Hello to all and I hope that you all are having a wonderful and enjoyable holiday season! While the holiday season itself may be coming quickly to a close, college football bowl season is just getting heated up. As we enter the mid-point of the bowl season, we thought it only appropriate to highlight a few of the most thrilling – and not so thrilling – bowl games thus far this year. With 19 (of the more exciting) games left to be played and 13 under our belts, here is just a taste of what I (and I am by no means a college football expert, but someone’s got to do it) believe are the deserving winners of the following awards:
Biggest Let-Down: Georgia vs. Texas A&M. Independence Bowl. Georgia’s three unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter turned this competitive game into a rout.
Biggest Beat Down: SMU vs. Nevada. Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. Did you happen to watch the first quarter? If so, you saw the entire game. Congrats to Ponies on their fist winning season in over a decade and their first Bowl victory since 1984.
Biggest Comeback: I thought it should go to someone but I honestly haven’t seen one yet…Maybe UCLA over Temple in the EagleBank Bowl last night?
Biggest Upset: Pitt. Vs. UNC. Meineke Car Care Bowl. Okay, this obviously isn’t true as Pitt was ranked higher than the Heels, but as a born and bred Carolina fan, I had to say it.
Games to Watch this Bowl Season:
(In no specific order other than appearance…)
Allstate Sugar Bowl – Florida vs. Cincinnati
Friday, January 1st – 7:30p.m.
Reason(s) to watch: All eyes will be on this game to watch the Tim Tebow era at Florida officially come to a close. Whether you love him or you hate him, Tebow quickly blossomed into one of the greatest football players of his era during his career at Florida, becoming the “face” of college football. Tebow fans and foes will bid him adieu Friday at the Superdome after Tebow plays his final 60 minutes of football in a Florida jersey. Meanwhile, head coach Urban Meyer’s future at the school is currently up in the air as this could very well be his last game as the Gator’s leader. It will likely be a good match-up and a sad, sad day for Florida fans everywhere.
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl – FSU vs. WVU
Friday, January 1st – 1:00p.m.
Reason(s) to watch: It might not have the (or any, rather) matchup appeal as FSU’s struggling defense will likely be no match for the No. 2 rushing offense in the Big East, but it will have a dramatic tone as FSU fans will bid farewell to longtime coach Bobby Bowden. On Saturday, Bowden will coach his final game for the Seminoles against his former school. Let’s just hope it won’t be a blow out.
PapJohns.com Bowl – Connecticut vs. South Carolina
Saturday, January 2nd – 2:00p.m.
Reason(s) to watch: The Huskies became “America’s team” this year after cornerback Jasper Howard was killed in October and the team struggled get back on their feet, suffering five loses by 15 points or more before getting their season back on track. It will likely be a good match-up as well with South Carolina egos flying high after capping off their season with a big win over rival Clemson.
AT&T Cotton Bowl – Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
Saturday, January 2nd – 2:00p.m.
Reason(s) to watch: Ole Miss Dexter McCluster is likely to become the first player in SEC history to have 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a season. He needs 15 yards on the ground and 25 in the air. Despite Oklahoma’s stout defense, I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet he’s going to snag that record on Saturday. If you don’t care about the record, this will likely be a good game either way as both teams are equally competitive and have had shockingly similar seasons.
Citi BCS National Championship Game – Alabama vs. Texas
Thursday, January 7th – 8:00 p.m.
Reason(s) to watch: Not that it needs to be explained but it’s two of the most storied programs in college football meeting for the first time in 30 years. The star-studded matchup will feature Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and their six All-Americans going up against Texas QB star Colt McCoy and an equally-loaded roster. Oh, and because it’s the National Championship Game.
In other news…a Quinnipiac University survey shows that 63% of people who consider themselves “college football fans” are in favor of ditching the current BCS system and replacing it with a playoff system. However, despite wanting a change, 48% of those surveyed don’t see the college football post-season as a federal issue and would like Congress to stay out of it…despite President Obama being in concurrence with the majority of those who want a “change” (ESPN).
Check back at the end of Bowl season for a complete recap on this year’s Bowl games.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Johnson Seals History with Fourth Consecutive Title
The "Jimmie Johnson Dynasty" has officially begun.
Johnson has put himself among the ranks of legendary sports heroes such as Tiger Woods, Pete Sampras and Lance Armstrong.
He can now compare himself to the former greats of his sport, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and teammate Jeff Gordon -- none of whom have accomplished the incredible feat that he has.
He can also be held in the same high esteem as some of professional sports most legendary teams in history such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Celtics.
After clenching his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Title with a fifth-place finish on Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the soon-to-be legendary Hendrick Motorsports driver finally gave credit where credit was due: to himself.
Appearing to have finally recognized the magnitude of what he had just accomplished, Johnson called the success of his team “unbelievable."
Johnson: "The truth of it is, to do something that's never been done in this sport ... To win four championships in eight years, what this team has done ... I don't know where to start.”
Johnson finished 141 points ahead of teammate and another heavy fan-favorite Mark Martin who referred to Johnson as "Superman" after Johnson sealed his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Title.
Don’t expect this to be Johnson’s last victory, however, as he and crew chief Chad Knaus just signed a contract extension that will allow the dynamic duo to work together through 2015 and are showing now signs of slowing down in the near future.
Johnson: "I'm a racer. That's what I do at all times—I race. And I know I have at least another 10 years in me of racing, so while I'm racing, I want to be successful."
Not knowing what the future will hold, for now at least, Johnson stands atop the NASCAR world as a one-man dynasty.
Johnson has put himself among the ranks of legendary sports heroes such as Tiger Woods, Pete Sampras and Lance Armstrong.
He can now compare himself to the former greats of his sport, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and teammate Jeff Gordon -- none of whom have accomplished the incredible feat that he has.
He can also be held in the same high esteem as some of professional sports most legendary teams in history such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Celtics.
After clenching his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Title with a fifth-place finish on Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the soon-to-be legendary Hendrick Motorsports driver finally gave credit where credit was due: to himself.
Appearing to have finally recognized the magnitude of what he had just accomplished, Johnson called the success of his team “unbelievable."
Johnson: "The truth of it is, to do something that's never been done in this sport ... To win four championships in eight years, what this team has done ... I don't know where to start.”
Johnson finished 141 points ahead of teammate and another heavy fan-favorite Mark Martin who referred to Johnson as "Superman" after Johnson sealed his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Title.
Don’t expect this to be Johnson’s last victory, however, as he and crew chief Chad Knaus just signed a contract extension that will allow the dynamic duo to work together through 2015 and are showing now signs of slowing down in the near future.
Johnson: "I'm a racer. That's what I do at all times—I race. And I know I have at least another 10 years in me of racing, so while I'm racing, I want to be successful."
Not knowing what the future will hold, for now at least, Johnson stands atop the NASCAR world as a one-man dynasty.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Early Johnson Crash Allows Martin, Gordon to Narrow Gap in Sprint Cup Chase at Texas
Just three laps into what was likely to be another solid finish on the way to an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship for Jimmie Johnson, one nudge put an unexpected obstacle in the path of his Lowe’s team. Slight contact from the No. 77 car driven by Sam Hornish, Jr. caused Johnson’s No. 48 car to slam into the wall on the backstretch in the Dickies 500, sending shockwaves through Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday
The crash caused a frantic scene in the pit as over a dozen Hendrick Motorsports crew members worked vigorously to reassemble Johnson’s mangled car, barely after the race had begun. After over an hour of repairs to the No. 48 car, Johnson re-entered the race 129 laps behind and was able to salvage a 38th place finish, picking up critical points to keep a lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Heading into Sunday’s race, Johnson held a 184-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin, but now sits just 73 points ahead heading into Phoenix next week. Martin, who with 40 career wins but no Sprint Cup titles, is slowly making a case for himself as the best Cup driver never to win a Championship.
But with Johnson’s crash, a Martin Championship this year is not far-fetched.
Neither Martin nor teammate Jeff Gordon – who now sits just 112 points behind Johnson in Chase standings -- were able to capitalize on Johnson’s misfortune and come out on top this weekend, but both have certainly made the Chase more interesting.
In order to secure a fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Title, Johnson needs to average a fourth-place finish in the final two races of the season at Arizona and Homestead-Miami.
Meanwhile, Martin heads into Phoenix next week with a shot at his first ever Sprint Cup Title.
The crash caused a frantic scene in the pit as over a dozen Hendrick Motorsports crew members worked vigorously to reassemble Johnson’s mangled car, barely after the race had begun. After over an hour of repairs to the No. 48 car, Johnson re-entered the race 129 laps behind and was able to salvage a 38th place finish, picking up critical points to keep a lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Heading into Sunday’s race, Johnson held a 184-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin, but now sits just 73 points ahead heading into Phoenix next week. Martin, who with 40 career wins but no Sprint Cup titles, is slowly making a case for himself as the best Cup driver never to win a Championship.
But with Johnson’s crash, a Martin Championship this year is not far-fetched.
Neither Martin nor teammate Jeff Gordon – who now sits just 112 points behind Johnson in Chase standings -- were able to capitalize on Johnson’s misfortune and come out on top this weekend, but both have certainly made the Chase more interesting.
In order to secure a fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Title, Johnson needs to average a fourth-place finish in the final two races of the season at Arizona and Homestead-Miami.
Meanwhile, Martin heads into Phoenix next week with a shot at his first ever Sprint Cup Title.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Press Pass to release Professional Bull Riding trading cards
In January 2010, Press Pass Inc. will introduce its first PBR trading card set – 8 Seconds. Action packed with 2,000 lb. bulls, courageous bullfighters and the toughest cowboys in the world, 8 Seconds will bring you closer to the action than ever before!
8 Seconds delivers extraordinary value with three authentic rider/bullfighter on-card autographs and three rider/bullfighter-worn memorabilia cards in every 24-pack hobby box. Press Pass brings you closer to the action than ever before with a stellar lineup of memorabilia including rider-worn gloves, shirts, jeans and cowboy hats! Also look for bullfighter-worn memorabilia!
The “Toughest Sport on Earth” is captured with a 100-card base set the corrals the exhilaration and suspense of the most exciting eight seconds in sports. From the rankest bulls to the heroic riders and courageous bullfighters, 8 Seconds captures it all with action-packed photography and fascinating content.
Stay tuned to http://www.PressPassInc.com for more information including exclusive previews!
8 Seconds delivers extraordinary value with three authentic rider/bullfighter on-card autographs and three rider/bullfighter-worn memorabilia cards in every 24-pack hobby box. Press Pass brings you closer to the action than ever before with a stellar lineup of memorabilia including rider-worn gloves, shirts, jeans and cowboy hats! Also look for bullfighter-worn memorabilia!
The “Toughest Sport on Earth” is captured with a 100-card base set the corrals the exhilaration and suspense of the most exciting eight seconds in sports. From the rankest bulls to the heroic riders and courageous bullfighters, 8 Seconds captures it all with action-packed photography and fascinating content.
Stay tuned to http://www.PressPassInc.com for more information including exclusive previews!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Good Times in Press Pass production land…
As the lone production guy here at Press Pass, I am frequently tasked with interesting and far out ideas by our product team. Memorabilia cards in general tend to command much of my time. Cards containing sheet metal swatches can be a real challenge. Case in point: check out these swatches from Kevin Harvick earlier this year.
These particular swatches are about ¼” thick! I kept these on my desk for a while as they make a good conversational item. As you can imagine, it would be tough to make cards with these. By the time you encapsulate them, the card ends up being much thicker than the rest of the batch. Obviously these have some significant bondo work. That’s the “X” factor with sheet metal. We typically obtain whatever the teams are willing to part with. Usually that means a tore up piece of a race car or a piece that has been used for a while. Nice fresh flat panels used for a race or two are a rarity especially in these economic times when even the race teams are being more frugal.
Another wrinkle thrown in recently is the Car of Tomorrow. Teams are now required to reinforce some areas of the car. The honeycomb structure in the picture is part of what some are using near the driver area. This is permanently affixed to the inside of the sheet metal, again making the swatch thicker than normal and tougher to punch acceptable swatches from.
The punching process is a slow one too. The punching press and dies are really intended for making very uniform pieces in a machine shop setting where thousandths of an inch are measured. The dies are made and calibrated for a specific thickness of metal. One can then imagine what happens when you begin punching sheet metal that is all over the board in terms of thickness.
You tend to get some strange looks when you walk into a machine shop with a truck full of race used sheet metal and say “Hey, can you punch all these into little squares? And oh by the way you have to keep everything separated religiously.” But that’s all part of making memorabilia cards with you, the collector in mind.
These particular swatches are about ¼” thick! I kept these on my desk for a while as they make a good conversational item. As you can imagine, it would be tough to make cards with these. By the time you encapsulate them, the card ends up being much thicker than the rest of the batch. Obviously these have some significant bondo work. That’s the “X” factor with sheet metal. We typically obtain whatever the teams are willing to part with. Usually that means a tore up piece of a race car or a piece that has been used for a while. Nice fresh flat panels used for a race or two are a rarity especially in these economic times when even the race teams are being more frugal.
Another wrinkle thrown in recently is the Car of Tomorrow. Teams are now required to reinforce some areas of the car. The honeycomb structure in the picture is part of what some are using near the driver area. This is permanently affixed to the inside of the sheet metal, again making the swatch thicker than normal and tougher to punch acceptable swatches from.
The punching process is a slow one too. The punching press and dies are really intended for making very uniform pieces in a machine shop setting where thousandths of an inch are measured. The dies are made and calibrated for a specific thickness of metal. One can then imagine what happens when you begin punching sheet metal that is all over the board in terms of thickness.
You tend to get some strange looks when you walk into a machine shop with a truck full of race used sheet metal and say “Hey, can you punch all these into little squares? And oh by the way you have to keep everything separated religiously.” But that’s all part of making memorabilia cards with you, the collector in mind.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dreams do (sort of) come true...
It's 1976. My neighbor Dave is the coolest kid I know. He's 9, plays drums, has a cooler bike, and gets to go to the KISS concert while my parents tell me I am too young to go. My bond with KISS grows stronger as I begin to wear disguises around town to hide my shame. Someday I shall make it to a KISS concert.
Years go by and I still have yet to attend a KISS concert. I am more mature now and, like KISS, no longer rely on masks. It is 1999 and I actually get to meet Gene Simmons - sort of. It's really this guy named Joe who is part of Dressed to Kill - a KISS tribute band.
Well here it is 10 years later and I am back behind the mask! I still haven't made it to my first KISS concert, but I do get to design KISS trading cards!!! Thanks Press Pass!!
Years go by and I still have yet to attend a KISS concert. I am more mature now and, like KISS, no longer rely on masks. It is 1999 and I actually get to meet Gene Simmons - sort of. It's really this guy named Joe who is part of Dressed to Kill - a KISS tribute band.
Well here it is 10 years later and I am back behind the mask! I still haven't made it to my first KISS concert, but I do get to design KISS trading cards!!! Thanks Press Pass!!
Eric
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sonic Boom and KISS Tour Edition!
So by now most everyone knows that Kiss’ new album “Sonic Boom” releases on October 6 and will be sold exclusively through Wal-Mart. What you may not know is that Press Pass has a companion product that will be sold alongside the CD/DVD…
Kiss “Tour Edition” is a 33-card set with lots of bonus goodies (three collectible boxes and posters!) culled from 35 years of Kiss tours. Full of vintage photography as well as set lists and insider info from the tours, this exclusive set is one retrospective every Kiss fan will want. Attractively priced at $10 it will be a nice compliment to “Sonic Boom.”
The Kiss boys announced their U.S. tour plans this week. All stops were voted on by loyal members of the Kiss Army. They will be near our office on October 17th and we’ll be in the house!
And can you believe that Gene Simmons just turned 60?! Wow….
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