Unhelpful Compass

You're the only one that knows the right path for you.

Early Bird Heisman Prediction

The 2012 Heisman race will be upperclassman-laded. This will not be year where a superstar will burst on to the scene as did Robert Griffin III. Instead, it will be a long marathon featuring the bluebloods of college football with its many ups and downs. I cannot wait for it all to unfold before us. But if I have anything to say about the Heisman race, these are the top three candidates and their journey for trophy:  

Matt Barkley, QB, USC: Matt Barkley will become the Andrew Luck of the upcoming college football season. He might not be the can’t-miss prospect that will no matter be picked with the number one pick that Andrew Luck. But I am almost positive, like Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley will be in the top two of Heisman contention throughout the course of the season. Unlike Andrew Luck, Barkley will win the Heisman trophy. He is a smart, talented player that has all the skill to produce at an elite-level. But what pushes him the top of the list is that Matt Barkley has the fortune to throw to possibly the best collection of receivers in the nation headed by Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. Plus, USC will have a solid defense to allow Barkley a chance to win every game while also putting up good numbers. His entire run for the Heisman could be determined by his performances in the November 3rd showdown with the Oregon Ducks and in the Pac 12 championship game. If Matt Barkley performs as he is capable of doing as while winning, he should be the one hoisting the trophy up before they probably play in the national championship game.            

Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin: There is virtually no way Montee Ball will match the record-tying season he just had. In the 2011 season he tied Barry Sanders’s record of 39 total touchdowns with 33 rushing touchdowns and 6 receiving touchdowns. Ball should have probably left for the NFL this season because he has accomplished pretty much all he could. If Montee Ball wishes to accomplish new feats for the Wisconsin Badgers he will have to pile on the beating has already taken, since there will be a new quarterback. So this could do nothing, but hurt his draft stock for the 2013 NFL Draft. However, despite all that I still believe he will have an extremely successful season. Montee Ball’s Heisman odds with take the same trajectory of outstanding candidates that have consistent production. So if several Heisman candidates falter he run away with the Heisman. But I predict Montee Ball to finish second or third in the Heisman voting.

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma: The past couple of seasons Landry Jones has come out on fire just to fizzle out somewhere in the second half of the season. This upcoming season though, I expect Landry Jones to be steady with his statistics at the beginning. Just to then really bring it during the home stretch, much like Brandon Weeden did this past season. However, it is a flip of the coin to whether or not him and the Oklahoma Sooners get tripped up by a ridiculous team. It would not be too surprising though with how Oklahoma fell to Texas Tech and Oklahoma State without warning loss to Iowa State. So I only see two outcomes for Landry Jones in this upcoming Heisman, and those are he either wins or he is completely out of contention. Ultimately though, I do not see Landry Jones triumphantly hoisting up the coveted Heisman trophy in front of all of America. 

(Source: tumblr.com)

How does Bryce Brown get drafted? I know he was only selected with the 229th overall pick in the seventh round. And can easily be cut if he does not show up to compete in training camp. Still, getting picked in the draft is an honor that he did not deserve. Brown displayed no evidence of mental toughness, competitiveness, or work ethic in college. This is a player that at one time in his football career was considered by some better than Trent Richardson coming out of high school. This is the same Trent Richardson that was seen as being the best pure football player before the  the NFL Draft by many. Bryce Brown might have had a tumultuous college career, but that does not excuse him from being a complete no show. The only understandable portion of his bumpy career was his need to transfer to Kansas State University, in order, to take care of family problems in his hometown of Wichta, Kansas. However, he never showed the nation the player he was said to be. Instead, Bryce showed no fight or want to earn any amount of significant playing time. And if Bill Snyder, head coach of the Kansas State football team, believes you have nothing to give his team that highlights lack of intangibles needed to be a great player. Eventually, Brown just completely quit on his team. Leaving his brother, Arthur Brown, and his quarterback, Colin Klein, to lead the team. Without Brown, they did just that. In their 2011-2012 season, the little-known Wildcats became a team to watch out for through the course of the season. Bill Snyder, Colin Klein, and Arthur Brown led the team all the way to an appearance in the Cotton Bowl against the Razorbacks of Arkansas. There were so many other guys that deserved the joy of having their names called at Radio City Music Hall. Undrafted running backs like Marc Tyler, Tauren Poole, and  Chris Polk. Luckily, Bryce Brown has the pleasure of having to compete with Chris Polk, a guy that should have easily been picked somewhere in the first four rounds. Now he will probably get to learn that this game called football cannot be played without some sort of hunger or dedication. If he does not learn that lesson, it could be him at home eating potato chips watching NFL games thinking about what could have been if he had put in a little more effort. While, Chris Polk enjoys the feeling of earning his place on a NFL 52-man roster.             

How does Bryce Brown get drafted? I know he was only selected with the 229th overall pick in the seventh round. And can easily be cut if he does not show up to compete in training camp. Still, getting picked in the draft is an honor that he did not deserve.

Brown displayed no evidence of mental toughness, competitiveness, or work ethic in college. This is a player that at one time in his football career was considered by some better than Trent Richardson coming out of high school. This is the same Trent Richardson that was seen as being the best pure football player before the  the NFL Draft by many.

Bryce Brown might have had a tumultuous college career, but that does not excuse him from being a complete no show. The only understandable portion of his bumpy career was his need to transfer to Kansas State University, in order, to take care of family problems in his hometown of Wichta, Kansas. However, he never showed the nation the player he was said to be. Instead, Bryce showed no fight or want to earn any amount of significant playing time. And if Bill Snyder, head coach of the Kansas State football team, believes you have nothing to give his team that highlights lack of intangibles needed to be a great player.

Eventually, Brown just completely quit on his team. Leaving his brother, Arthur Brown, and his quarterback, Colin Klein, to lead the team. Without Brown, they did just that. In their 2011-2012 season, the little-known Wildcats became a team to watch out for through the course of the season. Bill Snyder, Colin Klein, and Arthur Brown led the team all the way to an appearance in the Cotton Bowl against the Razorbacks of Arkansas.

There were so many other guys that deserved the joy of having their names called at Radio City Music Hall. Undrafted running backs like Marc Tyler, Tauren Poole, and  Chris Polk. Luckily, Bryce Brown has the pleasure of having to compete with Chris Polk, a guy that should have easily been picked somewhere in the first four rounds. Now he will probably get to learn that this game called football cannot be played without some sort of hunger or dedication.

If he does not learn that lesson, it could be him at home eating potato chips watching NFL games thinking about what could have been if he had put in a little more effort. While, Chris Polk enjoys the feeling of earning his place on a NFL 52-man roster.             

Happy 70th Birthday, Champ! And that is how we should always remember him. Not as a frail old man destroyed by the horrors of Parkinson. But as a Champ. Muhammad Ali personified the meaning of strength. A poignant young man that challenged the world. Being a voice for those who could not speak. Forcing us to take a deep and clear look at ourselves. Eventually, enacting tremendous change on us, our world, and ultimately life. But it cannot be forgotten that all these qualities would be for not if had not also been a great champion inside the ring. There is few people like him. But still there is only one Muhammad Ali, a champion inside and out. 

Happy 70th Birthday, Champ! And that is how we should always remember him. Not as a frail old man destroyed by the horrors of Parkinson. But as a Champ. Muhammad Ali personified the meaning of strength. A poignant young man that challenged the world. Being a voice for those who could not speak. Forcing us to take a deep and clear look at ourselves. Eventually, enacting tremendous change on us, our world, and ultimately life. But it cannot be forgotten that all these qualities would be for not if had not also been a great champion inside the ring. There is few people like him. But still there is only one Muhammad Ali, a champion inside and out. 

If all men were compared to the standard that is Martin Luther King Jr. we would all fail. There has never been a man with such strength, love, and integrity to be an advocate for humanity. His selfless actions are what made America a place of Family, Fairness, and Freedom. A family that allows all of its children to come together and prosper. A fairness that provides the opportunity to all no matter their color, gender, age, or socioeconomic background to accomplish all of their dreams. And a freedom that no longer makes you a prisoner of what other people say you are and can do. Many people, including me, cannot thank this man enough because if it were not for him thousands would not have the audacity to go for their dreams. But with the principles of family, fairness, and freedom Martin Luther King Jr. established millions have the audacity to reach for the stars and accomplished things they never wished of. So with family, fairness, and freedom I will continue to strive to accomplish my dreams. Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by treating everyone I come across on my journey with dignity and respect. Hopefully, one day achieving my dream of becoming a journalist. But it will not stop. I will continue to push myself as a person inside and out.

If all men were compared to the standard that is Martin Luther King Jr. we would all fail. There has never been a man with such strength, love, and integrity to be an advocate for humanity. His selfless actions are what made America a place of Family, Fairness, and Freedom. A family that allows all of its children to come together and prosper. A fairness that provides the opportunity to all no matter their color, gender, age, or socioeconomic background to accomplish all of their dreams. And a freedom that no longer makes you a prisoner of what other people say you are and can do.

Many people, including me, cannot thank this man enough because if it were not for him thousands would not have the audacity to go for their dreams. But with the principles of family, fairness, and freedom Martin Luther King Jr. established millions have the audacity to reach for the stars and accomplished things they never wished of. So with family, fairness, and freedom I will continue to strive to accomplish my dreams. Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by treating everyone I come across on my journey with dignity and respect. Hopefully, one day achieving my dream of becoming a journalist. But it will not stop. I will continue to push myself as a person inside and out.

If there is anybody on our planet that could beat Father Time I would bet that it is the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant. At the beginning of the season, Kobe tore a ligament in his wrist. So many people, including myself, prepared themselves for the sharp decline of the great and often feared Kobe Bryant. But Kobe Bryant simply says, “Ligament, Shmigament,” to the torn ligament in his wrist. Bryant has started this season absolutely on fire. Right now he is on a streak of four forty point games, and I do not believe he has any plans on slowing down anytime soon. All I can do to describe what he is doing at this stage is use the word, “Unbelievable.” If Kobe is able to keep this up I completely expect him to win the scoring title and the MVP. However, if he is able to win his sixth NBA championship it will probably his greatest feat. And there will be serious argument to whether or not the Black Mamba is the greatest Laker ever. Perhaps he should also be proclaimed the NBA’s Chuck Norris.

If there is anybody on our planet that could beat Father Time I would bet that it is the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant. At the beginning of the season, Kobe tore a ligament in his wrist. So many people, including myself, prepared themselves for the sharp decline of the great and often feared Kobe Bryant. But Kobe Bryant simply says, “Ligament, Shmigament,” to the torn ligament in his wrist. Bryant has started this season absolutely on fire. Right now he is on a streak of four forty point games, and I do not believe he has any plans on slowing down anytime soon. All I can do to describe what he is doing at this stage is use the word, “Unbelievable.” If Kobe is able to keep this up I completely expect him to win the scoring title and the MVP. However, if he is able to win his sixth NBA championship it will probably his greatest feat. And there will be serious argument to whether or not the Black Mamba is the greatest Laker ever. Perhaps he should also be proclaimed the NBA’s Chuck Norris.

C’mon Dallas Mavericks! You’re the 2011 NBA Champs and you cannot afford some security. Mark Cuban is a billionaire. I am pretty sure he has more than enough money to pay for a douchebag deterrent. It makes absolutely no sense. How can you let two douchebags disrespect Vince Carter? Do I have to remind the Dallas Mavericks who Vince Carter? Vince Carter at one point in his career he was considered to be one of the best players in the NBA. Carter had such talent many said that he could become one of the greatest players that the NBA has ever witnessed. And even though he did not realize most of that potential a guy with an overpriced Supreme beanie should not get in his way. But still I have to admit it is funny that this could possibly happen to an NBA team. 

(Source: tumblr.com)

Darron Thomas took flight for the last time when he and his fellow ducks beat the Wisconsin Badgers in an Instant Classic at the Rose Bowl. Many did not predict that game to be Thomas’s last. But it indeed is with Darron Thomas declaring Saturday that he will skip his senior season to have his name submitted into the 2012 NFL Draft. At first thought, this declaration did not seem so wise. Thomas could have enjoyed his last year of eligibility continuing the Duck tradition of winning that him and his teammates started. As well as, strengthening those special bonds Darron has made as an Oregon Duck all while improving various mechanical errors in his throwing motion and etc. But Thomas may have, in fact, had a stroke of genius with the decisions of notable quarterbacks, such as Matt Barkley and Landry Jones, to stay a their respective schools. Since it is basically a shot in the dark to who will be picked after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III in this year’s draft. Not to mention Darron Thomas is coming into the league when the quarterback with dual threat capabilities has become en vogue with the likes of Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and even Aaron Rodgers. So all I can really say is congratulation to you, Darron Thomas, and your confidence in your decision. Hopefully, your confidence in your decision stays strong through the crazy process you are about to go through to become an NFL quarterback.

Darron Thomas took flight for the last time when he and his fellow ducks beat the Wisconsin Badgers in an Instant Classic at the Rose Bowl. Many did not predict that game to be Thomas’s last. But it indeed is with Darron Thomas declaring Saturday that he will skip his senior season to have his name submitted into the 2012 NFL Draft.

At first thought, this declaration did not seem so wise. Thomas could have enjoyed his last year of eligibility continuing the Duck tradition of winning that him and his teammates started. As well as, strengthening those special bonds Darron has made as an Oregon Duck all while improving various mechanical errors in his throwing motion and etc.

But Thomas may have, in fact, had a stroke of genius with the decisions of notable quarterbacks, such as Matt Barkley and Landry Jones, to stay a their respective schools. Since it is basically a shot in the dark to who will be picked after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III in this year’s draft. Not to mention Darron Thomas is coming into the league when the quarterback with dual threat capabilities has become en vogue with the likes of Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and even Aaron Rodgers.

So all I can really say is congratulation to you, Darron Thomas, and your confidence in your decision. Hopefully, your confidence in your decision stays strong through the crazy process you are about to go through to become an NFL quarterback.

Tim Tebow please beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, tonight. Imagine all the craziness you would cause if you do. Bostonians everywhere would be on suicide watch. Tom Brady would lose Gisele Bundchen, and even worse he would lose his Uggs endorsement. Not to mention my beloved four letter network, ESPN, would have a meltdown. Just because you, Timothy Richard Tebow, do everything in your power to do two things, be a great human being and win. There is nothing better than seeing people freak out trying to explain something that cannot be explained. 

(Source: tumblr.com)

The Saban Smile is equivalent to the Kanye Shrug. Both gestures are rather unassuming, but both care so much meaning. They are an act of defiance to all the people that ever doubted them through their journey. And that defiance is all the sweeter with them both becoming the best at what they do. But there is no mistaking there is a bit of malice in them that just say, “I destroyed you, and I loved every moment of it!” So if Nick Saban does the smile or Kanye West does the shrug you know they just went H.A.M!

The Saban Smile is equivalent to the Kanye Shrug. Both gestures are rather unassuming, but both care so much meaning. They are an act of defiance to all the people that ever doubted them through their journey. And that defiance is all the sweeter with them both becoming the best at what they do. But there is no mistaking there is a bit of malice in them that just say, “I destroyed you, and I loved every moment of it!” So if Nick Saban does the smile or Kanye West does the shrug you know they just went H.A.M!

Matt Barkley is the greatest USC Trojan ever. He might not hold all the accolades of past Trojan greats, like Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. But there is no one else that bleeds cardinal and gold. Ever since he was little he dreamed of being the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans. When he finally got to live the dream not was picture perfect in SoCal. Pete Carroll had left USC in a state of disarray for the NFL. NCAA sanctions had just been placed on the football program, with a reduction in scholarships and a two-year bowl ban.  No one would have been mad at him if Barkley had decided this situation is too tough to get any of the goals he wished of accomplishing. But instead he stuck in there and personified everything it means to be a USC Trojan. Performing at an unbelievable level through those tumultuous seasons Matt Barkley had finally put himself in position to play in the NFL. He was projected to be in the top ten of this year’s draft. However, Barkley not being like everyone else he felt as though this was an opportunity to accomplish all the things those past two years of USC Trojans deserved. So on December 22, 2011 USC quarterback, Matt Barkley, decided to forgo the NFL and play one more year at his beloved university.  And that is why Matt Barkley is the greatest USC Trojan. He took on the tough job of bridging the gap from the catastrophic end to the Carroll Era to an even brighter, hopeful future.     

Matt Barkley is the greatest USC Trojan ever. He might not hold all the accolades of past Trojan greats, like Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. But there is no one else that bleeds cardinal and gold. Ever since he was little he dreamed of being the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans.

When he finally got to live the dream not was picture perfect in SoCal. Pete Carroll had left USC in a state of disarray for the NFL. NCAA sanctions had just been placed on the football program, with a reduction in scholarships and a two-year bowl ban. 

No one would have been mad at him if Barkley had decided this situation is too tough to get any of the goals he wished of accomplishing. But instead he stuck in there and personified everything it means to be a USC Trojan.

Performing at an unbelievable level through those tumultuous seasons Matt Barkley had finally put himself in position to play in the NFL. He was projected to be in the top ten of this year’s draft. However, Barkley not being like everyone else he felt as though this was an opportunity to accomplish all the things those past two years of USC Trojans deserved. So on December 22, 2011 USC quarterback, Matt Barkley, decided to forgo the NFL and play one more year at his beloved university. 

And that is why Matt Barkley is the greatest USC Trojan. He took on the tough job of bridging the gap from the catastrophic end to the Carroll Era to an even brighter, hopeful future.