Thursday, September 1, 2016

D-Money's 2016 College Football Predictions



Ladies & Gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again. It’s time for the 2016 College Football season to commence.  After going wild for our country’s participation and great showing at the Olympic Games in Rio over a week ago was just enough to get me excited for this College Football Season and it also helped me take my mind off the upcoming season.

But you all that know me I’m all about anything Running related (Cross, Track & Field & the road), Soccer, College Basketball, and most especially College Football when it comes to Sports Watching. I enjoy watching and participating in other sports as well but those I mentioned are my favorite to watch. If you read my blog the past few years every year I make my predictions for the upcoming College Football Season. So it’s time for D-Money’s 2016 College Football Predictions.

However, due to Marathon Training and Coaching I unfortunately don’t go into too much detail on the teams or conference except of course for my Favorite Team (All Collegiate & Pro Sports included) THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES!!!!!

This year the Buckeyes have the difficulty task of replacing the talent they lost to the NFL Draft (5 guys in the First Round, 12 Drafted Overall which includes RB Ezekiel Elliot & DE Joey Bosa). With only 3 Starters back on Offense and 3 Starters back on Defense, Urban Meyer is up to the task as he has had one of the Top 3 Recruiting Classes the last 5 years he has been here and this upcoming 2017 Recruiting Class for next year is #1 in most Recruiting Webpages. So the Talent is there but some of them are unproven. Here’s a link from Bleacher Report.Com previewing the Buckeyes Season.

 


 

Pretty much that’s the Record I personally think Ohio State will be this year. 11-1 but winning the Big Ten but losing in the College Football Playoff. It will be a phenomenal job if the win this year but it will still be phenomenal if Urban gets them back to the CFB Playoff after losing all of that talent. They might lose at Oklahoma in Week 3(Who is also a Playoff Contender after being there last year and returning a lot from that team)  but after the Bye Week I expect the Buckeyes to be focus and run through the Big Ten Schedule including beating Michigan at Home spoiling their season and winning the B10 Championship Game.

Below here’s my prediction for every conference along with my conference champions and My Predictions just for the New Years Six Bowl Games(since they’re the biggest bowls to watch) including the College Football Playoff.


SEC

East Division              Conf  Overall

Georgia                       6-2       10-3

Tennessee                   6-2       10-2

Florida                         5-3       8-4

Kentucky                    3-5       6-6

Missouri                     2-6       5-7

Vanderbilt                   2-6       4-8

South Carolina            0-8       3-9

 

West Division             Conf  Overall

Alabama                     7-1       12-1

LSU                             7-1       11-1

Ole Miss                     5-3       8-4

Arkansas                     4-4       7-5

Texas A&M                4-4       7-5

Auburn                        3-5       6-6

Mississippi St             2-6       6-6

 

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP: Alabama over Georgia

 

BIG 10

East Division              Conf  Overall

Ohio State                   9-0       12-1

Michigan                    8-1       11-1

Michigan State           7-2       9-3

Penn State                   5-4       7-5

Indiana                       3-6       6-6

Maryland                    2-7       5-7

Rutgers                       1-8       3-9

 

West Division             Conf  Overall

Iowa                            7-2       10-3

Nebraska                     6-3       8-4

Northwestern              5-4       8-4

Wisconsin                   5-4       7-5

Minnesota                   3-6       6-6

Illinois                        2-7       4-8

Purdue                         0-9       2-10

 

BIG 10 Championship: Ohio State over Iowa

 

 

PAC-12

North Division            Conf  Overall

Washington                7-2       11-2

Stanford                      7-2       9-3

Oregon                        5-4       8-4

Washington State       5-4       7-5

Oregon State               1-8       2-10

California                   0-9       1-11

 

South Division            Conf  Overall

UCLA                         6-3       9-4

USC                            6-3       8-4

Utah                            5-4       8-4

Arizona                       5-4       7-5

Arizona State              4-5       6-6

Colorado                     3-6       5-7

 

PAC 12 Championship: Washington over UCLA

 

BIG 12                   Conf  Overall

Oklahoma                   9-0       12-0

Oklahoma State          7-2       10-2

TCU                            6-3       9-3

Texas                          6-3       8-4

Baylor                         5-4       8-4

West Virginia             4-5       7-5

Kansas State               4-5       6-6

Texas Tech                 3-6       6-6

Iowa State                   1-8       3-9

Kansas                        0-9       2-10    

 

ACC

Atlantic Division
Conf
Overall
Florida State
(8-0)
(13-0)
Clemson
(7-1)
(11-1)
Louisville
(6-2)
(9-3)
Boston College
(3-5)
(7-5)
NC State
(3-5)
(6-6)
Wake Forest
(2-6)
(5-7)
Syracuse
(1-7)
(3-9)
Coastal Division
Conf
Overall
North Carolina
(6-2)
(9-4)
Miami (Fla)
(6-2)
(9-3)
Pittsburgh
(5-3)
(8-4)
Virginia Tech
(4-4)
(6-6)
Georgia Tech
(3-5)
(6-6)
Duke
(2-6)
(4-8)
Virginia
(0-8)
(2-10)

           

ACC Championship: Florida State over North Carolina

 

American Athletic Conference

East Division              Conf    Overall

South Florida              6-2       9-4

Cincinnati                   6-2       9-3

Temple                        5-3       8-4

Connecticut                4-4       6-6

East Carolina              2-6       3-9

Central Florida           1-7       3-9

 

West Division             Conf    Overall

Houston                      8-0       12-1

Navy                           6-2       8-4

Memphis                     5-3       8-4

Tulsa                           3-5       6-6

SMU                           2-6       4-8

Tulane                         0-8       2-10

 

American Championship: Houston over South Florida

 

Mountain West Conference

Mountain Division      Conf    Overall

Boise State                  7-1       11-2

Air Force                    6-2       10-2

Utah State                   5-3       7-5

New Mexico               3-5       6-6

Colorado State            3-5       5-7

Wyoming                    1-7       3-9

 

West Division             Conf    Overall

San Diego State          8-0       12-1

Nevada                        5-3       7-5

San Jose State             5-3       6-6

UNLV                         2-6       4-8

Fresno State                2-6       3-9

Hawaii                        1-7       3-10

 

Mountain West Championship: San Diego State over Boise State

 

 

 

Mid American Conference

East Division              Conf    Overall

Bowling Green           6-2       8-5

Ohio                            5-3       7-5

Akron                          5-3       6-6

Buffalo                        3-5       5-7

Kent State                   2-6       4-8

Miami (OH)                2-6       3-9

 

West Division             Conf    Overall

Western Michigan      7-1       10-3

Toledo                         6-2       8-4

Northern Illinois         5-3       8-4

Central Michigan       5-3       7-5

Ball State                    2-6       3-9

Eastern Michigan       0-8       2-10

 

MAC Championship: Western Michigan over Bowling Green

 

Conference USA

East Division              Conf    Overall

Marshall                     7-1       10-3

Western Kentucky      6-2       8-4

Middle Tennessee      6-2       7-5

Florida Atlantic          4-4       6-6

Old Dominion             4-4       6-6

Florida International  3-5       4-8

Charlotte                     0-8       1-11

 

West Division             Conf    Overall

Southern Miss            7-1       9-4

Louisiana Tech           5-3       7-5

UTEP                          4-4       7-5

Rice                             4-4       5-7

UT-San Antonio         2-6       3-9

North Texas                0-8       1-11

 

Conference USA Championship: Marshall over Southern Miss



Sun Belt Conference     Conf    Overall

Appalachian State                  7-1       9-3

Arkansas State                       6-2       8-4

Georgia Southern                   6-2       7-5

UL Lafayette                          5-3       7-5

Troy                                        4-4       6-6

Georgia State                          4-4       6-6

South Alabama                       4-4       5-7

New Mexico State                  3-5       3-9

Idaho                                       2-6       3-9

Texas State                             2-6       3-9

UL Monroe                             1-7       2-10

             
INDEPEDENTS         Overall

Notre Dame                            11-1

BYU                                        7-5

Army                                        4-8

Massachusetts                        3-9

 

NEW YEAR’S SIX BOWL GAMES

Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Clemson

Cotton Bowl: Houston vs. Tennessee

Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Washington

Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Oklahoma State

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

Peach Bowl: Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Fiesta Bowl: Florida State vs. Ohio State

 

National Championship Game: Florida State vs. Oklahoma

WINNER: Florida State

Well that's what I think will happen. But Hopefully for a great College Football Season. Something to look forward to after Cross Country Meets and one of the many things great about Fall Season along with my Birthday, Cross Country, Fall Marathons, and everything Pumpkin Related.

Enjoy everyone & GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

Sunday, April 24, 2016

After Boston..........5 years later


 
 
 
 
Well because the Boston Marathon will be ran this coming Monday and it has been 5 years since I ran Boston. Great job to those who have competed in Boston this year!!!

 


 

Also, it has been 5 years to this day that I posted my struggles and truimpths of my racing career, life in general, dealing with Aspergers Syndrome and how it lead up to me running Boston a few days later.

 


 

I would read both of these before you read this blog post or if you have the time. Some things have changed, but unfortunately some things remain. My sister moved back home to finish her degree but I was able to buy a home a few years later. I got a promotion to another area or team at work but it’s not the promotion I wanted. I got into coaching track and cross country, which I really enjoy. Though I feel nothing has changed for the better in my Dating, Friendships and Spiritual Life. It’s either at a standstill or I feel they have gotten worse for bit over the last few years.

 

First off, work has been a little better. But, I still haven’t gotten the promotion I wanted. Though I have gotten to know some people in the higher up and they are willing to give me some resume advice on how I can better my chances so I’m grateful for that. I’m now teleworking 2 days a week so I can feel I can get work done at home quietly. 2 days is fine for me. I don’t mind going into the office 3 days a week. Though 3 days a week is more than plenty seeing of those people. I feel that there are a few that have problems of their own that complain and try to bring the others down. Sound familiar, sorry for this its my therapy. I’m actually glad I got 2 days a week to work from home. Sometimes 5 days a week with some of them is too much.

 

 I gotten along better with others at work but I realize that I’m very different than others at work. There are others in my building that I love to talk to due to some of them being active as I am but the problem is they work in different areas and it's hard to at least get to know them better.

With the ones I do work with it I just seems we live a different lifestyles, I’m active and I encourage others to be active because active bodies create active minds!! You’re never too old to be active no matter how busy you are. I dunno I feel there are some days where getting a real estate license or computer skills training is sounding better everyday. I respect our military but I feel as if because I didn't serve, or have family that works at DFAS its hard for me to move up no matter if I have a degree or not. Keep praying for me in my work.

 

Coaching to me has been a blessing no matter how at times the kids can get uptight or spacey. I’ve had some kids whom are willing to work and get better. Middle School is very different motivation. One day I like to move up to High School in one or the other (Cross or Track). Running with them, encouraging them, and watching them succeed is a blessing. I’m sadly starting to think that every different class of kids I get to coach might be the closest thing I will ever get to have a family of my own. L To me the extra money getting paid is nice that’s why I’m not doing it.  I want them to work hard, enjoy the sport or have fun with, and know what teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Same thing my coaches have taught me.

 

Theirs and the parents thank yous is also enough for me. That’s one of the things I was trying to get from my job but I feel like I haven’t gotten it. I think you work better or feel appreciated if others thanked you for your work. Teachers, Retail Employees, Coaches or Mentors, Preachers or even Mechanics seem to get it more than businessmen who sit at a computer desk all day. I think it may have to do with face to face interaction.

 

Running has been much better since Boston in 2012 & 2013 with great races. But I ended up with a back injury in the Winter of 2014 that has affected me on & off for the last 2 years. Though I had some great moments such as another 1:11 Half Marathon in the Fall of 2014 in Columbus and this past year running enough races to earn a lot of points was 2nd place in the RUNOHIO Grand Prix and got me interviewed for the 2nd time ever.

I’ve won a lot of trophies and medals over the years. Hate to brag and put these up here but this is a showing of what I won. To me it shows dedication, perseverance, and the love of a sport. Though the only they have collect over the years is dust or wait for another trophy or medal to go with them.

 
 
 
 
 


 

Unfortunately, the stress of work, being busy with Coaching has made my running take a little bit of a backseat so far over the last month. One week I’m over 65 the next I’m barely hitting 40. I decided to run shorter stuff this spring 5k-10k in hopes to add less stress over my body I put myself through the last few years. I feel as one of the veterans of the CRC Elite team I dunno how much longer I can keep torturing myself. It's getting harder and harder every year to motivate myself to run.

 

Running has been a Major Blessing but in some ways a Minor Curse. Taking heat from Family for missing or being late to functions, not being able to hang out with my Friends more often, lose girls that I really liked or we both tried to have a relationship & the interest just faded away. I’m proud of what I have done, if I walked away I could be happy but so far it’s the only great feeling I get to do after a long and hard day of work.

 

People always ask me what I train for next. Usually that’s the thing. I train for one race I do very good. The problem is WHAT’S NEXT AFTER THAT???  Days are very hard to come home just to myself to. I have some personal time but I have a lot of it. The only person whom I’m accountable for is me. I’m the only to pick myself up after being let down of a bad race or injury. Family is always there to talk & believe me I’m thankful and I love them for it. But there is so much they can do being hours away.

 

One last point I bring up is hoping for a woman to come into my life. Honestly, she would have to be truly special to deal with me I believe. I’m like that Lee Brice Song Hard to Love” (Look it up on YouTube or ITunes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpVtPSlUr3I  I believe that’s what I need someone to pick me up or encourage me, support me and I know I would do the same.

 

I’ve seen Friends, get Engaged, get Married, Have Kids, and even get Divorced. Heck one of my best Friends in College got Divorced years ago but got Remarried and now they are expecting a child & yet I’m not even at my First Marriage yet. A couple more friends and family getting married or divorced. I'm trying to grow up but its hard.

 

I’m actually living in this Seinfeld Episode
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwkEgKEyBIo



I dunno people say I'm young but I'm not that young. A guy whose in his early 30's and still Single. Honestly I'm think I'm looking in the right places or that I think I am. People say were too busy to hang out or relationships but we have plenty of time we just don't realize it.

Though, my church attendance has been much better lately my prayer life has not. I honestly think people at the churches I have been to or going to right now we just know me for a guy that runs and nothing more. I have been going to different churches here and there lately trying to see where I truly belong. I dunno I'm maybe I should go back to the Vineyard but I know some of my friends have moved on or moved away and that's ok it's life. Though honestly I don't think everyone  at church doesn't  know the real me or what makes me tick or any other interests that I know of. We get busy with something else or I think they think I'm too out there at times. It's been hard for me to trust maybe because I'm afraid of getting hurt or because of my Asperger's & ADD I'm looked at differently or being treated differently.

I seen friends come and go. I'm going to be very honest the way of going or living life & being not happy at times at work I'm going to end up like Mickey Rourke's Character in The Wrestler
Yeah it's a Pro Wrestling Movie but it's basically one the saddest movies I've have ever watched. I don't know why Mickey Rourke did not win Best Actor? Anyway I always had this feeling growing up like I mentioned in my blog 5 years http://dmoneystwocents.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-blood-sweat-and-tears-literally.html that I had to prove myself or I ran with a chip on my shoulder. Trust me I DO NOT have a short man complex I'm 5'11. I would say its more of a skinny guy complex.

I going to be honest (Using that word a lot) I think I might some sort of DEPRESSION. Seeing less of my Family, friends, and after I'm done with coaching cross & track for the season does not help it that much.

I might just be rambling like I usually do but I want to change how I feel and have to go on a blog rant of how miserable I am at times. I really want to change some bad habits in my life and form good ones. Honestly, the only good habit I have is working out. I can get myself into shape easily and motivate my athletes to do their best no matter what. But other areas in life such as praying, reading, & being able to read people a certain way I fall a couple strides short.

I know what I want to do this fall besides coaching again. I want to run a marathon. This fall it will be 4 years this coming Fall that I have ran a Full Marathon. I spent my attention in 2013,14 and 15 focusing on the Half that it may have caused most of my injuries and I want to run a full again this Fall now that I'm almost fully healthly but I really want to go for it and PR while I still have the chance. The Best Place COLUMBUS in October

It's my Home Course and the First Marathon I ever competed in.

Also, I trying my best to reconnect with friends and keep the friendships I got. We all get busy in life but it that is what makes us feel better about ourselves and they like Family encourage your dreams and goals in life.


I need to pray more and ask what is on my heart much more than ever. Maybe over the years I taught myself to be tough in hard times and fire right back that I didn't need God or that I was angry at times with him when it came to that. I'm opening up right now a little more than I've ever did in the last few years with this blog some things funny and some serious. We all have Hard Times or deal with things that bring us down but one thing for sure I want to be more positive and open. Though I realize I need a little bit of help. I can't do this by myself. So keep praying for me but pray especially for those who are much worse than we are. That's my Two Cents and here is a famous Wrestling Promo to leave you on.

DUSTY RHODES HARD TIMES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9py4aMK3aIU




 

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Top 20 Arnold Schwarzenegger One Liners/Quotes

 
 
 
 
 
 


I have a confession. I love Arnold Schwarzengger's Movies. Well, most of them some stuff after he was in Batman & Robin kinda stunk!! I blame Batman & Robin for it. Most of his dialogue in the movie is one liners pertaining to cold.
 
 
Though despite Batman & Robin he has become an American Icon though he was born in Austria. He built his reputation as a Mr. Olympia Bodybuilder then went into Action Movies and of course became the Governor of California from 2003-2011. Because of his fame he started the Arnold Sports Classic & Expo which is right here in Columbus, Ohio where I live. This event not only has bodybuilding, but dead lifting, gymnastics, table tennis, cheerleading, running, and yes POLE DANCING and other physical activities!!!
 
Note, last year I won the Arnold 5k race (Not the Pump N Run).
I came back that afternoon and Saw Arnold

I'm running again this year don't know if I'll defend my title but I want to run well, stick around and hopefully meet ARNOLD when he starts the Pump N Run afterwards.

So, in honor of the Arnold Sports Festival Classic being this coming next weekend (March 3-6) and how I'm a huge Arnold Fan I'll going to list my Top 20 Arnold Schwarzenegger One Liners/Quotes. He never win an Oscar for his acting but his movies have had great action, comedy, and a little bit of heart. I'll list the quote in comas and the movie it comes from. Note some quotes just have links and not the video but the videos don't last more than 1 minute but trust me this blog post is worth looking at.

20.) "You're Fired" - True Lies


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3Kyv_iaNs
 
 19. ) "The Pavement was his enemy" - Twins
 
18.) "Milk is For Babies" - Pumping Iron
 
 
17.) "One Ugly Mother******" - Predator
 
 
16.)  You are not you, you are me- Total Recall
 
 
15. ) I eat Green Berets for Breakfast- Commando
 
 
and as a bonus the end of the fight.
 
 
 
14.) "Consider that a Divorce"- Total Recall
 
 
13.) "Wanna Be a Farmer??"- Last Action Hero
 
 
12.) "I'll hope you'll leave enough room for my fist" - Running Man
 
 
11.) Quote from Pumping Iron
This pretty much Speaks for Itself!!!
 
 
10.) "Who is your Daddy, and what does he do?" - Kindergarten Cop
 
9.) "Here's Sub-Zero, now Plain Zero!!" - Running Man
 
 
8.) "He's Dead Tired" -Commando
 
Just Watch from 0:00-0:34
 
 
7.)  "Crush Your Enemies...." - Conan the Barbarian
 
 
6.) "Let off some steam Bennett!!" -Commando
 
 
5. "Put that Cookie Down, NOW!!!" -Jingle all the way
 
 
4.) "Hasta La Vista, BABY!!!" - Terminator 2: Judgment Day
 
 
3.)  "GET TO THE CHOPPA!!" - Predator
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. ) "IT'S NOT A TUMAH!!!" - Kindergarten Cop
 
 
 
and now for the #1 Favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger One Liner/Quote. DRUMROLL.......................
 
 
1.) "I'll Be Back" -Used in Various Movies
 
Yep "I'll Be Back" was said in Terminator but Arnold said it in his other movies as well.
 
 
 
 
Here's a clip of him using it in other movies
 
 
and I think this was from when he made an appearance on the Tonight Show.
 
 
 
 
and there you go. The Top 20 Arnold One Liners/Quotes. My goal is to meet Arnold after the 5k and before the Pump and Run. That would be one heck of a weekend but the Arnold Sports Festival is still fun to go to and one of the best people watching experiences. I hope to see many of my friends there next week!!!
 
 

Sunday, January 3, 2016

New Years Resolution. Something Better instead of Brand New.

 

I guess since the majority of America is going back to work on Monday I see a lot of people list their New Years' Resolutions. Though today I’m reminded of what was said during the sermon at church.

Instead of doing something BRAND-NEW, do something BETTER!

I bet we all need to do this in our lives but throwing a few new things or habits in couldn’t hurt.

This first one is important. I’m going to start off by being a better employee at work. Things at work have gotten better. I don’t dread going back to work as much from a long break as I used to. I’m learning something else on a new team in the same area but there are some employees, one in particular, goes through life grumpy, thinks he knows it all, & tries to think he’s a little better. He’s a Bama & WVU fan and likes to take Anti-Ohio State shots at me whenever he can. Attitude at work is everything. With continuing learning on the job I hope someone in the upper tier will take notice.

I do have other goals some are different & some are the same. Having a plan with each goal makes the difference.

1.)    Continue to be a better coach to my athletes to help them succeed off and on the track. It gives me a thrill when they succeed.

2.)    Learn more about track & field-  Never too old to learn something I already known.

3.)    TAKE UP YOGA- I really need help with this. Any yoga studio in the C-Bus area I can go to let me know.

4.)    Do more Kayaking & Fishing when the weather gets warmer. J

5.)    Running- I still have goals in mind & I’m not ready to hang up my racing flats just yet. This year I plan on running the Cap City Half Marathon in Late April which is the USATF Half Marathon Championships. Also it will be 4 years this fall that I haven’t ran a Marathon. In October, The Columbus Marathon would be it. I'm finally starting to feel healthy in my hips and back. Running would be great if it stayed that way most of the year. More Quality instead of quantity the older I get.
6.) Reconnect with Friends- Things in life can be busy. But it's not to late to try to keep friendships and make new ones. I want to keep friendships I got in tact.
7.) Take advantage of Small Groups when I can- this helps me grow as a Christian & with others
8.) Travel to someplace I haven't been yet- I'm thinking of going someplace I haven't been yet. And Colorado seems like a good start. I know some friends that live in the Denver/Boulder Area and I always wanted to go there.
9.) Read more - I'm reading Urban Meyer's book right now and I like to read some more books by coaches in the future for motivation and guidance. Reading my Bible is good too.
 
10.) Hopefully find LOVE-  To be with someone I can share my goals & triumphs with. This and reading my bible more would lead to my last goal at the bottom.
11.) PRAY- I should pray more of what is on my heart in life instead of blessing my food or before a race and all. He may not always answer but he won't know if you talk to him
 
      If I can do most of these things better. That's one hell of a year. Honestly it may not happen all in one year but good habits I believe can lead to good things.  I'm asking for your help and encouragement.

         One more thing. I'm thinking of taking this blog in another direction. I want to start my own Personal Website. dmoneyruns.com or something. I can give running or health advice, show encouraging articles or links to health & sports nutrition articles of some sorts, Just a small way of encouraging others and of course listing my pictures from races and other statistics. I dunno of thinking out of the box but something to go a little deeper.
 
      Anyway, I hope you all have a Happy New Year. Do things Better and it could lead to things New!!!