Finals week...pshh

This week marks my 7th trip to the five days in april/may and december...the epic finals week. For me, it's actually not a big deal. IMO, finals week is the second best school week of the year (the first being the first week of class)...for one, there's no class. During a stretch where I'd normally have to go to class on 13 separate occasions, I only have to go to three (this semester at least). Second, things are usually quieter since most people are studying. All this results in a lot of free time - one of my favorite things.

Chick-Fil-A Bowl Updates...Geaux Jackets!

So it's official (as of yesterday)...we'll be playin LSU in the Chick-Fil-A (Peach) Bowl on New Year's Eve at the GA Dome. As of now, I've heard two conflicting reports on what to expect in this game (even though I know what's gonna happen). CFN is gettin pretty screwy, saying that the time off between now and the bowl game will give LSU enough time to prepare for CPJ's UCOBS. Does the time off not also mean that we'll have time to prepare for LSU's defense? I mean, I doubt CPJ and the rest of the coaching staff will be picking their noses for the next three weeks and two days. Granted, LSU does have the 17th best run defense in the country, but that's probably attributable to the fact that most teams have been destroying them in the passing game, where LSU is 82nd in the nation. On the flip side, Kirk Herbstreit finally got something right. Today he did a quick spot on the Buck & Kincade show, stating that Georgia Tech would "handle" LSU in this matchup. Well said, Kirky.

Where Are They Now - Tashard Choice & Calvin Johnson

Both Tech boys clean up on Sunday against their respective opponents...sorta. Deuce got his first NFL start yesterday...against the NFL's best rushing and pass defense (@ Pittsburgh), no less. But he did pretty darn well. On top of 88 yards on 23 (that's also his jersey #) tough carries, he was the Cowboys' leading receiver with 78 yards on only five catches. Way to go, Deuce. Not sure when Marion Barber will return, but hopefully we'll get to see the former Jacket get some more carries and receptions before all is said and done.

CJ got some solid numbers too yesterday. Too bad this guy is stuck with the now 0-13 Lions. I'd recommend checking out this highlight video and watching his 70-yard catch-and-run TD reception. You'd think a guy his size would be slow...which I guess is what NFL DCs still think (though maybe not after yesterday). He just outran the Viking DBs...ridiculous. Could anyone imagine what CJ might do with a Peyton Manning or Drew Brees (go Saints!) or Matt Ryan throwing him the pigskin? Neither can I.

But the Lions can't expect to win a game when CJ has only three catches (for 84 yards though). They're a mere three games away from the second 0-16 NFL season ever. Not something to be proud of, I imagine. CJ's gotta find a way to get out of Detroit...New Orleans maybe? (I can be hopeful, can't I?). I'd love to see him as a Falcon too, that'd be solid.

Get this...CJ has 56 receptions, 1055 yards, and 9 TDs. His 56 receptions barely get him in the top 25 in the NFL, but his 9 TDs is good for a second-place tie. He averages one TD every 6.22 catches, good for 6th in the NFL. However, in terms of 1000-yard WRs, he's first on the list. The #2 guy w/ at least 1000 yards receiving is Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals, coming in at 7.55 catches/TD. This means that it takes over one catch more for Boldin to get a TD than it does Calvin. CJ is also the #4 WR in the NFL when it comes to yards per catch, and again the #1 guy w/ at least 1000 yards, with 18.8 yards per catch. The #2 again is pretty far behind, with Greg Jennings of the Packers coming in at 17.1 yards per catch...over a full yard behind Calvin. Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes down to it, this guy in a bona fide freak. No DB in the league can really defend him. All they can hope for is that they don't throw it to him...which is what is going on. If you have any doubt about CJ's ability, just watch this video and look for the clip of him running a reverse at the 3:10 mark. Those aren't high school defenses that are trying to tackle him...those are NFL defensive players. The best. And he was only a rookie last year.

Louisiana #1 for all the wrong reasons...again

Can't say I'm too proud of my home state for this one. A recent Forbes report shows that the real LA is 50th out of 50 states (or is it 58?) in terms of total health (they use binge-drinking, pollution, and disease as indicators). C'mon guys. Put the eighth beer down, and go workout some. Sheesh.

The most wonderful time of the year...

Christmas is right around the corner, a mere 17 days away. Today's Christmas question:

What's your favorite Christmas song? (bonus points to anyone who responds with "Christmas Shoes")