- 01:25 PM
- 04/23/24
Who among you SpoFites plan on hitting E-town for the big game next weekend? I've got a line on some primo tickets if you're looking. It's shaping up to be a pretty awesome weekend by the looks of things.
posted by Spitztengle at 06:59 PM on November 20, 2010
Ooh, this is gonna hurt. As much as I would like to see a rematch of last year's cup, and as much as I'd hate to see the Stumps win it on Edmonton soil, I think it's gonna be Cowtown vs. the Larks in the Coupe Grey. Therefore:
Montreal by 18.
Calgary by 3.
Calvillo for yards.
Stamps for sacks.
posted by Spitztengle at 06:56 PM on November 20, 2010
Anyone outside of Canada wanting to know where they can watch the Grey Cup on Nov. 28th can check out this list.
posted by Spitztengle at 10:00 PM on November 16, 2010
OVERTIME in Saskatchewan! Lulay connects on a hail mary with no time on the clock to force OT. WOW!!!
posted by Spitztengle at 07:28 PM on November 14, 2010
Hamilton by 6
Samsquanch by 2
McCallum
posted by Spitztengle at 09:09 AM on November 14, 2010
Bull busts out at Canadian Finals Rodeo. Injures only one spectator thanks to some fancy lasso work by one of the pick-up riders. No video with this link, but I'm sure there will be some of the whole affair soon to follow.
posted by Spitztengle at 01:23 AM on November 13, 2010
mayor won't let the Lingerie Football League come to town.
I had no idea this even existed!?!?
posted by Spitztengle at 12:32 PM on November 12, 2010
Well played, tommy ... well played!
dnA snoitalutargnoc ot dyslexic no gninniw eht aznatsoC!
posted by Spitztengle at 12:30 AM on November 09, 2010
It appears like there is no mid-court stripe. That seems important for back-court calls. Even if it is there but barely visible, it seems like a problem.
Maybe a river needs to run through them there woods at midcourt? Or a cutline to prevent spread of forest fires? Something. That does seem like one problem with the design.
I am in favor of creativity like this though, and I actually quite like the design. I think that players spatially orient and familiarize with court markings quite quickly. The rim is still 10' (part of me wants to quote Gene Hackman from Hoosiers right now).
The standard/mandatory court markings being visible is essential though, so that can't be sacrificed for the design.
posted by Spitztengle at 10:30 PM on November 08, 2010
By the look of that ref's casual pace towards the endzone, I'm assuming that they were taken off-guard by this play as well. I'm gonna bet that the zebras had to huddle after this one too.
posted by Spitztengle at 12:57 PM on November 08, 2010
Toronto 30 - Montreal 4 [Boxscore]
posted by Spitztengle at 07:08 PM on November 07, 2010
Edmonton 23 - Saskatchewan 31 [Recap]
Playoff picture is now in focus:
Argos @ TiCats
Lions @ Riders
posted by Spitztengle at 10:13 PM on November 06, 2010
Kind of made me look to see if there was an onion substitute for the ball/puck 'o' in the Sportsfilter header.
posted by Spitztengle at 05:22 PM on November 06, 2010
BC 23 - Hamilton 21 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 05:16 PM on November 06, 2010
Calgary 35 - Winnipeg 32 [Boxscore]
posted by Spitztengle at 11:11 PM on November 05, 2010
Even if they do have first-place clinched in the West, I gotta go with Calgary in this one. Bombers might as well close on the note that has resonated their entire season. Stampeders by 6.
This bullshit about resting starters could really bite the Double E in the ass if the Tabbies can't beat the Leos. Must-win for the Lions means they'll be ready. Gotta cheer for the striped cats in this one. In the end though, dammit if the Lions aren't good enough to earn their playoff berth. Lions by 3.
What does that mean, it means that the Double E will be in a must-win situation in Saskatchewan. The Riders are not going to go down on this losing skid. Who are we kidding? Eskimos have salvaged some pride in the new Tillman-era, but the playoffs just aren't meant to be in a season as tarnished as this one. Dan Kepley resigned for chrissakes! Roughriders by 11.
It'd be nice to see the Argos end the regular season on a high-note. The Als need to make sure they're sharp before their week off too. In an almost meaningless game, we might actually have a decent contest. I'll take the Alouettes but not by much. Say a field goal. And somebody please tell Socrates that Diogenes is shagging his wife.
GREAT SEASON, ALL! It's been a blast. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, DrJohnEvans!!!
See you in the post-season!
posted by Spitztengle at 03:00 PM on November 05, 2010
owlhouse, GREAT way to close out the regular season. I don't recall this tale from Plato's Dialogues, but there's definitely a moral to the story. Nice one.
posted by Spitztengle at 10:42 PM on November 03, 2010
Schultzie's Week 19 picks are:
Calgary by 6
BC by 7
Edmonton by 4
Montreal by 5
posted by Spitztengle at 10:39 PM on November 03, 2010
PointSpreads for this final week of the regular season are:
CGY -3.5
BC -3.5
SK -1.5
MTL -7.5
posted by Spitztengle at 10:34 PM on November 03, 2010
I guess BC's decision to stay in a hotel and treat this as a road game broke their home curse.
Saskatchewan 17 - BC 23 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 10:33 PM on October 31, 2010
Overtime needed in E-town tonight. Daniel Porter romps in for the win.
Winnipeg 13 - Edmonton 16 [Boxscore]
posted by Spitztengle at 10:16 PM on October 30, 2010
Hamilton 24 - Calgary 55 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 02:45 PM on October 30, 2010
Wacky finish in T-Dot. I checked the score with under 4 minutes remaining and the Argos were up by 7. We've said it before and we'll say it again, "You gotta love the CFL!"
Montreal 37 - Toronto 30 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 11:17 PM on October 29, 2010
I've gotta nail some spreads if I'm gonna have a hope in this race. Realistically though, just gonna try to close out strong. Good luck to you two dueling it out for first.
Montreal misfired last week. That's a twist. Argos had a decent win too. This one's in T-Dot. Hmmm ... no wonder the spread's only three-and-a-half. Larks win but don't cover---by 2.
The Red & White need to start gettin' sharp for what will be one helluvva dogfight in the Western playoffs. Think they put their best foot forward in this one and win comfortably over a tough visiting TiCat squad. Stamps win and cover by 6.
It's hard to believe my eyes when I see the Double E favoured by more than a touchdown. It's harder to believe that I think they'll actually cover in this one. But I better let their track record speak for itself. Nah, on second though ... Bombers are d-o-n-e. EE by 23.
And here's where Edmonton gets a break. Samsquanch will need to get back on track to be ready for that dogfight I've already said will be the Western playoffs. BC sucks at home this year. Riders by 15.
posted by Spitztengle at 01:03 PM on October 29, 2010
Point Spreads for this week are:
MON -3.5
CGY -4.5
EDM -7.5
BC -3.5
posted by Spitztengle at 11:05 PM on October 27, 2010
Only three points keep Schultzie outta the Costanza. Can he keep that gap intact? Here are his picks, visitors in 3 of 4:
Montreal by 7
Hamilton by 2
Edmonton by 11
Saskatchewan by 7
posted by Spitztengle at 11:01 PM on October 27, 2010
Yes, you do gotta love the CFL!!!
The Lions roar back ...
BC 36 - Calgary 31 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 01:44 AM on October 23, 2010
And the Lions roar out to a 17 point lead before the end of the first quarter!
posted by Spitztengle at 10:42 PM on October 22, 2010
And they continue to romp.
Montreal 3 - Hamilton 40 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 10:41 PM on October 22, 2010
This is awesome. I'll be watchin' my mailbox for it!
posted by Spitztengle at 10:37 PM on October 22, 2010
Did I say 18? What kind of Superfan am I? Make that Riders by 5.
posted by Spitztengle at 08:46 AM on October 22, 2010
So how do you really feel?
I only saw the highlights last night. I didn't catch any talk about it being foul, only that he didn't run on it. The announcers I heard made it sound more like his error, not the ump's.
posted by Spitztengle at 08:45 AM on October 22, 2010
I'm gonna have to agree with Schultzie's prediction in this first game. If the Hammer is gonna take one off the Als, it's gotta be this one at home. In what very well could be a preview of the Eastern Final, the Tabbies gotta know they can be in the hunt. TiCats by 3. Although, in all likelihood, Calvillo, et al will steamroll over the 'cats in this one, but a guy can hope for something other than another Montreal appearance at Grey Cup, can't he?
The one time I'm gonna cheer for the Stamps over the Lions just might be in this game. If the EE are gonna have any hope at all of making the playoffs, they're gonna need help from the teams that play the Lions. In all honesty, however, the Leos can do some damage. Depending on whether Hank or Frank is in at QB for Cowtown, this could be a coin-toss. Nah, PointSpread is almost double-digits. I'll run with that and pray for the Double E's playoff chances to stay alive. Damn Stampeders by 17. Interesting addition to the Stamps roster (special teams only apparently) is Jesse Lumsden.
One of my co-workers is a Bomber fan. He's been a real asset to have around me at this time of year. He grumbles about how the Bombers always find a way to let it go when they have a win in their grasp. On the other side of that, I've been pretty open all year about wanting a stronger squad to emerge out of Toronto for the health of the league. Looking at the last few weeks ahead, the Argos face the juggernaut Als twice. So they're gonna need a win this week. So sorry, Arch. While I'd love to see your Bombers pull one out here, I think that the Argos are gonna need it more. Argonauts by 4. Wonder what the O'Shea-Barker rinky-dink playbook has in store for us this week?
Oh, Football Gods: While the chorus singing Green is the Colour is probably far more pleasing to the ear than the Bryan Hall-led Eskimo Fight Song, please hear me on this one. We're hosting the Grey Cup in Edmonton this year. Please let this game be a clear sign of whether or not we'll be able to gel at the right time and actually have a hope of playing in it. If it's not to be, make this one a clear sign of that.
The pick from my heart is Edmonton by 100, but in reality, I'm thinking it'll be Riders by 18.
posted by Spitztengle at 08:22 AM on October 22, 2010
Schultzie says:
Hamilton by 1
Calgary by 10
Winnipeg by 7
Saskatchewan by 1
posted by Spitztengle at 05:19 PM on October 21, 2010
MTL -2.5
CGY -9.5
WPG -5.5
SK -2.5
posted by Spitztengle at 05:16 PM on October 21, 2010
Anyone seen The Tillman Story?
No, but I can't wait. I read Krakauer's book, Where Men Win Glory and have been anxious to see how this story translates to film.
Gosh, I do think this is important, not trivial, stuff.
posted by Spitztengle at 09:04 PM on October 19, 2010
You know, I'm wondering if it is the referees' role to police this. And I'm also wondering if the Ts are the way to go about it. I haven't been able to see much bball yet this year, and rcade's clip really doesn't show us anything (gestures, animation, etc.). You expect that there is at least something camera-shot worthy when a player gets tossed. Of course, it's actually a limitation of televised basketball that you don't get the audio feed on most of those interactions, but this one clip sure doesn't give me a good impression.
So if it's not the refs, or the Ts won't work, what could some options be? League fines (more of 'em) can't be that hard to administer in this instance, can they? Or, what about the creation of a different kind of technical foul (e.g., not counting towards disqualification) to target these actions specifically? (think of a bench technical to a coach that's not a direct T kinda thing). Or, how 'bout the polar opposite? Just play on. Refs call or don't call. Administer what needs to be administered, and resume play. In my books resuming play as quick as possible really eliminates this kind of thing. It's the dead ball period where this can escalate. If you're whackin' whiners with Ts, you're increasing your dead ball time. In the clip, for example, it was during the administration of a T (with no line-up on the lanes, of course) that got this snowball rolling.
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that I don't like this. It's not that I endorse the "whiner-type" in sport at all, it's just that I'm not really behind whackin' more Ts to curb it. But, in the end, it may just be part of the cycle as this gets brought back to more acceptable levels.
posted by Spitztengle at 07:05 PM on October 18, 2010
So far this weekend [CFL.ca Scores]:
HAM 30 - TOR 3
EE 31 - BC 28
WIN 19 - MON 22
and in Saskatchewan, the Stamps are clawing their way back into the first half after being down 14-0 with 10 unanswered points.
posted by Spitztengle at 05:22 PM on October 17, 2010
I dunno ... the Argos had a little something extra in 'em last week. And while I would like to see them continue to roll with that (I am one of those who think that a strong Toronto team is good for the league), this is the CFL, and consistency week-to-week is kind of like Jekyll and Hyde. Hamilton is no different though, so their easy win over Edmonton doesn't really convince me they're gonna rock this week either. Coin toss on this one: Hamilton by 3. I won't be surprised if some of the Jim Barker/Mike O'Shea shenanigans and trick plays prove the difference in this one though ... that's the CFL I love.
My goodness, you'd think that neither of these teams is really interested in the playoffs. Just when they seem to be getting straightened out, they nosedive for no good reason. As an Esks fan, I'm hoping that the release of Casey Printers hasn't somehow rallied the Lions. And goddammit, as an Esks fan, I am due to actually see them win one. I'm missing another good social opportunity just to be able to watch this one on TV, so dammit, fellas ... win one for me, will ya? EE by 11.
What a great win by the Bombers last week. That was classic stuff---great CFL football. But the Bombers are the Bombers, and the Larks are the Larks. At this point in the season, we'll see just how much better the Als are than those the bombers in blue. Montreal by 17.
Grey Cup tickets are like stocks at the moment. Season ticket holders are listing tickets for as high as $1499 in my section. Others are just hoping to make a little profit. If Calgary is in it, I think face value will be the top dollar. If the Riders are in it ... well, their (long-time) fans have always been willing to pay more than just dollars. I talked about Jekyll and Hyde earlier ... Hank or Frank might be a more contemporary reference. They've split this season series so far I think ... so I might just have to give the nod to the home squad this week. Keep those GC ticket-sellers hopes up. Green Riders by 6.
posted by Spitztengle at 10:36 AM on October 15, 2010
Things get a little heated in a China vs Brazil basket ball game.
The clip title says fist fight ... man, there were knees and stomps thrown in there too! More like I went to an MMA bout and a basketball game broke out ... or something like that.
That coach is a piece of work. Bringing attention to the injured player was a nice touch though.
posted by Spitztengle at 02:11 AM on October 14, 2010
SportSelect has the spreads set at:
HAM -0.5
BC -4.5
MTL -12.5
SK -1.5
posted by Spitztengle at 05:53 PM on October 13, 2010
Schultzie had a three-point week last week to distance himself from the Costanza lead ... can he get some breathing room this week? Guess we'll find out.
Hamilton by 1
BC by 5
Montreal by 6
and
Saskatchewan by 2
posted by Spitztengle at 05:51 PM on October 13, 2010
Don't I look like an ass? Jyles comes in, Lulay goes out ... fortunes are reversed simultaneously for both teams. Ah ... only in the CFL.
posted by Spitztengle at 03:34 PM on October 12, 2010
You know, in light of all of the recent outcry against homophobic bullying, SPORT is the first arena that could be brought into check. I think someone posted the "Why are You Gay" clips from Yankees games the other day. This clip just adds to the list of the countless ways this type of behaviour goes unchecked. IMHO, time to get current and do away with this kind of stuff.
posted by Spitztengle at 03:21 PM on October 12, 2010
PICK CHANGE: Bombers are going with Brink ... not that this probably isn't a wacky move that just might yield an upset, I do think that Lulay is a more conditioned CFL starter. Puts the edge back in the Lions' favor. Lions by 6.
posted by Spitztengle at 12:44 PM on October 11, 2010
Argos 24 - Riders 19 [Recap] Looks like special teams were a big difference in this one with two fake punts and a blocked FG by the Argos.
posted by Spitztengle at 11:09 PM on October 09, 2010
Edmonton 11 - Hamilton 36 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 12:55 PM on October 09, 2010
Oscar Pistorious is a great current example.
I was at a conference on (dis)ability and sport a few years back and this was already on the radar ... part of the argument to disallow Oscar ... "because people will amputate themselves to gain an advantage." Weedy, if I'm reading you correctly, you fall into the group of people who believe that this "might" become a reality, albeit perhaps a bit too early yet. You know, when I first heard that argument, it surprised the heck out of me. Of course, there's so much that would have to take place before that would ever happen. But like you said, as soon as someone does exceed what we know as "normal" limits ... all bets just might be off.
The other thing I like to add to this is the rise in what is being called LT (Low Testosterone) diagnoses in men. Middle-aged men who are feeling lethargic and whose free testosterone (or whatever testosterone levels they actually measure (which I don't think is consistent)) levels are "lower" that "normal" for men at that age ... they get "treatment." I've never seen the actual numbers, but gawd would I love to see Usain Bolt's "natural" or "free" or "whatever" testosterone levels and compare them to other guys. From what I'm told by a friend of mine who does research in this area, the "normal" range between men in the upper end, and the lower end is far greater than it is between men and women (or close to it). That's a big difference. If anyone has more info on this, I'd love to see it.
posted by Spitztengle at 07:02 PM on October 08, 2010
Sorry, but i'm a bit of a purist when it comes to sport. I want to see an athletic contest. I don't want to see one team of juiced guys against those who play it strictly straight. That's not a true sporting contest, and never will be.
I hope I'm not alone in recognizing the myths that underpin a position like this. Don't take this personally, Drood, 'cause you're definitely not alone either. I do have to say though that defining what is "pure" about modern sporting contests is a futile endeavor.
[On edit: what LBB said]
posted by Spitztengle at 02:45 PM on October 08, 2010
Ho hum ... here we go again. Just when I've got a reason to believe that my beloved Esks might actually be able to pull off a victory again, I'm actually thinking that the Hammer might be the better pick this week. Prove me wrong Esks. Prove me wrong. TiCats Ivor Wynne by 7.
Riders roll over the Argos. That's just the way it will be. Samsquanch by 25.
Gonna go with the Colts in this one. Think they might be trying to send a message that they're the team to beat come late November. Stamps by 14.
And why not? Like Schultzie says, they are a better team than their record suggests. It's about time they put another one in the W column. Blue Bombers by 3.
posted by Spitztengle at 09:35 AM on October 08, 2010
They must have pre-teen boys working in the replay booth now, hey? How many times did that need to be rewound?
posted by Spitztengle at 09:10 AM on October 08, 2010
PointSpreads are:
HAM -4.5
SK -11.5
MTL -2.5
WPG -3.5
posted by Spitztengle at 09:05 AM on October 08, 2010
Doctor Doctor, give me the news: you beating this bug yet? I've got a bad case of Pick 'Em Blues.
For Schultzie on the other hand ... there may be no cure.
Hamilton by 5
Saskatchewan by 16
Montreal by 5
Winnipeg by 3
posted by Spitztengle at 09:02 AM on October 08, 2010
I've been struggling to find the quote I read once by Marv Levy. While he was famous for using historic battles as inspirational stories before the Bills took the field, he was also clear to state that, "Football is not war."
posted by Spitztengle at 05:20 PM on October 06, 2010
Don't let your local NHL club play an exhibition game in Russia. The St. Petersburg team did nothing but go after the knees
A little hangover from '72, perhaps?
posted by Spitztengle at 10:30 AM on October 06, 2010
I'm the complete opposite end of the spectrum from you, hincandenza ... I'm champin' at the proverbial bit to get my mitts on this one. I'm not exactly sure, in the end of days, where Ben will rank in the annals of sport legends, but far less notable figures have had much more ado about their falls from grace. This is long overdue. I'm hoping that the time has given some perspective to it all.
posted by Spitztengle at 09:39 PM on October 05, 2010
Hamilton 35 - Edmonton 37 [Recap]
posted by Spitztengle at 09:29 PM on October 03, 2010
CFL Playoff Pick 'Em, Division Final Edition
So according to TSN boxscores:
Toronto 17 - Montreal 48 [Boxscore]
Saskatchewan 20 - Calgary 16 [Boxscore]
Passing Stats:
Calvillo - 334 yds
Burris - 229 yds
Durant - 180 yds (over 100 to Getzlaf alone)
Lemon - 169 yds
Team Sacks:
Montreal - 5
Saskatchewan - 3
Toronto - 2
Calgary - 1