My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 15

Championship weekend came through with some surprises.

1) Oregon Ducks (13-0) beat Penn State 45-37. Has a first-round bye in the playoffs.

2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) did not play. Hosts Indiana on December 20th.

3) Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) beat Texas 22-19 in OT. Earns a playoff bye.

4) Texas Longhorns (11-2) lost to Georgia in overtime 22-19. Face Clemson in playoffs on December 21.

5) Boise State Broncos (12-1) beat UNLV 21-7. Has a first-round bye in the playoffs.

6) Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) did not play. Host Tennessee on December 21.

7) Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) lost to Oregon 45-37. Hosts SMU in the playoffs on December 21.

8) Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2) beat Iowa State 45-19. Earned a first-round bye in the playoffs.

9) Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) did not play. Visits Ohio State on December 21.

10) Indiana Hoosiers (11-1) visits Notre Dame on December 20.

11) Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) did not play. Meets Michigan in the Reliaquest Bowl on December 31.

12) South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) did not play. Takes on Illinois in the Citrus Bowl on December 31.

13) Clemson Tigers (10-3) beat SMU 34-31. Meets Texas on December 21 in the playoffs.

14) SMU Mustangs (11-2) lost to Clemson 34-31. Visits Penn State on December 21.

15) Miami Hurricanes (10-2) did not play. Plays Iowa State in the Pop Tarts Bowl on December 28.

16) BYU Cougars (10-2) did not play. Takes on Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.

17) Iowa State Cyclones (10-3) fell to Arizona State 45-19. Meets Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl December 28.

18) Mississippi Rebels (9-3) did not play. Face Duke in the Gator Bowl on January 2nd.

19) Colorado Buffaloes (9-3) did not play faces BYU in the Alamo Bowl.

20) Syracuse Orange (9-3) did not play faces Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.

21) Army Black Knights (11-1) beat Tulane 35-14. Takes on Navy this weekend then meets Marshall in the Independence Bowl.

22) Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) did not play faces South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.

23) Missouri Tigers (9-3) did not play. Meets Iowa in the Music City Bowl December 30th.

24) UNLV Rebels (10-3) lost to Boise State 21-7. Faces California December 18th in the LA Bowl.

25) Memphis Tigers (10-2) did not play meets West Virginia on December 17th in the Frisco Bowl.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 14

 I missed a week with a busy schedule. However, I am back. Championship week coming up, followed by Army-Navy and then Bowl Games.

 1) Oregon Ducks (11-0) beat Washington. Plays Penn State next in the Big Ten Championship.

2) Texas Longhorns (11-1) beat Kentucky and topped Texas A&M 17-7. Meets Georgia in SEC Championship.

3) Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1) beat Minnesota, crushed Maryland 44-7. Plays Oregon in the Big Ten Championship

4) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) beat Army, beat USC 49-35.

5) SMU Mustangs (11-1) beat Virginia and smashed California 38-6. Faces Clemson in the ACC Championship.

6) Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) beat Indiana, then fell to Michigan 13-10.

7) Indiana Hoosiers (11-1) lost to Ohio State, then crushed Purdue 66-0.

8) Boise State Broncos (11-1) topped Wyoming and ripped Oregon State 34-18. Takes on UNLV for the Mountain West Championship.

9) Georgia Bulldogs (10-2) beat UMASS and survived Georgia Tech 44-42 in 8OT. Tangles with Texas for the SEC Championship.

10) Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) beat UTEP and Vanderbilt 36-23.

11) Miami Hurricanes (10-2) beat Wake Forest and was upset by Syracuse 42-38.

12) BYU Cougars (10-2) lost to Arizona State and beat Houston 30-18.

13) Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) lost to Oklahoma, beat Auburn 28-14

14) Arizona State Sun Devils (10-2) beat BYU and Arizona 49-7. Faces Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship.

15) Iowa State Cyclones (10-2) beat Utah and Kansas State 29-24. Meets Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship next.

16) South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) beat Clemson 17-14.

17) Mississippi Rebels (9-3) lost to Florida, beat Mississippi State 26-14.

18) Clemson Tigers (9-3) lost to South Carolina 17-14. Plays SMU in the ACC Championship.

19) Colorado Buffaloes (9-3) lost to Kansas. Rebounded against Oklahoma State 52-0.

20) Syracuse Orange (9-3) beat UConn and upset Miami 42-38.

21) Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) beat Rutgers and Northwestern 38-28.

22) UNLV Rebels (10-2) beat Nevada 38-14. Takes on Boise State in the Mountain West Championship.

23) Army Black Knights (10-1) lost to Notre Dame 49-14 and beat UTSA 29-24. Faces Tulane next in the AAC Championship.

24) Missouri Tigers (9-3) beat Mississippi State and Arkansas 28-21.

25) Memphis Tigers (10-2) beat Tulane 34-24. 

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 12

The college football turns to late November. Only three teams remain unbutton. 

 1) Oregon Ducks (11-0) topped Wisconsin 16-13.  Has a week off.

2)  Indiana Hoosiers (10-0) did not play. Visits Ohio State next.

3) Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1) breezed past Northwestern 31-7. Hosts Indiana next.

4) Penn State Nittany Lions (9-1) crushed Purdue 49-10. Visits at Minnesota next.

5) Texas Longhorns (9-1) beat Arkansas 20-10. Hosts Kentucky next.

6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1) beat Virginia 35-14. Tangles with Army next.

7) SMU Mustangs (9-1) beat Boston College 38-28. Visits Virginia next.

8) Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2) crushed Mercer 52-7. Visits Oklahoma next.

9) Boise State Broncos (9-1) beat San Jose State 42-21. Visits Wyoming next.

10) Mississippi Rebels (8-2) did not play. Visits Florida next.

11) Georgia Bulldogs (8-2) beat Tennessee 31-17.  Hosts UMass next.

12) Texas A&M Aggies (8-2) beat New Mexico State 38-3. Visits Auburn next.

13) Miami Hurricanes (9-1) did not play. Hosts Wake Forest next.

14) BYU Cougars (9-1) fell to Kansas 17-13. Visits Arizona State next.

15) Tennessee Volunteers (8-2) lost to Georgia 31-17. Hosts UTEP next.

16) Army Black Knights (9-0) did not play. Meets up with Notre Dame next.

17) Colorado Buffaloes (8-2) beat Utah 49-24.  Visits Kansas next.

18) South Carolina Gamecocks (7-3) beat Missouri 34-30. Hosts Wofford next.

19) Iowa State Cyclones (8-2) beat Cincinnati 34-17. Visits Utah next.

20) Missouri Tigers (7-3) fell to South Carolina 34-30.  Visits Mississippi State next.

21) Arizona State Sub Devils (8-2) beat Kansas State 24-14. Hosts BYU next.

22) Tulane Green Wave (9-2) shutout Navy 35-0. Has a week off.

23) Memphis Tigers (9-2) crushed UAB 53-18.  Has a week off.

24) Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) beat Michigan State38-16 visits Rutger next.

25) Syracuse Orange (7-3) beat California 33-25. Hosts UConn next.

25) Duke Blue Devils (7-3) did not play.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 11

 Last week Miami suffered their first loss, Ole Miss shocked Georgia, Alabama routed LSU in a key SEC game. The season continues this week.

 1) Oregon Ducks (10-0) crush Maryland 39-18. Visits Wisconsin next.

2)  Indiana Hoosiers (10-0) beat Michigan 20-15. Has a week off.

3) Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1) shutout Purdue 45-0.  Visits Northwestern next.

4) BYU Cougars (9-0) nipped Utah 22-21. Hosts Kansas next.

5) Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) beat Washington 35-6. Visits Purdue next.

6) Texas Longhorns (8-1) crushed Florida 49-17. Visits Arkansas next.

7) Tennessee Volunteers (8-1) beat Mississippi State 33-14. Visits Georgia next.

8) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-1) cruised past FSU 52-3. Hosts Virginia next.

9) SMU Mustangs (8-1) did not play. Plays Boston College next.

10) Alabama Crimson Tide (7-2) crushed LSU 42-13. Hosts Mercer next.

11) Miami Hurricanes (9-1) was upset by Georgia Tech 28-23. Has a week off.

12) Boise State Broncos (8-1) beat Nevada 28-21. Visits San Jose State next.

13) Mississippi Rebels (8-2) beat Georgia 28-10. has a week off.

14) Texas A&M Aggies (7-2) did not play. Entertains New Mexico State next.

15) Georgia Bulldogs (7-2) lost to Ole Miss 28-10. Takes on Tennessee at home next.

16) Army Black Knights (9-0) beat North Texas 14-3. Has a week off.

17) Missouri Tigers (7-2) beat Oklahoma 30-23. Visits South Carolina next.

18) Kansas State Wildcats (7-2) did not play. Hosts Arizona State next.

19) Colorado Buffaloes (7-2) beat Texas Tech 41-27. Entertains Utah next.

20) Washington State Cougars (8-1) smashed Utah State 49-28. Visits New Mexico next.

21) Iowa State Cyclones (7-2) fell to Kansas 45-36. Hosts Cincinnati next.

22) LSU Tigers (6-3) was crushed by Alabama 42-13. Visits Florida next.

23) South Carolina Gamecocks (6-3) rolled past Vanderbilt 28-7. Hosts Missouri next.

24) Louisville Cardinals (6-3) did not play. Visits Stanford next.

25) Duke Blue Devils (7-3) beat NC State 29-19. Does not play.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 10

  Lots of upsets last week. Penn State suffered their first lost to Ohio State. 

 1) Oregon Ducks (9-0) rolled over Michigan 38-17. Hosts Maryland next.

2)  Indiana Hoosiers (9-0) crushed Michigan State 47-10. Hosts Michigan next.

3) Miami Hurricanes (9-0) ran away from Duke 53-31. Visits Georgia Tech next.

4) Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1) beat Penn State 20-13. Hosts Purdue next.

5) BYU Cougars (8-0) did not play. Visits Utah next.

6) Georgia Bulldogs (7-1) beat Florida 34-20. Visits Ole Miss next.

7) Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1) fell to Ohio State 20-13. Hosts Washington next.

8) Tennessee Volunteers (7-1) beat Kentucky 28-18. Entertains Mississippi State next.

9) Texas Longhorns (7-1) did not play. Hosts Florida next.

10) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1) did not play. Entertains FSU next.

11) SMU Mustangs (8-1) crushed Pitt 48-25. Has a week off.

12) Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2) did not play. Visits LSU next.

13) Iowa State Cyclones (7-1) fell to Texas Tech 23-22. Visits Kansas next.

14) Boise State Broncos (7-1) cruised past San Diego State 56-24. Hosts Nevada next.

15) Texas A&M Aggies (7-2) lost to South Carolina 44-20.  Has a week off.

16) LSU Tigers (6-2) did not play. Hosts Alabama next.

17) Clemson Tigers (6-2) lost to Louisville 33-21. Visits Virginia Tech next.

18) Pittsburgh Panthers (7-1) lost to SMU 48-25. Host Virginia next.

19) Army Black Knights (8-0) beat Air Force 20-3. Visits North Texas next.

20) Missouri Tigers (6-2) did not play. Hosts Oklahoma next.

21) Kansas State Wildcats (7-2) lost to Houston 24-19. Has a week off.

22) Colorado Buffaloes (6-2) did not play. Visits Texas Tech next

23) Vanderbilt Commodores (6-3) beat Auburn 17-7. Hosts South Carolina next.

24) South Carolina Gamecocks (5-3) upset Texas A&M 44-20. Visits Vanderbilt next.

25) Washington State Cougars (7-1) did not play. Visits Utah State next.

    

Battle of the Bands: Box of Rain

 This month's battle of the bands comes from The Grateful Dead. The song "Box of Rain" chosen due to the passing of bassist and founding member Phil Lesh last month. My tribute post is here.

The song was written and sung by Phil Lesh lyrics by Robert Hunter. The content was about his Dad's passing.

Contender One: Phish

Contender Two: Billy Corgan

In the comments chose which one you like the best. In a week or so I count up the votes and blog a post of the winner.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 9

 Oregon remains on top. The rankings shuffled up a bit. A couple of undefeated teams tasted defeat. Only 8 remain. 

1) Oregon Ducks (8-0) whipped Illinois 38-9. Visits Michigan next.

2) Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0) pulled away from Wisconsin 28-17. Hosts Ohio State next.

3) Indiana Hoosiers (8-0) beat Washington 31-17. Visits Michigan State next.

4) Miami Hurricanes (8-0) throttled Florida State 36-14. Hosts Duke next.

5) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1) held off Nebraska 21-17. Visits Penn State,

6) BYU Cougars (8-0) won against UCF 37-24. Enjoys a week off.

7) Iowa State Cyclones (7-0) did not play. Entertains Texas Tech next.

8) Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) did not play. Clashes with the Florida Gators next.

9) Tennessee Volunteers (6-1) did not play. Entertains Kentucky next.

10) Texas Longhorns (7-1) held off Vandy 27-24. Enjoys a week off. 

11) Texas A&M Aggies (7-1) made a statement over LSU 38-23. Visits South Carolina next.

12) Clemson Tigers (6-1) did not play. Hosts Louisville next.

13) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1) crushed Navy 51-14, Enjoys a week off.

14) Pittsburgh Panthers (7-0) crushed Syracuse 41-13. Visits SMU next.

15) SMU Mustangs (7-1) nipped Duke 28-27 in overtime. Hosts Pitt next.

16) Kansas State Wildcats (7-1) prevailed over Kansas 29-27. Visits Houston next.

17) Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2) shut out Missouri 34-0. Has a week off.

18) Boise State Broncos (6-1) topped UNLV 29-24. Hosts San Diego State next.

19) LSU Tigers (6-2) fell to Texas A&M 38-23. Has a week off.

20) Army Black Knights (7-0) did not play. Hosts rival Air Force.

21) Ole Miss (6-2) beat Oklahoma 26-14. Visits Arkansas next.

22) Missouri Tigers (6-2) lost to Alabama 34-0. Has a week off.

23) Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2) was whipped by Oregon 38-9. Hosts Minnesota next.

24) Colorado Buffaloes (6-2) beat Cincinnati 34-23. Has a week off.

25) Vanderbilt Commodores (5-3) fell to Texas 27-24. Visits Auburn next.

Ole Miss (6-2) beat Oklahoma 26-14.

R.I.P Fernando Valenzuela

 Six-time All-Star, two-time World Series Champion, Rookie of the Year and Cy Young winning pitcher Fernando Valenzuela passed away on October 22. His M LB record of 173-153 was good enough to have him inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. Fernando was a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2003 through this past season.

                                            Dodgers tribute prior to Game One of the World Series

Completing No-Hitter

He will be missed by baseball fans, former players, family and friends.

R.I.P Phil Lesh

 

"Box of Rain"

Below the story of the song...

Perhaps the song pertains not to the father but perhaps Phil himself. Today the legendary bassist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead has passed away.

The news below from the New York Post...

Deadheads, friends, family and other musicians mourn his loss, but he did live long and enjoyed a long, strange trip of a life.

"Truckin'"

Below Phil Lesh "Get By"

Thankful for the songs that are left behind may he rest in peace!

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 8

 A new team took over the top spot once again and I have all the undefeated teams ranked. T. Check out my rankings next week to see the changes.

1) Oregon Ducks (7-0) shut out Purdue 35-0. Host Illinois next.

2) Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0) did not play. Visits Wisconsin next.

3) Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) did not play. Hosts Nebraska next.

4) Indiana Hoosiers (7-0) crushed Nebraska 56-7. Entertains Washington next.

5) Miami Hurricanes (7-0) topped Louisville 52-45. Meets Florida State next.    

6) BYU Cougars (7-0) topped Oklahoma State 38-35. Visits Central Florida next.

7) Iowa State Cyclones (7-0) nipped Central Florida 38-35. Has a week off.

8) Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) beat Texas 30-15. Has a week off.

9) Tennessee Volunteers (6-1) knocked off Alabama 24-17. Has a week off.

10) LSU Tigers (6-1) crushed Arkansas 34-10. Visits Texas A&M next.

11) Texas Longhorns (6-1) lost to Georgia 30-15. Visits Vandy next.

12) Clemson Tigers (6-1) beat Virgina 48-31. Hasa a week off.

13) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) stomped Georgia Tech 31-13. Visits Navy next.

14) Texas A&M Aggies (6-1) beat Mississippi State 34-24. Has a showdown with LSU next.

15) Pittsburgh Panthers (6-0) did not play. Hosts Syracuse next.

16) Missouri Tigers (6-1) beat Auburn 21-17. Visits Alabama next.

17) Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1) beat Michigan 21-7. Visit Oregon next.

18) SMU Mustangs (6-1) pounded Stanford 40-10. Visit Duke next.

19) Boise State Broncos (5-1) did not play. Visits UNLV next.

20) Kansas State Wildcats (6-1) whipped West Virginia 45-18. Hosts Kansas next.

21) Army Black Knights (7-0) marched past ECU 45-28. Has a week off,

22) Navy Midshipmen (6-0) cruised past Charlotte 51-17. Entertains Notre Dame next.

23) Liberty Flames (5-0) did not play. Play Kennesaw State next.

24) Vanderbilt Commodores (5-2) beat Ball State 24-14.  Hosts Texas next.

25) Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2) lost to Tennessee 24-17. Entertains Missouri next.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 7

A new team took over the top spot and I have all the undefeated teams ranked. There are some good two loss teams that are sitting outside my top 25. Next week some more teams will lose their second game. Check out my rankings next week to see the changes.

1) Texas Longhorns (6-0) crushed their rival Oklahoma 34-3. Hosts Georgia next.

2) Oregon Ducks (6-0) topped Ohio State 32-31. Visits Purdue next.

3) Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0) survived against USC 33-30. Has a week off.

4) Miami Hurricanes (6-0) did not play. Visits Louisville next.    

5) BYU Cougars (6-0) whipped Arizona 41-19. Host Oklahoma State next.

6) Iowa State Cyclones (6-0) cruised past West Virginia 28-16. Host Central Florida next.

7) Indiana Hoosiers (6-0) did not play. Host Nebraska next.

8) Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) fell short to Oregon 32-31. Ohio State has a week off.

9) Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1) topped South Carolina 27-25.  Visits Tennessee next.

10) Georgia Bulldogs (5-1) beat Mississippi State 41-31. Visits Texas next.

11) LSU Tigers (5-1) prevailed against Ole Miss 29-26. Visits Arkansas next.

12) Tennessee Volunteers (5-1) held off Florida 23-17 in OT. Hosts Alabama next.

13) Clemson Tigers (5-1) crushed Wake Forest 49-14. Hosts Virginia next.

14) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) stomped Stanford 49-7. Visits Georgia Tech next.

15) Texas A&M Aggies (5-1) did not play. Visits Mississippi State next.

16) Pittsburgh Panthers (6-0) topped California 17-15. Has a week off.

17) Missouri Tigers (5-1) bounced back against UMass 45-3. Host Auburn next.

18) Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1) beat Purdue 50-49 in overtime. Host Michigan next.

19) Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1) did not play. Visits Indiana next.

20) SMU Mustangs (5-1) did not play. The Mustangs visit Stanford next.

21) Boise State Broncos (5-1) beat Hawaii 28-7. Enjoy a week off.

22) Kansas State Wildcats (5-1) topped Colorado 31-28. Visits West Virginia next.

23) Army Black Knights (6-0) crushed UAB 44-10. Hosts ECU next.

24) Navy Midshipmen (5-0) did not play. Hosts Charlotte next.

25) Liberty Flames (5-0) beat FIU 31-24 in OT. Has a week off.

Big games this week #10 Georgia challenges #1 Texas, #19 Nebraska visits #8 Indiana, #9 Alabama visits #12 Tennessee,                

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 6

 

NCAA Football had so many upsets week 6. Alabama fell to Vandy, Tennessee stumbled against Arkansas. Texas A&M crushed Missouri 41-10. Washington stopped Michigan. My top 25 looks quit different as we start week 2 of October.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0) Rolled past Iowa 35-7. Visit Oregon next.

2) Texas Longhorns (5-0) did not play. Texas returns to action against Oklahoma.

3) Oregon Ducks (5-0) defeated Michigan State 31-10. Host Ohio State next.

4) Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0) defeated UCLA 27-11. Visit USC next.

5) Miami Hurricanes (6-0) nipped California 39-38. Enjoys a week off.

6) BYU Cougars (5-0) did not play. Hosts Arizona next.

7) Iowa State Cyclones (5-0) rolled past Baylor 43-21. Visits WVU next.

8) Indiana Hoosiers (6-0) rolled past Northwestern 41-24. Will rest up this week.

9) Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1) was surprised by Vanderbilt 40-35. Hosts South Carolina next.

10) Georgia Bulldogs (4-1) beat Auburn 31-13. Host Mississippi State next.

11) Ole Miss Rebels (5-1) bounce back by beating South Carolina 27-3. Visit LSU next.

12) LSU Tigers (4-1) had a week off. Host Ole Miss next.

13) Tennessee Volunteers (4-1) lost to Arkansas 19-14. Host Florida next

14) Clemson Tigers (4-1) beat FSU 29-13. Visit Wake Forest next.

15) Oklahoma Sooners (4-1) did not play. Tangle with Texas next.

16) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1) did not play. Host Stanford next.

17) Texas A&M Aggies (5-1) crushed Missouri 41-10. Has a week off.

18) Pittsburgh Panthers (5-0) beat UNC 34-24. Host California next.

19) Missouri Tigers (4-1) was crushed by Texas A&M 41-10. Visits Massachusetts next.

20) Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1) did not play. Hosts Purdue next.

21) Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1) topped Rutgers 14-7. Has a week off.

22) SMU Mustangs (5-1) topped Louisville 34-27. Has a week off.

23) Liberty Flames (4-0) had their game cancelled. Host FIU next.

24) Army Black Knights (5-0) crushed Tulsa 49-7. Host UAB next.

25) Navy Midshipmen (5-0) beat Air Force 34-7. Have a week off.

.

22) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-0) beat Washington 21-18. Visits Nebraska next.

23) Duke Blue Devils (5-0) topped North Carolina 21-20. Visits Georgia Tech next.

R.I.P Pete Rose

 Charlie Hustle is perhaps the greatest baseball player not in the Hall of Fame. Pete Rose hit over .300 for his career. He has played in more Major League Baseball games and has more hits than any other player in the league's history. 

                                                       Highlights:

He was a 17 time All-Star, an MVP, won three batting titles, a three-time World Series Champion, and a rookie of the year award through a 23-year career.

When he became the hit king:

He was banned from the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball. However, his achievements show he was an all-time great.

Battle of the Bands: Sunday Morning Coming Down

 Kris Kristofferson passed away Sunday you can visit my tribute post here, Since he passed on a Sunday same as his song Sunday Morning Coming Down would fit for a Battle of the Bands.

As you know I select two covers, and you pick the one you like the best in the comments. This time I am providing three choices. Sometimes it is good to break the rules, feeling kind of like an outlaw. Eventually usually in about a week I count the votes and post about the winer.

Contender One: Johnny Cash

Contender Two: Waylon Jennings

Contender Three: Willie Nelson

See you soon down this musical highway as we pay tribute to the Highwaymen.

R.I.P Kris Kristofferson

             

Kris Kristofferson passed away leaving Willie Nelson as the last remaining Highwayman.

It was a "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

Above is a classic trailer of the 1981 film "Rollover" not only was Kris a singer/songwriter but he had an acting career. His roles in The Blade Trilogy stand out to me. However, I did get to see him in concert opening up for Bob Dylan.

He wrote "Me and Bobby McGee" which was made famous by Janis Joplin.

He had a successful life and career. At 88 he lived a full life, but he will be missed by his friends, colleagues and fans. 

"Why Me Lord"

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 5

NCAA Football rolled through week 5. My previous number one and number six fell. The top 6 look solid. After that there is some shuffling. A few teams fell out and a few other teams are looking to get inside the rankings. The first full month of College Football has come to an end. How will October unfold?

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) beat Georgia 41-34. Visit Vanderbilt next.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) crushed Michigan State 38-7. Entertain Iowa next.

3) Texas Longhorns (5-0) defeated Mississippi State 35-13. Texas enjoys a week off.

4) Oregon Ducks (4-0) dropped UCLA 34-13. Host Michigan State next.

5) Tennessee Volunteers (4-0) did not play. Visit Arkansas next.

6) Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0) defeated Illinois 21-7. Host UCLA next.

7) Miami Hurricanes (5-0) barely avoided an upset with a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech.  Visits California next.

8) Missouri Tigers (4-0) did not play. Visits Texas A&M next.

9) Georgia Bulldogs (3-1) lost to Alabama 41-34. Tries to regroup with Auburn next.

10) Michigan Wolverines (3-1) beat Minnesota 27-24. Visits Washington next.

11) BYU Cougars (5-0) beat Baylor 34-28. Have a week off.

12) USC Trojans (3-1) regrouped and beat Wisconsin 38-21. Visits Minnesota next.

13) LSU Tigers (4-1) took care of South Alabama 42-10. Enjoys a week off.

14) Iowa State Cyclones (4-0) shut out Houston 20-0. Host Baylor next.

15) Indiana Hoosiers (5-0) defeated Maryland 42-28. Visit Northwestern next.

16) Ole Miss Rebels (4-1) were upset by Kentucky 20-17. Visit South Carolina next.

17) Oklahoma Sooners (4-1) beat Auburn 27-21. Has a week off.

18) Clemson Tigers (3-1) whipped Stanford 40-14. Visits FSU next.

19) Pittsburgh Panthers (4-0) did not play, Visits UNC next.

20) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1) beat Louisville 31-24. Has a week off.

21) Illionois Fighting Illini (4-1) lost to Penn State 21-7. Has a week off.

22) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-0) beat Washington 21-18. Visits Nebraska next.

23) Duke Blue Devils (5-0) topped North Carolina 21-20. Visits Georgia Tech next.

24) Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1) beat Purdue 28-10. Host undefeated Rutgers next.

25) Texas A&M Aggies (4-1) beat Arkansas 21-17. Host Missouri next.

.

My Rankings:2024-25 NCAA football rankings after week 4

 NCAA Football rolled through week 4. Some teams rolled on, some teams were upset and some squeaked out victory. See how my rankings unfold.

1) Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) did not play. Visits Alabama next.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) cruised past Marshall 49-14. Visits Michigan State next.

3) Texas Longhorns (3-0) crushed Louisiana Monroe 51-3. Hosts Mississippi State next.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) did not play hosts Georgia next.

5) Oregon Ducks (3-0) The Ducks did not play. Visits UCLA next.

6) Ole Miss Rebels (4-0) cruised past Georgia Southern 52-13. The Rebels host Kentucky next.

7) Tennessee Volunteers (4-0) beat Oklahoma 25-15.  Does not play.

8) Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0) shut out Kent State 56-0. Hosts Illinois next.

 9) Utah Utes (4-0) beat Oklahoma State 22-19. The Utes return home to face Arizona.

10) Miami Hurricanes (4-0) rolled past South Florida 50-15. Entertains Virginia Tech next.

11) Missouri Tigers (4-0) held off Vanderbilt 30-27 in overtime. The Tigers have a week off.

12) Louisville Cardinals (3-0) beat Georgia Tech 31-19. Visits Notre Dame next.

13) Michigan Wolverines (3-1) upset USC 27-24. Takes on Minnesota next

14) USC Trojans (2-1) lost to Michigan 27-24. Entertains Wisconsin next.

15) LSU Tigers (3-1) ripped UCLA 34-17. Entertain high scoring South Alabama next

16) Oklahoma Sooners (3-1) lost to Tennessee 25-15. Visits Auburn next.

17) Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) lost to Utah 22-19. Visits Kansas State next.

18) Clemson Tigers (2-1) rolled past NC State 59-35. The Tigers host Stanford next.

19) BYU Cougars (4-0) whipped Kansas State 38-9. Visit Baylor next. 

20) Iowa State Cyclones (3-0) whipped Arkansas State 52-7. Visits Houston next.

21) Illionois Fighting Illini (4-0) beat Nebraska 31-24 in OT. Visits Penn State next.

22)  Boston College Eagles (3-1) topped Michigan State 23-19. Hosts Western Kentucky next.

23) Indiana Hoosiers (4-0) defeated Charlotte 52-14. Entertains Maryland next.

24) Pittsburgh Panthers (4-0) crushed Youngstown State 73-17. Enjoys a week off.

25) Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) lost to Illinois 24-31. Visits Purdue next.

Fell out Central Florida, Northern Iowa, Syracuse, Kansas State

My Rankings 2024-25 NCAA Football Rankings After Week 3

  NCAA Football rolled through week 2. Some teams rolled on, some teams were upset and some squeaked out victory. See how my rankings unfold.

1) Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) nipped Kentucky 13-12. rolled over Tennessee Tech 48-3. The Bulldogs have a week off.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) did not play. The Buckeyes host Marshall next.

3) Texas Longhorns (3-0) rolled past UTSA 56-7. Texas host Louisiana Monroe next.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) crushed Wisconsin 42-10. Enjoys a week off before Georgia.

5) Oregon Ducks (3-0) crushed Oregon State 49-14. The Ducks enjoy a week off.

6) Ole Miss Rebels (3-0) crushed Wake Forest 40-6. Host Georgia Southern next.

7) USC Trojans (2-0) did not play. Visits Michigan next.

8) Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) destroyed 71-0 crushed Kent State 71-0. Battles Oklahoma next.

9) Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) did not play. Hosts Kent State next.

10) Missouri Tigers (3-0) held off Boston College 27-21.  Host Vanderbilt next.

11) Utah Utes (3-0) beat Utah State 38-21. The Utes visit Oklahoma State next.

12) Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) beat Tulane 34-19. The Sooners host Tennessee next.

13) Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) crushed Tulsa 45-10. The Cowboys entertain Utah next.

14) Miami Hurricanes (3-0) shutout Ball State 62-0. Visit South Florida next.

15) Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) crushed Arizona 31-7. Visits BYU next. 

16) Louisville Cardinals (2-0) did not play. Host Georgia Tech next.

17) Northern Illinois Huskies (2-0) did not play.  Hosts Buffalo next.

18) LSU Tigers (2-1) topped South Carolina 36-33. Tigers host UCLA next.

.19) Clemson Tigers (1-1) did not play. Entertains NC State next.

20) Iowa State Cyclones (2-0) did not play. Entertain Arkansas State next

21) Syracuse Orange (2-0) did not play. Syracuse hosts Stanford this week.

22)  Boston College Eagles (2-1) lost at Missouri 27-21. Host Michigan State next.

23) Central Florida Knights (3-0) nipped TCU 35-34. Enjoy a week off.

24) Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) beat Northern Iowa 34-3. Host Illinois next.

25) Illionois Fighting Illini (3-0) beat Central Michigan 30-9. Visit Nebraska next.

.

Haikus on Autumn, Small Town Hurricanes, and Friday the 13th

Gulf Coast Autumn Haiku

Humidity up

Storms from the tropics bring down

Temperatures slow

Small Town Hurricane

Recover slowly

The masses careless not them

Storm beats up small town

Friday the 13th from the Down

Friday the thirteenth

Not unlucky when your down

Superstitions none

9.11.2001

 The years have passed by quickly, 23 years gone. Gone like the twin towers in New York City. Gone like the plane that hit the Pentagon. Gone like the plane that crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Gone like the lives inside the planes and so many lives lost in the towers during a workday.

Sons and daughters, husbands and wives, someone's child and all their dreams gone. Gone by something horrific and senseless. Gone should never be the memories of that blue sky day gone wrong.

So much gone but the memories remain. The pain should remind us this should never happen again.

9.11.2001 not forgotten

R.I.P James Earl Jones

 American Theater Hall of Fame member, National Medal of the Arts Award recipient, Kennedy Center Honor recipient, Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement winner, Honorary Academy Award honored, two-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning, two-time Tony Award winning, Grammy Award winning, and Golden Globe winning actor James Earl Jones has passed away at 93. He also has a Broadway Theater named in his honor, an honorary doctorate degree, and was a Korean War era Army veteran.

                                               Darth Vader Star Wars

Great White Hope

Field of Dreams

A great actor of the stage and screen, whose legacy will live on in the classic films.

My Rankings NCAA Football 2024-25: After week 2

 NCAA Football rolled through week 2. Some teams rolled on, some teams were upset and some squeaked out victory. See how my rankings unfold.

1) Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) rolled over Tennessee Tech 48-3. The Bulldogs have yet to give up a touchdown. They have their SEC opener against Kentucky next.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) shut out Western Michigan 56-0. The Buckeyes have a week off before Marshall.

3) Texas Longhorns (2-0) routed Michigan 31-12 to make a statement. I jumped them to number three and so far, they look as good as anyone. They entertain UTSA next.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) pulled away from South Florida 42-16. Visit Wisconsin next.

5) Oregon Ducks (2-0) topped Boise State 37-34. The Ducks visit Oregon State next.

6) USC Trojans (2-0) shut out Utah State 48-0. Enjoy a week off before facing Michigan.

7) Ole Miss Rebels (2-0) took care of business against Middle Tennessee 52-3. They visit Wake Forest next.

8) Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) had a close one with Bowling Green 34-27. They have a week off.

9) Missouri Tigers (2-0) shutout Buffalo 38-0. Face a surprising Boston College next.

10) Utah Utes (2-0) beat Baylor 23-12. The Utes visit Utah State next.

11) Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) crushed NC State 51-10. The Vols face Kent State next.

12) Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) topped Houston 16-12. The Sooners take on Tulane next.

13) Oklahoma State Cowboys 2-0) won a thriller in overtime over Arkansas 39-31. The Cowboys visit Tulsa next.

14) Miami Hurricanes (2-0) rolled past Florida A&M 56-9. Next up Ball State.

15) Kansas State Wildcats (2-0) held off Tulane 34-27. Meets Kansas State next. 

16) Arizona Wildcats (2-0) beat Northern Arizona 22-10. Faces Kansas State next.

17) LSU Tigers (1-1) bounce back against Nicholls State 44-21. Tigers face South Carolina next 

18) Louisville Cardinals (1-0) beat Jacksonville State 49-14. Enjoy a week off.

19)  Boston College Eagles (2-0) beat Duquesne 56-0. Face Missouri next.

20) Northern Illinois Huskies (2-0) shocked Notre Dame 16-14. Has a week before their next game.

21) Clemson Tigers (1-1) bounced back against Appalachian State 66-20. Enjoy a week off.

22) Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) defeated South Dakota 27-13. Host Alabama next.

23) Central Florida Knights (2-0) defeated Sam Houston 45-14. Visit TCU next.

24) Iowa State Cyclones (2-0) upset Iowa 20-19. Enjoy a week off.

25) Syracuse Orange (2-0) beat Georgia Tech 31-28. Enjoy a week off.

Teams falling out Georgia Tech,Michigan NC State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa

See how the rankings shuffle after another weekend of college football action.

2024-2025 NCAA Football My Rankings: After Week One

 NCAA Football is back as Week 0 is scheduled to kickoff. It has been a while since I did my Rankings and a sports related post. 

1) Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) Consistent powerhouse with a consistent Coach. They just missed the playoffs last year and took their frustrations out on Florida State. They dominated Clemson in their opener.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) Ohio State is always close to contention and with a loaded roster and stable coach Ohio State looks like a team to beat. They won their opener easily over Akron 2-6 like they were expected too.

3) Oregon Ducks (1-0) Powerhouses with no coaching changes top my list. Oregon won 24-14 over Idaho wasn't impressive but they will get better.

4) Texas Longhorns (1-0) Fresh off of an impressive season Texas elevates its program by joining the SEC. Texas blanked Colorado State 2-0 but will be tested against Michigan.

5) Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) A new era starts but Alabama has a proven winner to replace Saben. They shutout Western Kentucky 63-0 but things will get tougher.

6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0) They opened the season with a win over a ranked SEC team. Favorable schedule Notre Dame could be ranked pretty high most of the season.

7) Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0) they dominated a rival at West Virginia last week. Penn State should have a solid team

8) Michigan Wolverines (1-0) won their tune up over Fresno State. They clash with Texas this week.

9) USC Trojans (1-0) beat LSU 27-20 to open the season. I have them ranked higher than most. However, they passed their first test.

10) Ole Miss Rebels (1-0) crushed Furman 73-0 like a powerhouse is supposed to do. They could easily be a playoff team.

11) Missouri Tigers (1-0) sailed past Murray State. They have a favorable SEC slate. The Tigers should have a good season.

12) Utah Utes (1-0) beat Southern Utah 49-0. The Utes are in a conference where they can be contenders.

13) Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) dominated Temple 51-3. The Sooners like Texas making the switch to the SEC.

14) Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) won their warmup. They stayed behind and have to be considered a contender in their conference.

15) Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) crushed Chattanooga 69-3.  NC State this week will be more of a test.

16) Miami Hurricanes (1-0) made a statement with their win over Florda 41-17. The schedule lines up for Miami to have a good start.

17) Kansas State Wildcats (1-0) had an easy time with UT-Martin. Tulane should be more interesting.

18) Arizona Wildcats (1-0) beat New Mexico 61-39. Faces Northern Arizona next before things get more challenging.

19) Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) crushed Lindenwood 48-3. How will they fare against Illinois?

20) Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) shut out Illinois State 40-0. The Hawkeyes face Iowa State next.

21) LSU Tigers (1-0) lost to USC in a close one. Then lost a star RB in practice. Tigers get to regroup against Nicholls. 

22) Louisville Cardinals (1-0) showed off against Austin Peay 62-0. They were in the ACC Championship game last year.

23) North Carolina State Wolfpack (1-0) beat Western Carolina 38-21. Are they ready for Tennessee?

24) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-0) shocked FSU! Then beat Georgia State 35-12.

25)  Boston College Eagles (1-0) beat FSU 28-13. Have an easy matchup this week.

See how the rankings shuffle after another weekend of college football action.

Battle of the Bands Results: Kenny Chesney Routes Jimmy Buffett

 Mac McAnally might call himself Mr. Nobody but folks like Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney have taken his songs to the world. This month Battle of the Bands featured Mac's song "Back Where I Come From." Kenny defeated Jimmy Buffett 6 to 1,

We celebrate winners! So, today's post is all about Kenny Chesney!

                                            "No Shirts, No Shoes, No Problems"

"Young"

"There Goes My Life"

A new Battle is coming up September 1!

Battle of the Bands Results: July Summertime Willie Nelson

 Willie Nelson defeated Billie Holiday 7 to 1 in July's Battle of the Bands over "Summertime." Honestly, I thought the Battle would be closer between the two musical giants. We celebrate winners here so sit back and enjoy some Willie Nelson.

                                                                  "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain"

"On the Road Again"

"Always on my Mind"

Hope you enjoy! I will have August's results up soon and stay tuned for a new Battle coming September 1! 

Battle of the Bands: Back Where I Come From

 Last Saturday night I saw Mac McAnnally perfom a special show in Gulfport, Mississippi. Tonight I see him again with The Coral Reefer Band which starts a three city tour in Orange Beach, Alabama. Anyway it is summer rime and the first one without Jimmy Buffett in a long dang time.  We will pit Kenny Chesney who had a hit with this one and Mac's late boss and friend Jimmy Buffett. 

Contender One...Kenny

Contender Two: Jimmy Buffett

Tell me who gets your vote I will post the results in a week or two. In the maintime enjoy your summer and fins up!

Battle of the Bands: Summertime

 Gershwin's Summertime is a standard. The last time I used this song I battled with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The song has been covered so often. This battle I chose two more musical giants in Willie Nelson and Billie Holiday

 

                                                      Contender One: Willie Nelson

Contender Two: Billie Holiday

In the comments let me know who you like, in a week or so I will post about the winner.

Battle of the Bands Results: No Fooling Van Halen Handly defeats Ann Wilson

 The battle of The Who's "Won't get Fooled Again" was won easily by Van Halen over Ann Wilson 6 to 1. The cover by Van Halen was recorded during the Sammy Hagar years. As usual we celebrate winners. 

                                                      "Right Now"

"Dreams"

I will be back soon with another Battle of the Bands on May 1st!

Battle of the Bands: Won't Get Fooled Again

 It is April Fool's Day so I thought I would go with The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."

The Who's version not part of the contest...

Contender One: Van Halen

Contender Two: Ann Wilson

Who is it gonna be? Van Halen or Ann Wilson?

How many April Fool pranks did you fall for?

Have fun, let me know which version you like the best I will get the results up in a week or so.

Battle of the Bands Results: Pete Townsend holds off Passenger

 Pete Townsend holds off Passenger in my long overdue return to Battle of the Bands and my blog. The first five votes went Pete's way. Then the final 2 went for Passenger. The shut out went bye-bye and so did Passenger. In the tradition of old, we celebrate the winner.

                                               "Let My Love Open the Door"

"Rough Boys"

"Slit Skirts"

Yes, Pete is the guitarist and principal songwriter for The Who, but I decided to highlight his solo work for this celebration.  Join me on April 1st for a new Battle of the Bands. 

Battle of the Bands: Girl from the North Country

 Been a while. Strange correlation I blog more when there is a subtraction in my life. This blog appears to be doing okay without me being here. Anyway, Bob Dylan has provided many a song to cover. One of my favorite Dylan tunes is "Girl from the North Country."

Bob's version...

Contender One: Pete Townsend

Contender Two: Passenger

 

Tell me who you like in the comments, and I will celebrate the winner in a week or so (try not to make it 10-months)