Greg Cote's Random Evidence of a Cluttered Blog

Dolphins' priority in free agency/draft should be... (poll) Vote! plus team's new logo?, Heat's statement win, NFL pix 'n fantasy, meaning of Christmas & more

[1) It is FRIDAY, DEC. 28. New blogpost coming later this morning! 2) Pictured right is either the Dolphins' new logo, something similar to it, or an Internet contrivance. Prez Mike Dee says club is exploring possible changes, with decision due by draft in spring. 3) Find our annual Christmas video in the blogpost directly below this newest one. 4) Join us on Twitter @gregcote]

Wake named to Pro Bowl: DE Cameron Wake is the only Dolphin named to this season's AFC Pro Bowl squad. Somewhat suprising is the omission of punter Brandon Fields, the only Dolphin to lead at his position in the fan vote.

ZEROING IN ON THE DOLPHINS' GREATEST NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT: As a playoffless season ebbs we look ahead. Free agency will find the Dolphins with a lot of salary-cap dough to spend. (Does anybody still refer to money as dough?) Likewise the draft will find Miami will a ton of picks including five in the first three rounds. Big, big opportunity for this team to get much better, fast, if smart decisions are made. Let's help Jeff Ireland, shall we? Set his priorities. In this poll I have identified three greatest areas of need. One is a dynamic, field-stretching wide receiver, because Brian Hartline (solid, fine, nice) is not a No. 1 guy. Another need is a really good cover-corner because your secondary is better when Sean Smith is your second-best corner. And another need is another big sack threat to augment Cameron Wake. You might have a different priority in mind. All things equal, what is the team's biggest need? Vote and say why.

Brady on facing Miami: On a conference call Patriots QB Tom Brady said this as the season finale against Miami up there approaches: "This is a time for us to be at our best." New England is coming off a loss to San Francisco followed by a lackluster win over Jacksonville. Pats wil be looking for momentum as well as still fighting for a first-round bye. Except full-effort Patriots including a heavy dose of Brady and other stars.

DON'T YOU GO WORRYIN' ABOUT THE HEAT: I think that was the bottom-line message from Miami's 103-97 Christmas Day victory here over Oklahoma City, a gift to South Florida. It was a 2012 NBA Finals rematch and plausible-even-likely 2013 Finals preview, and it was delicious to watch. Kevin Durant (33 points) and LeBron James (29) put on the show you expected, and Mario Chalmers stepped up big like maybe you didn't expect. The Heat will have more results this regular-season that make you wonder, but reel your mind back to early evening on Christmas Day and remember this is the team ready to defend its title when the time comes. 

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: Pretty great on the pix, and consolation (at least) in fantasy. NFL predix: We went 12-4 straight-up and also 12-4 against the spread on our Friday page predictions to continue our strong finish ATS. Bull's-eyed our Upset of the Week with Ravens over Giants ("Aawwk!") and hit another outright upset with Chargers over Jets. Also had 'dog Bengals and Vikes with the points, and hit a rare exact score with 'Skins' 27-20 win over Philly. Fantasy: Greg's Lobos ended strong to finish 6-10 and fifth in our six-team family league. Won our consolation playoff finale, 165-137, behind Aaron Rodgers' 38 points and 32 from Reggie Bush.

HOW GOOD IS UM MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM?: Coach Jim Larranaga's guys were 7-1 and poised to maybe rattle into the Top 25s, but a 1-2 finish in the Christmas tournament in Hawaii has left you wondering. Losing to No. 4 Arizona was no shame, but the loss to Indiana State? The ACC schedule starts Jan. 5. I have read speculation Miami could be a Sweet 16 team. Prove it, Canes.

Poll result: Canes' 5 football championships most define Miami sports: This result surprised me, and very few of our poll results do. We asked in a previous blogpost what accomplishment most defines Miami sports, and UM's five national championships had 46.3 percent, a clear winner over the Dolphins' two Super Bowls with 30.0%. (I thought the Dolphins would win.) The Heat's two titles had 17.7%, the Marlins' two World Series 3.7, and "something else" 2.3%.

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS: I neither embrace nor decry the commercialism of Christmas. I enjoy giving gifts and making people smile; I also enjoy getting gifts, such as the surprise from my wife of two tickets to see Tony Bennett perform here in February. (Oh, and that new set of All-Clad pots and pans, which to a dedicated home cook like myself is exciting.) But the deeper meaning of Christmas struck me -- and I'm sure millions of others on this holiday -- in the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. Our hearts and thoughts were with the dozens of families there to whom Christmas was something that couldn't be celebrated, just coped with. You were reminded that the gifts you unwrap are fine, but that the love of family is anybody's best gift. The grace before our holiday meal mentioned as much, and I hope those families in Newtown somehow felt the support for them from all over the country.

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Cowboys' cold play on Josh Brent: Is it right? Poll. Vote!; plus Jets' MNF debacle, Saban's de-Satanization, Mark Trumbo, Dolphins playoff odds (0.02%) & more

[It is WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19. Join us on Twitter @gregcote]

ON THE COWBOYS AND JOSH BRENT: This is tough. Made for some meaty palaver with Le Batard on the 790 airwaves yesterday. Josh Brent, of course, is the Dallas Cowboy charged with manslaughter-DUI in the death of his teammate and best friend Jerry Brown. The team has pledged to support Brent as he faces trial, and Brown's own mother -- in a magnanimous, noble display -- also called for the support of Brent, whom she has known for years. Well, Brent appeared on the Cowboys sideline i street clothes Sunday (pictured), was shown by TV cameras, and disappeared. Now the Cowboys and NFL say he will not be allowed back on the sideline. The debate: What's right? The courts will deal with Brent's penalty, and should. Meantime, I  feel he should be allowed on the sideline to feel the support of his team-family. The person who feels the most pain in all this, the victim's own mother, even thinks so. But many disagree. Pick a side. Vote and say why.

JETS HIT BOTTOM, ENTER RE-BOOT MODE: [Update: Sanchez has been benched] It isn't that a 14-10 road loss is that embarrassing by itself, not even to Tennessee. But when the loss happens the way it did to the stumbling, bumbling New York Jets on Monday Night Football -- with four Mark Sanchez interceptions and a dooming late fumble -- it goes beyond embarrassment. Heads will roll. One of the guillotined heads will be wearing sunglasses because it will be that of offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, our old friend. That seems very clear. Sparano won't survive. Less certain but not by much, I'd say the Sanchez era also is done. He is contaminated with Jets fans now, likely beyond repair. He has become Matt Leinart, the pretty boy without the talent to match the star-aura. (A phrase came to mind Monday as I watched I-Wear-My-Sunglasses-At-Night Sparano counseling Sanchez on the sideline: "The Blind Leading The Blind.") Tim Tebow isn't the QB answer, either, of course. Not sure even Rex Ryan should feel real secure about his job. The Jets are in free-fall and could be close to starting-over mode. Right now the Dolphins are positioned second-best after New England in the AFC East today, ahead of the Jets and the Bills to a degree far more clear than it was entering this season.

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: Solid overall, if you can call winning a fantasy consolation-round game solid. NFL predix: I won't be bragging this up on a billboard or anything, but I'm marginally OK with 10-6 straight-up and 8-7-1 against the spread. (Redskins game was off-the-board when  I picked it). Had a few nice hits like Vikings and Cowboys winning outright upsets, and Niners-with-points at Pats. But too many results blindsided me. Way to lay down like mangy dogs, Giants, Ravens, Lions and Chargers. You bums! Greg's Lobos: My fantasy team won 143-100 (small league), with Aaron Rodgers and Andre Johnson both topping 30 for me. But I'm still 5-10 overall and (way) out of my league's championship round.

Dolphins' playoff odds: Got a microscope?: The computer model over at makenflplayoffs.com puts the Dolphins' chances of winning the second wild-card spot at 0.02321 percent. (Do you believe in miracles?)

MARLINS, NOLASCO AND TRUMBO: No secret the Marlins probably will deal starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco. He's unhappy, wants out and is set to make $11.5 milliion in 2013. Now it is being reported the Angels might want him and that Miami possibly could get outfielders Mark Trumbo (pictured) or Peter Bourjos in return, by possibly adding a prospect in addition to Nolasco. I'd do the deal for Trumbo in a heartbeat. He hit 32 homers last year and would give the club a power bat to augment Giancarlo Stanton. It would be a rare popular move by the Marlins, so, of course, don't hold your breath.

ON SABAN'S ATTEMPT TO DE-SATANIZE HIMSELF IN MIAMI: Alabama coach Nick Saban went on 790 The Ticket and extended an olive branch to Miami and to the Dolfans he lied to before leaving the team after the 2006 season. Saban admitted to "not handling the way I left well," calling it something "I've never felt good about." He also made some minor news by saying the Dolphins offered a contract to Drew Brees first before the '06 season, not to Daunte Culpepper, but that Brees then "didn't pass the physical." I hesitate to rehash, but it bears wondering, again, how Brees could fail a Dolphins physical and then a week or so later pass a Saints physical -- his New Orleans career since a strong indication the Saints medics got it right. What I took from what Saban said, if true, is that Culpepper-over-Brees wasn't a misjudgement of coach or management, but a medical error. As for Saban's attempted rehabilitation of his image in Miami in advance of the Alabama-Notre Dame title game, well, it's so much more fun to hold you as a villain, Nick. Hence, you pictured here as Ebenezer Scrooge. You charmed us on the radio the way you charm-recruit kids and moms in living rooms. But some lies you just don't forget.

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Spoof of Serena Williams: Racist or fun? (w/ poll, vid); plus Dolphins' No. 1 draft pick revealed (quack!), 12-12-12 concert, Heat critics, Golden angry, Herald building & more

[1) It is THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13. Hope y'all had a happy 12-12-12! 2) A high-school girls' basketball team, Bloomington South of Indiana, won a game, 107-2. Yes, one-hundred and seven to two. If coach Larry Winters also teaches at the school, I'm guessing what he teaches isn't sportsmanship. 3) Join us on Twitter @gregcote]

Dolphins-Jags on local TV: Club just announced, early evening today, that Sunday's Dolphins game here would be televised locally.

WOZNIACKI LAMPOONS SERENA'S FULL FIGURE: RACIST OR FUN?: I find this interesting. I find anything interesting when two people can view the same thing and see it so differently. Caroline Wozniacki, former world No. 1 tennis player, this week had some fun at the expense of reigning WTA player of the year Serena Williams during an exhibition match in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Wozniacki stuffed her shirt and skirt with towels (pictured) to impersonate the buxom figure of Williams. Click here for the video. Some in the Twitterverse are outraged; others see it as harmless fun. I lean toward the latter (hard to offend me), but also see the sensitivity. Does it matter that Wozniacki and Williams are friends? Does it matter how Serena reacts? (She has not commented). Should it be a factor that Williams herself makes frequent reference to her buxom top and full bottom? What if another black woman had done the spoof instead of Wozniacki? Part of my thought here is that Wozniacki was not making fun of a physical deformity but rather offering a caricature of a figure that many and perhaps most find quite appealing. Certainly debatable, though. Your thoughts welcome. Vote in our new poll and say why.

A FIERCE-DEFENDING LEBRON TELLS WADE'S DOUBTERS TO BE QUIET: [Heat lose last night at home to Golden State. Looks like it's going to be one of those seasons. Dramamine, please] Original post: Just two games ago Miami had embarrasingly lost at awful Washington then been routed at home by New York and the critics were out. They were personified by professional blowhard Charles Barkley broadcasting that Dwyane Wade is "starting to lose his talent." Well, two games later Miami has beaten New Orleans and then impressively whipped a strong Atlanta team, 101-92. Wade in those past two games has scored 52 points on lights-out 20-for-25 shooting. Asked what that says, James said last night, "It means Charles Barkley needs to shut up." Wade had pretty much said the same thing, but with his actions, not words. LeBron -- as good a teammate as he is a player -- may have meant that "shut up" to encompass the Heat's critics in general, all of the ones who cower as if the sky were falling with any defeat. Yes, Miami has defensive issues (being addressed) and, no, Wade, turning 31 next month, isn't as consistently explosive as he was a few years ago -- especially because he is not yet fully recovered from offseason knee surgery. But the past couple of redeeming games have reminded us anew that doubters shall dismiss the champion Heat -- and D-Wade -- at their own peril. It happened that Jay-Z and Beyonce and Floyd Mayweather Jr. were prominently among the Miami crowd the last game, a sign that this Heat team is built for the occasion and can rise up and put on a show when it needs to. For me, Miami continues the NBA favorite to repeat. And Wade, despite the occasional mortal night, continues an essential piston in the engine.

ON THE 12-12-12 BENEFIT CONCERT: A wonderful benefit, Sandy relief, and a starry lineup of acts. Thought it was mostly all good but the negative that stood out, for me, was that The Who and Kanye West were on stage for way, way too long. Get the hook!

GOLDEN FUMING OVER LATEST PLAYER ARREST: Cornerback Thomas Finnie's arrest in a campus laptop theft has left UM football coach Al Golden "very angry," we've been told by an associate who has spoken to Golden since the arrest. "Al understands that you lose some kids early [to the NFL], but he doesn't get that you lose other guys because of dumba-- stuff like this," said the source. "It's just ridiculous. Anytime. But especially now." The Hurricanes, of course, await an NCAA Notice of Allegations at any moment in the Nevin Shapiro case. UM's institutional control over its athletes (or lack thereof) is part of the case, which is probably why Finnie (pictured) was immediately and indefinitely suspended. His UM career may be over. (Ever notice that "Finnie" and "finished" are almost the same word?) Dear UM Athletes: This is a particularly bad time to act like a dumba--. Yours is not a coach in the mood. Behave, please. Go to class and do not get arrested. Too much to ask?

GOODELL'S EMBARRASSMENT: This week's overturn of those Saints players suspensions in the Bountygate matter socks NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with a major embarrassment. It also would clearly seem to strengthen Jonathan Vilma's defamation suit against Goodell. This whole issue is a permanent stain on the commissioner's reputation and resume.

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: Sort of positive news both ways... NFL predix: We went 11-5 overall and 8-6-2 against the spread last week, including an Upset of the Week bull's-eye with Vikings over Bears ("Aawwk!") and and other outright upset hit with Cowboys over Bengals. The two ties were a Packers push and Chargers-Steelers off the board when I played it. Greg's Lobos: My fantasy team ended a sad, 4-10 non-playoff season on the upbeat with a 98-88 win, though I had nobody top the critical 17 points I got from Andre Johnson Monday night. We'll get 'em next year. Well, probably not. But we'll say we will!

DOLPHINS' 2013 NO. 1 DRAFT PICK IS...: ... a Duck! Quack. Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan (pictured) will be the guy, according to ESPN's Todd McShay in his new Mock Draft 1.0, for what it's worth. McShay predicts Jordan goes to Miami 12th overall. I think Miami would prefer a receiver or cornerback but would look for a pass-rusher as the third option if no WR or CB of sufficient value is available.

Poll result: Starks, Hartline top Dolphins free agents fans most want back: We asked in a previous blogpost which of seven top Dolphins free agents-to-be you most want back, and the leaders were DT Randy Starks (26.6%), WR Brian Hartline (25.4) and CB Sean Smith (19.6). I was somewhat surprised RB Reggie Bush (13.5) and OT Jake Long (10.3) did not fare better. S Chris Clemons (2.7) and TE Anthony Fasano (2.0) trailed badly.

ON 1 HERALD PLAZA: Miami's historic preservation board voted 5-3 Monday to not designate the iconic Miami Herald building (pictured) as a protected landmark. That's too bad, but I say that mostly from a sentimental perspective, I suppose. I spent many a year on the fifth floor of that place, back before laptops made "going to the office" largely counter-productive. I don't know whether the preservation-board's decision is right or wrong. But I know this: It isn't the vote of those five people that doomed this building and will see it demolished. That implosion was set in motion the moment the Herald's parent company, McClatchy, sold the building and property to Malaysian casino operator Genting as the newspaper prepared to downsize to a smaller building elsewhere. If there is any decrying going on, it must start with McClatchy's sale to Genting, the major domino that tipped and led to Monday's vote.

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Cristobal screwed by FIU; plus 'Bama-Notre Dame (w/ poll), the problem with the Heat, Philbin's rookie mistake, more Marlinsry, final SOPY rank & more

[1) It is THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6. Tonight's NFL pick is Broncos (-10 1/2) over Raiders, 34-16. 2) Join us on Twitter @gregcote]

CRISTOBAL WRONGED BY A DISLOYAL A.D.: College athletic directors who are impatient or ineffective or both can be funny to observe. Funny as in sad. Take FIU's Pete Garcia. What is he thinking in firing football coach Mario Cristobal? A year ago Cristobal (pictured) deservedly gets a four-year contract extension because he has led FIU to its first winning seasons, to consecutive bowl games, to a small but growing place on the sport's national map. Cristobal is The Hot Young Coach, pursued by others (Rutgers, Pitt) but loyal to FIU and his home town, Miami. Wednesday, after a losing season fraught with key injuries, the mercurial Garcia showed everyone exactly what his loyalty looks like. Sad. Click on No Loyalty In Return for today's latest column by me.

THE LOVE-TO-HATE GLORY OF ALABAMA VS. NOTRE DAME: Oh what a perfect matchup Miami gets in the Jan. 7 BCS National Championship at Dolphins stadium. It is perfect for the right reasons: Two vaunted programs of the highest echelon of college football in terms of tradition and accomplishment. It is also perfect because both are love-'em or hate-'em programs -- adored by their legion of fans, despised by the nation at large. 'Bama is personified by Nick Saban, loved by the houndstooth hat crowd but so unlikable to others, especially in Baton Rouge and in South Florida, it seems. And Notre Dame ... where to start? They are the Yankees, the evil empire. Their fans act as if no other team matters. This is why I have coined this matchup Nick Satan vs. The Evil Leprechaun. Alabama is favored, but I'm asking here who you want to win, not who you think will. There is no category for "neither," sorry. So I challenge you to declare a rooting interest, or at least to choose based on which team you hate slightly less. Vote and say why.

PHILBIN WRONG ON CAM WAKE, PERIOD: Dolphins are trying to stop the Patriots and save their chance of winning Sunday. It is late in the fourth quarter. And Cam Wake -- Miami's best defensive player and premier sacker -- is not out there chasing Tom Brady because Wake is on the sideline. Watching. Wondering. Seething. Coach Joe Philbin was resting Wake (and Jared Odrick, too) related to some lame adherance to a snap count. Are you kidding me!? Rookie mistake, Joe. Please don't do it again.

Long on IR; so long, Jake?: Dolphins left tackle Jake Long's season is finished as he was placed on injured reserve last night with a torn triceps. I have my doubts that Long, a pending free agent, will be back with Miami. He has become injury prone. Is he worth the money he'll still command elsewhere in a desperate market? He is worth the franchise tag?

THE PROBLEM WITH THE HEAT: Last night's loss to a 1-13 Wizards team inspires the question. I seldom overreact about the Heat, mainly because I leave that to everyone else. Miami is 12-4. Nothing including last night says they don't stil have a big chance to repeat. Two problems, though. One is physical: The downturn in attention to defense. What once was "who we are" (Erik Spoelstra always said) has become an afterthought. Problem two is mental. The Heat has developed a tendency to slough by on autopilot for much of a game and then believe they can turn it on when needed. More of a front-to-back effort is needed. Can't just rely on the magic Ray Allen 3 at the end. "This ain't a lesson for us," LeBron James said of losing to the Wizards. Too bad. 

HEAT BIG 5 @ 15: The blog loves bells 'n whistles especially of the nerdy-stat variety and so this season we started this new one we'll be running throughout Heat season at five-game intervals. It's a top-five cumulative ranking of the players having the biggest overall impact this season based on eight statistical categories. We continue with The Big 5 @ 15 Games (12-3):

Rank (@10)   Player   Total

1 (1)   LeBron James   539.9

2 (2)   Chris Bosh   405.6

3 (3)   Dwyane Wade   314.5

4 (4)   Ray Allen   269.1

5 (5)   Mario Chalmers   239.8

Bubble: Shane Battier, 158.5

MARLINS' LATEST MARLINSRY: [Note: I have coined a new word: "Marlinsry." Marlinsry is the state or act of extreme frugality or cheapness] Quietly, the Marlins traded shortstop Yunel Escobar -- the only proven major-leaguer acquired in the recent salary-dump trade with Toronto -- to Tampa Bay for minor-league infielder Derek Dietrich. It was expected; Escobar came here as a temp. But it was expected because everybody knew the club would dump Escobar's salary, too. Miami Marlins: The Cheap Get Cheaper.    

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: The good, the bad and the ugly... NFL predix: This is the good. A solid week. Went 11-5 overall and 7-6-3 against the spread. That included an Upset of the Week bull's-eye on Redskins over Giants ("Aawwk!"), another outright upset call on Chiefs over Panthers, and three 'dogs with points (Seahawks, Rams, Eagles). Fantasy: This is the bad and the ugly. Greg's Lobos fell to a miserable 3-10 with a 149-101 loss. Never a good sign when your leading scorer is your defense (Texans, 22).

CANES' MORRIS WINS 2012 SOPY AWARD; FINAL TOP 10: This year our blog debuted the State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) standings, a weekly updated list of the most productive quarterbacks, running backs and receivers from the state's seven FBS schools: Miami, FSU and Florida, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. Canes QB Stephen Morris wins. Our formula awards a half-point for every passing yard and one point for every rushing or receiving yard, with six points for every TD scored or thrown. We end it after every team has played its 12 regular-season games, so players in a conference-championship game or bowl do not have an unfair advantage. Now, the 2012 final SOPY Top 10:

Rank   Player, Team-pos.     Final 2012 SOPY Pts.

1. STEPHEN MORRIS, MIAMI-QB     1,900.5

2. E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb     1,868.5

3. Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     1,597.5     

4. B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     1,585.5

5. Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     1,585

6. Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     1,395.5

7. Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     1,316

8. Duke Johnson, Miami-rb     1,244

9. Latavius Murray, UCF-rb     1,233

10. Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     1,229.5

Others over 1,000: Mike James, Miami-rb, 1,119; and William Dukes, FAU-wr, 1,003.

Final State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (11-1); 2. FSU (10-2); 3. Miami (7-5); 4. UCF (9-3); 5. South Florida (3-9); 6. FIU (3-9); 7. FAU (3-9).

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What should a Marlins fan do? (with poll); plus Al Golden admits frustration, Fireman Ed, Heat's test, UM's Morris wins SOPY, NFL pix 'n fantasy & more

[1) It is WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28. See results of latest Dolfan Satisfaction Meter poll in blogpost directly below this newest one. 2) Join us on Twitter @gregcote]

R.I.P., Sean Taylor: Remembering the former Hurricanes and Redskins safety on this week's fifth anniversary of his murder, Nov. 27, 2007.

WHAT SHOULD A MARLINS FAN DO?: It has been two weeks now since the Marlins' latest big salary-dump/sell-off, the one that felt like a betrayal and seemed to be the last straw for so many angry fans. Sports-talk phone lines and Internet comments bulged with outrage. Threats of boycotts were floated. A hilarious local poll found club owner Jeffrey Loria only slightly more popular in Miami than long-standing diablo Fidel Castro. We can all agree that Loria has earned his unpopularity with a history of ownership that suggests his own pocket has clear priority over his team or its fans. Two weeks later, though, as we reflect, how should disappointed Marlins fans move forward? What is the right course of action for someone who might both despise Loria and yet wish to support the hometown team? Is it right or even possible to separate the two -- to continue to cheer for the Marlins without feeling hyprocritical for, in effect, supporting Loria? I personally feel the Marlins are bigger than the current owner and that fans can support a team while simultaneously abhorring the way it is being run. But I may be wrong. Difficult questions. So let's take a shot at some answers. Vote and say why you feel as you do.

"Q-U-I-T, QUIT!": FIREMAN ED QUITS THE J-E-T-S, JETS!: Jets superfan Edwin Anzalone, best known as "Fireman Ed," has hung up his helmet, and I'm not sure what makes this story more ludicrous: That it would somehow be national news. Or that it's so predictable that this dude's "retirement" will be temporary. "I will attend games as usual, just not as Fireman Ed," he said. OK, whatever. Meantime we shall miss your angry face and abject sadness as an iconic, Dolfan-delighting symbol of Jet futility. Hey, maybe Tim Tebow can put on the helmet and become Fireman Tim! He isn't doing much else.

HOW GOOD ARE THE HEAT?: Seems like a dumb question, right? They're the NBA champs. They're 10-3. Of course they're good. Very. But are they repeat-champion good? There is not early unanimity on that. Miami is 23rd in defense, allowing 100.3 points per game. They are only fourth (for what it's worth) in the latest ESPN power rankings, after Memphis, the Knicks and Oklahoma City. So the next two games could be telling for the Heat -- an opportunity to reiterate their champ's standing, or feed the quiet doubts. San Antonio is here Thursday and then Brooklyn Saturday, two teams a combined 21-7.

UM'S GOLDEN ADMITS FRUSTRATION OVER POSTSEASON BAN: Canes coach Al Golden admitted to WQAM's Joe Rose that frustration over the university's self-imposed postseason ban related to the NCAA investigation was at its worst in the lockerroom after the victory over Duke, describing the team's attitude thusly: "We should be getting ready to play Florida State in Charlotte [in Saturday's ACC championship game]. We've got one of the hottest quarterbacks in America and we can't got to the championship game. It's disappointing." Golden also again brushed aside speculation he might leave, and voiced support for embattled defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio. (For more on what Golden meant by "one of the hottest quarterbacks in America," see below...)

CANES' MORRIS WINS 2012 SOPY AWARD, THE "STATE HEISMAN": This year our blog debuted the State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) standings, a weekly updated list of the most productive quarterbacks, running backs and receivers from the state's seven FBS schools: Miami, FSU and Florida, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. We declare Canes QB Stephen Morris (pictured) the 2012 winner because the two teams with one regular-season game left (South Florida, FAU) have no one within range. Our formula awards a half-point for every passing yard and one point for every rushing or receiving yard, with six points for every TD scored or thrown. We'll present our final top 20 next week. For now, the SOPY Top 10 entering Week 14:

Rank (LW)     Player, Team-pos.     SOPY Pts. Week=Year

1 (2)     Stephen Morris, Miami-qb     194.5 = 1,900.5

2 (1)     E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb     163 = 1,868.5

3 (4)     Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     145.5 = 1,597.5     

4 (3)     B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     DNP = 1,585.5

5 (5)     Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     DNP = 1,395.5

6 (6)     Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     BYE = 1,392.5

7 (8)     Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     174 = 1,316

8 (10)     Duke Johnson, Miami-rb     206 = 1,244

9 (9)     Latavius Murray, UCF-rb     111 = 1,233

10 (7)     Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     59.5 = 1,229.5

Bubble: Mike James, Miami-rb, 1,119.

State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (11-1); 2. FSU (10-2); 3. Miami (7-5); 4. UCF (9-3); 5. South Florida (3-8); 6. FIU (3-9); 7. FAU (3-8).

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: A double dose of bad. NFL predix: Went 8-8 straight-up last week (awful) despite nailing two outright upset picks on Redskins over Cowboys and Jaguars over Titans. Was 4-6-6 against the spread; two winners pushed (Texans, Falcons) and four games were off-the-board when I picked them. Fantasy: Greg's Lobos lost 124-104 despite 27 from Andre Johnson, fell to a dismal 3-9 and were eliminated from playoff contention. Otherwise a good week!

MOST-SEARCHED ATHLETES OF 2012: The top 10, in order, according to Bing: Peyton Manning, Tiger Woods, Tim Tebow, Maria Sharapova, Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams, Lamar Odom (assist to Khloe Kardashian), LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo and Terrell Owens.

VENDING-MACHINE CAVIAR: Three Beverly Hills-area malls now have vending machines (pictured) that dispense ultra-gourmet items including caviar -- some $500 an ounce -- escargot and truffles. Hmm. Would you think less of me if I just stuck with a Cinnabon? 

Click back. Will be updating/adding to this latest blogpost...

UM makes right call on postseason ban; plus NFL pix 'n fantasy, Marlins trade, Kardashian shame, MDQ, NASCAR, SOPY rank & more

1) It is WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21. See results of latest Canesfan Satisfaction Meter in blogpost directly below this new one. 2) Check out our video channel at YouTube/TheGregCote (under construction; new vids soon) and join us on Twitter @gregcote]

Marlins' salary-dump trade: Team confirmed that the controversial, locally unpopular 12-player trade with Toronto is now official. The commissioner's office investigated the trade but, as expected, did not veto it. 

SHARP DIVISION OF OPINION PRECEDED CANES' POSTSEASON BAN: University of Miami announced a second straight football postseason ban Monday morning, meaning the Canes will go consecutive seasons without a bowl game for the first time since 1981-82. The move is not unexpected and is smart. Tough medicine, but smart. The university's statement noted this will "allow the football program and the university to move forward in the most expedited manner possible." In other words, get past this mess sooner. Put it in the rear-view and have a fresh slate. "We will get it fixed," said coach Al Golden (pictured) after Saturday's 40-9 win over South Florida made UM bowl-eligible. All of this is self-imposing results to the continuing NCAA investigation in the matter of Nevin Shapiro, the rogue booster turned jailed Ponzi scheme thief. UM is counting on two straight self-imposed bowl bans lessening eventual penalties handed down by the NCAA. I am told by a source privy to the internal discussions there was sharp debate over whether to self-impose a ban. Not last year, but this time. "One school of thought was that giving up a possible berth in a BCS bowl would give us 'extra credit' with the NCAA," said the source. "But then the argument was that the BCS bowl is the reason to play. We win an ACC title that's our biggest moment since the last national championship." UM did what was right. Miami would have had to win at Duke next week to get into the ACC title game, where the Canes would have been a clear underdog to Florida State. And with five (or possibly six) losses, the bowl game preceding that for Miami would have been a minor one. What do you think UM should have done? I have already had a recent poll on this -- 54.9 percent supported a ban, 36.7% wanted to play and 8.4% were undecided -- but your reaction to the latest news is invited.

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: DOUBLE-GOOD!: The fates must have picked Thanskgiving week to look benevolently upon me. NFL predix: A very solid week by me on my Friday Page last week, going 12-2 overall and 9-4-1 vs. the spread. Leading my parade: Outright upset bull's-eye on Jets winning in St. Lou. Fantasy: Hallelujah! Greg's Lobos finally snapped the losing streak and improved to 3-8 with a 107-100 win. Got a silly-good 47 from Andre Johnson but still needed 12 off David Akers' foot Monday night to clinch it.

NORTH MIAMI EMBARRASSES ITSELF, AWARDS KEY TO CITY TO KARDASHIANS: The vapid sisters famous for no discernable reason -- Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian -- were awarded the key to the city of North Miami yesterday, also for no discernable reason. I have no doubt the Kardashians were thrilled, if only because the word "key" begins with a K. Key-giving North Miami mayor Andre Pierre presided over the ceremony, enabling residents with one more reason to enthusiastically bounce him from office. The Kardashians were honored ostensibly because they are filming part of their E! reality show in North Miami. Either that, or Snookie wasn't available. My immediate reaction when I heard the Kardashians were getting a key to the city? Change your locks, everybody!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (A REVIEW): We and two other couples took in Million Dollar Quartet at the Broward performing arts center the other day, the musical set in one mid-'50s night at Sun Records studio in Memphis, the only time Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis all were together. It does not rise to the level of Jersey Boys as theater, or as a story, but I'd nevertheless recommend it highly. Elvis and Cash are performed particularly well, stunningly so, and Lewis is a scen-stealer. One quibble: I'd cut a few songs and add a bit more story and a bit less music.

KESELOWSKI A FRESH, NEEDED CHANGE FOR NASCAR: Spent the day down at Homestead-Miami Speedway Sunday and produced this column off the race on Brad Keselowski (pictured), who was crowned Sprint Cup season champ. Writing NASCAR is out of my comfort zone but I enjoy it. Most of the drivers are great to deal with, and you can't but help have a different perspective on sports watching these guys perform. Football players risk a knee injury? These guys risk more. Keselowski, 28, is a gust of fresh air. Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and that older guard are still around, but the new champ -- youthful, funny, cocky, a Twittering fool -- is a nice change. Now we see if he's a shooting star or has the staying power to be a multiple champ.

SOPY RANKINGS (WEEK 12): UM'S MORRIS IN DEAD-HEAT FOR LEAD, TITLE: This college football season has marked the blog debut of our weekly State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) rankings, which I like to call the "Sunshine State Heisman." Our chart encompasses the most productive seasons of any quarterback, running back or receiver from the state's seven FBS teams: Miami, Florida and FSU, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. (Note: Rankings consider only passing, rushing and receiving, not returns). Our formula awards one point per offensive yard gained running or receiving and a half-point per yard passing, plus six bonus points for touchdowns thrown or scored. Because our rankings are cumulative, players on a bye week take a temporary hit that evens out over course of season. After Week 12 it's Florida State's E.J. Manuel and the Canes' Stephen Morris (pictured) in a virtual tie at the top. The SOPY Top 10 entering Week 13:

Rank (LW)     Player, Team-pos.     SOPY Pts. Week=Year

1 (1)     E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb     81 = 1,705.5

2 (3)     Stephen Morris, Miami-qb     201.5 = 1,705

3 (2)     B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     DNP = 1,585.5

4 (4)     Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     82.5 = 1,452

5 (5)     Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     180 = 1,395.5

6 (6)     Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     188.5 = 1,392.5

7 (7)     Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     DNP = 1,170

8 (9)     Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     136 = 1,142

9 (8)     Latavius Murray, UCF-rb     73 = 1,122

10 (--)     Duke Johnson, Miami-rb     77 = 1,038

Bubble: Chris Thompson, FSU-rb, 965.

State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (10-1); 2. FSU (10-1); 3. Miami (6-5); 4. UCF (8-3); 5. South Florida (3-7); 6. FIU (3-8); 7. FAU (3-8).

Click back. Will be updating/adding much to this latest blogpost...

 

Vroom! @#$%&! NASCAR Week in Miami. (How much do you care?) Poll. Vote!; plus NFL pix 'n fantasy, Pavel Bure, SOPY, Big 3 Killed My Baby & more

IT'S RADIO TUESDAY: I'll be in-studio again today with Dan Le Batard and Stugotz on 790 The Ticket and FM 104.3 from 3 p.m. 'til 6 or so. Ears welcome.

[1) It is TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13. Jeremy Lin: Nuthin' but ... air! 2) See results of latest Dolfan Satisfaction Meter (ouch!) in blogpost directly below this newest one. 3) Visit our video channel at YouTube/TheGregCote (under construction; new vids coming soon) and join us on Twitter @gregcote]

IT'S NASCAR WEEK IN MIAMI! (HOW MUCH DO YOU CARE?): The 2012 NASCAR season ends Sunday down at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and even non-gearheads might have to acknowledge it is a huge deal that we have the season-ending race that crowns the champ. This year Brad Keselowski enters with a 20-point lead over five-time champ Jimmie Johnson, meaning Keselowski needs only a 15th place finish or better to win the season title. That might make this race seem anti-climactic, except this is NASCAR, where the chances of Keselowski being wrecked out of a race -- of his own error or intentionally -- cannot be discounted. Just look at this past weekend, when four-time champion Jeff Gordon intentionally wrecked Clint Bowyer, fully admitting it, and causing a melee between the two crews on pit road and in the garage. Gordon was fined $100,000 and docked 25 standings points. He should have been suspended. Now Bowyer is not ruling out retaliation Sunday at Homestead. Maybe auto racing is not your thing, but one thing NASCAR isn't is dull. Speeding, recklessness, road rage .. the perfect event for Miami! I follow NASCAR casually throughout the year but get amped for this annual Homestead crescendo. Do you? Vote in our latest poll and say why.

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: A mediocre meh and more misery. NFL predix: Am neither clicking-heels nor sullen over a 9-4-1 mark straight up and 6-8 against the spread. Nailed another Upset of the Week with Saints beating Falcons ("Aawwk!"), but got blindsided by that Dolphins loss. Greg's Lobos: My fantasy team continues to suck royally, now 2-8 after a 142-91 defeat. My mainstay Aaron Rodgers had a bye so I gambled. I signed and started Ryan Tannehill (silly me), figuring the Titans defense was historically bad. And how'd that work out!? Please don't answer.

'THE BIG THREE KILLED MY BABY': This is not an indictment of the Heat's LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who have -- to my knowledge -- never killed anyone's baby. (LeBron has no time for such shenanigans; too busy dropping 32 second-half points on Houston last night). But I was reminded the other day that the White Stripes once recorded a song called "The Big Three Killed My Baby." It was about the auto industry, not a darkly prescient ode to the Heat. Click here to listen.

On Heat's biggest challenge: In terms of likely NBA Finals foe, it isn't Memphis, despite the recent win over Miami. It isn't Oklahoma City, already vanquished and weakened by the James Harden trade. It could become the L.A. Lakers. But right now it's San Antonio. As for the Lakers, the problem isn't the coach, the problem is an old starting unit coalescing with little help from a roster lacking depth.

ROCKET MAN BURE ENTERS HOCKEY HALL: Congrats to the Russian Rocket, Pavel Bure, for his induction into the hockey hall of fame. His three-plus seasons with the panthers included NHL goal-scoring titles with 58 and 59 in 1999-00 and 2000-01. For those two seasons Bure was Marino-esque and LeBron-like in terms of sheer goal scoring.

SOPY RANKINGS (WEEK 11): NOLES' MANUEL BACK ON TOP: This college football season has marked the blog debut of our weekly State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) rankings, which I like to call the "Sunshine State Heisman." Our chart encompasses the most productive seasons of any quarterback, running back or receiver from the state's seven FBS teams: Miami, Florida and FSU, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. (Note: Rankings consider only passing, rushing and receiving, not returns). Our formula awards one point per offensive yard gained running or receiving and a half-point per yard passing, plus six bonus points for touchdowns thrown or scored. Because our rankings are cumulative, players on a bye week take a temporary hit that evens out over course of season. After Week 11 it's Florida State's E.J. Manuel back on top. The SOPY Top 10 entering Week 12:

Rank (LW)     Player, Team-pos.     SOPY Pts. Week=Year

1 (2)     E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb     141 = 1,624.5

2 (1)     B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     BYE = 1,585.5

3 (3)     Stephen Morris, Miami-qb     138.5 = 1,503.5

4 (5)     Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     164 = 1,369.5

5 (4)     Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     BYE = 1,215.5

6 (6)     Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     161 = 1,204

7 (7)     Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     131 = 1,170

8 (10)     Latavius Murray, UCF-rb     135 = 1,049

9 (8)     Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     53 = 1,006

10 (9)     Chris Thompson, FSU-rb     DNP = 965

Bubble: Duke Johnson, Miami-rb, 961.

State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (9-1); 2. FSU (9-1); 3. UCF (8-2); 4. Miami (5-5); 5. South Florida (3-6); 6. FAU (3-7); 7. FIU (2-8).

Click back. Will be updating/adding to this latest blogpost... 

American democracy: A view on why Obama won; plus NFL pix 'n fantasy, Uncle Luke, new SOPY rankings & more

[1) It is WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7. See results of latest Dolfan Satisfaction Meter poll in blogpost directly below this newest one. 2) Visit our video channel atYouTube/TheGregCote (on hiatus; new vids coming soon) and join us on Twitter @gregcote]

A VIEW ON WHY OBAMA WON: The president won reelection by a significantly greater electoral margin and a greater popular-vote margin than I'd predicted (see below). Democracy in action makes me a proud American, and I especially have never been prouder of my state. I felt from the moment the Obama-Romney choice was set that the president was very vulnerable for defeat because of the economy, but that Romney was not the man to defeat him. I also felt strongly that the VP choice of Paul Ryan did not help the Republican ticket. It was not the game-changing loser that McCain's choice of Palin was, but when your VP cannot even carry his own home state, that is an ominous sign. Economic indicators gradually trending upward helped Obama late in the race, but so did factors that made the contest about much more than just the economy. Romney's intention to abolish Roe vs. Wade and to fundamentally alter Social Security put him at odds with mainstream thinking and made his views seem radical to many. More than that, the race became one of personal integrity. More than any presidential campaign in my lifetime, Romney's campaign defied fact-checkers and flatly and intentionally misled, as with the Jeep ads. The tactic played Americans for dumb. Americans are not dumb. The affirmation of that was quite resounding. Original post from Tuesday, with the headline THE HONOR OF VOTING: Am proudly wearing a 'My Vote Counted' sticker after casting my ballot this morning at my local elementary school. What an honor. It might sound corny, but it makes me proud to be an American. I never feel a more organic, visceral connection to democracy than when voting -- particularly in a presidential election, of course, in the company of dozens of other citizens waiting in line just like me. This election has been so polarizing. I wish Obama and Romney supporters alike could start from a point of mutual respect, an understanding that we all want what's best for the country and that the candidate we don't support is not the devil, but just a guy with different views. I'm not sure this is possible, but we can dream. My prediction for tonight: Obama wins reelection with just under 300 electoral votes, but Romney narrowly wins the overall popular vote. Should this happen, let's hope that 200 years has been enough time for disappointed voters to understand how the election works and therefore not feel cheated. The minute a winner is declared -- either way -- healing must begin and progress continue. It is a big part of what separates America from countries that wish they were.

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: Great news, and not so great. NFL predix: Great. Had a huge week, thank you. And much needed. Went 13-1 overall and 10-4 against the spread, including outright upset bull's-eyes on Panthers over Redskins, Steelers over Giants and Colts over Dolphins. Why can't I do this every week!? Greg's Lobos: My fantasy team stinks. Am now 2-7 and spiraling out of playoff contention after a 124-109 loss. Nobody I can count on week in week out other than Aaron (Money) Rodgers, who gave me 34 more points to no avail.

LUTHER CAMPBELL'S GOOD FIGHT: The New York Times has a piece I'd recommend reading on Miami rapper and activist Luther Campbell, centered around his legal fight to clear his name in order to keep coaching local high-school football. Click here to read. Pictured is Campbell (holding a UM visor, of course) and writer Greg Bishop, who conducted the interview over golf. One thing the article omits is the great work done in this case by Campbell's local attorney, Michael J. Carney of Kubicki Draper. 

Poll result: Strong approval of Marlin's Redmond hiring: We asked (yes or no) in a recent blogpost if you liked the Marlins' hiring of Mike Redmond as new manager, and 84.7 percent said yes.

 

SOPY RANKINGS (WEEK 10): A NEW LEADER!: This college football season marks the blog debut of our weekly State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) rankings, which I like to call the "Sunshine State Heisman." Our chart encompasses the most productive seasons of any quarterback, running back or receiver from the state's seven FBS teams: Miami, Florida and FSU, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. (Note: Rankings consider only passing, rushing and receiving, not returns). Our formula awards one point per offensive yard gained running or receiving and a half-point per yard passing, plus six bonus points for touchdowns thrown or scored. Because our rankings are cumulative, players on a bye week take a temporary hit that evens out over course of season. After Week 10 it's South Florida's B.J. Daniels surpassing Florida State's E.J. Manuel, who was on a bye. The SOPY Top 10 entering Week 11:

Rank (LW)     Player, Team-pos.     SOPY Pts. Week=Year

1 (2)     B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     128.5 = 1,585.5

2 (1)     E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb     BYE = 1,483.5

3 (3)     Stephen Morris, Miami-qb     124 = 1,365

4 (4)     Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     103.5 = 1,215.5

5 (5)     Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     106 = 1,205.5

6 (8)     Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     102.5 = 1,043.5

7 (7)     Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     93 = 1,039   

8 (6)     Chris Thompson, FSU-rb     BYE = 965

9 (9)     Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     119 = 953

10 (10)     Latavius Murray, UCF-rb     214 = 914

Bubble: Duke Johnson, Miami-rb, 797.

State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (8-1); 2. FSU (8-1); 3. UCF (7-2); 4. Miami (5-4); 5. South Florida (3-6); 6. FAU (2-7); 7. FIU (2-8).

Click back. Will be updating/adding to this latest blgopost...

Marlins add amateur nudist Redmond to manager merry-go-round; plus Heat confidence poll, my Halloween video, Tannehill, SOPY rank & more

[1) It is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1. Did you have a happy Halloween? We're a mid-traffic neighborhood. Probably candied about 30 kids. 2) Enough with the Dwayne Bowe-to-Dolphins speculation and rumors! (Please?) 3) Visit our video channel atYouTube/TheGregCote (on hiatus; new vids coming soon) and join us on Twitter @gregcote]

Halloween video from me to you: Click HERE to watch. It stars me, new Heater Ray Allen, defrocked Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen, Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, and the sublime Lauren Tannehill. Enjoy!

MARLINS HIRE MIKE REDMOND AS MANAGER: Marlins interviewed three others including the ghost of Larry Bowa, who last managed in 2004 and turns 67 in December, but the clear frontrunner all along was Redmond, the former Marlins catcher. He has only Single-A experience as a manager but is praised as ready by those who know him. I like the hire. Redmond is perhaps best remembered during his Marlins years for once entering the batting cage nude -- wearing only spikes and batting gloves -- to help break a losing streak. That isn't legend; he admits it. And it worked. The season was 2003. The Marlins won the World Series.

OPENING NIGHT: RINGS ON, BANNER UP, HEAT BEATS CELTICS: [Update: Heat beat Celtics, 120-107, behind 29 from D-Wade, 26 from LeBron and 19 apiece from Ray Allen and Chris Bosh. Click on The Routine Of Excellence for my column from the game]. And the curtain lifts on Year 3 of the Big 3. The Heat NBA championship that was won in June and celebrated with a parade is celebrated anew onight as the 2012-13 season commences. A ring ceremony and lifting of the championship banner will precede a game against the Boston Celtics, who most experts expect will meet Miami in the Eastern Conference finals. Ray Allen switching sides only enlivens an already heated rivalry. Boston is counting on Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett (pictured with LeBron) to once again play younger than they are. The Celtics lead the Heat's East roadblock alsong with Indiana and perhaps Chicago. Waiting in the NBA Finals, should Miami returns, figures to be the fortified L.A. Lakers, Oklahoma City again, or perhaps San Antonio. I know Heat fans are confident; the question is how confident? Vote now.

Poll result: Sorry LeBron, but it's still D-Wade: We asked in a recent blog poll who your favorite Heat player is, and Dwyane Wade had 60.1 percent to LeBron James' 34.2. The other 5.7% chose "someone else."

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: OK on one, not so much on the other... NFL predix: Had a decent Week 8 on my Friday pix page, going 10-4 overall and 7-6-1 vs. the betting line. Nailed two outright upsets with Falcs over Eagles and Raiders over Chiefs, but, oh, missing that Miami game hurt. What was I thinking! Greg's Lobos: My fantasy team sucks, or I do running it. Fell to 2-6 with a 124-87 loss. Had nobody over 17 points. Not giving up on a playoff spot but the 'Bos need to pick it up. Let's go!  

TANNEHILL INJURY ONLY A BRUISE: MRI results on Ryan Tannehill's injured left leg showed no structural damage to the knee or quad, only a deep bruise. His status for Sunday's game at Indianapolis is a legitimate questionable. "What he can or can't do Wednesdday and Thursday will deteremine his availability," a club spokesman told us. Meanwhile Matt Moore's status rises as one of NFL's better backup QBs.

McKinnie and strip clubs: Hey here's an only-in-Miami story for you. Bryant McKinnie is being sued in Miami-Dade Circuit Court by the father of rap star Trick Daddy. The allegation: That McKinnie, Ravens offensive tackle and former Miami Hurricane, ran up $375,000 in bills at South Florida strip clubs -- money borrowed from the dad of Daddy. McKinnie told the Baltimore Sun the suit us "bogus."

Marlins 40-1 odds for next World Series: Bovada has new odds out already for 2013 World Series and leaders are Tigers 6-1, Yankees 7-1 and Giants 10-1. Miami is a respectable 40-1 but unfortunately that's fourth in the NL East after the 12-1 Nationals and 14-1 Braves and Phillies.  

PANDA TIME! FITNESS IS OVERRATED: Moms, give your child that extra Twinkie. Dads, let that gym membership lapse. Kids, fat is the new thin! The Giants' Pablo "Panda" Sandoval is the World Series MVP -- the man sitting atop all of baseball -- following his team's sweep of the Tigers. Sandoval in the postseason led the Giants in home runs, RBIs and carbs. Here he is. Mr. America!

SOPY RANKINGS (WEEK 9): ALPHABET SOUP: E.J. LEADS B.J.: This college football season marks the blog debut of our weekly State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) rankings, which I like to call the "Sunshine State Heisman." Our chart encompasses the most productive seasons of any quarterback, running back or receiver from the state's seven FBS teams: Miami, Florida and FSU, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. (Note: Rankings consider only passing, rushing and receiving, not returns). Our formula awards one point per offensive yard gained running or receiving and a half-point per yard passing, plus six bonus points for touchdowns thrown or scored. Because our rankings are cumulative, players on a bye week take a temporary hit that evens out over course of season. After Week 9 it's Florida State's E.J. Manuel leading for a third straight week, but narrowly over South Florida counterpart B.J. Daniels. The SOPY Top 10 entering Week 10:

Rank (LW)     Player, Team-pos.     SOPY Pts. Week=Year

1 (1)     E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb     157 = 1,483.5

2 (3)     B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     231.5 = 1,457

3 (2)     Stephen Morris, Miami-qb     BYE = 1,241   

4 (4)     Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     110.5 = 1,112

5 (6)     Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     173.5 = 1,099.5

6 (5)     Chris Thompson, FSU-rb     DNP = 965

7 (7)     Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     88.5 = 946

8 (8)     Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     165.5 = 941

9 (9)     Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     117 = 834

10 (--)     Latavius Murray, UCF-rb     218 = 700

Bubble: Duke Johnson, Miami-rb, 692.

State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (7-1); 2. FSU (8-1); 3. UCF (6-2); 4. Miami (4-4); 5. South Florida (2-6); 6. FAU (2-6); 7. FIU (1-8).

Click back. It say here we'll be updating/adding to this latest blgopost...

 

Blog exclusive: Dolphins' next finalists for Honor Roll (with poll, vote now); plus prez debate, NFL pix 'n fantasy, SOPY rankings & more

[1) It is WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17. Beyonce (left) will be the next Super Bowl halftime performer as two teams try to put a ring on it. I like dat! 2) See results of latest Dolfan Satisfaction Meter (a season best) in blogpost directly below this new one. 3) Visit our video channel at YouTube/TheGregCote and join us on Twitter @gregcote]

Debate Night in America: A presidential rebound: I thought Barack Obama edged Mitt Romney in their 2.0 debate last night. Thought Romney clearly won first debate. Thought the prez bounced back to win last night. Question: What's scarier: An Obama pumpkin (right)? Or Paul Ryan making a sham of a soup-kitchen photo-op?

BLOG EXCLUSIVE!: HERE'S WHO DOLPHINS ARE CONSIDERING NEXT FOR HONOR ROLL: You know that Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas are newly minted as the 23rd and 24th members of the club's stadium Honor Roll. (Click on An Example For All for the latest column by me on what Taylor/Thomas can teach the current team). Now we'll tell you, from a club source, who the finalists are to be inducted next. One or two are likely to be added as soon as next year, and you can help the club decide in this poll. Vote for as many as three (3) but only vote for players you feel are Honor Roll-worthy. Let us know if you think none are, or if you think someone isn't on the list but should be. The 10-man list includes three Super Bowl-era players (Manny Fernandez, Mercury Morris and Garo Yepremian) and five more recent players (Tim Bowens, Bryan Cox, Sam Madison, O.J. McDuffie and John Offerdahl), along with former owner Wayne Huizenga and longtime radio voice Rick Weaver. (Scroll to bottom of this post for a complete list of current Honor Roll indutees). Who should be next? My vote: O.J. McDuffie and John Offerdahl. No sure anyone else rises to the measure. The older players might, but they're adequately encompassed by the '72 team being on the Roll. OK, that's me. Your turn. Remember, you may vote here for as many as three. Let's do it!

Poll result: Wildly mixed opinions on Jeff Ireland: We asked in a recent blogpost if you thought criticism of Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland was excessive, and 40.2 percent said yes, 42.4% said no, and 17.4% were undecided. I actually take that as a fairly positive result for Ireland.

NFL PIX 'N FANTASY: I picked the San Diego Chokers and Philip "The Pick" Rivers to win Monday night. Not that I'm bitter or anything! NFL predix: Rough week. Aren't they all? Nailed my Upset of the Week with Packers over Texans ("Aawwk!"), had another outright upset with Browns over Bengals, had 'dog Lions and Giants with the points, and still managed only 8-6 overall and 6-8 vs. the spread. Greg's Lobos: Yay. My fantasy team woke up and won 140-135 to improve to 2-4. Lobos got a huge 50 from Aaron Rodgers but needed 12 from Ryan Mathews on Monday night to eke out the win.

BASEBALL UPDATE: WE ARE ALL TIGERS: Anti-Yankees Nation exalts, cartwheels and dances a merry jig! Tigers leads ALCS by 3-0 now after last night and can clinch it back in Detroit tonight. Motown is only one of four finalists whose fans haven't cheered a World Series title lately so Tigers advancing feels right even beyond the NYY hatred factor. (Having said that, I do feel bad for Derek Jeter's injury). In the NLCS its Cards-Giants tied 1-1 with series resuming today at 4 in STL.

BROWNS FAN DUNKS HEAD IN BUCKET OF URINE: Well, I guess that headline about says it all. Click here to watch if you are not weak of stomach. 

SOPY RANKINGS (WEEK 7): FSU'S MANUEL STORMS TO LEAD: This college football season marks the blog debut of our weekly State Offensive Player of the Year (SOPY) rankings, which I like to call the "Sunshine State Heisman." Our chart encompasses the most productive seasons of any quarterback, running back or receiver from the state's seven FBS teams: Miami, Florida and FSU, FIU and FAU, and South Florida and UCF. (Note: Rankings consider only passing, rushing and receiving, not returns). Our formula awards one point per offensive yard gained running or receiving and a half-point per yard passing, plus six bonus points for touchdowns thrown or scored. Because our rankings are cumulative, players on a bye week take a temporary hit that evens out over course of season. After Week 7 it's Florida State's E.J. Manuel (pictured) bounding into the lead. The SOPY Top 10 entering Week 8:

Rank (LW)     Player, Team-pos.     SOPY Pts. Week=Year

1 (3)     E.J. Manuel, FSU-qb   248.5 = 1,178

2 (2)     Stephen Morris, Miami-qb     123.5 = 1,140.5

3 (1)     B.J. Daniels, South Florida-qb     BYE = 1,113   

4 (4)     Chris Thompson, FSU-rb     95 = 871

5 (5)     Blake Bortles, UCF-qb     137 = 845

6 (6)     Jake Medlock, FIU-qb     203 = 819.5

7 (9)     Jeff Driskel, Florida-qb     233.5 = 792

8 (7)     Mike Gillislee, Florida-rb     79 = 683

9 (8)     Duke Johnson, Miami-rb     47 = 646

10 (--)     Graham Wilbert, FAU-qb     129.5 = 590

Bubble: Mike James, Miami-rb, 571

State of the State rankings: 1. Florida (6-0); 2. FSU (6-1); 3. Miami (4-3); 4. UCF (4-2); 5. South Florida (2-4); 6. FAU (1-5); 7. FIU (1-6).

THE LIST: DOLPHINS HONOR ROLL: The 24 inductees onto the Honor Roll in chronological order:

1990: Joe Robbie, Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Jim Langer, Paul Warfield. 1991: Nick Buoniconti. 1992: 1972 Undefeated Team. 1993: Larry Little. 1994: Dwight Stephenson. 1995: Bob Kuechenberg. 1996: Don Shula. 1999: Nat Moore. 2000: Dan Marino. 2003: Mark Clayton, Mark Duper. 2006: Dick Anderson, Richmond Webb. 2008: Bob Baumhower, Doug Betters. 2010: Jake Scott, Bill Stanfill. 2011: Jim Mandich. 2012: Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas. [Note: Selection committee consists of retired players Csonka, Griese, Marino and Moore, club president Mike Dee and owner Stephen Ross].

Click back. Will be updating/adding to this latest blogpost. I swear...