With the REAL football season upon us, it's time to refire up the RSS grill and preview the weekend's biggest games!  If you're new to RSS, our Hot Off The Grill takes a look at the most important games of the weekend in college football on Friday and then the NFL preview takes center stage on Saturday.  We'll also tell you which under the radar game to watch, who should be on upset alert, and the one sausage that Randall Simon has his eye on as the player or coach under the most pressure.  In the words of Clark Griswold, let's light this candle!

Big Kielbasa's Game of the Week - #3 Boise State vs #10 Virginia Tech

-I can't remember an opening week game that had this much intrigue and speculation.  The Monday night opener in DC features not only the game of the week, but it could be a game of the year candidate.  Boise faces their one true elite test of the season and a chance to prove themselves once again to the nation.  With this game really the only challenge on the schedule (aside from a meeting w/ #24 Oregon St), Boise could win this game and advance all the way to the national title game they've coveted with their highest Week 1 ranking ever.

However, it won't be easy against Beamerball.  Boise QB Kellen Moore isn't the only Heisman candidate in the game - VT RB Ryan Williams rushed for over 1600 yards as a freshman last year!  VT's defense was 9th in the nation in points allowed, but they lose 7 starters from a team that won the Peach Bowl... and they have Tyrod Taylor in his 7th season as starting QB.  Va Tech probably has the better players and athletes, but it won't be enough.  Boise and Chris Petersen have repeatedly proven that they can outprepare whoever they face after a long layoff.  Look at his bowl record.  There's always a wrinkle with Boise that the opposition doesn't expect.  He took down Oklahoma.  He took down TCU.  He'll take down Va Tech.  PICK - BOISE

Beer Brat's Spotlight Game of the Week - #21 LSU vs #18 UNC

-It's a close call between this game and the JerryWorld Classic between Oregon St and TCU.  However, this game has many storylines.  LSU head coach Les Miles is under pressure to keep his job this season.  Meanwhile, Butch Davis is under a completely different kind of pressure with the North Carolina program blowing up before our own eyes.  UNC, in the middle of a program revival, is now unsure of exactly how many players may or may not be involved in an academic scandal.  As many as 12 or more players may not make the trip to Atlanta.  This investigation comes on the heels of improper benefits being given to two key players.  LSU is coming off of a very disappointing 9-4 season with shaky Jr QB Jordan Jefferson still at the helm of the offense.  UNC may fight for a while, but I can't expect them getting a win in such a big early season game when they're not even sure who will be able to play.  PICK - LSU

Chorizo's Upset of the Week -  San Jose St. @ #1 Alab... ok, just kidding... Michigan vs Connecticut
-Ah yes, one of our favorite punching bags in the country - RichRod!  Michigan's program has been run through the ringer the last couple seasons between on-field impotence and off-field violations.  Now, RichRod doesn't have just one QB starting the season... but maybe 3!  RichRod could have 300 QBs at his disposal, but it still wouldn't make a difference.  Like Boise's recent history showing their superior preparation ability - Michigan has proven in recent times that they fall short of expectations.  UCONN is in with a chance at a Big East title and will simply want it more than a Michigan team that has only played uninspired ball under Rodriguez.  PICK - UCONN

Andouille's Under the Radar Game - Illinois vs Missouri
-Mizzou has dominated the football side of the Arch rivalry in the last few years just like Illinois has dominated the basketball side.  Missouri has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons with starting RB Derrick Washington kicked off the team for assault allegations.  That embarrassment came on the heels of being left out in the cold by the Big 10 when expansion talk was at its peak.  But, watch Mizzou as an unranked team that can do some damage this year.  Gary Pinkel has done a fantastic job building a nationally recognized program.  Jr QB Blaine Gabbert, is in his 2nd full season as a starter, looks like the next great Mizzou QB after Brad Smith and Chase Daniel and could be a Heisman darkhorse... and the Big XII schedule is rather favorable.  Illinois fans should just be on the lookout for Ron Zook's replacement.  PICK - MISSOURI

Hot Dog of the Week - Ricky Dobbs (QB-Navy)

-Our first Hot Dog of the week, the player we expect to be a star performer in this weekend's games, is the People's Choice for Heisman himself!  Ricky Dobbs!  Dobbs' 2009 numbers speak for themselves - he rushed and threw for 1,000 yards last season as well as accounting for 32 TDs (26 rush, 6 pass).  Navy's triple option is always fun to watch, but this year they have a chance to put together an undefeated season and a shock BCS Bowl berth that harkens back to the days of Roger Staubach.  Dobbs is starting to get some Heisman attention, not only from the grassroots level and our friends at Blatant Homerism, but from the national media as well.  A Labor Day afternoon game against Maryland on ESPN is the perfect platform for Dobbs to begin his Heisman campaign.

Extra Toppings

-Ohio State.  Looked.  Good.  Sure, it was the first game of the year against Marshall, but Terrelle Pryor looked much more mature running the offense and was more decisive in his reads.  He justified his #1 preseason ranking in the Bloguin Heisman Poll.
-Leave it to Wanny to be the guy that gets upset in Week 1.  Dion Lewis is one Heisman candidate that took a hit in Week 1 (25 carries, 75 yards).
-Lane Kiffin proves once again he's the biggest @$$hole in college football.  Going for 2 after your first 3 TDs against Hawaii?  Is he auditioning for the Oakland Raiders job or something?
-Speaking of insane coaching decisions, way to go Kyle Wittingham going from hero to goat with those childish pre-FG timeouts against Pitt.  Change the rule on all levels to end this stupidity of making kickers redo FGs because of these "clever" coaches.  Luckily, his Utah team won the game where it should be - on the field.
-Boise has the huge game this week, but fellow BCS Buster TCU has a big one too against Oregon State at JerryWorld.  The D has lost a lot from last year's team, but Gary Patterson does one thing well - defense.  They should be able to slow down Jacquizz Rodgers just enough to win.
-One of the best blogs ever - Awful Announcing is back at Bloguin!  Hopefully that means we'll be able to have the Pammies once again.  My early favorite... Pam Ward.
-Ryan and I will both be taking part in the Bloguin College Football Pick 'EM Contest as well as hosting the Bloguin Heisman Poll each week.  Each week we'll pick 4 toss ups and 3 games against the spread.  Here's our picks for Week 1:

Matt: Boise over VT, LSU over UNC, TCU over OrSt, BYU over Wash, ND over Purdue, Neb -38 over Western Ky, Bama -37.5 vs SJ St, Oregon -34 vs New Mexico

Ryan: VT over Boise, LSU over UNC, TCU over OrSt, Wash over BYU, ND over Purdue, Neb -38 over Western Ky, Bama -37.5 vs SJ St, Oregon -34 vs New Mexico

Randall's Got His Eye on You... Brian Kelly

-Notre Dame begins another era of revitalization and resurrection under Brian Kelly, the former Cincinnati coach.  Kelly has a big job to do to reverse all of the bad karma and bad coaching of the Charlie Weis era, but he has succeeded everywhere he's been.  The pro style offense of Weis and Jimmy Clausen is gone and the spread will hit South Bend.  Yes, we heard the same excitement and jubilation for Ty Willingham, Weis, and heck, even Bob Davie.  It might take a few years for Kelly (if he gets that chance), but he could finally be the right guy for the job.  One thing's for sure though - he better beat Purdue on Saturday.

That's it for our Week 1 College Pig Preview!  Let us know what you think about the weekend by leaving us a comment below!

Usually, a September baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins is not noteworthy.  This is especially true when the two teams are a combined 23+ games out of first place and going through the motions to end the season.  However, when the game features the latest idiotic installment of violating BASEBALL'S UNWRITTEN RULES, I have to comment.

If I had the time (and the influence) I would make it my personal crusade to rid the universe of these neanderthalic "rules."  I already addressed this issue once this year after Prince Fielder was plunked in Spring Training!  Seriously, how long is baseball going to be in the stone age with these insane unwritten rules that take the game back to the dead ball era every time a player spits in the wrong direction?  These "violations" of the "rules" of baseball only drive more and more younger fans away from the game.  Our latest chapter of the unwritten rules of baseball involves recent crazy man Nyjer Morgan - profiled here by the third Yoder over at The Nats Blog.

Morgan just graduated from the Milton Bradley school of MLB players.  He threw a ball at a fan, took out a Phillies catcher last week in a dirty play, and then injured Florida's catcher Brett Hayes in a clean homeplate collision during a 0-0 game the night before.  I understand Florida is upset their guy got hurt and Morgan has acted like a lunatic the last couple months.  However, it was an aggressive play and Morgan was trying to knock the ball out.  Catchers get hurt in collisions.  That's baseball.  You want your stupid revenge by plunking him the next night, fine, whatever.  Have your pound of flesh and move on.  But, with the cave drawing sport of baseball, it's never that simple.  Let's set the scene last night...

The Nats are down 14-3 in the 4th inning when the crazed Mr. Morgan gets plunked by a pitch.  Yea, every one of the 257 fans in attendance at Joe Robbie Landshark Ray Finkle Stadium knew it was coming.  Morgan then steals 2nd and 3rd after getting hit and scores on a sacrifice fly in the inning.  Who cares, right?  Let's pause for a second to break this down scientifically and look at the facts before we go any further:

With the news coming today that the New Big 10 (err... 12) will be broken into divisions beginning next year, a furor whipped through the Midwest (and ESPN since there was nothing else to talk about aside from Matt Leinart sucking) about what the conference will look like in the years ahead.  Competitive balance, geographies, and rivalries were reportedly taken into account with the reorganization of the conference with the big news being the split of Ohio St. and Michigan.  So, are the divisions and their makeup good or bad?  As natives of Big 10 country, Ryan and I have distinctly different opinions about the shakeup so let's sit down at the roundtable and settle it like brothers should... by silly namecalling and arguing!

The Divisions:
Schembechler - Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern, Minnesota
Hayes - Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois, Indiana

*Are you happy with the divisional makeup?

Matt - For the most part, I think the Big 10 did the best job possible.  Michigan and Ohio State need to be in different divisions to ensure the possibility of them playing in the Big Money Big 10 Title Game.  It's really a no-brainer.  As far as the competitive balance, both divisions have a clear upper, middle, and lower class.  Going across the line, Nebraska/Iowa vs Penn St./Wisconsin is also an even split.  Then, the divisions maintain most of the other rivalries (Mich-MSU, IU-Pur, OSU-PSU, etc) with one cross-divisional rivalry game preserved.

Ryan - To me the Big Ten did a horrible job of separating the divisions.  There was a much easier geographical split which keeps in tact all of the rivalries the Big Ten is planning on keeping.  If you'll indulge me...

West: Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Northwestern
East: Ohio St., Michigan, Michigan St., Penn St., Purdue, Indiana

Those divisions are split geographically, first (what a novel concept!).  Their competitive balance is also just as good as the alignment the Big Ten proposes (especially looking at the state of Michigan football right now).  You have 3 upper class teams in football on each side (OSU/PSU/Mich vs. Iowa/Wis/Neb) and 3 also rans (MSU/IU/Pur vs. Ill/NW/Minn).  Finally, what about the rivalries the Big Ten claims to be protecting? Here's the list of Big Ten rivalries that award a trophy dating back past 1990 (basically excluding Penn St., who like Nebraska, doesn't have one rival they have to play every year:

Michigan vs. Michigan St.; Iowa vs. Minnesota; Iowa vs. Wisconsin; Illinois vs. Ohio St.; Michigan vs. Minnesota; Indiana vs. Michigan St.; Indiana vs. Purdue; Minnesota vs. Wisconsin; Illinois vs. Purdue; Illinois vs. Northwestern; Michigan vs. Ohio St.;

Are all of those proposed rivalries in tact within the current divisions +1 "crossover"?  No, teams like Minnesota and Illinois won't be able to fit in all their rivals.  Are they in tact in my proposed divisions? Yes.  Is there even more flexibility for crossover games in my divisional alignment?  You betcha!  Is there any logic behind the grouping of these teams in the Big Ten's proposed divisions? No. So what was the real motivation behind this divisional alignment?  The same thing that's been behind any and every decision involving NCAA Football in the last year...money!

Matt - Ok, I've indulged your divisional idea in this crazed Mad Dog Russo rant.  While I like you're geographical-friendly lineup, that setup is completely imbalanced.  The threesome of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska is nowhere near OSU, Penn St, and Michigan in terms of program quality.  What's Iowa's ceiling as a program?  Or Wisconsin for that matter.  Sure, Michigan sucks now, but they won't be down long.  The conference needs the Big 2 (OSU/Mich) and PSU/Nebraska split up for the respectability of their title game.

Ryan- My divisions aren't equal?  Who's closer right now to a BCS berth, Iowa or Michigan?  How about Wisconsin or Michigan?  Where is it guaranteed that Michigan will rise back to the top of college football on a white cloud of glory while "Hail to the Victors" is played on angelic trumpets? I would be able to accept the current Big Ten arrangement if someone, anywhere, could logically explain them from top to bottom, not just the Top 2 in each division.  This doesn't even touch how the Big Ten has butchered OSU/Michigan!

*Can the states of Ohio and Michigan breathe knowing the rivalry game will stay at season's end?  Has the rivalry been butchered?

Matt - Ok, after a temporary panic swept over the Columbus area (of which we both reside), I think it's safe to say the OSU/Michigan rivalry has been anything but butchered.  How anyone could think that the rivalry could actually be in some kind of jeopardy is beyond me.  All these headlines about Ohio State and Michigan being "separated" like conjoined twins is crazy.  If anything, this setup ensures that the rivalry maintains its importance, or even amps it up to new levels.  My God, with the madness going on in recent days over the date of the sacred game, you would have thought LeBron James was leaving Ohio... again.

With the dawn of September comes the first edition of the weekly Bloguin Heisman Poll. Last year at RSS we had our own Heisman Watch each week of the college football season - but now as a part of the Bloguin Network, we wanted to kick things up to notches unknown for the new college football season.  The Bloguin Heisman Poll is an open collaboration of many dedicated bloggers here at the Bloguin Network that love college football.  Each week, bloggers from across the country will send in their votes for their top 3 Heisman candidates (3 pts for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd).  Then, we here at RSS will give you the results and tell you who the Heisman hopefuls really are every week during the college football season.

Here is what you'll see each week in the Bloguin Heisman Poll:
-The Top 5 total votegetters and quotes from bloggers in support of their candidates.
-A list of all players that receive votes in the Bloguin Heisman Poll
-Poll Notes that look at some of the interesting facts, figures, and trends of the poll. 
-The BHP Roll Call of voters and the links to their respective blogs.

Without any further adieu, on the eve of the 2010 College Football Season, here is the 1st Bloguin Heisman Poll...

1) Terrelle Pryor (QB-Ohio State) - 39 Points, 31.20%, 9 1st Place Votes

* Looks to build off a mean Vince Young impression after breakout Rose Bowl victory over a very good Oregon team last year, Pryor has all the tools.  He has to get more consistent, but he has a top title contender in Columbus, something voters love (best player on best team, ala Ingram at Alabama).  If Ohio St. gets a BCS title game bid, and Pryor tops 3,000 yards passing,  20+ td passes with single-digit INT's, and rushes for 600-700 yards, Pryor should take home the trophy. 
-Sean Hawkins, WSU Football Blog

* Pryor is back with a vengeance this season after having a great sophomore season and finishing up with a breakout performance in last years Rose Bowl. It appears that the "Sweater Vest" and Pryor are actually on the same page and that many of his teammates have bought into his hype. With stat padding games like Ohio, Marshall and Eastern Michigan and the marquee television match-ups all at home (Miami, Penn State and Michigan), Pryor should have the numbers and exposure to lift the stiff armed trophy come September.
-KGG, Subway Domer

* I am buying what Ohio State and Pryor are selling this season.  I love Pryor's skill set, and I believe this is the year he puts everything together and really breaks out.  Last year's passing stats were modest, completing 56.6% for 2,087 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.  He also rushed for 779 yards and seven more touchdowns.  I think we'll see around 2,500 yards in 2010 with a decrease in interceptions and another 800 or so rushing.  If he displays some moxie and leadership in big games, he'll likely stay near the top of my list.  He showed me a lot in the Rose Bowl last season, and I think that carries over to 2010. 
-Kris Brauner, Saturday Night Slant

2) Mark Ingram (RB-Alabama) - 25 Points, 20.00%, 5 1st Place Votes
*Note: Most ballots were sent in before news of Ingram's injury broke Tuesday.

* Don't actually think he'll win it, based more on how good his teammates are (Especially Trent Richardson), than anything he will or won't do. But it's Week 1, and Ingram deserves the nod.
-Aaron Torres, Aaron Torres Sports

* We were on the Ingram bandwagon all last season and were excited for the prospect of him battling to challenge Buckeye legend Archie Griffin as a two-time winner.  But, the presence of Trent Richardson and now his knee injury will make that task even more difficult.  Still, Ingram is the hardest, most fierce runner that college football has seen in years.  If he comes back with a flourish in some marquee games, his stats and more importantly the hype he gets from ESPN, could catch him up in a hurry.
-Ryan Yoder, Randall Simon's Sausages

* Should continue to shine in Bama's run-first system, but the emergence of co-star Trent Richardson could prevent Ingram from repeating.
-Cody Strahm, Phins Focus

Well hopefully this division will be a bit more enticing to write about than it's NFC counterpart... and it is!  The AFC West has the big story this offseason in JCQB (QB Tim Tebow above) learning the ropes and pretty much carrying Josh McDaniels future on his broad shoulders.  After that, you have the Chargers, Chiefs and Raaaaaaaaa-iders.  But enough of the intro; time to get it on!

1. San Diego Chargers - Over/Under 11 Wins

The AFC West powerhouse the past few seasons returns with most of their roster intact and ready to win, except for a little #21 named LT (RB LaDanian Tomlinson).  The Chargers kept a hold of RB Darren Sproles to compliment rookie RB Ryan Mathews in the run game.  Compliment those two with the excellent passing of Philip Rivers, consistent play of TE Antonio Gates and the emergence of Malcolm Floyd, and the Chargers will be able to put up some points.  However, the ongoing contract crisis revolving around Vincent Jackson and the chance he won't be in uniform for any games will be a blow, no doubt.  Don't forget the other holdout in 2-time Pro Bowl LT Marcus McNeil.  Those two are vital to the Chargers Super Bowl aspirations.  Will they win the division?  Yes.  But 11 wins?  I can't see more than that.  PUSH 11

2. Oakland Raiders - Over/Under 6 Wins

The joke of the NFL may be a joke no longer.  The Raiders have made out-of-character good moves this offseason with jettisoning former QB JaMarcus "Sizzurp" Russell and replacing him with former Redskins QB Jason Campbell.  He brings instant credibility to the Raider signal caller position, that which they have not had since Rich Gannon during the Super Bowl run.  Campbell will no doubt help the development of their younger skill players (RB Darren McFadden, WR's Chaz Schillens and Darrius Heyward-Bey and TE Zach Miller).  You can't forget about their first round pick, Alabama LB Rolando McClain, who will make his presence known in the front seven this season for the Raider Nation populating the Black Hole.  Winners this year?  Not so fast my friends.  However, over 6 wins?  You bet.  OVER 6

3. Denver Broncos - Over/Under 7.5 Wins

The Broncos better hope JCQB is able to heal because their team needs it.  Starting RB Knowshon Moreno is out with injury along with Correll Buckhalter and star DE Elvis Dumervil is out for the year.  What a bad luck offseason for the Broncos.  They also traded away practice punter extraordinaire WR Brandon Marshall to Miami and now have no real offensive threat, outside of WR Eddie Royal.  QB Kyle Orton will have a good statistical season, mainly because they will be playing from behind so much they will have no other option but to throw.  I don't think it will be bad enough that first rounder QB Tim Tebow will see the field, but don't count on many wins.  UNDER 7.5

4. Kansas City Chiefs - Over/Under 6.5 Wins

Do I really have to do this?  Ok.  The Chiefs stink.  Safety Eric Berry will no doubt help their defense but I can't see much else to look forward to.  Free Agent RB Thomas Jones will flounder in KC this year and Matt Cassell will hope that someone shows up to catch his passes.  Dwyane Bowe needs to get a desire for the game otherwise he won't be there for long.  I can't think of a single Chiefs skill player that would make me take notice this season.  I just don't see a good season for them and once again they will be in the bottom of the division.  Good Luck HC Todd Haley and the Notre Dame reunion, OC Charlie "Peaches" Weis and DC Romeo "Herb" Crennell.  You are going to need it.  UNDER 6.5

The West coast is the worst coast, as far as the NFL goes.  The scariest thing about this division though - the Radiers are on the right track, in spite of Al Davis.  Take it to the bank.  Next up we'll hit the AFC and NFC South to finish up our NFL Over/Under Preview for 2010.  Good bye, good luck, and be careful out there!

I will TRY to keep this interesting, but to be frank, this is THE worst division in the NFL.  You have the Arizona Cardinals and their joke of a QB situation, The Worst Show on Turf, Pete the Cheat Carroll in Seattle and Pants On The Ground Singletary by the bay.  Well, that did make this article a bit more interesting; at least on my end.  But enough about me, lets get to the picks!

1.  San Francisco 49ers: Over/Under 8.5 Wins

Samuari Mike has his boys ready to take over this sorry excuse for a division, and they will.  With a young nucleus in place with LB Patrick Willis, TE Vernon Davis, RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree and rookie OL Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis, the 49ers appear to be on the verge of something big.  The division is theirs for the taking this year and we'll see if Singletary will be able to rile up his boys.  If there is one question mark, it is, and has been, QB Alex Smith.  Smith has gone through Offensive Coordinators like underwear since being the 1st overall pick in 2005.  If he can click with Crabtree, Davis and Gore and get protection from the line then they will be making noise in other places than the NFC West.  Gore will thrive behind the new line and will have a career season running the rock for the 49ers.  And don't mention Taylor Mays roaming the middle of the secondary; he does play his old coach twice a year.  Retribution will be on his mind; I assure you that.  OVER 8.5 WINS

2.  Arizona Cardinals: Over/Under 7.5 Wins

My what a difference an off-season makes.  The past 2 seasons, the Cardinals have been an NFC Powerhouse, making the playoffs and even the Super Bowl in the 2008 season.  However, this season, they don't have Kurt Warner or Anquan Boldin.  They have to rely on either Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson (que a Vincent Price-esque laugh).  Leinart and Anderson have shown nothing to instill confidence in Ken Whisenhunt regarding their QB position.  Larry Fitzgerald, arguably the best WR in the league, will have a very off-year.  When you have no QB, how else are you going to get passes?  There is going to be a lot of running by Beanie Wells this year, another Cardinal who has to show his worth if this team is going to be competitive at all.  My one prediction for the Cardinals this season?  By Week 12, you won't be seeing Leinart or Anderson under center; look for Rookie John Skelton or fellow Rookie QB Max Hall to be taking snaps.  UNDER 7.5 WINS

3.  Seattle Seahawks: Over/Under 7.5 Wins

Pete "Cheat" Carroll returns to the NFL up in the Great Northwest to try and bring the Seahawks back to their Super Bowl form.  It appears that Pete has put in place some good, young talent (Safety Earl Thomas, OT Russell Okung, WR Golden Tate) to try and right the ship.  Thomas is the enforcing/cover Safety Pete needs, Tate is the speedy receiver to stretch the field for QB Matt Hasselbeck and Okung, if healthy, will supplant the spot vacated by retiree Walter Jones.  Hasselbeck will have to stay healthy though for them to succeed and be competitive in the division; one doesn't know if Charlie Whitehurst will be able to lead them to wins.  After paying him a good chunk of money in the offseason, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get to the field at one point if the season gets out of hand or if they are just not in contention in the end.  In comparison to past years, the 12th man in Seattle may be a bit quieter and more subdued this season.  UNDER 7.5 WINS

4.  St. Louis Rams: Over/Under 5 Wins

The $50 million man, QB Sam Bradford, is going to experience his own personal hell this season playing for the Rams.  Watching them against the Browns, I can't name you one player at his disposal, offensive line or skill players that will make him a better player, besides RB Steven Jackson.  Bradford is lucky he does have Jackson to hand the ball off to because anyone else does not have a track record of success one would want if they were a QB.  Losing WR Donnie Avery for the season is going to severely hurt the Rams this season and they will be lucky to not be in the basement of offenses after this season. Add that to their consistent misses on defense high up in the draft, and things still look bleak in St. Louis.  This is a season to see what they have to build on and get Sam over his lumps and on the track to success; if he can stay off the ground long enough to do so.  Being a winner of only 1 game last year, there's only one bet to make with this team.  UNDER 5 WINS

Well if that isn't the most negative preview; I feel sympathy for you if you root for any of these teams, sans the 49ers.  Well stay tuned for the AFC West predictions here in the near future.  Bye for now, and be careful out there!

Pro Football Talk is reporting that the ex-Buckeye and Freshman sensation is finally making his return to football, over 7 years after his last competitive snap.  Maurice Clarett has signed with the United Football League's Omaha Nighthawks (how's that for a nickname!).  Clarett, now 26, has been out of prison since April after serving more than 3 years for robbery and and other charges.

And now, Clarett will try to once again resurrect a football career that looked so promising.  As the workhorse running back for Ohio State's national championship team, Clarett was one of the most talked about freshmen to ever play college football.  Have a look at this highlight reel.  Does this not seem like it was a lifetime ago?  Does this footage even seem real to you?  Heck, we might as well be watching footage of Doak Walker or Glen Davis and Doc Blanchard slicing through defenses - it seems like it's been wayyyy more than 8 years ago that we saw these highlights...

We all know how Clarett's bright star burned out after that sensational freshman season.  He tried to get in the draft and was rebuffed, was kicked out of school, got into a whole bunch of legal trouble, finally got drafted and cut by Denver without playing a game, and then got sent to prison.  The first chapter of Maurice Clarett's pro career ended when he was arrested after a police chase and found with guns, vodka, and a katana.  In the 8 years since Clarett burst onto the national scene, he's been forgotten in a slew of athletes turned convicts.  Clarett has become just another name like Vick, PacMan, and others.

The great thing about America though is second chances.  And, maybe I woke up this morning in too good of a mood, but I'm rooting for Maurice Clarett's comeback.  I hope he succeeds with Omaha and can find a career playing football.  If Mike Vick can come back and play in the NFL after dogfighting and PacMan Jones can continually find a home, why can't Maurice Clarett play some minor league pro football?

Have a look at what Clarett wrote himself on his prison blog, and judge for yourself if this is a man serious about his return to society written last August:

One thing that really frustrates me is that I have not been relevant to my family for the past four summers. That puts a chip on my shoulder. I have no one to blame but myself. The thoughts just put me in a zone like no other. It puts me in my “One and only” mode. I know that there is no way for me to make up for lost time but hopefully my actions in the future will help them to forget all that’s taken place in the past. I never thought I’d once again be in the position of thinking how am I going to get out of this rut. I think that the longer I wait the more serious I become. I think it’s because I have a good understanding on what it means to be physically free.

Maybe his UFL pro days will be nothing more than a sideshow.  Maybe we'll read his name again on the police blotter in October.  Most in the national media are and will be skeptical, at best regarding his comeback.  It may be nothing more than a publicity stunt for an already dying league.  Nothing more than a blip in the 24/7 sports world that fills a minute on PTI, First Take, and Around the Horn.

But, I'm hoping that it becomes more than that.  I'm hoping that Maurice Clarett can find his redemption, and maybe it will begin on a football field in Omaha.

Today our NFL Preview heads to the NFC East, consistently one of the best divisions in football.  This year, like pretty much every other year, the Dallas Cowboys are a popular pick to do big things and will undoubtedly disappoint once again.  The Giants will try and rebound from the disappearance of their defense.  And, oh yea, there's a new sheriff in Philadelphia... and Washington.  Let's fire up the East Coast bias and go Over/Under!

Dallas Cowboys (Over/Under-10 Wins)

-Never has a team that lost by 30+ points in the divisional round of the playoffs been such a hot favorite to reach the Super Bowl.  Of course, when you're the Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl is being played at your new palace, facts don't really play a big role in preseason prognostications.  Not when you have the biggest and most expensive stadium in the league, the QB that dates hotties, Jerry Jones as your owner, and a football world that still lives in the 70's and 90's and worships "America's Team."  It's laughable.  Take a look around at the national media outlets and vegas sports books that instantly installed Dallas as a 2010 favorite in the NFC and the league as a whole.  I don't buy it for a second!  They have the most talented roster in the league?  Then why did it take 13 years between playoff victories?  Why did they get eviscerated in Minnesota?

Coming into 2010, not much has changed for Dallas than in years past.  They have another talented receiver with questionable behavior in rookie Dez Bryant, but he'll start the season on the injured list.  The Cowboys also got rid of LT Flozell Adams in the offseason.  But, the Cowboys largely return intact with all that "talent."  They have one of the best teams on paper, but rarely do they get the job done when it counts most.  One has to only look at the Boys' Nov/Dec schedule to see their fate once again will lie after last season's "success" in the Winter months.  That being said, the NFC East seems significantly weaker this season than in years past. And even with that tough schedule, there will be enough motivation and yes, talent, for this team to win 10+ games and the division.  Then we'll see how they handle the pressure in the playoffs... OVER 10 Wins

New York Giants (Over/Under-8.5 Wins)

-The Giants seem to be stuck in a state of limbo since their shock Super Bowl win a few seasons ago.  Eli Manning is a good QB, but he's never going to be considered one of the game's greats.  The rest of the offense has a couple of weapons, but players like Brandon Jacobs are never healthy consistently.  And, while the defense is talented (especially up front) there always seems to be some concern over issues like playing time or injuries. None of the moves they've made in the offseason (signing S Antrell Rolle, drafting DE project Jason Pierre-Paul, etc.) seem like they will be the catalyst to push this team into the playoffs once again.  They won't be terrible, but the GMen will once again be on the outside looking in come January. UNDER 8.5 Wins

Philadelphia Eagles (Over/Under-8.5 Wins)

-The Eagles have been one of the most consistent franchises in the NFL in the past decade. Ultimately, that consistency looks like it will finally catch up with HC Andy Reid this season.  The offseason started with the controversial trade of QB Donovan McNabb within the division to the Redskins.  It almost seems like Andy Reid sacrificed McNabb to buy himself some more time at the helm in Philly.  Would anyone blame him if the Eagles scuffled to a .500 record with a first-year starting QB (Kevin Kolb) and first-year starting RB (LeSean McCoy)?  Probably not.  So, expect Kolb to have an up-and-down season, and the Eagles to eek out just enough wins to keep Andy Reid around for another season. UNDER 8.5 Wins

Washington Redskins (Over/Under-7.5 Wins)

-Last but not least, we have the new look Washington Redskins under the guidance of Head Coach/Czar Mike Shanahan.  Between the news of trading for McNabb and the Fat Albert saga, it's hard to remember that this is an actual football team that has yet to prove anything on the field.  While the upgrade with Shanahan at coach has been assumed by many, take a closer look at his recent track record.  He's struggled to even make the playoffs without John Elway, and his defenses have gotten progressively worse over time. Will anything change in Washington...doubtful.  This is still a team that is old at several key positions without the types of players to make a big leap this year, although there are some promising pieces in place for the future(DE Brian Orakpo, TE Fred Davis, WR Devin Thomas).  But, with that being said, the success of the season will begin and end with McNabb's performance.  And, with him already being injured, it just doesn't look like he has enough left to lift this team on his shoulders and into the playoffs. UNDER 7.5 Wins

Finally, it's football time once again!  What better way to celebrate with a live blog of the nationally televised Saints v Chargers preseason game tonight.  2009 was a banner year for this Saints fan and I am bouncing off the walls in excitement for 2010.  And, hey, last year I liveblogged a Saints/Bengals preseason game and the Saints won the Super Bowl.  Obviously there's a correlation between fans liveblogging preseason games and Super Bowl victories.  So, as the insanely superstitious fan that I am, here I am to cover the action tonite!  Before kickoff, here's 3 things I'm looking for...

1) Will the Chargers visibly miss holdouts Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil?  How bout the running game without LT?  Is it time for AJ Smith to relent?
*At this point?  It doesn't look like any of those guys are missed.  Malcolm Floyd played well and Ryan Mathews impressed in the running game while Rivers was rarely pressured.  Seemed a fine job to me.

2) The Saints are down 2 starters from last year's team - SLB Scott Fujita and DE Charles Grant.  Will one of the exciting youngsters Jonathan Casillas or Jo-Lon Dunbar claim the job?  Will Alex Brown improve the run defense at DE?
*Didn't see too much to distinguish anyone defensively, especially at SLB, although it was interesting to see Casillas get the start.

3) Can Drew Brees and co. remain hungry?  The Saints have relished their title like no other team in recent memory.  Can they find the magic formula to stay motivated and return to the promised land?
*It appears that they can remain hungry.  Drew Brees and Sean Payton are the kind of competitors that will be able to find the buttons to push to keep the fire lit throughout the season.  Brees was the star of the night with another near flawless performance.

Check out our live coverage with insightful analysis and always witty (well, sometimes witty) commentary throughout by clicking on the title above and refresh throughout the night!

About a month ago, we asked the question - was Stephen Strasburg going to turn out to be the next Mark Prior?  The next phenom turned injury victim who had his career cruelly taken away by injuries.  Well, with the news out this morning, being the next Mark Prior might be a positive ending for Stephen Strasburg.

Yup, it's the three dreaded words no pitcher or franchise or fan wants to hear.  Tommy.  John.  Surgery.  Those continuous thuds you just heard was thousands of people jumping off of the Nats bandwagon as it crashes into a ball of flames.  After one stint on the 15 day DL, Strasburg returned to the Nats rotation on Aug 10.  He pitched 3 games, never pitching more than 5 innings in a start and ultimately making his last start of the year Aug 21 against Philadelphia.  After suffering through shoulder stiffness, he left that start with what was thought to be a strained forearm.  Now, we know the worst case scenario happened - a torn elbow ligament that requires Tommy John surgery.  Strasburg won't pitch again in 2010, and probably 2011 with a recovery and rehabilitation time that may extend past 12 months.

TJS is a much more common procedure in the last several years.  Many pitchers have had the surgery and have came back to some success.  For example, Tim Hudson made the All-Star team this year after coming back from the operation.  Some youngsters even want to seek out the surgery because of the conception that it builds strength in the arm.  However, doctors like James Andrews have been quoted as being concerned with the increasing number of elbow surgeries in high schoolers.  And, there is the major concern with Strasburg and this injury... he's 22!  He has to reconstruct his arm after 68 big league innings!  Is there any evidence that this kid is going to have a long, injury free career?

It's terrible news for baseball and terrible news for baseball in Washington specifically.  After 68 innings, 2 stints on the DL (one for shoulder tightness and one Tommy John Surgery) you'll have a hard time selling me on Stephen Strasburg's bright future.  Without SS for an entire season, whatever excitement the Nats had goes out the window faster than you can say Walter Johnson.  Sure, he may come back in 2012 better than ever.  He may be healthy for the rest of his career.  He may still end up in the Hall of Fame.  Maybe in the end this will be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Then again, the first stage of grief is denial...