(Getty Images) Ok, so who says Asians can't drive?

But in the beauty and spirit of professional sports, something magical happened. An Asian-American kid from Palo Alto, CA received an opportunity to show what he can do on the world’s biggest stage. Jeremy Lin took full advantage and defied all the improbable odds. His cinderella story is now well-known throughout the country and around the world. We certainly love the underdog story don’t we? I’m not going to take this moment to regurgitate the information or story on Jeremy Lin since I’m certain that all of you probably know it by heart by now. What I do want to harp on is the notion that the Golden State Warriors made a terrible mistake once again by letting a player go that blossomed elsewhere. The Warriors have had a history of letting great players go right? From Chris Webber to Gilbert Arenas, the Warriors seem to have one generational superstar leave every 5 years. So what makes this situation any different?

The Golden State Warriors did NOT make a mistake by letting Jeremy Lin go. Why? First off, let me ask you this simple question. Would you take Jeremy Lin as your starting point guard over Steph Curry? If you say yes, then perhaps you have an argument here that the Warriors reverted to their old, bumbling, poor personnel management ways. If you say no, which is what I expect most of you to say, then you’d have to agree that the Warriors didn’t mess up this time. Steph Curry’s three-year statistical averages  currently read like this. 17.9 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.7 spg, 44.1% shooting from the 3 point line, and 90% from the free throw line. These are numbers that compare to many of the other top point guards in the league in the same time frame. Yes, Jeremy Lin has played tremendously well, but let’s check in again after another 2.5 years in the league to see how his numbers fare against Curry’s.

(Getty Images) Would you replace either of these players with Lin?

So what do you expect the Warriors to do with Jeremy Lin last year when they already had a backcourt loaded with talented guards?  In fact, since Monta can play the point at times as well, they already have 2 guys in Curry and Ellis who are potential all-stars and successful players. You wouldn’t replace Ellis with Lin would you?

The bottom line is this was not a case of the old Warriors management who either through a personal coach and player dispute, financial limitation, or just plain stupidity letting go of a player who blossoms with another team. I know that we’ve seen this movie before, and I can tell you, this isn’t the sequel. Don’t get me wrong. I firmly believe Jeremy Lin is the real deal and has potential to be a great point guard for many years to come. But despite all of his successes thus far, I still would rather have Stephen Curry as the Warriors point guard for the forseeable future. And when Curry isn’t handling the rock, I’m more than happy having Monta taking over. The Warriors if anything, did Lin a favor, because he would never played a substantial role here in the Bay Area. So before you yell, scream, and kick about how Warriors management managed to screw this one up again, please think carefully about who you would have gotten rid of to make room for Lin.

(Getty Images) Who would win in a 1 on 1?

Don’t agree with me? Let me know what you think.

Vote in the poll below.

(Getty Images) Can Eli win ring #2?

(Getty Images) Aaron Hernandez will play a big role in today's game.

Giants Offense vs. Pats Offense

As much as I love Eli Manning and his ability to slay big teams, I just can’t go against perhaps the greatest QB in the history of the game. Win or lose, Tom Brady has cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest. If Brady can win this Super Bowl, he will have tied his boyhood idol, Joe Montana, with 4 Super Bowl wins. The Giants have a pair of wide receivers in Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks that can do it all and are incredibly explosive, but the Pats also have 3 players in Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez who can also cause major headaches for opposing defenses. The running game is a wash to me as I think both teams have solid running backs who can move the chains, but not necessarily dominate the game. Ahmad Bradshaw is a better running back than anybody the Pats can throw out there, but he has had an off year. Ultimately, I give the edge to the Pats offense just for the simple fact that they have a guy named Brady and the Giants don’t.

Edge: Pats

(Getty Images) JPP is an absolute matchup nightmare.

Giants defense vs. Pats defense

Ok, sorry this one is easy. The Giants front 4 is the best the NFL has to offer. You don’t understand what a great luxury it is to be able to provide enough pressure with just rushing 4 down lineman each play. You save your linebackers, corners, and safeties from having to blitz which gives you the flexibility to avoid any man on man situations against opposing teams. This becomes especially important considering the fact that the Giants will probably not be able to cover the likes of Gronkowski or Hernandez 1 on 1. Having 7 back in coverage definitely helps. The Pats defense isn’t exactly a bunch of slouches either as their strength lies in their linebacking corp primarily led by Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes. However, the Giants easily have the stronger defense here and their front 4 has been carrying them the entire season.

Edge: Giants

Giants Special Teams vs. Pats Special Teams

This one’s pretty even as both sides don’t exactly have game changing kick or punt returners who are  extremely dangerous. If you look at the kicking game, Stephen Gostkowski and Lawrence Tynes both have made big kicks in key playoff situations and with this year’s Super Bowl played in a dome, I don’t for see any difficult kicks especially with the weather not being a factor. If it comes down to a game winning field goal, both kickers are more than capable of making it.

Edge: Even

Tom Coughlin vs. Bill Belichick

Tough call here as well. At first glance, you’d definitely say the better schemer would be Belichick and his infamous hooded sweatshirt. But keep in mind that Coughlin out coached Belichick in Super Bowl 2007 to win his only ring. Can Belichick adjust? I believe so. With 2 weeks to prepare, Belichick will devise schemes to make sure Brady stays well protected. Remember that the key to the Giants winning in 07 was the constant pressure Brady faced. You will see a lot of screen passes, short routes, and quick throws by Brady to offset the Giants pass rush. I give the edge to Belichick here because he’s just too good of a coach to not have a new game plan against Coughlin this time around. I respect Tom for what’s he done and he is also an incredible motivator, but Belichick hasn’t won 3 Super Bowls because he’s been lucky.

Edge: Belichick

(Getty Images) Brady knows his window is closing.

Overall Synopsis: I have never seen Brady as focused as he’s been this year. The playoff drought that the Pats have experienced is starting to take a little shine off the Patriots’ luster. The Giants would like nothing more than to officially put an end to the Patriots dynasty by stealing another ring opportunity. With Brady turning 35 next year, there’s not many more chances like these for him to get back to this kind of stage. I know common sense should tell you that the Giants have the Pats’ number and with the addition of Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Jason Pierre-Paul this year that the Giants should win again. However, I just can’t shake this gut feeling that the Patriots will surprise us all. Remember that the Pats usually win when we don’t expect it and the Giants lose when we expect them to win. The Pats gut one out tomorrow and win Super Bowl 46. I see a 28-24 Pats victory.

The Line: Pats -2.5, 54

SUPER BOWL PLAY: PATS -2.5

2011-2012 NFL ATS Record: 20-18-3 

Contender #1 – Lebron jumps over John Lucas.

Contender #2- Blake Griffin owns Kendrick Perkins.

(Getty Images) Hakeem Nicks needs to be stopped.

So what to make of today’s battle between the 49ers and the Giants? We have two physical teams that play with a lot of swagger and moxie. The Giants depend on an explosive vertical passing game led by Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks with a consistent pass rush led by Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck. The 49ers primarily lean on their incredible defense which features perhaps the best linebacking corp in the NFL, and a mistake-free offense run by Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis.

The key in today’s game is whether the San Francisco 49ers secondary can shut down Eli and his group of wideouts. These receivers are fast, strong, athletic, and explosive and have caused havoc in every playoff game thus far. The Falcons couldn’t stop them, and the Packers damn sure couldn’t as well. You can ask the Packers secondary what happened before halftime in their last game.  The running game this year for the Giants haven’t been as effective but Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have come on as of late so the 49ers run defense, which has been good all year-long, needs to be just as good today. If the Giants get their running game going, watch out.  

(Getty Images) He gets less publicity than Willis, but Navarro Bowman may be just as good.

For the Giants to be successful, they will need their pass rush to continue causing havoc against Alex Smith. Smith was rattled a little early in the game against the Saints, and although he did bounce back later, he will need to stay on his feet most of this game or else the Giants will force a ton of turnovers and many 3rd and long situations. What changed last week was that Alex Smith became more than just a game manager. He played like, dare I say it, Joe Montana. He was calm, cool, and collected. If the Giants cannot get to Alex Smith consistently, the 49ers should have no problems moving the ball with their wide receivers against a mediocre Giants secondary. Frank Gore, who did not have a good game against the Saints, will also need to establish the run to keep the Giants honest.

Weather will be a factor today as it will be rainy and windy in San Francisco. This should affect the passing attacks for both teams. The special teams play on both sides may be especially hampered with the wind, so don’t expect a lot of long field goal attempts. Field position will be of the utmost importance in a game where the weather conditions could force a lot of 3 and outs. With that being said, I see a low scoring, ground and pound affair where both sides will have trouble putting points on the board. I think the 49ers can eke this out because of their home field advantage but from a betting standpoint, the real value lies within the total. Play the under this afternoon at the Stick. I see a 17-13 type of final.

The Line: 49ers -2, 42

The Play: Under 42

2011-2012 ATS Record: 19-18-3

Scene on the outside before the game.

What a Saturday it was. The energy at the Stick was unbelievable and San Franciscans came out in full force to support (the bandwagon has plenty of room for everybody) the 49ers as they hosted their first playoff game in a decade. The experience in itself was insane as you could not have gone to a better game than this. Although I would classify my seating at the game as close enough to touch the sky and kiss the moon, I thank my contact lenses for staying moist throughout the day since consistent squinting of the eyes seemed to be permanently cemented on my face. Whatever the case, this was a game where no seat was bad, and nothing else mattered, because how often could you say that you attended a playoff game that produced “The Catch III”.

Here are some visuals of one of the greatest days in San Francisco 49ers history. Enjoy.

Welcome to the Stick.

Tailgate madness.

Enemies unite.

Pulled pork.

49er swag.

Saints Owner Tom Benson about to be real disappointed.

 

Gold Rush cheerleaders about to take the field.

 

49ers D ready to do work.

 

 

Weather forecast.

 

Pregame warmups.

 

 

49ers faithful ready for kickoff.

 

 

This was just when the 4th quarter madness was about to begin.

 

Sea of Red.

 

Although I won’t be able to attend the NFC Championship game this weekend against the Giants, I’m certain what I witnessed with the 49ers faithful last weekend will just be as amazing this week.

(Getty Images) Ricky Rubio played exceptionally well in the 2008 Olympics against Team USA.

Rubio’s exploits have been well-known throughout Europe and he has been labeled a basketball prodigy by many close observers of his play throughout the years. I had my doubts at first since I don’t know if I could ever consider a lanky, slender, and awkward looking teenager a basketball superstar in the making, but as always, looks can deceive. While the comparisons I’ve heard of him resembling Pete Maravich may be a little far-fetched, there’s no doubt that his talent and skill set is exceptional. Rubio sports a 6 ft 4, 180 pound wiry frame that will only get stronger as he gets older. It boggles my mind to think that Rubio can’t even legally drink here in the United States and you can see his upside can only get bigger.

In the first 12 games of this shortened season thus far, Rubio has lived up to the hype by averaging 11 points, 8.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 steals a game, while also shooting a very respectable 46.1% from the field. What I like most is that Rubio rebounds extremely well for a point guard. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty with the big men down low. Add  the fact that Rubio is shooting a spectacular 45.5% from 3 point range, and you can see he has the total package. His numbers this year have also been mostly produced coming off the bench and with Rubio only playing roughly 30 minutes a game. Coach Rick Adelman has since inserted Rubio into the starting lineup, so you expect his numbers to increase as the season wears on. I would be not surprised if Rubio finishes this season averaging a double double in points and assists.

(Getty Images) Rubio vs. Rose will be a matchup to watch for the next decade.

If I had to make a comparison to any player in the league for the potential of what Rubio may become, I’d say he’s Steve Nash 2.0. He’s bigger, stronger, just as skilled, and far more athletic than Nash. There’s been numerous times this year where I’ve seen Rubio thread the needle with a crisp pass that left me amazed. He has superior court vision and an uncanny ability to make his play look fluid and composed at all times. I’m certain Kevin Love will have Rubio on his Christmas list for many years to come. The passes I’ve seen Love get down low from Rubio this year makes me wonder if I could play power forward for Minnesota and drop 20 a game. The Utah Jazz had Malone and Stockton,  white bread has peanut butter and jelly, and the Timberwolves have their formidable 1-2 punch of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love.

So dare I say it? Spain has proudly produced the Gasols, Jose Calderon, Serge Ibaka (yes he is a Spanish citizen), and Rudy Fernandez. And although it’s only been a measly 13 games into this new NBA season, I still feel very confident in stating that Spain’s greatest basketball export will be Ricky Rubio. The only question that remains is just how good he will get. Only time will tell.

(Getty Images) Yes, Andy Lee could be one the most important players tomorrow.

We’ve all read by now about the 49ers’ nightmare during the preseason game they played against the Saints early in the year where it seemed like New Orleans defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, dialed up blitzes on every down. Alex Smith was pummeled that game and though it was long ago and completely meaningless, you can bet that Harbaugh and his team remembers that game very well. Gregg Williams is so aggressive that he will blitz his linebackers, his safeties at times, his corners consistently,and hell, he’d even send the Saints cheerleaders if he could. You can bet that the 49ers will be employing a ton of screen passes and quick hitters to offset the blitz packages.

So with that being said, what does this mean for a wagering strategy? Keep in mind that the Saints are a completely different team on the road and especially out in the open air. Their scoring drops and their defense isn’t quite as good.  The speed they have playing on a nice cushy turf in perfect 70 degree indoor temperature will not be available. You can bet the 49ers’ groundskeepers will leave the grass just a little longer for a little home field advantage. The other aspect to look at it is that the Saints have not met a defense like this all year. The 49ers have only given up an average of 14.3 points this season and have only allowed 3 rushing touchdowns all year. I’m not even sure they’ve allowed a rushing TD all year at home.

(Getty Images) Drew Brees will not be smiling after tomorrow's game.

While the 49er pass defense isn’t quite as good, they do have a Pro-Bowler in Carlos Rodgers who is extremely physical, Donte Whitner who’s a former Pro-Bowler, and Tarell Brown who’s an underrated young corner and all 3 will have a daunting task of slowing down a plethora of Saints receivers.

(Getty Images) Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.

However, defense wins championships and every team in the NFL that has won one has had a great defense. Need proof? Look at the Ravens in 2000, the New York Giants in 2007, or the Steeler teams that have won. These were all great defensive teams.  I think the 49ers, with the backing of their home crowd, and behind that superior defense, will stay with New Orleans all game, if not winning outright. Drew Brees will not have the luxury to sit back and pick the defense apart with Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, and Patrick Willis coming at him. Frank Gore will establish the run and this is a totally different and mistake free Alex Smith this year.  Look for the 49ers to keep this one close and don’t be surprised if you see a game winning field goal by David Akers in the closing minutes.

The Line: Saints -4, 47.5

The Play: 49ers +4

2011-2012 Overall ATS Record: 18-18-3 (2-0 in our last 2 selections) 

(Getty Images) Who will be the winning coach tonight?

In the first matchup, a series of blunders seem to have plagued the Crimson Tide including missing more field goals than Stanford did in the Fiesta Bowl, and a fluke interception by Eric Reid of LSU when Bama was threatening to score the game’s only touchdown. It seemed like there was a chastity belt defending the honor of the un-touched, virgin area known as the endzone.  LSU, on the other hand, somehow thought playing musical chairs at quarterback in a real football game would confuse Nick Saban when all it did was allow Bama to stay in the game despite all those missed opportunities.

So what can we look forward in round 2? More of the same that we saw in round 1?  The game changers for both teams remain the same. LSU has a pair or cornerbacks that are both NFL 1st round draft picks. The “Honey Badger”, Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne are both absolute studs who can make dynamic plays. Mathieu, in particular, is not only one of the most physical corners in Division I, he is also the best punt returner in college football. I still don’t know why he’s called the “Honey Badger” despite his blonde hair. If anything, shouldn’t he be a tiger at least?

(Getty Images) The "Honey Badger" himself.

Offensively, LSU will stick with Jordan Jefferson at QB and dish out heavy doses of several running backs which will be led by Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. Both running backs combined for over 1400 yards rushing. In fact, LSU had 5 players this year with at least 250 yards rushing. LSU’s biggest plays offensively usually result from repeated runs by their backs which lead to big play action passes down the field to wideouts in only man coverage. Jefferson is quite mobile at QB as well so look for a lot of rollout passes from him to avoid the Bama pass rush.

Bama is led at QB by sophomore AJ McCarron  who despite his relative youth, has had a solid season. He’s thrown 16 TDs this year with only 5 INTs and finished with a 102.7 QB rating. The obvious threat for Bama offensively is their superstar running back, Trent Richardson, who finished 3rd in the Heisman vote with 1,583 rushing yards and 20 TDs. Richardson runs the football with so much anger towards opposing defenders that you’d swear somebody said something bad to his mother before a game. People have been making a lot of noise about how Richardson was held to just 89 yards rushing against LSU, but please remember that 89 yards rushing against LSU is like 160 against anyone else. This is how good LSU’s defense is.

(Getty Images) Tackling Trent Richardson is like trying to play tug of war with an 18 wheeler.

Alabama is led by Courtney Upshaw and Dont’a Hightower on defense and these pair of linebackers are perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the nation. Both will be going to the NFL as first round draft picks as well. If you have no idea how good these guys are, then I’ll just simply say that they are Bama’s version of Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman. Quick, strong, and two guys you’d never want to play freeze tag with.

When the dust settles with many bumps and bruises later, I strong feel that Bama will come out on top. I’ve learned to not wager against Nick Saban in revenge games as he has gone 9-1 against teams that have beaten him. Saban’s Crimson Tide has also won their last 2 BCS bowl games by double digits including a thorough beat down of Florida in 2009. As I mentioned earlier, if not for some almost seemingly disturbing voodoo magic in the first game, Alabama should have won that game. I feel that LSU’s offense can be stopped if you force Jefferson to throw. The key here is Bama will need to stop the Tigers’ rushing attack and force a ton of 3rd and long situations that will put Jefferson in a difficult spot. Trent Richardson also needs to establish the run and if there’s any running back in the league that can do it against LSU, I’d reckon it’d be him. And finally, I simply believe that Saban is a better coach and has more experience in big game situations than Miles does. While Les Miles may be more animated, Nick Saban reminds of me of that contract killer who just keeps on killing without any emotion. Alabama will get revenge tonight in New Orleans and win in front of a hostile crowd in favor of LSU.

The Line: Bama -2.5, 41

The Play: Bama -2.5

2011-2012 Overall ATS Record: 17-18-3

And in honor of the final game of the 2011-2012 NCAA Season, I leave you this video gem starring LSU Head Coach Les Miles and his two kids. And yes, it really must have been the shoes

Enjoy.

(Getty Images) Are we witnessing this same kind of magic we saw in 2007 with this year's Giants?

The Atlanta Falcons are no longer strangers to the postseason. After years of futility, head coach Mike Smith has led the Falcons to the playoffs in 3 of his first 4 years. They tasted it last year as the number 1 seed with home field advantage after finishing 13-3 in 2010 and were disappointed by the eventual champion Green Bay Packers when they lost to them at home. They regressed 3 games this year and finished 10-6 but still firmly believe they have what it takes to make a deep run. The team is virtually the same as last years, but with the explosive addition of Julio Jones and the blossoming of Sean Witherspoon on defense. Matt Ryan has continued to develop nicely in his 3rd year, but he still has not been able to win a playoff game and if Matty Ice wants to join the next level of elite qbs, he will need to get that first win. Playing on the road will be difficult, but can Ryan finally get the playoff monkey off his back?

(Getty Images) Julio Jones has had a solid rookie season thus far.

So what do expect from tomorrow’s matchup in New York from a betting standpoint? Wagering on a side seems like a complete coin flip as I feel both teams have arguments for why they will win so I’m staying away on that end. These are teams that have explosive vertical passing attacks and very dangerous offenses overall, and because of those reasons, I expect a lot of ground and pound to keep both offenses off the field. You will see a heavy dose of Michael Turner for the Falcons and the combo package of Bradshaw and Jacobs for New York. There will be some big plays here and there, but I really see a balanced attack as somebody will look to win the time possession game.

I think an additional underlying point that people don’t see is that both teams actually have fairly solid defenses. The Giants have only given up an average of 17 points in their last 3 while the Falcons have not given up more than 24 points in 6 of their last 7 games. The Giants pass rush is scary to say the least. JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul) leads the pack with 16.5 sacks and you can bet his friends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora will not be far behind. The Falcons defense is led by tackling machine, Sean Witherspoon and ageless wonder John Abraham. The defensive corners on either side isn’t bad either as Corey Webster and free agent prize, Dunta Robinson lead their respective groups.

(Getty Images) #90, Jason Pierre-Paul will be heading to his first Pro-Bowl this year after a 16.5 sack season.

Add in the fact that this game will be played in frigid December New York weather where wind may also play a factor and I see a lower scoring game than most foresee. Tomorrow’s game will go under. Look for a 23-17 type of game tomorrow morning.

The Line: Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants (Giants -3, 47.5)

The Play: Under 47.5

2011-2012 NFL ATS Record: 14-15-3

2011-2012 NCAA Football Record: 0-1

2011-2012 NBA Record: 2-2

Overall 2011-2012 record: 16-18-3

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay? Fashion statement or call the fashion police?

(Getty Images) Bling bling.

(Getty Images) The Ducks are apparently really good at remembering to recycle.