BenMaller.com - Ben's Takes

Friday Thoughts, Opinions and Notes

By Ben Maller

Byung-Hyun Kim has written his name along side Dennis Eckersley, Mitch Williams, Donnie Moore and Calvin Schiraldi among others who have given up famous postseason homers. Kim's career very well could go the way of Moore, Williams and Mark Wohlers; in other words, out of baseball.

Bob Brenly will join Gene Mauch, John McNamara, Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa among other managers who made bonehead moves in the playoffs and World Series. Brenly should be taken out to Tempe and whipped for bringing Kim back after blowing game four.

The Yankees became the first team in postseason history to win two straight games when trailing after eight innings.

So much for Craig Counsell's postseason magic. The former Dodger is in an 0-for-19 slump since hitting a homer off Mike Mussina in the opening game of the world series.

Publicly, Gary Sheffield told the LA Times this week he wants to stay with the Dodgers. Privately, I hear GM Dan Evans is working the phones. Latest I hear from "Think Blue Land" are the Mets, Mariners and Red Sox are all interested in the Sheff of LA.

Good to see that Joey Amalfitano was rehired by the Dodgers as senior adviser to baseball operations, what ever that means. Amalfitano had spent the last three years with the evil San Francisco Giants.

Warning to San Diego fans... Matt Vasgersian, the Milwaukee Brewers television play-by-play announcer, has left the team to join the San Diego Padres in the same capacity. Scripted homer calls are coming to America's finest city.

Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants made headlines last weekend at the World Series. Of course Bonds didn't even make the playoffs that's the odd thing. Major League Baseball had invited Bonds to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at game 2 of the World Series in Phoenix.

Bonds was supposed to get the top suite at a hotel in Scottsdale. When he arrived at the hotel to get his room, MLB had accidentally given his suite to someone else. Bonds went nuts and canceled his scheduled news conference.

John Hart is now the General Manager of the Texas Rangers I bet he'll continue the pattern he started in Cleveland and not get a number-one starter.

Tony La Russa seemed like he was begging Mark McGwire to retire, with his comments in a St. Louis newspaper.

Ben Maller Trivia Question of the Week: Who holds the NFL record for most times sacked in a season?

Carl Everett doesn't have to worry about playing for the Houston Astros again anytime soon, now that Jimy Williams has been hired as skipper. I wonder if Williams can use his Voodoo to get Jeff Bagwell & Craig Biggio to actually hit the damn ball in the playoffs.

If the Anaheim Angels were eliminated from the Major Leagues, would anyone notice?

Brian Shaw of the Lakers has every right to be pissed, because Jerry Buss is a cheap ass, Shaw who was owed $2.3 million dollars this season was released, so he could be brought back at $1 million. Meaning Shaw looses $1.7 million dollars. Talk about your bad weeks at work. I believe Karma is a big thing in life and this is worth several months of bad luck for the Purple & Gold.

Ralph Lawler has something to crow about all season now that the Clippers are officially the youngest team in the NBA at 24.8 years on average beating out the Celtics and Nets. I actually think this is a bad thing. Wouldn't a couple of veterans who know how to win help young players win in the NBA?

It's only been two games but Jason Kidd looks like the best pickup in the NBA this offseason. The New Jersey Nets traded a guy that has only seen winning on TV in Stephon Marbury for a guy who makes everyone better and is a winner.

Any doubts I had about ESPN the Magazine being a piece of crap are gone after this week. In their latest issue they say that Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic is a better player than Kobe Bryant. In fact, the article went as far as to say McGrady is the best player in the NBA.

If that note didn't shock you ESPN MAG had this gem that the Sacramento Kings will beat the Lakers and play the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals!

Gary Bettman has to be the worst commissioner in professional sports. The National Hockey League has teams in such huge media markets as Nashville, San Jose & Columbus, Ohio. What good does this do the sport? Fresno, Madison, Oklahoma City and Walla Walla, WA are on the Expansion list.

As you can tell I'm not a huge hockey fan. That said, the New York Islanders have been a lot of fun to watch. Chris Osgood in net, was the best pickup of the offseason.

Interesting reading the other day on LARADIO.com that a Los Angeles radio station lost $250,000 in possible revenue when UCLA lost to Stanford last weekend. I feel just horrible about that.

I spent Thursday afternoon at Dalts in Burbank with ESPN RADIO 1110am star Dave Denholm watching game five of the World Series. As I downed my plate of the best chicken fingers in Los Angeles, Clear Channel big shot Roy Laughlin walked in and said hello to us, a couple of his former guys.

While hanging out at the Burbank hot spot, Access Hollywood stud Pat O'Brien walked in and we shot the crap about the Tony Bruno Show. O'Brien used to rip me all the time on the show but he seemed like a good guy when we chatted while he downed some of the Valley's best wine.

Programming Alert... Listen to Jeff Biggs make his Fox Sports Radio national hosting debut Saturday Night from 9pm till 1am. (Heard in the Los Angeles Market after Clipper Talk)

Even if the Chicago Bears go 12-4 its not looking like coach Dick Jauron will be around next season. Bears gm Jerry Angelo was asked about Jauron and responded that he was "still evaluating the coach." Say what? Chicago is off to a 5-1 start.

The Cowboys made a good move in picking up offensive tackle Aaron Gibson, who was let go by the Detroit Lions. Gibson has some weight issues but the bottom line is he can play football.

Big Ben's Week 8 NFL Notes & Odd Facts

Dallas (2-4) at N.Y. Giants (3-4)

Cowboys have lost 4 of last 5 meetings at Giants Stadium.

Last 4 games have been decided by 8 points or less.

WR Joey Galloway leads Cowboys with 17 catches for 189 yards.

CAROLINA (1-6) at MIAMI (4-2)

Panthers defense leads NFC with 12 INTs.

WR Muhsin Muhammad leads Panthers with 31 catches for 352 yards.

Jay Fiedler is 15-7 as starter in Miami.

Lamar Smith has TD in 8 of last 10 games.

Dolphins OL has allowed only 5 sacks, fewest in AFC.

NEW ENGLAND (3-4) at ATLANTA (3-3)

Coach Dan Reeves is 8-1 vs. New England

Patriots have lost last 4 meetings.

Patriots play third straight road game.

BALTIMORE (4-3) at PITTSBURGH (4-1)

Ravens have the 2nd best defense in the NFL... Steelers have the best defense.

Baltimore DE Michael McCrary is first in AFC with 7 sacks, all in last 6 games.

Randell Cunningham needs 179 yards passing for 30,000 career.

Shannon Sharpe needs 6 catches to pass Ravens VP Ozzie Newsome for most catches by a TE in NFL history.

Baltimore Defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 40 consecutive regular-season games.

Steelers are 5-0 this season when Kordell Stewart completes 59 percent or better of his passes.

TAMPA BAY (3-3) at GREEN BAY (4-2)

Buccaneers have lost last 11 in Green Bay, dating to 1989.

5 of the last 6 meetings have been decided by 7 points or less.

Buccaneers are tied for second in NFC with 11 INTs.

DT Warren Sapp has 7 sacks in last 7 games vs. Green Bay.

The Packer Defense's 23 sacks are tied with Rams and Giants for first in NFC.

JACKSONVILLE (2-4) at TENNESSEE (2-3)

Mark Brunell is 32-16 vs. division.

Jaguars Defense has given up just 7 TDs in 6 games.

The Titans highly rated defense is ranked 28th in the NFL and 30th against the pass.

INDIANAPOLIS (3-3) at BUFFALO (1-5)

Colts have won 4 of last 5 meetings.

Both teams are minus-8 on turnovers.

Peyton Manning is 4-3 vs. Bills.

This is the last meeting between the teams as members of the AFC East. Colts will move to AFC South next year.

DETROIT (0-6) at SAN FRANCISCO (4-2)

Lions have lost last 6 in San Francisco.

Detroit is minus-10 on turnovers.

Charlie Batch has 922 yards and 8 TDs in last 3 games, all losses.

SF's Terrell Owens is second in NFC with 39 catches for 543 yards.

The Niners 2 losses have come to Bears (5-1) and Rams (6-1).

PHILADELPHIA (3-3) at ARIZONA (2-4)

Eagles WR James Thrash leads team with 24 catches for 329 yards.

Cardinals have won 4 of the last 5 meetings at home.

Jake Plummer has 915 yards and 4 TDs in last 4 games.

CLEVELAND (4-2) at CHICAGO (5-1)

Browns aim for best start since original Cleveland franchise in 1994 went 6-1.

Cleveland has outscored opponents 57-15 in first half.

Tim Couch has 5 TDs and 0 INTs in last 3 games.

Browns Defense leads NFL with 13 INTs.

Bears are off to best start since 1990 (9-1).

SEATTLE (3-3) at WASHINGTON (2-5)

Seahawks Shawn Alexander has 405 yards rushing in last 3 games.

Seattle Defense has 15 sacks. After 6 games last season, it had 11.

Redskins WR Rod Gardner leads rookies with 24 catches and 437 yards. Last Washington rookie to lead team in catches was Art Monk in 1980.

Washington CB Fred Smoot leads NFC rookies with 3 INTs.

Skins Defense has 11 INTs, tied for second in NFC.

KANSAS CITY (1-6) at SAN DIEGO (5-2)

The last 3 meetings in San Diego have been decided by a total of 9 points.

Ladanian Tomlinson leads all rookies with 620 yards and 7 TDs.

Chargers have won 4 straight at home overall.

N.Y. JETS (4-3) at NEW ORLEANS (4-2)

The Jets lead the NFL with a plus-13 takeaway ratio.

The Saints are first in the NFC at plus-12.

Curtis Martin leads AFC in rushing (738 yards), Rickey Williams leads NFC (557).

Jets are 4-0 this season when Martin rushes for 100 yards.

Saints have 13 takeaways in last 3 weeks, including 7 last week.

DENVER (4-3) at OAKLAND (5-1)

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is 11-1 vs. Raiders.

Raiders coach Jon Gruden is 0-6 vs. Broncos.

Denver has won the last 7 meetings.

This is 12th meeting between the teams on Monday night, and third consecutive season. Eight of previous 11 Monday meetings decided by 7 points or less.

Broncos CB Deltha O'Neal is tied for NFL lead with 6 INTs.

Rich Gannon is 25-13 as Raiders starter.

Brian Griese is 3-0 as starter vs. Oakland.

Oakland's OL has given up just 9 sacks.

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Ben Maller Trivia Question of the Week Answer: Randall Cunningham was sacked 72 times with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986.

Big Ben Maller's Five Star College Pick of the Week

(10) Stanford (5-1) at (11) Washington (6-1)

The Line: Stanford -1

Last Meeting: Last season, the Huskies posted a 31-28 victory. Washington holds a slim 37-32-4 lead in the all-time series, but has dominated the Cardinals of late, winning four straight and 14 of the last 15 meetings dating back to 1982.

Did you know? The Cardinals are 3-and-9 against the spread in their last 10 on artificial turf.

Big Ben's Breakdown: Stanford has been of the big surprise teams in college football this season. Last week, the Cardinals beat up UCLA in a 38-28 rout of the Bruins. The Cardinal's offense has stepped up as one of the nation's best units, ranking fifth in scoring (39.3ppg) and 13th in total yards (451ypg). Last week against UCLA's top 10 defense the Cardinals ran up 463 total yards and 24 first downs. Backup quarterback Chris Lewis completed 20-of-29 passes for 250 yards against the Bruins with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Lewis is filling in for senior Randy Fasani, who is expected to miss at least three more weeks with an injured knee.

On defense Stanford held UCLA to just 57 yards rushing on 25 attempts and a total of 327 passing yards, many of those coming late in the game. The Cardinals also forced four turnovers.

The Washington passing attack, accounted for 252 yards against Arizona State and is averaging 289.3 yards a game this season. Sophomore quarterback Cody Pickett has completed 58.6 percent of his passes and has thrown eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. The Huskie ground attack, although it averaged just 119.1 yards a game and 3.2 yards per attempt, has managed nine TD's so far. Senior Willie Hurst has a team-high 344 rushing yards...

On Defense, Washington allowed 441 yards of total offense to Arizona State last week. Opposing offenses are averaging 160.4 rushing yards a game against the Huskies and 4.2 yards an attempt. Quarterbacks have thrown 12 touchdowns against six interceptions versus Washington and are averaging 206.1 yards a game through the air. On a positive note, the Huskies have notched 18 sacks and forced 14 turnovers through just six games.

Ben's Bottom Line: Its the Carter and Allen show again for the Cardinals. Kerry Carter and Brian Allen are going to run through a poor rush defense for the Huskies. Stanford has not had much luck against Washington over the years, this though is a special Cardinal team. Look for Stanford to gain more BCS points with an easy victory.

BenMaller.com's Final Score: Stanford 38, Washington 24

Other College Picks: Penn St. -2 1/2 vs. Southern Miss, Tennessee -7 1/2 at Notre Dame, Washington State +3 1/2 vs. UCLA, Oregon -11 at Arizona St. Florida -35 1/2 vs. Vanderbilt, Troy State +22 at Maryland.

Big Ben Maller's Five Star NFL Pick of the Week

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)

The Line: Steelers -2

Did You Know? Baltimore has committed 17 turnovers, tied with Miami for most in the AFC.

Last Meeting: Oct. 29, 2000; Steelers 9-6 at Baltimore.

Big Ben's Breakdown: This is a simple game to handicap. The Ravens have been the best rush defense in the NFL allowing just 65.7 yards per game. The Steelers are the best rushing team in the league averaging 186.8 yards per game behind the "Bus". Baltimore must stop the Pittsburgh running game and make Kordell Stewart beat them. The Steelers have the 30th ranked passing attack in the NFL. Stewart has just two 200-yard passing performances in his last 34 games.

This game figures to be low scoring and boring. I feel that the Ravens will stop Jerome Bettis who has 612 yards rushing his season. I'll take my chances getting 2 points with Kordell Stewart having to make plays to win.

BenMaller.com's Final Score: Ravens 15, Steelers 12

Other NFL Picks: Cleveland +5 at Chicago, Green Bay-5 vs. Tampa Bay, Philadelphia -7 at Arizona, New Orleans -6 1/2 vs NY Jets, New England +3 at Atlanta.

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Thursday, November 01, 2001

BenMaller.com Preview

(9) UCLA (6-1) at (16) Washington State (7-1)

Game Time: 3:30pm (Pacific)

Line: UCLA -3 1/2

Location: Martin Stadium (37,600) Pullman, Wa (Nexturf)

Last Meeting: This rivalry dates back to 1928 and UCLA holds a big advantage overall (34-12-1). The Bruins and Cougars haven't met since the 1998 season, a 49-17 UCLA victory. UCLA has lost its last 2 trips to Pullman.

Did You Know? Since the Cougars went to the Rose Bowl in 1997 they have gone 3-21 in Pac-10 play. That is until this season.

Three things to watch for Washington State:

1.) "Air Gesser" Jason Gesser a junior quarterback has been the man this year is Wazzu. Gesser following in the line of Drew Bledsoe and Ryan Leaf is the top passer in the conference having completed 135-of-247 passes, for 2,107 yards and 20 TDs in eight games. Behind the passing attack of Gesser Wash St. leads the Pac-10 in total points her game 40.6 and 480.1 yards of total offense per game. It helps that the Cougars have a solid core group of recievers in Nakoa McElrath and Mike Bush. McElrath leads the conference in receptions (54) and receiving yards (874) and is averaging 109.2 yards per game. Bush who also happens to be the Cougars' best basketball player has come out of nowhere this year to give Gesser another legitimate threat downfield, Bush ranks third in the conference (87.8 ypg), with 34 receptions, for 702 yards and eight TDs

2.) "Can't Pass if you can't run" Despite having the best passing attack in the Pac-10, Washington State can also run the football well. David Minnich and Allen Thompson the top two running backs have been banged up at times this season so junior John Tippins has seen his playing time increase. Minnich was leading the Pac-10 in rushing before suffering a knee injury, he returned last week against Oregon and ran for 91 yards on 17 carries with a TD. If the Bruins try and just stop the pass that will free up Minnich to run wild much like Brian Allen and Kerry Carter did a week ago in Palo Alto.

3.) "Agressive D" The Washington State defense has been very aggressive this season, recording 63 TFLs, 26 sacks (leads the league) and 23 turnovers. The leader of the pack is linebacker Raonall Smith who leads the team in tackles (50), despite missing last week's game against Stanford due to injury. The Cougars' also have a strong secondary lead by safeties Billy Newman and LaMont Thompson. Last week The Washington State defense gave up 285 rushing yards to Oregon's Onterrio Smith and 446 on the ground overall. That has to change with Deshaun Foster coming to town.

Three things to watch for UCLA:

1.) "The Bruins Can't Paus," Cory Paus the UCLA starting quarterback has a bum thumb on this throwing hand is out of action for this week's game. That means that senior backup Scott McEwan despite a bum right ankle will most likely get the call, McEwan was solid against Stanford hitting 15-of-24 passes, for 221 yards and two TDs (all career-highs). This will be a test for the Bruin backup as Washington State's defense has had all week to prepare for McEwan. I expect Bob Toledo to go with a very conservative game plan of running the ball with a little play action passing to Tab Perry.

2.) "What happened to Deshaun?" From the leader of the Heisman pack to just another guy after a 77 yard day against the Stanford Cardinal front seven. Deshaun Foster currently leads the Pac-10 with 143.9 yards per game. Stanford was able to prove that you can stop Deshaun. As for the Heisman Race, Foster needs to have a huge close to his season to jump back up in the standings.

3.) "Defense has left the building" Watching UCLA trying to tackle and out of position against Stanford last week brought back memorys of Nike Allioti's "Don't Takle" defense of 1998. The Bruins gave up a season-high 38 points last week. Despite that horrible display of how not to play defensive football, UCLA still ranks first in the league in total defense (315.6ypg) and scoring defense (16.4ppg). This week the pressure will be on the The UCLA secondary against Jason Gesser and the Cougars passing attack Marques Anderson (44 tackles, one sack, two interceptions), Jason Stephens (28 tackles, one interception), Ricky Manning Jr. (20 tackles, three interceptions) and Matt Ware (17 tackles, four interceptions) all must make plays for the Bruins to hold down the score.

Why UCLA will lose and Not Cover: UCLA has had a history of pointing fingers after a tough loss. It doesn't get much tougher than blowing a possible National Championship berth in the Rose Bowl because you can't stop a backup quarterback at Stanford. Washington State is a very good football team that should be able to stuff the bock with seven or eight guys to slow DeShaun Foster. If the Cougs can do that then all the pressure goes to backup Scott McEwan.

Ben's Final Score: Washington State 31, UCLA 28 (Cougars by 3)

BenMaller.com Preview

Oregon State (3-4) at USC (3-5) preview

Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m.

Line: Southern California -6 1/2

Last Meeting: Oregon State won last year 31-21 in Corvallis ending a Pac-10 record 26 consecutive games over the Beavers, USC leads overall, 53-8-4.

Location: Colisium, Los Angeles (Natural Grass)

Three things to watch for Oregon State:

1.) "What happened to Simonton?" At Pac-10 Media day Ken Simonton was the focus of much media speculation. Simonton who has helped turn around the Beavers' program more than any other player has had an off year. Ken is coming off just his 3rd 100-yard rushing game of the season with 110 yards versus the Golden Bears. A big part of Simonton's troubles have to do with a very poor offensive line that has not given him many holes to run through.

2.) "Disappointing Defense" Oregon State has really tanked it on defense this season; last week for example the Beavers allowed a bad Cal team 345 total yards of offense. At times, Oregon State has looked like the team that beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl last year and at other times its been the Jerry Pettibone team of a few years back. Junior LB Nick Barnett leads the front seven coming off an 18 tackle afternoon against the Golden Bears while Junior Dennis Weathersby leads the secondary. The one area where the Beavers have been solid has been against the pass, allowing just 193.2 yards per game.

3.) "Smith The Senior Leader" Senior Quarterback Johnathan Smith has had a great career at Oregon State ranking sixth all-time in the Pac-10 with 8, 627 career passing yards. He's also tied for 17th place all-time in the conference with 48 career touchdown passes. Smith brings great leadership to the Beavers having started 34 career games.

Three Things to watch for USC:

1.)"Now Here's Carson" The Trojans QB Carson Palmer is coming off a 24-of-49 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns last week against Arizona however, he did throw two more interceptions on the afternoon. Palmer currently ranks 22nd nationally in total offense, averaging 257.3 yards per game and is tops in the Pac-10 averaging 19.1 completions per game.

2.) Good bye McCullough,The Trojans tailback Sultan McCullough has been out of action the last two weeks because of an abdominal injury. McCullough before the Injury had yet to establish himself as a big play guy. According to coach Pete Carroll it is unlikely McCullough will return this season.

3.) What happened the the Defense? The Trojan defense allowed Arizona quarterback Jason Johnson to throw for a career-high 311 yards last week. However the Trojans also had four interceptions including two huge plays. Kris Richard intercepted a pass and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown, while junior defensive back Kevin Arbet picked Johnson off and returned it 70 yards for the winning score. The SC defense had six sacks on the day, including a pair from DE Lonnie Ford and DT Shaun Cody.

Why USC will lose and not Cover: Oregon State has been an up and down team this season but they still have bowl assperations and to get into a bowl game the Beavers still must win 2 more games. This is a game they must have. SC's slim bowl chances are all but dead with a showdown with UCLA still ahead. With Sultan McCullough out of action the Trojans will put extra pressure on Palmer to win the game. Johnathon Smith & Ken Simonton should have a field day against the Trojan defense. While on the other side of the ball Oregon State has done a good job stopping the pass and thats SC's main weapon.

Ben's Final Score: Oregon State 28, USC 24

Coming Tomorrow on Ben's Takes: Ben Maller's Five Star NFL and College Locks of the week.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2001

Big Ben's Fearless NBA Predictions

By Ben Maller

Pacific Division: Los Angeles Lakers

Midwest Division: Dallas Mavericks

Central Division:Milwaukee Bucks

Atlantic Division: Orlando Magic

Western Conference Champs: Los Angeles Lakers

Eastern Conference Champs: Milwaukee Bucks

NBA Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

Team on the Way Up: Atlanta Hawks

Team in the Toilet: Phoenix Suns

Most Valuable Player: Shaquille O'Neal, Lakers (Simply The Best)

Least Valuable Player: TIE, Derek Coleman 76ers, Rod Strickland Heat (Walking Anthrax)

Rookie of the Year: Jason Richardson G, Golden State Warriors (Has a chance to shine on the pro level)

Rookie Bust: Shane Battier F, Memphis Grizzlies (Roll Player on a bad team)

Scoring Champion: Ray Allen G, Milwaukee Bucks (Time To Shine)

Coach of the Year: Phil Jackson, Lakers (Just win baby)

First Coach to be fired: Sidney Lowe, Memphis Grizzlies (Just lose baby)

Biggest Suprise Player 2001-2002: Anthony Carter G, Miami Heat (Hard worker good defensive player.)

Best Offseason Pickup: Anthony Mason F, Milwaukee Bucks (Does the dirty work)

Most Exciting Team: Clippers (Young and they play hard)

Best New Uniforms: Tie, Seattle Sonics, Detroit Pistons, (Going back to the old school.)

Worst Uniforms: Houston Rockets (Horrible)

Odd NBA Facts & Notes:

The Lakers had the highest playoff winning percentage (15 of 16, .938) ever.

Sacramento has led the NBA in scoring the last three seasons.

Gary Payton became the Seattle Sonics' all-time scorer, passing Fred Brown.

The Phoenix Suns were the only team to have five 12-ppg scorers.

Rebounding wins games? Nope, ask the Warriors, 2nd in league, 1st on offensive boards and 17 wins.

The Boston Celtics have had a losing record for eight straight seasons.

New York has made the playoffs for a club record 14 straight years.

The Magic have been around for 12 years, 9 have ended .500 or better.

New Jersey had 345 games lost to injury a year ago, second most in the NBA

The Philadelphia 76ers surpassed one million in attendance last year for the first time.

No Wizard played in all 82 games last season.

The Milwaukee Bucks won 50 games a year ago for the first time since 1987.

Despite 15 wins last season the Chicago Bulls finished 2nd in attendance.

Reggie Miller became the first Indiana Pacer ever to score 20,000 points

Jerry Stackhouse averaged 29.8ppg a year ago breaking the Detroit Pistons club record for total points.

The Utah Jazz have had 18 consecutive playoff seasons, 16 winning years.

The Portland Trail Blazers have had 12 straight winning seasons, 19 with playoffs.

Dallas ended an 11 year playoff drought a year ago, the longest in the league.

The Nuggets won 29 home games, most since 1988-89 (35).

A year ago the Houston Rockets became the second team ever to sweep a division (Central).

Gregg Popovich is the winningest coach in San Antonio Spurs history.

How good was the Western Conference last year? The Timberwolves 47 wins were the most ever for a No. 8 seed. permalink

Tuesday, October 30, 2001

BenMaller.com Los Angeles Lakers Preview

Last Year: 56-26, first place in the Pacific Division, won NBA Championship for second straight year.

Coach: Phil Jackson (third season)

New Champs: G Mitch Richmond (Free Agent), G Lindsey Hunter (Trade with the Bucks), F Samaki Walker (Free Agent)

Lakers kicked out the Door: G Isaiah Rider, G Ron Harper, F Horace Grant, G Tyronn Lue, F Greg Foster.

Did You Know? The Lakers' 56-26 record last season was the lowest win total of any of Jackson's previous seven championship seasons?

Big Ben's Breakdown: Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant form the greatest one-two punch in the history of the NBA. There has never been a one-two punch such as Kobe and Shaq in the prime of their careers. Jordan had Pippen, Magic had Kareem but this is the best. Shaq and Kobe averaged a combined 57.2ppg and 18.6rpg.

After using Glen Rice and Isaiah Rider at the shooting guard position the last two years. Mitch Richmond a 36-year old who was almost a Laker years ago gets his chance to win a ring. Richmond averaged 16.2ppg a year ago in limited duty with a Dog Team the Wizards.

Shaq has said he is worried about the new zone defenses in the league this season. I don't think you can play a zone and beat the Lakers. Kobe, Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Richmond and newly acquired Lindsey Hunter all can knock down the outside jumper. Shaq will be fine as long as he makes his foul shots.

Samaki Walker was brought in to add some muscle to the power forward slot. Walker has been a bum in his NBA career so far and did not play well in training camp. I don't expect much for the walking stiff.

Derek Fisher will be back from another broken leg in a few months. Fish took his game to a new level in the Western Conference playoffs knocking down three pointer after three pointer against San Antonio.

Bottom Line: As the Lakers proved a year ago the regular season means little. The Purple & Gold got off to a 15-and-9 start last season and went on to finish behind the Spurs for the 2nd best record in the NBA. When it mattered Shaq and Kobe took over. I expect more of the same this season. This is the best team the Lakers have had on paper since Phil Jackson arrived from the Windy City.

Lakers Predicted Final Record: 63-19, 1st in Pacific Division, NBA Champions AGAIN.

BenMaller.com Los Angeles Clippers Preview

Last Year: 31-51, sixth place in the Pacific Division

Coach: Alvin Gentry (second season)

New Clips: Forward Elton Brand, Forward Obinna Ekezie.

Clips kicked out the Door: Cherokee Parks, Brian Skinner and Derek Strong.

Did You Know? The Clippers bench lead the NBA in bench scoring with a 37.1ppg.

Big Ben's Breakdown: Lamar Odom has established himself as a player that can help you in every phase of the game. Odom is as close to Magic Johnson as you can get in the modern NBA. For the Clippers to make the playoffs this season the guys around Odom must bring their game to another level.

No player will have more pressure on his shoulders to play well than center Michael Olowokandi. The former number one pick in the 1998 draft has been as big a bust, so far, as Clip legend Benoit Benjamin when you go inside the numbers.

Olowokani's first three season's:

1st year 8.9ppg 7.9rebs/ 2nd Year 9.8ppg, 8.2rebs/ 3rd Year 8.5ppg 6.4rebs

Benjamin's first three season's:

1st year 11.1ppg, 7.6rebs/ 2nd Year 11.5ppg 8.1rebs/ 3rd Year 13.0ppg 8.0rebs

Many people feel that with Elton Brand now a Clipper via a deal from the Chicago Bulls, Olowokandi will be a better player right away. I don't happen to believe that argument. Brand will be a nice second option to Lamar Odom and will put up good individual numbers. Having watched the "Kandi Man" for a few years I think It would take a miracle for him to be anything more than an average player.

Jeff McInnis proved to be an average point guard which was more than anyone expected. Eric Piatkowski is the veteran Clipper sharp shooter who made 120 Three Pointers last season. Darius Miles, Quinton Richardson and Corey Maggette form the NBA's best bench.

Bottom Line:The Clippers improved by 16 games a season ago. History tells us that won't happen again. That said, this team plays its ass off and is worth the price of a ticket. I hope the Clips make the playoffs but have a feeling that they are still a year away. A year ago, the Clippers finished 16 games behind Minnesota for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

Clippers Predicted Final Record: 39-and-43, 9th in the West.

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR BEN MALLER'S NBA AWARDS & DIVISION WINNERS. permalink

Monday, October 29, 2001

Ben Maller's Monday Morning Quarterback

Ben Maller

It seemed like the Rams didn't want to have a perfect season. St. Louis blew a 24-6 half-time lead, giving up 25 points in the 3rd quarter as New Orleans got a 34-31 Road Win.

St. Louis turned the football over SEVEN TIMES!!

Trung Canidate went from Hero against the Jets to big fat loser against the Saints with a crucial 4th quarter that set up the Saints' winning score.

Some say trends don't matter in the NFL, how about this one: The last three years the St. Louis Rams have gotten off to 6-0 starts and each season they lost the seventh game.

It's hard to believe, but the loss to the Saints marked the first time Kurt Warner has lost a home game with St. Louis.

New Orleans owns the Rams, coach Jim Haslett's team has beaten the old LA team 3-of-4 times.

Buffalo lost another Super Bowl on Sunday. Bills' owner Ralph Wilson said last spring that he'd rather beat the Chargers this year than win the Super Bowl. Final Score San Diego 27 Bills 24 Oops...

Rob Johnson outplayed Doug Flutie in "Grudge-Match," the problem for Johnson is he can't kick field goals.

The most impressive performance of week seven in the NFL goes to the Oakland Raiders. The Silver & Black defense held the Eagles to 195 yards and just 11 first downs. Add to that the Raiders gained 354 yards and controlled the ball for an amazing 40:09.

Charlie Garner had 77 yards against his former team.

Oakland's defense made Donavon McNabb a drop-back passer, that was the key. McNabb was just 12-of-27 for 133 yards, ran for 30 yards and was sacked four times

The Vikings' defense unfortunately made a return appearance in crappyville with a 41-14 loss in Tampa.

The Buccaneers scored on seven straight possessions against Minnesota at one point.

Randy Moss and Chris Carter where held to 100 yards receiving COMBINED!

Now that the Chicago Bears are 5-1 for the first time in a decade can Saturday Night Live bring back "Da' Bears" segment?

Chicago Safety Mike Brown intercepted a Jeff Garcia pass and returned it 32 yards for a game winning score in overtime 37-31 over San Francisco.

Many people felt unless the Bears made the playoffs, head coach Dick Jauron would be fired.

The Lions' Defense played like a 0-6 defense should play. Detroit let the Bengals Corey Dillon run wild with 184 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 31-27 loss to Cincinnati.

Dillon was on his knee's he was so excited to see the Lions on the schedule.

Detroit is off to their worst start since 1955. Matt Millen has to be rethinking his decision to hire Marty Mornhinweg.

It was throw back weekend in Baltimore, 38-year-old QB Randall Cunningham lead the Ravens back from a 17-6 hole to beat the Jaguars 18-17. It brings back memories of Buddy Ryan's Philadelphia Eagle teams.

Best signing of the week in the NFL goes to Marty Schottenheimer and the Redskins. Washington signed return specialist Eric Metcalf. Metcalf had an 89-yard touchdown runback in the first quarter of a 35-21 Skins' upset of the Giants.

The NFC Champions have lost three straight, dropping to 3-and-4 in the NFC East.

The Carolina Panthers officially suck after a 13-12 loss to the New York Jets. Its not just the loss but the fact that the Carolina offense could produce just 162 total yards against the NFL's worst defense. The Jets had been allowing 385 yards per game.

Dallas RB Emmitt Smith had 83 yards rushing against the Cardinals before getting hurt, giving him 2,076 for his career against Arizona. He became the first player to ever have 2,000 yards against three teams. He also reached that mark against Philadelphia and the New York Giants.

Do you know who the NFL's Leading receiver is?

It's Rod Smith of the Broncos who caught six passes for 159 yards and a touchdown in a 31-20 victory over the New England Patriots.

The clock struck midnight for Tom Brady of the Patriots, the QB had not thrown an interception in 162 passes until tossing four in the 4th quarter against Denver.

Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler was truly average (15-of-21 for 213 yards), but did hit James McKnight for a 39-Yard TD pass with six minutes to go in the fourth that gave Miami a road win in Seattle.
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Sunday, October 28, 2001

Big Ben's College Football Recap Frenzy

Ben Maller

Officials aren't supposed to decide football games. Someone should have told the Zebra who called an incidental face mask against Oklahoma on a 3rd down play with 6:30 to go in the game. That horrible call gave the Cornhuskers new life and allowed Eric Crouch to score on a 63-Yard trick play instead of the Sooners getting the ball back.

I knew I was in trouble early when Quarterback Jason White was injured for the Sooners. Nate Hybl should have his scholarship taken away. How is this bum a division 1-A QB??

Those who think the BCS doesn't work should take another look. Ask Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Washington State and Maryland. Five Unbeaten teams went down Saturday.

I knew Stanford had good offensive & defensive lines, I figured UCLA's defense was as good as advertised. I was wrong, The Bruins came out flat and had no chance to come back from a 31-7 hole. Stanford is the best team in the Pac-10, they should go to a BCS Bowl game.

Kerry Carter and Brian Allen rushed for a combined 189 yards and two touchdowns.

Does anyone know what Bob Toledo was thinking going for a home run ball, down 31-28 on a 4th down play with three minutes to go and two timeouts left.

The Cardinal turned the ball over six times and still won by 10 points.

Is their a coach doing a better job in the nation then Tyrone Willingham at Stanford?

The curse of a certain Los Angeles radio station continues.

USC really can't feel all that good after a 41-34 road win in Tucson. Kris Richard returned an interception 62 yards for a tie-breaking touchdown in the 4th as SC held on after blowing a 31-13 second half lead.

Carson Palmer looked good against a pathetic Wildcat defense with 248 yards passing a two touchdowns.

SC's defense was great with six sacks and four interceptions.

The Trojans still must beat Oregon State, California and UCLA to avoid missing a bowl for the 3rd straight season.

Virginia Tech surprised me with their poor performance against Syracuse. The Hokies fell behind 17-0 at half-time. V-Tech had beaten the Orangemen 124-10, the last three meetings in Blacksburg.

I doubt there will be a quarterback controversy at Florida State anymore this season. Chris Rix of Orange County tossed five touchdowns against Maryland's defense.

Rex Grossman passed for 407 yards as Floirda won "The World's largest outdoor cocktail party" beating Georgia 24-10.

Chris Simms eats up crappy teams in the Big 12, The Texas QB tossed four touchdowns and ran for another. Simms has 12 TD's the last three weeks and just one interception. Just don't put him against Oklahoma or Nebraska.

"Joe Pa" is the king of college football coaching wins Joe Paterno got win No. 324 passing Bear Bryant for the record. Paterno has spent his entire coaching career at Penn State, serving as an assistant for 15 years before becoming head coach in 1966.

Penn State beat Ohio State 29-27 for their second straight win after an 0-4 start

Tennessee running back Travis Stephens is getting better and better after each week, rushing for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns yesterday against South Carolina.

Washington State found out their is a difference between the rushing attack of Division 1-AA Montana State and Oregon.

Ducks running back Onterrio Smith looked like Jim Brown, Smith ran for a school-record 285 yards and scored three times. Smith broke the 1971 Oregon Record of 249 yards set by Bobby Moore -- now known as Ahmad Rashad. The Ducks had 446 overall yards rushing in 24-17 win over of the Cougars.

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