Hey guys,
Here’s a blog I wrote for BroBible.com this past weekend. I picked the best bets I thought would hit over the weekend…glad I don’t bet for real, haha….
Anyone ever seen the movie “Two for the Money”?
Both Al Pacino (an all-time favorite actor of mine) and Matthew McConaughy star in this movie based on a High-Rolling Bookie Business based out of NYC…If you are a big sports better, or even a sports fan, it’s a pretty interesting movie. Although I’m not the biggest McConaughy fan (not even the least bit of a fan, actually), Al Pacino plays his unavoidable “mobster-like” role with his typical 2 minute monologue in the end (and yes, just like every other movie, he kills it)…so, worth watching for that. Anyways, this is sort of the theme of this week’s blog. I’ve always wanted to put a bunch of money on 10 games that I think will hit, then reap the rewards…but (A), it was illegal while I was an NCAA participant, and (B), I believe it is still illegal to do so now. So, why don’t you all just trust me and let me know how it goes…I’ll give you my rationale behind each bet.
College Football
1. Army/Navy
a. Take Navy @ -14. It’s actually enticing to play the under here at 41. Let’s face it, Army can’t score, Navy runs the ball (and the clock), and both teams tend to but heads pretty good every year. Either way, an exciting game.
NFL Football
2. Bengals/Vikings
a. Play the over here. Not sold on the Vikings after last week, but I am sold on the Bengals…This is a tricky line with the Vikes @ home @ -6.5…Over 43.5 seems like a lock to me though.
3. Broncos/Colts
a. Colts at home giving 7 against the Broncos. I like the Broncos here to keep it close and potentially pull the upset. They did it against NE in the beginning of the year, and I think it’s time for the Colts. At worst, you’ll push.
4. Bills/Chiefs
a. This is a pick ‘em game. Take the home team, always. Go Cheifs
5. Panthers/Pats (2 bets)
a. Take the Pats at -13.5…they’re good for a 2 score win. In fact, parlay this with the over…enough is enough for Coach Belichick. I’m sensing a big one for the Pats, they’ll score over 44 on their own.
6. Redskins/Raiders
a. Although some may be tempted to play this line, these may very well be the two most inconsistent teams in the NFL. One thing they have been doing in the past 3 weeks though, is scoring. In Oakland, great weather, play the over @ 37.5…Lock.
7. Eagles/Giants
a. Since I was a baby boy this Sunday night game has been a shootout…so play the over @ 44.5.
English Premier League
8. Chelsea/Everton
a. Play the under @ 2.5. Chels is a top the Premier League Tables, but have been off form the past 2 weeks. Everton (and our boy Tim Howard) will be strong defensively at home…strong enough, that is. Chels wins 2- nil.
9. Spurs/WolverHampton Wanderes
a. Take the over…PLEASE! Tottenham may hang 6 on these fools! Jermainnnnn Defooeeeee! My man missed a PK against Everton last weekend and will certainly be looking to inflict some pain on Wolves.
La Liga
10. Barca/Espanyol
a. Take the under in this game…Lionel Messi, potentially the best in the game, will not be fit to play in this away match. The two will battle back and forth in this slow-paced, possession Liga Match…It will be under 3 goals.
Let me know how you do!
PR99
What’s up lax?
My next post I’m gonna get to all of the answers you all have questions for. I’ll refer back to the previous blogs, and feel free to add any new ones you may have right here!
P.S. thanks to UA for putting this commercial on, making it a national show, and continually growing the sport!
Hey dudes!
Without having to think twice, Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday of the year (Christmas being number1). So why not kick off the week with my Top 5 favorite Holiday dishes on the din din table?! But before we hop into that, let me catch you all up on a few things that I’ve been up to, and what’s getting started in the next two weeks…
I’ve been pretty boggled up the past few weeks with a clinic here, and a clinic there. Every Fall I try and dedicate every weekend to a different location around the country to do some Shooting and Offensive Skills academies for young laxers thirsting for knowledge…Last weekend I traveled down to Greenville, SC to run another Offensive Skills clinic with over 100 kids (mainly high schooler’s this time) that seem to really be digging the sport of lacrosse. Best part about that weekend? Under Armour hooked my brother Mike and I with sideline passes to the Georgia/Auburn game that Saturday night in Athens. Auburn, being the UA squad, came out firing, but the Georgia Bulldogs showed why home field advantage in the SEC is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Insanity.
So you may be wondering, ‘well, what does Paul do during the weekdays?’…not a dumb question, and if you’re not wondering that, I’m going to make you find out before we get into the food on thanksgiving…I’ve partnered up with my brother and a few buddies from college to open up a fitness center called “Snap Fitness 24/7” in Joppatowne, MD. It’s been about a 6 month process to date, but things have gotten super-hectic the past few weeks with the contractors coming to the space and the site build-out taking form. We just got our CYBEX equipment delivered last night. The trucking crew arrived at 10pm, only to finish unloading at 5am!…Fortunately I wasn’t responsible for seeing this out, couldn’t of been more happy about it. We plan on opening the gym the first full week of December in the attempt of hitting all the New Years resolutionists this coming January…
Ok…top 5 T-DAY Foods:
#5. Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole:
Amazing. If you’re southern style cookin’ can hang, DO IT.
#4. Turkey and Ham:
I’d be a fool if this were not in my fave five…gotta have your foundation to support your fantasy.
#3. Stuffing:
If you’re looking for a dish to load up on CARBS with, here’s what you wanna get your hands on…
#2. Mac n Cheese with Bread Crumbs
Growing up as a pup, this was it. Well, I’m 23 now, and mac n cheese still satisfies all my needs…
#1. Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Surprised? You shouldn’t be…this is IT.
You want the “healthy” spin on your plate while still experiencing the gluttonies of all that is good in three-cheese combos? Yes. Do it.
PR99
I’m addicted to working out.
Yes, I use a strength and conditioning coach Jay Dyer from Johns Hopkins U and the Merritt Athletic Club, but there are also times where I work out afterwards, or on my own during an off day. We call these Alternative Workouts…and I’m convinced that sometimes they can be just as effective as a hardcore strength and conditioning workout.
1. 4 games of hoops:
Now why four? Four seems to be the number where people tend to start breathing heavily and drenching themselves in their own sweat…. Here’s my favorite way to break these games up:
Make sure you stretch! This is my dynamic routine before a workout to loosen up your body…
15 yard knee tucks
15 yard Frankenstein’s (straight leg kicks to touch your outreached hands)
15 yard groin stretch
15 yard lunges with a twist
15 yard toe touches (calf burners)
15 yard super lunges (take a huge lunge and get your head down to your foot – stretching your back)
15 yard high knees
15 yard butt kicks
15 yard high knee skips
15 yard skips for height
…trust me, it doesn’t take as long as it looks.
Here’s the hoops portion:
*1 game of 21 with 3 other lads:
You have to finish on 21, if you’re over, you go back to 12. If you land on 21, you have to make one more free throw to ‘ice it’, then nail a 3 pointer for good riddance. If you can’t do this, you go back to 15. ONLY one-handed taps get you back to 0.
*2 games of 2v2 to 17, win by 2
*Finish up with 1 more game of 21…old school rules still apply.
2. Swimming
Yup, first get that dynamic stretch on…then break it into a small swim meet:
1X25m Free Style
1X50m Back Stroke
1X100m Free Style
1X100m Individual Medley: Fly, back, breast and free style….
1X50m Back Stroke
1X25m Free Style
Give yourself time in between events, but this workout really works on your breathing and muscle endurance.
3. Boxing
Dynamic stretch…
You need to have access to a gym…obviously. I need a punching bag, a speed bag hooked up, then a trip to the high school track…
So this is basically a fake pro boxing workout, goes by real quick, but will help you work on hand speed and quickness.
Speed Bag: 3X100 with your right and left (that means 6 sets total…). For you first time hitters, this is going to suck. You have to move slower to have rhythm, and with all the mistakes you may make, it’ll make your arms tired as hell.
Heavy Bag: 3X50each rotating right to left hooks. This should take 30-40 seconds per rep and gets real tiring.
Track: Head over to the track and run a nicely paced 7:30 minute mile.
I’ll give you some more alternative workouts soon; this should keep you busy for a few weeks or so…
PR99
2010 U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
A Drew Westervelt – Denver Outlaws (UMBC ’07)
A Ryan Boyle – Boston Cannons (Princeton ’04)
A Mike Leveille – Chicago Machine (Syracuse ’08)
A Brendan Mundorf – Denver Outlaws (UMBC ’06)
A Ryan Powell – Big Foot LC (Syracuse ’00)
M/A Ned Crotty – Duke ’09
M Kevin Cassese – Boston Cannons (Duke ’03)
M Kyle Dixon – Washington Bayhawks (Virginia ’06)
M Stephen Peyser – Long Island Lizards (Johns Hopkins ’08)
M Paul Rabil – Boston Cannons (Johns Hopkins ’08)
M Chris Schiller – Sailin’ Shoe LC (Penn State ’99)
M Max Seibald – Denver Outlaws (Cornell ’09)
M Alex Smith – Washington Bayhawks (Delaware ’07)
M Matt Striebel – Chicago Machine (Princeton ’01)
M Matt Zash – Long Island Lizards (Duke ’06)
D Joe Cinosky – Toronto Nationals (Maryland ’08)
D DJ Driscoll – Chicago Machine (Notre Dame ’06)
D Eric Martin – Denver Outlaws (Salisbury ’04)
D Ryan McClay – Boston Cannons (Cornell ’03)
D Shawn Nadelen – Washington Bayhawks (Johns Hopkins ’01)
D Kyle Sweeney – Boston Cannons (Georgetown ’03)
G Brian Dougherty – Long Island Lizards (Maryland ’96)
G Adam Fullerton – Denver Outlaws (Army ’08)
Fifa yells at me.
Yes, I was going to write a Fifa ’10 review, which may very well be what this blog turns into, but I think the prior sentence serves notice to all of you videogame junkies out there. The game is the best on the market, hands down. If you care to argue, don’t. Instead, come find me on PS3 live; my name is ‘prabil’.
To be quite honest with you, I think Fifa ’09 took a dip from games in years past. The shooting was god-awful and too pressure sensitive. I know these European footballers have superior strength in their lower leg muscles, but the shooting skills needed to be user-friendly. Also, in ’09 it was nearly impossible to score on set pieces. Now don’t get me wrong, it was done every so often, but the consistency of technical shooting is much more on par this year than it has been in years past.
Another addition to the game that is very well orchestrated is the quick-start set piece. Similar to real football, when there is a cheap foul at midfield, or a quick nick to the boot with no card being presented; players will often just put their hand on the ball and kick it right away to keep the flow of the game in tact. They’ve added this feature to the game and it is awesome. Nothing more annoying than someone fouling, the camera zooming in on the player fouled, then zooming in on the ref that just waives his hands and says ‘no more’…this needed to be fixed, and EA did so.
The worst feature of this game is how amazing the online mode is, and how I can’t stay away from it…It calls me everyday, every morning, every hour. I hate it. I feel like I can’t get any work done, much less eat a whole meal of food. For example, last night I went to play some hoops with my roommates at JHU. We came back at 9 or so and were going to eat dinner but decided to play a ‘quick game online’…well we won 4-1, and decided to give our weak, pathetic opponent a rematch. Turns out he bailed on us in the 3rd minute of game two, which left us feeling like we needed more. So…we sign up to play another lad. However this time, we played one of the folks from Britain who was all locked into his Bluetooth mode and was singing across the pond. Yeah, we could hear him mocking us all game. It was hands-down the most annoying thing in my life the past 30 days, especially after he scored his second goal, going up 2-0, then proceeded to juggle with his goalie. I hate playing the Brits….they understand the game so well and are so methodical about their approach. Anyways, long story made long, I didn’t eat dinner until midnight, but was fully content with housing my chili and noodle bowl so I could get back upstairs to the PS3.
The urge to play? I can’t explain it. All you have to do is experience it for yourself. I bet you can’t eat just one.
PR99
I had a conversation with a buddy the other day and we were saying how awesome it would of been if in the movie, Wedding Crashers, those turds that were boys with “Sack Lodge”, told the real story behind Maryland…”Crab Cakes and Lacrosse, that’s what Maryland does!…”
…I’m pretty sure that statement is more accurate than football.
Why?
Well, first considering the fact that we only have ONE consistent nationally ranked high school football team every year…DeMatha Catholic High School, mind you…and, even more so considering our dreadful collegiate state school’s stellar performance thus far…
For arguments sake, let’s look at high school lacrosse in MD, shall we?
Top 25 nationally ranked teams in the past 5 years:
Boys Latin, Gilman, St Mary’s Annapolis, Severn, Calvert Hall, St Paul’s, McDonough, Landon, Georgetown Prep, DeMatha…to name a few.
Collegiate, you ask? Let’s take it a step further and call it Top 10 teams in the last 5 years:
Johns Hopkins, Maryland, Loyola, Navy, Towson…and yes, Tony’s Tiger’s broke the Top 10 in 2004 when they lost to the Blue Jays in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tourney.
Still not convinced? Well, let’s look at our State Sport for kicks and screams…and yes, guess…Lacrosse. So who were the screenwriters for Wedding Crashers anyways? Michael Doneger – care to inform?
…Now the only problem with all of this is that they were actually PLAYING football. So what? Tell the producers to have them do a lacrosse scene!
PR99
What’s up guys?
How was hump day for everyone?
I’m in the process of moving into a new place with my close friend Nick Donoghue, from Hopkins, as well as Danny Glading…yes, that’s right, the Blue Jays and Wahoo’s do get along outside of lacrosse!
We have another HUGE weekend beginning on Friday with Team USA. Our second official training camp will take place in Annapolis, MD. Here’s what our agenda is looking like:
Friday:
Meetings all night, dinner with the fellas.
Saturday:
Early early wake-up call. Practice with NAVY in the Stadium. Navy Marine Corp Stadium, by the way, is one of my top 3 favorite places to play. Actually, until the terrible performance we displayed this past year in the MLL semi’s, I was 5-0 on that field…so I’ve got a little work to make up for.
#2: The Dome in Syracuse
#1: Homewood Field. The most tradition-filled location in College Lacrosse.
Saturday Night:
Hall-of-fame banquet with the fellas. Dinner and speeches from the don’s of the sport. I always REALLY enjoy meeting those that changed the sport before I was introduced to it. Much respect.
Sunday:
2 games: We play either UVA/UMD or UVA/Navy, depending on which team we get put on. Super Stoked.
Enjoy….
PR99
Some videos…for more info – check out www.lacrosse.com
PR99