Friday 6 Pack

1. Usain Bolt is still the fastest man in the world, dominating the 100M at the Olympics in arguably the best 100M field ever.  Michael Phelps added to his medal count and is at 22 total for his career.  Would you rather be the Fastest Man in the world or most decorated Olympian?

Matt – Fastest Man in the world has a nice ring to it, that’s only 1 medal.  I think I’d take the 22.

Painter – I'd rather be the fastest man in the world.  Having a lot of medals is nice but that doesn't always mean you're the best (I know Phelps has mostly golds) but being the fastest means you were the best in what you did.

Majors – Fastest man in the world

2. Gabby Douglas brought home the all around Gold Medal and the Fab 5 won the team gold in London.  In Beijing Shawn Johnson took home the all around Silver and Silver as team, and then a gold and silver in individual events.  Who is on the top pedestal at Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines?

Matt – Gabby will have more to add on with the Rio games I’m sure, but without Shawn I don’t think there is a Gabby at Chow’s.  Shawn in my opinion is on the gold medal stand at Chow’s.

Painter – Right now it's Gabby.  She won gold in the all-around and she's not retired.

Majors – As much as I like Shawn, it has to be Gabby. 2 Golds beats 2 Silvers

3. The final PGA Major of the year happens this weekend, any chance that Tiger takes this one or will his hibernation continue in the major wins?  Who’s your pick to win?

Matt – I wouldn’t be shocked if Tiger wins it, he’s been around for all 3.  I don’t think we’ll see a repeat Major winner this year either, and I’ll be curious to see how Adam Scott responds too after the collapse.  Zach has been playing well all year too.  I’ll go on a limb and take Zach.

Painter – Tiger won't win this one and I'm taking Rickie Fowler.

Majors – Unless Rory broke up with his gf, Wozniack, then he won't be winning it. Sooo, I will pick Adam Scott

4. Penn State has had around a 10 player exodus including RB Silas Redd to USC.  I think the figure is Penn State has currently lost 42% of their point production from last year.  Will this team win a Big Ten game?

Matt – Well right now defense will have to carry this team.  O’Brein is going to struggle.  I pegged them at 7-5 pre-defections but may have to drop them more.  Indiana might be their only hope right now at a conference win

Painter – Yes, they do play Indiana after all.

Majors – Sure they will, it won't be easy, but I think they will be decent. They still had talent that was recruited, and BOB seems to be rallying them well

5. A lot of talk in the past year of the NFL and concussions.  Kurt Warner said on the Dan Patrick Show that he would like his boys to not play football and Troy Palumalu said later on the DP Show all NFL players have had their “bell rung” hundreds of times from High School to the Pros.  With all that has happened with concussions, how would you feel if your son wants to pursue and play football?

Matt – My boy right now is playing flag football.  With what I know now I don’t know if I’ll want him to play football or not.  I’m leaning towards no, but when the time comes to helmet to helmet hitting, I’ll have a talk with him and he’ll make the decision then.

Painter – I'd make sure he knows the risks and then tell him his dad was much better at distance running and that he probably is too. 

Majors – I would let them play. I have had a concussion from wrestling, so have countless others. As long as the coaches and parents are aware of what is going on, the kids should play

6. The Total Recall re-deux opened last week.  This version features Collin Farrell and Kate Beckansale in place of Arnold and Sharon Stone.  Who you taking in their prime, Kate or Sharon?

Matt – Sharon I always thought was dangerous sexy, but Kate is a top 5er for me.  Kate in a runaway.

Painter – On acting ability it's a push.  On looks Kate

Majors – Kate, but boy do I like Jessica Biel!!!

Friday 6 Pack

1-Some guy named Webb Simpson won the US Open at +1 at the Olympic Club, did you enjoy watching the course destroy the pros?

Matt – The USGA seems to think they want to bring the golfers down, but I’m not sure that’s what fans want to see.  I like to see great golf shots not just long drives but they made it a little tougher then it needed to be.  Holes 1-6 just didn’t seem fair to the pros, I’d hate to see what they’d do to me as a golfer.

Wendt – I am not a big fan of -15 winning a tournament but watching a golf course completely destroy golfers is not good TV

Blake – Not particularly.  I don't enjoy watching golf the way I play it.  I want them to be good!

Majors – Yeah, it was kinda cool. Since my pick didn't make the cut, I guess I can take a mulligan on that one, right?

2-Dale Jr ended a 4 year streak winning at Michigan this weekend; Tiger Woods has won 2 golf tournaments this year....who is more back Dale Jr or Tiger?

Matt – 2000 Tiger will never be back.  The Olympic I don’t think set up the way Tiger plays for him to win, that being said he was in it going into the weekend.  He’ll win tournaments and I think another major or 2.  Dale Jr was due and he’s been so close this year.  I think he’s finished every lap of the year so far and all the races I saw he’s always in the Top 10.  I think he has a better team around him and car and think he’s more back than Tiger.

Wendt – Neither. One race or one tournament doesn't=being back. Neither will ever be as good as they were (but is anyone?)

Blake – Dale Jr. has never been as dominate in his respective sport as Tiger was, so not sure there's a correct answer here.  Both their sports need those guys to be competitive and get some wins.

Majors – I think Tiger will start being more consistent, but with so much young talent, the days of him winning everything under the sun are probably gone. As for Dale, I guess if you turn left over & over enough times, you find Victory Lane

3-Paul Rhodes broke out the handle bars this past week...better look for him, full beard, shaved or the bars?

Matt – The handle bars are nice…he’s got a little Hulk Hogan going on.  I liked on soundoff what Murphy said, if he keeps they handlebars into the season they are worth 3 points every game.

Wendt – I'm a little uncomfortable talking about another man's facial hair

Blake – I cannot believe the amount of coverage this got.  I guess either clean shaven or the beard

Majors – Bars, Fu, whatever you call it, they are awesome

4-ESPN is calling Lebron "The Closer" now after games 2 and 3 (Heat are up 2-1 as I write this), is he a closer now?

Matt – LeBron isn’ the closer.  He’s probably the best player (argue with Durant) on the court.  The Heat has figured out the last 2 games how to score, take it to the hole!  MJ is the best closer in the NBA’s history but last I saw Marino is the Closer.

Wendt – The media does an awesome job of over analyzing big events. The simple answer is no

Blake – He's been amazingly dominate in the playoffs.  He's finally made The Leap and understands what it takes to win in the Finals.  It's been amazing to watch...and I don't even like the guy.

Majors – Eh, the media being the media. if he misses the game winning shot in Game 4, he will be back to being a choker in the eyes of the Mother Ship. The dude is a stud, that is all that matters

5-Lance Armstrong is being accused of doping....again.  How many times can one guys piss be tested and will this be the time something sticks?  If something is found will your view of Lance change?

Matt – Nothing will stick, it hasn’t yet.  BUT if he is caught I’m not going to think any different.  It’s a sport where EVERYONE cheated!  Part of me thinks that this guy can’t be clean and beating enhanced guys for 7 years in a row?  So I won’t be shocked.

Wendt – Can I be honest for a second? I really don't care if he did or didn't cheat. Cycling is just as corrupt as boxing

Blake – This will ultimately go the way of Roger Clemons and Barry Bonds.  It will become common public opinion that he was dirty...and no one will care.  His accomplishments on the bike have allowed him to do great and wonderful things for society, and ultimately, that's more worth while than any race in France.  

Majors – Biking is a dirty sport, across the board. I bike pretty heavily, so follow it more than most. I don't think much will change in my eyes, IMO. I am so glad our Government is spending all of this money on the investigations of atheltes & doping, Clemens, McGwire, Bonds, Armstrong, since these are the most pressing issues facing our Country at the moment. {sarcasm}

6-Adam Sandler's "That's My Boy" opened to a disappointing 13 million this weekend.  He hasn't had a great movie since Big Daddy?  Should the Sandman take some time off?

Matt – I think that Sandler needs to make some changes.  He has the same crew in most of his movies so it seems like the same movie in a way.  And he’s picked a bad time to release a movie with Madagascar 3 out, Prometheus and blockbuster Avengers still bringing in almost the same amount now a month and a half since release. 

Wendt – I really liked Grownups, Just Go With It and Jack and Jill. I don't think he needs to go away and with the money studios will throw at him he won't. 70 million was a pretty large budget for "That's My Boy" though.

Blake – His schtick is older than Jamie Moyer.  He's actually pretty good in drama's, so maybe he should look at doing more of those for a while.

Majors – I like Sandler, it just seems like his movies are the same. I was interested in seeing this one, but to pay 40-50 bucks? Ehhhh, not so sure. That's alot of coin!  {for the record, saw Avengers yesterday...THAT movie was worth it}

A Tradition Unlike Any Other……Your Friday 6 Pack.

1-Kentucky cut down the nets Monday…final thoughts on the 2012 NCAA Basketball Season?

Matt – I liked the resurgence of the Big Ten teams, Iowa getting better is always nice, and Indiana seems to be back.  But this season I don’t think was memorable, I wish players would have to stay 3-4 years if they go to college.  College bball is too much of a tease, you get a taste of these players and then they are gone on NBA benches or NBAD League teams.

Wendt – I have to be honest, I didn't watch a minute of the game Monday night. Can't stand Kentucky and their fans and really don't care a whole lot about Kans.

Painter – Another Kentucky team stacked with potential pros? Anyone wonder why they were the best in the land?  It was good to see the excitement come back to the state of Iowa during the winter

Blake – Better, more entertaining season than the past few, and probably benefited from the NBA lockout with players sticking around for a second season.  Entertaining final game, and the best team won the championship

BSox – Kentucky is GOOD…well was GOOD…you know since the team is moving to the NBA. Otherwise, I thought it was a great season, and a lot of interesting games through. I mean who would have thought duke, and mizzou would go out in the first round? Good times though all the way around

Majors – The right team won. It is rare when a team that offensively talented can also be that unselfish as well as that defensively talented. They were good

Silker – Typical season of freshman kicking ass and the occasional sophomore sticking around for another year. It was alright with some good games. I wish you could see teams for three years not just one.
Zach - Realistically, Kentucky was king throughout and Calipari is right by saying he has the best job in all of basketball.

2-Hello friends….its Masters week in Augusta….who puts on the Green Jacket Sunday afternoon?

Matt – Tiger will be in the top 5 when it’s all said and done.  I don’t know if we’ll see Rory, after Norman’s epic collapse he wasn’t the same at Augusta.  I hope in the final 2 groups we get Tiger, Rory and Phil, that would be epic.  I’ll take a tip from Faherty and say Sergio breaks through and wins it. 

Wendt – It won't be Tiger and it won't be Rory, probably some no name again

Painter – I'd love to see Rory McIlroy redeem himself from last year and if he can't Zach Johnson would be my next pick

Blake – I'm so freaking excited for the Masters for some reason.  I want a Tiger-Rory showdown on Sunday.  I'll take Rory, making up for his collapse last year

BSox – Tiger Woods…otherwise no one cares. Serious, when tiger doesn’t win, the vast majority of the country doesn’t care, only the golf nuts care

Majors – I am pulling for local boy Bubba Watson. He and Boo Weekley both live by me. I actually dated Boo's wife a while ago, but I was not country club material, lol

Silker – Does Zach Johnson get his second? I think this year is Rory vs Tiger with Rory showing he is the new big thing winning his first green jacket
Zach - Louis Oosthuizen. Why? No idea.

3-Baseball first pitch is upon us….who’s your NL Champ, AL Champ and World Series Champ?

Matt – I’ve picked Philadelphia the past 4 years as NL Champ, that’s changing this year, I think they are too banged up and getting old.  My pick is the Yankees over the Dodgers in 6, Jeter walks off after game 6 in to the Yankee Sunset.  But wouldn’t it be great to get the Pirates vs the Royals?

Wendt – Philadelphia vs Detroit with Detroit winning in 6 games

Painter – I don't follow baseball closely enough to make a real intelligent prediction so I'll say the Astros will beat the White Sox in the World Series just because they are the teams I follow the closest.

Blake – The NL is wide open.  Phillies are getting old, the Cards lost Prince Albert, the Brewers lost Prince, the Marlins are insane.  Could leave the door open for the Giants.  In the AL, I'll take the Tigers, and they win the Series

BSox – No idea, I’ve heard the rangers could be up there again. I’ve heard good things about the Yankees, and Detroit, but way too early for me to pin anything down. Sorry folks

Majors – NL- Phillies, but not 100% sold on that. Utley is a shell of himself, Howard is recovering from Achilles. AL- I would love to say the Rays, but the Tigers are scary. Go Indians!!!  WS- The Tigers

Silker – NL will be the Phillies AL will be the Yankees and the world series champ as much as I hate it will be the damn Yanks
Zach - AL: Angels, NL: Cardinals, Pujols gets season and WS MVP as Halos win in 6 with home-field.

4-Which season has the best opening day/weekend?  NFL, MLB, College Football, NBA, NCAA BB, NASCAR?

Matt – I really like what the NFL has done on the Thursday night making it a party and celebration with the previous super bowl champ.  College football opens with too many cupcake games.  NASCAR is fun too with the Daytona 500.  MLB has a lot of buzz too but really only about 10 teams have a chance to win it all opening day.  NFL gets the nod.

Wendt – I love college football but there is something about MLB's opening day that will always be special to me

Painter – All of those opening days/weekends have seemed to lose their luster in the last few years.  I'd like to offer a different one: opening weekend for golf's major championships, aka The Masters

Blake – I hate the trickled out starts.  Baseball started last week.  The NFL plays on a Wednesday this year, nobody notices when the NBA or College Hoops starts.  I guess I still have a place in my heart for Baseball's opening day

BSox – For me, I like college football’s the best. But the nfl doesn’t hold anything back either. Ncaa bball is fun just because of all the early tournaments and the midnight hoops

Majors – I would love to say the NFL or College Football, but Baseball and the tradition win out

Silker – I am not a NASCAR fan but if you like a party it is NASCAR. However who can take anything away from college football weekends? It is a party and a good kickoff to an awesome year
Zach - Damn, I hate to say this but football does the best job marketing itself. I wish baseball would do the same way. Instead, they want to start the season in another country.

5-American Reunion opens this week – what “PIE” character are you most like?

Matt – I’m definitely like Jim. 

Wendt – I'm probably a mix between Stiffler and Jim

Painter – I think Jim with a little Kevin and a little Stiffler would be the closest match

Blake – I'm stoked for this movie.  I graduated with those guys.  I'm most like Kevin, aka Rookie of the Year

BSox – I think if you mixed jim and stifler together, you’d get something close to me

Majors – Hmmm...The Sherminator? I am kidding! Jim I guess, kinda end up in some crazy situations from time to time...

Silker – I would say Jim because I am a stupid awkward. However have all these guys careers really hit this low that they have to make another?
Zach - I'll go with Jim.

6-James Cameron did a dive in a solo sub to one of the deepest trenches in the world….what one thing on your (non sports game/event) bucket list do you want to do the most and cross of in 2012?

Matt – I’d love to hit the boundary waters or white water rafting but doubt that happens this year.  A day or so on Ragbrai as it goes to Garwin would be cool too!

Wendt – I'd love to ride a day on RAGBRAI

Painter – There are a few things I'd like to do this year but doubt will happen:  Go to the Summer Olympics, visit Lambeau field for a Green Bay game, go to a NASCAR Sprint Cup race, and go to a Stanley Cup Finals game.

Blake – I'm wanting to do some sort of race or triathlon

BSox – Get through this whole marriage thing alive :-)

Majors – Hmmm...swim with sharks? Oh wait, I do that everytime I am at the beach. How about... climb a mountain. Fo sho

Silker – I want to skydive since I am already learning to fly and so on. So skydive
Zach - Go on vacation to Hawaii.

Welcome to March Madness foreplay…Conference Tourney week.

1-Iowa will take on Illinois in the 8-9 game in the Big Ten Conference Tourney on Thursday.  Predictions on the Hawks and who cuts down the nets in Indianapolis?  **note answers submitted prior to start of conf tourney**

Matt – I don’t like this matchup for Iowa but atleast its not in Champaign.  The Hawks need Gatens to hit a few early and have Basabe and White to not let their big guy beat us like he did a few weeks ago.  I think in the end it comes down to Michigan State & Ohio State and this time Michigan State wins, goes in to the NCAA as a #1 somewhere.

Wendt – Illiannoy-76 Iowa-67. I'll take Michigan State to win the title this year

Painter – Iowa may win a game but I doubt they make it to the weekend.  I have a feeling Ohio State or Michigan State will win it all.

Blake – I'll take Michigan State winning the Conference Tourney, and Iowa getting out of the first round.

Majors – Hmmm, let's go Hawks!!! I think they can win this one, but they will have to play fast and play smart. As for the team to win the tourney, I hate to say it, but tOSU looks pretty good lately. They have been pretty consistent this year.

Silker – Hawks beat then Illioni however lose the next game. They suffer a first round lose in the NIT and look to next year. Michigan State cuts down the net after suffering their last lose this past weekend. They go on a terror and win the tourney.

2-Iowa State is the #3 seed in the Big XII tournament and will take on #6 Texas on Thursday.  Will the Cyclones make a run in Kansas City or is it the Jayhawks and everyone else?  **note answers submitted prior to start of conf tourney**

Matt – I think you’ll see Iowa State in the final four and I won’t be surprised if they make the title game.  But thinking its KU vs Mizzou one last time for the Title. 

Wendt – I'll take Kansas vs Missouri for the Big 12 Title

Painter – ISU may make it to the weekend but I have a feeling Missouri is the team to beat.

Blake – Iowa State can definitely go on a run.  That is, if they don't get blinded by the Baylor uniforms.

Majors – Rock Chalk Jayhawk. I think Mizzou & KU will be int he finals, but I think M-I-Z-Z-O-U wins it

Silker – State will make a run but no one in the big XII can stop the Jayhawks.

3-Breaking this weekend is that Saints DC Greg Williams had a bounty pool for the Saints defenders in big hits and game ending hits on opponents.  The NFL will be dropping some punishment here this week, if your Roger Goodell what is your judgment?

Matt – With player safety being the biggest concern, someone is getting punished big time.  Williams will get hit and I’m sure the Saints too.  But this has been around a while, it will need to be each organization taking the correct actions on this too.  Bad hit for the NFL.

Wendt – If I'm Roger Goodell I'm pissed that somebody actually talked, you know these type of pools/bounties have been around for a long time

Painter – I don't know if I would do anything too harsh, maybe fine the coaches involved as well as the team itself.

Blake – Suspended for at least a year.  He has to set a standard that this will not be tolerated...even if I firmly believe it goes on in every clubhouse.

Majors – Move the 'Aints to Cuba. Actually, this has been a hotbed conversation, especially here locally since I am so close to the Cajun land itself. Most "Who Dat' fans think it is a conspiracy against them, but it isn't. They are going to lose...bad. Payton may be suspended 8 games, MULTIPLE draft picks being lost, etc. This will be hard to recover from

Silker – It will be a slap on the wrist with some fines and suspensions. However if I were him, Williams is suspended for the same amount of years he had a pool going. The way is sounds it could be between 7-10 years. Sean Peyton is suspended for one year. New Orleans doesn't forfeit the super bowl they won but it gets the MLB * next to it signifying rules were broken that year. Williams is fined half his salary while at New Orleans and the saints are fined the amount they made for winning the super bowl.

4-Greg McDermott is back in the NCAA after Creighton’s MVC Championship.  Who’s in a better spot now 2 years after McDermott leaving Iowa State for Omaha, the Bluejays or Cyclones?

Matt – I think right not it’s a win win for everyone.  Hoiberg has the Clone (if White stays) in a really good spot with his Transfer U but in time he will need to get a base going and if they can grow a base I think they can compete with KU for a while.  McDermott gets to coach his kid and be in one of the best non BCS conf there is and have a great fan base supporting him.  Sorry Blake to rub salt in a wound, young McDermott would have looked great in purple and gold.

Wendt – Great question. Iowa State seems poised to compete in the Big 12 and let's be honest, the Missouri Valley Conference isn't good top to bottom so I'll take Iowa State being in a better spot

Painter – Short term:  ISU.  Long term (right now):  Creighton

Blake – Bluejays because of the conference.  Creighton is basically that Kansas of the Missouri Valley, the rightful owner of the throne.  The Cyclones will never be that.

Majors – This one is a little out of my wheelhouse. I think ISU has done a good job of rising up. Hoiberg has become impressive as the coach. Creighton has generally had a decent team, but I think the CyClowns are doing pretty well right now.

Silker – Cyclones. McDermott cannot recruit with the big boys. His best player is his son who should be a panther right now. Iowa state is looking better by the day

5-What record in all of sports has NO CHANCE of ever being broken?

Matt – Cy Young’s 500+ wins and Johnny Vandermeir’s back to back no hitters are tough ones to beat.  I don’t think you’ll see a running back top Emmitt or Walter either.  Fricken Emmitt!

Wendt – Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive games played will never be broken

Painter – All records have a chance to be broken (records were meant to be broken) but Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive games streak and Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hit streak are the most likely to never be broken.

Blake – I don't think anyone will ever surpass Wilt's 100 or Cal's Consecutive Game Streak.  I think DiMaggio's Hit Streak could be broken someday.  Maybe

Majors – 56 game hitting streak.

Silker – Wilt! No one will ever score 100 in a game again. No chance ever!

6-Tiger Woods shot a 62 Sunday at the Honda Classic, Rory McIlroy won it to take over the #1 World Golf Rankings.  Many will utter TIGER IS BACK…does Tiger’s round of 62 change your mind on his play?

Matt – I don’t think he’s back but its baby steps.  It’s all in his head.  I will predict that he finishes in the top 5 at Augusta. 

Wendt – One round doesn't make up for last Thursday when he was missing putts all over the place. Let's see how he does for a few tournaments in a row before I start waving my Tiger flag. 

Painter – Not yet.  He needs to shoot in the 60's consistently before I consider him to be back.

Blake – Sure, he's been on an uptick since the end of last year.  It would have been foolish to say Tiger will never win again, but his days of dominance are over

Majors – I think he will begin to play consistent. With all of the distractions, there was no doubt he couldn't focus anymore. As for being the undisputed man? Those days are gone. Too many young players that are really good. Even those guys can't emerge over each other. I think Tiger will win some more, probably multiple majors, but not be dominant, no.

Silker – Tiger still needs to win a major to say he is back. Until he does that he is just a cub. Rory is also a great golfer who is getting better. Players are scared of his name like they were with old Tiger!

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