Turns Out Chizik Will Head To Auburn

As promised we bring you the update on the Auburn coaching situation.

According to sources, Iowa State Head Coach Gene Chizik will be taking over the head coaching duties at Auburn. Chizik was the Defensive Coordinator at Auburn from 2002 to 2004.

In 2007, Chizik became the Head Coach at Iowa State. His two season with the Cyclones has yielded a depressing 5-19 record. This season Chizik and the Cyclones failed to win a single conference game in the difficult Big 12.

With a lot of other prospects being mentioned, it was surprising to say the least that Auburn went with Chizik considering his lack of winning experience.

I'm sure in the days and weeks upcoming we'll be hearing about how Tiger fans want someone more qualified for the job. Instead Tigers fans, you get Gene Chizik, sorry.

By: Collin Dakheel

Will Muschamp To Take Over At Auburn?

According to reports in Alabama, Texas Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp is to be named today as the new Head Coach of Auburn. Now Muschamp has denied even interviewing for the job and stating that he and his family will be remaining in Austin.

If you remember a month ago Head Coach Mack Brown announced that this will be his last season and that Muschamp is the coach in waiting to be his successor.

Will Muschamp was the Defensive Coordinator for Auburn in the 2006 and 2007 seasons under Tommy Tuberville, who resigned as Head Coach of Auburn at the end of the regular season this year.

So Muschamp or no Muschamp? I guess we'll soon find out and will be updated right here on SportsEyez.com.

By: Collin Dakheel

No.1 On The Line And The Vikings Capitalize

(AP Photo / Tom Olmscheid)

Minnesota QB Gus Frerotte and WR Bernard Berrian tied and NFL record for longest touchdown play from scrimmage, with a 99 yard touchdown pass, as the Vikings went onto beat the Bears 34-14.

After losing to Chicago earlier in the season, tonight was a must win for Minnesota and secured first place in the NFC North for themselves. A combined balanced attack of offense and defense execution ensured their victory tonight over the rival Bears.

Gus Frerotte went 16/25 for 210 yards and a 99 yard touchdown to WR Bernard Berrian. Berrian would finish the game with 122 yards. Running Back Adrian Peterson rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 28 attempts. His teammate Chester Taylor had minor success as he went for 41 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

The Vikings defense kept the pressure on as they were able to intercept chicago QB Kyle Orton three times. Vikings DE Jared Allen, who of late has been the focus of numerous questionable hits, was able to sack Orton three times himself.

This might spell the end of the Bears for the season after they started with a 7-0 lead in this game. Will their last four opponents of the season smell the blood in the water, or will Chicago be able to persevere and bounce back? Only time will tell.

By: Collin Dakheel

Horns Win Showdown To Stay Alive In BCS

(AP Photo / Harry Cabluck)

The Lone Star Showdown ended lopsided tonight as the Longhorns stampede the Aggies 49-9. An over matched Texas A&M team was struggling, at best, to keep up with the BCS contender Texas Longhorns.

Texas quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy, was the staple of this offense as he was unstoppable in the air and on the ground against the inexperienced Aggie defense. McCoy went 23 for 28 for 312 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Colt added to his performance on the ground taking 11 carries for 48 yards and two touchdowns.

The Longhorns defense was also dominant as they came up with six sacks and a fumble.

Aggies' quarterback Stephen McGee had a rough return into the lineup as he went 16 for 24 for 207 yards and no touchdowns as he was unable to capitalize on the Longhorns' side of the field. Sophomore Aggie quarterback Jerrod Johnson went 4 for 11 for 62 yards and a late fourth quarter touchdown to freshman receiver Jeff Fuller.

Texas now just has to sit and hope for a miracle in the way of an Oklahoma and Texas Tech losses this Saturday, or a lot of sympathy from pollsters on Sunday.

By: Collin Dakheel

Cowboys Roast Seahawks On Turkey Day

(AP Photo / Tony Gutierrez)

An excited Martellus Bennett celebrates after scoring the first touchdown of the game for the Cowboys. The rookie tight end out of Texas A&M celebrated in true Aggie fashion as Dallas continued on to victory over Seattle 34-9.

The Cowboys' defense was also on cooking detail as they kept the heat on the Seahawks, be able to record 7 sacks on the day, the most sacks produced in a game for the cowboys in over ten years.

The Seahawks struggled all game on both sides of the ball. Even when they were able to get into the red zone, their offense wasn't able to capitalize and had to settle for field goals. Seattle's only glimmer of hope was in the second half when cornerback Marcus Trufant was able to intercept Dallas quarterback Tony Romo in the end zone.

Dallas is running on all cylinders now that they have quarterback Tony Romo back for a couple weeks. Romo had three touchdowns to WR Terrell Owens, TE Jason Witten, and TE Martellus Bennett. The Cowboys improve to 8-4 on the season and have a long nine days till their next game on December 7th versus Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

By: Collin Dakheel

Johnson And The Titans Drive Over The Lions In Detroit

(AP Photo / Paul Sancya)

On the second play of their first drive, the Tennessee Titans were already able to celebrate a Chris Johnson touchdown.

On the same result, on their second drive, Johnson went 58 yards on a 3rd and 5 for his second touchdown of the first quarter. By half time, with a combined effort by fellow running back Lendale White and the Titans defense, Tennessee was able to take a commanding lead as they went into the locker room at half time 35-10.

With an iron leg in the second half, Tennessee kicker Rob Bironas clocked in 4 field goals for 12 points and sealed this victory out at 47-10.

Detroit is on the verge of being named as the worst team in history as they fall to 0-12 on the season. With great weapons on both sides of the ball, such as WR Calvin Johnson, RB Kevin Smith, and OLB Ernie Sims, this talented NFC North team shouldn't be in last place. With this brutal defeat marks the worst loss for the Lions on Thanksgiving Day in history.

By: Collin Dakheel

Mavericks Blast The Rockets In Houston

(AP Photo / David J. Phillip)

Injuries plagued both teams in this one, but it was Jason Terry and the Mavericks who were successful as they beat the Rockets 96-86.

Jason Terry led the Dallas bench and team with 31 points, 18 of which were in the first half. Dirk Nowitzki

had a decent game with 24 points and 12 rebounds .

Rafer Alston and Tracy McGrady led the Rockets both with 16 points. Rafer Alston also had 5 rebounds and 8 assists to his credit.

Both teams were missing star quality players as Houston C Yao Ming and Dallas SF Josh Howard were both out because of ankle injuries. But it was Dallas who persevered and overcame adversity, on the road no less, to have a commanding victory against the first place Rockets. Dallas improves to 5-7 while Houston drops to 7-5. Even with the loss however, Houston still retains the top spot in the Southwest Division.
By: Collin Dakheel

Dominating Victory Screams No. 1 Recognition

(AP Photo / Matt Slocum)

After a blowout victory in Lubbock last night over Oklahoma State, sports writers including myself are are asking for a No.1 BCS rank for Texas Tech.

The Alabama Crimson Tide were able to escape defeat in overtime yesterday against LSU. Alabama narrowly escaped defeat against a 15th ranked Tigers team that they should have been able to handle with ease. I definitely believe that Alabama and the SEC's strangle hold on the top ranked position should come to a halt after their performance.

The Red Raiders' blowout of No. 9 Oklahoma State was more concinving and just solidifies even more that Texas Tech is worthy and should be ranked No. 1.

By: Collin Dakheel

What Can Brown Do For The Giants?

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

The Cleveland Browns sure showed what they could do for the Giants as they served a striking first loss to the defending World Champions on Monday night in Cleveland.

Braylon Edwards and company were on the verge of going 1-4 and having their playoff hopes fade away. The Browns proved to be ready for the first place Giants as they were able to picked of QB Eli Manning three times.

Giants WR Plaxico Burress, on his return from suspension, only managed 4 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. The only Giants' playmaker to show up was second string RB Derrick Ward who grabbed 101 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.

I was very impressed with the Browns' ability to move the ball down field especially in the second half and control the clock and tempo of the game. This win keeps their playoff hopes alive and gives a serious reality check to the Super Bowl Champs.

By: Collin Dakheel

Turnover Terror In Houston

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Three turnovers by QB Sage Rosenfels in the final four minutes of the game led to 21 points by Peyton Manning and the Colts as they edged out the Texans 31-27 in Houston.

Sage Rosenfels received the start for Houston after Texans 1st string quarterback Matt Schaub had to visit the hospital on Saturday night due to intestinal problems. Rosenfels went 21-33 with a touchdown and an interception.

Indianapolis started the game with 10 points off of a Joseph Addai run and an Adam Vinatieri field goal. After that it was all Houston as they scored 27 unanswered points until late in the fourth quarter when the Colts were able to capitalize on two fumbles and one interception by Sage Rosenfels.

Houston rookie RB Steve Slaton had a great game in his first game ever in Houston as he ran for 93 yards on 16 attempts and 2 touchdowns.

Peyton Manning was silenced until late in the fourth quarter when he threw for 2 touchdowns and sealed the win against Houston.

This is definitely a demoralizing 0-4 start for the Texans. Last week they lost with Jaguars QB David Garrard's last minute touch own to tie and the the JOsh Scobee field goal in overtime for the win, and now this last minute terrible turn of events that lead to another loss.

Head Coach Gary Kubiak needs to fix his team and fast or else he could be looking for another job at the end of the season as the Texans could be held out of the playoffs for the 6th straight season.

By: Collin Dakheel

Chicago To Rise Or Fall?

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

After a down right pitiful performance in Chicago last night against the Dodgers, the Cubs are a heart beat away from eclipsing a century removed from a World Series title.

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers came on strong and never took their feet off the gas as the Dodgers slammed the Cubs 10-3 to take a 2-0 lead in this series. Ramirez went 2 for 4 including his second home run this series and 2 RBI's. Ramirez has 26 home runs career in the post season, the most of any player in history.

With 4 errors to Chicago's credit, I wouldn't say you could pin this loss on any one person in their organization. Only one team has comeback after being down two games to none during a Division Series in history so luck will have to be on there side.

The series shifts to Los Angeles Saturday at 9pm CST. Rich Harden will be starting for the Cubs and Hiroki Kuroda will start for the Dodgers.

By: Collin Dakheel

America Drives Home a Commanding Performance in Day 1 of the Ryder Cup

(Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

A strong day 1 performance by Phil Mickelson and the team U.S.A. as they lead by a score of 5 1/2 to 2 1/2.

The 1st hole in the morning matches, proved to be a thorn in the side of the Americans as they lost the hole 3 out of the 4 matches.

Hunter Mahan, playing in his first Ryder Cup, and his partner Justin Leonard had a rough start going down 2 holes in the morning, but rallied back in an impressive showing of skill, patience, and a desire to win both their matches.

Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim took it to 2008 PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington to halve their morning match and win their afternoon match over their Euro rivals.

Foursomes begin tomorrow morning at 8am EST.

By: Collin Dakheel

Astros Sweep The Cubs And Record Their 8th Straight Victory

(AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh)

The comeback kids of Houston proved their worth yet again on Wednesday against the Cubs as they shut them out 4-0.

This victory in Chicago brings the Astros' winning streak to eight straight and 6.5 back in the NL Wild Card race.

Houston Starting Pitcher Randy Wolf (9-11) struck out eight batters and got the shutout. This was Wolf's first shutout since April 2004.

Also Houston 3B Ty Wigginton hit a two run homer, his 22nd of the season, to continue his long ball onslaught since Carlos Lee got injured a month ago.

The Astros still have a long way to go and a very short time to get there with only four weeks left in the regular season. Lets see what they're made of.

By: Collin Dakheel

Astros Trounce Cubs Yet Again And Pull Within 7.5 of the Wild Card

(AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh)

Third Baseman Geoff Blum won the game for Houston in the 11th inning with a two run homer as the Astros defeated the Cubs 9-7 last night.

Chicago starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano had to leave the game in the 5th inning due to arm problems. Zambrano will be having his arm examined today.

With Blum's two run bomb, the Astros win their seventh straight game, and with Milwaukee losing again on Tuesday pulls Houston to 7.5 games back in the NL Wild Card Race.

With the loss of LF Carlos Lee early in August with a broken finger, the Astros have been stepping up where needed to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

Houston and Chicago finish this three game series tonight at 7:05pm CST in Chicago.

Mizzou Outlasts Juice And The Illini

(AP Photo / Jeff Roberson)

Juice Williams and the Fighting Illini were able to keep it a game early in the 2nd quarter until Chase Daniel and the Tigers put their feet on the gas and never let up.

Illinois started to comeback in the 4th quarter, but the aggressiveness  and might of the Tiger offense kept going as the defeated Illinois 52-42.

Missouri Quarterback Chase Daniel went 26 for 43 for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns. Illinois was able to intercept Daniel as Illinois DT Derek Williams got in his face and was able to snatch the ball as it was leaving Daniel's arm and return it for a touchdown for Illinois' only lead of the evening.

The Tigers' offensive hybrid playmaker, WR Jeremy Maclin, was having a decent game until an ankle injury early in the 4th quarter. Maclin's x-rays cam back negative so he should return soon.

Illinois QB Juice Williams was the only consistent player for the Illini has he went 26 for 42 for 451 yards and 5 touchdowns.

I think that Juice Williams has solidified himself as one of the top Quarterbacks in the NCAA, but Illinois has a way to go to be a solid program, especially on defense.

Missouri will host Southeast Missouri State at 7pm EST, while Illinois will host Eastern Illinois at 12pm EST, on Saturday, September 6th.

Colt Brennan Takes It To The Colts In The Hall of Fame Game

Colt Brennan's debut in the NFL couldn't have been better for the little amount of playing time that was afforded him.

In Canton, Ohio last night was the first NFL pre-season showdown, known as the Hall of Fame game, as the Washington Redskins stuck it to the Indianapolis Colts winning 30-16.

Indianapolis, with no Peyton Manning, tried to take control early but were out matched by the Redskins first year Head Coach Jim Zorn. It's not sure where in the lineup will be Colt Brennan's place, but after last night's performance, Brennan's making his case heard loud and clear. Brennan went 9 for 10 for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Even though it hasn't been said yet, QB Jason Campbell, the Redskins presumed starter, should be looking over his shoulder for the NCAA's single season and all time touchdown record holder because after last night Brennan won't be looking back.

By: Collin Dakheel

Astros Sweep Mets As They Make Their Playoff Run

(AP Photo / Dave Einsel)

The Astros completed their three game sweep of the Mets this afternoon with a shutout win of 4-0.

Houston has won six out of their last seven and are now putting tremendous pressure on the rest of the NL Central teams. As of today, Houston sits eight games out of the NL Wild Card and thirteen games out of the NL Division race.

With six home runs in this three game series the Astros are finding their rhythm and have a chance with 52 games left to make their run for the post season and glory in October.

Houston goes to Chicago tomorrow to a begin three game series against the first place Cubs. The Astros have played the Cubs pretty well all season, but Chicago has won 41 games at home this year and after Houston's series with New York, they will not be taking the Astros lightly.

By: Collin Dakheel

Shockey Is Blessed As He Will Start Tomorrow a Saint

(Getty Images / Jim McIsaac)

TE Jeremy Shockey and Saints' Head Coach Sean Payton finally got their wish as Shockey was traded From New York to New Orleans today for the Saints' second and fifth round picks in the 2009 NFL Draft.

New York was able to win the Super Bowl without Shockey earlier this year as he was out with an in jury and rookie Kevin Boss filled his shoes nicely. After the good post season performance from Boss, the Giants and Shockey were ready to part ways.

New Orleans' Head Coach Sean Payton and his willful perseverance finally able to do the deal with Shockey and Giants, a deal Payton has been driving for since February. Before becoming Head Coach of the Saints, Sean Payton was an Offensive Coordinator for the Giants during Jeremy Shockey's rookie season when he was more involved in the down field passing game with 74 receptions for 894 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

Definitely this move of Shockey into the Saints' offense is an aggressive move to improve the Saints' productivity from where it lacked last season.

By: Collin Dakheel

Hamilton Gets the Glory, While Morneau Gets the Trophy

(US Presswire / Scott Rovak)

For once in Yankee Stadium, 50,000 people were cheering the name of a non-Yankee on Monday night.

In the first and last Home Run Derby in Yankee Stadium, the man with the ambiance of his name being cheered was Rangers' Center Fielder Josh Hamilton.

Josh Hamilton broke a Home Run Derby single round record with 28 Home Runs in the first round, which was previously held by Yankees Right Fielder Bobby Abreu in 2005 with 24 homers. However unlike Bobby Abreu, 3 of Hamilton's homers were over 500 feet. Hamilton's longest of 512 feet sent all 53,716 spectators into a baseball hoopla of shock as he almost became the first MLB player to ever hit a Home Run out of Yankee Stadium.

However in the final round, where they reset the two finalists home run totals, it was Twins' First Baseman Justin Morneau who was able to out homer Josh Hamilton 5-3 to become the 2008 MLB Home Run Derby Champion.

Both Hamilton and Morneau will be starting with the American League Allstars tonight at 7pm CST on FOX.

By: Collin Dakheel

Wagner Blows the Save But Mets Remain Victorious

The Mets were able to even their record to 44-44 as they knocked off the Phillies in Philadelphia yesterday 4-2.

New York looked as if they had the game in the bag. Surely it appeared that way with two outs in the 9th inning until Phillies CF Jayson Werth blasted a 2 run bomb off of Mets Closer Billy Wagner, his sixth blown save this season, to send the game to extra innings.

New York however took the game in hand in the 12th inning as RF Fernando Tatis hit a 2 run homer, his first home run since May, to give the Mets the win.

The Mets also had the long ball working for them early on as CF Carlos Beltran hit a solo home run to center field to give the Mets the lead at the top of the 3rd inning 1-0

Joe Smith(1-1) walks away with the win for the Mets, as Chad Durbin(2-2) receives the loss for the Phillies. Final game of this 4 game series starts tonight at 7:05 EST. New York leads this series 2-1.

By: Collin Dakheel

SportsEyez.com's 2008 MLB Allstar Picks

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Catcher - Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers

1st Baseman - Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

2nd Baseman - Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

3rd Baseman - Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Shortstop - Michael Young, Texas Rangers

Outfielders - Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox

                     - Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers

                   - Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Designated Hitter - Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Catcher - Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

1st Baseman - Lance Berkman, Houston Astros

2nd Baseman - Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies

3rd Baseman - Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves

Shortstop - Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins

Outfielders - Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs

                     - Ken Griffey Jr., Cincinnati Reds

                     - Carlos Lee, Houston Astros

Designated Hitter - David Wright, New York Mets

The Fight To Stay Alive

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

(AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

Tonight the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three game road series against the Houston Astros.

Both Houston(39-43) and Los Angeles(38-43) have records that leave a lot to be desired. The Dodgers however are in second place in the NL west and only two games out of first. The Astros though are in fourth in the NL Central and ten games out of first. Even with that though the Dodgers are 8 games back in the Wild Card race while Houston is 7.5 games back.

Both of these clubs need to win this series to keep pace and gain ground in the Wild Card race and in their perspective divisions. What is very common with both of these clubs is their struggles with pitching. Houston's club ERA is 4.47 with their problems coming from starters and form the bullpen.

Los Angeles' club ERA is a decent 3.73 with their problems mostly coming from starters while their bullpen keeps their team ERA in the high 3's.

Both teams need to win and can win. First pitch tonight is at 7:05 CST. Eric Stults(2-0) is starting for the Dodgers while Roy Oswalt(6-8) will be taking the mound for the Astros.

By: Collin Dakheel

The Downward Spiral of the Houston Astros

(AP Photo/Don Wright)

The Astros dropped another game yesterday to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Unfortunately we see this from the boys from Houston every season. Even three years ago when the Astros went to the World Series for the first time in club history, they were swept in 4 games by the White Sox. I guess I would just expect more from a team who over the years has had extremely good talent on the roster and Astros' Manager Cecil Cooper's "fire sale" approach to the roster to spice things up bringing Miguel Tejada and Michael Bourn to the team. The Astros are in a spot where they can salvage the season and win their division, but the time to get it together is now. With the Cubs having the best record in baseball and the Brewers starting to find their form again the time is now for Houston to square things up at the plate and put themselves in the position to give their fans another NL Pennant.

By: Collin Dakheel

A Pinch Homer Sends the D-Backs Past the Astros

(AP Photo/Matt York)

After a great start to the game by Houston, they couldn't hold onto the victory as Arizona squeeked by 8-7.

With 4 hits in the top of first inning including a 3 run homer by LF Carlos Lee, the 'Stros were able to take a commanding 4-0 lead early. Arizona answered back in the bottom of the first inning with 2- RBI Doubles by 2B Orlando Hudson and RF Justin Upton.

Diamondbacks Starter Randy Johnson gave up 9 hits and 6 earned runs in the 4 innings he pitched. Definitely not a career day for the "Big Unit." Not much difference on the other side as Shawn Chacon gave up 7 hits and 5 earned runs.

But it was Micah Owings pinch 2 run homer in the sixth inning that tied the game and rallied the Diamondbacks past the Astros. He increased his batting average to .421. Not bad for

a Starting Pitcher.

With the win last night, Arizona takes the series 2 games to 1. Arizona hosts the Mets tomorrow at 7:4o MST. Houston goes home to host Milwaukee tomorrow at 7:05 EST.

By: Collin Dakheel

The Draft of Trades and Offensive Lineman

(AP Photo)

This year's NFL Draft Day was a day of change.

Out of 31 selections in the NFL Draft on Saturday, 8 of them were traded and 8 were Offensive Lineman.

Also first round selections were reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes which cut the first round's length down to a little over three and a half hours. The other six rounds were cut down on time alloted as well.

The biggest surprise of the first round I would say was the Jacksonville Jaguars trading up with the Baltimore Ravens to the eighth position to select Florida Defensive End Derrick Harvey. Don't get me wrong Harvey's speed off the outside will be a weapon the Jaguars can utilize, but trading up to select him at eight was an unnecessary action for a player who at best was rated a late first round selection.

The big winners of Draft Day was the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Redskins.

The Chiefs had a total of 12 selections at their disposal and utilized them well. With selections such as LSU DT Glenn Dorsey and Virginia OG Branden Albert, The chiefs have a lot of weapons that could be starting for them in week 1 this upcoming season.

Pittsburgh instead of drafting for needs went with the value selections at their turns. First and second round selections RB Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois and WR Limas Sweed were the best available at the time of the Steelers selections.

Washington traded down and did not select until the second round. Even with that, the Redskins were still able to pick up the two best rated Wide Receivers in the draft. Devin Thomas from Michigan State and Malcolm Kelly from Oklahoma might just be the extra "Umphh" for the Redskins to get back to the big show.

A lot of teams were labeled winners and losers of the draft, but only time will tell which franchise has the last laugh of the 2008 NFL Draft.

By: Collin Dakheel