USA vs Belgium Recap 9/6/2011

USA's second friendly in four days was a tough one especially when you consider them traveling from LA to Belgium and the result was a 1-0 lose. Under Klinsmann, USA has only scored one goal in three games. I'm not panicking yet. Are you?

Majority of the first half was a completely controlled by Belgium. The US lacked pace, continuity, and possession. It was nothing like the Costa Rica game where the US controlled the ball and the possession. The first twenty minutes was good, but something got lost. Belgium put more defensive pressure which forced back US.

The second half started the same way first half ended. Not much possession. After Belgium scored their goal, they started to sit back on defense which kind of allwoed US to attack and posses the ball a little bit more. And it looked like the equalizing goal was socred by Edu, but there was some phantom offiside or handball that was called by the sideline referee.

I'll be honest, even though US lost, it was an even game. The one goal came from a long throw in, which skipped under Tim Howard on a very wet field. But what I am concerned about is, the chances that were created. There was only about two good chances that was created and one was off a long free kick.
I think it is evident USA should not be playing with a lone forward, because Jozy was basically invisible in the first half.

I think after this stretch of friendlies it should be clear to Klinsmann who is national team ready and who is not.

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Cheerleader vs The Blogger Weekly NFL Picks

Starting tomorrow, I will be bringing something new for the 2011 NFL season. I will be challenging NFL andBengals cheerleader Alyson S. for weekly NFL picks. Which I'm sure I will dominate.

Here is a little bio on Alyson. Alyson is in her fourth year on the squad. When Alyson is not cheering she teaches first grade and judges all-star cheerleading/dance competitions. She is also a proud former UC cheerleader. Alyson has a cat named Glitzy (she doesn't know we here at the blog are dog lovers and cat haters). Someday Alyson wishes to write her own children's book.

So tune in each week to see our picks.

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Fantasy Football Domination

Looks at this roster, it's a roster thats meant for domination. I'm gonna run through the competition like Debbie did Dallas. The only thing I'm missing is a big time RB, but I ain't worried. I got a great QB, two good WR's,  two good RB's and an awesome defense.

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University of Cincinnati Vs Austin Peay 9/3/2011

Guest Post by Justin. 
Follow him at Natifan80

BearcatNation Domination.
It was a very very hot day in Cincinnati. Over a 100 degrees on the field at game time, but that didn't stop the Bearcats from putting the hurt on FCS school Austin Peay. The game started out with a bang on the opening kickoff where true freshman Ralph David Abernathy took it 60 yards to the Austin Peay 40 yard line. The very next play from scrimmage Isaiah Pead took the zone read action hand off in for a 40 yard run.
Cincinnati followed up that drive with some stout defense of there own. JK Schaffer picked off a deflected Jake Ryan pass to about midfield.



A clutch 4th down throw from Collaros to Sophomore wideout Anthony Mcclung and a big dose of running the ball setup a 14 yard scamper for the Senior halfback Pead.
Pead only played half way through the 2nd quarter and finished up with 87 yards and 2 TD's.
That didn't stop Zach Collaros from joining the scoring party. Zach threw 4 tds in the first half.
The first was a bullet to the new #1 Kembrell Thompkins for 15 yards.


The next was a 40 yard perfect strike on 3rd and 13 to fellow senior Dj Woods. After Luallen subbed in for Collaros and  marched the Bearcats down to the 10 yard line, Zach came in and threw a perfect corner endzone throw to Mcclung. On the insuing kickoff, Witty stripped the ball and recovered it himself with only 27 seconds left in the half. That proved to be plenty of time for Collaros and Mcclung to hook up for the 3rd time on a 30 yard uncontested pass.

The 2nd half showed that the Bearcats had depth. Something that they didn't have last season. True freshmen Jameel Poteat, Ralph Abernathy, and Mr. Ohio Akise Teague showed that they are a force to be reckoned with. Poteat has the ability to come in right away and contribute. Teague scored a late touchdown and of course Abernathy looked great on the lone return.


Some other bright spots include the backup QB play by sophomore Munchie Legaux. He showed a great arm and great speed. Legaux fits perfectly into Butch Jones' option system. His first play from scrimmage after yet another Governors turnover was a 25 yard pass to yet another very talented freshmanu receiver Alex Chism. 3 plays later Munchie optioned left for a 10 yard rushing TD.
JK Schaffer said the were looking for a shutout on defense. The Bearcats didn't get that but definitely didn't disappoint either. The defense held Austin Peay to just 10 points. And thanks to that defense and special teams, the Bearcats took the ball away 6 times. That's a great sign seeing turnovers were a huge thorn in their sides in the 2010 season.
It was great to see the Bearcats dominate again. Even though it was an FCS school where they don't have one player on scholarship. To play your first team for just one half and still score 72 points is pretty impressive. Bring on the Vols. Cincinnati will take on the Tennessee Volunteers at 3:30 on ESPN 2

Guest Post by Justin. Follow him at Natifan80

Stats: SI

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Costa Rica vs USA Recap 9/2/2011

That look on Donovan's face says it all. Yea, sure it's a only a friendly but a win is always a win and a lose is always a lose.
The boys started the game like they were shot out of a cannon. USA kept putting wave after wave of pressure on Costa Rica. It was surprising to see USA attacking and Costa Rica counter attacking. Seems like every touch on the ball was crisp and every pass was perfect. I looked like USA could have easily been up two goals before half-time.


The second half was a completely different story. I'm not really sure what happened during half-time. Maybe they forgot to drink their Red Bull or maybe Klinsmann made some "your momma is so fat" jokes. I don't know but the boys where lacking that sizzle. They seem to be left with no energy.


Anyway, I'm loving the flow of the ball. The quick passes and the possession game, I'm loving it all.  Just wish Landon would have finished his easy chance in the sixth minute. 


Hopefully more good things to come from Klinsmann and the boys.

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Indianapolis Colts vs Cincinnati Bengals Re-cap 9/1/2011

The final preseason looked like the final preseason game. Mostly it was unwatchable. The Bengals lost 17-13 to the Colts. But the biggest news might be the meeting that took place between the Bengals and Carson Palmer in late July. This is according to Joe Reedy.

The Good:
The good news is Andy Dalton looked like he might be able to survive his NFL rookie season. I don't think the game is way over his head. We also found out that Brad Gardowski (SP?) looked like he can play against the Colts second string defense. Again, the front four of the Bengals D looked like they could consistently put pressure on the opposing QB. The running game looked solid. That should be good news because it's going to be a run first, run second kind of team this year.
Rucker, M. Johnson, C. Peerman and few other players on both offense and defense and a very good preseason campaign.

The Bad:
Dan LeFlavor (SP?), he either needs to be cut or put on the practice squad. I can't see him taking up a roster spot. The return game still sucks, with the new kick off rules I don't think it will make a big difference this year.

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