DEVIN'S LANDING

The picture above is of UFC newcomer Jon Jones throwing a crazy Greco-Roman suplex on veteran Stephan Bonnar. Jones scored the upset win in a highly entertaining match full of crazy unorthodox striking and throws like the one above. I highly recommend you watch it here.

The presence of Jones on this weekend's UFC 100 card is one of the reasons we are excited about the event. Hopefully he makes the aired portion of the broadcast. As for the 3 main co-main events... here are our picks:

Frank Mir over Brock Lesnar: Submission, 2nd Round. Most everyone seems to think that Lesnar's initial onslaught of Mir in the first fight is the best indicator of what will happen Saturday night. This very well could be true if Lesnar rushes in again, but he may beat himself by being too cautious of Mir's submission game. This will just delay the result into the second round, but eventually Mir will lock up an arm.

Georges St. Pierre over Thiago Alves: TKO, 3rd Round. Everyone is hyping Alves as St. Pierre's toughest test to date. Alves is a huge, strong welterweight with nasty Muay Thai, and training at American Top Team means he is no stranger to elite Jiu Jitsu. But despite being smaller in stature, St. Pierre is undoubtedly stronger and faster with impeccable pace and technique. He can hold Alves down long enough to make his elbows count.

Dan Henderson over Michael Bisping: Unanimous Decision. A decision sounds boring, but we are hoping it is one of those dominating, bloody decision victories for Henderson where Bisping would have been lucky to get TKO'd. Bisping is good enough on his feet that Henderson probably won't connect with the big right hand. But he should be able to smother Bisping in the clinch, against the fence, and on the mat, connecting with punches all the while.

At least we hope this is what happens, because Bisping is an arrogant dick and Henderson is an understated, classy dude.


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Just watch. Jesus, that is either funny or battery. Or maybe it is just funny battery (they aren't mutually exclusive).

Regarding the lack of posts this week... well, nothing much is going on in sports. Or maybe we just aren't inspired by depressing Steve McNair coverage or the absurd deity worship of Michael Jackson.

Regarding Jackson's death, this is our basic opinion in 3 parts:

1) We are not in a position to say whether he did or did not molest anyone.

2) His contribution to music and culture was immeasurable.

3) If he did in fact commit EVEN ONE inappropriate action with a child, it completely fucking erases every contribution made in #2.

Look for a UFC 100 preview post later today.




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First, a brief commendation to the US for their impressive performance (albeit heartbreaking loss) against Brazil yesterday.

Now... back to American Football, and the University of Georgia's burgeoning 2010 class. The newest commit is Alec Ogletree, a 6'2" & 210 lb. safety/linebacker from Newnan. Ogletree is the #1 rated Safety by Rivals, and #26 on their overall 2010 prospect list. Grainy video here on youtube, but it was too rough to embed in this post so visit at your own risk.




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Well, holy shit again.

Just when we thought the US defeating Egypt and backing into the Confederations Cup semi-final was the biggest surprise they could offer, they go and out-do themselves by beating #1 ranked Spain. But Spain isn't "just #1". You know the stats. 15 game winning streak. 36 game unbeaten streak. Fernando Torres scoring a hat trick in the first 17 minutes of a game earlier in the tournament. Spain has been head and shoulders above their competition. A dominant team.

So how did the Yanks do it? As Alexi Lalas said on ESPN last night, the result was not achieved by matching the beautiful, elegant European play of their opponents. The US won by playing gritty, scrappy, determined (and sometimes ugly) soccer. This is not to say they played without skill or strategy because those were certainly on display for the US. What we mean is that the Americans combined these technical aspects with a level of aggression and physicality not seen in earlier matches.

Their willingness to play this way allowed them to outmuscle Spain, as evidenced by Jozy Altidore boxing out a defender before blasting the first goal past Iker Casillas. Their determination paid off throughout the match, most apparent as shot after dangerous shot from Spain were blocked by the lunging boots of the American side. And relentless pressure played a role as well, best represented by Clint Dempsey surprising legendary Spain defender Sergio Ramos from behind to knock home a deflected Landon Donovan cross for the second score.

Man of the match must be shared by three: (1) Donovan, for his energetic leadership and offensive pressure, (2) Tim Howard, for repeated denials of laser accurate strikes from Spain, and (3) Jay DeMerit, for endless confident tackles at Spain's point of attack.

The United States' chances against Brazil are simple. Play with the heart they did yesterday, and they will compete. Revert to the apathetic play of earlier in the tournament, and lose again big.

We think they will show up Sunday.




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The "lack of talent" label has for a long time been liberally applied in reviews of US soccer. This critique has never stung more than last week as we watched New Jersey born-and-raised Giuseppe Rossi burn his country of birth while wearing Italy's national colors.

Nevertheless amidst the excitement of Sunday's unlikely US advancement and tomorrow's showdown with Spain, a couple of very interesting personnel additions are quietly developing for the US side which hold much bearing of the final product we may see in next summer's World Cup.

First, in a situation that very closely mirrors the Rossi to Italy defection in reverse, German born-and-raised Jermaine Jones (pictured above) has decided utilize his dual US/German citizenship and suit up for Bob Bradley. Jones is a physical defensive midfielder who has stood out in his play for Schalke of the Bundesliga and the German National Team as well. His pedigree makes him an instant upgrade for the US side, where his presence in front of Oguchi Onyewu would make for quite the stout and intimidating central defense.

The second addition with potential World Cup implications is that of MLS's Santino Quaranta, who has been added to the upcoming Gold Cup roster for the US. The DC United midfielder has actually played for the national team back in 2006, but did so while mired in struggles with injury and drug-addiction. Quaranta has shaken both ailments to experience a career resurrection of sorts, returning his creative play to the levels which made him a once-rising star for the US during his teen years.

Of the two additions Jones is probably the bigger story, but his defensive minded midfield play is balanced quite nicely by the more offensive-minded midfield tendencies of Quaranta. At any rate, these are the stories that start small this summer, only to loom large for next year's return trip to South Africa... where the stakes will be much higher.




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Well, holy shit.

In the most unlikeliest of scenarios which defines "backing in", the United States has advanced to face Spain in the Confederations Cup by defeating Egypt 3-0. Actually, the margin of victory over Egypt is only half the story, the other half being Brazil beating Italy by the same margin. Let us be clear about something up front: The United States had looked their worst going into yesterday's game. While they were somehow competitive against an unimpressive Italy side, the passive and apathetic tendencies which have become their trademark were totally exploited by Brazil. Due to this no one had high hopes for them against an underrated Egyptian squad which had given both Italy and Brazil all they could handle.

With ALL THAT SAID... The US nationals looked damn good yesterday. Because their one-touch and possession skills are not as sharp as international competition, the US has to compensate by utilizing their physicality and speed... in other words, they have to be aggressive to win. They did this yesterday, displaying what they can do when they take initiative and flash killer instinct on both the offensive and defensive ends.

We used to think Landon Donovan was overrated because he never lived up to his Superstar label. The truth is that he is not overrated, because he is not a Superstar. Donovan is an above average forward with great speed and tactical ability. He has the ability to take over a game in spurts and finish when necessary,... but is best suited as an excellent role player who can support the attack creatively and unselfishly (as evidenced by his pivot role in the beautiful give-and-go score by Michael Bradley).

Speaking of Bradley, he solidified his value as the top player on the US side. He is the quintessential midfield weapon, equal parts offensively and defensively minded. He is quick, aggressive, confident, and extremely tactical. His one weakness is his proclivity for bookings, which already cost him a game in this tournament. But make no mistake... if the US is going to make run in this tournament or in next Summer's big dance, Bradley must play a major role.

Jozy Altidore continues to develop. While not dominant yesterday, the encouraging facet of his play is that even when he is not directly involved in the attack he utilizes his strength and skill to be very solid "holding" forward. Contrast this to someone like Clint Dempsey, who was sloppy and reckless yesterday right up until the point that he scored on brilliant header (off a great Jonathan Spector cross).

Other solid performance credit goes to the steady Onyewu in the back, Brad Guzan in goal, a feisty Ricardo Clark in midfield, and a confident tackling Jay Demirit at flanking defender. Charlie Davies provided significant attacking hustle, if not skill, which resulted in a very persistent first goal for the US.

Overall it was a great game against a skilled Egyptian side. The reward? Spain, probably the best team in the world. But a great measuring stick game for the Bob Bradley's squad. Even if they don't win, competing and scoring against Fernando Torres and company will be a huge confidence booster as they continue in their trek to World Cup 2010.

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It's amazing how one season of disappointment can lower expecatations.

Something changed last season amidst all the furor over the short-lived #1 ranking and the departing star power of NFL bound skill players. No one is talking about it out loud, but even the most loyal of Bulldog followers have subtly and unconsciously tempered their enthusiasm for 2009. So... honestly ask yourself, Georgia fan: Have you silently prepared yourself for an off year?

If so, then get your head right.

Only a couple of years ago Matthew Stafford was a talented unproven battling for playing time with Joe Tereshinski. Knowshon Moreno was a practice field legend yet to step between the hedges. They were here but for a minute. The notion that these two stars represented Georgia's best chance to achieve National glory is, simply put: Absurd.

This is the land of Eric Zeier, David Greene, DJ Shockley, and their SEC Championships. The fighting spirit of unlikely legends like David Pollack and Thomas Davis still resides in Sanford Stadium. Mark Richt still leads this caravan, and charts a course with as much strength and determination as any coach in recent conference history.

Look to Joe Cox. Rely on Rennie Curran. Believe in AJ Green. Trust that they, along with Coach Richt, will lead the emergence of the many young Bulldog stars we have yet to see. Every JV football coach across this country knows that the value of a true team philosophy is its potential to draw every bit of ability out of its members.

Expect this. Watch your Bulldogs gel. Expect more. Observe them pushing themselves beyond their means. Cheer. Enjoy our rejuvenated lineman mauling opponents. Scream with Joy at your television. Relish the moment as that young unknown receiver bravely snatches glory in the end zone of hostile territory.

But most importantly and above all, do not lower your expectations... RAISE THEM.

It begins on September 5th, in Stillwater.




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