It went as well as could be expected
A GRIP ON SPORTS
Did anyone really think the Falcons were going to score in the fourth quarter and upset the 49ers? Me neither. Not on the final day of a football weekend from hell. Read on.
• Nope, I'm sure all of us knew something like NaVorro Bowman's game-clinching interception (pictured) was going to happen. It was just that type of weekend. If the Falcons had scored, had walked out of Candlestick's last night a winner, we might have fainted or something. It would have been too hard for our system. Instead, our expectations were achieved – and how many times could we say that since Friday? We knew the 49ers would win, clinch a playoff spot and force the Seahawks to win this upcoming weekend. All I know is I will be planted in front of my TV on Sunday, my anticipation level sky high. Win or win, I will be happy. Oh heck, I might even be cheery if they tie. But another loss? That would be too much to take. I'm thinking it might drive me into a spiral of binge-eating. You know, candy, cakes and doughnuts. Or, as I usually refer to it, a Wednesday.
• Other than the Monday Night Football game, yesterday was noticeably lacking in athletic endeavors. Oh, there was a bowl game I couldn't muster up enough interest to turn on and there was a basketball game here and there. But it was awful quiet. And that's a good thing. Like a lot of you, I bet, I had to get the shopping done. It went remarkably well. About the only thing in the past 72 hours that has.
•••
• WSU: Though Jacob Thorpe continued his journey back from New Mexico – by Conestoga Wagon I presume – he also found time to update a few stories. He had blog posts yesterday that included position grades from the bowl, an update on Colorado State assistant coach Greg Lupfer being suspended and fined for his confrontation and language directed at WSU quarterback Connor Halliday and a short post on the possibility of a reserve linebacker leaving. Jacob also has his morning post today with links. ... There is one bowl game today, with Oregon State (pictured) facing Boise State in Hawaii. ... Bud Withers has a column on the Cougars in today's Times. ... Do the Cougars need to learn how to finish before they can take the next step? Yes.
• Gonzaga: St. Mary's isn't enjoying its trip to Hawaii. The Gaels lost their second consecutive game last night on a last-second hoop.
• EWU: The Eagles have found a soccer coach. Jim Allen has the particulars in this story. ... Portland State posted another win.
• Seahawks: If there is one Christmas gift I believe all Hawk fans would welcome, it would be a healthy Percy Harvin. Alas, like the kid wanting a B-B gun these days, you are going to be disappointed. In fact, I don't believe you will see Harvin on the field the rest of the season, no matter how long it lasts. And you may never see him. Hip injuries are that debilitating. I am sure he won't be available this week. Pete Carroll said so yesterday in his Monday radio appearance and in his press conference. ... Looking back on Sunday's loss, Carroll feels the Hawks can play a lot better. They better. ... The snap counts and grades are out. ... Using a fullback more doesn't necessarily mean Marshawn Lynch (pictured) will get more yards. ... The passing game is not performing all that well recently.
•••
• One quick note about comments. You might have noticed yesterday one was deleted. It wasn't cut due to its subject but rather because there was an obscene term used. Really. And used a few days before Christmas. I see coal in someone's stocking. If you saw the word before it could be deleted, I am sorry. It's hard sometimes to keep up. ... One other note. We won't be here tomorrow – and I expect neither will you. We'll wish you a merry Christmas right now, hope all is well with you and say thanks for being such faithful readers. And we'll be back on Thursday. Until then ...
