2013 Redhawks to play Ole Miss in football

Chuh-ching!  $$$$$

Southeast Missouri State announces today a one game agreement with the University of Mississippi to play football in 2013.  The Redhawks will face the Rebels in Oxford, MS September 7th, 2013.

Ole Miss competes at the Football Bowl Subdivision level (formerly 1-A) in the Southeastern Conference.

SEMO has a connection to Ole Miss - SEMO Athletics Director John Shafer held the same position in Oxford from 1998-2002 and SEMO mens basketball coach Dickey Nutt is a younger brother of Mississippi head football coach Houston Nutt.

The Redhawks will also play another "money" game in 2011 against Purdue.

Cardinals eliminated from postseason

For only the fourth time this decade the St. Louis Cardinals will not win or share the the NL Central Division title.  Chicago won in 2003, 2007 & 2008 and this year Cincinnati claimed it's first division Championship since of the decade and first since the shortened season of 1995.

The '95 season (which was limited to 144 games) began April 25th after the players strike ended.  The strike began August 11th 1994 and lasted 232 days.  

Please allow me to be excited... As a life long Reds fans it's been tough remaining interested and excited about my team for the entire season.  The Reds are usually an afterthought around the All-Star break, so for them to play meaningful baseball the second half of the season is a bit foreign to me (and Reds Nation).

At least for the next couple of weeks I get a little taste of what it's like to be a Cardinals fan....My team with a chance to go to the World Series!

To quote Cincinnati Reds veteran play-by-play announce Marty Brennaman, "And this one belongs to the Reds."

Sports: A healing power

I'm not trying to be a "downer" or darken the mood on a Friday...Not by any stretch.

I'm sure most have been touched by cancer in some way..a friend, relative, co-worker, etc. For me it was my grandmother losing a battle to breast cancer. There is not a day that passes when she is not in my thoughts.

Each time I sit at the desk in my home office I catch a glance of the Reds thermos she got me as part of a promotion at a Reds minor league game in Tampa, FL.  It brings back memories of spending summers with her and my grandfather at their home in Florida.  She was one of the driving forces behind me becoming the person I am today. I miss her greatly.

I can empathize with anyone dealing with a loved one stricken by any form of cancer.

I stumbled upon this article in the Orlando Sentinel of a family fighting...A fathers wish to see his daughter play varsity lacrosse.

Orlando Sentinel: Dying wish fulfilled

Scott City preps arch rival Chaffee

Yesterday I put the spotlight on the Chaffee Red Devils as they prepare for arch rival Scott City.

Now it's the Rams turn.

Scott City has had a roller coaster first four weeks of season winning only once and suffering through three losses. Two of their three losses were by less than a touchdown. They picked up their lone victory in week two.

Week #1

Malden  47  (OT)
Scott City 41

Week #2

Scott City  42
St. Vincent  21

Week #3

Scott City  23
East Prairie  37

Week #4

Scott City  7
Dexter  43

The Rams feel they are on the verge of putting it all together and righting the ship.

"I was disappointed last week in our performance," said Scott City head coach Jim May.  "Before that we lost a couple games to Malden and East Prairie that we had chances play in but last week it was never truly a contest.  We were beaten early and soundly and that disappointed me. Our spirits are up and we are working and hopefully going to get this turned around right now"

Chaffee preps arch rival Scott City

It's hard to believe this Friday marks the mid point of the high school football season in Missouri (week number five of the regular season).

One of our key match ups this week on Heartland Football Friday features arch rivals Scott City and Chaffee. The Red Devils travel down the road to road to Scott City a place they have won only once in the past three trips.

Both teams have struggled to start the season and both sport identical 1-3 records. Chaffee knocked off St. Pius X 20-6 last week to end a three game skid to open the year. By no stretch of the imagination is Chaffee in a position they hoped to be, but they believe all is not lost.

"We are all on the same page," Said Chaffee Senior Cody Enderle. "We are all acting like brothers in the locker room and definitely on the practice field. We just carry that over every Friday night and for the past two weeks and that's what has really helped us a lot."

Come Friday night the atmosphere in Scott City will be electric for the annual rivalry. Red Devils head coach Charlie Vickory it's more than just a fun night for the players.

"It should be fun for the town and the kids you know If you can't get up for that game you can't get up for any of them," said Vickory. "I think we have kind of renewed the rivalry a little bit (winning in 2008 & 2009). I have always said there is not much of a rivalry if one team wins all the time and that was the case for a while and I think it's a pretty good rivalry and they (Scott City) have a pretty good football team. They have played some tough opponents as well, so we are looking for to Friday night."

Congrats to SEMO

I must admit I'm still in a little shock Southeast Missouri State was able to fight back (down 21-3 in the 3rd Qtr) and upset fifth ranked SIU 24-21. What a huge win for head coach Tony Samuel, his staff, players and the University.

Going into Carbondale and not only standing toe-to-toe with the number 5 Salukis but punching them in the mouth is utterly monstrous!

I'm really happy for Coach Samuel...This is a victory he desperately needed and should weigh heavily in his favor come contract renewal time. Coach Samuel is in the final year of his current contract.

The Redhawks now have legit expectations. Can they keep it going? Will they buckle under pressure? Who knows, but it should be a interesting remainder of the season.

VIDEO: The victorious Redhawks return to Cape last night after beating #5 SIU.

8-Soldiers and a Jeep!

8-Soldiers and a Jeep!

No it's not part of the new fall lineup on CBS. Although it could be the basis for a M*A*S*H (like) sitcom.

This is absolutely incredible.

NASCAR pit crews should feel nervous after watching this video. Wish I could get service this quick at my local auto shop. Would be great to have my car fixed and ready to go before I sit down in the waiting room and flip through an old copy of Sports Illustrated.

To borrow and modify the slogan from Jimmy Johns...This is "Service so fast you'll freak".

Sam Bradford era begins

52,440 at the Edward Jones dome in St. Louis witnessed the beginning of rookie QB Sam Bradford's NFL career. Despite the 17-13 loss I think it's safe to say the vast majority will agree the future looks bright for Bradford and the Rams.

Bradford finished with 32 completions (55 attempts) for 253 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and a quarterback rating of 53.1.

"Obviously I'm disappointed about the loss, I though we had a chance to win the football game,' said Bradford. "I thought I handled some things well and didn't handle some things so well but I think when I get in tomorrow and look at the tape there is going to be some things to learn from."

Bradford spread the the ball to eight different receivers....his go-to-guy in game one was the newest member of the team Mark Clayton. He caught 10 of the 16 passes thrown his way for a total of 119 yards. Thirty-nine coming on one reception. The veteran joined the Rams after being released from Baltimore.

Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo was as upbeat as one could be after a loss.

"We are going in the right direction, we are doing the right things. Guys are doing what they are supposed to we just need to make a play," said head coach Steve Spagnuolo. "The only thing we didn't get today was the reward."

If I had to give Bradford a grade for his (real) debut...He gets a solid C+. I thought he was composed, showed he has some command and didn't appear to be "shell shocked". I think the interceptions will decrease once he becomes more familiar with the offense and Bradford gets the timing down with his receivers.

The Rams (0-1) travel west to play the Oakland Raiders (0-1) Sunday at 3:05.

Countdown to Selection Sunday

I know football has taken center stage but it's never too early to look ahead to basketball season. Saw this story at Yahoo! Sports about the upcoming (expanded NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament). NCAA Selection Sunday (March 13th, 2011) is only 184 days away.

The first four opening round games will be played at the UD Arena in Dayton, OH March 15 & 16. Great move by the NCAA top brass for awarding UD the extra games. The boost in extra revenue for the Dayton economy will be welcomed and it's a well deserved accolade to basketball fans in the Miami Valley.

No matter how good or bad the Flyers are on the court (lately they have been solid - 2010 NIT Champs) 10-12 thousand pack the arena for each game. UD Arena (home of the University of Dayton Flyers) is a great place to watch a game and a definite home court advantage for the Flyers. They are 509-183 at home.

The Flyers have only made the NCAA Tournament seven times since 1979.

And some not-so-good-news for the the Tennessee Vols basketball program.

According to the Associated Press the NCAA has contacted head coach Bruce Pearl and a assistant about possible recruiting violations. Combine that with players arrested on guns and drug charges, football players involved in a brawl and a separate investigation into former head football coach Lane Kiffin for possible violation... you get (not-so) good times on Rocky top.

Cards - Reds race for the NL Central

Can't take credit for these numbers... I lifted them from a great sports blog (heavy on Cincinnati sports) written by Cincinnati sports talk radio host Lance McAlister.

*Doing the math

Reds 79-58....6 game lead with 25 games remaining
Cards 72-63.....27 games remaining

If Reds go 15-10 (94-68)
Cards must go 22-5 (.815) to tie

If Reds go 13-12 (92-70)
Cards must go 20-7 (.741) to tie

If Reds go 12-13 (91-71)
Cards mut go 19-8 (.704) to tie

If Reds go 12-13 (91-71)
Cards must go 19-8 (.704) to tie

If Reds go 11-14 (90-72)
Cards must be 18-9 (.667) to tie

*http://www.1530homer.com/pages/lancesBlog.html

SIU = Running Back U

The Southern Illinois Slauki football program has (of late) become a mini football factory. The list is pretty impressive with the likes of Tom Koutsos, Larry Warner, Deji Karim, Brandon Jacobs and Muhammad Abdul-Kadir.

Could the guy currently lining up in the Saluki backfield, Lucien Walker, be the next great SIU back? In the season opener he gave them a solid effort with 116 yards rushing and three touchdowns on a dozen carries.

Starting quarterback Chris Dieker says it makes life much easier when he has a go-to-guy he can hand the football.

"I'm happy with what we did offensively," Said Chris Dieker. "We had a prettty solid run performance today and that was pretty exciting to see. "Going into the game we weren't sure what our identity would be but we came out and ran the ball hard and threw it consistantly and I'm happy with the play."

Jacksonville State beats Ole Miss (SEMO did it 103 years ago)

This is absolutely huge! Jacksonville State pulling of a come-from-behind upset victory of big-boy-football-team Ole Miss. The Gamecocks knocked off the Rebels 49-48 in overtime.

It's not the first time the Rebs have lost to a team (currently) in the OVC. Ole Miss suffered a 12-6 loss to SEMO in 1907. It was the only victory of the season for Southeast.

SEMO Football 1907

Won 1, Lost 3

Opponent SE OPP

Mississippi W 12 6

Washington University L 0 34

Missouri Mines L 5 37

Central Missouri L 4 34

Jacksonville State quarterback Coty Blanchard completed a 2-point conversion pass to Calvin Middleton in double overtime as the Gamecocks pulled off a stunning 49-48 victory over Mississippi on Saturday.

This is absolutely huge! Jacksonville State pulling off a come-from-behind

--- --- ---

Blanchard threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kevyn Cooper on fourth-and-15 to pull within 48-47 in the second overtime. Then, the Gamecocks made the call to go for the win in the season opener for both teams.

Jacksonville State, a Football Championship Subdivision team from the Ohio Valley Conference, trailed 31-10 at halftime but outscored Ole Miss 21-3 in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Jeremiah Masoli made his much-anticipated debut for Mississippi after being cleared by the NCAA on Friday. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 109 yards and one interception.

Ole Miss is 6-6 all-time in overtime games.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)