Mid-term Report Card

Now entering November, most of us college students are starting to get into the depth of our classes, meaning longer hours in the library and less time for recreation. This may not be true for everyone, but it certainly is for me. That's why you haven't seen a post from me in a few weeks. Don't fret, though, friends, for I have come up with a wonderful idea to combine school and sports for an awesome story.

I am going to give out letter grades to certain teams based on their performance compared to their expectations. Hope you enjoy! And remember, Professor DiSchiano doesn't give grades, teams earn them.

St. Louis Cardinals - A+

Not only did the Cards win the World Series, they won when the Rangers were just an out away from the title - twice! St. Louis conveyed the meaning of resilience, winning with class and heart. A great World Series with two great teams; certainly a treat for all sports fans alike.

Clemson Tigers - A-

Starting out the college football season 8-0 with wins over the defending-champion Auburn Tigers, Florida State, and Virginia Tech, the Tigers established themsevles as national title contenders. Will they make an appearance in the BCS National Championship? Probably not. Even if they win out, they're still in a weak conference in the ACC, so the BCS isn't likely to recognize their strength. Good team, but not A+ caliber.

The Big 12 Conference - B

You can wave goodbye to Texas A&M (which may not be such a bad thing after all) and Missouri looks to be parting ways (be careful what you wish for, Tigers), but the Big 12 has made up for its future losses by adding some very solid schools with TCU and West Virginia, and there's still rumor that Louisville will be on board as well. When you add Kansas into that mix, you're getting closer and closer to a powerhouse basketball conference.

Kansas Jayhawks (Basketball) - C+

The preseason AP Poll has come out, and the Jayhawks are feeling no love from the voters. Ranked 13th, this Kansas team has something to prove coming out of the gates, and we'll just have to wait and see if they were placed accordingly.

Philadelphia Eagles - D

They're 2-4, Michael Vick is playing like he did in his rookie year, and the defense is handing out points like candy. If they don't shape up now, the players of this proclaimed "Dream Team" will only be playing in the Super Bowl in their dreams.

Texas A&M - F

Is there a grade lower than "F" that I can give? How about "H" for "helpless"? "I" for "inconsistent"? "Z" for "Zach thinks that you are all incompetent football players who can't hold on to a lead to save your lives, and for some reason you think that you will fare better against SEC teams when you can't even leave the middle of the Big 12 standings"? Pitiful. I really do want to see the Aggies succeed - they're a talented team with a great coaching staff and excellent fan base -  it's just so frustrating when they continue to underachieve yet act as if they are number one in the polls.


With all that said, I'm naming the Cardinals my teacher's pet and sending the Aggies to detention. Any questions?

NFL Preseason Predictions! Part 5: The Terribly Awesome NFC East

Ah, my favorite and least favorite division in the NFL. If you know me, you know I'm a HUGE Giants fan, as well as a HUGE Cowboys skeptic. So, you can understand that it was very tough staying objective on this post, but I was able to persevere. Enjoy!

Philadelphia Eagles 11-5

First of all, let me make this point clear. The Eagles are in NO WAY a "dream team". It's just not true. There are holes in the defense and there are holes in the offensive line. Vick will do some serious damage offensively this season, and you can't doubt the rushing attack with LeSean McCoy and Ronnie Brown. But the Eagles will struggle to win this division. They have a tough schedule in an already competitive division, so look for somewhere around 10 or 11 wins this season. They will make the playoffs because I don't think the Giants are at their best and the Cowboys always have and always will under perform. Expect a solid year in Philly, but don't start packing for a trip to the Super Bowl.

Final Prediction: Loss NFC Chanpionship

New York Giants 10-6
Mediocrity is the best way I can describe the G-Men this year. Eli Manning will never be his brother, Ahmad Bradshaw will never be Steven Jackson, and Steve Smith, New York's best wide receiver, left the team. That leaves Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham to handle the bulk of the catches, and hopefully it won't be too big of a burden on them. Osi Umenyiora is back, but we don't know how happy he'll be and if he'll give his 100% after his failed attempt at a holdout/trade request. If he plays up to his potential, the Giants defensive line will be just as strong as it normally is. The secondary is solid, of course it will hurt a little at the cornerback position with Prince Amukamara out for the next couple of months. New York will have it's ups and downs this season, but unfortunately I don't see another championship in the making.

Final Prediction: Loss in Divisional Round

Dallas Cowboys 8-8

It's the SAME thing EVERY year with Dallas. Loads of talent, no results. It's like Jerry Jones just sits there and says, "Hmm...how many Pro Bowlers can I fit on one team without making the playoffs?" Well, Jerry, if it makes you happy, that's cool, but there's a huge metropolitan area that desperately want to duplicate its success in the '90s. I don't think it'll happen as long as Tony Romo is quarterback. He is hands down the most overrated in the league. Backup QB Steven McGee has more upside. It won't be a season to remember in Dallas.

Final Prediction: Miss Playoffs

Washington Redskins 4-12

Final Prediction : Miss Playoffs

Just kidding.

But seriously, they aren't very good. No McNabb, no Haynesworth, no running backs, no receivers other than the ancient Santana Moss and underachieving Donte Stallworth. Ad please don't make me go into what they lack on defense. They have a couple solid starters, and I'm very excited to see how they can implement rookie RB Roy Helu, but this is not a playoff roster.

Final Prediction: ....Still Miss the Playoffs

NFC West, coming up next! Thanks for reading everyone! Don't forget, whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you're usually right. Until next time!