Blogcritics Author: Casey Michel

Rice's Terrific Texas Bowl Tandem

Casey Michel — Sat, 3 Jan 2009 15:18:20 EST

With the Texas Bowl trophy, Rice won its first bowl game since 1954. Let's take a peek how it happened.
It was, in a sense, a reverse.During the third quarter of the Texas Bowl, Rice quarterback Chase Clement sent a lateral, short and sweet, at Jarett Dillard’s chest. The All-Everything receiver took the pass as the Western Michigan defense began to swarm, ready to cement a loss of yards. But Dillard, more often known for class than cleverness,...

An Insult By Any Other Name Would Sound As Sweet

Casey Michel — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:15:14 EST

Shakespeare had it right -- insults, like words, are meaningless. But don't try telling that to Phil Mickelson or Elisha Cuthbert.
Please, don't take offense, Phil. And Elisha, it's nothing personal. But guys, it's time to grow up....

After Much Debate, the Title of "Greatest Sport" Goes To...

Casey Michel — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 16:03:09 EST

After centuries of heated debate, one sport has finally emerged as the greatest of all time.
What sport, above all others, embodies the fire of the human spirit? What sport combines more grit, guts, and gregariousness than Odysseus or Ulysses ever knew? What sport propels men, women, and children beyond their hardened limits and into the world of excellence and legend?Most of you, I’m sure, have already guessed the answer. Maybe you...

Rife with Questions, the Mariners Look to the Future

Casey Michel — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 11:03:19 EST

With holes and questions galore, the 2009 Mariners squad could -- and should -- look drastically different than the team's 2008 campaign.
In America, November brings more than basted turkeys and wasted elections. The 11th month signifies the stoking of baseball's hot stove, a panacea to the unavoidable candy-induced hangover of Halloween. While the Phillies wipe the crust of champagne from their hair, most teams utilize this month to assess themselves, their situation, and their...

After Eight Years, The Blazers Are Back

Casey Michel — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:45:26 EDT

The Blazers, long maligned and full of misdemeanor, have finally brought respectability back to the Rose City.
Eight years ago, I dribbled a worn basketball in my cracked driveway. "Beat LA!" yelled the blue-shirted dude passing on his bike."Yeah," I offered, meekly, turning my back to the guy. Try as I might, I couldn't bring myself to tell him the reason I was outside, dejectedly displaying my Rucker Park game for all the neighbors to see.We weren't going...

So, Who Wants On The Blazers Bandwagon?

Casey Michel — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:22:18 EDT

Spots on the Blazers bandwagon are filling quickly - do you have what it takes to make it before it's too late?
Unless you’re busy spending $150,000 on clothes and makeup — and therefore spreading the wealth! — you’ve undoubtedly heard that my Trail Blazers are back. With Oden’s beard, Roy’s stealth, and Coach Nate’s bark, these P-Towners are set to squash Western Conference bottom-feeders and force the looming...

The Trials, Tribulations, and Terrors of Watching the All Blacks

Casey Michel — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 18:31:51 EDT

Through haka and horror, the New Zealand All Blacks have succeeded in keeping me terrified to turn the lights out.
They are the stuff borne of nightmares.They are more terrifying than Donald Trump’s hair, Mike Tyson’s mind, and season three of Are You Afraid of the Dark?They are the New Zealand All Blacks, and they’re coming for you. Well, okay, maybe not you specifically, since you don’t play on a national rugby team. But if, in another...

Some Cinematically-Inspired NBA Predictions

Casey Michel — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 09:36:37 EDT

If your NBA team was a movie for the 2008-09 season, which one would it be?
With the NBA season fast approaching, let's take a peek at how the 30 squads will compare to one another. And for all you cinephiles out there, try to spot the movie reference accompanying each team (which will be about as difficult as making Manu Ginobli flop)!Atlantic Division1. Boston Celtics, 58-24: With Rajon Rondo’s post-season...

Satire: Who Does Lance Armstrong Think He Is?

Casey Michel — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:39:48 EDT

With Lance coming back, the cyclist's shrink will attempt to convince him that he should try a different route.
And now, for your reading pleasure, a scene from Lance Armstrong’s recent therapy session in which the chatty, highly-critical shrink dissects Lance’s recent decision to rejoin the Tour de France.Tell me, Lance -- who do you think you are? Michael Jordan?Sure, you were both the greatest of your sport, bringing fans to their feet and...

Are You Ready For Some (Australian Rules) Football?

Casey Michel — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:05:08 EDT

It's the closest thing Australians have to gridiron, so it shouldn't be surprising that Aussie Rules Football is loved this American.
Is it any wonder that Australian Rules football shares nearly all distinct traits with the noble kangaroo?I’m not talking about gnawing on grass or disemboweling opponents -- although I suppose that would up the ante. No, I’m talking about the basics: the kicking, the punching, the bouncing; you know, all the stuff people love them...