In science, momentum is quantifiable (Momentum = mass x velocity). For example, New Orleans Saint Cameron Jordan, listed at 6-foot 4-inches and 287 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.74 seconds at the NFL Combine. That’s a large object moving very quickly.
Now I, your humble narrator, clock in at 5-foot 9-inches and 190 pounds. I’ll be generous and say that I can run the 40-yard dash in 10 seconds. That’s a far smaller object moving slowly.
So, science tells us, that if you were standing still and I ran into you, I might leave a small bruise on your arm. If Jordan ran into you – it would probably change your religion. Momentum.
However, in sports, momentum is more difficult to wrap your hands around. At one point, it feels like you will have it forever, and anything that is in your path will be crushed. At other points, you feel like momentum’s jilted lover, and there is no amount of Snapchats or tweets or (for the much older set) singing telegrams that are going to bring it back.
You know what I’m talking about Saints fans – that Colts game was insane. A tale of two halves – the first half being the kind where you giddily ask yourself, “Are they going to hang 50 on ‘em?” The second half watching the clock slooowly tick down, with every time stoppage, asking, “Why is the clock stopped? Why did they stop the clock?” It was if the momentum from the Atlanta victory subsided at halftime, and the Saints had to hold on as best they could until the final seconds gave them another sweet victory.
And like a fine wine with a steak dinner, every game should be accompanied by a beverage and song.
Beer Pairing: Lucky Town “Ballistic Blonde”
Playlist Recommendation: Andy Allo “People Pleaser”
Around the Way
If you were flipping channels on the tube, or sitting in a bar that had the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package, you may have been surprised to hear a certain word repeated throughout the day – “Tulane.” It was a big day for some of the former Green Wave, and that’s not including Chicago Bear Matt Forte, who had a bye week to rest, and think about how bad the Bears are.
Ryan Grant, wide receiver for the Washington Redskins, had arguably his best day as a pro with 3 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. Orleans Darkwa (with that name could he have really played for anyone else?), running back for the New York Giants, rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed a big block on special teams, helping Dwayne Harris break off a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, which drove Greg Hardy crazy. Cairo Santos, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs nailed three field goals to lead his team to victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. And, as for Forte, he is already north of 700 yards combined for the season. So, you can’t blame him for the Bears woes.
Sticking with our friends from Uptown, basketball season has arrived on campus. The Tulane Green Wave Men and Women’s basketball teams will kick of their seasons with Midnight Madness this Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10 p.m. Doors will open up at 9:30 p.m. and it is free admission. Drinks at the concession stand will only put you back a buck, and there is free pizza! What more could you ask for? A video of Michael J. Fox’s “Teen Wolf”? Boom. The line for free pizza starts behind yours truly.
A quick bounce pass down St. Charles takes us to the Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans, who kick off their season tonight against the reigning NBA Champions, Golden State Warriors. In a cool scheduling twist by the NBA, the Pelicans will play the Warriors again this coming Saturday, Oct. 31, in their first home game of the 2015-2016 campaign. So it’s a two game series versus the Warriors, with an away game with the Portland Trailblazers sandwiched in between. A great early test for the rising Pelicans, led by Anthony Davis – recently voted best player to build a franchise around by the league’s general managers. So grab an adult smoothie and get down to the Center. What more could you ask for? Another video of “Teen Wolf”? In Spanish? Retumbar.
A deep ball send us up I-10 to see our friends in Baton Rouge, and their beloved Louisiana State University Tigers, who took care of business in eventually putting away the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 48-20, in a downpour at Death Valley. Leonard Fournette “only” went for 150 yards and a touchdown as LSU moved up to the fourth spot in the Associated Press Top 25. This game could also be seen as the completion of the Tigers “pre-season.” LSU will have a bye week this coming Saturday, but then enter the gauntlet – facing #7 Alabama, Arkansas, #19 Ole Miss, and #25 Mississippi State (and Dak Prescott) – to end the season. Can it be a November to remember? We’ll talk about the latest Game of the Century – LSU vs. Alabama – next week. Until then, best not forget – #fournette4heisman.
Speaking of the Tigers, last week we mentioned the great play of Jarvis Landry, wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. He obviously read it as well (sure Mark), and decided to top it. This week, Landry single handedly juked every single Houston Texan (okay, maybe only six) on his way to a 50-yard touchdown reception. So, once again, Landry is great, and FullSportPress responds in kind. Your move Jarvis.
