Fantasy Football Upate

I try not to bore people (and readers) with details of my fantasy football team. Either your into it or not, and when your not few conversations can be more insufferable. Shit, I don't like listening to my friends talk about their fantasy baseball teams since I'm not in the league.

The cook think about our league is that we've had it for about 22 years. Obviously, we were ahead of the curve. Back then, it was a good excuse to go out and drink beer in the middle of the week. Then again, none of us had kids (and very few had wives), so we didn't really need an excuse. I was still in grad school for the first couple of years, but it was still going strong when I got back.

We've had a pretty good core of guys the whole time without much churn. The continuity has made things fun and led to some good long standing rivalries. We put in a little money, but it's really about pride and having a good time.

I've won a few championships over the years, but the last two years have been a bit of struggle (poor drafts and injuries), but this year I've made it into the playoffs and have a good chance to win this week (I doubt I'll be able to go all the way).

Key to my playoff run has been Brian Westbrook of the Eagles and making a trade for Philip Rivers of the Chargers. My kickers have been solid as well (Akers of Philly and Bryant of Tampa Bay).

I'll keep you posted on my playoff progress.

In real football news, UT announced the hiring of Lane Kiffin to take Philip Fulmer's place. Fulmer has been loyal and generally done good things for the university and the team over the last 30 years or so. However, the quality of the team on the field is on a downward trajectory an its not like their off-field behavior or graduation rate makes up for it. My biggest complaint with him is that the players are no better as seniors than as sophomores. He recruits good talent but has lost the ability to develop them. All things must come to an end, quite frankly, the writing was on the wall about this last year. I wish him all the best.

Kiffin is a good, but not great hire. I don't know how much he was responsible for USC's offense or recruiting when he was there. I don't hold his short tenure with the RAIDERS against him because Al Davis has lost his fucking mind (but, that's for another post). I would imagine the head coaching experience in the NFL will be a selling point to recruits who see themselves going to that next level. Also, the organizational experience will help.

If he can up the graduation rate and start competing again with 'Bama, Florida and Georgia, I'll be happy. Otherwise, bring on the next guy.