MAKE PLAYS

If you haven't noticed, it's that time of the semester where the HUB and even areas outside it are bombarded with the faces of Kramer, James Dean and Frank Sinatra. You know what I'm talking about, and I'm sure you've even picked up a few items at the traditional, start of the semester poster sale.

But I must say, walking through the HUB this afternoon, I saw a familiar face. His name is Cristiano Ronaldo. Know him? Well, you should.

Now to preface this post, I have to admit my slight bias toward the Portuguese soccer player. Besides sharing my nationality, Ronaldo started his career with the soccer club I adopted from my grandfather - the one and only Sporting. I remember him in the green and white jersey, but he's gone on to bigger and better things playing for the ever-popular Manchester United in England. (And even wearing the No. 7 jersey, once donned by the one and only David Beckham).

And now look at him, staring right at me in the HUB. Quite a difference from the mention of him in Portuguese newspapers I have tucked away at home.

Whatever you may think of the 23-year-old European celebrity, he was recently named FIFA's world player of the year. No easy feat. He claimed the honor after leading ManU to the Premier and European League titles. He also scored 42 goals in '08, making him Europe's leading scorer. He beat out the likes of Euro 08 hero Fernando Torres, Argentina's Lionel Messi, and last year's winner Kaka.

Despite all his accomplishments, Ronaldo is still perceived as arrogant and immature. If you read the tabloids, you might hear about all the escapades which include even crashing a Ferrari 599 GTB just a few days after it came in his possession. You either love him or you hate him, as the new Nike commercial points out.

But here's the truth. Soccer is a big deal everywhere but in the United States, and that's just sad. When there are people like Ronaldo, Beckham, Torres and Messi accomplishing feats in the most popular sport in the world, a little recognition on this side of the pond is nice to see. Even if it is on a cardboard poster board standing in your way as you get to class.

-Julie

While the Eastern Conference of the NHL has the three best players in the league -- Geno Malkin, Sidney Crosby and that Russian guy for the Capitals, it's pretty clear that the talent level in the Western Conference is ten times greater than it is in the East.

TSN's SportsCentre (That's Canadian for "SportsCenter") compiled the Top 10 plays from the NHL so far. And while the Eastern Conference is represented, highlighted by Tim Thomas' ridiculous save against New Jersey, the Western Conference, as always, steals the show.

Personally, my favorite play is the Mike Ribeiro shootout goal against Los Angeles. It was hard for me to pick that, especially when Ribeiro is the type of the player that pulls this kind of stuff:

We could go on and on about the stacked the Western Conference is with talent, but who wants to read a list of names?

Side note: Much to Collegian web editor Ian Brown's surprise, there were no plays from Penguins defenceman Rob Scuderi or goalie Dany Sabourin in TSN's top plays. He was quite disappointed.

Shorts

Everyone has gotten into this argument. What exactly constitutes a sport? There are the popular controversial "sports" such as cheerleading, chess, synchronized swimming, horse racing, NASCAR, and even trampoline??

Here's the newest one to add to the mix - beer pong.

ESPN.com's Rick Reilly explores the issue in his recent column . Reilly had the pleasure of experiencing the World Series of Beer Pong held in where else, Las Vegas.

FIrst of all, please notice the atrocious leaning violation from the guy in the picture. I guess that rule goes out the window once you get to the big leagues. Before you brush these beer-guzzling athletes as just guys, and yes girls, that have taken an unhealthy obsession to the college-favorite game, take a look at the "stats."

These people are hitting 10 cups on only 12 throws. Take last year's final between "Albany's the Iron Wizard Coalition" and "Chauffeuring the Fat Kid." The former sank its last cup while its opponent still had four cups sitting at the opposite side of the table. BUT, as is the hope for all of us who lack pong skills, there is always redemption. "Chauffering the Fat Kid" hit all four remaining cups and took home the grand prize, $50,000. That's right - $50,000. 5-0. Just a tad more than what you get from those beer pong tournaments around State College. Oh, and if you come in second among the 414 teams in the tourney? Nada. Sucks for you.

So before you sign you and your partner's name at the beer-soaked sheet above the table at the next party, don't see it as just a chance to lower your inhibitions and possibly make the other team do a naked lap. See it as an opportunity to hone your ping pong wielding skills. And maybe, just maybe you can win some big cash.....or just leave Vegas with nothing but a bigger gut and the shame of your naked lap around The Mirage and Caesar's Palace.

Just another day in the life of the all-american "athlete."

-Julie

If you picked up the February issue of GQ, you were graced by the presence of King James on the cover. Accompanying the cover story, the magazine has put up a video of a little pick-up game with the 24-year old Cleveland Cavalier star (future Kinckerbocker?!?! Here's hoping!)

Wherever your allegiances lie, this video is definitely worth a gander. As expected, James rises high above the rest and looks to just be standing there for most of the game. Instead, you'll see the GQ magazine editors doing their best to show off their skills to the big man....That ended up with blood on the court at one point.

Maybe the writers from Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, or dare I say the Collegian would have fared better. But then again, there's a reason we're writers and not on the field. Oh, and it's LeBron James

-Julie

Yesterday was the greatest day in Pittsburgh sports history since May 18, 2008, when the Pittsburgh Penguins embarrassed the Philadelphia Flyers, 6-0, to advance to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After spending Saturday night at Collegian Web guru Ian Brown's apartment enjoying pounds and pounds of lamb, I spent the beginning of my Sunday afternoon unable to get out of my bed. However, I had great entertainment on my decade-old television. The struggling Penguins beat the New York Rangers, 3-0.

But the best part of the game didn't happen until NBC was wrapping its awful, terrible coverage.

Contrary to Ed Olczyk's beliefs, I don't think Fleury could play tight end and I'm pretty sure Big Ben is content with his own tight end.

-- Shorts

In what is one of the more curious offseason coaching moves, Michigan just named former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson as its new defensive coordinator.
Robinson, referred to affectionately by Syracuse fans as "Greggers", became known around the Syracuse blogosphere for his ridiculous postgame quotes. He also experienced very little success in four years at the helm of the Orange, posting an atrocious 10-37 record. (That blog, called Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician, is a great read, even for non-Syracuse fans).
Making the move even more interesting is the fact that Michigan's DC from last season, Scott Shafer, is taking over the same position at Syracuse, in what definitely looks like a downgrade for the Wolverines.
Now I know that Michigan had one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten last year, ranking ninth in the conference in total defense and tenth in scoring defense. But the Wolverine offense couldn't stay on the field last year, making it difficult for the defense to avoid wearing down in the second half, as it did against Penn State.
Regardless, Shafer was considered one of the top assistants in the country after being nominated for the Broyles Award (given to the nation's top assistant) with Western Michigan in 2006. Last year's nightmare in Ann Arbor has dimmed his star, and he and Rich Rodriguez parted ways.
Robinson, meanwhile, drew the ire of Syracuse fans for his questionable coaching decisions during his four year tenure, and his most notable coaching achievement was winning two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos in the late 1990s.
No offense to Greg, but I'm not sure he can take much credit for the Broncos' success, considering they had John Elway manning the quarterback position and considering that Greggers presided over the Kansas City Chiefs' porous defense that couldn't stop the Colts in the 2004 divisional round.
At any rate, for Penn State fans, this will be an interesting situation to watch. Robinson and Michigan both have a lot to prove. However, if Robinson's tenure with Syracuse is any indication, Daryll Clark might be having another field day with the Wolverines in 2009.
-Steve

ESPN sucks.

This image is from Deadspin.

Notice the lower left hand corner, it doesn't look like Jonathan Papelbon to me.

We have to forgive their staff though, they were probably too busy working on a stupid ESPN promotion like Who's Now, 50 States in 50 Days or Find Stuart Scott a Moving Eye.

But hey, watch SportsCenter tonight. Wonder if it'll be Kobe or LeBron as the lead story. The intrigue is killing me.

-- Shorts

I'm pretty sure that there are no die-hard Arizona Cardinals fans out there. The Cardinals are basically football's version of the Devil Rays -- a team that struggled to draw fans until it became good.

Now, Deadspin tells us the tale of two trashy individuals, who decided to prep for the NFC Championship by allegedly burning Donovan McNabb's lawn.

From Deadspin

The Cardinals fans who left diesel fuel messages in the lawn of Donovan McNabb's Chandler home also left something else -- a box with a postage sticker that listed the suspect's name and address. The two men, Rex Perkin, 37, and Ryan Hanlon, 28, were arrested Saturday around 6 p.m., for using the fuel to kill the grass in the Philadelphia quarterback's lawn and leave the messages., "Go Cards," "Go Kurt," and "I (heart) AZ."

Originally when I read this story, I figured it was teens who did this.

The guy on the right kinda does look like a 37-year-old who would allegedly burn stuff into a opposing team's quarterback's lawn.

I'm waiting to see how many Cardinals fans show up at the Super Bowl. My guess -- somewhere between 50 to 100.

-- Shorts

In case you couldn't tell by my posts, I'm from the town with the great football team.
Anyway, Steelers long-time broadcaster Myron Cope died back in 2008 and with the Steelers about to win their sixth Super Bowl in Myron's honor, it's time to look back at the highlights of the career of the man who created the Terrible Towel.

First how can't you like a video with Chico Lind and Zane Smith references.

The only song with Erric Peagram in the lyrics:

-Shorts

The evil empire is being exposed. Gasp! But wait, what could Joe Torre's tell-all book really tell us about the New York Yankees that we don't know already?

Tom Verducci, SI baseball writer and Daily Collegian alum, wrote The Yankee Years, which includes some interesting revelations from the long-time Bomber coach. The book is set to be released on February 3. Torre was at the helm from 1996 to 2007 and compiled some impressive stories.

Apparently, the book explains how Alex Rodriguez's teammates referred to him as "A-Fraud" instead of "A-Rod." And on top of that, he became slightly obsessed with diamond-mate Derek Jeter...but who can blame him since all of NY does.

Most interesting, however, is Torre calling Yankee GM Brian Cashman "as a less than supportive ally who betrayed him on several fronts." Hmm. Surprising? No. Depressing? Yes.

Torre compiled four titles and six pennants in the Big Apple. In that span, the men in pinstripes became huge dollar symbols walking around in human form. Big George Steinbrenner started dishing out the cash for overrated, past-their-prime athletes. I can't speak for all Yankee fans, but Torre represented the team with the likes of Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams and Scott Brosius. That certainly changed. I don't know about you, but I'd take Tino over Mark Teixieira any day.

When Torre didn't cut it anymore, he was offered a weak, one-year contract for a job he's held for 12 years. And apparently, Cashman let it happen without a fight. Applaud Torre for walking and taking Don Mattingly to L.A. with him. How fitting. If only DJ jumped ship too.

No matter the authenticity of the stories, good for Torre for telling his side of the story. Although it's nothing new, it's nice to see one of the evil empire's faces take it down a peg or two...especially to a Penn Stater.

- Julie

One of the most sacred rules for sportswriters is to remain unbiased. If you're interviewing your childhood idol, you're not supposed to crack a smile or snap a picture with your camera phone. You'll hear it in the press boxes too...."There is no cheering in the press box." Like we didn't know already.

But what if your own son was on the field? AND he's playing in the Super Bowl? AND he's arguably the most interesting player on the field? Just keep doing your job.

That's what Larry Fitzgerald Sr. will be doing Sunday when Jr. is snagging pass after pass from Kurt Warner for the Arizona Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald Sr. will be covering his 29th Super Bowl this weekend, but this one is obviously a little different. He's become the idol in the press box as of late, even though he is treating it like any other game. Just like he has for all his years.

A lot of people say Junior's talent could be linked to everything he was exposed to as a kid following his father around. Cris Carter, Kirby Puckett and Kevin Garnett to name a few. Whatever the reason, Fitzgerald Jr.has already made a name for himself in this playoff season. He has surpassed Jerry Rice's record for receiving yards in a single postseason.

As for Fitzgerald Jr. as a person, he's been called the "anti-T.O." You know, meaning he's an amazing receiver that never brings attention to himself. No popcorn or ridiculous TD celebrations for this guy. And when he's not on the field leading up to the Super Bowl, Junior will apparently be at dinner with pops...off the record of course.

- Julie

ESPN graces our TV screens, computer monitors, BlackBerry devices and pretty much anything else with pixels. Now ESPN.com uses its SportsNation poll to gauge the opinion of sports fans across the country.

They're usually pretty simple. Who is the most overrated baseball player? Who do you agree with: McNamee or Clemens? What was the most exciting sporting event over the weekend? Boxers or briefs? Just kidding on that last one...I think.

But this one takes the cake, in my opinion. Ladies and gents, be prepared to pick a side for good. "What will be the outcome of the pregame coin toss before Super Bowl XLIII?"

I wish I was kidding.

Now I see this as a little joke from the guys and gals over at ESPN. If I were them, I'd probably do the same thing. I can see it now. "I wonder how many people will honestly try to predict the outcome of SB's coin toss." Apparently, 11,717 people have done just that as of 6:40 p.m. Tuesday. And the age-old 50-50 scenario has been thrown off balance. The heads have it with a whopping 51%.

This is what happens when it's a week before the Super Bowl...We voted for heads by the way ; )

- Julie

As if last fall's Ryder Cup wasn't compelling enough, the 2010 Cup may be even better.

Why?

Colin Montgomerie has been named captain for the European team. Yes, the same Monty who has the title as the best player to never win a major, and who has made a name for himself stateside by antagonizing American fans.

I can still remember watching the '97 U.S. Open as a wee lad, and seeing Monty chastise the gallery at Congressional for being too loud.

Monty is also best known for his rather ample bustline, a physical trait that earned him the nickname "Mrs. Doubtfire" at that same '97 Open. His manboobs recently drew some criticism from a famous Scottish artist.

However, despite his failings in majors, Monty has been a horse in Ryder Cup competition, both on and off the course. He is second only to Nick Faldo in total points earned in Ryder Cup history, and clinched the '97 Cup for the Euros by halving with his nemesis, Scott Hoch.

I think Monty has mellowed in recent years, but I hope the fiery passion that he showed so often back in the late '90s will manifest itself at Celtic Manor in 2010.

-Steve

Yes, I know it's Super Bowl week, and not only that, but one of our local teams is participating. So all we should be talking about is the upcoming big game. But I'm sorry, I'm not really a Steelers fan, and I am really sick of football.

I also know that the weather outside is conducive for golf not at all. But I can't help it, I have golf fever, hence my second golf post in as many days.

You see, while the entire country is focused on the Super Bowl, one of the PGA Tour's most exciting events in taking place in Scottsdale, Ariz. this weekend. That's right, the good ole FBR Open started this afternoon, and while sports fans in Arizona may only watch football when the Cardinals are good, Arizonans love their golf, and annually make the TPC Scottsdale the rowdiest venue in all of golf.

It's gotten to the point where officials have had to curtail liquor sales near the 16th hole, which is designed with a bowl-like stadium structure that allows between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators.

The atmosphere there is unlike anything else in competitive golf, and it favors some players over others.

While Tiger Woods won't be playing this week, Arizona native Phil Mickelson will be in town, and no one enjoys the limelight quite like Lefty does.

So if you get sick of all the Super Bowl hoopla, the FBR Open provides some sweet relief from football (and Steelers) overload.

-Steve

Cal Clutterbuck is a name if you heard, you'd likely remember. But since ESPN covers hockey for about 9 nanoseconds a night, you have likely not heard of Cal Clutterbuck.

The Minnesota Wild (quick name five Wild players: Owen Nolan, Mikko Koivu, Nik Backstrom, Brent Burns and Kurtis Foster) rookie forward has only 11 points this season yet there's a movement to name him the Calder trophy winner, given to the best rookie in the NHL.

From Puck Daddy:

Star Tribune writer Michael Russo has been mentioning Cal Clutterbuck of the Minnesota Wild as a Calder Trophy candidate, which is technically correct since he's a rookie. That chatter has now taken a life of its own as Wild bloggers have mobilized to support the candidacy of a winger with 11 points in 48 games.

If I had a vote for the Calder Trophy, it would go to Clutterbuck. There's a silly reason for the vote, Collegian Web editor Ian Brown and his fiancee Genna, former Collegian Web chief Erin Prah, Collegian whipping boy Kevin Zitzman and myself all went up to Niagara Falls, Ontario, to watch Penn State lose to Iowa at Boston Pizza. After we downed our sorrows at the casino bar while Zitzman was gambling with Armenians, we went back to our hotel , built a fort, ordered Rickard's Red and turned on the late game of Hockey Night in Canada. There we saw a Cal Clutterbuck and thought, "damn, this is the coolest name ever." So on our whole six-hour drive from Ontario (after we got lost in Cuba -- Cuba, N.Y.) the five of us tried to make Cal Clutterbuck a word. We did.

^The greatest beer ever.

--Shorts