tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering what happened to Notre Dame last night, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* I still can't believe how bad Notre Dame looked last night. Alabama completely dominated the game. I guess I was thinking with my heart as opposed to my head.

* In spite of the whipping they took last night, Notre Dame seems to be on the right track to remain a top team in college football.

* Isn't it amazing that the two home teams in the AFC Playoff Games (Denver & New England) are both favored by 10 points.

* Hopefully, we will only have one more week of the idolization of Ray Lewis.

* The Cleveland Browns coaching search has turned into a media circus. Not sure who was responsible for the news last Friday that Chip Kelly was going to be the Browns next head coach but when Kelly headed back to Oregon, whoever the Browns hire will be viewed as being chopped liver. The Dynamic Duo of Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner have built up expectations that they may not be able to meet.

* Let me be clear, I was never sold on Chip Kelly. His style of offense would have resulted in a major upheaval of the Browns offensive roster. If Jon Gruden is not interested, there are only two names I would be interested in: Ken Whisenhunt or Lovie Smith.

* The NHL is back and the drumbeat for Brian Burke's head has already started in some quarters in Toronto. I will say it again: Burke has built this team's farm system up, made it younger and has it positioned very well for next season and the lower salary cap.

* Any Leaf fan who doesn't think the Leafs shouldn't get Roberto Luongo are out of their minds. Luongo could be the difference between making the playoffs or not.

* Last night's Knicks-Celtics game turned nasty and can only lead one to wonder what a playoff series between these two teams would be like.

* Western New York will have an alternative to the gasbags at WGR 550 with the new sports station 1270 The Fan, which was formerly WHLD. The Fan is affiliated with CBS Sports and will have one local show between 12noon and 3pm. Won't it be fun to have a sports talk station that will talk about baseball, basketball, and top sports stories as opposed to food drafts.

* The GR boys are already proclaiming that the Sabres are Stanley Cup bound. These guys are at it again. Build up the expectations and when there is no Cup, they will criticize Louie Lackawanna and Chester Cheektowaga for calling in and whining.

* And finally, good luck to new Bills coach Doug Marrone. You'll need it.