Super Bowl XLIX Preview

This might be the most anticipation I have felt for a Super Bowl since "The Greatest Show on Turf" won it back in 1999. Nothing makes big games even more special than some good old fashion scandal and controversy. The Patriots have been dealing with the "Deflate Gate" while the Seahawks have been dealing with Marshawn Lynch's antics. Even though this isn't really a rivalry, it kind of has the feeling of one that's been brewing the last week or so. The fact that these are two of the most hated teams in the NFL combined with the news that has been surrounding them will make for one of the most watched Super Bowls in history. I will be watching to see two great teams go at it, while many people will watch to see what color of cleats Marshawn Lynch will wear or what he is going to do with his private parts after scoring a touchdown, Who knows, maybe they will have Marshawn Lynch inspect the Patriots balls before the game, he has plenty of experience with ball grabbing. But seriously, this will be a great game. It's like watching the old dynasty take on the up-and-coming dynasty.

There is no question that the Patriots have one of the best offenses in the NFL. Despite what you feel about Brady personally, he is one of the bet quarterbacks of all time. Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches of all time, the two make and amazing combination. The Patriots have a great offensive line and they will need to be on top of their game against the Seahawks, who have the best defense in the NFL. The Patriots will have to use their running game a little bit to try and open up the passing game. I don't see the Patriots being able to run much against the best rushing defense in the league.

The Seahawks have the new school coach/quarterback combo in Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll. They seem to have some similar qualities that Brady and Belichick have. Wilson and Brady both have the wholesome, American, nice guy thing going for them, plus they are great quarterbacks. Belichick and Carroll are two of the most hated coaches in the NFL, although Carroll gets most his hatred from his days at USC. They get plenty of hate because they win. Seattle has hands down the best defense in the league. They have tremendous pass rushing, great run stopping, and their secondary is hard to through in. They are great, but they also have had some injuries in Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. These guys are two very important components to that stifling defense. I'm sure that Carroll will have something to make up for the possibility of those two guys not being 100%.

This game is very hard to call. Like I stated previously, both teams are the best one different sides of the ball. Brady and Belichick will not let the surrounding scandal interfere with their plans for the game, they are very professional when it comes to preparation. Seattle won't be at home, so they will have to get it done without their 12th man backing them up. New England is favored by 1 point, and I have to agree with this. I would take the Patriots and the points on this one. I think the Patriots beat the Seahawks by 2 points with a score of 24-22.

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Interview with De'Michael Jackson

I had the pleasure to interview the starting running back for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, De'Michael Jackson. From interviewing him I found him to be a really nice young man that is hard-working, and determined to make it to the NFL. I am very gracious that De'Michael took the time out of his busy schedule to do this interview. I have attached a link to his college highlight video at the bottom of the interview, you should check it out. Here is the interview between De'Michael and myself, Michael Miles.

MM: Can you introduce yourself?
DJ: My name is De’Michael Jackson, I play running back and I’m a senior here at Southeast Missouri State.

MM: You are from Louisville, Kentucky. You had offers from Indiana State, Eastern Kentucky, and even a chance to walk-on at an SEC school at Kentucky. Why did you decide to choose SEMO as your school?
DJ: I had some pretty good offers coming out of high school and people still ask me to this day why did I go to SEMO? But to me it was never about the name or how successful a program was before I came. I wanted to pick a school that I would be comfortable at for the next 4 or 5 years and that was a better opportunity for me to play, and hopefully make it to the next level. SEMO had produced great running backs before I came here, but none of them really got their shot at the next level and I wanted to be that guy that changed that.

MM: How was transitioning from a city of 250,000 people to a town of 30,000 people for you, and being 4 hours away from home?
DJ: The transition from 250,000 people to 30,000 was the hardest thing to me because I’m from the city, and I was raised by a single mother with my 6 other siblings so being away from home on my own was something that took me awhile to get used to.

MM: You were expected to have the best year of your college career, and then you broke your hand in the second game of the season against Kansas. You missed the next four games, but still had a terrific season. If you weren’t injured you would have easily had over 1,000 yards rushing. What did you do mentally and physically to make sure that you would come back and have a great season?
DJ: When I broke my hand I was devastated because I've never in my life missed a game of any sport, and I've had all types of things wrong with me in the past so it was very new to me. I was down on myself real bad for a while, but if it wasn't for the support of my teammates and coaches pushing me and encouraging me then I wouldn't have finished strong like I did.

MM: As a player and as a team, what do you think was the biggest difference this season compared to last season?
DJ: The biggest difference this season was that we was more bought into what coach Tuke was doing and came together as a team.

MM: What do you think you improved on the most this season?
DJ: This season I improved on my pass blocking, last year I struggled at times with my pass blocking but the techniques that Coach Martin taught me, made things a lot easier for me.

MM: If there is one thing that you need to improve on, what would it be?
DJ: My strength. I need to get a lot stronger then what I am now.

MM: What kind of changes did Coach Tuke bring to the program that you enjoyed the most?
DJ:Coach Tuke brought excitement to this program. He made us love the game of football again.

MM: What are the rivalries with Murray State and SIU like for the team? What are they like for you personally?
DJ: The rivalry between Murray State and SIU is the same as it is to any other team we play. I don’t like them, so when it’s time to strap on the pads and the ball is kicked off, it’s straight business. I’m a competitor, and the game of football is what saved me from the streets growing up so I take every game serious and treat every game the same with a lot of serious emotions.

MM: What was your favorite game or moment from a game this season?
DJ: My favorite moment was when Paul McRoberts scored the game winning touchdown against Southeast Louisiana. The place went crazy and it was the best atmosphere I’ve seen since I've been here at SEMO.

MM: What will you take away the most from this season?
DJ: We actually took a step forward this season, so now we gotta add a couple more pieces and get a conference title.

MM: What is your biggest regret about this season?
DJ: I don’t have any regrets this season because every day we went hard as a team and competed. 

MM: How do you feel about the future of the program?
DJ: I feel like the future of this program is going to be great. With the way Coach Tuke runs things and mentors you, I honestly believe there will be some more championships that will be celebrated in Cape Girardeau.

MM: What expectations do you have for yourself for next season? What expectations does the team have for next season?
DJ: I have high expectations for myself next season, I've never won a ring, but I've been on great teams. But just never finish strong, and next season I want to change that.

MM: How have you been spending your time during winter break?
DJ: I've spent time with my family this winter break. I have 6 siblings and 4 nephews so I spend a lot of time with them when I go home because I barely get a chance to see them.

MM: What artists or songs do you listen to before a game?
DJ: The artist and song I listen to is "Understand Me" by Chief Keef.

MM: What do you love the most about SEMO?
DJ: I love the way fans have been sticking by our side even though in the past we've had bad years, they always support us. That's big because we actually see that and get motivated by it.

MM: If you had any advice for the running backs that are coming up what would you tell him?
DJ: That at this level it's a job. Your weakness will be exposed so you have to be on top of your game. You have to study the opponent's weakness, so that means extra film. You have to make fast cuts, be prepared to take big hits, and people stripping at the ball every play. Every move you make has to be faster and better than your opponents. When the ball gets put in your hand do something special with it, because if you don’t the next guy will.

MM: If you had one day to do whatever you want, what would it be?
DJ: Play in a NFL game. I've dreamed about that day since I first started playing football.

MM: If there is one thing you would like to see the football program achieve, what would it be?
DJ: Win a National Championship.

MM: How do you want to be remembered during your time at SEMO?
DJ: As one of the best running backs to play at SEMO.

I'm very confident that De'Michael Jackson will go down as one of the best running backs in the history of SEMO Football. I know that players at FCS schools don't receive the same amount of attention as players at FBS schools, but if he can stay healthy and have the kind of season he is capable of having, then he could have a chance to get taken in one of the later rounds. I wish him nothing but the best of luck. Below is a link to his highlights at SEMO. Give it a look, and check out his skills.

De'Michael Jackson highlight video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3465964/highlights/198915378

You can Follow De'Michael on Twitter @DMIKE_20

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2015 College Football National Championship

We have finally made it. The College Football Playoff National Championship game has arrived. After years of relying on AP writers to decide the National Champion, and computers deciding who gets into the FBS National Championship game we have come down to thew first ever playoff championship game. The first ever CFB Playoffs have not disappointed. We got to see Ohio State take on powerhouse Alabama, and defending champs Florida State take on one of the most popular teams in Oregon. These two games were the two most watched television broadcasts of all time. The Oregon/Florida State game brought in 28.2 million viewers and the Alabama/Ohio State game brought in 28.3 million viewers. Personally, I hope this helps the expansion to 8 teams, and even up to 16 teams. 16 teams would be the maximum I'd want to see. It's time to focus on the National Championship game played tonight at 7:30 on ESPN.

Oregon (-6) vs Ohio State

There couldn't be a more evenly matched National Championship than this one tonight. Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes look to win their 8th national championship in school history, while the Oregon Ducks look to win their 1st national championship in school history. Both teams are in the Top 5 in scoring (Oregon - 47.2, Ohio State - 45), they are very almost dead even in points allowed (Oregon - 22.3, Ohio State - 22.1), but the big difference between the two teams in the passing game. Oregon averages 311 passing yards per game while Ohio State averages 247.5 yards per game. They are almost equal in the amount of the plays averaged per game with Oregon averaging 77 and Ohio State averaging 74, so this could come down to who has the better conditioned defense.

Heisman winner, Marcus Mariota, is 3rd in the country in passing yards, 2nd in passing touchdowns, 1st in passing efficiency, and 1st in points responsible for. Mariota and the Ducks are hard to stop on the offensive side of the ball. Despite that, they will have to go up against an Ohio State team that is 4th in passing defense efficiency. The Buckeyes average 3 sacks per game, and the Ducks allow 2 sack per game. Oregon's offensive line will have to be at its best tonight, because Ohio State is going to be gunning for Mariota.

When it comes to the running game Ohio State has the advantage. Ezekiel Elliott will be a key factor for the Buckeyes. Elliott averaged 11.5 yards and had two touchdowns against an Alabama team that is 4th is rushing defense. I think Ohio State will look to be run happy against an Oregon rushing defense that is ranked 49th in the nation.

Cardale Jones is only a freshman and making his third start in his college career. Jones has shown signs of being a great quarterback with a lot of future potential, but I'm not totally sold on him against just yet. Oregon won't have to worry much about Jones running the ball, but I wouldn't rule it out completely. I'm sure Urban Meyer has been working on plays that has Jones plowing through defenses with his 6'5 250lb frame, especially in goal line and one yard plays.

Urban Meyer is one of the best coaches in college football, maybe even the best. If Ohio State were to win tonight, then he could arguably go down as the greatest college football coach that is currently coaching, even better than Nick Saban.

Tonight looks to be the biggest night in college football's history to date. The Oregon Ducks are a 6 point favorite against the Ohio State Buckeyes. These teams are pretty even except one team excels in passing (Oregon) whereas another team excels more in rushing (Ohio State). If both teams show up ready to play, and I think they will, then this will be a very close game with a lot of scoring. I think Oregon wins, but by only 2 points with a score of 41-39.


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2015 NFL Playoffs

So far 2015 has been a pretty good year for sports, particularly in football. We have seen some amazing college football playoff games this year, and some pretty good NFL Wild Card games too. Now we have come to the NFL Divisional Playoffs, and there are some exciting match-ups for football fans to watch this weekend.

Baltimore at New England (-7)

These two teams have been two of the best teams in the AFC for the last five years. They both have great quarterbacks, and great defenses this year. The Patriots defense has been surprising this year because their defense was abysmal last year. They are playing much better this year. The ravens defense is once again one of the best defenses in the NFL. They will be tough for Brady, and they are hard to run the ball against. New England does have the home field advantage, both teams are used to playing in the cold so neither of them have the advantage there. I know New England is a 7 point favorite and I think they are going to win, but I think it will be closer than that. I pick the Patriots to win by 3 points with a score of 23-20.

Carolina at Seattle (-11.5)

If you told me in October that the Seattle Seahawks were looking like they were going to repeat as Super Bowl Champions I would have given you a dollar so that you could buy yourself a clue. But, that was when the Seahawks were 3-3, and not playing like the team we saw destroy Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl. Things have changed. The Seahawks are once again looking like the dominant force that many expected them to be. I feel the same way about the Panthers as well. The Panthers are entering the playoffs with a losing record. In late November Carolina was looking like they might not win another game the rest of the season. The Panthers went on a 6 game losing streak, but ended the season winning their last 4, even though 3 out of 4 teams were in the NFC South with losing records. Seattle is the heavy favorite to win this game as an 11.5 point favorite. Anytime a team has to play in Seattle against the "12th Man" it is going to be a long day. Carolina has a really good defense and I don't expect Seattle to beat the spread, but I do expect them to win. I think the Seahawks win by 10 with a score of 19-9.

Dallas at Green Bay (-6)

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of a very successful season. Many fans were anticipating yet another Cowboys failing year, but this year has not been the case. Tony Romo has been proving the doubters wrong and showing them that he is a really good quarterback. The difference with this year is the offensive line. The Cowboys have a much better offensive line protecting Romo and DeMarco Murray has been running like a man on fire. They will travel to the tundra that is Lambeau Field in Green Bay, where anything over 30 degrees is considered picnic whether for the locals. The Packers will look to beat the Cowboys with star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who is dealing with a tear in his calf muscle. It is a slight tear, but a tear nonetheless and it could tear more causing Rodgers to go out of the game and possibly the season. Green Bay has a decent defense and they are going to have to be better than that if they want to contain Murray and Romo. I still think the Packers are the better team and they will still get the job done with or without Rodgers. I think the Packers win, but don't cover the spread. I think they will squeak by the Cowboys and win by 2 points with a score of 24-22.

Indianapolis at Denver (-7)

Of course the NFL Playoffs wouldn't be the same without Peyton Manning in it. Manning will look to lead the Broncos to a victory against his former team the Colts. This has become quite the little rivalry between the two teams with the old vs the new in quarterback competition. There have been many people doubting Manning and his abilities as to what he can do on the field this weekend. I too have had some doubts, but I don't see anything to worry about here. Denver has a very good defense and a very legitimate offense. Andrew Luck and the Colts will look to carry the momentum from last week's game against the Bengals and leave Denver with a win. Denver is supposed to be a 7 point favorite, but once again I think this is going to be another game that is close and will come down to whoever has the ball last. Andrew Luck is a phenomenal quarterback and he will continue to get better throughout his career, but I don't see the Colts getting past the Broncos this year. Luck is great, but he still lacks the weapons he needs to be as successful as I know he can be. The Colts don't have a running game, and they aren't going to be able to dominant Denver's defense by passing the ball the entire game. I think the Broncos win a close game by 2 points with a score of 24-22.

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2015 FCS National Championship Game Preview

The time has come for the FCS Championship game in Frisco, TX. This year's championship game will consist of two teams from the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Illinois State Redbirds and the North Dakota State Bison will go head-to-head on January 10th to see who will reign supreme. These two teams did not play each other earlier this season so this will be like a conference championship game as well as a national championship game. With both teams being very similar on both sides of the ball this should be a very good game with a lot of back-and-forth scoring.

The Illinois State Redbirds are making their ever appearance in an FCS Championship game. The Redbirds have been very hot during the playoffs and have shown that they can compete with the best in the FCS. The Redbirds defeated their MVFC foe Northern Iowa by 20 points in the 2nd round, then they beat a very good Eastern Washington team by 13 points in the quarterfinals, and made a 15-0 comeback run against #1 New Hampshire in the semifinals. Illinois State has a very good offense, but they are going against one of the best defensive teams in the FCS,

Indiana transfer Tre Roberson has passed for 3,064 yards, is 4th in average passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and is 4th in passing efficiency. The Redbirds running back, Marshaun Coprich is leading the FCS in rushing touchdowns (27) and rushing yards (2,168). He is second in yards per game with 154.9 yards. These two guys are they key to Illinois State's victory over the Bison. That will be a pretty task against one of the best defenses in the FCS.

The North Dakota State Bison are looking for their 4th straight National Championship. The Bison also started the playoffs with a victory over a conference rival in South Dakota State, The Bison were tested pretty good, but came away with a close win against the Jackrabbitts. Then they took on Coastal Carolina and their high powered offense. The Bison did come away with the victory, but it was a close one winning by 7. In the semifinals the Bison met the cinderella team on the playoffs in Sam Houston State, but the Bison showed them why they are the three-time national champions and defeated them 35-3. The Bison are on point and are ready to take home another championship back to Fargo.

North Dakota State has the 3rd best overall defense in the FCS. They only allow 13.2 points per game, which is 2nd best in the FCS. The Bison has the 5th best rushing defense in the FCS, and they will need that defense to show up against Coprich, who is arguably the best running back in the FCS. The Bison are 3rd in passing efficiency defense. They will be put to the test against Tre Roberson and the Redbirds. North Dakota State will have to watch their penalties to help secure their chances of winning. The Bison have 21 more penalties in the year than the Redbirds do. They are going to need to play smarter and watch their penalties.

This is one of those games were the irresistible force meets the immovable object. Two of the best teams in the FCS both with their own specialty. The Redbirds clearly have the better offense while the Bison have the better defense. Besides having a great defense the Bison have another thing going for them, experience. This is the fourth straight trip to the championship game for the Bison. The Bison are working on becoming a dynasty, you could argue that they are already at that status. The Bison are going to show it on the field. I'm not taking anything away from the Redbirds. They are an amazing offensive machine, but this is their first trip to the big game, and I don't know how they will handle it. North Dakota State has been here and know how to prepare for this game. This is going to be a really enjoyable game to watch. It should be the kind of game you would expect a national championship game to be. I think it will close all the way to the end, and if North Dakota State can keep their penalties down then they will come away with a fourth straight national championship. I think North Dakota State wins this game by 2 points with a score of 27-25.


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