Bleacher Report - Articles by Kody Brannon

What Is Wrong with the Dallas Cowboys? Simple Answer: Jerry Jones

Kody Brannon — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400

Back in the early '90s, the Dallas Cowboys were the team to beat. They had a great coach, great players, and were almost unbeatable. Then the coach left—but the players stayed and continued to win for a few more years. Then came the years without the players, and horrible to mediocre coaches.

But after a decade of mediocrity, Jerry Jones decided to bring in Bill Parcells, who started to restore some shine to the now tarnished star. However, even that ended up being short lived. So what is the one thing that hurts the cowboys more than anything else? The answer is simple, Jerry Jones, who is the root of all problems for this franchise.

Yes, he has been a good owner and has done a lot of great things. Jerry, though, wants to think he is a football genius and that he can control everything. He has made horrible coaching choices since Johnson and especially after Parcells.

He brings in players who embarrass the franchise and make it a laughing stock. Lastly, he ends up drafting so-so players with an occasional hit.

Jerry Jones is by no means an idiot, and I am sure he knows the game of football very well. But he needs to hire a "football minded" general manager and focus on what he knows: the business end of the NFL. If he fails to do this, the Cowboys will continue to lack success.

In the end, Jerry will have too much pride to ever relinquish his power, which means his team will slowly fall into the same state of disarray that the Oakland Raiders now find themselves in. And for any Cowboy fan out there, a fate like this is worse than death. It is sad for me to see this once great franchise turn into a laughing stock.

The Texas Conundrum: Longhorns Need Rivals To Win More Games

Kody Brannon — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:43:18 -0400

As any loyal Longhorn fan will tell you, it's a good day when the 'Horns win and the Sooners lose. But as we all saw this past weekend, the Oklahoma State Cowboys lost too.

This will now put the Longhorn nation in a state of unease. While watching other Big XII teams lose makes the faithful happy, it's a sad fact of reality that for a team like the Longhorns to have any respect and keep teams like USC behind them, they need their rivals to win...and only suffer a loss at the hands of Texas.

In the past this never mattered, but now in the BCS, teams are not only graded on wins and losses, but they are graded on the wins and losses of their opponents too.

So now the conundrum: Do Texas fans root for the Sooners and Cowboys to not lose again and help keep the Longhorns No. 2? Or do you root against your rivals just so you can scoreboard them every chance you get?

If Texas can stay focused, they will have a great shot at getting into the BCS Championship game. But do those chances diminish with every Sooner and Cowboy loss? This is where every Texas fan finds their thoughts today.

Another loss by either team and all of a sudden, instead of playing two top 25 teams in their schedule, they end up playing two teams who are barley in the top 25, or worse yet, out of it. This in fact hurts the Longhorns ranking in the computer part of the BCS. Also, the faithful need to root hard for BYU and Houston to both have strong seasons. The better they do, then those losses on our rivals gets diminished just enough that Texas can hold onto their chance at the National Championship.

The computer rankings always come down to tenths or hundredths of a percentage point. So having both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State drop to the bottom half, or even out of the top 25, could give another team the opportunity to jump Texas in the final standings. This is not just a scary thought; it's the reality in this broken system that we call the BCS.

So for every Saturday here on out, as Longhorn fans fill in the stadium, enter the sports bar, or sit down on their couch to watch the game, they will have the nagging thought of what another loss to those two teams means to our national title hopes.

So to all my fellow Longhorn faithful, root carefully.

While seeing the Sooners lose and Cowboys lose makes us all giddy, remember the big picture. The worse they do, we end up being hurt. I am not saying root for them, just hope that they don't lose again until we beat them.

Weather Delays in Nascar...This is driving me nuts!

Kody Brannon — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:00:00 -0400

I have been sitting here since 1:00 p.m. central time watching ESPN's coverage of this week's race at Pocono. One problem, the race is in a rain delay. So I have been treated (can you smell the sarcasm?) to an hour of Rusty Wallace, Brad Dougherty, and the rest of the pre-race characters.

While it's nice to have the time to go in-depth on some of the more interesting aspects of the sport, but then they just continue to drag out more useless TV. I really don't care if Jimmie Johnson is playing Xbox or if Jamie McMurray is a newlywed.

I would rather watch some other ESPN programing than see them drag this out for an hour or more. I think for once, the MLB has the best scenario for this. Do twenty minutes of talk, then go to other programing. Then break back in every so often and update the status of the game or event.

Then again, maybe this would be a good time for Nascar to attempt rain tires and wipers on the car. They tried it in Canada, why not break it out for a test run at a regular track. Just wishful thinking I guess.

Texas Rangers Add Toby Harrah and Reuben Sierra to Hall of Fame

Kody Brannon — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0400

Last night the Texas Rangers added two players from their past to the club's Hall of Fame. While I can remember one clearly, I was not alive for the other (except for when he was an interim manager for the Rangers back in 1992).

Reuben Sierra

I remember the day Sierra made his ranger debut. That was the day that he instantly became my favorite player of the Rangers. There were a lot of good players on the Rangers back then but "The Golden Child" still sticks out in my mind with his signature high leg kick. I can still remember sitting on my couch and listening to Norm Hitzges call the games, and watching Sierra run across the outfield like a gazelle. There were plays he made back then that you were left going, did he really do that?

He was a great player for those teams, and he was a consistent hitter. Which excites me because his son is in the farm system and if he is as good as his dad. There will be a lot of excitement around him. Thank you Reuben for the memories.

Toby Harrah

Toby Harrah was with the Rangers before I was born and before I really understood what I was watching. I remember stories my dad would tell me about him. I have seen his name littered along Rangers history. He still holds some records for the ball club.

I am sure there are lots of guys who could tell endless stories about him, but needless to say, I am happy he made it in to the HoF.

I am sure if these two guys could play in the ballpark that the Rangers play in now, they would have even better numbers. Another nod to Rangers history is in the books. Who will we be celebrating off this year's team?

The Eyes of Texas are Upon the 2009 Longhorns

Kody Brannon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:00:00 -0400

As the calender has now struck August, the "Eyes of Texas" now plays on continuous loop in my head.

I can't help but get excited about the up-coming season. So I decided to take a look at the Texas Longhorns' upcoming football season.

Upon hearing at the end of last season that Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley would both be returning, I knew this made Texas one of the front runners for the Big XII.

Then the news hit that Sergio Kendle was also going to return, that's how I know the Longhorns will be good this year.

With this being Will Muschamps second season running the defense, the defensive problems that plagued the Longhorns last season are sure to be a thing of the past. Also, with a majority of returning starters on offense, this season should be a great one in Austin.

Looking at the schedule for this season, I really don't see a big hurdle for the Longhorns until week three.

But even then, Texas Tech really isn't that stocked like last season. So I figure the Longhorns will be undefeated come the annual match up in Dallas.

Starting with Oklahoma on October 17th, and going for the next three weeks, all should be tough and pivotal games for the 'Horns. Oklahoma looks tough this year, but I don't think Bradford has what it takes to beat the Longhorns, so that leads us to the next week in Columbia.

Mizzou looks to have another good team, but in the end they just aren't as tough as they were with Chase Daniel. Texas rolls undefeated into Stillwater.

Oklahoma State this year looks to be a dark horse. They are going to be tough to beat this year. Plus they always give Texas a fight to the end. But once again, I think the Horns pull out a good one.

After those three tough weeks, it is UCF and Baylor. A couple games that could be trap games if overlooked. But this team is on a mission, wanting to prove that last year they deserved to be in Miami over OU.

The last two games of the season have the 'Horns traveling to Lawrence and College Station. The game in Lawrence could prove to be tough for Texas. This has never been a good place for Texas to play, but I don't think Kansas has enough to hang. Texas walks away late for a good win.

Last game of the year falls on Thanksgiving Day with a trip to the bitter rival in College Station. While Texas has flat dominated this series lately, a game in Aggieland can prove to be deadly if overlooked.

But Colt wants to finish a perfect season and try to be in place for a BCS Championship appearance.

I think Texas wins easy on the road and is crowned Big XII South champions.

This is my hope for this season. Texas looks tough and the schedule is favorable for another National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. The site of the last Championship for Texas.

I am ready for this season to start and see how well this plays out.

Earl Campbell: One of the Greatest Freshmen in Texas History

Kody Brannon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:35:16 -0400

One of the greatest running backs in Texas history was Earl Campbell.

He was born as the fifth of 11 children, so he had to fight for everything he got. He used that mentality all through high school. In his senior season he caught the eye of the University of Texas.

In 1974 the University of Texas recruited the running back out of Tyler, Texas. He was known down in the piney woods as the "Tyler Rose." This was also Darrel Royals’ last recruiting class.

At the first game, Campbell showed he was ready for big time college football. His first game against Boston College was a dandy. He rushed the ball 13 times for 85 yards. While not a stellar day, it was just a pre-cursor for things to come.

After that first game, he had a couple weeks where he rushed around 50 yards. But in a game against Washington, he broke out for 16 carries for 125 yards.

Campbell went on that season to have three more 100-yard rushing games.

But it wasn’t just on the field that Campbell succeeded. He didn’t want to get stuck with the dumb jock moniker. So he decided that he was going to attend every class and sit at the front of every class.

Earl saw the opportunity to get a degree from Texas as a privilege, not a right. With this mentality she showed the Southwest Conference and the Nation to be on alert. While this was not a stellar season in the stats column, it was the beginning of great things to come for Earl.

His overall season stats were, 162 carries for 928 yards. He capped off his season in a Gator Bowl loss to Auburn, in which he carried the ball 23 times for 91 yards.

This spectacular season was enough to earn him the honor of Southwestern Conference newcomer of the year, and a first team all SWC honors. This was just the start of the numerous accolades Campbell would win.

The crown jewel in his career was Earl Campbell’s in 1977. He had the honor of winning the Heisman Trophy. But if it wasn’t for his freshman year to set the foundation, then there would have been no "Tyler Rose."

After college, Campbell went on to an NFL career where he played for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. But he will always be endeared to Longhorn fans for his four years in Austin.

Dallas Cowboys 2009 Season Preview

Kody Brannon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:15:09 -0400

With the start of training camp and the impending football season, I was left to wonder: What kind of team will the 2009 Cowboys be?

Sure, there were a couple of big names to make their way out of Dallas this offseason: Greg Ellis, Roy Williams, and Terrel Owens to name a few. But if you really sit down and think about it, the subtraction of those three makes the Cowboys better.

Terrel Owens was slowly becoming an enigma in the locker room last year. And like his previous stops in San Francisco and Philadelphia, he ended up splitting the locker room here in Dallas.

Taking into account that there are still some young players in the locker room, Jerry couldn't allow for that to continue. So getting rid of T.O. is a plus.

Greg "Contract" Ellis was another positive subtraction. He has disputed his contract the past two seasons. You also need to take into account that this will now give Anthony Spencer a chance to prove he is ready to be a starter.

Some people may want to argue this fact, but letting Roy Williams, the safety, go is better. Williams couldn't cover an 85-year-old woman in a little rascal, much less cover some of the elite receivers in the NFL.

Yeah, this does leave a lot of youth in the secondary. But I would rather take the youth than have to see Randy Moss running down the sidelines with Williams 20 yards behind him.

One of my big worries about this season is the fact that DeMarcus Ware still isn't signed to a long-term contract. Just like with any potential free agent, you worry that if he has a stellar season, he will walk to where the money is. But with Ware, this defense should be a good unit this season.

Looking at the offensive side of the ball, you can't really help but feel excited. There are three exciting running backs that should all see good playing time this season.

Marion Barber is your tough bruising back who will knock your teeth out.

But then you also have Felix Jones, who missed time last season with an injury, who will just run past you before you know what happened.

Last but definitely not least is Tashard Choice, who showed last year that he is very deserving of any and all playing time he gets.

One thing that is going to be a big factor is Tony Romo's performance this season. Sure, this will only be his third technical season as the full-time starter, but all people in Dallas want to talk about is how he hasn't won a playoff game.

Let's not forget it took the great Peyton Manning six years before he won a playoff game. So hopefully the media and naysayers of the Cowboys will hold their tongues and give him a chance to prove them wrong.

The receivers are going to be good this year. Headlining the show is former Texas stand-out Roy Williams. While he never has put up great numbers in his career, you have to remember that he played all of his previous seasons in Detroit. And let's face it, nobody can succeed in that place.

Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton round out the other two main spots on the receiving corps. Austin is a better No. 2 guy just because he has the speed to get the breakaway touchdown. But Crayton is a good slot and possession receiver.

The last big weapon on the offense is going to be Jason Witten. He is an All Pro tight end who doesn't shy away from contact. With a safety valve like Witten going down the field, this offense shouldn't have any problems moving the ball.

But that's easy to say on paper.

Looking at this team top to bottom, the Cowboys have a good roster ready to have a great season. Still, I don't know how they will stack up against the other teams in the NFC East.

Doing a quick glance of the schedule, I am going to walk out on a limb and guess that the Cowboys will probably go 11-5. Is this going to be good enough to win the division? I don't know; only time will tell. But this will be at least good enough to get in the playoffs.

Maybe that is the eternal optimist in me coming out...either way, the season starts on Sept. 13, and we will know real quick how far off I am.

My Proposal To Fix College Fooball and The BCS

Kody Brannon — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:00:18 -0400

Looking into the excitement that is the upcoming football season, I have decided to help the NCAA and BCS overhaul their systems and create a better experience for players and fans alike. The basis of this proposal is going to take a system like the soccer leagues use in Europe—which will enhance the competition and create better conferences and more exciting games. What every fan wants to see, is the best competition week in and week out.

Thinking about college football, you see way too many games to start the season that are nothing but padded wins for the big schools and million dollar paydays to the small schools. So starting in step one, I will lay out a new plan to correct this boring run the first two to three weeks of the season.

Step 1:Promotion/Demotion

The first step in this proposal is to create a system where you can add and drop teams from conferences depending on performance. It will all have to be regional-based, but it would create tougher conferences and give schools a chance to compete nationally.

I will talk about other factors into this part of the equation later on. But let's use the Big XII as an example for this.

Baylor has been bad every year since they joined the Big XII. Is this their fault? No, but in this proposal, we would say if you don't average five wins over the next five seasons, then you will be demoted to Conference USA, or the next weakest regional conference. In turn, one team who has been dominant and won over those five seasons is now eligible to be promoted to the Big XII.

So, you have the opportunity to see teams move up and create tougher matchups. Winners get rewarded and that makes the football more exciting. Which, in turn, will make major college football more competitive. It is a win-win for everybody. Conferences are tougher, teams are better, and the fans are happier.

Now let's move onto the next step.

Step 2:Grading Schedules

Each school will now be put onto a grading system for their strength of schedule. The grading scale will be similar to what we all knew in grade school: A,B,C,D and F.

Now, here comes the best part of this. The stronger and tougher schedule you put together, the better the grade. But on the other hand, if you schedule four "cream puff" schools in non-conference, then you get an automatic F—regardless of how tough your conference is.

Teams will now have to think about how they schedule their non-conference season.

This should end the yearly matchups of Alabama vs. North Texas or Texas Tech vs. Umass. Now, we should see more matchups that fans are craving. The best way to avoid the weak matchup is to set up conference vs. conference matchups.

The Big XII vs. SEC for a couple years, Big ten vs. ACC, and so on. Do a round-robin type schedule where each team gets a home and home with the other school.

The only thing that will be allowed to keep you from losing your rank and lowering your grade is if you have a longtime rivalry with another school, and they have been demoted for being a poor team for the duration.

Now that we have made the overall football better by moving good teams up and bad teams down—ending the worthless money games and replacing them with games that could wind up becoming great rivalries—we are now ready to tackle the junk pile that is now the BCS.

Step 3:Fixing the BCS

The one problem with the postseason in college football is the fact that there is a long layoff from the time the season ends, or conference championships played. Usually, this layoff lasts anywhere from three weeks to seven weeks.

So, for the playoff scenario I am going to lay out here, we will say the season ends on December 5. If you started with a sixteen team playoff and started the very next Saturday, you could have your National Championship game on January 2, right on New years weekend (this year). Four weeks is all it would take to have a playoff system and crown a champion.

You can do the playoff system one of two ways.

Have the games be at the lower-seeded teams' home field until the championship game—which is probably the best scenario. Then, you can have the championship game at one of the four BCS bowl sites on a rotating schedule like now.

The next scenario is have the first round at the lower seeded teams' field, then move it to a bowl site, which would use all four bowl sites on one weekend, then move the next round to two bowl sites and then the championship game at the chosen bowl site. You can rotate these games around again like they do now.

Now, you are going to ask, what about the non-BCS bowl games? Well, you can still have them going on for those teams and fans. The bowl game system does not have to go away just because of a playoff system. All it would take is a little creative thinking and implement them into the playoff—and keeping all the bowls for teams who didn't qualify for the playoff.

If you chose scenario one, then when the other three bowls are not being used for the National Championship game, they can host a bowl game like always. If you chose scenario two, then they would all get used in the second week, two in the third week and then the National Championship site.

I have built this proposal to make the game of college football better and more entertaining. It would also end the conundrums, like last season when Utah was the only undefeated team left standing and didn't get a chance to win the hardware.

I am sure people will rip this proposal for some reason or another. I never said this would be the perfect end-all-be-all system. But as a fan, I can see implementing similar-type changes could only create a better product for the schools, sponsors and fans.

Death of the All-Star game: Internet and TV Are Guilty of Murder

Kody Brannon — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:31:12 -0400

For as long as professional sports have been relevant, the All-Star Game has been a big deal.

There are great stories of All-Star Games of year's past. Everybody has seen the photo of Pete Rose slamming into the AL catcher. That photo and highlight has been passed from father to son, for years.

Let’s fast forward to now, there will be no defining moments coming from the All-Star Game anymore. The biggest culprit of this phenomenon is the

Internet.

At any point throughout the season, little Joey in Delaware can now log onto any Website and see a 30-minute highlight reel and get instant box scores without waiting.

Also at that same time, Sean in Nebraska can now flip his TV to any sports channel and see the same highlights and get up to the minute scores, without waiting for the morning paper. You can now watch any game at any time, no matter where you live. You can even watch every game in every sport now, if you’re willing to pay for it.

The days of waiting for the morning paper to see how the out of town rival did, or to find out how your favorite player did, the days of picking the games to see that one special player from each team, is now over.

I can flip to ESPN every night and see how every player did that day.

Gone are the days of the immense excitement when a future Hall-of-

Famer came to town for the only time that season. Now you can go to any sports website and watch highlights, or even watch the full games.

This year as the

MLB All-Star Game approached, I had less and less excitement.

This made me miss the days of my childhood, when you could watch all of the best players on one field at the same time. It is now possible to watch all of the best players in the matter of one hour

online or on TV.

While the invention of the Internet is widely celebrated and has made life easier in so many ways, it has become a thorn in the side of traditionalists.

Major League Baseball has tried to do anything it can to make the game more relevant. The moniker of “this one counts” was a good idea, but in reality, it has done nothing to boost the game. I hate to say it, but I don’t think anything can save the game at this point.

The idea of the All-Star Game is slowly losing its appeal, fans don’t have interest and the players are looking for reasons to skip the game and go to Cancun for the weekend.

The reason for all of this, is the Internet and the expansion of TV.

It's a sad thought to think, it's killing this great event, but it will slowly wither away over time.

Rest in peace All-Star Game…you will be missed.

A Fathers Journey: Sharing Sports With My Daughter

Kody Brannon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:17:30 -0400

Let me start off by saying that I am blessed to be the father of a 3-year-old daughter. She is the light of my life and I got to share with her my passion for sports by attending a minor league baseball game last Friday night.

The game was between the Frisco Roughriders and the Springfield Cardinals of the Texas League. While it was more for my benefit that we went, I took my daughter Chloe to this game. This was the first time that I have taken her to a sporting event without my wife.

Needless to say, I was a little nervous. I wasn't sure if she would enjoy herself or if she would hate it.

We got to the game, and it started with getting us a couple hot dogs, drinks, and some twizzlers. Let me say, the two hot dogs were for me, but Chloe had other ideas and promptly stole my second hot dog for herself.

Once the pre-game festivities started, she was more interested in the two mascots, Deuce and Daisy. As she would watch them and ask to go see them, I would let her know we couldn't go on the field.

In typical 3-year-old fashion, she was more interested in everything but the game. But in spurts she would occasionally watch the game and as a runner made it to first base, she would blurt out "he won!"

To hear this, I couldn't help but laugh. I tried to explain to her that it wasn't considered winning until you crossed home plate. But she didn't grasp that just yet, she would claim a "winner" every time a runner got to another base. Then she would start playing with whatever grabbed her attention close by.

There was one home run hit during the course of the game, and fireworks were shot off, and she enjoyed that. She immediately wanted to see more fireworks. So, I again explained that when a ball is hit in the stands they shoot off fireworks.

She seemed to understand what I told her and was content with it. But then she requested more soft drinks and junk food.

As the game wore on, she seemed less interested in the game and more interested in playing with wrappers and kids sitting next to us.

I would occasionally ask her if she was having fun, to which she relied, "yeah". So I felt good that she was enjoying the game. At a couple points during the night, she would sit in my lap for a few minutes and watch the action on the field.

Around the seventh inning stretch, I saw my opportunity to really crank up her enjoyment. I noticed the mascot Deuce was coming up our aisle, so I bolted out of our seats and took her down the row to meet Deuce.

She loved this part and she got to give him a hug and he immediately squeaked at her. This was her highlight of the night. Seeing her so happy made me feel like the night was a success. But her big surprise at the end of the night was fireworks.

Once the game was drawing to a close, I let her know about the fireworks upcoming and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She couldn't wait!

As the final out was recorded of the night, I picked her up and she told me, "daddy, its fireworks time" to which I could only reply, "yeah".

She didn't care that Frisco won, or that there was nine innings of baseball. She got to meet Deuce and was going to see fireworks.

After the team left the field, they turned the lights off in the stadium and started the fireworks show. Which meant Chloe was back in my lap, watching the show.

She ooo’d and ahhh’d throughout the show. I sat there and thought about the night. I realized, while she may not care about the game now, she had fun just because it was with daddy.

She may not understand why I get all excited or mad at points of games. But she knows daddy has a passion for sports. And for those three hours at the game last Friday, she got to share in that experience.

Once we got home, and as I was putting her to bed, she looked up at me and said the one thing that can melt me in an instant. She grabbed my face, looked me dead in the eye and said, "I love you daddy".

As I walked out of her room with a tear forming in my eye, I realized that right now she doesn't understand the sports I watch, or take her to. But the more that I expose her to them and share my passion and enjoyment of them with her. She will too have that same passion and excitement. Even if that passion is nothing more than to get that extra few hours with dad.

Needing a Fix: Football Junkie Dealing With The Offseason

Kody Brannon — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:37:52 -0400

Today is June 26th, and my football countdown is in full swing.

I know starting in late July or August that football practice will start up. But that is still too far off for my own good. I search the Internet for anything football related, but that doesn't help.

I search the schedule of ESPN Classic for any replays of college football games. But now that isn't feeding my fix. The cold sweats are kicking in, I get the shakes...then it happens. I bust out with "The eyes of Texas" out of nowhere.

My poor wife is about ready to strangle me. She is sick and tired of hearing me ask "who do you think will be the winningest coach of all time?" or "do you think this is Joe Pa's final season?" I can see the look in her eye...it scares me.

But I can't help it—I am a college football junkie and I haven't had my fix since January. I can smell the fresh cut grass, can hear the bands playing, the crowd roaring and the pads crunching. Wait...that's not in my head, I really do hear it! But it's not on TV?

So I run outside, I swear it's at the stadium down the street from my house. Hallelujah! I do hear football! But alas, nothing there. So I walk back home dejected. I guess I just have to wait it out...Hopefully it will hurry, I need my college football fix!

Texas Rangers: Beginning of the End? I Think Not

Kody Brannon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:51:00 -0400

We are two weeks into June and the national and local media are calling the recent rough patch the beginning of the end for the Texas Rangers.

I don't believe that's the case. The Rangers have been hampered with injuries and had to do some shifting to accommodate that.

While losing to four of the best teams in the majors hurts, as long as they can right the ship before playing AL West foes, they will be fine.

The Rangers can't win a division in June, but they can definitely make it harder on their rivals.

Having lost Josh Hamilton for the last few weeks has hurt. Sure, he hasn't been the same hitter from last season, but chances are his numbers will be back up before the end of the season.

The biggest surprise has been the rotation. Usually one of the Rangers' weakest links, it has been one of their stronger ones so far.

But once again injuries are taking a toll. That is not an excuse; every team has that issue.

The Rangers need to look at getting back on track soon, otherwise they will have a dogfight on their hands. Because I believe while the Angels are down now, they will come back.

To all the media who want to write the Rangers off, just hold your tongue and let's see what these guys can do. They may not be a World Series contender just yet, they are a team that can have a chance at a good run into the postseason.

This fan believes, why can't you?

I am not going to be naive and say they will win the division this year. But with the Rangers history, just being competitive into June is something to be happy about. I do think they can win the division, but we are in June and a lot can happen before September.

For now, all Ranger fans can proudly say, "First place Texas Rangers."

The Rangers will rebound and start winning again.

When they do, all the media know-it-all's will be saying they are a favorite to win the West.

But this fan will remember that they wanted to turn their backs on the Rangers after a few bad games.

Texas Rangers: Can the Dream Last? One Fan's Take

Kody Brannon — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:56:47 -0400

2009 has been very good so far to the Texas Rangers. So far they are in first place in the West, and have the best record in the American League. Texas is also coming off the best May in club history.

Many people are scratching their heads about the Rangers right now. Nobody expected them to be this good, this year. So as a lifelong fan and supporter, I am left to wonder, can this last into August and September?

Well, we will see how well the Rangers can stack up against some of the elite teams in the AL on this coming road trip. All in all, if the Rangers can just handle their division foes, then they will get a chance to go to the post-season for the first time since '99.

But as a fan, I want to see them beat the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays. I want to have hope that there is a chance the Rangers could get hot and make a deep run into October. But what I want to happen and what will happen will likely end up looking totally different.

So far this season, I have become more excited about the Rangers than I have been in a long time. I will just sit back and enjoy the ride. Because while we may not see a World Series in Texas this season, I am still hoping for a post-season run.

Geaux Tigers: A Tribute to Uncle Donnie and His Love of LSU

Kody Brannon — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:11:40 -0400

There has been one person in my family who rivaled my passion of one sports team. That person was my uncle Donnie.

On Dec. 28, 2008 he was called home to his lord and savior. Two days later, we watched LSU take one Georgia Tech in the Chick Fil A Bowl. While watching that game, we all knew that he was cheering loud and proud from the best seat in the house. But this isn't about that.

My uncle Donnie was a great man, who played baseball for LSU and bravely served in the Korean war. But for all my life there was one thing he and I could talk about endlessly, that was football, especially LSU Tiger football. While I bleed burnt orange and live and die by Texas Longhorn Football, he bled purple and gold.

He is the reason that LSU is my second favorite team. I follow the Tigers like I follow the Longhorns. He was always the first one to call and celebrate a victory and grieve over a defeat. And if the Longhorns unfortunately lost that Saturday, we would always agree, that a tiger victory would make it better.

We only had one time in my life where we watched Texas and LSU went head to head. That was the 2003 cotton Bowl, Texas won that game and Donnie was very gracious and congratulatory. Then we dreamed of the day we could see our two teams meet for the national championship.

Each and every season we would always bring up this dream, and say this year is the year it happens. This year, I still hold that hope. I will watch every LSU football game this year, and I will do so with an empty seat next to me reserved for Uncle Donnie.

While it won't be same watching football this year, I will know, that he has the best seat for every game played. We will still have our pre and postgame talks, But this year, it will all be silent and just between him and myself. Rest in peace uncle Donnie...and GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!

Texas Longhorns Season a Success, Regardless Of Outcome In Fiesta Bowl.

Kody Brannon — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:18:27 -0500

This season for the Texas Longhorns will be considered a success, no matter what the outcome will be in the desert. This team in the pre season was picked at best to finish 3rd in the Big XII south. But after a great run and a tragic loss, they ended in a three-way tie for the division.

While most people will argue that Texas should be in the national championship game, and have been in the Big XII title game. I am one fan who is happy to say, We are right where we need to be. This team was not supposed to be a title contender.

But as it worked out, Texas had a run where they were mentioned as the best in the nation. I was very heart broken when we lost to Texas tech. But looking back, This team just had to many tough games and ran out of steam.

So for the fans sitting around complaining. Let's stop, And look forward to a great game on January 5 Th. I for one will be happy regardless of the outcome. Because in the grand scheme of things, this wasn't supposed to happen this year. And we know Colt, Jordan Shipley and possibly Sergio Kindle will be returning next year.

With that said, Next year Texas will have a great shot at repeating this years success and taking it to the next level. So, Till next year, Enjoy the ride and hope for better next year.

Texas-Oklahoma Weekend: A House Painted Orange

Kody Brannon — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:33:51 -0400

This is a follow up to my previous article, Texas-Oklahoma Weekend: A House divided.

Hear ye! Hear Ye!

Let me yell it from the mountain tops. Texas has knocked off OU.

Yes, folks, it is true. Today this house divided has turned burnt orange. While this is a great victory and I have been bragging endlessly, I can't help but feel a bitter chill in the air.

She is not happy, and I probably got a little personal. But today, I don't care. Today, my little misses showed her true colors and showed me, she can dish it out with the best of them, but she doesn't take it very well when it's thrown back at her.

I had to hear it all week from my wife and her family. So today when we went to her dad's house, I made sure that I yelled and cheered extra loud. And today I got my wish, for once I got to be the one cheering the loudest in a hostile environment.

Since the end of the game, my wife has been very quiet and sulky. So I probably have bought myself another night or two on the couch, but I don't care. I get to let this one soak for 364 more days.

So my friends, the bottom line is this: Come Tuesday, the game will be distant memory and I will be looking forward for what's to come for the horns. And my wife will be looking at the "what ifs" on another lackluster sooner season.

While this was the toughest weekend we've had to face in our marriage, we always know that, in the end, it's just a game and we will brag and yell. But come tomorrow morning, we will be back to the happy couple who won't divide again till next October.

Texas-Oklahoma Weekend: A Tale of a House Divided

Kody Brannon — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:36:54 -0400

Is it really that time of year again? Yes! It is time for the annual showdown in Dallas.

But that also means it will be the hardest week of my life.

My wife and I will continue about our daily lives and will still be happily married regardless of the outcome. But my wife has one flaw: She is an Oklahoma Sooner fan. While I love her, this week is commonly referred to as hell week.

The tension will build as Saturday approaches, and we will be trash talking all the way until kickoff. But at kickoff, one thing will happen: We will cease to talk or show any affection until the end of the game.

Monday will be the best day of the week. We won't throw out any insults today—we will talk, but you already know the tension is in the air.

Tuesday will be the beginning of the fight. We will insult each other's teams and sing fight songs as loud as possible toward each other until bed.

Wednesday is commonly referred to as wicked Wednesday. This is just the start of the worst. The usual pranks are pulled and more personal insults are thrown.

Thursday hits, and "It" hits the fan. Usually an all-out screaming match happens and we end up sleeping in separate rooms until the end of the game.

Friday is when we can act civil and go out to the usual pregame stuff that happens in downtown before the game, sometimes getting weird looks as we walk hand in hand down the street in clashing colors.

Saturday is here, and it's game day. We go about our pregame rituals until kickoff. She sits at one end of the couch, I at the other. While the game is going one, we rarely talk or even glance at each other.

We both know that regardless of who wins, our marriage will be a happy one starting on Sunday. Today though, we just try to avoid a big fight and enjoy watching Texas win!

While it is just a football game and there are more important things in life, we both take our teams very seriously. While we both take enjoyment in watching each other's teams lose, we always hold on to the hope that our team will win this game and shut the other one up for a year.

For the other guys out there who live in a similar arrangement to what I do: Take solace in knowing that it is only one week you have to put up with the torture of being married to a rival—and take perverse enjoyment of rubbing it in when your team wins.

Picks of the Week: Week Four's Big Games and Blowouts

Kody Brannon — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:18:00 -0400

Here are my picks for the week in most of the games being played.

Thursday

Colorado vs. No. 21 West Virginia

Bill Stewart has a new contract, and Dan Hawkins has what looks to be a decent team in Boulder. This game should be a good one for a mid-week game. I look to see WVU bounce back after getting owned by ECU. In the end, I think Colorado comes through. Buffs win a tight one, 28-24.

Friday

Baylor vs. Connecticut

Baylor had an impressive win against a weak Washington State team. After a "big" win for old Baylor, things fall back to the norm as they struggle mightily against the Huskies. But the Huskies aren't a very strong team, so I will call an overtime upset in the making. Baylor pulls this one out in two overtimes. Bears, 24-21.

Saturday

Troy vs. No. 13 Ohio State

Ohio State is coming off a humiliating loss against USC, so I look for the Bucks to try and make a statement in this game. But I think their pride will be hurt too badly to really make a hard run at the men from Troy (Alabama). This one will be a tight one to the finish. I am going to call an upset here. Troy pulls out a squeaker. Trojans, 21-14.

No. 15 E. Carolina vs. NC State

East Carolina had a bout with Tulane last week, but look for them to get back on track and continue their winning ways. East Carolina rolls, 35-21.

Temple vs. No. 16 Penn state

This is a joke, right? Does Temple even field a football team anymore? Not much to say on this one, except maybe Penn State hangs more than they did on Syracuse. Penn State wins easy, 62-3.

Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech

Both schools are coming off of a loss and both will want to win this one to right the ship. But I think the option wears down Mississippi State's D. Ga Tech rambles to victory, 21-7.

Ohio vs. Northwestern

Northwestern is still undefeated and really hasn't played anybody, but this is a classic trap game. They could get caught looking past Ohio and ahead to Iowa. Frank Solich will have his team ready to play and looking to knock off a Big Ten team, since it missed a prime opportunity against Ohio State. I'm picking Ohio in a stunner, 35-14.

Florida Atlantic vs. Minnesota

This is another example of a trap game. Minnesota is probably going to be overlooking the Owls and ahead to their next game against Ohio State. The Owls will be looking for their first win of the season and will be able to take advantage of the situation. This one will be tight until the end. But the Golden Gophers squeak one out, 28-24.

Iowa vs. Pitt

Pitt is overmatched, and it shows. Iowa wins easily, 35-14.

Central Michigan vs. Purdue

Boilermakers roll, 42-14.

No. 9 Alabama vs. Arkansas

The Hogs better wave the white flag from the start on this one. Bama will roll all over the Hogs. Alabama wins pretty easy, 21-3.

South Carolina State vs. No. 23 Clemson

Clemson wins in a laugher, 35-7.

UCF vs. Boston College

Boston College gives George O'Leary one more reason to hate the Boston area. A painful loss. BC wins big, 42-14.

E. Michigan vs. Maryland

Another win for the Terps, 28-14.

Akron vs. Army

Gonna give the nod to Army on this one, 17-14.

Buffalo vs. No. 5 Missouri

Somebody call a paramedic—this one will be ugly from the start. Buffalo will get mauled by Chase Daniel and the Mizzou offense. Tigers roll, 52-3.

Wyoming vs. No. 14 BYU

Another win for the mighty Mormons, 28-0.

Arizona vs. UCLA

Somebody has to win, right? Well, I'll say that UCLA gets the win here. But it will be a battle royal for the Pac-10 basement. UCLA, 21-14.

No. 4 Florida vs. Tennessee

I think this one will be one of the better games of the day. I am going to say that Tennessee will pull the shocker in Knoxville. They are due for a win against the hated gators. Vols win in a nice game, 35-28.

Boise State vs. No. 17 Oregon

The ugly Oregon uniforms won't help them pull out a victory, and the Blue Carpet boys prove that an ugly field trumps ugly uniforms. 21-14, Broncos.

Houston vs. Colorado State

Houston needs a win for the area after Ike. Houston plays inspired and inspires the Texas Gulf Coast. Cougs win, 21-7.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan State

The Golden Domers win the Michigan State championship in this one and knock Sparty off. Notre Dame wins with a classic win one for the "limper." Domers, 35-14.

Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina

I think N. Carolina comes out to prove they aren't a fluke and beat Beamer ball in Chapel Hill. Heels win, 21-10.

Miami vs. Texas A&M

**Hurricane warning in College Station** I think the Aggies are once again overmatched and outplayed. Miami leaves A&M in total devastation. Somebody needs to get Mike Sherman a new wardrobe... Hurricanes win big, 42-3.

No. 20 Utah vs. Air Force

The Utes roll to keep their undefeated season alive, 42-10.

No. 12 South Florida vs. Florida International

S. Florida wins this one in un-dramatic fashion. Bulls, 52-0.

Rice vs. No. 7 Texas

Rice is overmatched and fatigued from everything they have gone through. Texas takes this one over early and walks away with a big win. Horns, 52-7.

UMass vs. No. 11 Texas Tech

Texas Tech plays another I-AA opponent and gets another cheap win. Tech rolls, 62-0. Tech should be penalized for playing a powder puff schedule.

No. 18 Wake Forest vs. No. 24 Florida State

This is going to be a shootout. Wake Forest doesn't get respect, and Florida State is trying to rebuild its once great dynasty. But I think Wake will pull this one out and start to earn some much-deserved respect.

Sam Houston State vs. No. 19 Kansas

This is a joke, right? Kansas wins, 42-0.

Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi

The surprising Vandy Commodores look to keep their season rolling in Oxford. But I think Ole Miss will give them a good game. This one could come down to the last play of the game. I think Vandy wins, 21-14.

No. 6 LSU vs. No. 10 Auburn

The lights will be bright and the crowd will be ready for the annual shootout. Auburn is looking to keep going and establish itself as a favorite in the SEC. But LSU is looking to build on recent success and squash any and all quarterback controversy.

This is going to be a very hard-hitting game and will be brutal to watch. But recent history has shown the home team usually wins this one. I think it changes this year. LSU pulls out a last minute effort, 28-24.

No. 3 Georgia vs. Arizona State

The Dawgs invade the desert, and I think the desert dwellers will be confused by the sounds of Dixie. But the Dawgs prove tonight they can play away from the South and still win. Matt Stafford leads the Dawgs to victory, 42-35.

TCU vs. Southern Methodist

This game won't appeal to anyone outside of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, and even then it won't interest many people here. But I think this is the year SMU surprises the Froggies and takes home the Iron Skillet. SMU, 21-14.

There it is—what I feel about how this Saturday will turn out in college football. I can't wait to move from the bed to the couch and enjoy a day full of the action.

To the Media: Please End USC Love Affair

Kody Brannon — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:09:20 -0400

Is anyone else getting sick and tired of hearing about how great USC is? I know I am.

They beat an overmatched Virginia team and immediately jump to number one in the polls. Then they beat what you could call a junior varsity squad in Ohio State—and they are being called the best team in the country?

Why? Because they can beat the pants off overmatched competition?

For the last couple of seasons, the media has done nothing but tout USC as the best program in the nation. The only reason they get the best talent is because they have sports agents who reside on campus and promise all the five-star prospects an NFL career (Reggie Bush anyone?).

While it is still early in the season, you know as well as I do that as soon as USC hits eight or nine wins with no losses, all the media will call them the "greatest team ever."

Remember 2005, when the "greatest team ever" got beat in the Rose Bowl? Once again, that proves that when USC plays anybody that is worth a dang, they fold up like a rusty old lawn chair.

Pete Carroll wants to get the best talent to help him win games by huge margins so he can forget about how mediocre he was as an NFL coach. But of course, on ESPN he is called a genius for getting that talent and having a winning program in a conference that is about as tough as the Sun Belt.

If you put USC in a real conference like the SEC, then you would have a team who would be lucky to have one or two losses a year. Unlike in the weak-10, teams in the SEC play defense and can win close games.

So to all the media outlets and sports writers: Please lose your hard-on for USC. Expose them for what they really are—a bunch of five-star prospects promised a celebrity lifestyle and a guaranteed NFL career for attending USC.

Can we please focus on the teams that deserve some attention? End this USC love affair.

Dallas' Old Gem Gets a Makeover: The Cotton Bowl's New Look

Kody Brannon — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:36:00 -0400

Today the Cotton Bowl is opening its doors for the first time to let people see the new renovations at the 78-year-old stadium.

For years there has been a fight between stadium organizers and the City of Dallas to update the old stadium, and for years, there has been nothing done. Then last year it was announced that the Cotton Bowl Game was going to move to the new Cowboys stadium in Arlington.

That was when the city decided they better do something—and they did something to the tune of 57 million dollars.

But what will that get you? How about adding 16,000 seats, making the upper deck a full bowl with a continuous concourse, expanding existing concourses, and adding two new gates, more concession stands, and more restrooms? But the gem of the stadium is said to be its new media center and larger locker rooms.

With an overall seating capacity of 92,000, it can now be called the eighth-largest stadium in the country.

Now comes the big question: Can the old girl still attract great games? Right now the Cotton Bowl has locked down Texas-OU until 2015. But since the new Cowboys stadium is drawing all of the attention, nobody else has agreed to hold games there.

For city council and stadium organizers, it will be vital to attract marquee matchups for this renovation to be a success. The first big test will come on Oct. 11 during the annual Texas-OU game. If this game goes off great, it will show how the new improvements have made it a great venue once again.

With all of the history at this stadium, and having the chance to bring it back to its former glory, I for one am hoping to see some marquee games start being played here on a yearly basis.

This was once the gem of the Dallas football landscape, but time took its toll and ended that greatness. Now the city has put a new shine on it in hopes of bringing it back to its former self.

Here is a list of games to be played at the Cotton Bowl this year.

Oct. 4: Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling

Oct. 11: Texas vs. Oklahoma

Oct. 18: Texas A&M Commerce vs. East Central University

Nov. 29: Texas Southern vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Jan. 2: AT&T Cotton Bowl Game

The Beast in the East: NFC East Proves to be the best in the NFL

Kody Brannon — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:07:34 -0400

The beast in the east has awoken. Last night's thrilling game between the Cowboys and the Eagles has proven that the NFC East is the best conference in the NFL. A game has never had so many different twists and turns. One half was an all-out track meet and the second half was a test of who could avoid the last mistake. Also, wins by Washington and the New York Giants helped the division's cause.

Add in the play from rookies DeSean Jackson and Felix Jones and you can safely say that there is a long term look within the division. The weakest team in the division looks to be the Washington Redskins and they will probably have a better record than most of the second place teams in other divisions. With that kind of competitiveness from top to bottom, it will make coming out of the division with no injuries a tall task for everyone.

As long as the games stay exciting between division foes, the TV networks will have some of the best ratings during those games. And football fans all over the country will rejoice. While parity is running rampant in the NFL, it is a breath of fresh air to see that parity doesn’t mean that good teams come down to the weaker ones, it means the weak teams are getting stronger and coming up to the good teams, especially in the NFC East. Even though it is only Week Two, I am scared to think how brutal this will get once we get to Week 12.

It is a safe bet to think that your eventual Super Bowl Champion will come out of the East. And after last night, the front runner is the Dallas Cowboys. I can’t wait to see what the rematch with last year’s champion, the Giants, will bring.

Don't Worry, Titans Fans: Vince Young Will Be Back

Kody Brannon — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:25:42 -0400

The NFL is a different animal than college football. While in college, Vince Young was able to run at will against any defense and win games with his legs. He has now crossed over to the NFL, and, unlike in college, he has defensive ends that are as fast as he is.

While he has done some amazing things in the short time he has been in the league, Young has learned a hard lesson that NFL fans expect great things immediately. The pressure to win now has been one of the big factors in his struggles and well-publicized problems.

Young has been written and talked about negatively more in the last couple weeks than he ever has in his entire life. For somebody who has always been the best athlete on the field all his life, it's likely a hard pill to swallow.

Everybody has blown out of proportion the fact that he was upset from a bad game. Everybody has bad days and gets upset, but for the average Joe, we don’t have 20 sportswriters watching our every move. Otherwise, we all would probably have the occasional meltdown.

Reports went from the temper-tantrum on the sidelines to he left his house with a gun and was suicidal. Turns out, he just wanted to go watch Monday Night Football and eat wings.

For Young, the next couple weeks while rehabbing his knee will be crucial for him. He needs to get his knee fixed and focus on getting his head back in the game.

If he can overcome this little episode and learn to let the criticism roll off of his back, he will be a better quarterback for it. And this will spell trouble for the rest of the league.

Yes, Titans fans, Young will overcome this and he will be the quarterback that you need him to be. Just give him the time he needs to grow as a player and as a man. You will benefit in the long run.

Why I Think the Texas Longhorns Will Steamroll the Arkansas Razorbacks

Kody Brannon — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:47:05 -0400

With the path of Hurricane Ike unknown and the threat of Ike making an appearence at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Saturday, the Razorbacks will wish they had stayed home.

With two lackluster performances against weak opponents, you would think that the Razorbacks would like to step up and make a statement. But seeing as how they have had to fight and scratch for every offensive yard and point, I don't see this game being any better. Bobby Petrino is probably wishing he had stayed at the cushy confines of Louisville.

Texas, on the other hand, is a team on a mission. That mission is to silence all of the critics and prove they will be a contender in the Big XII this season. The last two games for Texas have been what you would expect: big-time blowouts of overmatched opponents.

While there are still some questions about the defense and secondary on this team, I have the feeling Will Muschamp will have them ready to go and have his system in full effect for this game. This will be the statement game for the Texas defense.

On the offensive side of the ball, the emergence of Fozzy Whitaker is a Longhorn fan's dream. He is probably the best looking running back Texas has had since the days of Cedric Benson.

The only real question on the offense is who will become the deep threat, well it is to early to really tell. But as long as Jordan Shipley can find a way to get open, Colt McCoy will have a good target. Pair that with a good running game, and the Razorback defense will look helpless.

Overall, this game will probably be played in bad weather, and it will probably help Arkansas from getting run over too bad. But the weather won't keep the rest of the nation from learning what Texas fans already know. This team is going to make a run for the Big XII this season.

Why Washington Will Knock Off Oklahoma

Kody Brannon — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:06:09 -0400

Yes! I said it—I am going out on the smallest of limbs and predicting an upset this Saturday. I am predicting that Washington will beat Oklahoma in Seattle this weekend.

Why? Because I think Washington is going to be mad, and they are looking for someone to prove that the loss to BYU was a fluke.

Washington has had to deal with all of the media frenzy over the celebration call. Was it the right call? I don't know. But I do know that this team will make that tragic loss their rally cry, and they will look to "right the ship" on Saturday.

You are probably thinking I am drunk or crazy. Well, I am neither. Does anyone remember what happened last time Oklahoma played a Pac-10 school on the road?

Yes, it was the Oregon game.

Oklahoma has played a junior varsity squad in Tennessee-Chattanooga and a cupcake in Cincinnati, so the Sooners are going to come in thinking that they're invincible, while they haven't proved anything other than beating up on powder puff football teams.

Plus, how can you continue to win when your starting quarterback looks like he has Down syndrome? No offense to anyone, but he does.

So here is the deal: Washington needs a win, and Ty Willingham needs a win—so what better way to secure him one more season in Seattle than by beating "Chokelahoma"? I'm sorry Oklahoma. Oklahoma has proved in the past couple seasons that in games everybody thinks they should win, they tend to choke (see Boise State, West Virginia).

While the Sooners are patting themselves on the back and punching that ticket to the Big 12 championship after Week Two, Washington is lurking, ready to take them down.

Jake Locker will be the one who scores the winning score, but this time, he will put the ball firmly in the official's hands and run to the sideline to celebrate.

College Football Week One: Cupcake Week

Kody Brannon — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:13:44 -0400

I understand scheduling an easy opponent in week one is to help your team get their legs under them and start the season off with a huge win. But I have never enjoyed it, I want to see 12 weeks of the best football every week.

I don't want to see Texas play Florida Atlantic, I want to see more games like Alabama and Clemson. Don't get me wrong, I love watching Texas win as much as the next guy, but I would rather see a win against an Ohio State.

But every year it is more of the same, big name school vs. some unknown school. C'mon guys, if you want to be considered the best of the best in college football, step up and schedule somebody real.

As a fan of the sport, I would love to see all of the major conferences schedule each other for non- conference. I know that would take away a potential chance of another Appalachian State miracle, but that doesn't happen every season. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind seeing Division One teams scheduling against smaller D1 teams.

At least doing that, you give a team out of the Sunbelt conference a chance to grow and knock off a big school. But who wants to watch Ohio State against Youngstown State. I would rather watch Ohio State play somebody that has a chance to beat them.

While I do sit and watch 13+ hours of football on the first week of the season, I wish the first week of the season would be as exciting as the last. I know it will never happen, every school wants an "easy win", so I will just sit and watch Texas smother Florida Atlantic and wish they were playing a tougher team. But hey! It's football season again and I am as happy as I can be.

Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Cowboys Go 14-2, End playoff Drought

Kody Brannon — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:24:06 -0400

This year is the year, yes! I said it; The Dallas Cowboys will win it all this year. Tony Romo will lead one of the more talented teams the NFL this year and prove last year was not a fluke. Here is my breakdown of game by game.

Game One: @ Cleveland

While the first half may be close, the Cowboys come out in the second half and prove too tough for a weak Browns team. Cowboys walk away with a fairly easy victory. 35-14.

Game Two: Vs. Philadelphia

The first meeting of division rivals, while there is plenty of hatred between these two, I don't see the Eagles putting up much of a fight. And once again Donovan McNabb looks completely lost. Cowboys win a easy one. 35-7

Game Three: @ Green Bay

After last year's huge build-up, and Dallas dominating that game, Arron Rodgers now leads the Packers, but doesn't look any better. Dallas once agian proves too tough for Green Bay. Dallas Wins big and shocks Lambeau. 38-13

Game Four: Vs. Washington

Leaving DC last year at the end of the year with a loss really stung, Dallas looks for some redemption, and makes Washington look like a pee-wee team. Dallas wins easy 28-3

Game Five: Vs. Cincinnati

This is probably the most talented team the Cowboys face this early in the season. While they put up a huge fight, I think this one is going to be close to the end. I think in the end Dallas will let this one slip away with a last minute field goal. Cinci takes a close one 24-21.

Game Six: @ Arizona

Potentially could be considered a "Bye" week. Dallas wins big and pretty much has another home game in Arizona. Cowboys win big. 35-3

Game Seven: @ St. Louis

Last year the cowboys won easy at home over the Rams. But this year I think they are much more a threat to sneak up on the Cowboys. This one could go either way, but I pick the Cowboys to stay tough and win on the road. 21-14

Game Eight: Vs. Tampa Bay

Dallas comes back home with a game against the Bucs. While most people will think this a close game, I think the Bucs regress and fall back to the loveable losers. Cowboys win another easy one. 28-7

Game Nine: @ New York Giants

I think the playoff loss to NY has hurt the Wowboys, and Eli knows he can win against Dallas, This one slips away going into the bye week. Giants win, but not by much. 27-24

Bye week: Cowboys regroup and get back on track. Primary goal is lock up the division and get a bye going into the playoffs.

Game Ten: @ Washington

Mad about losing here last year and losing on the road in NY. Cowboys take out some pent up aggression on Washington. Cowboys win big. 28-0.

Game 11: Vs San Francisco

The 49ers are nothing of what they used to be. Consider this a JV game for the Cowboys. Starters take a breather in the 3rd. Cowboys win big. 21-3

Game 12: Vs Seattle (Thanksgiving)

Another Thanksgiving Day match up. This time, Seattle doesn't get so lucky off a bobbled snap. Dallas wins a good game. 28-17

Game 13: @ Pittsburgh

Another game against Pittsburgh, and just like in super Bowl XXX, Another Cowboys victory. But this time a better game and a close score. 21-14

Game 14: Vs. New York Giants

"Revenge is a dish best served cold" is the motto for this game. On one of the coldest nights in Dallas, The cowboys will make Eli wonder if the last two wins were a joke, Dallas sends Eli to the bench with an injury in the 3rd. Cowboys walk away with a win and the division. 28-7.

Game 15: Vs. Baltimore

Division is wrapped up and now it's just go through the motion until the playoffs. But don't let that fool you. Tony Romo comes out and shreds the Baltimore defense. Cowboys win easy. 28-3

Game 16: @ Philadelphia

Dallas comes in, jumps out to an early lead, and lets the starters rest after halftime. Still wins. 28-10

I also feel that the cowboys will run into the playoffs, win their divisional game, The NFC Championship, go into the Super Bowl, and win it all. But I will put a more in depth thought on those games as they happen.

Countdown to Kickoff: Anticipation for the Upcoming College Football Season

Kody Brannon — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:58:03 -0400

Is it here yet? No...

The calendar is ticking off day after day of no football. But this week, the excitement starts to build as I realize that this weekend is the first full weekend of college football. The night sweats started a month ago, and just hearing my school's fight song makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

I have gone through a seven-month withdrawal, and to say the least, I am craving and needing football more and more every day.

Like many men, the end of August and arrival of fall mean one thing: football!

To most women, it means they have to live with guys who do nothing but wake up at 7 am to watch four solid hours of pre-game coverage, and then watch 12 to 15 hours straight football—only to watch another two hours of post-game coverage, all the while only taking the five to 10-minute commercial breaks to tend to non-football-related business.

After spending the offseason replacing pillows and cushions, stocking up on the necessities, and making sure my sacred seat has enough stuffing to last another long season, I am finally ready to take my seat upon my throne and watch an endless array of college football.

But wait, something is missing. I have the endless supply of beer, unlimited run on hot wings, countless bags of chips, and assorted dips. I have ordered the Game Plan package, and I have every channel under the sun imaginable. What is missing...?

What's missing is the football—I still have to wait for Thursday. That is how cruel fate can be to a football junkie: an offseason of preparing and being ready, just to keep me waiting for another few days.

Here's hoping that ESPN Classic can sustain me until Thursday—because yes, football is my crack, and I am addicted worse than ever.

2008 Texas Longhorns Game by Game Predictions

Kody Brannon — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:19:16 -0400

Well with the start of the season just over a week away, I thought I would step out on a limb and predict each game throughout the season.

Game 1: Vs. Florida Atlantic

This will be a special day in Austin, as his greatness Vince Young returns to have his jersey retired. While it will be a great day for the fans and players alike, the day will turn bitter and ugly for the visiting Owls.

Texas will have a 35-point lead at the half. Coming out, the starters will play one, maybe two more series and walk off with field with a comfortable 56-0 lead.

This is how the game will end, because Mack won't want to embarrass old Howie and leave him some hope of saving his season.

Game 2: At UTEP

This is the country's first chance to see this year's Longhorns team. A prime time game on ESPN 2 will turn into a prime time whipping. Mike Price will wish he had never left Wasu.

The Longhorns will dominate and walk away with another comfortable 42-10 victory from El Paso.

Game 3: Vs. Arkansas

The rivalry is renewed as Arkansas comes back to Austin after the last time these two played, there will be some lingering bad blood.

While I think this will be the first true test for this year's Longhorn squad, I don't see the Razorbacks as deadly this time without McFadden or Jones.

Arkansas puts up a good fight, but learns that you just don't mess with Texas. Longhorns win a battle royale, 28-13.

Game 4: Vs. Rice

Not much to be said on this one, another endless thrashing of a poor defenseless Rice team. Texas walks, 56-3.

Game 5: At Colorado

This one could be a bad game for the Longhorns. Next week's game with Oklahoma is looming, and Colorado is being the strongest opponent. It will be a tough road game, and I think the Horns can escape with a victory, but it will be earned late. Texas wins, 21-14.

Game 6: Vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)

After last year's fiasco, Texas comes in to prove they are once again the better team. This time, Sam Bradford leaves the game early after getting beaten to bloody heck by the Texas D. Colt McCoy has a banner day, leading the Horns to a great victory over those bastards from Oklahoma. Texas, 35-21.

Game 7: Vs. Missouri

Back home after beating OU, Texas will have another hard game against Missouri. I think this game will be another close one, and Chase Daniel will show all the UT faithful that Texas passed on a real good quarterback. But I think Colt pulls one out and wins this one for us. Texas 21-14.

Game 8: Vs. Oklahoma State

Mike Gundy can scream about being a man and being 40 all he wants. But that doesn't help his lowly Pokes. They walk into Austin and leave battered and bruised. Texas takes a relatively easy one, 42-10.

Game 9: At Texas Tech

Once again another meeting between the overhyped super offense of Texas Tech and the Longhorns. But once again, Texas shows those rejects from Lubbock that you have to play defense to win a game. Texas wins 52-35.

Game 10: Vs. Baylor

Art Briles learns that playing Texas just isn't fun. Texas wins another easy one over the lackluster Bears 48-3.

Game 11: At Kansas

The return to Lawrence, Kansas. Vince Young pulled off what looked like a huge upset here back in 2005. Well, Colt doesn't have to have any magic, as Kansas falls back to status quo. Texas wins easily, 35-7.

Game 12: Vs. Texas A&M

It's Sherman's first trip to Austin as the head coach for the hated Aggies, He will leave wishing it would be his last. Texas shows the world that the Aggies got lucky last year and win a very brutal game (for A&M) 42-14.

Texas will become the big 12 south champions and Go on to win the Big 12 outright. While I would love to sit here and say they will be in the national championship game, I can't see the lot of teams ahead of Texas fading and opening that door.

So for this, I will say Texas will happily take a Fiesta Bowl bid.

Cowboys Camp Cupcake Could Be Blessing

Kody Brannon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:44:53 -0400

Well, here we are knocking on the door of another NFL football season. Everybody wants to make their claims why they should be favored for the Super Bowl. Some teams are 2-0 in the preseason, and some teams are 0-2.

The Cowboys are of course the latter.

But to me, that doesn't mean anything. Right now the games don't count, and nobody really cares what they see. I have heard people say that the Cowboys are at Camp Cup Cake, and they are acting more than practicing.

This may be true. But I do know that come the start of the regular season. There is one big chip on this teams shoulder: The fact that everybody wants to talk about how they haven't won a playoff game on 11 years.

Well my friends, this year is the year that they end that streak. While last year was impressive, it ended badly. That's two seasons that Tony Romo has been ousted out of the playoffs early.

This year, I know that tide will change. The Cowboys have strengthened their secondary with signing Ken Hamlin, and have added a few new tools in the draft. While Adam "Pacman" Jones isn't cleared to play yet, I can only see positive things from him if he is allowed to play by the commissioner.

Now call me crazy, but I think getting rid of Julius Jones and bringing in Felix Jones is one of the best moves of the year. Julius was very lazy and just didn't have that pop that you need to be a running back in the NFL. With the tandem of Barber and Felix Jones, I have a gut feeling that no defense will be able to contain the Dallas running game, at least not without sacrificing the passing attack.

And there is my main point on offense. With T.O. and Witten, there is no hope for a secondary. While losing Glenn may hurt the receiving, he was out all of last year and it didn't hurt too much. But this year we have a stronger running game, so what we miss there will be made up.

So to sum it all up, my early prediction is that the Cowboys will go 12-4, Win the NFC East, defeat their opponent in the NFC Championship, and win a lopsided Super Bowl. Then all the fans in Dallas will bring back the famous chant "How bout dem cowboys!"

Open Mic: Chinese Gymnasts Had Unfair Homefield Advantage

Kody Brannon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:22:49 -0400

Okay, so I have been stewing about this since the women's gymnastics came to an end. Now, after some stewing, I feel that the U.S. got screwed! China, the big bad communist power has altered the games.

They have under-aged girls competing and they are twisting the results in their favor. I have the feeling that this is nothing more than a big scam.

Everybody talks about the "New" China. Well, it looks like the same old tactics to me, just in their own backyard. Nastia Liukin should have at least two more gold medals, but thanks to this sham we call the Olympics, the best gymnast didn't win.

I have not usually been a big fan of the Olympics, but this year I decided to give it another shot. Once again, I feel that I was right in my initial thoughts. It's not the best athletes that win gold medals—it's the country who cheats the most.

There is a lot of work to be done in the gymnastics scoring system. And until I see change, I won't watch another Olympic gymnastics meet as long as I live.