Here's a pretty good read on Brian Kelly's impact in South Bend...

With two of the most prolific passers in Notre Dame history in Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen, the Irish finished in the top half of the nation in time of possession in four of the five seasons under Weis.

In 2006, the Irish went 9-3 and were third in the country in time of possession at 32:51. Last season, they were 12th at 31:55.

Cincinnati, with its quick-strike offense, was dead last in the nation in time of possession in 2009 at 25:46, just as Kelly was in 2006 at Central Michigan. Despite that, the Bearcats (12-1) were fourth in the nation in scoring at 38.6 points a game. The Irish (6-6) were 32nd at 30.1 points a game.

Kelly isn't bothered by the lack of ball control.

MORE (ESPN.com)

College Football notre dame fighting irish, brian kelly

The second Budweiser ad to make the list...

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As you begin to prepare for fantasy baseball, here are some links you find useful:

Ask RotoMan - the blog, the message boards, the guide -- go get your baseball learn-on

Baseball America - The definitive source for minor league & prospect information

Baseball HQ - Premium articles, analysis, and the esteemed Baseball Forecaster annual

Baseball Manager - Among the oldest & most popular rotisserie baseball games on the web

Baseball Notebook - Weekly player projections & custom fantasy ranking sheets all season long

CreativeSports.com - Fantasy baseball articles, news, and forums

Free Fantasy Baseball Cheat Sheet - Free fantasy baseball cheatsheets for all major scoring types

FantasyBaseball.com - Fantasy radio show, cheat sheets, and player news

Fantasy Baseball Cafe - Links to various fantasy baseball related sites

Fantasy Baseball Champ - Unconventional wisdom for fantasy baseball success

Fantasy Gameday - read the latest fantasy baseball insights for the current season

Fantasy Baseball Extreme - Redraft rankings, expert analysis & breaking player news

Fantasy Baseball Sherpa - Let the Fantasy Baseball Sherpa guide your team to victory!

Fantasy Baseball Mafia - Quality keeper leagues - most customizable league manager on the net

Fantasy Baseball Questions - Your fantasy baseball questions ..... answered.

Fantasy Baseball Starters - Fantasy Baseball Advice with Line-up / Pitching Analyzer & Wireless Alerts

The Fantasy Draft - The fantasy baseball fan's dream come true - hold your draft at a pro stadium

Fantasy Phenoms - Fantasy sports news, insight, advice and analysis.

Fantasy Pros 911 - The latest in fantasy baseball news & analysis

FantasySportsBaseball - Compete for cash in a 162-game schedule followed by Playoff/World Series

Fantasy Sports Stocks - Fantasy sports game where owners by buy and sell stocks in their favorite sports teams

FFToolbox Fantasy Baseball - Free fantasy baseball player rankings, news and fantasy advice

FJ Fantasy - The only free-standing draft boards for fantasy baseball

MLB Front Office- Free Fantasy Baseball advice with near daily content, a message board, and much more!

Pro Fantasy Baseball - Free player rankings, cheat sheets, sleepers & more

RazzBall - Timely insights, fantasy advice, and up-to-date player rater.

RotoAuthority - Internet's first daily fantasy baseball blog, featuring sleepers, strategy & projections

RotoCommunity Fantasy Baseball - Voice your opinions on fantasy baseball and players

RotoDoc.com - Offering in-depth scouting reports, cheat sheets, draft advice, and more

RotoKingdom.net - Your Kingdom for Fantasy Sports Knowledge: Rankings, Mock Drafts & Articles

The Roto Kings - Fantasy sports podcast and article blog

Sandlot Shrink - Daily reports from baseball insiders and scouts

Sport Fanatics Fantasy Sports - Free fantasy sports info: rankings, projections & fantasy sports articles

SportSkeds.com - Want to exploit matchups? SportSkeds come in all shapes & sizes

Triple Play FS - Lifetime Dynasty Leagues for the serious fantasy baseball addict

Ultimate Fantasy Sports - Official home of Lifetime Fantasy Baseball Leagues

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Actress Kasia Smutniak is definitely worhty of being labeled as a GSI Hottie...

MORE PICTURES (FanPix.com)

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from NBCSports.com:

Helped themselves - Mardy Gilyard, WR/KR, Cincinnati
Though Gilyard did not dominate at Mobile, he showed he has the athleticism and explosiveness to be a playmaker in the NFL. Throughout practice, he had no trouble getting separation from defenders and displayed the agility to change directions in a flash. He also looked good as a returner. He dropped some passes during the week, raising concerns about his hands. But he caught the ball well in the game — as he did in games all season — and flashed his knack for making big plays. He had a big return and pulled in a 32-yard TD pass on an over-the-shoulder catch. Though some may still have concerns about his hands, we hear Gilyard has locked up a spot between picks 20 and 45.

Hurt themselves - Sean Canfield, QB, Oregon State
After struggling throughout the week, Canfield did not step up in the game. In practice, he showed a slow throwing motion and struggled to get enough zip on his passes, which floated and tended to dip and die in front of receivers. In the game, he also looked slow and deliberate. Defenders were able to read him and make plays on the ball. After arriving in Mobile with a chance to be a third-round pick if he shined, Canfield has probably fallen into sixth- or seventh-round territory.

COMPLETE ARTICLE

College Football, NFL senior bowl, senior bowl analysis, mardy gilyard, sean cranfield

This 1999 Monster.com ad was another instant classic:

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Those considering wagering on next week's big game may want to consider some of these trends...

Rough Debut
There have been nine teams that have made exactly one trip to the Super Bowl, and New Orleans will be the 10th to join this group. Of those clubs, only the N.Y. Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been able to notch a victory in its first ever Super Bowl.

Perfect 10 
The matchup between the Colts and Saints will be the 10th Super Bowl played in Miami. Fans from New Orleans might not want to hear it but South Beach has been all about the ‘chalk.’ Favorites have won eight of the nine games straight up, yet the lone upset was the biggest of all-time when New York stunned Baltimore 16-7 in the third installment of the big game as an 18-point underdog.

AFC vs. NFC
The NFC holds a 22-21 straight up edge over the AFC and if you look at the past dozen Super Bowls, the AFC has gone 8-4 straight up. However, they’ve only posted a 5-5-2 mark against the number over this run. The largest margin of victory for the AFC during that stretch was 27 points in Super Bowl XXXV, when Baltimore crushed the N.Y. Giants 34-7 as a three-point favorite from Tampa.

Over vs. Under
Whether you fancy the ‘over’ or the ‘under’, you really have no room to complain. The ‘under’ holds a slight 22-21 edge through the first 43 finales, with no total being listed on the first installment. The ‘under’ was on a 4-0 run before the Steelers and Cardinals busted up that trend with a 50-point burst last year.

Parlay Combinations
Some might think it’s hard enough to pick the winner in any sport, but try nailing both the side and the total could be viewed as a shot in the dark. Normally, you would expect the books to clean up on the public’s guessing game. However, the combination of ‘favorite/over’ has occurred in 14 of the 43 Super Bowl games with a listed side and total. That’s an incredible 33 percent for laying the wood in a shootout, which is the highest of all four possible outcomes. The ‘underdog/under’ takes second place, showing up on 12 different occasions. The two least likely combinations of the four have been the ‘favorite/under’ and ‘underdog/over'. To no surprise, the majority of players at Sportsbook.com have already started to load up on the Colts-Over combination.

COMPLETE ARTICLE (VegasInsider.com)

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I go back to 1995 for my No. 9 Super Bowl Ad, the Budweiser frogs...

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from MLB.com:

The Reds remain in the running for free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera, and it appears there are only two other suitors -- the Rockies and Nationals -- a Major League source told MLB.com on Thursday night.

Cincinnati has definitely made an offer to Cabrera, who is also considering Colorado and Washington. It did not appear that any of the three teams were close to reaching a deal on Thursday.

COMPLETE ARTICLE

MLB cincinnati reds, colorado rockies, washington nationals, orlando cabrera

from the Cincinnati Enquirer:

Cincinnati Bengals rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga was arrested early Friday in Covington on charges of drunken driving and careless driving after he allegedly struck two parked cars and a parking meter.

Maualuga, 23, of Cincinnati appeared in Kenton County District Court via a video link from the jail. He pleaded not guilty and was released from jail

COMPLETE ARTICLE

NFL cincinnati bengals, rey maualuga

from the GetSportsInfo.com archives...

10) New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts, 7
January 12, 1969
Orange Bowl, Miami FL
It was the Super Bowl that started all the hype as Joe Namath guaranteed victory just days before the game. The Jets star backed his words with an MVP performance but it was the New York defense that secured the victory by intercepting the Colts three times. The game actually was not very close but the guarantee combined with the image of Namath running off the field holding up ‘number one’ has helped to make the Super Bowl what it is today.

9) San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21
January 24, 1982
Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac MI
After putting up a 20 to 0 halftime lead the 49ers held their breath as the Bengals scored 21 second half points. Quarterback Kenny Anderson was 25 of 34 with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. But it wasn’t enough as the 49ers Ray Wersching completed four field goals in the 49ers first Super Bowl win. The game marked the first time in Super Bowl history that the losing team out gained the winners in yardage (356 to 275.)

8) Baltimore Colts 16, Dallas Cowboys 13
January 17, 1971
Orange Bowl, Miami FL
The first Super Bowl played on artificial turf turned out to be quite a defensive battle. The Colts only touchdown came off of a pass that deflected off of two players including the Cowboys’ Mike Renfro. Two interceptions by the Colts led to the touchdown and the game winning field goal with only 5 seconds remaining. Chuck Howley of the Cowboys was named MVP, the first for a defensive player and the only time the award was given to a player from the losing team.

7) Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31
January 21, 1979
Orange Bowl, Miami FL
Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw his fourth touchdown pass with just under 7 minutes remaining in the game. The 18-yard catch by Lynn Swan put the Steelers up 35 to 17. But the Cowboys would not give up easily. Roger Staubach led his team to two quick touchdowns thanks in large part to an onside kick. But a second attempt of an onside kick was recovered by the Steelers’ Rocky Bleier and Pittsburgh became the first team to win three Super Bowls.

6) New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17
February 3, 2002
Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans LA
The Rams out gained the Patriots by 160 yards, but the New England Defense forced three turnovers which the offense turned into 17 points. The final 3 points came at the end of the game. With 1:30 on the clock and no timeouts, Tom Brady drove his team into field goal range, setting up a 48-yard kick for Adam Vinatieiri. It was the first time in Super Bowl history that the game was decided on the last play.

5) San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16
January 22, 1989
Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami FL
Playing for their third Super Bowl victory in eight years the 49ers found themselves losing 16 to 13 with just 3:20 remaining in the game. That was plenty of time for Joe Montana and company. The two-time Super Bowl MVP drove his team 92 yards capping off the drive with a touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left on the clock.

4) New England Patriots 32, Carolina Panthers 29
February 1, 2004
Reliant Stadium, Houston TX
This game set two Super Bowl records that seem contradictory. The two teams took the longest amount of time before a score, nearly 27 minutes, and then combined for the most points scored in one quarter, 37 in the fourth. Carolina tied the game with 1:08 remaining but it wasn’t enough as the Patriots quickly drove the ball into field goal territory. Adam Vinatieri kicked the game winner from 41 yards out.

3) St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16
January 30, 2000
Georgia Dome, Atlanta GA
While the high-powered Rams offense dominated the statistics they found themselves tied at 16 points at the two-minute warning. But on the next play Kurt Warner hooked up with Isaac Bruce for a 73-yard touchdown pass. Steve McNair did his best to lead his team downfield but the game ended when an outstretched Kevin Dyson landed just one yard short of a game-tying touchdown.

2) New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19
January 21, 1991
Tampa Stadium, Tampa FL
With the country at war in the Persian Gulf and following a breathtaking rendition of the National Anthem by Whitney Houston, the two teams in their red, white and blue uniforms competed in one of the best games in the history of football. The Giants perfected the concept of ‘ball control’, possessing the ball for over 40 minutes. But the Bills had the lead late in the fourth quarter before a Matt Bahr field goal made it 20 to 19. Then, with just seconds remaining, Scott Norwood’s 47-yard field goal just missed to the right and the Giants won their second title.

1) New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14
February 4, 2008
University of Phoenix Stadium, Scottsdale, AZ
David Tyree’s miraculous 32-yard reception setup Eli Manning’s game-winning TD strike to Plaxico Burress to seal the deal for the Giants. The Patriots were denied the shot at being the first team ever to finish 19-0 and their Super Bowl loss forever tarnished their perfect regular season, the first of its kind since the Miami Dolphins finished with undefeated in 1972.

NFL super bowl, lists, greatest super bowls ever

I begin my countdown my favorite Super Bowl ads ever with a look at the Pepsi Delivery Man (1996)...

Just For Fun best super bowl commercials ever, super bowl ads, lists

With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than a month, the Reds are popping up in the rumor mill regarding a handful of the remaining free-agents:

JOHNNY DAMON – After the Yankees have said no thanks to Damon (at least at his current asking price), agent Scott Boras told ESPN.com that he is trying to engage the Tigers and Reds in his client. However, it is highly unlikely either team has the money in their budget to interest the veteran outfielder.

ORLANDO CABRERA – Reds’ GM Walt Jocketty confirmed that the club has considered making a run at Cabrera.  The move makes great sense if the Reds can get him on a 1-year deal at their price. The longer he remains a free agent the better the chances get. Still, Reds’ beat writer John Fay doesn’t see it happening due to budget constraints.

NOAH LOWRY – The Reds are amongst a reported 15 teams expected to have scouts at a throwing session to watch the 29-year old lefthander on Tuesday. Lowry has battled outlet syndrome the last few years and hasn’t made much of an impact the past few seasons for the Giants.

JONNY GOMES – The Reds non-tendered Gomes rather than giving him a raise or facing arbitration. He remains on the market, but after hitting 20 homeruns last season in limited action in Cincinnati, don’t expect him to stay there long. The team does not appear to be in the mix to bring him back.

MIGUEL CAIRO – The team already did make a move to sign the 36-year old utility man to a minor league deal on Wednesday. He has played for eight different MLB teams and spent most of 2008 playing for the Phillies’ AAA club where he hit .287/.325/.392.

MLB cincinnati reds, johnny damon, orlando cabrera, noah lowry, jonny gomes

ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski wonders why Pete Rose is still out:

Mark McGwire is back in. But Pete Rose is still out?

Major League Baseball continues its hit streak of hypocrisy.

Pete Rose apologized years ago but is still not allowed to have any role in baseball.

How is it that McGwire receives a standing O from St. Louis Cardinals fans, but Rose still has his 68-year-old face pressed against MLB's window? McGwire not only goes directly from his self-imposed isolation tank to a big league coaching job, but he has Cards manager Tony La Russa running interference against anyone who thinks this is a bogus idea.\

Meanwhile, Rose, who has forgotten more about hitting than McGwire will ever know, remains an outcast. Huh?

COMPLETE ARTICLE

MLB cincinnati reds, pete rose, mark mcgwire, steroids in baseball

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner has called a press conference for Friday where he is expected to announce his retirement.

Screenplay writers in Hollywood couldn’t have concocted a story as good as the one Warner lived.

The former Arena league star was bagging groceries at one point before getting his crack with the Rams in 1998.

He would go on to play in three Super Bowls, winning one. The gun slinger would win two NFL MVP awards and post numbers that should lead him directly to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Let’s take a look at some of his numbers and accomplishments:

•Second all-time Career Passing Yards per Game (260.4)
•Highest all-time percentage of 300-yard games (45.2 percent)
•Tied (P. Manning) for most games with perfect passer rating (three)
•1-of-2 players in NFL history to throw 100 TD with two teams
•Only player in NFL history to throw 14,000 yards with two teams
•Tied (Marino) as fastest player to 30,000 pass yards (114 gms)
•Tied (Unitas) for consecutive games with 120+ passer rating (four)
•Highest Passing Yards per Game on MNF (329.4)
•Oldest QB to throw 30 touchdowns in a season
•Most 300-yard games (113)
•Only QB to throw 40 TD and win the Superbowl in the same season
•Highest completing percentage in a single game (92.3 percent)
•Tied (Montana) most TD in single postseason (11)
•Most passing yards in a single postseason (1,147)
•First, Second, and Third for passing yards in a Superbowl (414, 377, 365)

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