Dear John letter for Soccer from The USA

Dear Soccer,

It was nice to spend a couple week together. You are a really nice game even cute, but hey it just isn't going to work out. No- don't cry. It's not you. It's me. I just can't commit to you. Yes, there is another game. That might of been part of the heat between us. See I was locked out and maybe I was a little weak not knowing where that relationship was going. Now it looks like I am going to get back together with them. In fact there were two sports that were keeping me at length but now I am back with my main squeeze and it wouldn't be fair to keep you on the hook. Keep your head up. Maybe in another 4 year things will change, and if not my friend Mexico thinks you are awesome.

If you can keep it between us, we could sneak some time together next year in London. You know a special time just for us. Just don't let Football know.

Regards,
The USA

Guide to SEC football non-conference road trips -part 2

So to continue our look at the top 10 SEC football games on the road vs. non-conference opponents, we enter the top 5 and these are all great games. In fact, the top 6 could all be strongly debated as potential Road Trip of the Year games, but it is up to us to rank them so you can decide where to park that RV.

5. Auburn at Clemson on September 17 – These teams played an overtime thriller last year and recruit many of the same players. As we all know the Auburn Tigers are coming off a national championship but must replace their QB.  The Clemson Tigers have to step up as their coach, Dabo Swinney, is starting to get heat from the fan base.  The recruiting is ranked highly year in and year out but their in-state rivals, USC Gamecocks are having just as strong recruiting and slightly more on field success. Clemson could take a major step towards changing that by beating the reigning champs from Auburn. The drawbacks on this game are small but enough to bump this game out of the top 3. Auburn’s QB question, a noon start instead of the excitement of a nighttime start.  The allure of Clemson just isn’t as strong during day games. On the plus side, this is a true road game and the 86,000 fans there will be vocal. Clemson is a school that parties like an SEC school on Saturday and might be a more natural fit in the SEC than anywhere else.

from http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021411aad.html

4. Arkansas vs. Texas A&M on October 1 in Arlington, TX – This game is fun as it has the tradition of old rivals (from their SWC days) while keeping the heat of an inter-conference battle. Like game #5, these schools square off every year in recruiting, so the future of both programs are on the line when they meet as well. A&M has some of the greatest traditions in football, 12^th man, pep rallies, choreographed "yells", the corps of cadets taking the field and the best – kissing your date after each score. This makes it critical to consider whom you are bringing with you to the game! On the field, both teams have been mentioned as sexy picks to surprise this year and both are going to have exciting offenses so Cowboy Stadium should see some offensive excitement.  This game pits two top 20 teams in the biggest football stadium in an area that has a huge amount of backers and alumni for both schools. This weekend will be fun at the stadium and in the bars throughout the Dallas area.

from  http://www.jimmieknows.com/ 

3. Georgia vs. Boise State on September 3 in Atlanta (Georgia Dome) – This game looks to settle the hottest debate that has raged around college football. Can the “small school” like Boise survive versus a bully from the big bad SEC?  Georgia may not be the biggest or toughest in the SEC right now and the Broncos haven’t been “little sisters of the poor” in a decade or so.  In actuality, this game won’t prove if Boise State could play week in and week out in the SEC (In fact, Boise may be favored at game time). What it will prove is which team is still alive for a possible national title after just 1 game. Sure, Georgia could run the table in the SEC (long shot) and get back into title game, but realistically the loser of this game is out of any national title consideration. Both teams bring experienced quarterbacks to the field, but both will also be trying to fill major losses at WR. Georgia will most likely start a true freshman at RB and this national stage is a huge challenge. This game gets its lofty ranking for the national interest and the impact to title chances for both schools. Most of all- people love a David vs. Goliath story line even if it isn’t exactly true.

from  http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2390755/posts

2. Alabama at Penn State on September 10 – Joe Pa vs. Nick Saban – Happy Valley – Do I need to go on?   Ok I will. State’s Beaver Stadium hold 105,000 plus and they know how to support their team. The Penn State fans will be especially angry and vocal, as they have had to hear about the SEC domination over the Big 10 for too many years now. This game is dripping with tradition. Both schools are as old school as the uniforms they wear. In those uniforms, Alabama will be breaking in a new QB while Joe Pa will be settling on one as well. Both teams are known for great defenses. This year is no different as the Tide brings what is expected to be one of their best defenses ever to the game. The other factor in play here is could this be Joe Pa’s last great upset if the Nittany Lions get the win. For pure tradition hunters, this game is a clear #1.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America

1. LSU vs. Oregon on September 3 in Arlington TX – I know two games in the top 5 at the same stadium. Well, first Cowboy Stadium is big enough and cool enough for two trips. Secondly, both games are so important for their own merits and no teams are repeat attendees that the value of both games outweighed the double dip.  Heck, if you are lucky enough to get to go to 2 or more of these games then what are you complaining about!!  Now to the game and how this game landed at #1 on this list. First, the fans of LSU are crazy and they travel well. Arlington (greater Dallas area) is not far for those coming from LA and also has a large LSU alumni base.  The bars will be climbing with Tigers this weekend.  Second, Oregon is the school of Nike as we see with all those crazy uniforms. Who knows what will happen with Jerry Jones's and Phil Knight's empires involved. Third and most important- the action on the field may represent the best match up all season. This opening weekend game pits two teams that are clear national tile contenders. Oregon with their high flying offense is loaded to put points on the board at a ridiculous pace. They lose little from the team that Auburn defeated in the last seconds in the national title game last year.  They will be looking for revenge vs. LSU for that loss to the SEC.  LSU brings a big fast defense that might be better (even in week 1) than the one Auburn fielded which slowed the Quack Attack to a degree.  LSU also looked strong in their bowl win and are looking to build off that win. The final point of excitement that we will mention is on the sideline.  The two coaches- Chip Kelly and Les Miles are emotional and gamblers. With a whole summer to dream up plays, expect a few surprises from both teams! This game will impact the national title race. Both teams might be able to recover from a loss here but it would be tough and leaves no room for error for the remainder of the season. The winner is on a clear path forward with a huge win under belt.

Best 2011 SEC Road Non-Conference Football Games- Part 1 of 2

Fans of other conferences talk about the SEC not playing hard enough games outside the conference. What they don't want to do is give the conference credit for the brutal schedule they face in conference or any love when they do play a good non-conference slate. These same fans of other schools then pat themselves on the back when the #1 team in their conference “upsets” the number 10 or 11 team in the SEC. I understand their angst and it is part of what makes college football the best game out there today. It also validates that the SEC is year in and year out the best conference in football.  Sure, Texas, USC, Miami, Florida St or you name your other top team during any particular year can play with the SEC. It is just their conferences don’t go as deep.  The SEC has dominated college football with big, strong and most importantly fast lineman on both sides of the ball for some time now.

With that introduction to get the blood flowing, there are some road games that the southern football fan or for that matter a football fan in general should take when SEC teams do step out of conference in 2011. I will give you the top ten here. Some may be great because of the football on the field, the impact to the national rankings, tradition, regional rivalries while others are here just because the host city knows how to throw a party and nothing is better than a weekend of SEC football kicked off in a great city- so here we go with games 10 to 5 (the top 5 games to follow)

10. Ole Miss at Fresno State on October 1. First the coaches are a show themselves - Houston Nutt and Pat Hill are awesome. You could just watch them and go home entertained for the night, but you better watch the game as both will mix in the tricks at any time. Fresno St wins about 80% of their home games at Bulldog Stadium and Coach Hill’s teams always get up for the big conference schools that they schedule every year. This is also a large stadium (over 40,000) for a WAC school and the fans pack it especially for night games.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images from http://bleacherreport.com/

9. Mississippi State at Memphis on September 1. A 7pm kickoff in the historic Liberty Bowl is a good start for a reason to go. Then you add in the BBQ and Blues you can get while spending the weekend in Memphis and you have a great road trip. Top it off with the fun of Beale Street and you might forget the game all together. The Mississippi State fans won’t let you do that as I suspect a few thousand cowbells will magically appear in the stadium so no hangover for this one. Beyond the show on the stages and in the crowd (Miss. State has some beautiful fans!), Dan Mullen has put together a fine Bulldog team that many are picking as a dark horse for the SEC. This may be a little bold with LSU, Alabama, Arkansas and Auburn in the Western Division, but it does tell you that a good team will take the field the opening week of the season. The good thing is if this gets lopsided quick, there will be some happy Bulldog fans buying drinks on Beale Street.

 AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis from http://www.cdispatch.com/

8. Georgia at Georgia Tech on November 26. This in-state rivalry is more hotly contested by the fans throughout the year than it is on the field often. The Georgia fans will not be happy this game is this far down the list, but they would admit they have another game in Atlanta this year that may appear in this list higher. I wouldn’t want you to pass on some of the other great games to double up on trips to Atlanta. Bobby Dodd Stadium with its view of the downtown skyline and short walk to the Varsity is very special and is a must visit for the football fan but maybe not this year if you can only do 1 of these games. Sure partying in the Virginia-Highland section of town and free admission to The Cheetah with a game ticket are cool, but a repeat trip to Atlanta when other games are options keeps this game down the list.  BTW- the recent games have been close but Georgia has come out on top in 8 of last 9.

7. Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky (in Nashville) on September 3. This game pits two in-state rivals like #8, but these two don’t meet regularly. More of an oddity- the game is being played in a different state altogether! This game gets a strong bump for its host city and stadium.  The game will be played at LP Field (home of the NFL Titans), which most Kentucky fans know well from their multiple Music City Bowl trips. Don’t look at their repeated trips to Nashville as a drawback as they know where they want to party pre and post game. From Printer’s Alley around the corner to 4^th Avenue and then to Broadway there will be a sea of blue clad fans (probably talking basketball if they don’t win big!). This game scores for the pre and post game action. Don't think the Big Blue fans will be alone in Nashville. WKU has a strong tradition in FCS level football and are work in progress moving to FBS. As important, the Hilltopper nation is known for great parties that draw from schools throught the region and many consider Nashville a 2nd home.

6. LSU at West Virginia on September 24. How can this game be this low? I know! One reason is it suffers the same fate as game #8. LSU has another game that we may see further up the list.  That only slightly impacted this game though as these are two of the best fan bases in football. LSU is one of the best if not the best place to see a game and don’t think the Mountaineer’s fans will want to show off their environment to a visiting SEC bully. No time has been announced for this game yet but if it becomes a night game, I might even consider moving it up this list. One possible drawback is the coaching issues at West Virginia and the NCAA investigation, but I think that may inspire the team to even higher levels. There is also the unknown of a new coaching staff at WVU. Everyone seems to expect an exciting offensive but there is an unknown factor and in the top 6 games on this list there is very little gap between the games. WVU's stadium holds 60,000 crazy fans. This is where on this list of games it changes from good games for the year to stories you tell people about for rest of your life- those “I was there when…” stories. Before or after the game to practice the story telling, Morgantown Brewing Company is a must stop. Sure Morgantown doesn’t have Memphis’s Beale Street or Nashville’s Broadway, but I am not sure you would want that in this college town. This is a true college town that will give you a real tailgate experience outside the SEC.  Many people thought West Virginia should of joined the SEC and this trip will show they are SEC football experience ready. Final note- WVU may have the preseason coaching controversy but LSU has the "Mad Hatter. Les Miles is always seconds from creating an exciting ending to any game. Don't leave early from this game!

 

Wow! With the LSU and West Virginia game at #6, the top 5 have to be incredible! We will see.

Top 5 Las Vegas Sports Books

From @aoltravel : Top 5 Las Vegas Sports Books: The Best Places to Catch March Madness http://dlvr.it/KNbrQ 

I prefer Aria out of these 5.

Travelocity.ca "Mancations" page

Finally, one of the major travel sites gets that there is a huge market for men's vacations. From Vegas, Spring Training baseball, to March Madness, there are massive amounts of cash being spent on "men's" trips.  I think this page is awesome! http://leisure.travelocity.ca/Promotions/0,,TCYCA%7C6571%7Cvacations_main,00.html

PS yes I do have a business interest here but would not have own page on topic if not a passion.

Guide to the SEC Tournament in Atlanta

Welcome to Atlanta! Home of the SEC tournament.

Some basics for the visitor to the city.

World of Coke is kinda cool

The Georgia Aquarium is real cool

Both are close to the Georgia Dome and worth a visit especially if with family.

If with the wife or you like antiques then the Red Baron spring auction is a must this weekend.

OK now on to the party scene.

There are a few good spots downtown and one of the better sports bars in town is right down by the Dome called Stats at 300 Marietta Street. But unfortunately Downtown is pretty slow so plan on hopping into a cab to go out for drinks.

In nearly every part of the town are Taco Macs. These sports bars have some of best wings in town and huge choice of beers on draft and bottle.

Buckhead's famous block of college bars has been built over. It still has a good mix of clubs but not the over the top slam dunk party of old. Tounge and Groove is a good choice for the club scene in Buckhead.  The Buckhead Bar and Grill is a little more upscale and has good steaks. Fado's Irish Pub is in a new location and little nicer but still a great pub stop.

Midtown has also grown a night life around the many condo high rises in that section of town. Cosmopolitian and Lavo  is one joint option in this part of town. My choice would be Front Page News at 1104 Crescent Ave. Opera night club is right across the street if clubs are an option and The South City Kitchen is right next door for great southern style food. You can park right here and have several options for the night. 

For another great option with multiple bars and clubs to choose from, I would recommend one night in the Virginia Highlands section of town (if over 25 years old). You can start at Neighbors at 752 N Highland Ave and walk up and down Highland Avenue till you find a place that fits your style. If the weather is nice, Neighbor's patio is also awesome.

As for the Gentleman's clubs, The Cheetah is still considered tops in town. It is in Midtown so close to the Dome. Also a ticket from any same day sporting event is good for your admission. Pink Pony NORTH is considered the city's other "best" club.

Spring Training

70 and sunny in Atlanta makes my thoughts turn to baseball. The pitchers and catchers have been in camp for days now. Chipper Jones is taking grounders on his rebuilt knee and Prince Albert is answering contract talks. John Kruk has a tour bus for his trip to spring training, while we are left to hop a flight or pile into the car with family and friends.  Spring Training fans are an eclectic mix of  "old timers" (a compliment for spring training), families, guys trip- think the movie Hangover, and spring breakers. This mix leads for a fun mix where you can find someone to hang out with as everyone seems happy too!

ESPN has an awesome page to get you ready for your trip. http://espn.go.com/mlb/springtraining

Thanks to mlb.com for the below graphics showing where the camps are located and also posting a schedule of all the games. The Phillies start the season this Thursday!

A major secret to most people is a day at spring training at one of the camps in Florida is a great way to break up the day after day visits to see the mouse or young Mister Potter. Kids always love baseball and spring training makes dad feel like a kid again.

ESPN has an awesome guide to both states' spring training travel.

http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=6084093

http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=6084092

My choice is still the Tampa area as base for exploring camps and still getting the right amount of beach time. You can use the Yankees, Phils, and Braves as the core of your schedule. Big fun crowds at all three although tickets may cost a bit more.