Family Pack

Hello followers and I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. It’s like in Miracle on 34th street, “Christmas isn’t a day, it’s a frame of mind." I hope that your frame of mind is a good one this time of year, if it isn’t, I advise in finding a way to get it there.

Maybe I can help you get in a happy frame of mind. I’ll take some time to share my family pack with you this week and we’ll discuss college football and college basketball.

Opening up our family pack, are the veggies to get our appetites started is the excitement of the BCS National Championship on Jan. 7. I am of course excited that Alabama will be playing in it and they’ll be playing a team that deserves to be there. They have withstood challenges all year and have picked up the wins throughout the year. I love the bowl season and cannot wait for the Crimson Tide to play the Fighting Irish.

Another starter is a congratulation to Johnny Heisman, formerly Johnny Manziel. You took home the coveted Heisman award and have earned it all year. Well done sir.

We will get into the wings here and the coaching moves that have occurred over the past month. This can make for an exciting new life for some ailing teams.

The hot wings are for Arkansas and the hire of Bret Bielema, who is coming over from a successful Wisconsin program and ready to turn around the Razorbacks by going back to the basics. Bielema has taken the Badgers to three straight Rose Bowls and brings a grinding running attack with a strong defense. Be excited Arkansas fans.

The Mild wings are for Kentucky. The hire of Mark Stoops is a hopeful one, hopefully someone can get that program winning a decent amount of games again. I think that the Wildcats have found their man though. Stoops has been the defensive coordinator for an impressive Florida State the past three years and has the Kentucky fans excited and forming a student group called, “Stoops’ Troops”.

The Hawaiian wings are for Auburn and its hire of Gus Malzahn. Malzahn left Auburn last season to pursue a head-coaching position at Arkansas State, only to return a year later with the firing of Gene Chizik. The Tigers’ hire of Malzahn was the least impressive to me until the Volunteers chimed in.

Tennessee hired Butch Jones, not Butch Davis. The Barbeque wings are nice and thick, like all the coaches that turned down the Tennessee job. Butch Jones spent the last season at a Cincinnati team that couldn’t really find its identity. Was it a running team, a passing team, or a defensive team? Quarterback play was the question all season. I’ve seen Volunteer fans question the hire, but the best I saw was that Butch Jones lost to Tennessee two years ago, against Derek Dooley.

The fries this week are crispy and awesome, kind of like the Alabama Crimson Tide senior class on the football team. They will be playing Notre Dame for the player’s chance at a third National Championship in their tenure. Lead by Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack, Robert Lester, Nico Johnson and Michael Williams, but there are always unsung stars that for Nick Saban, do their jobs. Carson Tinker is the long snapper and has been a superb one for the Tide in his years playing, Kelly Johnson has stepped into the teams flex position and Jeremy Shelley who has been the kicker through good times and bad. This is a senior class that has won 50 games with a chance at 51 and two SEC Championships. This class has beaten Auburn three times with a combined score of 144-63 in the four games. This class has only lost three games at Bryant-Denny Stadium and has never lost to Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi and Mississippi State. This a big class for the program, in my mind the greatest class ever.

The extra side is the potato salad, which isn’t my favorite. However some people like it and like the BCS Bowl games, some people like them and others don’t. I’m not going to fault NIU for playing a great season and getting in a bowl game, however Oklahoma deserves to be in the game. I won’t get into my last post with all the SEC teams that deserve to play, because that won’t happen, but the Sooners deserve in a game (I’m looking at you five-loss Wisconsin!).

Since I promised some college basketball, my dips are going to include some. Kentucky fell at home to Baylor for the first time in John Calipari’s tenure. Duke has rolled everyone it has played, while the Big Ten is looking much better than their football teams played this year.

Sorry for the long break in between posts and I plan on getting a some more on in the coming weeks.

Have a great day,
-The Wing Expert

Technical issues

It has been a rough week without the full use of my computer, at the house. The power cord decided to get super bratty, so I had to order a new one. It came in last night and has worked wonderfully! So I'm here to tell you that I am currently working on a family pack! I'll discuss coaches, bowl games and even some college basketball!

Also working on a first round mock NFL Draft. I realize it's a little early, but it is still coming immediately after the season's end.

Also if you're looking to buy a special Wing Expert a christmas gift, here is an idea.

University Of Alabama Garden Gnomes (Google Affiliate Ad)


Keep checking in followers and Roll Tide!
WingMan Out!

Laughing at you, BCS.

This is my angry post regarding football this weekend. Not so much regarding the Alabama victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship. I’m not necessarily mad about that game, I’m more distraught about the events that occurred on Sunday night.

The BCS selection committee graced us with their BCS bowl game announcements and if you are thinking along the lines with me, they are disgraceful. I blogged about who I thought should be playing in these games last week over at www.zonedefenders.blogspot.com.

Clearly I do not like the limit of two teams per conference in BCS games. I also find the rule rather unfair to a conference, like the SEC for instance. To be punished as a conference for having more than two good teams is an absolute shame and the BCS should look back and wonder why the rule was even made. Seeing LSU, Texas A&M, Georgia and South Carolina in games other than the Sugar, Rose, Fiesta and Orange is a shame. The schools and conference deserve the recognition that comes with the high-profile games, the money that is earned from a season of hard work, and the chance to square off against a BCS-caliber opponent, again.

Another point into my last one is that Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Louisville are in BCS games and in my opinion are not the most deserving candidates. Here are my three teams that were robbed.

Oklahoma Sooners lead the way among teams that are most deserving of playing in a BCS game. The Sooners have two losses, both of which are against BCS teams (Kansas State and Notre Dame). Seeing Northern Illinois in place of the Sooners is a shame. Usually for a non-AQ member to make the game they run the table. NIU lost to Iowa in its first game this year. Iowa is the worst team in a Big Ten Conference that is sending a five-loss champion to represent them in the Rose Bowl.

LSU is another team that deserves of a BCS game, since their two losses also came against BCS opponents (Florida and Alabama). LSU lost to Florida on the road and to Bama at home on the last drive of the game. LSU is a team that could beat anybody in the country, especially at home. Besides, who doesn’t like to see the Fighting Tigers take over New Orleans in the Sugar Bowl (goodbye Louisville).

Georgia is the third and final team deserving of a BCS Bowl Game. Lose one game early against South Carolina and then run the table until losing in exciting fashion (coming three yards short) against Alabama in the SEC Championship game. The Dawgs are in the same line as LSU as they could beat any team in the country. After losing to Alabama, Georgia fell four spots in the BCS rankings and got absolutely screwed after a great showing on Saturday. Move over five-loss Wisconsin, your 70 point performance didn't impress me this much. 

All I know, I wouldn’t want to be on the opposing side of these ELITE teams in their non-BCS Bowl Game.

WingMan Out!

Thank You!

I wanted to take a moment followers to give thanks to those who deserve it in my life.

I have had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday after traveling eastbound after work on Wednesday to spend a night with the thing I am most thankful for in this world. While watching movies in the chair I could not be more thankful or happy for where I am now in this life. While I was only able to stay for a brief amount of time (one night) I did enjoy myself immensely as I got to put a smile on the face of the person I love most in this world.

Driving back to Texas the next day with my hair blowing in the wind (since my window wouldn’t roll back up) I got to thinking of how far I have come since I started learning the ways of the wings. I have met so many people and been a part of so many great moments in people’s lives that it really helps me to appreciate the great moments in my own.

I also got to jam to a Garth Brooks song that I was too afraid to listen to all summer.

Back at the family’s house though, my mom prepared a feast fit for kings. But she let her four boys join in and help devour the food. Steaks, twice-baked potatoes, salad and a green-bean casserole made up for my day of eating and another plate waiting for me to eat when I get to my house.

The sports are always a highlight in my Thanksgiving holiday. While I couldn’t get a family game of basketball going I still enjoyed sitting on the couch and watching football all day long.

*Side Note*

RGIII is pretty damn good!

However the holiday ends as it does every year and I find myself back at work on Friday. But don’t be discouraged as it’s only a half day and I spent the last hour watching college football games on gamecasts. (picture posted on twitter)


Now for some sports talk. Here are my big matchups this weekend.

LSU is traveling to Arkansas in the annual battle for the boot. LSU has the better team, but don’t ever count out a rival. The Razorbacks will come out strong in this game but will fall off later in the game, LSU wins 38-13.

The Iron Bowl is of course upon us and if you follow this blog you probably know where I stand in this game. Auburn had one thing going for them all year in this matchup, they needed the win more. But after a loss to Texas A&M, Alabama has MUCH more to gain with a chance at a trip to Miami for the National Championship on the line. Alabama wins 42-10.

Florida and Florida State do battle, with an outside shot at a trip to the National Championship on the line. Florida’s defense is playing well and quarterback Jeff Driskel is coming back for the Gators. This will actually be a really good game and I wish it weren’t on the same time as the Iron Bowl, I’m guessing Florida wins, 24-23.

Notre Dame is taking on Southern California for a chance to go to the National Championship in Miami. The Trojans are starting a new quarterback as Matt Barkley is out with a shoulder injury. This game is always close and USC has the talent to pull out the victory. With Barkley I would make my upset pick here, but without I think the Irish can hold on. Notre Dame wins 17-16.

I don’t want to get too winded on here and there are still plenty of games left that I’m not diving into. But those are the five that stand out in my mind and the ones I would choose to watch. Honorable mention for games this weekend are Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Stanford and UCLA, Oregon and Oregon State and South Carolina and Clemson.

I enjoy rivalry week and think that some should be restored. This week needs Texas-Texas A&M, West Virginia-Pitt and Oklahoma-Nebraska. College football is all about rivalries and getting traditions in games, don’t turn into the NFL please.

Hope you had a great holiday and thank you for tuning in.

Roll Tide!

WingMan out!

The truth can hurt.

This is so true that it even hurts me to admit it. I have found out over the past couple of weeks how much the truth can hurt.

However, I have also learned how much more important it is to tell the truth. The truth may hurt for a little while, but lies and untruthfulness seem to stick around much longer. They also sting harder and cause much more pain than the truth ever could.

I'm taking this moment to let everyone know that the truth could hurt now, but you shall be rewarded for it in the end.

That's the road I'm choosing to take, from here on out.

WingMan Out!

Yum, yum, yum!

Hello all and welcome to the Thanksgiving edition of my family pack!

I’m getting this family pack out so early to accommodate for the day of thanks. You don’t want to have to worry about dinner before thanksgiving because cooking seems endless! Especially if you’re my sweet mother, who is cooking for her four large boys.

But pressing on, here is my family pack for you before turkey day.
Kicking off the meal is of course a couple of quick carrots to get the muscles in my jaw working to chomp down these wings.

College basketball is here and makes me realize every year how exciting it is to watch. There is ALWAYS a game on and most of them are usually good games that come down to the wire. Alabama has played its first two games this year to the wire, requiring three-pointers at the buzzer to win the games. Roll Tide.

But even college basketball isn’t enough to keep me away from the television on a Saturday (wait, what?). I was definitely glued in Saturday watching some games that I have felt were on the horizon. It is a difficult task to make it through a whole season undefeated, ask Oregon.

Here is the meat of the family pack and the four flavors of college football.
Atomic kicks off the bag and comes out on fire, kind of like the Fighting Irish who continue to win games, even if it was against Wake Forest. The luster is gone in the Notre Dame schedule; Oklahoma and Stanford are the only impressive wins that I see on that schedule. Wins against Michigan, Michigan State, Miami and BYU aren’t doing anything for me this year. But don’t purchase those plane tickets yet Irish faithful, USC is still circling this weekend and awaiting your arrival to dethrone you for a chance at season reconciliation. Also, you never know what Kiffin is going to do.

A little winded after those fiery wings, but moving on to some Barbeque. How it is laid on thick and the flavor never escapes you. Offenses in college football are fun to watch. I have said this over the last couple of years and I’m going to say it again, a good offense can win you a lot of games, but a good defense can win you championships! I’m not necessarily looking at you Oregon, but Kansas State. You have coasted through a mediocre Big 12 and have finally met a foe who’s defense showed up and stunned you. However if you’re defense had shown up, even a little bit, maybe your offense could have overpowered the Bears in the end and given the Wildcats a chance. Too bad, so sad.

I added a little garlic parmesan since there are some teams getting second chances at the BCS title game. They have a nasty taste in their mouths and don’t want to lose another shot at the title. Nick Saban, Will Muschamp and Mark Richt will likely play against ND in the title game, given mass chaos doesn’t take place again as it did in 2007 (Go Fighting Tigers?).

The final flavor in my family pack is definitely Cajun. Les Miles and the LSU Fighting Tigers played one of the most fun games of the season on senior night in Baton Rouge (the hairs on my arms are sticking up). Odell Beckham Jr. fired up the stadium with a Billy Cannon like punt return to tie the game up and give LSU hope that they had seemed to lose this year. Les Miles then gave a gladiator like post-game press conference after the game explaining that if you see his seniors, “put your arms around them and give them a big kiss on the lips…… If you’re a girl!” I am not counting out the Bayou Bengals, ever. However with the two teams from one conference rule, LSU will likely get snubbed and tear up some Big 12 team in the Cotton Bowl.



The French fries this week are soggy. Oregon has now probably lost another shot at the BCS Title game, because of a missed field goal. If you are a Ducks fan you are feeling the same as me last week, when my Tide fell to the Aggies. However one thing Alabama has is they play in the SEC and play superior opponents, not Colorado, California, Washington, Washington State and Arizona. Sorry Ducks, better luck next year.

My second side item is the creamy coleslaw. How can I pass on some coleslaw with Thanksgiving coming up? I hope that everyone gets a chance to spend it with people you care about and are thankful for. I’ll be at the parent’s house partaking in the annual, no-turkey dinner (yum!). I’m thankful for a lot of things this year: Bama’s championship in January, not attending one class all year, moving into a house with Papa Bear and finding my true joy in this life in the form of a silly little tiger in Baton Rouge.

My four dips are not lucky, they are true. College football went through mass chaos this week, as it seems to do each and every year. The SEC teams didn’t get lucky, they didn’t catch a break. The season just played out the way it does each and every year. The BCS finds the top two teams and plays them against each other. A season is 14 weeks long and if you play sub-par teams, you can’t afford a blemish. If you play teams like LSU, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Texas A&M, then you can afford to lose one game, or two. The Southeastern Conference has won the last six National Championships, each and every conference has had a chance to knock off those four teams. It’s not an easy thing to do and instead of being hateful and jealous towards the SEC, maybe you should appreciate what those teams have done. Then schedule tougher teams.

That has been my family pack and I am sorry I have been missing the past couple of weeks, but I wanted to get this out before the holiday and the naps that ensue after eating on Thursday. Have a great week and a wonderful holiday.

Safe Travels and Roll Tide!

WingMan Out.

What a wild world of sports we live in…

You are looking back at this weekend either excited, or devastated.

Hello followers,

As I sit here in my dining room waiting on my hot dogs and macaroni to finish up, I am awaiting the publication/ presentation of the BCS Standings for Week 13 of your college football season.

Here is how I believe they should go down.

1. Notre Dame
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Oregon
6. LSU
7. Florida State
8. Kansas State
9. Texas A&M
10. Stanford
I do not count Ohio State as they do not have any post-season opportunities, therefore don’t deserve a ranking.

Notre Dame is the last remaining unbeaten and therefore deserves the top ranking. But word to the wise ND fans, don’t count out USC.

Alabama is back where they’ve been all along, in the BCS Championship game… For now. But I wouldn’t bet against Saban to give up this second chance at the schools third championship in four years.

Georgia keeps winning and has another big test this weekend when the Bulldogs take on the Yellow Jackets.

Florida follows closely behind because of the loss to Georgia. However, I would not like to meet them in a bowl game this year.

Oregon falls four spots with a loss to Stanford last week. It was a loss at home, in overtime, after a missed field goal. They Ducks fell to USC last year when their kicker missed.

LSU keeps winning games, Les Miles style. The Fighting Tigers played one of the craziest and exciting games of the weekend and Miles didn’t let the post-game press conference settle for average either. Hats off the mad-hatters passion.



Florida State lost once this year. The Seminoles don’t seem to receiving much love though as they continually win games… In the ACC. A big win against Florida though would definitely help any chances.

Kansas State was outplayed from the beginning by Baylor. The Bears D intercepted Heisman hopeful, Collin Klein three times and absolutely gassed the Wildcat defense. Kansas State with a loss to a sub-.500 team kills any chances at BCS Championship game. Refer to Oklahoma State last year.

Texas A&M hit the airwaves after a stunning victory in Tuscaloosa as Johnny Manziel and the Aggies beat the Tide. The Aggies have two losses this year, to Florida and LSU. They are a good team, but not BCS material, too tough of a conference. Welcome to the SEC.

Stanford rounds out my top ten after going on the road to knock off the number two team in the country. Stanford plays a tough game against anybody and will probably be playing in an Orange Bowl against another fast-paced offense.

These are my BCS rankings that I believe truly are the top ten teams in college football this year. But if you missed the countdown Sunday night or forgot to check here is how the top ten turned out.

1. Notre Dame
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Oregon
6. Kansas State
7. LSU
8. Stanford
9. Texas A&M
10. Florida State

As for next week, stay tuned as the Irish and Tide have big rivalry games to get through to look into their BCS Championship hopes.

I’ll be back in touch soon, likely Wednesday or Thursday. I’m working on that NFL Draft post and have some others in the making.

If you find yourself a little bored of this blog (not possible). You can roll over to another blog I’ve started with some friends of mine.

www.zonedefenders.blogspot.com

Currently in the process of getting the other authors to write on it, but when they do, watch out because it will be fun!

You can email me at thewingexpert.gmail.com or follow me on twitter @thewingexpert

Until next time,

WingMan out!

Good job baseball.

Baseball, you once again proved to be right with your end of the year awards. (Clap, clap, clap!)

The two Cy Young Awards went to pitchers who won games on struggling teams. R.A. Dickey was the only bright spot for the whole season on the Mets. Your knuckleball danced like a man named Rico and helped you climb atop the N.L. in strikeouts. David Price turned in his usual performances of being absolutely unhittable. With a healthy lineup,  would've won 20 games. Easy.

Where you really excelled though was your most recent Most Valuable Player Award. Buster Posey wasn't only the best catcher in baseball, he was the best player and most important to his team in the N.L.

Now I get to the hot stove where writers, including myself, have tried to give Mike Trout the A.L. MVP award all year. But cooler heads prevailed and you gave it to Miguel Cabrera. Miggy won the Triple Crown, something that happens once in a lifetime. I realize that Trout is fun to watch and is a great story, but the award went to Cabrera on this turning factor. The Detroit Tigers made the playoffs and played for the World Series, the Los Angeles Angels finished third in the A.L. West. Trout and Cabrera both had phenomenal seasons, but Miggy lead his team to victory,  while Trout prepared for next year.

Great job again, baseball. You've knocked this out of the park!

WingMan Out.

Favorite time of the year.

Hello, hello!

I know that I promised an NFL Draft preview, but you'll have to bear with me. It's in the works however so keep an eye out for it.

I want to take a minute to discuss the part of the year that has become my favorite part. I celebrate a birthday in November, but immediately following that comes cooler weather, college basketball and soon thereafter, college Bowl games!

Watching the Kentucky-Duke game got me over the edge last night,  with the high-flying Wildcats falling short to some clutch plays by Duke guard, Seth Curry.

If you missed the game, then I'm sorry, but there is still plenty of games left to watch!

Email me your thoughts or ideas at thewingexpert@gmail.com and follow me on twitter @thewingexpert.

It's going to be a great season and a spectacular couple of months, especially if you're like me and have someone to spend them with.

Also letting you know, I posted this via mobile phone/ hand held device. Be ready for many many random posts.

Have a wonderful day,
WingMan out!

Johnny Heisman and the art of #winning

I know, I know, I know…..

I told you’d I’d post this weekend and you came and checked with nothing new there. I’m sorry, but not really. I’ve spent the last weekend holding back anger and enjoying sweet victory at the same time.

Yes, it’s true, Alabama lost. They lost to a not immensely better Aggie football team, but one that this blogger, didn’t think could play at that level in the SEC for a FULL season.

Johnny Manziel, a.k.a. Johnny Football, a.k.a. Johnny Heisman (as will henceforth be known on this blog) has captivated the country with his sleek “elusiveness” his “stunning” accuracy and his uncanny “ability” to make big plays. I realize that putting those words in quotes makes it seem like I am not a believer in Johnny Heisman and it’s true, I’m not. I’m not AS BIG of a believer as everyone else, quite yet. I am however, as much as I hate admitting it, coming around on this freshman quarterback as he has led a youthful Aggie offense on the road in a tough SEC environment and gave his team a chance to win. Hats off to you Johnny Heisman, you’ve won this battle and I cannot wait for Nick Saban and the Bama boys to get you again.

I also want to take a moment to point out my absolute love for the SEC and how it is the supreme conference in the land. With Bama steamrolling it’s way to another BCS National Championship after a solid win on the road at LSU (as the media has put it), you can NEVER overlook a team in the South Eastern Conference. The Aggies have proved themselves SEC tough by staying in games and winning big ones. The SEC West is the best collection of any handful of seven teams in any conference; you can even pick and choose the seven you want. Every week is a new week and every opponent can come out on top, hence the reason of Nick Saban destroying the media for hyping up his Crimson Tide.



Moving away from the anger side of my weekend, which I have learned a lot from, I’d like to step into my winning side and enjoying my sweet victory.

Have you ever had a toy that you loved to play with? Wouldn’t leave home without it and couldn’t fathom not having it with you every night when you fall asleep? Well consider my favorite toy found. I cannot explain the joy that has overcome with this finding. I have realized that I don’t want another toy, but that I want MY toy. I have learned over the summer, in the absence of my toy, that if you love something you can’t let it go and you’ve got to fight for it. Consider this me buckling down and throwing on the gloves to get back what I cherish most in my life. Geaux Tigers!

I’ll be dropping by later this week with an NFL draft post. If you’re looking for something to do in the meantime, the new James Bond movie is pretty spectacular.

Wing Man Out and Roll Tide!

Behind

I'm here to tell you followers, that I have nothing....

I have taken the lazy route this week as I celebrated a birthday recently and have not written my weekly family pack. I may work a quick one out and set up a preview, but will definitely have a story for you Saturday.

I wanted to inform you so that you didn't think I was going to disappear for another five months. Just keep checking as I'll add insight throughout the weekend.


Roll Tide
Wing Man out.

In progress

Hello followers,


I'm currently falling behind on my blog writing this week. However after softball tonight I will be writing and working on my family pack for this week.

Will be diving into top players in college football right now and whether or not I believe they are ready for the NFL.... Since I have so much knowledge and experience. But everyone else gets a voice, so why shouldn't I?

But keep checking in throughout the week as it will be posted sometime before Friday.... Hopefully.

Thank you again and I hope you have a wonderful day.

Wing Man Out!

Something about the first weekend in November...

Alright followers I’m back with some insight into what you should be partaking in this weekend. We have an exciting one on our hands this week, big-time college football matchups, NBA kicking into season and even some solid NFL matchups.

Let’s not linger, I’ve only got thirty minutes for lunch!

Kicking off my ten-piece combo is the most anticipated game on my schedule every year. Alabama travels to LSU this weekend to take on the Mighty Tigers. Alabama is 8-0 on the year and have won each game by a more than Alabama margin this year. Let me dissect the five keys to the game.

(I) Quarterback play will affect who wins this game but it WILL NOT decide this game, however it will play an impact in it, as you could guess. A.J. McCarron holds an edge now, but Zac Mettenberger could show up and be what he’s supposed to be any week. However Mettenberger cannot run like Jordan Jefferson could, so LSU will be looking for a new game plan. Look for quick receiver routes early to set up a big pass later.

(II) Defenses WILL decide this game. These are the two best defenses in the country. Sorry Notre Dame, but I’ve seen all three play and believe that these are the two best defenses in the country. Offense is not lacking in the SEC, the defenses are just that good! It’s a different type of defense, one that hits you in the mouth, gets up and then hits you again. LSU’s defensive line can take over a game by rushing Alabama, but they’ll also have to stay disciplined enough to stop the run. Alabama’s secondary is young but talented, while LSU’s passing attack is limited. Look for the linebackers to be up on the line guarding the run and looking to take away the underneath routes.

(III) Running backs are plentiful with these two teams as both have relied on multiple bodies to gain yards; and they all have. Spencer Ware has slowed down this year, but the rising of Jeremy Hill has to worry Alabama’s defense as he is a good combination of speed and power (typical LSU running back). Eddie Lacy can and will run down tacklers while T.J. Yeldon will shift his way through tackles.

(IV) Coaching has its advantages and its disadvantages. Nick Saban brings a controlled fierceness to the field as his team is taught to do their jobs. Les Miles has a little les control over his decisions and his team. He has motivated his team to listen up and enjoy the moment. Both coaching philosophies work for each team. LSU has grown cocky and believes that they can beat anybody, especially at Tiger Stadium (as they should be). Bama has an edge that they are better, just trying to prove it through doing their jobs.

I didn’t give a score in my family pack this week, but I will give you who I think will win and why.
I think that LSU plays really well at home, maybe the best home-field advantage in football. But Alabama’s A.J. McCarron comes out confident like he did in the BCS Championship game and does just enough to give his team the edge. LSU has lost some playmakers in its secondary and has some good ones playing now, just not as experienced. (V) Bama wins this week, but the starters will not be out in the 3rd quarter, I hope.

Oregon headlines the other big game this week as they take on USC in Los Angeles.

Oregon may have the quickest offense in the NCAA but USC still has the capabilities of being the No. 1 team in the country. Lane Kiffin has a knack for coaching up these games (referring to last year’s win in Eugene). Am thinking that (VI) USC wins this game with Barkley throwing touchdowns throughout the game and USC’s defense does just enough for the Trojans to get the win.

The (VII) NBA has tipped off its season and with that comes the creation of my weekly NBA talk that I do with my main bro, Papa Bear (wait for future post for explanation of nickname). Kobe Bryant is “injured” but still dropping 30 points a night. Bryant is the best fantasy scorer, I draft him in every league because he fits the shoot the ball mentality that fantasy teams need.

Atlanta has always had a great baseball team in my mind, but this year it’s all about Matty Ice and the football team. The (IX) Falcons have been unbeatable this year (granted they don’t have Alabama on the schedule), but I’ve said the addition of Julio Jones makes any offense very potent.

Hats off to (X) Sam Montgomery and his classy gesture to wear the number “21” for the rest of the year in honor of his friend, Marcus Lattimore. I’ve enjoyed rooting for Montgomery and will have a hard time this weekend when he targets my Tide’s QB. But a great move by a great player.

My French fries in today’s combo have seen better days, they’re a little stale. Several SEC coaches could be feeling like my fries today. Gene Chizik’s Auburn Tigers have won one game this year, however he does have a championship and a good recruiting class coming in next year. Joker Phillips coaches at a basketball school in Kentucky. However, they’ve had some good players come through the program, just can’t get any consistency. Derek Dooley has been on a tight leash with his orange pants. Tennessee isn’t used to losing, especially for this long. Then we come to Arkansas and John L. Smith, who’s presser comes to mind, when he is telling the media to smile after his team got man-handled by Alabama. Out of these four, I believe three are looking for new work next year, wouldn’t be surprised to see Chizik back one more year, especially if he can somehow manage to upend in-state rival, Alabama (knock on wood!).

Have a wonderful day people and enjoy your weekend!
Roll Tide!
Wing Man Out!

What a weekend ahead!

Hello all and welcome to my weekly recap, also going to be known as my weekend family pack!

If you had a pulse and didn’t enjoy this past weekend’s slate of games, you’re nuts. We had upsets, dominating performances, pathetic performances and even some sweeping.

Drum roll please…………………………………………………………………………

Family packs are meant to feed, well families. So here comes my package (yikes).
I usually like to start with some carrots before I dive into my chicken wings. Kicking things off for me will be Jalen Saunders of the Oklahoma Sooners. Saunders probably just caught another pass while I was writing this since he hauled in 15 in their game against Notre Dame Saturday. I realize that the Fighting Irish got the win, but it was nice as the son of a Sooner fan to see Saunders get into the mix and look very much like the Ryan Broyles we know and love.

Alright, I’m hungry now, so let’s dive into the meat of the family back and break down the first flavor:

We’ll start off with the hot wings. Alabama football once again rolled past its opponent, eleventh-ranked Mississippi State, and is cruising right into a heavy-weighted matchup with the mighty Louisiana State Tigers. This game has become the biggest game of the year in college football in the past couple of years as the last three meetings have decided different championship games, with the last one being the BCS National Championship. This game is heightened by a ton of outlying factors. You’ve got Nick Saban coming back to Baton Rouge, where he becomes the most hated person in the world. The Bayou Bengals are playing at night in Death Valley where they are 36-1 under Les Miles. There also may be a little bit of a personal pride thing going on as I, an Alabama fan, am friends with plenty of LSU Fans.
I’m sorry, but I will not be giving a prediction to this game, as I was a baseball player in high school and am very superstitious to certain things, like jinxing myself. But I can promise that it WILL be a great game and there will be some heavy hitting going on by the defenses.

Let’s move on to our sweet, Teriyaki wings. Notre Dame escaped Norman with a big road win for its still unblemished season. Winning the first eight games of your season is a great way to get noticed in the BCS polls (unless you’re Oregon) and the Fighting Irish are getting their recognition. However that vaunted schedule that Notre Dame plays every year has taken some major hits this year as it isn’t as tough as the fans and commenters believe. Purdue was supposed to be a pleasant surprise for the Big Ten this year, but have lost its last four games and have yet to win a conference game this year. Michigan was exposed on national television in the first week against Alabama, surrendering 41 points and only scoring 14. Stanford is in its post-Andrew Luck phase but have and explosive back in Stepfan Taylor, so they’re still solid. Miami and BYU are both down, while Oklahoma is the most impressive on the schedule. A road win in Norman is always good, so hats off to the Irish there, however I’m not willing to concede that this is the toughest schedule thus far in the season.

Now for the quick, Atomic wings, that could blow up on you any second. Like Alabama, Oregon has a lot of football left to play. The matchup with USC this weekend should show the true colors of the Ducks. Wins against Colorado, Arizona State and Washington don’t impress me as much as a win in Los Angeles would. I’m a supporter of offenses can win you a lot of games, but defenses win you championships. My thoughts are that USC, coming off its loss to Arizona, win this game. Matt Barkley throws for 300 yards and five touchdowns, beating the Ducks, 45-38, ending Oregon’s streak of 40+ points in each game this year.

Last flavor in my family pack this week is the thick but succulent, Barbeque. Marqise Lee absolutely tore up the playing field with 16 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdowns. Amassing all those yards is no easy feat, but and even tougher feat for USC was stopping the Arizona offense. Matt Scott threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns against a USC defense. Don’t expect that to happen this week against Oregon.

My French fries are nice and crispy, at least something is. My Friday night consisted of me traveling five miles down the road from my house to cover a high school football game between Fort Worth All Saints and Cistercian. To my delight there was no heater in the one room press box and the windows needed to be opened to see the field. However it was the most fun and the friendliest game I have covered in the two years working games. Thank you is definitely due to the wonderful people who made my Friday night as warm as they possibly could with their friendliness. Good luck in the playoffs!

My extra side-item this week is the beans. Everything stinks as Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee have failed once again to pick up that vaunted SEC Victory this year. Kentucky fell to Missouri, who picked up its first SEC win ever, while Tennessee couldn’t hold on to a late lead to South Carolina and the Tigers just got pounded by the Aggies (Insert Aggie animal husbandry joke here). The Southeastern conference is tough and lots of people like to point out these teams as making the conference soft, but maybe take a look at how tough it is just to get a win. Granted Auburn doesn’t help by squeaking by UL-Monroe and Kentucky beat Kent State for their only win, Tennessee has won each of its non-conference games and competed while playing in conference, just can’t end up on the winning side.

As for my dips, I’d like to dissect the four players in who I believe should be in contention for the Heisman.

Collin Klein has to lead the way as he seems like a one-man-show for the Wildcats. Throwing for 1,630 yards and 12 touchdowns isn’t much, but rushing for 624 yards and 16 touchdowns is. He is the leader of the undefeated Kansas State team and sitting atop my Heisman list.

A.J. McCarron would be my number two, but quickly gaining on Klein. He has led the No.1 Crimson Tide and become much more than a game manager. Throwing for 1,684 yards and 18 touchdowns this year without an interception, knock on wood.

Kenjon Barner is leading the FBS in rushing with 974 yards and 14 touchdowns. Barner rushed for a mere 939 yards and 11 touchdowns last year while splitting carries with LaMichael James, but is not in the driver’s seat and cruising along with the Ducks.

Finally Manti Te’o. It seems that a defensive player always jumps up into the finalists over the past couple of years. Te’o holds the edge over Jarvis Jones mainly because he has played in two more games, but both make HUGE impacts when on the field for their teams. With 80 tackles and five interceptions Te’o cuts the cake for the Irish and its solid defense, so far.

That pretty much wraps up my first edition of the weekly family pack. It may be a little longer than I imagined or you would have liked but it’s a work in progress. I am working on a 10-piece combo for this weekend and will have that up by Friday. You can always tweet me @thewingexpert or email me at thewingexpert@gmail.com.

Until then, have a wonderful day and Roll Tide!

Wing Man Out!

10-piece sports combo

Hello all!

As I stated before, I will be back more frequently and while I have said that in the past, I wanted to show you I was serious this time.

Thank you everyone for your input on how to handle my Wing Expert weekly bullet lists, I still would like to see more ideas come in however as I am constantly looking to add more witty insight into the world we live in. So keep the ideas a flowing into my in box at thewingexpert@gmail.com.

I mentioned that I was trying to decide between three different weekly updates and I may end up trying to do each of them every week to keep this blog lively and if you are subscribed to my RSS feed, then your inbox well populated.

Today is Friday and with an eventful weekend coming up in sports (when is there not one right?) I’ve decided to hit you up with my 10 piece combo to a fulfilling sports lunch.

This is designed to give you some insight while you are away from your desk (or at it, I don’t discriminate)and you’re looking for some insight to throw at somebody regarding plans for this weekend. So for the first time here we GO!


Watch out for the (I) Web.com Tour if you live in north Texas as they are at McKinney Ranch playing their annual Tour Championship. This is the last tournament on the Web.com Tour and the last chance to get into the top 25 on the money list to earn their PGA Tour Cards. (Jealous!)

Of course the World Series is moving to the motor city as the Giants have taken the first two games. Barry Zito pitched well in Game 1, while (II) Madison Bumgarner pitched his best game of the 2012 Post Season, pitching seven innings and striking out eight, allowing no runs against Detroit.

(III) LSU WILL NOT LOSE THIS WEEK! This is my lock of the week regarding college football, mainly because the Tigers are on a bye week, which makes it very difficult to lose. But I’ve learned to never put anything past Coach Les Miles.

On a more serious note, no really, there is some seriousness to this piece. (IV) Oklahoma will beat Notre Dame in Norman this weekend in front of millions. The Sooners are starting to look like the team everyone expected in the preseason while the Fighting Irish have managed through a very mediocre schedule against Big Ten teams. However knowing the Sooners and their run in the past couple of years I wouldn’t be surprised if they laid an egg this week.

Also you may have noted my (V) Roman numeral theme throughout this piece. Don’t mind it, I am just trying to create differences as I write.

Watching the PGA Tour’s Grand Slam of Golf this week on TNT, (shoutout!) I watched an interview with Padraig Harrington’s wife, (VI) Caroline Harrington, talking about when she and her husband discussed going to Bermuda and wondering if it was worth the trip to only be there two days. Puzzling since Harrington made $1,546,272 this season on tour according to www.pgatour.com.

I’m starting to get hungry myself and I think on this fine Friday I would like to offer some eating advice for those dining near and around Arlington, Texas. (VII) Al’s Hamburgers may be one of my favorite joints to grab a quick bite to eat throughout the day. Of course you can grab a hamburger, but they also can slam down a salad that will rock your world. Al’s is located on the corner of Collins and Green Oaks in Arlington.

I’ve got a (VIII) high school football game again tonight as I’ve done throughout the season. In the past two years covering these games I have grown to appreciate what they do for communities and kids. They offer a place to play football to the best of your abilities in front of a big crowd that didn’t have to pay $40 to see the game. If you haven’t been to a high school game lately, take my advice and find one tonight.

The world’s (IX) largest bra is to be auctioned off for breast cancer awareness according to the Huffington Post (Link Below). Usually I am not drawn to such a scandalous story, but I enjoy seeing that all proceeds shall go to cancer awareness, take a note NFL.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/worlds-largest-bra-auctioned-breast-cancer-awareness_n_2005578.html

Finally I would like to appreciate what (X) Marco Scutaro has done in the last month for the Giants. I realize that I’ve already touched on the World Series but it really is a good story to see a veteran who hasn’t made a World Series start to hit everything that is pitched to him. I’ve turned the amount of attention towards him into a joke recently but I’m starting to buy in. Also I can’t help but wish I had a moment like this after winning game seven of the NLCS.

The fries in my ten piece combo today are plentiful as Alabama plays host to Mississippi State this week as both teams come into this matchup undefeated and playing at their teams’ peaks. It will be a nervous night for this Bama fan and hopefully they can pull out the victory. However don’t expect the Bulldogs to lie down like each of the Tide’s previous opponents.

That’s all I’ve got for today’s grub, but I want to keep hearing from you followers on what you would like to see/ hear about. Keep sending me your ideas and I’ll sort through them on here with all of my loyal followers.

Until then,
Wing Man Out!

I'm back!

Here I am followers, back as I told you, but not as soon as you or I would’ve probably liked. I am wiser in my days however and have decided to install a weekly fixture that will keep me posting junk for you to read while I vent on my problems going on in the sporting world.

I want to begin a weekly segment, but am not sure what to call it. I ask you blog followers to help me name my weekly dropping of knowledge. I’m trying to keep to the Wing Expert theme, since that’s the whole premise of this site. I was thinking along the lines of these:

1. Fifty thoughts in my family pack.
2. 14 points before they’re hot and fresh.
3. 10 piece combo to a fulfilling sports lunch.

Those are all I’ve come up with so far but I ask of my creative followers to help. Send me your ideas or let me know if one of those three is exactly what you would like to see each week. You can get in touch with my through email at, thewingexpert@gmail.com or you can tweet me @thewingexpert.

My first installment should come early next week as I am going to try to either get this out early in the week or late in the week to preview upcoming weekends.

You can believe me that I am trying to get back into things here as I know you are checking in frequently to make sure I’m still alive, which I thank you for.

In the meantime I’ll be awaiting your responses and hope everybody is doing well and is ready for some weekly entertainment from yours truly.


Wing Expert Out!

Life goes on....

I know... I know... I told you that I would be keeping in touch more but I've had an interesting couple of months recently. I have moved out of the cave and into an exciting casa with my boy Papa Bear. It's been almost a month since we moved in and we haven't killed each other yet, despite him having ample supplies to pull it off. It's a cozy little two-bedroom place with a backyard and a strange man living in the ceiling. You'll definitely learn more about Carl as I continue to write and provide you with some undesired advice from a Wing Expert. I realize that I have moved on from my position as the Wing Expert, but know that I carry those traits and skills with me everywhere that I go. I have grown so much since that first day of taking orders and learned so much from the people. I want to offer a site were they can come to for advice or even just a site to check on for some simple laughs while you manage your day. So sit back and relax as I will dive into multiple varieties here for your entertainment. Wing Man Out!

Sorry for that...

I realize that my last post said that I would be checking in more often. Well by "often" I guess I meant two months later. But nevertheless I am here and plan on spending more time in reaching out to you. I've recently gained some extra time to deal with but will promise this, it's not over. I want to dive into Baseball which is what I shall hit on repeatedly in the next couple of months as the season is in full swing (get it?). Josh Hamilton blasted four home runs yesterday against the Orioles along with eight RBI's. Luckily I had him on my fantasy team, so you can imagine the joy I felt in seeing his feat. Unlucky for me however the rest of my team decided to sit back and coast while Hambone carried the load. I fell to fifth place in my league but feel that with time my team will catch up to some of the hot starts that are leading the way. While Hamilton was busy blasting homers throughout Baltimore, my softball team held on to win Tuesday night once again and moving into sole possession of the number two rank. A couple of BB's were knocked down by yours truly and I finally found my slow pitch softball line drive swing! So watch out fellow teams at softball world, the sleeved shortstop is about to tear! Expect to hear more from me soon. Maybe a full piece on my thoughts of the Hamilton 4-dingers. One of those things that happens once in a lifetime. WingMan out!