and mentioned wings. Keep reading to see what it is and give a listen right here too.
We here at the Sean and Richie Show have noticed something missing as of late. We pondered and pondered and finally figured out what we need - a girl! So we have decided to search for the next female radio star right here in the Albany area. Maybe YOU are our girl.


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Jewelry for You! How to Make Handmade Beaded Bracelets and Necklaces
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How to Tie Friendship Bracelets
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There could be more to the story
When I read about the plight of Rik Blake, the veteran who bought a house sight-unseen on the North side, I had mixed feelings. Of course I felt sorry for him; but then again, buying a home without due diligence is a risky proposition. There's enough information and bad press out there about Youngstown to provide some inkling of possible problems.
But I don't believe our reputation for crime and corruption represents the true heart and soul of this town. When I read about the outpouring of help for Mr. Blake, I was reminded that this city has many, many people with enormous hearts and generous spirits.
So, what was it about Mr. Blake's situation that mobilized these people? The story in The Vindicator pictured a guy in a crisis situation that was thrust upon him. In any crisis, say a tornado or tsunami, our instinct is to take action. But after 20 or 30 similar disasters, that sense of urgency disappears. We begin to suffer from crisis fatigue
When it comes to neighborhood renewal, I believe the people of Youngstown suffer from crisis fatigue. The city has notoriously overlooked enforcement of property maintenance, and properties have been allowed to fall into dangerous disrepair. Depending on your viewpoint, the fault lies with the city (lack of manpower, disorganization, or corruption), the economy (joblessness and poverty), or with the residents themselves (lazy low-lifes who refuse to care for their homes). In any case, as the blight continues to spread and entire neighborhoods are written off, the situation feels overwhelming and impossible to fix.
But Blake's situation shows that ordinary citizens can make a difference, when properly focused. In every neighborhood there are people like Rik Blake who have made mistakes, suffered some loss or disability, or just grown too old to help themselves. Why should this outpouring of help on the North Side be a one-time effort? Why can't we use this example as a starting point to mobilize similar efforts for others who want their homes to look better and be safer, but can't do, or afford to do, the work themselves?
It will be a wonderful thing when Mr. Blake's house is rehabbed and inhabitable. But as it stands now, when it's done, the truth feels more like this: one down, 3,000 more to go.
Liz Hill, Youngstown
Well said. Thanks for taking the time to write this, Liz.
Thank You Liz --- There's been many ups, downs, rumors to this story. My goal before this huge undertaking was to help the elderly neighbor, single mom, anyone that just needs help, especially addressing a safety or code issue. The difference between a natural disaster on the other side of the country or the world, is that it was local. That's the biggest part of this story I'll take with me for life, is how wonderful the people of Youngstown were!!!
Very good letter Liz, and I agree with you 100%.
I absolutely do NOT want this to be a one-time-thing, which is why we created the Youngstown Neighbors for Neighbors group on Facebook. It is my hope that people will let us know about those in need so that we can reach out to help them, and make this more than just a one-time event.
he turned out to be a drug addict , con


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SEJournal is included with membership. For those not eligible for membership, you can purchase a subscription that includes discounts to SEJ's annual conferences.
SEJ Puts "Ultimate Rolodex," Other Climate Coverage Tools, on Web
As the climate change story heats up, environmental reporters across the country (not merely at national media) may find themselves writing about global warming.


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iOS icon design for a secret mission app. The app itself gives users a secret mission every day, so we brainstormed a mission impossible-style audio tape player inside a briefcase (the red matches the app UI).
Logo on the lid is pre-existing from client.
keyboard shortcuts: ← previous shot → next shot L or F like Z toggle zoom


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« Tomato Cream Chicken Sausage "Pasta"
Paleo Creamy Chicken Chili »
by FitnessExpert
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Now time to make your pesto. So throw your almonds in the food processor turn on until you get a mealy powder.
Then add your basil leaves and turn your food processor back on.
Mix the two ingredients together, and while the food processor is still running, drop in your garlic cloves then slowly begin to add your olive oil to help combine.
Then add your lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Taste to see if you need to add a little extra of anything else.
Now pull out a large baking dish, 9×13 would do well but smaller is ok too. Add your chopped butternut squash, chicken breasts, then pour your almond pesto over it. Mix around a bit with the spoon to help coat all sides of the food.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through* and butternut squash is tender. Use the "poke with a fork" test to check.


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At their meeting of Feb. 17, the Maple Grove City Council accepted a generous donation from the Maple Grove Lions Club of $20,000. Approximately half of that will be used to purchase six new bikes for the Maple Grove Police Department. The other portion will go into a fund the Lions previously sta...Read More
maple grove lions
The Maple Grove Lions and Maple Grove Firefighters Relief Association (MGFRA) joined forces at one of the city's fire stations to assemble food baskets for those in need in the community and surrounding area this past Saturday, Dec. 20. According to Maple Grove Lions Publicity Chair Phil Leith sai...Read More
The Maple Grove Lions Club has announced this year's winners of the Dick Reimer/Maple Grove Lion Clubs Scholarships for the class of 2014. A total of $25,000 has been awarded to graduating seniors who reside in Maple Grove including one $5,000 scholarship and twenty $1,000 scholarships to be used ...Read More
The Maple Grove Lions recently donated $100,000 towards a future project at Central Park and also $15,000 to the recreation scholarship fund. At the regular, February meeting for the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board, the Maple Grove Lions Club members received recognition for their generosity....Read More
The Maple Grove Lions Club recently presented a $27,000 grant to District 279 Foundation's Literacy Program. The funds will be used to purchase materials for the school district's 27 media centers. "The media centers are the one place in every single building where every single student and sta...Read More
Maple Grove Lions celebrate milestone The Maple Grove Lions Club hits a big milestone Tuesday, March 5. This year the club marks its 50th anniversary. March 5th is also the group's monthly dinner meeting, which will be a dinner anniversary banquet. Maple Grove City Council and Lions Club member Ph...Read More
The Maple Grove Lions Club was chartered in 1963 and is a member of Lions International, the largest service organization in the world. It is a group of individuals who works together to help the Maple Grove Community with financial and service aid. December was a very busy month for the Lions. It s...Read More


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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: NO PHONE CALLS!PLEASE EMAIL RESUME: email@example.com We are looking for a qualified individual to printing, scanning and binding Must have a pleasant personality and professional attire. Trustworthy and dependable.Requirements: -Proficient in Microsoft...More info Email a friend
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Originally written on Fox Sports Wisconsin | Last updated 1/9/13
MILWAUKEE -- Out of habit, Brandon Jennings looked over at the Bucks' bench and almost yelled "Scott." It's hard to blame him because it's been a long 24 hours for the Milwaukee Bucks. The day started with a meeting to discuss the departure of Scott Skiles and ended with a 108-99 victory that snapped their four-game losing streak and gave Jim Boylan a win in his debut as Milwaukee's coach. Jennings played one of his finest games of the season, scoring 29 points on 9 of 15 shooting while dishing out nine assists and hitting on five of his seven three-pointers. "I was just on a mission to get a win, period, because of the fact we've lost four in a row," Jennings said. "We didn't want to lose another one." Just as Jennings hesitated to remember Boylan was now the head coach, the man himself had to do a double take when he realized no other coach was standing up in front of him. But once he settled in, Boylan was energetic and into the game like the change was no big deal at all. ...
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