Season Predictions

With just a few weeks left until the pads go on and teams begin preparation for week 1, we can now officially say we are in football season. With that being said, I've never been one to buy into preseason polls but its always fun to make predictions about the upcoming season and I have a few (some more gutsy than others) for the 2013 football season. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Championships in October- It is almost a given these past couple of seasons but once again I'm confident that the winner of the Clemson-FSU showdown will not only win the Atlantic Division but most likely claim another ACC Championship as well. This year's game is in Death Valley, a place where the Seminoles haven't won since 2001. That is not a typo. The last time FSU left Clemson with a win I was Elementary school. For those who don't know me personally, I'm now a senior in college. I've grown accustomed to beating FSU (at least at home), a trend that didn't exist in my "younger" days as a Clemson fan and I hope to see this streak continue this fall.

2. High Tide- Alabama is more than capable of running the table this year and playing for another SEC and BCS Championship this season. Say what you want about Nick Saban but he's the best (active) coach in the business. Bama adds another one to the ole trophy case this year and the dynasty grows stronger. 

3. Sammy will bounce back- After a rough sophomore season plagued by an off-season arrest and injuries/sickness, Sammy should be back and ready to go full speed ahead this year. And with Deandre Hopkins playing on Sundays now, Watkins will definitely have to step up and produce big plays as he did during his freshman year. Last year was Hopkins time to shine and now 2013 belongs to Watkins. A more mature and hungry Sammy Watkins spells trouble for defenses this year.

4. Not Again- Oregon will reveal (another) new uniform-- not so gutsy here but be on the look out for Oregon to turn heads again with another (most likely) hideous uniform combination when they take the field this season. I can only imagine what they will come up with this time around. I will say though, I was big fan of the chrome helmets. The rest of the uniform though...eh, not so much. 

5. Not so fast, my friend-- Ole Miss turned many heads with their stellar recruiting class this off-season but we have to remember, Its still Ole Miss and they still play in the SEC. They get LSU, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas A&M at home in conference play but travel to Vanderbilt, Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State. Going .500 in those games would be a huge accomplishment for them in my eyes. 

6. Sophomore Slump- Johnny Football caught everyone off guard last season in TAMU's first year in the SEC. This year will not be as easy. Defenses will be ready for Manziel this year and he'll have a bulls eye on his chest and get every one's best shot. And speaking of shots, he will likely be taking many more of those this year as defenses put the pressure on him and try to force him into hurried throws and mistakes. 

7. Benched- Conner Shaw is a solid QB and has been a major puzzle piece in South Carolina's recent success. However, the guy can't seem to stay healthy and at times has been really suspect in his play and decision making. That being said, Dylan Thompson proved last year he is more than capable of leading his team to wins. By mid-season I see Thompson taking over the reigns as the starter for the Gamecocks.

8. Boyd in NYC- Last year Clemson's Tajh Boyd was like a different player. He dropped some weight, became more mature on and off the field, improved his accuracy and his running game. The result was a 10-2 season along with throwing for 3,896 yards and 36 touchdowns breaking record upon record along the way. If Clemson can stay healthy up front Boyd should put up big numbers again this year and have a solid argument as a finalist for the Heisman.




9. Overrated- USC struggled last season under Lane Kiffin going 7-6 overall. Though I think they will fare slightly better this season, don't expect to see them in a BCS bowl, or anywhere close to it, for that matter.  Its going to be another tough, long year for one of the most hated coaches in College Football.








10. "Don't Forget About Us"- Ohio State went undefeated last year but were ineligible for post-season play. 2nd year coach Urban Meyer will have his guys ready again this year and though I'm not calling for another undefeated record, don't be surprised if the Buckeyes are back in the top 10 and play in a BCS bowl this year. 

Countdown To Kickoff: Greatest Moments of 2012 Season

Only 40 days separate us from the much anticipated showdown between the Tigers and Dawgs on August 31st in Death Valley. But while we wait, today I want take a look back at some of the highlights of last season. The Tigers went 10-2 on the year and both of their losses came to top 25 competition in Florida State and South Carolina. The 2012 season provided Clemson fans with many reasons to celebrate and be proud and today I'm going to look back at some of those moments and rank the ones that stood out the most to me. Here we go!

5. High Scoring Frenzy- At times, this game had all the makings of a nightmare for Tigers fans. Late in the season the Wolf Pack of North Carolina State came calling and came into Memorial Stadium with a mission and they nearly accomplished their goal. In one of the most exciting (at least from an offensive standpoint) Clemson games I've seen in a while, the Tigers and Pack went punch for punch en route to a basketball-style score. However, the Tigers made a few more big plays and escaped with a 62-48 win. And although the Tigers gave up 597 yards of total offense, they posted a impressive 754 of their own en route to a critical division victory over their rivals from Raleigh.



4. A Sign of What Was To Come- Anyone who has been around the Clemson area knew of Hopkins well before he stepped foot on Clemson as a student-athlete and we all knew just how special of a player he was. However, his junior season put him among the best ever to play at Clemson. He showed us a glimpse of just how ready he was for the 2012 season from the start when he broke the single game reception record against Auburn in week 1. He hauled in 13 catches, none bigger than the fade pass from Boyd from 4 yards away that he secured in a over-the-shoulder catch that ultimately gave the Clemson Tigers victory over the Auburn Tigers for the second straight season. Hopkins would go on to make big-time play after big-time play all season long.


3. Army Strong-Clemson has a long and respected military history that dates back to the days from its establishment in 1889 through 1955. It was only fitting that we had our very own Army hero and Purple Heart recipient lead us down the hill on Military Appreciation Day-- a day Clemson fans and players look forward to every year. Daniel Rodriguez will be a sophomore for the 2013 season and has already given a great deal to this University and community, although you won't find his contributions popping off the page of the stat book. The WR is a class act and was featured on ESPN's College Gameday and is bound to only become more popular this season. Rodriguez was honored by the Orange Bowl with its FWAA Courage Award, won the  USAA Athletic Inspiration Award and was a finalist for the ESPY's Jim Valvano Perseverance Award. I hope and pray we get to see #83 in the end zone at some point this season...what a moment that would be!




2. "The Kick"- This should be #1 on the list but without my top pick, this one not only doesn't make the list, but doesn't even exist at all. After rallying from being down 24-13 in the fourth quarter, Clemson made one last defensive stop and moved the ball down field and capped off an thrilling comeback victory with a textbook two minute drill. The Clemson offense put kicker Chandler Catanzaro aka "CatMan" into perfect position and with ice cold water running in his veins he booted it right down the middle and gave Clemson the stunning 25-24 victory over LSU.


1. 4th and 16- A play that instantly went down in Clemson football history. I saw it unfold live in the Georgia Dome and still to this day can't believe it actually happened. With the game on the line and the LSU faithful making their presence felt, Tajh Boyd remained poised in the pocket and delivered a perfectly thrown ball to none other than Deandre Hopkins to move the sticks and keep Clemson's dreams alive. After I saw Hopkins stand up with the ball in his hands, I knew there was no way the football gods were going to let us walk out of that stadium with a loss. It was just our night and meant to be. 4th and 16 will be talked about when I'm an old man and I will tell my kids and grandchildren about the day the Clemson offense beat all the odds on 4th and 16 and proved all the nay-sayers wrong.

The Time Is Now

There is plenty of hype surrounding Clemson football this year and for good reason. With a top 10 finish last season capped off by an impressive bowl win over LSU along with a strong recruiting class and most importantly, having both Tajh Boyd and offensive coordinator Chad Morris back for the 2013 campaign, the expectations are as high as ever in Tigertown. Clemson's schedule sets them up to make a run at not only another ACC crown but to take a shot at bringing a national championship to Clemson. A home slate that includes Georgia, SC State, Wake Forest, Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech (Thursday Night), and The Citadel. While on the road, the Tigers will face North Carolina State (Thursday Night), ACC--newcomer, Syracuse, Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. If I had to make a guess right now I'd say Clemson will be favored in every single game with the only possible exceptions (in my opinion) being Georgia, FSU and South Carolina. Two of these games (UGA and FSU) will be played at Death Valley and all three are definitely prime-time worthy. And furthermore, all three are "revenge games". Both South Carolina and FSU got the best of the Tigers last season, and although it was 10 years ago I remember all to clearly sitting in Death Valley watching UGA dominate us in a 30-0 loss to start the 2003 season. I haven't forgotten and I'm sure most other Clemson fans haven't either. Nothing would make me happier than to see us take down the Bulldogs on Aug. 31st in front of a sellout crowd in Death Valley and among millions of viewers across the nation on TV. The best part about this game, for both teams is that its in week 1. The loser has plenty of time to play "catch-up" and maneuver themselves back into BCS title talk down the stretch.

Throughout the latter Bowden years it seemed we were often just a few plays away from taking it to the next level. But time after time we faltered down the stretch and allowed division foes such as Maryland, Wake Forest and Boston College come into Death Valley as the underdog and escape with a win. But times have changed since the Bowden era. Swinney has given Clemson two division titles, one co-division title, and one ACC Championship. Solid recruiting classes and bringing in two of the best coordinators in the game have taken Clemson a step closer and 2013 just might be the year if the Tigers can step up and MAKE this their year and their moment.



Now is the time to take the next step. The pieces are in play and its time to make it happen. There is not a doubt in my mind that if somehow the Tigers were to run the table (and of course win the ACC in the process) we would be playing for a National Championship in Pasadena, California on January 6, 2014.
Though getting through the season without a loss will be extremely difficult, it is more than "doable" and to be honest, I would be shocked if Clemson doesn't at least capture its 2nd ACC Championship in three years this coming season. Now that is not to say that if the Tigers don't win the ACC this season isn't successful, (see 2012 season) but if we are really going to take the next step, we need to have control of our own conference first. I'm tried of being "one play away" or "one defensive stop away" from greatness. As Coach Swinney said "you can stand at door of greatness forever but sooner or later you gotta knock down the door!" Well boys and girls, now is that time. Clemson has been labeled as under-achievers, over-rated and choke artist in years past. Heck, some people have even given us the pleasure of being used as "pulling a Clemson" when their team blows a major opportunity.






Its time to get back to what Clemson football used to be. Teams use to fear coming to Death Valley and facing the Tigers and we need to bring that back. I want to see helmets flying I wanna hear those bone-chilling "pops" from someone laying the wood to the opposing team. Bring back the swagger Clemson's defense used to have. We know the offense is more than capable but if we can stay healthy and get our defense to play to at a high intensity level, we are going to be a darn good football team and awfully hard to beat. And lastly, the fans need to step up. I was disgusted and still am at how many people left the LSU game early and ended up missing one of THE greatest moments in Clemson history. From the Georgia game to the last whistle of our bowl game, we need to be loud and proud and support our team. How great would it be to have Death Valley sold out for the Citadel in November just as it will be for UGA in August? It would be a wonderful thing. The preparation starts now. Practice is right around the corner and its time for us fans to get ready as well. Get those khakis with tigers paws dry-cleaned, get your car flags and stickers ready, and get ready to show up early and in full force Aug 31st and all season long. I don't think I have to remind you how late this rivalry between the bulldogs goes back. Lets show up opening weekend and show the nation why they call it Death Valley and why game day in Clemson is unlike any other experience. There is only 47 days till kick off. Our boys are getting ready and so should you. The time is now. Lets go make 2013 OUR year.

One Team. 

One Dream. 

One Clemson. 

BEAT GEORGIA!!! 

Plenty of Potential: Is Clemson's WR Corp the Nation's Best?

The expectations are at an all time high in South Carolina this year when it comes to college football. Down in Columbia, Steve Spurrier has made the Gamecocks not only relevant in the SEC, but on a national platform. Known for his past history of running the "fun and gun" offense dating back to his days in Gainesville, his squads at South Carolina have been more recently known for their defense. Up the road in Clemson however, the Tigers have made a name for themselves for their skills on offense. With arguably the hottest offensive coordinator in college football and potential Heisman candidate and last year's ACC player of the year Tajh Boyd under center, Clemson has caused defenses headaches and is in position to take it one step further this year. Though someone will have to step up to fill the voids left by running back Andre Ellington in the backfield, wide out Jaron Brown and tight end Brandon Ford, the Tigers have a secret weapon, a few secret weapons actually, that will help make them (potentially) the most explosive offense in college football this fall.

Not many people have talked about it, but when you look at the Tiger's receiving corp, you have to get nervous as an opposing team. Sure, Deandre "Nuk" Hopkins is off to the NFL and will likely be starting when the Houston Texans take the field for their season opener on the road against the Vikings. However, there shouldn't be any fall off from last year's production. Hopkins will be missed for sure but there is another man by the name of Sammy Watkins who took the country by storm his freshmen year. You may have heard of him. Last season he battled off the field issues, injuries, and some sickness but he's one year stronger, one year smarter and is in the best shape of his life. He has grown up and isn't the same Sammy that stepped on the field in Death Valley the past two seasons. He is poised for a breakout season, hopefully to the same caliber we saw from Hopkins last season. Further down the roster, the talent doesn't have a drastic drop in talent. Clemson also returns junior wide out Martavis Bryant whose size, speed and hands could have landed him just about anywhere in the country. He has great potential and will hopefully show the nation what he is capable of this year. Charone Peak has been noted to be just as talented-if not more-than Watkins and is again a case of a guy that just needs to keep working hard and staying focused and his time will come...and that time could very easily be this season.

I also expect to see some action on offense from military hero/veteran Daniel Rodriguez. And I can't forget about my boy Adam Humphries. He reminds me a lot of former Tiger wide out Tyler Grisham who could get you those crucial yards in crunch time. Both are scrappy and have great hands and might not have eye popping stats but play significant roles in the offense's success. We will also have some not so familiar faces take the field in the form of red-shirt freshmen Germone Hopper who we will also see get some touches in the return game. This guy has good hands and is fast. real fast. We will also have true freshmen Mike Williams joining the team this summer when he begins taking summer session classes. The four star in-state commit comes in at 6-5, 205 and is expected to have significant playing time this fall and should make an immediate impact. You'd be hard pressed to find another receiving corp as talented as Clemson's especially with a QB like Tajh Boyd throwing to them. The pieces are in place for Clemson to once again make this season a special one. If the Tigers stay healthy and can be physical up front giving time for Boyd to find his open man or find room to tuck it in run, it should be another exciting year for Tiger fans, And thanks to the improving defense, hopefully Clemson fans won't have to pray the offense scores 40 or more points every game in order for us to win!

What Type of Fan Are You?

Sports at every level are a great thing. Although sometimes sports lead to unnecessary violence and pure hatred towards another teams and fans, sports also has the ability to bring people from various backgrounds together and be used for in a more positive way. I can't count the number of times I've high-fived, hugged, carried on genuine small-talk conversations or randomly yelled "Go Tigers!" and started a cadence chant with a complete stranger throughout my twenty years of life. However throughout the years, I've noticed not all fans are created equal. As sports fans, we all fall into different categories. This post takes a look at the different kinds of fans you will come across during your lifetime.



Lets start from the bottom and work our way to the top because, well that's just the logical thing to do here in my opinion.

The Bandwagoner:
We all know at least one person that can fit into this category. (See 75% of Miami Heat fans today) These fans disgust me. Either they have abandoned their team and joined another or simply joined a fan base because a team has put together a string of successful seasons or won a few championships and all of the sudden they wake up one day and decide "hmmm I think I'm gonna pull for the team that's at the top of the league"...and BOOM! They are now a fan. Nobody likes a bandwagoner. Nobody. One day they are reppin' The Steelers, then the next time you turn around they are decked out in Texans gear. Pick a team and stay with it, bro!

The Advanced Bandwagoner:

Shout out to the advanced bandwagoner, though. Despite still being a bandwagon fan, these guys at least put some work in and can name a few former players and coaches. Might can remember the last time "their team" won a championship (IF that has even occurred) and they are quick to defend their loyalty which is, as Charles Ramsey says, a DEAD GIVEAWAY! If you are true fan, you should never even be questioned or have to answer to someone about your loyalty to your team. They will know without question that you are the real deal. If you have ever had to say I'm not a bandwagon, chances are...you probably are. Sorry to break the news to you, but someone has to do it.









The Closet/Fair-weather Fan:
These guys are also some of the worst around. Although you know these guys are fans, they don't really show it all the time like they should. When times are rough and their team is losing they either disappear completely or have a truck load of excuses. But just when they get a winning season or pull a big upset/beat your team, they are blowing up your phone and drive around town with their car flags waving in the air for the next month. Don't be a closet fan! Support your team through thick and thin! You can't truly enjoy the great, mountain top moments without experiencing the embarrassing and valley low moments too.




The "Overboard" Fan:
These guys are actually genuine fans, but take the game a bit overboard. These are the guys that had a few too many beers before they walked into the stadium. They forget (or don't care) that kids are around and yell profanity and talk junk the entire game annoying even their own fellow fans. These guys are best off staying at home but continue to show up every game and put a damper on everyone else's game day experience. Most importantly, these guys are the ones that get arrested for starting a fight halfway through the game once that whiskey really beings to sink in. Sadly, as hard as it is to believe (even for me at times) it really is JUST A GAME. Causing harm to someone/something or ruining a friendship/relationship over a game is just stupid. Don't do it.

The Devoted Fan:
Mad props to these guys. Despite your team being irrelevant pretty much your entire life, you show up every game and cheer your butt off although most of the time you leave the stadium watching the opposing team celebrate. You keep faith alive though and continue to support your team even when you know deep down, they are absolutely terrible. These guys deserve an award. We need more of these type of fans in the world. Never offering up excuses and they have learned to take the heckling like a champ and not be a sore loser. Hats off to the devoted fans of the world. Your day will come, but until then, keep on keeping on! And remember, if you don't remember it, it didn't happen. (Well..... not really, but still.)







The Extreme Tailgater:
One of the best known and favorite of all fans across the board. This guy probably hasn't been inside the stadium since Nixon was president, but every game day he arrives early and pulls up in his RV with a grill/smoker, tables, TVs and of course plenty of food. Hard to not like this guy ( free food...HELLO!!!) These guys are also the real deal cause I'll tell ya what...tailgating is not cheap. They might not attend the games but between paying for their prime parking spot and  providing a mouth-watering spread every weekend, these guys definitely support their team in their own special way. Gotta love the hardcore tailgaters. New Orleans-Style gumbo, anyone?



The Life-long Fan: 
This guy likely grew up coming to games with his dad and learned all the tools of trade that are needed for a successful game day trip. Its a family tradition that gets passed down and you are born and bred into this fan base. You probably attend/attended school here and will one day love reflecting back on your college days. Your old man might have had a solid parking spot/season tickets as well that he passes down to keep in the family. Another real fan here that hopefully keeps the family tradition alive and remains an active supporter of the school or organization their entire life.


And last but not least........

The Die-Hard Fan:
This one goes without saying. Everyone who knows or has seen this guy knows who he supports. His wardrobe is full of is teams colors.When the team has a 7:30pm kickoff, this guy is in the parking lot at 7:30am already gearing up for the game. This guy has multiple car flags and stickers all over his car. His tailgating spot is recognized by many and he is well known in his parking area. He travels with the team to road games near and far and lives and dies with his team. He's always there ready for game day rain, sleet, or shine and is always prepared. He gets to his seat during pre-game warm ups and doesn't leave until the Alma mater is sung. Often, these are the guys who have zero shame and paint up for games or have outrageous costumes or apparel on game day. He takes the game seriously and although he won't deck you in the face, its probably best to let him be for a few minutes following a loss. I would most likely fit into this group. Anyone who knows me knows I bleed orange and purple. Always have, always will. Die-hards like to talk a little trash but (most) know when to shut up and how to take their beating like a man as well as win to draw the line during times of celebration. They like to enjoy a drink or two before the game and might even run to the car for a drink during halftime to keep the juices flowing, but these guys mean no harm and are there for a good time and to support their team. Everyone can't be a die-hard, its a special breed and takes years to develop. But once you are there, you've reached the top of the food chain of Sports Fans.


Thoughts? 

So that about wraps up my take on the different types of fans. Let me know what you think/if you think someone should be added to the list.

SPOT THE BALL.......



113 days till kickoff!!!! 

High Expectations

With 4th and 16 still fresh on the minds of Tiger fans ( Clemson and LSU, too, for that matter) across the country, Clemson fans are eager to get back in Death Valley and see what the Tigers can accomplish this season. Following a 25-24 thriller over LSU in the Georgia Dome, many people have their eyes on the Tigers this year and for good reason. With arguably the most explosive offense in the country and a defense that is improving and on the rise, the pieces are in place for 2013 to be a very special season for Coach Dabo Swinney and company. However, if the Tigers are to take it to the next level they will be without three of their star players from last season in wide-out Deandre "Nuk" Hopkins, running back Andre Ellington and TE Brandon Ford. Hopkins, who tore apart secondaries and led the Tigers with 18 touchdowns and 1408 yards receiving, decided to forgo his senior season and was drafted 27th overall in the first round to the Houston Texans.

Word on the street is Hopkins will be starting from the day 1 with the Texas and should make an immediate impact. Ellington, who battled injuries his entire career ended his days in a Clemson uniform with a bang ending the 2012 campaign with over 1,000 yards on the ground including a 5.1 per carry average and 8 touchdowns. Brandon Ford also played a huge role in the Tiger offense last season and filled the shoes of Dwayne Allen quite well, who jetted for the NFL instead of staying for his senior season in 2012. These three will definitely be missed, but with QB Tajh Boyd, WRs Sammy Watkins, Charone Peake, Martavis Bryant and RB Roderick McDowell all returning along with the services of freshmen standout WR Germone Hopper, the offense shouldn't experience much of a drop off from last year, if any at all. Most importantly, Clemson still has offensive genius Chad Morris on the sidelines calling plays and his fast tempo offense will continue to wear down defenses again this year with his 100 offensive snaps per-game goal.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers have to find a replacement for the likes of Mallicah Goodman, Xaiver Brewer, Johnathan Meeks and Rashard Hall but return key starters in LB Spencer Shuey, DT Deshawn Williams, DE Vic Beasley, and and DB Bashaud Breeland. The defense also brings in two players who will likely see significant action from day 1 including DE Shaq Lawson and Ebenenzer Ogundeko. The LSU game provided Clemson fans with hope for the future and with a full season under Venables now in the books, players should only began to buy into the system and begin playing at a higher level in 2013. The defense should only improve and once they begin to gel they will take pressure off the offense to drop 40 points per game again this year. Again, the LSU game was a perfect example of when the defense comes to play, the offense doesn't have to do as much work. 

We will learn a great deal from our guys right off the back when Aaron Murray brings his Georgia Bulldogs to town Aug. 31st, a game which will be played in Death Valley on ABC at 8pm and will likely bring ESPN's College Gameday crew back to campus. The game will have instant BSC title  implications and will draw a large TV audience. It will be another prime opportunity for Clemson to show the nation what they can do and can open the door for not only a great season but national exposure for recruiting as well. It is a golden opportunity for Clemson and just like they did against LSU in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl, they will have to find a way to seize the opportunity and prove all the "Nay-Sayers" wrong. 

If everyone can stay healthy, Clemson's schedule is definitely one that has a manageable path to a BCS bowl berth. The Tigers have two Thursday night games this year, one on the road at North Carolina State and another at home against Georgia Tech. Atlantic division rival FSU has to travel to Death Valley this year which also helps. The Tigers also have conference road trips to Syracuse, Maryland, & Virginia all of which Clemson should be the favorite. As always, Clemson ends the season with arch rival South Carolina, which takes place in Columbia this year. Outside of Georgia, Florida State and South Carolina I don't anticipate Clemson being the underdog in any other game this season and they "should" be able to take care of their business. But that, of course, remains to be seen and is why we play the game. With South Carolina also primed for a great season and avoiding regular season meetings with LSU and Alabama this year, it isn't so far fetched to think we could have another showdown of 10 or 11 win squads squaring off late in November. If there ever was a time to be a football fan in South Carolina, this is year. Both schools are in position to make a BCS title run. The question is can they stay healthy and win the games in which they are "supposed" to win. Never thought I'd see they day where two years in a row we could be seeing a top 10 (or even top 5) showdown in November. But this year, that idea is definitely possible. Can't wait to see how it all plays out. One thing is for sure, it is going to be a fun and exciting season for Tiger and Gamecock fans across the nation.

Only 119 days until kickoff........
SPOT THE BALL!!!!!!!! 

This Is It...A Legendary Career Ends Tonight

Final Curtain Call for Ray Lewis

This year's super bowl is one for the first time in a long time that I'm really not too interested in. Baltimore vs San Francisco. As a Panthers homer and follower of my favorite player in the league, Peyton Manning, I have no dog in this fight whatsoever. I honestly could NOT care less who wins this and much like the BCS title game, I'm mainly just hoping its a good, enjoyable game. And on that note, I pray its much better than the BCS title game proved to be. But if I had to pick someone to pull for tonight, hands down it would be Baltimore. I've never really been a fan of Ray Lewis but as a football fan, I respect him and his style of play. He is a legend and it'd be cool to see him go out on top. 

Some people are pulling against Baltimore for the same reason I'm pulling for them and I can understand why 100%. Lewis is one of those guys you either love or hate. He has been turning heads since his days at "The U" down in Miami and his off the field life is far from spotless. From being charged with murdering two men in 2000 to being the father of six children to four different women, people haven't had to look hard to find something negative to say about Ray Lewis. However, on the field he has terrorized offenses for years and tonight he will try to do it one last time. Many thought we had seen the last of Lewis when he tore his triceps early in the season but Lewis recovered enough to return and currently is the leader in tackles during the playoffs. Talk about heart and determination. Not sure how much he has left in the tank, but trust you will get 150% from #52 tonight. And as the leader and face of this franchise, you can bet he will make sure he gets the absolute best from his teammates tonight as well. 

If anyone knows how to get someone fired up and inspired to play football and go knock someone on their back, its Ray Lewis. I can't imagine the intensity and emotion that will pour out and fill the locker room during his pre-game speech. To be honest, I'd be a little intimidated to be in there with him. Win, lose or draw, I'm looking forward to seeing Lewis do his last dance at midfield once the final whistle blows. Hopefully, for the Ravens and his sake, it will be celebrating a Super Bowl victory. And whether you love him or late him, if you are watching the game tonight, I'm willing to bet you'll be keeping your eyes on #52. Hats off to a legend as he prepares to take the field one last time!