Must See Sports - Fifth Weekend of November 2013

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record, excluding series: 3-3

2013 Advantage/Disadvantage Record, excluding series: 89-74

2013 Advantage/Disadvantage FINAL Record (series only): 22-13-4

I completely ran the table in reverse on college football. That's why the Advantage/Disadvantage portion of Must See Sports is for entertainment purposes only. Understand? Do not send your bookie over to me!

I could expect an unwelcome visit from this guy if I bet a lot of college football last week. 1

Thursday, November 28

Happy Thanksgiving, Hat Trick Fam! You know what Turkey Day means? FOOTBALL!!!

NFL

Green Bay Packers (5-5-1) at Detroit Lions (6-5)

No Aaron Rodgers plus on the road equals doom for Green Bay.

Advantage: Lions

Reggie Bush is a one man wrecking crew out of the Lions' backfield. 2

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6) at Baltimore Ravens (5-6)

This slug fest is always a war. It could also decide the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC playoffs. The Steelers have come to life, winning five of their last seven, after a catastrophic 0-4 start, The biggest difference has been the presence of a running threat, rookie Le'Veon Bell (455 yds., 4 TD).

Bell missed the first three games of the season. It's no coincidence that the Steelers running attack was almost nonexistent before then. The Ravens have also been unusually light footed on the ground. Ray Rice (450 yds., 4 TD, 2.9 avg.), the heart and soul of the Ravens backfield for the last several years, is averaging less than three yards per carry this season. In fact, the Ravens, as a team, are only averaging 2.9 yards per carry.

That has allowed defenders to drop more linebackers in coverage and spend more time spying on Ravens QB Joe Flacco (2,742 yds., 14 TD, 14 INT 59% comp.). This game will come down to the running game, as these are two teams that center their strategies around being able to run and stop the run. I think the Ravens have a slight advantage because of their defense, which appears to be improving each week after a mediocre start tot the year. Baltimore is also at home.

Advantage: Ravens

Le'Veon Bell and injected life into a once lifeless Steelers running attack. 3

Saturday, November 30

NCAA Football

The IRON BOWL

IRON BOWL JAM!!!

The Iron Bowl: It's like that.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide at #4 Auburn Tigers

This is the de facto SEC West division championship game. It is also the biggest college game of the week with a ton at stake. The balance of the BCS National Championship picture hangs in the outcome.

The only people who will be root for Alabama are people who are Alabama fans in Alabama. The rest of the college football world, especially fans of Ohio State and Florida State, will be one day War Eagles.

As an LSU man, I'd love to see Bama coach Nick Saban get it stuck to him a little. I just don't think that is going to happen. Auburn has played well (and been smiled up by Lady Luck at times). Alabama has been exemplary from start to finish this season. I don't think the Tigers, in spite of their impressive rushing attack, have enough to keep the Tide from rolling on to the SEC Championship Game.

Advantage: Alabama

The Iron Bowl: It's ON! 3

The Palmetto Bowl

#6 Clemson Tigers at #10 South Carolina Gamecocks

This may be the biggest battle for the Palmetto State, ever, as both teams are ranked in the top ten and both have BCS bowl aspirations. Clemson has not recorded a victory over S.C. since 2008. Last year the Cocks frustrated Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd (3,248 yds., 29 TD, 7 INT, 67% comp.) to no end. Still, Boyd, a senior, is playing the best football of his career. The only stumbling block the Tigers have encountered is unbeaten Florida State. I think the Clemson losing streak ends here.

Advantage: Clemson

Tajh Boyd (#10, center, being decapitated) has to keep his head against Jadeveon Clowney (#7) and the Gamecocks for Clemson to snap its Palmetto Bowl futility. 4

#21 Texas A&M Aggies at #5 Missouri Tigers

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel (3,537 yds., 32 TD, 13 INT, 69% comp.) has one last regular season game remaining in his college career. What better way to go out than by ruining the season for former fellow Big 12 rival and current SEC rival Missouri? Looking at the Aggies defense, that isn't likely.

Missouri has repeatedly answered the critics, unbeaten in regulation play, ranked #5, and one win away from clinching the SEC East division and facing either the Auburn Tigers or Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game in December. Mizzou has not one but two signal callers who have proven themselves to be capable in James Franklin (1,719 yds., 14 TD, 4 INT, 67% comp.), who is back from an injury that caused him to miss several games, and freshman Maty Mauk (1,034 yds., 10 TD, 2 INT, 51% comp.).

A&M's defense has not risen to any occasion and I don't expect it to happen at Missouri with a trip to the SEC Championship Game at stake. Missouri will be able to control the ball and should be in position to answer whenever Johnny Football strikes. He will not pick the Tigers apart on the road the way he's picked apart lesser defenses this season. The Alabama game (Texas A&M scored 42 points), which was still a loss and was played in College Station, TX, was a long time ago.

Advantage: Missouri

Johnny Football's two years at Texans A&M have been a brief but very exciting chapter in college football. Only two more entries remain to be written in this chapter. Enjoy while you can! 5

Sunday, December 1

NFL

Denver Broncos (9-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)

The Chiefs, losers of two straight, can prove that they aren't a fluke or the beneficiaries of a last place schedule and some lucky bounces (along with a 180-degree turn in caliber of coaching an QB play during the offseason). The Broncos are reeling after blowing a 24 point lead to Broncos QB Peyton Manning's (3,722 yds., 36 TD, 7 INT, 69% comp.) career arch-rival Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.

Arrowhead Stadium is one of the toughest places to win in the NFL. However, Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and, statistically, far-and-away the best in the game today. Good luck getting to Manning and company after a tough loss, Chiefs fans!

Advantage: Broncos

The Chiefs will need to lean heavily on their 12th man at Arrowhead Stadium to split the season series with the Broncos. Why NBC did not flex this game and instead chose to air the Giants and (hapless) Redskins is beyond me. Yes, it would be the third week in a row that the Broncos and Peyton Manning would be featured on Sunday Night Football. And the problem is...? 6

Monday, December 2

New Orleans Saints (9-2) at Seattle Seahawks (10-1)

I couldn't be more biased as my Saints go far, F..A..R away to the Pacific Northwest to play the team with the best record in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks, on Monday Night Football. So far, this is the NFC's game of the year.

The Saints defense, dramatically improved, is playing even better than they were at the start of the season. The run defense has tightened up significantly. Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (925 yds., 9 TD, 4.4 avg.) and quarterback Russell Wilson (2,362 pass yds., 19 TD, 10 INT, 64%, 409 rush yds., 1 TD, 5.7 YPC) are going to have a tougher challenge against Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan's defense than they may have expected when the 2013 schedule was released.

The reasons I expect the Seahawks to win this game are very simple. First, their defense is dominating, with borderline to bona-fide stars from top to bottom in their lineup. In my opinion, Seahawks conrerback Richard Sherman (31 tak., 4 INT, 8 PD, 1 TFL, 1 TD) is the best CB in the game right now.Secopnd, the Seahawks are at home. Qwest Field is arguably the loudest stadium in the NFL, giving 12th man support to an already elite defensive unit.

I'd LOVE to be wrong, Who Dat Nation, but I'm calling it like I see it.

Advantage: Seahawks

The last time the Saints traveled to Seattle in the 2010 playoffs, the Seahawks, a team of losers (7-9), served this gangsta-slap up to the Who Dat Nation to end their regin as defending Super Bowl champions.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls! 

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info. 

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Source not known

2, 6) Images from www.espn.com
3) Image from http://sports.yahoo.com
4) Image from www.gamedayr.com
5) Image from www.examiner.com

Must See Sports – Third Weekend of October 2012

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 6-2

Must See Sports 2012 record (excluding series): 78-42

Advantage/disadvantage record in series, 2012: 12-7-1 

Friday, October 19

MLB

National League Championship Series
San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals – Game 5
Barry Zito (15-8, 4.15 ERA) – Giants vs Lance Lynn (18-7, 3.78 ERA, 180 Ks)

The Giants aren’t hitting. That’s no different than the regular season. Their pitching is just “okay”. That is a problem. Zito got torched and was removed in the third inning in his only other postseason start. The Cardinals have been unable to lose, even when they help their opponents out. I don’t see this series going back to the Bay.

The Tigers can book their flight to St. Louis for the World Series.

Advantages – Game: Cardinals, Series: Cardinals

Get used to this image, Giants fans. 3

Saturday, October 20

(7) South Carolina Gamecocks at (2) Florida Gators

South Carolina, a talented team that can force turnovers and score quickly, looked like a completely different team at Death Valley against the LSU Tigers. The Cocks have played three road games. In them, they had to sweat it out at Vanderbilt, they made the hapless Kentucky offense look marginally competent (which it is not), and LSU led by two scores in the final minutes of the game.

Now they travel to The Swamp, where the Gators have bent but have never broken this season. I do not expect Florida running back Mike Gillislee (615 yds., 7 TD, 5.1 avg.) to run all over S.C., but I don’t expect him to be shut down either. Ultimately, I just do not expect South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw (910 yds., 9 TD, 4 INT, 69% comp.) to be effective enough in Gainesville to pull out the road win.

Advantage: Florida

There's no place like home for the Old Ball Coach. 1

Sunday, October 21

New York Jets at New England Patriots

Rex Ryan versus Bill Belichick…Mark Sanchez versus Tom Brady…Bart “CAN’T WAIT” Scott versus the media. This is one of the best regular season rivalries in NFL. Adrenaline runs high. Tempers often flare. This is FOOTBALL!

Unfortunately for John Q. Fan, while the Pats and Jets have identical 3-3 records and the rivalry is intense, the matchup heavily favors the Patriots. The Patriots have been nipped three times by teams with winning records. The Jets have beaten three teams with losing records and been creamed at the line of scrimmage by higher caliber opponents.

The Patriots’ secondary is, and will continue to be, a massive liability, but Mark Sanchez’s passing in tandem with a lack of any significant receiving threats could remedy that problem for New England on Sunday. The Jets, on the other hand, have had trouble stopping the run. This does not bode well for a team that has to rely on its defense facing a Patriots running back in (former LSU player) Stevan Ridley (524 yds., 4 TD, 4.4 avg.) having a breakout year.

Advantage: Patriots

Bart: Are your ready for the Patriots?
 

Wednesday, October 24

MLB

2012 World Series – Game 1

Detroit Tigers at either the St. Louis Cardinals or San Francisco Giants

I would be stunned if the Giants rallied to win the NLCS, but the game ain’t over until the fat lady sings. A World Series preview is coming next week. Stay tuned for details!


Thursday, October 25

MLB

2012 World Series – Game 2


Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Bart Scott video from www.youtube.com
2) Image from www.shreveporttimes.com
3) Image from www.wkzo.com

Must See Sports – Second Weekend of October 2012

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 4-1

Must See Sports 2012 record (excluding series): 72-40

Advantage/disadvantage record in series, 2012: 11-7-1 

With so many different topics to discuss in the world of sports during the last couple of months, Must See had to take a back seat to the issues of the day. With the Major League Baseball playoffs getting red hot and the NFL getting into the meat of its regular season, this is as good a time as any to revive the series. Let’s jump in!

Friday, October 12

MLB

American League Divisional Series

Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees – Game 5
Jason Hammel (8-6, 3.43 ERA) – Orioles vs C.C. Sabathia (15-6, 3.38 ERA, 197 Ks) - Yankees

This series has had as much pitching drama as a fan could possibly ask for. Here are some bottom lines in my opinion. Jason Hammel must have a quality start. Hammel surrendered just two earned runs and struck out five in 5-2/3 innings, yet his team was blasted, 7-2 in Game 1.

The bullpen has been a collection of workhorses all year long but, with the exception of closer Jim Johnson (2-1, 2.49 ERA, 51 SV), the talent level has just been “good enough” this season. “Good enough” is not good enough in a Game 5 on the road. Ironically, it was Johnson who was plastered in Game 1, but Hammel has more non-quality than quality starts this season. He’s the ace; time to lead.

The Yankees…real simple. C.C. will hold it down. Get homeruns…you win. If you don’t…you lose. The Yankees are not getting enough singles and doubles. However, C.C. is the starter, he can go nine innings, and this game is being played in The Bronx.

Advantage: Yankees

This is Buck Showalter's face when he wins. I wouldn't want to be holding that mic after he lost.

National League Divisional Series

St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals – Game 5
Adam Wainwright (14-13, 3.94 ERA, 184 Ks) – Cardinals vs Gio Gonzalez (21-8, 2.89 ERA, 207 Ks) – Nationals

This game will be decided by pitching. Who makes the fewest mistakes? Who makes the first mistake? If Adam Wainwright gets into trouble, on paper, the Cardinals will be in a lot of trouble because their bullpen has been consistently inconsistent all season. If the Cardinals find a way to jump on top of Gio Gonzalez early, which is very unlikely, it is probably over because the Nationals are not built to score runs in bunches.

The Nationals won 98 games in the regular season, the best in the league and 10 more than the Cardinals, who slipped in as the second and final Wild Card. On paper, this favors the Nationals. The game is being played at Washington. Again, on paper, that favors the Nationals.

My head says the Nationals should take this but my gut tells me that the defending World Series champions just find ways to win when everything is on the line. Until they fail to do so, I am picking St. Louis.

Advantage: Cardinals



I can read Strasburg's mind. "I'm not playing? Dude, SERIOUSLY?" 2

Saturday, October 13

NCAA Football

(3) South Carolina Gamecocks at (9) LSU Tigers

My alma mater, LSU, screwed the pooch in The Swamp against Florida last week. This team has a National Championship caliber defense, again, but it is struggling badly to find an offensive identity. The Tigers have an embarrassment of riches at running back in workhorse Kenny Hilliard (382 yds., 6 TDs, 6.6 avg.), fireplug Spencer Ware (185 yds. 4.6 avg.), and versatile, athletic running backs Alfred Blue (270 yds., 2 TDs, 6.8 avg.) and Michael Ford (238 yds., 2 TD, 5.7 avg.). They have a quarterback in Zach Mettenberger (1174 yds., 6 TD, 3 INT, 62% comp.) with a powerful arm, but it has not translated to points in SEC competition. LSU has only scored one touchdown in its two SEC games this year. That will never succeed against this South Carolina team.

After playing down to Vanderbilt in its first game, the Gamecocks have obliterated their competition, highlighted with an euthanizing of the then #5 Georgia Bulldogs. LSU is going to have to put on its most disciplined and diligent defensive effort of the season against incredibly capable S.C. quarterback Connor Shaw (733 yds., 7 TD, 2 INT, 76% comp.) and do-it-all running back Marcus Lattimore (549 yds., 9 TD, 4.7 avg.).

LSU has not lost a home game since October 10, 2009 – three years. Every streak has to come to an end and LSU’s offensive woes, along with South Carolina’s red hot play, make this week ripe for the occasion. Until I see LSU execute in the passing game in SEC play, I cannot count on it.

Advantage: South Carolina

Is that a play call or a message for South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier? 3

(15) Texas Longhorns vs (13) Oklahoma Sooners – at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

This game will decide who drops out of the Big XII conference race first, in light of Kansas State's (5-0, 2-0) and West Virginia's (5-0, 2-0) better starts. Texas-Oklahoma is always HUGE and this is essentially a survival game.

Texas sophomore quarterback David Ash (1276 yds., 11 TD, 1 INT, 78% comp.) can light up the sky. The Longhorns are going to go as ash goes against the Sooners. Oklahoma has some potency in its offense as long as receiver Kenny Stills (29 rec., 344 yds., 3 TD) is healthy and on the field. His presence opens up the buffet of options for QB Landry Jones (1,032 yds., 7 TD, 2 INT, 63% comp.) and running back Damien Williams (341 yds., 5 TD, 7.8 avg.). Texas has become the latest in the epidemic of “defense optional” Big XII teams and for that reason I see Oklahoma seizing control of this game.

Advantage: Oklahoma


MLB

National League Championship Series – Game 1

San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals OR St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants

We will know after Game 5 of the Cards-Nats series later tonight. I think that St. Louis will overwhelm San Francisco with their bats in a seven game series. The Giants simply lack the power to keep up with the Cardinals, in my opinion. Should the Giants face the Nationals, we may get to witness one of the best pitcher’s duel series of this century. The difference between San Francisco ond Washington may be who will not be present, Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg.

Advantage: Series - Cardinals (vs Giants); Giants (vs Nationals)


Sunday, October 14

MLB

American League Championship Series – Game 1

Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees OR Baltimore Orioles at Detroit Tigers

We will have our answer early this evening. Both ALDS series took five games to decide. I expect a dramatic series, particularly if the Yankees advance. Either way, I expect their Tigers to defeat either of their possible opponents in a best-of-seven series.

Advantage: Series – Tigers


American League Championship Series – Game 2

NFL

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-1)

The Ravens have been synonymous with “lock down defense” through most of the course of the franchise’s existence. In a Super Bowl or bust year for Baltimore, it is surprising that the offense has had to pick up the slack for the defense in its four wins this season. Last week, however, the Ravens held to Kansas City Chiefs to a paltry six points and knocked their starting quarterback out of the game. A sleeping giant may have awaken.

If so, that is bad news for the Dallas Cowboys. Its defense, with the #1 pass defense in the league, has given America’s Team a chance to win every week. However, quarterback Tony Romo (1,148 yds., 5 TD, 8 INT, 67% comp.) is getting zero rushing support, has an offensive line that isn’t sure which way is up at times, and gifted receivers who are dialed in when they are dialed in. When they aren’t….

Advantage: Ravens


New York Giants (3-2) at San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

This is a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game. The drama may match that of the prior contest, which was decided in overtime. While a trip to the Super Bowl is not at stake, both teams need the win just to keep pace in their divisions.

I doubt that the 49ers expected to have serious competition from the Arizona Cardinals, but they do. A loss to the Giants is just the kind of hiccup that leaves doors open for upstart teams like the Cardinals. The Giants’ backs are against the wall. They could conceivably be in the NFC East cellar after Sunday with a loss.

The Giants one-two punch of Ahmad Bradshaw (333 yds., 2 TD, 5.1 avg.) and Andre Brown (198 yds., 3 TD, 5.2 avg.) has produced headaches for opposing defenses that the defending Super Bowl champions did not produce until late last season. The 49ers, while still excellent in all phases of defense, have not been bulletproof against the run as they appeared to be last year. The Giants have suffered two hard luck losses this season. I think they share that booby prize with their west coast hosts on the strength of their ground attack.

Advantage: Giants





Green Bay Packers (2-3) at Houston Texans (5-0)

The Sunday Night Football game is a big matchup on paper and I expect some entertaining moments in this game. However, the Texans, while needing a little work on special teams and needing to reduce their degree of reliance on the run if they expect to reach the Super Bowl, is completely in sync. The Packers have been everything but all year. In addition, they will be without starting running back Cedric Benson until very late in the season. As difficult as it is to fathom, I think the Packers fall to 2-4 while the Texans continue to roll at Reliant Stadium.

Advantage: Texans


Monday, October 15

National League Championship Series – Game 2


Tuesday, October 16

American League Championship Series – Game 3


Wednesday, October 17

National League Championship Series – Game 3

American League Championship Series – Game 4


Thursday, October 18

National League Championship Series – Game 4

American League Championship Series – Game 5


NFL

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

This could be a real slobber-knocker of a game between two hard hitting defenses and two powerful ground games. This game could be played with possession of first place in the NFC West at stake. Neither team passes the ball much, but rookie quarterback Russell Wilson (815 yds., 5 TD 6 INT, 63% comp.) of the Seahawks is not passing the ball WELL yet. This game is at Candlestick. I think the venue and quarterback play will be the difference in this game.

Advantage: 49ers

There won't be a "13th man" helping the Seahawks in this nationally televised game. 5

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from http://article.wn.com
2) Image from www.wtop.com
3) Image from www.gamedayr.com
4) Image from http://guardian.co.uk
5) Image from www.tennessean.com

Cocks Have to Rally

The South Carolina Gamecocks face elimination in the second game of the College World Seires championship series. So today, The Hat Trick is going to offer the S.E.C. school some visual inspiration from its lovely cheerleaders.

The comforts of home. 1

It is awfully warm this time of year. This young woman didn't want to be smothered by things like...clothes. 2

South Carolina women aren't afraid to ask for what they want! 3

South Carolina men should feel blessed that these girls have such big hearts. 4

1) Image from www.bleacherreport.com
2) Image from www.popcrunch.com
3) Image from http://bradley.chattablogs.com
4) Image from www.sun-sentinel.com

Must See Sports – First Weekend of November 2011

With the World Series having come to an end and the NBA lockout still in effect, this week offers you a big fat helping of FOOTBALL!!!


Saturday, November 5

#1 LSU Tigers at #2 Alabama Crimson Tide

Four words: Game of the Century

Sporting events are often hyped up with hyperbole, but regular season games between #1 and #2 are rare. Such a matchup has not happened since Ohio State beat Michigan in 2006.** This game is of a heightened level of significance and interest because of the participants.

First of all, this is a Southeastern Conference game. There has never been a #1 vs #2 SEC regular season matchup, ever.** The SEC is the dominant conference in college football, having won six of the last eight, including the last five consecutive, BCS Championships. The SEC has a 62% lifetime winning percentage against the other five BCS conferences, including a 60% winning percentage in this decade (2010s).* If you disagree that the SEC is king, save it, because I am uninterested in your opinion on college football if you genuinely believe otherwise.

Second, the winner of this game, barring a rash of injuries or an epic collapse, is very likely to play in the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans in January. No SEC team has ever lost a BCS Championship Game since its inception for the 1998 season.

Third, the coaching matchup features the eccentric and sometimes controversial Les Miles of LSU and former BCS National Championship winning LSU coach Nick Saban. The acrimony between the LSU fan base and Saban, in light of his defection to SEC rival Alabama, is well documented.

According to rivals.com, Alabama is favored by five points, as of Tuesday morning. I think that all five of points are because of Bama’s home field advantage, which will be significant. On paper, not factoring the venue into the equation, this match is a even as one could be.

Alabama allows 7 points per game. LSU allows 12 points per game (LSU has faced five ranked opponents this season, compared to two for Bama). LSU is scoring 39 points per game. So is Alabama. Alabama averages 229 rushing yards per game, anchored by their stud running back and Heisman hopeful Trent Richardson. LSU averages 189 yards rushing per game. Both teams have unspectacular, but efficient, passing attacks.

Being a two-time LSU graduate (undergrad & graduate school), I have to fight every urge that I have to be biased. Throw the prior opponents and the statistics and the records out of the window. The first team to make a costly mistake is going to be the one to lose this game. Because Bama is at home, LSU has a slightly greater chance of making that mistake.

Advantage: Alabama

Miles-Saban V 1

#9 South Carolina Gamecocks at # 7 Arkansas Razorbacks

In the unlikely event that the Game of the Century is a rout and becomes the Bust of the Century, there is a second option airing at approximately the same time. The stakes are high enough. Should LSU beat Alabama, the Razorbacks will control their own destiny in the SEC West division. South Carolina is currently in first place in the SEC East. As I mentioned, SEC Champion usually equals BCS Championship game participant. The tension for this game could be cut with a butter knife.

Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson (2327 yds., 13 TD, 3 INT, 63% comp.) continues to impress, leading an Arkansas passing game ranked #9 in the nation. His main target, Jarius Wright (44 rec., 709 yds., 7 TD) makes Wilson’s job a lot easier. The Gamecocks, with a tough defense of their own, are going to have a difficult task containing the Hogs’ air attack.

South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (33 rec., 468 yds., 5 TD) will need to step up his game with the recent losses of running back Marcus Lattimore (818 yds., 10 TD, 5.0 avg.) and starting quarterback Stephen Garcia for the season due to injury and dismissal, respectively. Gamecocks Sophomore replacement Connor Shaw (562 yds., 6 TD, 3 INT, 63% comp.) has filled in effectively, but will need to be at his best to match wits with the Razorbacks’ offense.

No Lattimore…little experience at quarterback…on the road…South Carolina has a tough task ahead of it.

Advantage: Arkansas

Hey, Beavis! He said, "Cocks"! 2

Sunday, November 6

New York Giants (5-2) at New England Patriots (5-2)

The Giants are a team that sleepwalked through three quarters of its last game, a three point win over the 0-7 Miami Dolphins. The Patriots, again, had their Swiss cheese pass defense exposed at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers in a loss that looked better on the scoreboard than it did on the field. Both teams need a win as the Giants have a tough stretch of opponents and the Patriots are in a three way battle with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets for the lead in the AFC East.

In the NFL, consistency beats out potential in the long run. The Patriots, in all of their strengths and weaknesses, have been consistent all season. The Giants have been erratic, with three wins over teams with a combined record of 2-19. In spite of having cupcakes on their schedule, the Giants have struggled to get their ground game, ranked 30th in the NFL, up and running.

Advantage: Patriots

The Patriots haven't forgotten, Plaxico or no Plaxico. 3

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)



I'll spare all twelve of you, who saw this the last two times, of the picture of Willis McGehee being hauled off on a stretcher with his face mask removed, from the 2008 AFC Championship Game. Here is what you need to know. Baltimore embarrassed Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers in Week 1. Pittsburgh rallied and is now in first place. None of that matters.

I'll defer to home field advantage and quarterback play, both of which favor the Steelers, for my expectations for this game. I think the Steelers will win, but don't take that to the bank. This will be intense.

Advantage: Steelers

Roethlisberger has a score to settle. 4

Monday, November 7

Chicago Bears (4-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)

A meeting between two team with a combined .500 record may seem ordinary. The sequence of events and the cast of characters make this game compelling. There couldn't be two more contrasting signal callers than Jay Cutler and Mike Vick. Or could there be?

Both are strong willed. Both have significant factions of fans who do not like them. Both have a lot to prove. And both have offensive lines that are not giving them the help that they need.

Philadelphia is on a bit of a roll. In addition, they have more potent weapons. Chicago also has a substantial advantage up front. While opposing quarterbacks have torched them in the air, the Bears have a front seven capable of containing Eagles stud running back LeSean McCoy while putting Vick under so much pressure that he may not deliver the best passes downfield. Still, I think the Eagles are simply better and will win this game on Monday Night Football in front of their fans.

Advantage: Eagles

Expect to see a lot of this from Vick if his line cannot step up.  5

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

*Source: mcubed.net
**Source: cbssports.com
1) Image from shreveporttimes.com
2) Image from sportsgrindent.com
3) Image from bobrosato.com
4) Image from bleacherreport.com
5) image from the Associated Press via huffingtonpost.com

Games of the Week

The mission of The Daily Hat Trick is to keep the sporting fans of the world informed and entertained. There are some pivotal matchups approaching in the world of sports in the next few days. Here is my two cents, which, I hope, is worth at least two cents.

Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers

If I need to explain the significance of this one, then your NBA fancard is hereby revoked. LeBron James returns to Cleveland tonight for the first time since "The Decision". I simply hope that King James can arrive' play' and leave without the use of Popemobile.

SEC Championship Game - Auburn Tigers vs South Carolina Gamecocks from Atlanta, Georgia

The Gamecocks can save the college football world a lot of controversy (to the detriment of those of us that write about the sport) by beating Auburn and eliminating any controversy about the BCS Championship due to the Cam Newton situation. I would not count on it. Auburn has the best player in the country in Newton and will likely demonstrate why it should be crowned the best team in the country on Saturday night.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

"WAR! HUH! What is it good for?"

An absolute bloodbath on the gridiron.... The old Cleveland Browns may have changed their franchise name, colors, and records over to that of the Baltimore Ravens, but, make no mistake, the lack of love loss is the same as it always was. These two teams have engaged in more titanic battles for divisional supremacy, in the AFC North, over the past decade than any other rivalry in the National Football League. Who can forget the gory image of Willis McGehee lying motionless on the turf of Pittsburgh's Heinz Field as Rob Thomas and Santana's "Smooth" blared over the public address system?

Ben Roethlisberger's foot injury, suffered against the Buffalo Bills, may put the Steelers at a competitive disadvantage. In fact, the fact that the 2-9 Buffalo Bills "should have" beaten the Steelers leads me to believe that there may be some fundamental challenges for the Men of Steel ("should have" is really meaningless in contrast to a final score, but the Steelers could not have felt giddy about their narrow escape from Orchard Park, NY with the win). I think the Ravens have the advantage, especially playing at home, but the records can truly be thrown out of the window for this game.

New York Jets at New England Patriots

TV networks often overhype games. This matchup, however, truly is the game of the year. I think that the winner of this game wins the AFC East and probably claims home field advantage in the AFC Playoffs. I think the advantage goes to the Jets, in spite of playing on the road in Foxboro, but there are no certainties in this matchup which, going back to the Bill Parcells era of the mid 90s has often determined playoff positioning and championship game/Super Bowl participants.

I see Bill Belichick eating his hoodie from anguish, Tom Brady eating his words about the Jets and the HBO show, "Hard Knocks", and Rex Ryan eating "a Goddamn snack" when it is all over!

My Two S-E-Cents

1



Saturday afternoon was anything but ordinary in the Southeastern Conference. Defending National Champion and top ranked Alabama had an exceptionally long winning streak, and a number of derivative winning streaks, snapped in a loss on the road to 19th ranked South Carolina. Auburn held off an upstart Kentucky team. And, you may have heard, LSU pulled of a ho hum victory over Florida in The Swamp...in the final 10 seconds...after a fake field goal on fourth down with no timeouts left. Yeah....



"Hey y'all. Watch this!"

2

How does this change the balance of power in the SEC? Maybe it does; maybe it does not. I personally, am of the opinion that Alabama still has the best team in the SEC. However, championships are decided by wins and losses, not talent and potential. After this past Saturday, LSU and Auburn are unbeaten in Southeastern Conference play. South Carolina, LSU, and Auburn have all joined Alabama in the Associated Press Top 10.



This sets up a number of potential collision courses that may decide the SEC champion. The biggest matchup may be in two weeks when, LSU travels to Auburn. Depending upon the outcome of the Arkansas at Auburn matchup next week. The matchup between LSU and Alabama in Baton Rouge could be of the greatest importance and a de facto SEC West Championship game should LSU win. On the other hand, an Auburn victory could effectively make the Iron Bowl in Auburn, the annual matchup between Auburn and Alabama, decider of who represents the Western Division in Atlanta in December for the SEC Championship Game.

One thing is certain. Before the South Carolina Gamecocks' upset win over Alabama, the SEC would be decided through Alabama. Anyone hoping to claim the SEC prize would eventually have to contend with the Tide. With the Alabama loss, the order in the SEC world has been completely shaken up. The conference is up for anyone to grab and some teams even have some room for error, particularly against a weaker opponent. It should be a wild ride, down the stretch, in the second half of the SEC schedule. 

I wonder if they drew straws at halftime to see who had
 to stand closest to him when they took the field in the second half.

1) Image from wordpress.com
2) Image from lsusports.net
3) Image from rolltide.com