Fruit For Life

The Denver Broncos are for real. The NFL’s most surprising undefeated team certainly answered any remaining doubters on Monday Night Football as they used a fourth quarter surge to put away the San Diego Chargers 34-23. Denver upped their record to 6-0 while San Diego dropped to 2-3. Denver’s special teams also excelled, with Eddie Royal becoming only the 11th player in NFL history to return a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns in the same game.

NFL football sports betting fans that backed the Broncos as +3 road underdogs were rewarded with the outright victory and Denver continued their season opening undefeated run against the pointspread (now 6-0 ATS). The Chargers, meanwhile, have only covered one of their five games this season. The 57 points scored went OVER the posted total of 44′.

Royal was virtually untouched on both of his kick returns, a first quarter 93 yard kickoff return and a second quarter 71 yard punt return. After the game, he gave credit to his blockers:

“Man, it was a great feeling. The guys did a great job of blocking. I’ve got to give them a lot of credit. They opened up the seams and it was a home run.”

Despite the rarity of his feat, he said he wasn’t surprised that he turned the trick:

“You’ve got to believe it can happen before you do it. I’ve got a lot of faith in the guys in front of me, so I wasn’t surprised.”

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels also praised Royal’s blockers:

“I think our guys did a great job of blocking and giving Eddie a chance to get started.”

While losing coach Norv Turner lamented his team’s poor kick coverage:

“It doesn’t matter who you are playing; you give up two big returns on a punt and a kickoff and it makes it tough”

Chargers’ QB Phillip Rivers talked about the loss and the team’s slow start to the 2009 NFL season:

“It’s going to be tough. We have to get over this one quick or we’ll find ourselves in trouble in Kansas City because it’s a short week.”

Denver will get a week off to enjoy their 6-0 start before returning to action on November 1 at Baltimore. The following week they’ll host the defending Superbowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football before traveling to Washington, DC to face the Redskins. San Diego will play at Kansas City this weekend. They’ll return home to face their hated rivals, the Oakland Raiders, on November 1 before a road game against the New York Giants the following Sunday.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on World Cup soccer betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds sites. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated no more. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ used a couple of big plays from their defense in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and defeat the Vikings by a final score of 27-17. Favre put up decent yardage in the loss, throwing for 334 yards but had no touchdowns and an interception.

NFL pointspread players who backed the Steelers as -6 home favorites were rewarded with the cover. Pittsburgh had only covered one of their first six games heading into the contest, and the win improved their record against the number to 2-5. Minnesota dropped to 4-3 against the spread with the setback. The 44 points scored went UNDER the posted total of 46′.

The Steelers largely shut down Minnesota’s rushing game, holding Adrian Peterson to 69 yards. Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark underscored his team’s dominance against the run:

“That’s the biggest point of the game. You have the best running back in the world and you don’t give it to him. They’re saying they can’t beat us running, and that’s a major statement when you have the guy they have back there.”

Favre gave a feeble justification for the loss in his postgame interview:

“There were a lot of what ifs, a lot of reasons we didn’t win. The red zone was one of them. They’re physical, and they were as good as we thought they’d be. … When I came here and looked at our schedule and saw the Steelers game, I went, ‘Oh-h-h.’ ”

Favre has only thrown three interceptions in a Vikings’ uniform, but #3 was a costly one as it was returned by Steelers’ Keyaron Fox for a touchdown to put the game out of reach as Minnesota was driving for a potential game tying field goal. Afterwards, Fox recalled the play:

“Brett tried to force it in there and the running back bobbled it and slipped out of his hands and it fell into my lap. I had just run across the field after Peterson and I was winded, so it felt like it was 100-plus yards.”

The Vikings now face another big game next week as they head to Favre’s old stomping grounds in Green Bay for a battle with the Packers. It’ll be Favre’s first appearance at his old home in an enemy uniform. The Vikings will then have a bye weekend before hosting the lowly Detroit Lions on November 15. Pittsburgh will enjoy a bye week this week before returning to action on Monday, November 9th facing the Denver Broncos on the road.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

In a matchup between two of the worst offenses in the NFL, someone had to win. Despite producing only 9 first downs and’3 yards of total offense, the Cleveland Browns got a late game field goal from Billy Cundiff to defeat the Buffalo Bills 6-3 and win their first game of the season. The Bills had the more productive afternoon statistically, with- first downs and 288 yards of offense but were undone by three costly turnovers. Both teams are now 1-4 on the 2009 NFL season. Neither team appears to be headed anywhere but down in the NFL standings.

To successfully bet on the NFL, one needs to find opportunities to play underdogs”this is particularly true in games where neither team is expected to put many points on the board. Such was the case here, as Cleveland easily covered the pointspread as +6 road underdogs. Both teams are now 2-3 against the number on the season. The Browns have now won and covered the last three head to head matchups between the teams. The 9 points scored came nowhere near the total of 41 for an easy UNDER.

It was a game without many highlights. The Browns got on the board first with a 24 yard Cundiff field goal in the second quarter, and took that 3-0 lead into the locker room at halftime. Buffalo would tie the score in third on a Rian Lindell 36 yard field goal. That would set the stage for Cundiff to nail the game winner from’ yards out with: 23 left to play. Despite todays victory, Cleveland is averaging a woeful 11 points per game this season.

The real loser in Sundays contest may have been Buffalo head coach Dick Jauron. Many were surprised that he was retained after the Bills third straight 7-9 season last year and things have gone from bad to worse so far in the 2009 NFL season. Buffalo has lost to winless teams in back to back weeks, part of a three game losing streak. Overall, the Bills have wound up losers in 12 of their last 15 games. Not that Cleveland has done much better–the win today ended a 10 game losing streak, one short of the all time franchise record. There are at least a few signs of hope in Cleveland, the same can’t be said for Buffalo.

Cleveland will have a tough road assignment next Sunday, heading to Pittsburgh to face the World Champion Steelers. Theyll return home for a game against the Green Bay Packers on October 25th before playing the Chicago Bears in The Windy City the following week. Buffalo will play the next two on the road, heading to the Meadowlands next Sunday for a game against the New York Jets followed by a trip to Charlotte, NC to take on the Carolina Panthers.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and a noted authority on sports betting and NFL football betting lines. He is a frequent sports radio guest where he gives advice on how to successfully bet on NFL football. He lives in Las Vegas with three dogs and a dingo.

The Florida Gators rampage through the SEC reached its culmination with a 31-20 victory over #1 ranked Alabama in the conference championship game. The Gators scored– 4th quarter points to secure victory in a contest that was an epic struggle for three quarters with five lead changes and two ties. This victory set the stage for the Gators’ appearance in the National Championship Game.

The Gators scored first, taking a 7-0 lead on a three yard Tim Tebow TD pass to Carl Moore. The Crimson Tide quickly answered, tying the score on an eighteen yard run by Glen Coffee and taking their first lead of the game at 10-7 several minutes later on a 30 yard FG by Leigh Tiffin. Florida came right back in the second quarter, tying the game on a Jonathan Phillips’ yard FG and taking a 17-10 lead into the halftime break on another Tebow TD pass, this one to David Nelson from five yards out. Alabama regained control in the third quarter, tying the score on a 2 yard Mark Ingram touchdown run and then regaining the lead at 20-17 in the final seconds of the period on another Tiffin field goal. Florida put them away for good in the fourth, however, on a 1 yard Jeffrey Demps TD run followed by Tebows third touchdown strike of the day.

As was the case more often than not during Floridas run to the BCS title game, Tim Tebow was the big star for the Gators. The junior QB had 216 yards passing with 3 TDs and no interceptions plus fifty seven yards on the ground. Florida head coach Urban Meyer wasnt hesitant about praising Tebow effusively in his post game comments:

“I’ve had some great players, and I’ve got some great players on this team. But I’ve never had one like this. Tim’s got something special inside him. I’m not talking about throwing. I’m not talking about running. I’m talking about making everyone around him better. That fourth quarter was vintage Tim Tebow.

Alabama coach Nick Saban concurred:

“He’s a great competitor. He takes his teammates on his shoulders a lot. They have a lot of confidence he’s going to make plays, and they play that way. They scored two touchdowns where we had them covered about as well as we could cover them.”

According to cornerback Joe Haden the football world underestimated the Gators’ toughness:

“Our team is a tough team. The only reason they look past our toughness is our speed. They said we were a speed team and they were a tough team. We’re just as tough. We can still be pretty and fast and tough at the same time.”

Even in defeat, it was impossible to overlook the remarkable resurgance of Alabama football. The team was only two years removed from a 6-7 record in their last year under Mike Shula. In only two years at the helm, Nick Saban has amassed a’-7 record at Alabama with no signs of slowing down.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

David Cutcliffe pulled off a bright coaching choice by rapidly announcing Sunday that Thad Lewis might be his starter for this Saturday’s matchup with the Kansas Jayhawks.

Although I have simply one problem with the means Cutcliffe went about it. It really is such a slight thing and I was reluctant to even bring it up, although felt compelled to do it.

Cutcliffe revealed Lewis was one of a selection of athletes who had caught the flu and missed practice time.

If you tell me Lewis is the man, I am okay with this, mostly because I don’t have a say in the matter and you may care less what my belief is. However there is moreover the fact that you are the head coach/qb guru and understand more than I will ever know regarding that position.

There is no need to tell me Lewis is not 100 percent.

He obviously said he did not want to cause a qb controversy, but, as most know, qb controversies 9 times out of 10 are started by fans and media, not personnel.

If a quarterback debate manifests as a result of Renfree’s great performance and Lewis’ not so nice play then deal with it if the questions come.

While I agree with his choice and swiftness of it he could have opened up a undersized door for criticism of his starter.

If Lewis doesn’t play favorably at Kansas then Cutcliffe will undoubtedly be hit with questions about whether or not Lewis is 100 percent and if he isn’t, why isn’t Renfree playing more?.

So with respect to the coach’s well being I hope Lewis steps up and is victorious or has a nice game, because the absolutely last issue the team needs right now in the wake of the great motivator of beating Army is a debate.

Simply ask Coach K if you’re in search of a second opinion. He has had to cope with one or 2 of those.

Alabama has had some great winners over the years, and has churned out out some of the most elite athletes that college football has ever seen, but there is no greater celebrity to come from Bama’s historic past than Bear Bryant.

BEAR BRYANT

Bear Bryant started his career at Alabama as a football player in 1931. He was only 1934 national championship play end. Brian always joked that he was the “other end” that played for “mamma”. The other end was the legendary NFL Hall of Famer, Don Hudson. Even bear Bryant’s college playing days, he showed mental toughness and playing the 1935 game against Tennessee with a broken leg.

As as college head coach, Bryant went through several university head coaching jobs such as Maryland, Kentucky, and Texas A& M before he finally had the opening to return to his alma mater, the University of Alabama. So stirred was Bear, that he famously was quoted as saying, “Mama called. And when Mama calls, you just have to come runnin’.”

In the year of Bear took over the helm of Bama, and began leading it to its former Rose Bowl-style brilliance but attained even higher heights. Producing legendary players like Pat Trammell, Big John Hannah, Snake Stabler, Joe Namath, Lee Roy Jordan, Billy Neighbors, Bob Baumhower, Johnny Musso,, and many others.

Overall, Bear Bryant was a dazzling motivator and knew how to get his teams to do what he needed them to accomplish. Florida A&M coach, Jake Gaither said of Bear Bryant, “He can take his’n and beat you’n, and he can take your’n and beat his’n.” The inspiration wasn’t just on the playing field, the inspiration carried into real life also by the quality he instilled in his players like big John Croyle, who started the faith-based Christian Big Oak Ranch for unfortunate boys and girls in Springville, Alabama.

The last year that he coached the Crimson Tide, 1982, was a down year for Alabama and Bear couldn’t see himself coaching Alabama into mediocrity. He always said that if he stop coaching that he “wouldn’t last a week.” In actuality, he didn’t last much longer than that, only 37 days. On January 26, 1983, Bryant died of a heart attack at age 69 and many mourned his death. Officials projected that between a half-million to a million individuals were lined all along the 53 mile stretch from Tuscaloosa to the cemetery in Birmingham that was only blocks away from Legion Field.

Bear’s Legacy

Bear’s legacy lives in the players that are now growing older and the fans that hark back to his championship heart. Not only that… He helped shatter segregation in the South’s football universe, and in doing so, turned the state around from prejudice to glory. Not only that, he changed the world to a better place. Roll Tide!

The Calgary Stampeders used a solid all around game from running back Joffrey Reynolds to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31-23 before 35,000 fans at McMahon Stadium in weekend CFL action. The victory evened the Stamps record at 3-3 on the season and left them tied for first place in the CFL West Division with Saskatchewan and Edmonton. The Blue Bombers dropped to 2-4 with the setback.

Reynolds ran for one touchdown and caught another to pace the Stampeders offensive attack. After the game, he received praise from veteran CFL QB Henry Burris:

“Joffrey, he’s been an animal. He’s a proven professional. To me, he’s the best running back in the league and he shows it game in and game out.”

Reynolds displayed impressive humility as he accepted Burris compliment:

“Any time that you can be mentioned with great players in this franchise and in this league, you’ve got to be happy about that. I’m just trying to play good football and just help us win games.”

Winnipeg running back Fred Reid rushed for a pair of touchdowns, but insisted that his team needs to compete for 60 minutes if they want to win games in the CFL:

“We have to play four quarters. The slow start hurt us. We played hard and came back in the second half. I wish we could have pulled it out. We have to keep fighting.”

Calgary safety Wes Lysack praised the competitive tenacity of the Blue Bombers:

“Give credit to them. They gave us a heck of a fight, but we found a way to get a win. Wins are hard to come by in the CFL.”

Winnipeg will return home on Saturday to face the CFLs best team, the Montreal Alouettes. The Stampeders travel to Edmonton for a Thursday night game against the Eskimos.

How can it be so difficult to get tickets to watch Chelsea? Each week, many Chelsea supporters stand for hours at the ticket office hoping to get tickets a match. I was recently speaking to elderly Chelsea follower Dennis Anderson, who told how it hasnt always been the case at the Stamford Bridge.

“I remember when I could waken on a Saturday morning & only then decide that Id take my place in the Shed to watch Chelsea play against top flight opposition”. It seems that his loyalty hasnt dwindled with age as he went on to say; “Im 79 years old now & I cant afford a season ticket. I do still manage to make it to several matches each season though & still enjoy a pint or two in the pub before kick off.”

So what is the main reason that Chelsea have become so popular in recent years? When walking around London it’s impossible not to notice that swarms of people are proudly wearing Chelsea team shirts. Everyone seems to be wearing them as though they are the latest fashion item.

Before I can let you in on a secret on just how easy it can be to get tickets, lets have a brief look at some of the reasons why the popularity of this club has soared recently.

The History of Chelsea Football Club

Chelsea FC were founded in 1905 & entered the football league in that year. Their infant years were mostly uneventful & fifty years had passed prior to them winning their first major honour. This came in 1955 when they won the league title. However, the late 60s & early 70s were their golden years & the popularity of the Blues grew with the club becoming the most stylish team in the UK.

In the 1970 season, Chelsea met Leeds United in the FA Cup final which finished in a 2-2 stale-mate. Chelsea went on to win the replay 2-1 & the following season, they added the European Cup Winners Cup to their trophy cabinet.

However, as the area became less trendy, the club experienced a decline & spent many years in the 2nd division. They didnt reach the top flight again until 1989. Chelsea FC added further silverware to their trophy cabinet in 1997/98, when winning both the League Cup & European Cup Winners Cup.

Over the coming years the team seemed to be seriously under-achieving until their luck took a turn for the better. Upon purchasing Chelsea FC, few in the football world had even heard of Roman Abramovich, but it wasn’t long before his name was on everyone’s lips as he embarked on what seemed like a non-stop spending spree. Chelsea now had more funds available at their disposal than any other club & it wasnt long before they joined the elite of English football and became a one of “the big four”.

When manager Jose Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge, he was brimming with confidence which quickly spread to the team and thier performances. First they won the Carling Cup & then the Premier League in succession. The fans didn’t have too long to wait for another league championship either, as they reclaimed the title the following season. Although Chelesa couldn’t secure the league title for the 3rd year in a row, they did achieve success by winning the FA Cup & Carling Cup.

In late 2007, Jose departed from Stamford Bridge in shock circumstances, & Avram Grant was quickly appointed as his successor. He Led Chelsea to their only UEFA Champions League Final. Unfortunately his contract was terminated in what were perhaps harsh circumstances after Chelsea lost the match on penalties to Man Utd. Brazilian World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari succeeded Avram, but he also couldn’t manage to fill the void left by Mourinho & was sacked midway through his debut season.

Abramovich turned to Gus Hiddink to fill the managers vacancy. So far he has managed to lead the side to the 2008/09 FA Cup final, when Chelsea beat rivals Arsenal in a Wembley semi-final. However it is believed that he will vacate his position in the closed season in order to concentrate his efforts coaching Russia’s national side.

So now its seems its time to let you in on that little secret I was telling you about. The information highway or the internet as it is more commonly known, has made it possible for anyone to buy Chelsea tickets & it can now be done from your armchair in the warmth of your own home. Visit SecureYourSeat.com who are able to offer you Chelsea tickets for each of their Premiership, Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup matches.

SecureYourSeat.com – 0044 (0)8708 032 320 – sales@secureyourseat.com