Kentucky Takes Down WKU In Season Opener

Freshman RB, Josh
Clemons scored a
touchdown in his UK
debut

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Josh Clemons scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, and Morgan Newton shook off three interceptions in throwing a 31-yard TD pass to La'Rod King in helping the Wildcats beat Western Kentucky 14-3 on Thursday night.
Kentucky had only 75 yards total offense through the first three quarters before Newton drove them 80 yards late in the fourth to put away the victory. The Southeastern Conference team handed Western Kentucky its 16th straight home. The Hilltoppers were the home team in this game played at the home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Winston Guy had an interception that set up Clemons' TD run on a night when the Wildcats struggled with at least six three-and-outs on offense. They struggled to beat a team they routed 63-28 last season with backups getting plenty of playing time.
Kentucky had six starters back, including four on the offensive line, from a team that reached a fifth straight bowl last season. It didn't help as the Wildcats' line got pushed around all night. Kentucky struggled to get its offense going early with Newton settling in at quarterback with the departure of Mike Hartline.
But the Wildcats led 7-3 at halftime despite being outgained 101-35 in total offense and 234-190 for the game.
The Hilltoppers also sacked Newton three times, and the Kentucky quarterback had at least three passes dropped by receivers.
Newton got going just in time, shaking off two interceptions in the fourth quarter, the last with 9:40 left and Kentucky driving. Newton's pass bounced off an official's left arm and Wildcats guard Stuart Hines before going to Western Kentucky defensive end Jared Clendenin.
Facing third-and-14 at the Kentucky 16, Newton ran up the middle for 58 yards in the game's longest play before being dragged down. He then found King wide open for a TD with 4:35 left.
The offenses struggled so much that the punters had the best plays most of the game. Ryan Tydlacka had a 59-yard punt for Kentucky that pinned the Hilltoppers deep, while Hendrix Brakefield had a 58-yarder for Western Kentucky.
Western Kentucky held the ball for 34 minutes, and Bobby Rainey ran for 107 yards, his sixth straight game with at least 100 yards rushing.
But the Hilltoppers scored their only points on a 41-yard field goal by Casey Tinius after Vince Williams picked off Newton in the first quarter. The Hilltoppers had a chance to pad the lead, but Kawaun Jakes repeatedly overthrew receivers, including Jake Doyle in the end zone. Then a low snap led Tinius to push a 34-yard attempt wide right. Guy got his second interception on the final play of the game as Jakes threw into the end zone.
 

Benson Behind Bars For 20 Days

The Bengals and jail, it goes together like a horse and carriage, love and marriage, peanut butter and jelly, etc. RB Cedric Benson will go to jail for 20 days for punching a bar employee and a former roommate.


Benson will surrender to authorities on October 17th, the Monday of the Bengals bye week.

Reds have a winning record

Hoorah!

SWO Sports Preseason Poll

1.) Oklahoma
2.) Oregon
3.) Alabama
4.) LSU
5.) Florida State
6.) Boise State
7.) Stanford
8.) Oklahoma State
9.) Ohio State
10.) Texas A&M
11.) Wisconsin
12.) Michigan State
13.) South Carolina
14.) Virginia Tech
15.) TCU
16.) Notre Dame
17.) Nebraska
18.) Arkansas
19.) Mississippi State
20.) Georgia
21.) Missouri
22.) Florida
23.) West Virginia
24.) Penn State
25.) Texas

Give Up On The Reds?

By: Coop


The Reds are now only 2 games under .500, and are 10 games back, but they are on a 4 game winning streak, hopefully 5 after tomorrow.  So, is it time to give up on these guys and look forward to next season?


Well, the Reds are a team that never gives up, they will try and win the division until the Brewers or Cardinals clinch.  Then they will aim for the wildcard, until someone clinches that.  They will then try to just finish above .500, if that doesn't work, they will try to improve everyone's stats.


The Reds want to win, Bob, Walt, Dusty, and the team all wanna win, so don't give up on them until we have to.

Bengals Preseason Begins Tomorrow

By: Coop

The team that was voted worst in North America, the Cincinnati Bengals, will begin their preseason tomorrow. Here are some notes about it.

-Andy Dalton will start for the Bengals.
-Jerome Simspon is the #1 WR according to the Bengals depth chart.
-The Bengals will play the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
-Bruce Gradkowski will make his Bengals debut.

OSU Football Predictions 2011

By:  Coop


The defending Sugar Bowl Champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, are the #16 team in the land in the preseason polls.  The reason is because the media thinks that without Tressel, Pryor, and guys like Cam Heyward who graduated, the Bucks will not be good.  Well, I disagree, this is how I think the season will play out:


Game 1 vs. Akron:  This looks like it will be a blowout win for the Bucks, but if Braxton Miller or Kenny Guiton gets the start, it may be a bit closer than people think, as it would be their first start, same with Joe Bauserman, but he has enough experience to not be nervous.  I think OSU will still win by a lot, 45-7.
Game 2 vs. Toledo:  This also should be a blowout win, and there will be nothing in the way of it I don't think, I'm saying the Buckeyes win it 50-10.
Game 3 @ Miami (FL):  This will be a tough game for Ohio State, a young QB in a tough environment is definitely not easy, but then again, Ohio State has a better defense than Miami, the Canes' offense is not that great, etc.  I think OSU is a better team and they will come to the Sunshine State and pick up a W, 35-21.
Game 4 vs. Colorado:  This is the first time OSU has ever played a team from the new PAC 12, duh.  Colorado is a decent team, well, not really.  Who am I kidding?  They are bad.  OSU will win it 52-10.
Game 5 vs. Michigan State:  MSU and OSU, along with Wisconsin, tied for the Big Ten Championship last season.  MSU is a very good team that I expect to be the top dog in the Legends Division.  They are talented on offense and defense.  Even though this game is at home, I think the Spartans will hand Ohio State a loss unfortunately, 21-14.
Game 6 @ Nebraska:  This is the game all the experts say will be the toughest for Ohio State, but I don't think it will.  The Huskers, don't get me wrong, they are a great team and have great fans, but Ohio State I think is a better team.  I have the Buckeyes winning it 35-28.
Game 7 @ Illinois:  I think the Fighting Illini will have a pretty good season this year, but one of their losses will be to the Buckeyes.  Illinois can play a game with just about anybody, and they always give OSU troubles it seems.  I have the Buckeyes winning it 28-17.
Game 8 vs. Wisconsin:  This is the biggest game of the year on my opinion.  Ohio State is wearing some slick, black, uniforms against the Badgers, a team that handed the Bucks their lone loss in 2010.  The Shoe will be pumped, so will the players.  This is also a night game so it makes it even better, I have Ohio State winning it 30-21.
Game 9 vs. Indiana:  The Hoosiers are not that great, really not even good, the Buckeyes are great.  Ohio State will win it 45-10.
Game 10 @ Purdue:  In 2009 the Boilermakers upset the Buckeyes in West Lafayette, this time around, I'm not seeing it.  I think that game was just a case where the Buckeyes were not taking them seriously, they will this time.  I think OSU will win it 31-7.
Game 11 vs. Penn State:  This game is at the Horseshoe for the 2ns strait year, PSU and OSU are rivals, so both teams will play hard.  I think the Buckeyes are a better team though, the Nittany Lions lost a lot of talent, I think OSU will win a close one, 24-21.
THE GAME @ the team up north's stadium:  If OSU gets banned from a bowl, who cares? This is the only game that matters, right?  I think the Buckeyes are still better than the team up north, they will win it 30-17.


Then I think the Buckeyes will eventually advanced to the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis and take on the Spartans, where OSU will get revenge and be crowned the Big Ten Champions.  Then go to a BCS Bowl and hopefully win it.

UK Football Predictions 2011

By:  Coop


The Kentucky Wildcats had a  typical season in 2010, will they have another one of those 6-6 or 7-5 seasons, or will they be the surprise team in the SEC?  Well read and find out what I think.


Game 1 vs. Western Kentucky:  This should be a fairly easy game for UK, I predict them to win 35-7.
Game 2 vs. CMU:  Central Michigan is a pretty good team, but this is SEC vs. MAC, this will not even be a competition, UK will win 45-10.
Game 3 vs. Louisville:  The Cardinals are a good team, in the Big East, but if you put UK in the Big East, I think they could be the team to beat.  I have the Cats winning it 28-17.
Game 4 vs. Florida:  This is when the SEC play begins, and the season turns around.  Florida is not the same team they were during the Tim Tebow era, but they are still a better team that Kentucky.  I have the Gators winning 35-21.
Game 5 @ LSU:  This is the Wildcats first road game of the year, and it can't get much tougher.  Many college football experts predict LSU to be in top 5 all season long, they very well could be.  I have the Tigers beating the Wildcats 35-20.
Game 6 @ South Carolina:  Many experts say that the Gamecocks will win their division and play in the SEC Title Game, I agree.  USC is a great team with great talent, this will not be much of a game, the Cocks will win it 41-14.
Game 7 vs. Jacksonville St.:  Thankfully UK now has a break from SEC play. This should be an easy win for the Cats, 35-0.
Game 8 vs. Miss State:  Mississippi State is a pretty good team, they beat Michigan in the Gator Bowl last season.  They are a team that usually finishes in the bottom of the top 25 polls, a good team.  I have them beating Kentucky, 28-20.
Game 9 vs. Ole Miss:  Mississippi had a so-so season last year, didn't make a bowl game, and I don't think they will be that good this season either.  UK should win this game 28-21.
Game 10 @ Vanderbilt:  This would make a better basketball game, just sayin'.  Vandy is the worst team in the SEC when it comes to football.  UK will beat them 41-28.
Game 11 @ Georgia:  I thought UGA was a pretty good team, then they lost to UCF in the Liberty Bowl. Ouch.  However, this game is in Athens, I have the Bulldogs winning it 35-17.
Game 12 vs. Tennessee:  UK has not beat Tennessee since.....a long time ago.  I believe in curses, and UK has one, they will lose 21-20.


So I predict UK to have a 6-6 season, pretty typical.

UC Football Predictions 2011

By:  Coop


The Cincinnati Bearcats open their season in just over a month, and today, I am going to predict what I think will happen.


Game 1 vs. Austin-Peay: This should be an easy win for UC, I don't even need to say anything else. 41-10.
Game 2 @ Tennessee:  This is the game that stands out when you look at the Bearcats schedule.  I predict UC to go there and pull the upset.  I don't care that it's in Knoxville, the Bearcats will upset the Volunteers. 21-19
Game 3 vs. Akron:  This is a MAC team playing against a Big East team.  The Big East is no Big Ten or SEC, but it is still a lot better than the MAC.  UC should blow them out. 42-14
Game 4 vs. NC State:  Last season NC State beat UC.  This year at first I predicted they would again, but then I realized they do not have their star QB anymore.  So I think Cincy will win it. 30-20
Game 5 @ Miami (OH).  Even though the Redhawks are the defending MAC Champs, that doesn't mean they can beat UC.  The 'Cats thumped them last year, I don't expect it to be much different this season. 37-3.
Game 6 vs. Louisville:  This is the first of two games at Paul Brown Stadium, I expect the 'Cats to be 5-0 entering this game, and then 60,000 fans will help out some. I think the Bearcats will win 28-17.
Game 7 @ USF: This will be a tough game for the Bearcats, USF is a very talented team.  But, I think the 'Cats are better than the Bulls and will win the game 35-28.
Game 8 @ Pittsburgh: This is the game where I have the Bearcats losing their first game.  It's sad, but I think they will drop to 6-1.  Pitt is not all that great, but I unfortunately think they are better than Cincy. 28-10.
Game 9 vs. West Virginia:  I hate to say it, but they will probably lose this one too.  This game is at PBS, and the fans will be great, but WVU is just a better team. 28-21.
Game 10 @ Rutgers:  Don't worry, UC will rebound in this game and beat the Scarlet Knights 40-10.
Game 11 @ Syracuse: The Orange had a good 2010 season, they even beat UC, but this year I don't think they will be as good, and I think UC will be better.  I have the Bearcats winning it 31-13.
Game 12 vs. UConn:  UConn went to the Fiesta Bowl last year, yes they got thumped by Oklahoma, but they were still the best team in the Big East.  With some players gone and their head coach, I don't think they will be as good this year.  I have Cincy winning it 14-7.
So there you have it, 10-2.  I hope that's good enough to go to, and win, a BCS game.

Votto Named NL Player Of Week

By:  Coop


Reds 1st baseman, Joey Votto, has been named the National League Player Of The Week.  From July 25 through July 31, Votto tied for the league lead in home runs, with four, and also tied in RBI's with nine.  


Joey homered in 3 strait games against the New York Mets, which helped him reach a .385 average this week. 


This is the 2nd time Votto has received a weekly award in his career. 

Trade Deadline: What The Reds Need To Do

By:  Coop


The Reds are 6.5 games back in the standings and 4 games under .500, yet this team believes they have a shot at winning the NL Central Division for the 2nd strait year.  Do I?  No.  At least not with what they have now. 


They need to put Arroyo on the DL for fatigue, or even trade him, he is just not getting the job done.  The Reds could trade Edinson Volquez and Bronson Arroyo for a pitcher like Baltimore's Guthrie.  They need someone in the starting rotation to help them out.  Maybe it is Travis Wood, but his stats in AAA are not all that great. If they get someone to replace Arroyo, they could have very good rotation.  Cueto is Cy Young-like, Leake will give you a quality start 9-out-of-10-times, Willis is a very good pitcher and a hard worker, Bailey is starting to look better, even with some rough starts, then add Guthrie.  That is good.


They could use someone in the bullpen as well, probably a closer.  I'm sorry but Francisco Cordero is way too inconsistent for me.  We need to get some prospects or draft picks and trade them for the Padres closer, Heath Bell.


And then we could use a new bat in the lineup.  Perhaps trade Fred Lewis and a minor-leaguer of two for Houston's Micheal Bourn.  Then, send Stubbs to AAA, Heisey will start in left, Bourn in center, and Bruce in right, then Alonso can come in when he needs to.


Bell, Bourn, and Guthrie is what they Reds need.

BREAKING NEWS: CHAD NO LONGER A BENGAL

By:  Coop

We have breaking news, WR Chad Ochocinco is no longer a Cincinnati Bengal.  Chad was reportedly spotted at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport on a plane to Boston.

He is now reportedly in New England signing a contract.

We will keep you up-to-date on this.

Bengals Sign Bruce Gradkowski

By:  Coop


The Cincinnati Bengals are no doubt moving on without Carson Palmer, who is just about retired.  The team has found someone to take the roster spot of Carson, that person being former Oakland Raiders QB, Bruce Gradkowski. 


Last season with Oakland, Gradkowski played in 6 games, went 83/157, for 1059 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.


Bruce does know Gruden's system, that is one reason why the Bengals may have made this move.


This is a 2-year-deal but will not be official until Friday at 6 PM ET, that is when they can officialy announce free-agent signings.

Thank You, Jonny Gomes

Gomes Traded To Nats, Alonso Up

By:  Coop


The Reds have made their 1st deal of the 2011 season, sending fan-loved OF, Jonny Gomes, to the Washington Nations in return for a 22-year-old minor league left-handed Class A pitcher, and a 26-year-old AA OF.  Also, the Reds have called up LF and highly-touted minor leaguer, Yonder Alonso.


Jonny Gomes is a career .244 hitter, and has 115 home runs.  This year, Gomes got off to a hot start, but then slowed down.  His 2011 stats are as followed: a .211 batting average, 11 homers, and 31 RBI's.  I wish nothing but success to Gomes.


Chris Manno, the left-handed reliever, has a 1-3 record this season, along with 12 saves, and a nice 1.04 ERA for Hangerstown. 


The 26-year-old OF, Bill Rhinehart, is hitting .283, has 21 homers, and 59 RBI's in nearly 90 games for Harrisburg.


As for Yonder Alonso, in AAA Louisville this season, he was hitting .296, had 40 extra-base hits, along with 56 RBI's.  Alonso can play 1B or LF.

Bengals Refuse To Trade Palmer

By:  Coop

The Cincinnati Bengals are refusing to trade QB Carson Palmer.  Palmer said he would retire if the Bengals did not trade.

Hated Bengals Owner, Mike Brown, said "he made a commitment" by signing a contract and added the team "will not reward him" for not keeping his promise.

Brown also said the team will probably move on with rookie QB Andy Dalton.

Former TCU WR Joins Bengals

By:  Coop


Former TCU wide receiver, Bart Johnson, will join former Horned Frog teammate, Andy Dalton, as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.  


In 2010 Johnson had 31 receptions, good for 419 yards, and 4 touchdowns.  The most yards he had in a game was 59, against BYU.


This is a good move by finding a WR Andy Dalton will be comfortable around, but you have to wonder if Bart is the best pick.  His stats are not that impressive.  I think the Bengals would have been better getting someone like Dane Sanzenbacher. 

Just A Reminder...

No recaps until the Reds are at .500

DatDudeBP Walks-Off To Start 2nd Half

By:  Coop

The Reds had a poor 1st half, but they were ready to put that behind them and start a new chapter in the season, and get back to playing winning baseball.  In order to finish this series with a winning record, they would need to take game 1.  At first it looked like they would, then maybe would, they would, then it didn't, and then they did! Brandon Phillips aka DatDudeBP hit a walk-off 2-run home run to give the Reds a 6-5 win.  Here is how.


Chris Heisey was getting an unfortunately rare start in center field, and he showed Dusty Baker why he should start more often.  In the top of the 1st Albert Pujols hit one to deep center, and Chris robbed Albert of a home run!


Now how many times do we see someone do something on defense and then do something on offense? Pretty often.  Chris Heisey did.  He lead off the 1st and went yard to left, Reds up 1-0.


Then in the 5th Heisey was at it again as he hit another solo home run to left, 2-0.


The Cardinals would get on the board when David Freese grounded out, a run would score though, 2-1, that was in the 7th by-the-way.  Next batter was Yadier Molina, and he hit an RBI ground-out to tie the game at 2.  Then Tony Cruz hit an RBI single to give St. Louis the lead.


But Cincinnati responded.


In the bottom of the 7th Zack Cozart hit an RBI single to short (he legged it out), Stubbs would score, the Reds tied it up. That was Zack's 1st big league RBI.  The next batter was Joey Votto, he hit a ground-rule double, the run would score, and the Reds had their lead back, 4-3.


That lead would not last though.


In the 8th inning Albert hit a 2-run jack to left, a long ball to give the Cards a 5-4 lead, poop.


Then we went into the 9th inning with Heisey leading it off.  Well he was fanned.  Then came Cozart, he hit a ground ball up the middle for a base hit.  Way to keep an inning alive.  Then Votto came up.  He flew out to right.  Then it was up to Brandon Phillips to keep the game alive.  The count was 1-0 and he hit one to deep left-center field.  It was going back....back....back....back....GONE, HOME RUN BRANDON PHILLIPS, REDS WIN! REDS WIN! Yup.  Final score, 6-5.


While Phillips was the "hero" of the game, Scott Rolen did something amazing.  He hit his 500th career double, congratulations to him.  


Johnny Cueto deserved to win, but got a no-decision.  Johnny went 7 innings, gave up 5 hits, 3 runs, 2 earned, walked 2, and struck-out 2.


The Reds are now 46-47 and 3 games behind Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh for 1st place.


Tomorrow Bronson Arroyo will take the hill for the Reds, while the hated Chris Carpenter will take the hill for the other team.  Game time is set for 7:10 PM ET and the game will be on FS Ohio. 

2nd Half Starts Today: Should We Just Give Up On the Reds?

By:  Coop


The Reds had a very mediocre 1st half, having a record of 45-47, 4 games behind St. Louis for 1st place, and in 4th place.  So should we give up on the Reds and start thinking about next season or looking forward to football season?  No we cannot.  


If we are 2 games under .500, and in 4th place, yet only 4 games back, that is some hope.  Usually if you are 2 under and in 4th, you would think you were a least 10 games back.  4 games isn't a whole lot, and if they win the series against the 1st place Cardinals, they could be looking at only being 1 game back.  Then if they win the series against Pittsburgh, they could be in 1st place.  If they are not in 1st place (only way they wouldn't be is if the Brewers did great and won as much as the Reds), they would still gain serious ground in the NL Central.  Let's just say they take 2-out-of-3 from the Cardinals and Pirates, then they have a record of 49-49.  Yes, that is only .500, but they could be in at least 2nd place.  Then as long as they win majority of the series they play for the rest of July, it should be smooth sailing from then on, as the Reds have a 2nd half schedule in their advantage.


What will it take for the Reds to win all of those games?  Well they need to make a division-changing trade. The Brewers got K-Rod, the Reds need to respond.  They could make a deal with San Diego and get Heath Bell, which they are interested in.  There have also been talks in trying to get Rockies' pitcher Ubaldo Jiminez. He has a poor record, but has many quality starts, just isn't getting enough run support, something he could get in Cincinnati.  But what I think the Reds really need to do is get Jose Reyes from the Mets.  Send Devin Mesoraco, Fred Lewis, Edgar Renteria or Paul Janish, and Matt Maloney to New York for Reyes and maybe a minor leaguer or two.  If Jose was a Red, I could promise you they would win the NL Central.


So in conclusion, don't give up on the Reds yet.