sportsguy – Pros Sports Etc News Blog

Nashville Predators 2, Detroit Red Wings 1, Preds take Series 4 to 1

sportsguy — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:29:40 +0000

The Nashville Predators have advanced to the 2nd round of the NHL Playoffs for the 2012 Stanley Cup. The Predators came out ready to play and kept the pressure on the Red Wings all game long. The Preds seem to be playing great Hockey right now both on scoring and defense. The Predators will now advance to the next round to play the Phoenix Coyotes with the opportunity to advance and play in the conference championship game.

Good luck to the Nashville Predators as they continue to play their best Hockey of the season!

Detroit Red Wing Fans and Nashville Predator Fans entering Bridgestone Arena for Game 5

A Nashville Predators Fan Hammering Down on a Detroit Red Wings Car!

Nashville Predator Fans Entering Bridgestone Arena before Game 5 of the NHL Playoffs 2012

Predators and Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings Goalie stops a shot at the goal

Predator takes a shot at the Goal

Predator Charging for the Puck

Red Wing Goalie blocks the shot!

Pekka Rinne blocking a Red Wing Shot!

Pekka Rinne in Postion to Block the Puck

Plenty of Signs were scattered all around Bridgestone Arena for Game 5

The Preds playing Great Defense!

The noise in Bridgestone Arena was the loudest I've ever heard

A Predator holding off a Red Wing

Nashville Predator Fans stayed Loud the entire Game!

LSU Tigers Soundly Defeat Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland in Knoxville

sportsguy — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:11:30 +0000

Les Miles brought the top ranked LSU Tigers to Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium on Saturday for another road game and defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 38-7. After jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first half the Vols closed within 14-7 with 2:24 remaining in the 1st half behind the running of Tauren Poole. LSU came right back with a field goal to end the half with LSU up 17-7. Everyone was left wondering how Tennessee would approach the 2nd half after Matt Simms had thrown 2 first half interceptions and with Poole running the ball well to end the 1st half. Unfortunately for Tennessee , LSU’s Defense took over under the guidance of John Chavis. It was a difficult day for Coach Chavis returning for the first time to Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium as the Defensive Coordinator for LSU.

The 2nd half back breaker for Tennessee was a 99 yard touchdown drive accomplished by all running plays. Vol Fans started hitting the aisles after going up 31 to 7 with 8:55 left in the game. Starter Matt Simms was ineffective replacing the SEC leading Quarterback Tyler Bray who might miss the rest of the season with a hand injury.

From a fan perspective it was a beautiful day in Knoxville for the LSU/Tennessee football game. Tiger Fans were huffing and puffing navigating the hills around Tennessee’s beautiful College Football game day. Attending a Volunteer Football game is one of the best college football has to offer. The Tennessee Band and the Vols running through the T gets no better on a pristine Fall Day in Knoxville, TN.

The Vol Navy Tailgating on the River outside Neyland Stadium

LSU Fans and Vol Fan standing in Front of LSU Team Truck

LSU Cheerleaders entering Neyland Stadium

View of downtown Knoxville from Neyland Stadium

LSU Tigers after pre game warm ups leaving field

Tiger Fan watching Pre Game Festivities

Tennessee Band marching down field to For the "T"

Tennessee Volunteers running thru the Tennessee "T"

Tennessee Vols running thru the "T" is one of the most iconic images of College Football

LSU kicks off to Tennessee

Tennessee receives LSU kick off to start game

The LSU Defense intercepted Matt Simms twice in the first half

Tennessee's first punt to LSU's Honey Badger is closely covered

Jarrett Lee hands off to Spencer Ware

Spencer Ware runs to the hole in the Tennessee defensive line

Spencer Ware breaks into the open field

Spencer Ware gaining another nice run into the Tennessee secondary

Jarrett Lee 1st Half Touchdown throw

LSU PAT is Good!

LSU Tiger Band

LSU Band playing Neck and Fans Celebrating LSU win over Tennessee

LSU Players starting to Celebrate Victory

LSU Fans Celebrating another Tiger win in an Empty Neyland Stadium

Tiger Players Celebrating after defeating Tennessee

LSU Tigers Defeat West Virginia Mountaineers 47-21

sportsguy — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:01:52 +0000

The #2 ranked LSU Tigers Football Team soundly defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 47 to 21 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia to remain undefeated at 4-0. Mountaineer Fans were dressed in their school Gold colors to paint the entire stadium Gold with clusters of Purple from the over 7,500 LSU fans who traveled to Morgantown, WV.

West Virginia Mountaineer Fans Wear Gold to Support their Mountaineers

It was this writers first visit to Morgantown for a West Virginia football game at Milan Puskar Stadium. I was not dissapointed in anyway. The West Virginia Fans were extremely friendly and proved to be very SEC fan passionate about their Mountaineers. I was fortunate to receive an invitation from an LSU Fan who had received an invitation to tailgate with a large group of Mountain Fans. This group of Mountaineers have been tailgating together for many years. They had one of the best set ups for tailgating I’ve ever experienced on an out of conference road trip and they know their Whiskey! This obviously has something to do with the name of their tailgate “Coughing Corner”. It was great to learn so much about the history of West Virginia Football and how passionate they are for their Mountaineers. Thanks for the warm welcome from this great group of ‘Neer Fans who know how to roll out the Gold carpet to a visiting LSU Tiger!

It was a short walk to the stadium thru may Mountaineer Fans and Tailgaters. Everyone was very friendly to this Tiger before, during and after the game. After finding my seat in the upper deck of section 203 near the top I was happy to see what a great view I had of the stadium and game. The Mountaineer Band was very entertaining and good. I just wish the stadium managers would get rid of the piped in music that keeps blaring loudly, I would much prefer to hear the band! The game started out quick for LSU racing to a 14-0 lead which brought the Mountaineer crowd noise down a few decibels until the 3rd quarter when West Virginia closed to with in 6 points. After that LSU pulled away for good for another LSU win and the #1 ranking coming out the next day.

I’m including some of my pictures all taken on game day. I was lucky enough to get the sequence of Tyrann Mathieu’s interception right before the half. I can now check off Morgantown as another great College Football game day experience! Thanks again to all the West Virginia Fans who treated so many of us Tigers so well!!!

Morgantown West Virginia on the River before LSU West Virginia Football Game

West Virginia Tailgate...these Mountaineers know how to Tailgate!!!

Mountaineer Fan Enjoying the Day

WV Mountaineers singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" before the Game

West Virginia Tailgaters yelling before heading over to the game

LSU and Mountaineer Fans enjoying tailgating before the game! College Football at it's Best!!!

This is the view walking up to Milan Puskar Stadium before the LSU WV football game

LSU Pre Game Ritual had Tiger Fans on their feet yelling "LSU, LSU, LSU..."

The Mountaineer Band was very impressive as they formed the state of West Virginia!

Mountaineer Football team entering the field before kickoff

Mountaineer Football Team running onto the field to start the game

LSU Football Team running onto the Field to start the game

One of many Mountaineer Fan signs around the stadium

Mountaineer Field

Opening Kickoff

Mountaineer Fans were at a Fever Pitch to begin the game!

Look close, there is a lone LSU Fan hanging an LSU banner on the WV side, what bravery!

View of LSU Fans from section 203 upper deck...7 to 8,000 Tiger Fans cheering

Great View of the game from the upper deck! Not a bad seat anywhere in this stadium!

Jarrett Lee leading the Tigers

Beginning Sequence of Tyrann Mathieu's Brilliant Block and Interception just before Halftime!

I had no idea the Ball bounced so high in the air

Tyrann Mathieu is an amazing athlete!

Tyrann is so Tiger Fast!!!

I have no idea how Tyrann got down to the 1 yard line after being hit at the 10

Tyrann dragging a Mountaineer to the Goal line

What a play! Defensive play of the Game!

Celebration Time!

Jarrett Lee rolling out to throw a TD!

LSU Celebrating another Touchdown!!!

Vandy to College World Series after Sweeping Oregon State

sportsguy — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:45:15 +0000

Vanderbilt is headed to this years College World Series in Omaha for the first time in school history. Aaron Westlake hit 3 two run Home Runs in lifting Vanderbilt to a sweep of the Oregon State Beavers in this years Nashville NCAA Baseball Super Regional. Every year at this time the Commodores are done with their baseball season, but not this year, with a 52-10 record they are packing their bags for one of the most exciting events in all of college sports. Just last week Major League Baseball selected an SEC record 12 Vanderbilt players in this years MLB draft. Tim Corbin is recruiting some of the best High School talent from around the country to play at Vanderbilt’s Hawkin’s Field. Now Coach Tim Corbin and his players get to play in their first College World Series in Omaha Nebraska.

Oregon 3rd Baseman Carter Bell up close on Tony Kemp at bat in 1st Inning

Oregon 2nd Baseman Jake Rodriguez goes high but just misses a line drive hit

Oregon Pitcher Ben Wetzler starts for the Beavers

Grayson Garvin Pitching for a trip to the College World Series

Carter Bell catching some more air as the pitch goes home. I've never seen a player jump up before every pitch home

Oregon Coach Pat Casey talking to this infield early in the game

Oregon tries to pick off Conrad Gregor at 2nd Base

2nd Pick Off Try at 2nd Base on Conrad Gregor

Conrad Gregor digging for 3rd

Jason Esposito ready at 3rd

Oregon's Carter Bell celebrates a double against Grayson Garvin

Hawkins Field at night

Hawkins Field looking toward right field

Hawkins Field behind Home Plate

Aaron Westlake rounding 2nd after one of his three 2 run home runs

Aaron Westlake greeting by his teammates after Home Run Trip

Vandy doing their traditional 9th inning jump

Vandy Wins Nashville Super Regional and Advances to Omaha!!!

The beginning of a Vandy Dog Pile

Vandy Dog Pile shaping up

Ever wonder what a Vandy Dog Pile looks like? Now we know

Vandy Celebration

Vandy Baseball Team thanking Commodore Fans

Coach Tim Corbin says "Now on to Omaha!"

Vandy 11, Oregon State 1, Dores one Win Away from CWS

sportsguy — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:20:00 +0000

The Vanderbilt Commodores took the first game in the Nashville Super Regional with 2 big 4 run innings early in the game behind the dependable pitching of Sonny Gray. Once again Vandy was scoring runs with 2 outs as they have all season long scoring 60% of all their runs this season with 2 outs. Vandy will now play Saturday night with the opportunity to win the game and advance to their first College World Series appearance in Omaha.

Oregon Baseball Fans at the Nashville Super Regional

Hawkins Family Cheering on the Commodores

Coach Corbin greeting his players before game

Coach Tim Corbin and Oregon State Coach Pat Casey meeting with Umpires prior to start of game

Oregon Pitcher Sam Gaviglio starting for the Beavers

Aaron Westlake safe at 2nd

Aaron Westlake headed for Home Plate

Curt Casali rounding 2nd and headed for 3rd Base

Jason Esposito scoring on of the 4 runs scored by Vandy to start the 1st inning of play

Vandy Baseball Fans cheering the big 4 run 1st inning

Another 4 run 2 out inning for Vandy, 60% of all runs scored this season have been with 2 outs for the Dores

Vandy Infield Ready

Sonny Gray was superb once again holding the Beavers to 1 run

Don't have a ticket? Join the many Vandy Fans watching the game from the Parking Garage

Oregon's Carter Bell gets air before every pitch, look at the space between his shoes and the ground

Aaron Westlake being greeted by his teammates after another one if his big Home Runs

Vandy Fans celebrating another Big Inning

Vandy Beats Belmont 6-1, Wins Nashville Regional

sportsguy — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Vanderbilt’s Taylor Hill pitched a magnificent game with 13 strikeouts to beat Belmont 6-1 and win the Nashville NCAA Baseball Regional. It was the 2nd win against Belmont in the Regional. Vandy will now host the Super Regional against Oregon State for the opportunity to play in Omaha. Here are a few pictures taken during the Belmont games.

Conner Harrell Running for 3rd Base

Coach Tim Corbin Coaching Runners at 3rd Base

Taylor Hill trying to pick off Belmont runner at 1st

Short Stop Anthony Gomez scooping a grounder for a double play

Vanderbilt Catcher Curt Casali digging hard and scoring from 2nd base

Mike Yastremski safely to 3rd base

Jason Esposito getting a lead at 2nd Base

Jason Esposito watching a line drive to center

Jason Esposito takes off for 3rd Base

Riley Reynolds sliding into 2nd base

Belmont's Josh Davis keeping an eye on 1st Base

Vandy's 9th Inning Jump

Vandy Celebrates winning Regional after beating Belmont

Taylor Hill Celebrates with Teammates after 13 Strikeout Win!

Vandy Catcher Curt Casali celebrating with Teammates

Florida Gators Win SEC Baseball Championship 5-0 over Vandy

sportsguy — Mon, 30 May 2011 15:16:52 +0000

The Florida Gators proved they are the best College Baseball team in the SEC on Sunday by winning the 2011 SEC Championship at Regions Park in Hoover, Alabama with a 5-0 shutout of #2 ranked Vanderbilt. The Commodores could do nothing right and the Florida Gators did everything right to win the game. Vandy gave up 2 runs early off two errors and had flat bats most of the day stranding 9 runners in scoring position. Florida’s Alex Panteliodis gave a solid 5 1/3 innings getting out of several scoring opportunities by the Commodores. Going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position was the theme of the day for Vandy.

Both Vandy and Florida will host NCAA Baseball Regionals next weekend which will be announced later today. Congrats to Florida on winning their first SEC Baseball Tournament Title in 20 years! Here are a few pictures from the game in Hoover.

Regions Park in Hoover, Alabama hosted the 2011 SEC Championship Tournament

It was a great weather day for this years SEC Tournament Championship game

Regions Park is a Pitchers Park especially with the change to the new Metal Bats for College Baseball

Vandy wore their Red, White and Blue Uniforms in Honor of Memorial Day weekend.

Tony Kemp slides into 3rd in the 1st inning of SEC Baseball Championship Tournament play

Connor Harrell slides in to 3rd base but could not make it home.

Anthony Gomez gets around to hit this ball. That's a fast swing!

Nick Maronde is congratulated by Gator RHP Matt Campbell after stranding more Vandy runners

US Military Families and their sons who gave their lives for our country are Honored between innings

Preston Tucker gets hitting instruction from Florida Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan late in the game

Gator Picture Nick Maronde releasing a strike out of his wind up

The Best College Baseball in the Country!

Daniel Pigott chasing the ball off the wall late

Cody Dent ready to close out the game in the 9th inning

Gator Fans were hard to find at this years SEC Tournament in Hoover

Austin Maddox gets the last out to win the SEC Baseball Championship for the Florida Gators

Gators celebrate their win!

The Florida Gators are this years 2011 SEC Champions!

Florida Gators Win Baseball Series from Vanderbilt 2-1

sportsguy — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:10:18 +0000

The #5 ranked Florida Gators came from behind to beat #2 Vandy at Hawkins Field 6-5 after a rain delayed Friday night college baseball game had to be finished on Saturday. With both teams bullpens depleted Vandy crushed Florida in the 2nd game 14-1. In the 3rd and deciding game the SEC leading Commodores took the lead once again in the early innings only to have the Gators tie the game up at three and force extra innings. Vandy had opportunities to win the game with runners in scoring position with zero or 1 out twice in extra innings but could not get the winning run home. Finally in the top of the 12 inning Florida’s Mike Zunino hit a 3-2 fast ball over the right field wall scoring 3 runs to win the game and holding Vandy scoreless in the bottom half of the inning. It was a hard fought series giving a glimpse into what is shaping up to be one of the best SEC Baseball Tournaments in recent years with South Carolina, Florida and Vandy all ranked in the top 5 of all College Baseball Polls.

Florida's Hudson Randall throws to 1st base on a pick off try

Tony Kemp Stealing 2nd Base leading off the 1st inning

Tony Kemp's speed beats throw to 2nd base by a whisker!

Tony Kemp safe at 3rd

Gator 3rd Baseman Jeff Moyer signals Fly Ball

Vandy Head Baseball Coach Tim Corbin giving instruction to Aaron Westlake

Sonny Gray winds up for the pitch to home plate

Vanderbilt's Sonny Gray keeps an eye on the runner at 1st Base

Vanderbilt's Hawkins Field, Nashville TN

The Hawkins Family enjoying the Vanderbilt Baseball Team at Hawkins Field

Florida 3rd Baseman dives for Fly Ball

Vandy Bench greets Mike Yastremski after scoring

It was a cold May Day at Hawkins Field

Jake Locker to wear #10 for Tennessee Titans

sportsguy — Fri, 13 May 2011 03:44:14 +0000

Jake Locker, the #1 Draft Pick of the Tennessee Titans will wear Jersey #10 as a Titan here in Nashville, Tennessee. Locker wore #10 while playing college football for the Washington Huskies. Vince Young has quarterbacked using jersey #10 during his playing career with the Titans. Titan Fans welcome the hard work ethic Jake Locker brings along with his hard nose style of play. New Head Coach Mike Munchak is quickly surrounding himself with hard working personnel to start his 1st year as Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans. The 2011 NFL Football Season looks to be an exciting year for the Titans if only the players and owners can agree to play football this fall. Welcome to Nashville Mr. Jake Locker!

Jake Locker will wear #10 for the Titans

Jake Locker's Name being sewn onto his new jersey

Canucks Edge Predators 2-1, Take NHL Playoff Series in 6

sportsguy — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:35:34 +0000

The Nashville Predators played their hearts out in game Six of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs last night hoping to force a Game 7 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Vancouver Canucks scored two early 1st Period Goals to take a quick 2-0 lead. The Preds bounced back early in the 2nd period to pull 2-1 and Bridgestone Arena was rocking. As hard as the Predators tried to score on Power Plays the Canucks Defense was just too much to overcome. As the Vancouver Canucks celebrated their Stanley Cup Series win the Nashville Predator Fans stood and gave their much loved Preds a standing ovation for a great season. This marked the first time in Predator history that a team had advanced to the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It also marked the first time the Preds had won an elimination game in game 5. It’s great to be part of something as special as the Nashville Predators. We all know this is just the beginning of bringing a Stanley Cup Championship to Nashville someday soon! Great Job Preds!

Outside Bridgestone Arena before Game 6

Fans gather in Front of Bridgestone Arena before the Preds and Canucks game 6

Canuck Fans and Predator Fans enjoying pre game festivities

A Few Canuck Fans Happy to be in Nashville for Game 6

Canuck Fans seemed to enjoy visiting Nashville for the Stanley Cup Playoff Games

Ryan Suter skating hard giving it his all in Game 6

It did not take long for the first Fight to Break Out on the Ice

Canucks Score Early to take a 1-0 lead

Canucks Maxim Lapierre skating to the Puck

Canucks Score 2nd Goal Quickly in 1st Period of Game Six

Canucks Celebrate 2nd Goal

A Predator and Canuck Collide on the Ice

Preds & Canucks Chasing the Puck to win Game Six

Shea Weber doing his best to win Game 6

Cody Hodgson & Cody Franson Battling

Ryan Kessler had one of his best NHL Playoff Series against the Predators

Ryan Kesler passing the puck

Pred Colin Wilson Battling Canuck Maxim Lapierre

Predator Fans Cheering on their Boys!

Bridgestone Arena was sold out and loud

Alexander Edler in Pursuit of David Legwand

Dan Hamhuis taking a pass

Canucks Jannik Hansen & Raffi Torres

Aaron Rome & Roberto Luongo defending the Goal

Aaron Rome & Roberto Luongo Determined to Stop a Shot from the Preds

Joel Ward trying to stay in Position to make a shot

Raffi Torres & Dan Hamhuis putting on some Strong Defense

Christian Ehrhoff trying to shake a Pred

Canucks Defending their Goal

Patric Hornqvist jamming the defense in front of the net

Battles in front of the Net were fierce all night long

Daniel Sedin & Roberto Luongo Defending their Goal

Sedin & Weber Fighting for the Puck

Stand With US on Final Time!

Go Preds!!!

Shane O'Brien & Chris Higgins Battling for Position

Pekka Rinne Firing the Puck back up the Ice

Martin Erat desperately trying to get the Puck into Position for a Goal in Final Minutes

Canucks Celebrate Series Win

Old Teammates Embrace

Barry Trotz Congratulates Alain Vigneault

Preds Fans give their Nashville Predators a Standing Ovation for a great Playoff Series Run!

Fans leaving Bridgestone Arena after Game Six

Fans heading out of Bridgestone onto and down Broadway Night Life