Cleveland Sports Minute

Two quick things.

1) Orson from EDSBS is reporting live from New Orleans. Word on Bourbon Street is that the OSU fans are out-classing the LSU fans. Plus, he uses the term “adult gymnastics,” making it that much better. Check it out here. (h/t to Rick over at Halftime Adjustments)

2) If you’re catching the game from home tonight, make sure to swing by Awful Announcing for a live blog of the game as well all of the wisdom of Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis.  You won’t be disappointed. Also, Busted Coverage will be handling the duties over at Epic Carnival, but I would make sure the kids are asleep by the time you head that way.

Go Bucks. See you all tomorrow.

Could Chud be staying put? 

Despite rumors of Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski interviewing with the offensively inept Baltimore Ravens for their vacant head coaching position, The Baltimore Sun - with a bit of confirmation from The Plain Dealer- report that Chud has taken his name out of the hat after signing an extension with Cleveland.

This may be a testament to how bad the offensive situation is in Baltimore, or it may finally be a sign that the Bobby Petrinos and Nick Sabans of the world are more of the exception rather than the “norm,” but Chudzinski now joins Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and New England’s Josh McDaniels on the list of those who will not be entertaining offers from the Ravens.

I’m sure I can speak for many of Browns fans when I say, “Thank You” to Phil Savage for getting this done.  The turnaround that took place this season does not happen often, and for Savage to recognize that and get his deal extended speaks volumes. 

Not only does this allow for one less excuse for next season, but it also makes this past off-season that much more important as the Browns spent the majority of it learning Chud’s offensive sets.  With that under the belts of Romeo Crennel’s crew, this off-season can be used to work on execution more than absorption.

I shed some of my thoughts on the Cavs/Raps game yesterday.  However, I would like to add my feelings on the Damon Jones run as well.  Similar to the end of last season where the Cavs were spouting off a bunch of wins, including that big playoff win over the Pistons, Damon Jones being on the floor provided LeBron James with a ton of open space.  Case in point was yesterday, when the Raptors closed in on James, Jones came in with a handful of clutch three-pointers. 

While this is all great when you’re down 10 points with seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter and you’re attempting an all-offense comeback, what you’re also doing is hoping that the other team simply misses their shots on the other end as Jones could be the biggest defensive liability in the league.  Sending him out there in a “Hail Mary” type of offense will work once in a while, but it is far from the long-term answer.  At least it was good to see Coach Brown give him a shot – as it may help the old self confidence a bit, while showcasing at the same time.  Oh, and this always helps.

Now on to tonight’s game.  Doesn’t it seem like tonight is a completely different season from the game against Michigan?  Let’s get one thing straight: I love being the underdog tonight.  I love the fact that the entire world of NCAAF followers has despised every win that we have produced all season long.  I love that the beloved SEC is once again our opponent, I love that the weight is on their shoulders. 

If we lose, the world can let out a collective “I told you so,” and then begin to argue for a split title.  Well done, LSU.  If we win, the state of Ohio as well as displaced Buckeye fans can do the exact same, but have the title all to themselves.  While I may be a bit biased, as this is obviously a Cleveland-based blog, it needs to be pointed out that while LSU is from the SEC, they are not last year’s Florida team.  They’re not as fast, they do not run the spread offense (a big weakness of the younger OSU defense), and this may actually be a football game that is decided on the ground – for once – instead of the Arena football-esque games that we tend to see from time to time in the NCAA.

This game will come down to Chris Wells’ ability to hit the holes, Vernon Gholston’s ability to get in to the backfield, and Todd Boeckman’sability to not make mistakes.  If tOSU turns the ball over like they did against Illinois, they may as well call it a game right then and there.  Fans may not want conservative play-calling, but if we win the turnover battle and the game results in a low-scoring affair, so what?  I couldn’t care less if people watching across the nation find the game “boring.”  It’s about winning.  But, good news is, it may not be too late to get your very own Jim Tressel Sweatervest T-Shirt!  For more on what others think, head over to The Wizard of Odds.

A bit of a tangent, but did you all know that Cleveland’s own Val Waugaman is Siren on the new American Gladiators?  The official press release is over on Cleveland.com, but to direct some traffic her way, check it out at her official blog.  If you’ve been to the downtown Octane Cafe or seen the “flex cam” at the occasional Cavs game, you’ll know who she is.

And if you need a Browns fix, check out Ryan Wilson’s post at the FanHouse.  Could Miami be sending the first overall selection to the Browns for Derek Anderson?  While Glen Dorsey would be a very nice addition to our defensive line, I’m not getting my hopes up in any fashion.  But I will be watching Dorsey very, very closely tonight.

And for hockey fans, Epic Carnival did a some fine research on the Columbus Bluejackets Power Patrol.  Could be considered NSFW…if you work with little kids or something.

That’s all for now.  Go Bucks.