Stanford stunning USC, the state of Liverpool, and the RWC

No fancy titles for you. I'm tired, bitches. But I wanted to spout off about these three things.

I was at the Coliseum to witness Stanford, 40-point underdog, stun USC
As much credit as Stanford deserves, they had no business winning that football game. And as much heat as John David Booty (cracked middle finger on his throwing hand and all) is getting for his second half, I think the defense is just as much to blame (if not more so). Throughout the entire second half, Stanford was able to convert 3rd and 4th downs (4th and 20, anyone??!?!?!?!!?) at will. You won't win when your D plays like that, no matter who you play.

I was actually really surprised and somewhat disgusted at how quickly all the "die-hard" fans in the stands, decked out in their obnoxious Trojan garb, threw this team under the bus well before the game was over. And then afterward, all I could hear was, "We suck," "We're going to lose all the rest of our games," "I hate Booty," "Pete Carroll should've gone to San Diego when he had the chance." These people are idiots. USC has a great chance, provided the Pac 10 keeps up the high level of play and Cal and Oregon keep on track, to get into the national title game if they win out. But, I guess that's spoiled bandwagoning for you. Pretty dispicable, in my opinion. And here's another reason why college football needs a playoff: my friend at the game remarked, "Well, at least they can still get the Rose Bowl." To which I replied, "Meaningless."


Liverpool's sloppy draw versus Spurs marks the quarter-way mark in the Premiership

"Sloppy and disjointed. Where's Gerrard?" This is all that was running through my head while watching Liverpool steal a draw at home against Tottenham. Several times, I wanted to vomit. Not from anxiety, mind you, but out of disgust. Still can't understand how, in the first half, we didn't score on that 3-on-1 break when Voronin opted to pass instead of shoot. Should've been 2-0 or 3-0 at halftime. El Nino bails us out and we're terribly lucky for it.

I miss Agger. This is the note the team ends on before the next international break. So, some thoughts on the season thus far...

Certainly, there are plenty of positives to draw from after the first quarter of league play. We're right in the thick of the title race and we haven't lost games that, in the past, we certainly would have (Villa, Spurs to name a couple).

On the flip side, I'm a firm believer that (no matter what sport) a team is only as good as it's last five games. The break comes at a very opportune time, but I'm a bit sad to say that I'm not sure it will bring about any changes in Rafa's team selection. There are players ON FORM who need to be starting as many matches as possible. Some people are quick to condemn anyone who criticizes Rafa's rotation policy, sometimes even going so far as to say it's a myth. But the fact is that this team, based on what we've seen during the last five or six games, doesn't have any cohesion. The players don't recognize each other on the pitch. But here's the thing (before anyone jumps down my throat for even suggesting that there's a connection between the side's disjointed play and the shifting lineups): rotation, aside from providing some rest, is theoretically meant to spark competition amongst players. Yet for most every match this season, we've seen the same select few players consistently rising to the occassion. I wonder, then, why it is that Torres, Masch, Benayoun, and even Pennant, have not been elevated to automatic first team choice as is the case with Gerrard, Carra, and Finnan? Hell, even Arbeloa -- the team's most consistent player this season -- is sometimes less preferred to Riise who hasn't impressed at all, this season.

But it could all be psychological and, in fact, I would go so far as to say that the cause for our recent struggles is the Derby County match. Let's be honest, our competition up through that point, barring Chelsea, was not of a very high quality. And so we fattened up our egos before the real tests reared their head.

All this said, I believe there are two firm quick fixes: the returns of 1) Agger and 2) Alonso. If I had to make a wishlist for the rest of the season, the first wish would be that these two returned to the lineup ASAP.

Secondly, I wouldn't worry about not having a "true" left winger and just play Benayoun in that role with some regularity. He's shown that he can perform on that end of the pitch and, frankly, he and Pennant should be first choice wingers every match. Riise has brought little to the fray, as mentioned, Babel seems to provide more spark off the bench, and Aurelio... Don't even get me started on him. I just know that someone is going to ask, "What about Harry Kewell?" Well, forget him. He hasn't been with this team for 18 months. Time to move on.

Third, and this is related to my first wish, Stevie G returns to form. Having Agger in the back instead of statuesque Sami offers a little more leeway (sp?) to the midfield, allowing Alonso/Masch to take more chances opening up the game, as well as allowing them room to settle things down.

Fourth, Masch will always be preferred to Momo and Torres will always be preferred to Crouch.

Fifth, we buy a center back during the next transfer window. We've got cover at every position except for this one and it's killing us. Granted, we've only lost once this season, but my god have we looked anywhere between subpar and bad since thrashing Derby.

My goodness, this post certainly got bigger than I had originally intended. But I guess once you start ranting, it's hard to stop. I would like to note that while my thoughts might come across with a sense of bitterness, I'm firmly behind the club and all the lads on board this ship. If I seem frustrated, it's because I'm subconsciously mirroring the team's form. We've got the talent! Now, we just have to trust ourselves (Rafa? Are you listening?) and solidify the chemistry of the team.

YNWA


Springboks are "prohibitive favorites," which means, "I'm scared"
The only time I've ever rested easy about my favorite team being the goliath in a tournament were the '00-'01 and '01-'02 Lakers. Suffice it to say, I'm not put in this position often, and South Africa being the last of the Tri-Nation teams standing in the Rugby World Cup is no different.

I have to say, I'm a bit miffed that there isn't more of an uproar about New Zealand getting the shaft on that go-ahead try by the French -- what with that blatant forward-pass and all. As much as I'd like to consider the Boks to be favorites at this stage, you cannot deny the French at home. South Africa may be the better side, but I think they have a tougher semi against the Argies than the Frogs do against England, and you have to factor in the home field advantage.

Hopefully, for my sake, there are less surprises in the semifinal round. Although if England wanted a rematch with the Boks so badly that they upset France, I'd be happy about that.

Rafa, Rafael, Rafa, Rafael, Rafa, Rafael

Raefel Benitez! The man with the plan will do all he can to ensure the mighty Reds top Milan again.

As in 2005, Liverpool assume the role of underdog -- something they're quite suited to in European competition. Given the way Milan clinically dismantled Manchester United in the semis, coupled with 'pool's less than inspiring finish to the league (granted, there was nothing left to play for and they were fielding B and C squads), I suppose you cannot fault the oddsmakers. However, the intagibles and mental edge seem to be in the favor of the Merseysiders. Already, Gennaro Gattuso has supplied us with all the locker room ammunition we need. He seems to be quite good at that.

This game will be won in the midfield. Everyone knows it and everyone knows that Milan's midfield is unrivaled for quality. So the question is, how should Liverpool line up against Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, and Seedorf? There are two options. A) your Liverpool starting XI should consist of five in the midfield with Steven Gerrard drifting into support of a lone striker. That would mean, however, that Mascherano and Sissoko will be anchoring the center of the pitch together. As we've found out recently, it's a pairing that simply does not work. Their roles are too similar and Mascherano is more of a threat offensively. Which brings us to B) Masch and Xabi Alonso in the center with Gerrard drifting up the right and ideally Pennant on the left. I say "ideally" because I have a sneaking suspicion that Rafa will opt for Zenden instead of Pennant -- a move that could be a costly mistake. Milan thrives through the heart of midfield, so having a quick option like Pennant who is programmed to swing crosses into the box routinely would be a huge weapon. Not to mention Gerrard having room on the right to operate.

Key individual matchup: Kaka vs Mascherano. The Milan forwards, be they Gilardino or Inzaghi, have on occassion turned into ghosts during this European campaign. Part of that is due to poor effort, but more so, they're relying on perhaps the best player in the world today a little too heavily. And Kaka has delivered so far, with an overwhelming majority of AC Milan's goals in Europe. In Javier Mascherano, however, he is presented with a young, quick, incredibly intelligent, and soundly defensive obstacle who has impeccable ability to begin the counter-attack. If Masch can contain (or at the very least limit) Kaka's impact on this match, Liverpool should be expected to win.

Milan's backline, though incredible with the likes of Nesta and Maldini, approaches a collective age in the 130s (not kidding) -- a weakness that could be easily exploited by the work-rate of Dirk Kuyt (whom I am convinced has the heart of a horse that has the heart of two horses) and Crouch's size (another reason to start Pennant on the left wing -- Milan's central defense won't be able to contest the tall one's heading ability).

There's been a lot of discussion in Liverpool circles as to whether or not one recently-healed Harry Kewell should see action on Wednesday, as he is built for this sort of stage. Some even think he should start. To me, that is completely and utterly preposterous. Old 'Arry isn't anywhere near match-fit and two brief cameos against Fulham and Charlton did little to show me otherwise. If Kewell sees any action at all, it should be in the last twenty minutes of the match. But I'm not counting on him to produce. It simply wouldn't be fair to him or the rest of the team.

Honestly, I have a very easy time imagining this match headed to penalties (once again). In the event that occurs, again, advantage Liverpool. Pepe Reina is one of the best and his counterpart, Dida, is... well... on the much lower end of the spectrum.

Hopefully, fingers crossed, at this time tomorrow, I'll be three sheets to the wind, celebrating like a madman that the Reds have won it for a sixth time. But again, it all rests in how effective Mascherano is against Kaka.

YNWA

The weekend's heroes and doinks 11/10-11/12

Heroes

Wildcats - Be they from Arizona (hell yeah!), Kansas State, or even Kentucky (okay, maybe not so much UK, although they beat Vandy), they turned college football on it's ear, yet again. Let's quickly thank Kansas State for beating Texas and putting to rest any notion that the champion from the pathetic Big 12 would have a claim to the national title game. Well done, KSU. But more importantly, in the words of Keanu Reeves in Speed, "Arizona Wildcats... good football team." And suddenly, in the third quarter against Cal, they decided that they were! With the Bears complacent, ahead 17-3, what choice was there but to open up the passing game and stand on the shoulders of Syndric Steptoe? Now the Cats stand at 5-5, potent as ever in the month of November under Mike Stoops, and need to win just one of their final two games to become bowl eligible. I'm thinking it happens against Arizona State on Thanksgiving weekend. Bear Down, bitches!

Steve McNair - One of the classiest guys in the NFL sticks it to a miserable franchise who should be ashamed for the way they treated him. For all that McNair has done for the Titans organization (MVP, AFC title games, a Superbowl appearance), they spit on his face. Very pleasing to see McNair exact a bit of revenge yesterday with the comeback victory.

San Diego 49 Cincinnati 41 - That's right, the game itself was a hero. This is why people love football. Offensive explosions, see-saw battle, comebacks, big names having really big games (LDT is easily player of the week and you can only stand in awe at what Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer did, too). What an excellent game. Too bad this pretty much signals the end for the Bengals this season. Up 21 at home and losing? Especially after losing to the Ravens last week? It's over, man. There's no coming back for them in the tough AFC.

Houston Dynamo - Your 2006 MLS Cup champions. First time an MLS Cup match has gone to penalties

Correll Buckhalter - I can't find it on YouTube, but yesterday against the hapless 'Skins he scored one of the coolest touchdowns I've seen in a long time.

Doinks

Pac Ten officials - Watching both the Arizona/Cal and USC/Oregon games (and with the memory of this entire season in mind -- particularly Oregon/Oklahoma), there couldn't be a worse set of officials in the country. No one, under any circumstances, for any play, should take 3 hrs and 12 minutes to review a call. Especially if they end up making the wrong call (Cal's interception of Tuitama when UofA was driving to tie the game at 17) or if they're reviewing a play that was clear as day and was called correctly from the start (Oregon's touchdown against SC). Neither of these were coaches challenges, mind you. Just the refs killing the game.

College football - Say what you will about how exciting Saturday was (and it was good), the system is still pooched. Suppose USC, Florida, Arkansas, and Notre Dame all pick up a second loss in the next couple weeks? It's certainly possible that it can happen. Then throw Rutgers into the mix and the dreaded prospect of a rematch between Michigan and Ohio State for the national title and you have to admit, the B(C)S doesn't work. Say it with me, now: College football is broken.

Rafa Benitez - There's only so much I can say about Liverpool's embarrassing defeat to Arsenal before I want to tear my sweet, bodiful hair out. So I'll keep it short. Watching the 3-0 massacre, I was insensed from the start that Rafa insists on playing Steven Gerrard (that would be the same "best midfielder in the Premiership" Gerrard) OUT OF POSITION ON THE RIGHT WING and as a result we're seeing a jaded, disinterested Gerrard out there. With Momo Sissoko unfortunately lost for three months, you'd think the OBVIOUS decision would be to move Gerrard back into the center of the park alongside Xabi Alonso. But no, Benitez thought Bolo Zenden (he who gives the ball away nearly every touch) would be a better choice. Against Arsenal! Mark Gonzalez played his way out of ever being considered for a starting role and Sami Hyypia displayed for all to see why he should be replaced by Daniel Agger for first team. Liverpool's title hopes are officially dashed. Their focus has to be on fourth place in the league because ManUre, Chelski, and the Arse are just plain better than us and that sucks. If Benitez could get out of his own way with this damn rotation policy, the Reds might actually play with some (gasp!) consistency.

New England - First the Patriots stink it up against the Jets (back-to-back losses for the Pats???), then the New England Revolution blow it in yet another MLS Cup. They were favorites this time around, too. The Revs seem hell bent on becoming the Buffalo Bills of American soccer (now 0-3 in the final). To add insult to injury, Clint Dempsey will likely be in Spain by the end of January.

MLS Cup - There's no way it could've been a worse match than last year's Galaxy triumph over New England, but it was still a terribly sloppy, dull, listless match save for the last eight minutes + penalties. I have seen and will continue to watch every MLS Cup, but the gap in quality between this league and the EPL is simply staggering.

New York Giants - I've got egg on my face and it's all thanks to these guys losing to Chicago, last night. When you have a feeb like Rex Grossman shaking and quivering, throwing picks and fumbling like he did in the first quarter, you step on his neck and end it. Instead, the Giants kept giving the ball back to Chicago through turnovers of their own and you're not going to beat the Bears if you don't control the football.

Damon Huard - Someone reminded the KC quarterback before gametime in Miami that he was Damon Huard.

Michael Vick - Second week in a row he's made this list and he's earned it both times. All credit to Cleveland for winning on the road, but they were playing a plastic team. Falcons are officially an afterthought.