Will Georgia seriously fire Mark Richt after one lousy season?

UGA VII knows how good Mark Richt has been but will Georgia fire him for Charlie Strong of Florida?

Who knew this Saturday's Georgia-Florida game could mean a job for one of the coaches? Rumors are flying on ESPN and other sports sites that if Georgia gets shallacked by the Gators, Richt will be sent packing for Charlie Strong of Florida. Is this a panic move? Absolutely.

Mark Richt has been phenominal as Georgia's head coach. The last 8 seasons, he has rebuilt the Dawgs into a national powerhouse that is really close to achieving the National Championship. With a career record of 85-23, the Dawgs have won 4 SEC East Titles, 2 SEC Titles, 2 Sugar Bowls and were ranked #2 at the end of the 2007-08 season. He has won 10 games every season since 2002. This season however, has been one of his most challenging.

The Dawgs have just plain out struggled. At 4-3 with losses to Oklahoma State, LSU and Tennessee, Georgia is a team with tremendous talent...they just don't know how to use it. This is the worst season Mark Richt has faced since his first year 7-5 start with a loss in the Music City Bowl. But does this merit him getting fired?

I think Georgia fans need to chill out. Sure we're having a bad year, but we had two of the most prolific athletes to wear Georgia uniforms, Knowshon Moreno and Matthew Stafford, leave early for the NFL. Losing two players of tht stature is enough to give any team a challenge. Unfortunately for the Dawgs it has been a lot tougher than anticipated.

What Mark Richt needs to do is fire defensive coordinator Willie Martinez and give offensive coordinator Mike Bobo a stern warning that he is on the hot seat. Martinez has been a long time coming and the Dawgs need to move on. I know it's tough for Richt to fire his buddy but it needs to happen for the better of the team.

Can Georgia beat the Gators? For their Coach, it's looking like the game needs to be kept close or Georgia needs a win. If this can't happen, the trigger will be pulled.

All Time Low in D.C.

Not even Jim Zorn can yell "ALL IS WELL" at Redskin Park

(Courtesy Photo)

If you're a Redskins fan, my condolences. For me, I am a born and raised Virginian who always cheered for the burgundy and gold. With Coach Joe Gibbs, I saw the Redskins win Super Bowl XXII and XXVI. Yes life was good and being a Redskins fan showed a rich, winning tradition. Then Gibbs stepped down as head coach March 5, 1993. The Redskins have never been the same.

From there, Richie Pettibon (1993), Norv Turner (1994-2000), Terry Robiske (Final 3 games of 2000), Marty Schottenheimer (2001), Steve Spurrier (2002-2003), Joe Gibbs (2004-2008) and now Jim Zorn (2008-????), the Redskins have been so so. The bright spot for Norv Turner was in 1999 when the Redskins won the NFC East and got into the playoffs. The only other time they made the playoffs was with Gibbs 2.0 in 2007. This season, the Redskins are on the brink of disaster. 2-4 with 12 games remaining (7 against NFC East opponents.)

What do the Redskins need to do to succeed?

• Fire Vinnie Cerrato and Jim Zorn.
• Cut ties with Jason Campbell. He's had 4 seasons. The experiment is over and we need to move on.
• Implement and hire a General Manager that can run the team. Mr. Snyder, you need to let go so the team can be run like a REAL team, not some Fantasy Football team.
• Hire a hall of fame coach like Mike Shannahan, Bill Cowher or Mike Holmgren who can coach the QB as well as the team.
• DRAFT WELL! Charlie Casserly was the last great drafter the Redskins had. You need to draft well so you can build your team and not break the bank doing it.
• Instead of blowing $100 million dollars on one player, spend it on multiple players! That way, you can get more bang for your buck.

If the Redskins followed these, they could be back on track to winning. It's not going to be overnight but I am prepared to suffer as long as I see progress. The day Daniel Snyder realizes his control is hurting the team, the better the team will get. They also need to get rid of Zorn and quit this charade of making him think he even has a chance to coach next season. After losing to 3 winless teams, he has got to go.

I have never been so embarrased to be a Redskins fan. I've been through many tough years but none as bad as this. A team that can not score on offense, a team that has no desire to win. The coming weeks will tell us what is on Snyder's to do list. The question remains how bad could it really get? I will say this: at least we have one team we can be proud of -- the Washington Capitals.

KISS Celebrates 35 Years at Verizon Center

(Left) Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer rock out at the Kiss:Alive 35 concert at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

"I wanna rock n' roll all night, and party everyday!" No truer words have ever been sung than those by Kiss. For 35 years, they have been rocking arenas around the globe spreading the cheer of great rocking music. For 35 years, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have been rocking out everyday and getting paid for it. The two original members left, they were on their A game Tuesday night, October 13 at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C.

Unlike the Washington Post's inaccurate count of the audience, the arena was nearly full except for a few rows at the very top. I missed BuckCherry but really, did I miss anything? Got there around 8:30 as they were setting up for Kiss. Around 8:45 like clockwork, Kiss exploded onto the stage starting off with a Gene Simmons classic "Deuce." Stanley's interaction with the crowd was nothing short of awesome as he kept on them to rock to their limit. "Philadelphia was louder," he kept egging on the crowd as boos showered the stage. They rock and rolled and ended with Detroit Rock City as the final song before blasting God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II on the speakers while the video board said Kiss Thanks You Washington!

"You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world, KISS!"

With the usual Gene spitting fire and blood, it was a rocking great time. Here is the setlist of what was played:

1. Deuce
2. Strutter
3. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
4. Hotter Than Hell (Gene blows fire)
5. Got To Choose
6. Modern Day Delilah ("We're playin' a lot of classics tonight, but not all classics are old")
7. C'mon And Love Me
8. She
- Tommy's Solo (he shoots down part of the lights)
9. Parasite
10. 100,000 Years / Eric's spinning drum riser solo / 100,000 Cont.
-Gene spits blood, flies above stage
11. I Love It Loud
- Paul's Stairway to Heaven bit
12. Black Diamond
13. Rock And Roll All Nite (confetti snowstorm, arena was freakin covered in the stuff)

Encore:
14. Shout It Out Loud
15. Lick It Up
16. Cold Gin
17. Love Gun
18. Detroit Rock City

NCAA Football Predictions: Week 7

Not even Uncle Rico's arm could help the Georgia Bulldogs
(Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

It's week 7 in the NCAA Football season with a lot of separation already happening. Here's what we know:

• The Georgia Bulldogs are a lot worse than realized. Losing 45-19 to Tennessee is a wake up call that your team needs help.
• Two big matchups this weekend are National Championship Implicators: Notre Dame Vs. USC and Oklahoma Vs. Texas.
• The Florida Gators are still the team to beat. They have a few difficult matchups ahead with Arkansas this week then Georgia.
  
  

Without further or due, here are my predictions for week 7:
Chris's 2009 Season Record: 28-14 (Last Week: 4-2)

Arkansas Vs. #1 Florida

Analysis: The Gators are good. Their defense that is. Even with their anemic offense against LSU last week in the 13-3 win, the Gators defense helped them hold onto the win. This is what seperates Florida from the rest. Arkansas has a gunslinger in Mallett but the defense is terrible. Another Gator Chomp this week.

Score: #1 Florida 28 Arkansas 12

#22 South Carolina Vs. #2 Alabama

Analysis: The Crimson Tide look like the best team in the SEC (besides Florida) as they not only have a solid defense but their offense is great under the direction of new QB Greg McElroy. Meanwhile, Steve Spurrier has the Gamecocks crowing at 5-1 and look to play spoiler once more as they knocked off Ole Miss earlier this season. It would be great to see another upset but with the game at Bama and Florida left on the docket, the Gamecocks will drop at least one of those games. I think it will be this one.

Score: #2 Alabama 28 #22 South Carolina 17

#4 Virginia Tech Vs. #19 Georgia Tech

Analysis: What an intrguing matchup. First the Virginia Tech Hokies who have been stellar since their opening game loss to Alabama. Then there's Georgia Tech, whose only slip up has been to the Hurricanes of Miami. Both have high octane offenses but I have to give the edge to Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech has the triple option but not a great passing attack. Hokies win but it'll be close.

Score: #4 Virginia Tech 35 #19 Georgia Tech 21

#6 USC Vs. #25 Notre Dame

Analysis: What a game this might be. It's a toss up between the USC Freshman Barkley and the Notre Dame seasoned QB Clausen. Part of me thinks Notre Dame is going to be too much for the Trojans but then I remember the Michigan game. I will say this, the Irish lose and it's bye bye bye to Charlie Weis and hello hello to Urban Meyer.

Score: UPSET! #25 Notre Dame 17 #4 USC 14

UNRANKED SPECIAL: Georgia Vs. Vanderbilt

Analysis: Who would have thought Georgia would be unranked and sitting at 3-3? Not I. The Dawgs are reeling off losses to LSU and the shocker in Knoxville last week to Tennessee. The Dawgs need to regroup. Whether that is with Joe Cox or Logan Gray remains to be seen. Cox was pulled after an atrocious 3 interceptions were thrown last week. The running game was non-existant as well and needs to emerge without the help of Caleb King who broke his jaw in the LSU game. Richard Samuels and Co. need to step up. Vanderbilt is coming off a loss to Army, a really bad football team. Can they kick Georgia while they're down? Maybe but I'm sticking with my Dawgs to resurrect what's left of their season before a week off then the Gators.

Score: Georgia 35 Vandy 10

I-AA Special! Villanova Vs. JMU

Analysis: After starting out the season 2-1, JMU has hit a wall losing 2 straight in the CAA to Hofstra and Richmond. It doesn't get easier as they host 5-1 Villanova for JMU Homecoming. The Dukes need to get back to basics and run the ball. This is going to be close but JMU will unfortunately fall.

Score: Villanova 24 JMU 14

NCAA Football: Week 5 Predictions

Will Georgia need the magic leg of Blair Walsh to knock off the #4 LSU Tigers? We find out how good LSU is Saturday in Athens.

Week 5 of the College Football season and there is plenty of drama to boot.

• Tim Tebow has the week off after his severe concussion last Sat. against Kentucky. Will he be ready for LSU next Sat.?
• Georgia narrowly defeated Arizona State 20-17 but turnovers are the reason. Georgia has had 11 turnovers and only gotten 3 in return for a -8 differential.
• Will the REAL Penn State please stand up? They have now lost to Iowa 7 straight times now.
  

Here are the predictions for Week 5:

#3 Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Analysis: Kentucky got blasted by Florida last week 41-7 to show that they can't beat the big teams quite yet. Next comes Alabama, a team who is solid on both sides and can make a run for the National Championship. Kentucky just can't cut it against this talented team. God help you Big Blue.

Score: #3 Alabama 42 Kentucky 10

#4 Louisiana State Tigers Vs. #18 Georgia Bulldogs

Analysis: Last season, the Georgia Bulldogs walloped LSU in Baton Rouge 52-38 as they knocked the Tigers out of a National Championship bid. Being at home gives the edge to the Bulldogs who have won three straight after losing their opener to Oklahoma State 24-10. If A.J. Green can get his catches, the running game can get going, the Defense is as solid as last week and the turnovers can come to a hault, Georgia should win this game. If they turn the ball over though, it's going to be another close one.

Score: #18 Georgia 38 #4 LSU 17

#7 USC Trojans Vs. #24 California Golden Bears

Analysis: Both these teams are hurting. After USC's stunning loss to Washington, they bounced back with a 24-7 win over Washington St. California was rolling along until they got thumped 42-3 at Oregon as the Ducks resurgence is showing in a crowded Pac-10 leaderboard. USC lost their star running back Stefon Johnson for the year after a freak weight-lifting accident required emergency surgery on his throat. I have to give the edge to the Golden Bears because USC has been shaky at QB and without Johnson, someone is going to have to step up at runningback.

Score: #24 California 21 #7 USC 17

#8 Oklahoma Sooners Vs. #17 Miami Hurricanes

Analysis: Talk about two teams in need of a quality win. Oklahoma has been on a roll since their shocking opening week loss to BYU but a win over ranked Miami is just what the doctor ordered. The Hurricanes are scratching their heads after starting the season strong with wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech but then running into the buzz saw of Virginia Tech as they got crushed 31-7. Will the REAL Miami please stand up? No Bradford for the fourth straight week but he'll be back next week for sure.

Score: #8 Oklahoma 31 #17 Miami 21

*Spotlight Unranked Matchup: Auburn Vs. Tennessee*

Analysis: The Auburn Tigers are a surprising 4-0. Granted they haven't played the strongest of competition (except for West Virginia) but a win against Tennessee on Saturday puts them in the Top 25 in my book. Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin needs a win badly before Georgia comes into town next week. 2-3 would not look good and the Dawgs are a tough team to beat.

Score: Auburn 35 Tennessee 17

James Madison Royal Dukes Vs. Hofstra Pride

Analysis: JMU looks to be leaving where they left off last season. Making the semi-finals of the subdivision playoffs, the Dukes want another title to go with their 2004 effort. Hofstra is looking for a big win as they are 0-1 in the CAA while JMU is a healthy 2-0.

Score: JMU 35 Hofstra 10

U2, Muse "Magnificent" at FedEx Field

U2's 360 Tour with opening act Muse rocked FedEx Field with its visuals as well as the music

Finally! After waiting 3-4 months after buying tickets, U2's much anticipated 360 Tour hit FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Tuesday, Sept. 29. With a stage 164 feet high and visuals galore, this concert was going to blow anything U2 had ever done away. With each concert comes an even bigger and mind-bending idea which is why they are the greatest band in the world as of this moment.

The concert started off 30 min. late thanks to techincal problems, but at 7:30 the lights went out and Muse was ready to go. Playing most of their hits off their smash album "Black Holes and Revelations" and their latest hit "Uprising," Muse rocked the stadium for 45 packed minutes and took advantage of the video board as they displayed some really slick graphics and displays.

Sharply at 9 p.m., U2 started blasting David Bowie's "Space Oddity" to get the crowd ready. As smoke billowed in, the music got louder and culminated with a giant neon clock counting down to the start. Bono and Co. came on and started with "Breathe" as they have at most stops on the tour. With the bulk of the songs coming from "All That You Can't Leave Behind," "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," and "No Line on the Horizon," the setlist was a great mix of new and old (although they missed some huge songs like "Pride" and "Sometimes you can't make it on your own.")

The complete setlist included:

1. Breathe

2. Magnificent

3. Get On Your Boots

4. Mysterious Ways

5. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

6. Elevation

7. Your Blue Room

8. Beautiful Day

9. New Year’s Day

10. Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of (Acoustic)

11. The Unforgettable Fire

12. City Of Blinding Lights

13. Vertigo

14. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (Techno Remix)

15. Sunday Bloody Sunday

16. MLK

17. Walk On

Encore 1:

18. One

19. Where The Streets Have No Name

Encore 2:

20. Ultraviolet (Light My Way)

21. With Or Without You

22. Moment of Surrender

All in all, a great concert worth every penny. Rumors are that U2 will be on another tour sometime in the next year with a new album out by the end of this year or early next year. Hopefully it's a lot sooner than 5 years in between visits!