Saturday, November 27, 2010

Jose Aldo Forced Out of UFC 125 Due to Injury

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Just days after he was awarded the new UFC featherweight title by Dana White, Jose Aldo has been forced to pull out of his scheduled UFC 125 title defense against Josh Grispi due to an undisclosed injury.

Heavy MMA first reported the news on Tuesday afternoon, and MMA Fighting has confirmed it with sources.

Aldo (18-1), the final WEC featherweight champion, most recently defeated Manny Gamburyan in September. He captured the 145-pound title in November 2009 when he defeated Mike Brown via second round TKO.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/11/23/jose-aldo-forced-out-of-ufc-125-due-to-injury/

Josh Caron Sam Carrier Brett Carson Michael Caruso

Join us for the last in-season Marbles chat, Wed. @ 1 p.m.

It's the final 2010 season chat right here at The Marbles! (Not the last one overall. We'll be here all offseason.) Come hang here to talk Hamlin/Harvick/Johnson and make your best guess on who's going to take this race. We'll be here at 1 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday. Join us, won't you?

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Join-us-for-the-last-in-season-Marbles-chat-Wed?urn=nascar-286191

Cameron Gaunce Jerome Gauthier-Leduc Eric Gelinas Bruno Gervais

WEC 52 bonus video: Future star McDonald looks dynamite

Here's rooting for the day that all the fights on U.S. mixed martial arts cards will be televised someday like they do in Japan. Without a five or six hour window on Versus, the WEC was unable to show us the guy that may have been the most impressive of the night at WEC 52.

Michael McDonald, a 19-year-old, who came with a ton of hype. lived up to the expectations. WEC released a video free view of McDonald's win over Clint Godfrey. 

Here's another one of these new breed guys, who's been training in all aspects of MMA from before he was a teenager. Most of todays big stars in MMA all came from a particular discipline. That'll change in the 10 years. Most of the elite fighters will have started at a young age and be well-versed in all facets of MMA.

McDonald (12-1, 1-0 WEC) showed off an impressive skill set in his quick win Godfrey. The first thing you notice is his calm demeanor in the cage. No nerves at all for a guy his age. Then McDonald let the hands go. He drilled Godfrey with the first good combination he threw and then floored the South Dakota native with a straight right (3:05 mark). McDonald jumped on top, unleashed some ground and pound and then calmly walked away.

Even when he made a mistake and allowed Godfrey to score a takedown, the teenager showed poise off his back. Watch as he waits for Godfrey to leave his left arm exposed (5:00 mark). The second he did, McDonald slapped on an armbar and got the tap almost immediately.

That was awesome. McDonald looked like the much bigger fighter and a kid who could be fighting at featherweight in his mid-20's. Keep an eye on McDonald in the UFC. 

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/WEC-52-bonus-video-Future-star-McDonald-looks-d?urn=mma-285214

Marc-Edouard Vlasic Anton Volchenkov Viatcheslav Voynov Steve Wagner

Kyle Singler, E.J. Singler Spark Oregon's Newest Civil War

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E.J. Singler
gave his parents his blessing to go to Portland for Thanksgiving to spend the holiday with his brother Kyle and the Duke basketball team. His brother may be the All-American with all the college accolades and recognition, but E.J. has had more Thanksgiving dinners at home lately than his big brother.

Kyle and the top-ranked Blue Devils are in the Singlers' home state today for a long-planned and highly anticipated matchup against Oregon at the Rose Garden.

On paper this is a big mismatch, Duke the No. 1 team in the country facing a rebuilding Oregon team (4-1) that needed overtime to beat North Dakota State and lost to San Jose State at home. This is a huge test for a Ducks program that is currently playing in the shadow of its top-ranked football team and transitioning under the leadership of new head coach Dana Altman.

But that's not what this is about. The game is mostly tribute to Kyle Singler, one of the best players in the recent history of Oregon basketball, and one last chance for him to play near home before the end of his college career.

The occasion has been marked most publicly by a pair of billboards looming over downtown Portland featuring the tagline "Singler Minded" and showing the back of the brothers' jersey melded into a 50-50 split. The brothers did the photo shoot for the billboard back in the spring. And the anticipation has been building ever since.

 

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Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/26/kyle-singler-e-j-singler-spark-oregons-newest-civil-war/

Ryan Ellis Steve Eminger Deryk Engelland Tobias Enstrom

Lames: Turner to leave uncomfortable burning sensation in the 'Lou'

Each week the Noise highlights six unobvious names who he believes are destined to morph into human torpedos. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system listed here. Cyber-bullies, feel free to tweet your hindsight jabs here.

Kyle Orton, Den, QB (Noise Week 11 QB Rank: 13, 51-percent started)
Matchup: at SD

We’re in utter shock Ryan Reynolds and not the world’s greatest neckbeard fashioner was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive. With a per week average second only to Philip Rivers, spurred by five multi-TD and 300-yard games, he’s one delicious piece of fantasy man-candy (Mandy perhaps?). Despite our infatuation with the former Chicago party boy, he is untrustworthy this week against an underappreciated San Diego defense. On the season, the Bolts have electrocuted QBs, conceding just 6.5 yards per attempt, 203.1 yards per game and eight touchdowns equal to second-fewest fantasy points. Vince Young is the only signal caller to throw for multiple scores against them. Orton has benefited from terrific frontline protection, but against a recharged D fresh off the bye, he could get badgered often in the pocket. Shaun Phillips and friends have tallied 27 sacks this season, the second-most in the league. Also, the Chargers have given up few explosive pass plays ranking second in fewest 40-yard pass plays allowed. Handcuffing Brandon Lloyd won’t be that tall of a task. Except for those in deeper formats, saddle someone else.

Fearless Forecast: 20-34, 236 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 14 fantasy points

Possible QB Alternatives: Mark Sanchez (vs. Hou), Jon Kitna (vs. Det), Shaun Hill (at Dal), Carson Palmer (vs. Buf), Matt Cassel (vs. Ari)

Michael Turner, Atl, RB (Noise Week 11 RB Rank: 21, 90-percent started)
Matchup: at StL

Goodness, gracious, owners who start The Burner this week better have “Great Balls of Fire.” The Rams, once a laughable run defense, have improved by leaps and bounds this season. Excelling in gap responsibility and control, they’ve surrendered a lowly 117.8 total yards per game and four scores to backs equal to the ninth-fewest fantasy points. Most impressively, 38.4-percent of RB runs against them have resulted in zero or negative yards, the third-best mark in the league. At home, St. Louis is very unwelcoming. No rusher has exited the Edward Jones Dome with 70 or more rushing yards this year. The Falcons are a very balanced offense known for keeping defenses off-kilter. But, as seen versus Baltimore in Week 10, they will abandon the run if necessary. Considering the Rams’ success against North-South runners, Turner’s style doesn’t match up favorably. Containing Jason Snelling’s multiplicities will be a more difficult assignment. Spags’ bunch has yielded 5.8 receptions per game to RBs, the seventh-most in the league. Extinguish The Burner in shallow formats.

Fearless Forecast: 21 carries, 83 rushing yards, 1 receptions, 3 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 8 fantasy points

Darren McFadden, Oak, RB (Noise Week 11 RB Rank: 19, 50-percent started)
Matchup: at Pit

If there was ever a week Run DMC were to trip over his phat Adidas laces, this is it. The former first-rounder’s transformation this season has been nothing short of remarkable. No longer apprehensive tap-dancing behind the line, McFadden is attacking opponents more vigorously and, as he noted, has become more elusive on the second level. His increased aggressiveness has led to extraordinary results. With seven straight 100-plus total yard performances, he’s second only to demigod Arian Foster in points per game among RBs. Pittsburgh is a bruised defense. Troy Polamalu and cohorts are battling various physical ailments. But this still one of the league’s most suffocating units, particularly against the run. The Steelers have surrendered just 2.9 yards per carry, 95.4 total yards per game and three TDs to RBs this year. BenJarvus Green-Ellis “gashed” them for a season-high 89 yards last week. It won’t happen two weeks in a row, especially at home. Keep McFadden active in PPR formats, but owners in standard leagues with a suitable crutch should strongly consider the alternative.

Fearless Forecast: 18 carries, 68 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 21 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 8 fantasy points

Cedric Benson, Cin, RB (Noise Week 11 RB Rank: 25, 75-percent started)
Matchup: vs. Buf

Even with an enticing matchup, Benson’s odds of exceeding the century mark are equal to Chad Ochocinco’s engagement surviving the season. The Bengals’ offensive line, now minus Andre Smith, has struggled mightily creating running lanes for the plodding rusher. Fantasy’s 22nd-best RB has averaged a pedestrian 3.6 yards per carry and 80.8 total yards per game. Increased reliance on Terrell Owens, Ochowhino and Jermaine Gresham, especially inside the red zone, has drowned Benson’s overall value. He’s truly become the Matt Forte of the AFC, sans the receptions. His horrific 51 total yards last week against one of the league’s softest defensive fronts, Indianapolis, is a prime example of his futility. Don’t expect a miraculous turnaround. Yes, the Bills are exploitable in the trenches. They’ve surrendered 4.6 yards per carry, 178 total yards per game and eight scores to RBs this season. But Cincy’s emphasis on the pass and continued run-blocking issues suggest another letdown is in store for Benson. An undisclosed foot injury, which cost him practice time Wednesday, only increases the likelihood. Ced’s dead, baby. Ced’s dead.

Fearless Forecast: 16 carries, 62 rushing yards, 3 reception, 11 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 7 fantasy points

Possible RB Alternatives: BenJarvus Green-Ellis (vs. Ind), Felix Jones (vs. Det), Mike Tolbert (vs. Den), Reggie Bush (vs. Sea), Thomas Jones (vs. Ari)

Anquan Boldin, Bal, WR (Noise Week 11 WR Rank: 20, 90-percent started)
Matchup: at Car

In almost all phases of the game, Carolina would get owned by most UFL teams. It truly is a franchise in complete disarray. However, similar to last year, the club’s lone silver lining remains its secondary. Only one receiver, Mario Manningham back in Week 1, has reached 80-yards against Chris Gamble and company this year. They’ve also conceded just seven touchdowns to wideouts and an outstanding 6.4 yards per pass attempt. Boldin likely won’t be the second. This game screams early blowout. With third-stringer Tony Pike behind center for the Panthers, the Ravens defense could feast. Unless Carolina, miraculously, is competitive, Ray Rice and Willis McGahee will likely shoulder the offensive workload. When passing opportunities inside the red zone are presented, resurgent tight end Todd Heap, not Boldin, may become Joe Flacco’s weapon of choice. The Panthers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to TEs this year. A disappearing act similar to Week 9 (2-28-0 vs Mia) could be forthcoming for the WR1.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 46 receiving yards, 0 touchdown, 4 fantasy points

Steve Johnson, Buf, WR (Noise Week 11 WR Rank: 31, 63-percent started)
Matchup: at Cin

The Bengals’ bracket scheme will be Kryptonite to Captain Consistent. Not even the power of the mohawk will be able to stop it. Johnson has been a revelation in his third season. Chan Gailey’s yards-consuming spread offense and Ryan Fitzpatrick’s confidence in him are the primary reasons for his ascension. Averaging a stout 10.6 fantasy points per week in standard formats, he ranks alongside Boldin and ahead of notable names Reggie Wayne, Greg Jennings and Miles Austin in overall value. Most would predict Johnson, coming off a disappointing three receptions for 37 yards against Detroit, won’t post consecutive duds. However, Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall have defended the intermediate field, an area where the receiver typically operates, extremely well. Only three wideouts have tallied 70-yards or more against the Bengals this season. Because of the Buffalo’s defensive inefficiencies, racking points in garbage time is always a possibility, but, on paper, starting Johnson this week is a risky proposition.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 41 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 4 fantasy points

Possible WR Alternatives: Nate Washington (vs. Was), Danny Woodhead (vs. Ind), Mohamed Massaquoi (at Jac), Mike Thomas (vs. Cle), Danny Amendola (vs. Atl), Santonio Holmes (vs. Hou)

Other potential Week 11 Lames: Tom Brady (vs. Ind), Matt Ryan (at StL), Joe Flacco (at Car), Matt Schaub (at NYJ), Knowshon Moreno (at SD), LeGarrette Blount (vs. SF), Matt Forte (at Mia), Jahvid Best (at Dal), Ronnie Brown (vs. Chi), Andre Johnson (at NYJ), Brandon Marshall (vs. Chi), Larry Fitzgerald (at KC), Santana Moss (at Ten), Wes Welker (vs. Ind), Hines Ward (vs. Oak)

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Image courtesy of US Presswire

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/roto_arcade/post/Lames-Turner-to-leave-uncomfortable-burning-sen?urn=fantasy-286760

Stefan Chaput Kyle Chipchura Erik Christensen Andrew Cogliano

Fantasy Football Week 12 Rankings: WR

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Vincent JacksonThe biggest impact at the WR receiver position this week will be felt in San Diego, where Vincent Jackson returns from a season-long exodus and is expected to make his first start of the season in Week 12.

Jackson has been an excellent fantasy receiver over the last two seasons, notching 1,098 yards and seven TDs in 2008 and 1,167 yards and nine TDs in 2009. He threatened to sit out this season unless given a big contract or traded, and when the team didn't cave into his demands, Jackson followed through on his threat.

The San Diego passing offense, and namely Philip Rivers, hasn't missed Jackson at all. Rivers leads the league in passing yardage (3,177) and passing TDs (23), while throwing just nine interceptions this season. That's good news for Jackson, who should expect to make an immediate impact for his team and for your fantasy team, if you have him.

We've ranked him at No. 15 in his first game back, and if the San Diego-Indianapolis matchup turns into a shootout, Jackson could be gunning for best-performance-of-the-week honors immediately. Pick him up if he's available, and start him if you have him.
Fantasy Football Week 12 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | K | Sleepers

 

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Source: http://fantasyfootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/24/fantasy-football-week-12-rankings-wr/

Kyle Brodziak Evan Brophey Trevor Bruess Gilbert Brule