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Is it an eye for an eye and toothless punishment for toothless punishment in Gainesville?

Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes' attempt to play ophthalmologist against Georgia hasn't gone unnoticed, but a lot of people seem to think it's going essentially unpunished by Gators coach Urban Meyer and the SEC. Spikes will have to sit out the first half of Florida's game against Vanderbilt this week. No offense to Vandy, but Spikes and a lot of Florida first-stringers probably would have ended up sitting out the second half anyway.

On the other side, SportsNation blogger RedskinJohnnie blames the media.

Seth (Miami)

Hey Mark,Im happy Spikes got suspended for an entire first half against Vandy. If he actually did rip that kids eyes out, he might of got a WHOLE game! Is that RB gonna get a suspension for trying to damage Spikes fingers with his eyes? And lastly, which is the most pathetic? The gouging, the punnishment, or Tebow's justification. Here i was thinking Tebow was a good sport and not the "well, we werent doing anything they werent doing" type.

Mark Schlabach
Mark Schlabach

It was a very chippy game. I was there. But there's no excuse for putting your hands inside another player's face mask. I'll go back and watch the tape and see what else I see. I know Spikes had his helmet ripped off early and it looked like he got hit in the eye. Retaliation isn't good, especially when it's caught on tape. Both sides had some questionable behavior on Saturday. Full transcript

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'SportsNation' TV: Monday

November 2, 2009
Nov
2

Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd considered renaming "SportsNation" TV the "Fall Classic."

Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.

Note: Broadcast voting results are as of this afternoon (ET).

What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

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'SportsNation' TV: Tuesday

October 27, 2009
Oct
27

Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd are deadly beyond the "SportsNation" TV 3-point line.

Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.

Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).

Florida Gators Should Florida still be motivated by Georgia's '07 end-zone celebration?
Coaches have long memories when it comes to motivation. Winning a title should have changed the subject, but you never know in the SEC.

Referee Which team should Mets fans root for in the World Series?
It's the cross-town rivals versus the division rivals. Maybe baseball fans in Queens will just switch to the NBA for the next two weeks.

Green Bay Packers How should Packers fans welcome back Brett Favre?
There's no doubt fans in Green Bay have torn loyalties about the QB who led their team to its most recent Super Bowl. Should they applaud? Boo? Turn their backs?

What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

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Blog That Kick: Week 7

October 16, 2009
Oct
16

Iowa fans like shuman346 should beware. When your team reaches this point in the season undefeated, every blogger starts eyeing it as a potential upset victim.

In addition to Hawkeyes-Badgers, fans who blogged about football this week are looking forward to the Sooners-Longhorns and Trojans-Irish rivalry games this weekend.

On sideline topics, Florida State did nothing to quiet the debate between the camp that believes Bobby Bowden's record speaks for itself and those who ask what the Seminoles coach has done lately for the team's win-loss record.

These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.

Week 7 predictions: RollFreakinTide37 | BrookBerringer18 | I am Ron Burgandy | gbirkem2 | TheSwingingFriar | Sportsguru6 | IdahoanTyke | TheVols2k7

Rankings (with No. 1 team): pnthrsfn1012 (Florida) | canesinla (Florida) | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | TheVols2k7 (Alabama) | Yodaman0420

Wisconsin

Wisconsin over No. 11 Iowa. Let's face it, has Iowa really proved themselves this year? Wisconsin at home in my mind is an easy pick.

-- gbirkem2
Florida State

Now, I'm gonna break down the men I think should lead Florida State University: 1. Jim Leavitt; 2. Tommy Tuberville; 3. Kevin Sumlin; 4. Jimbo Fisher.

-- malcolmpar
Jimmy Clausen

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When Jimmy Clausen gives you lemons, you thank him and walk away slowly.

-- I am Ron Burgandy

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Blog that kick: Week 6

October 10, 2009
Oct
10

Michigan State fans like detroittim8 are still jumping up and down after their win over in-state rival Michigan last week.

Meanwhile, Florida State fans are hopping for another reason: lack of success.

"I have a ton of respect for Bobby Bowden," writes ryanvcu. "He is one of the greatest coaches ever. However I do feel at the end of the year he should hang it up."

The discussion, spurred in part by rumblings among the university's leadership, includes plenty of people who believe Bowden's legacy speaks for itself.

"The only expert qualified to comment the worthiness of Bobby Bowden's future as coach also has two names that begin with 'B', and the last time I checked he traded his hound's tooth hat for a halo," writes joe.t.elkins.

The Seminoles could quiet critics for at least a week with a win against Georgia Tech.

These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.

Week 6 predictions: JFLASHUBY | TheVols2k7 | cardon032 | bballfever101 | Sportsguru6 | JoeRevs300 | Joey DS | gbirkem2 | dfpsports | TheSwingingFriar | nunyabiz81 | bballfever101

Rankings (with No. 1 team): ADEVARTS (Florida) | pnthrsfn1012 | canesinla (Florida) | fusebox2010 | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | volsandtitansfans101 (Texas) | CheezusCrust (Iowa)

Notre Dame

Jimmy Clausen has Heisman numbers so far, and he still has some winning to be done. He plays a pro-style offense.

-- I am Ron Burgandy
Florida Gators

In the end LSU will not be able to keep up with the machine that is Florida. Tebow or no Tebow their running game isn't going anywhere and Brantley will make the throws necessary to win.

-- fusebox2010
Oklahoma

This is the "The One Point Season" that needs to be the wake up call for this coaching staff. I am not optimistic but I hope Bob Stoops can acknowledge the situation and make the coaching style changes needed to fix this issue.

-- espnb12s
Wisconsin

Wisconsin, Auburn: Great job going 5-0. You beat the teams you had to beat even though none of them were very good. The meat of the schedule is now upon you. Are you guys the prince or the ugly frog?

-- cardon032

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Blog That Kick: Week 5

October 3, 2009
Oct
3

SportsNation has begun to doubt Florida. Maybe Tim Tebow's injury has fans rethinking who will survive the SEC schedule. Maybe Alabama has really been that impressive.

Among bloggers on ESPN.com, the Gators received seven votes at No. 1 to the Tide's five. (One rogue blogger who attributes his list to a computer picked Iowa.) Boise State rose in most fans' polls to an average position of 5.2. The Broncos got votes ranging from No. 2 to No. 11.

None of those teams faces a huge challenge this week. Instead, fans are excited about USC-Cal (can it be a rivalry if the Bears never win?), Oklahoma-Miami, LSU-Georgia and Michigan-Michigan State.

Finally, is the Charlie Weis era over? I am Ron Burgandy wants your vote on whether you'd keep him or fire him at Notre Dame.

These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.

Rankings (with No. 1 team): jdebose004 (Florida) | nunyabiz81 (Florida) | awesomewes1 (Florida) | volsandtitansfans101 (Florida) | tjroundup (Florida) | canesinla (Florida) | ADEVARTS (Florida) | cgrant26 (Iowa) | SuperHoodrat (Alabama) | Monkeyduck2008 (Alabama) | jjreynoldsii (Alabama) | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | theballguy (Alabama)

Oklahoma

After the beatdown Miami just took, look for more of the same from Oklahoma. Again, the media hype machine took over, and Miami just simply isn't (wasn't) one of the top 10 teams in the country.

-- JoeRevs300
California

If Jahvid Best has a good game, the Bears send USC south with a loss. If not, the USC defense will feast on Cal quarterback Kevin Riley.

-- Sportsguru6
Georgia

Both teams are off to good starts in the SEC (2-0) … Mark Richt needs a big win for the UGA program, and I think they get it at home. Another No. 4 ranked SEC team goes down. Georgia 28, LSU 24.

-- spoofybeme2005
Michigan

Michigan-Michigan State: Michigan. Why: Michigan comes through at the last minute. MSU doesn't.

-- nunyabiz81

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Earlier this week, 65 percent of SportsNation predicted this season's championship game would feature two teams currently ranked in the top five (notable exceptions were voters in Oklahoma, Ohio, Iowa and some astoundingly optimisitc West Virginians).

Two of the most notable potential spoilers, Oklahoma and USC, face tough road tests this weekend at Miami and Cal, respectively, but the week's other big game should clue us in as to whether or not No. 4 LSU is really championship material after a trip to Georgia. SportsNation blogger jdebose004, an LSU alum, doesn't see it.

"I was at LSU for four years. I've loved the program and the players, but since Saban left, his replacement has hurt the program more than most people will admit. While I said Saban gets more from less, Les gets less from more. He has bursts of genius, but any time his ego takes over, he decides to take risks and throw in creativity where none is needed. LSU has enough speed and talent to continue running the pro-style offense it used to run and be productive. They DO NOT belong in the top 5 or top 10 because Miles has annually handcuffed the Tigers to their cage, trying to be the genius behind it when really he's only the problem." -- Read the full post.

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While whiteford73 and his buddies run around what looks like an intramural football field, plenty of fans dressed their profiles with pictures from college and professional games this week.

In other news, Page 2 is looking for college tailgaters. Upload your pictures to the Tailgating group.

These are our favorite photos uploaded this week. If any of the images make you want to put on facepaint and sign team songs, click to view a larger picture and to comment. If you have a great picture or saw one you think the world should see, leave a brief description and a link in the Conversation section below.

BYU fans Angels fan Browns fan Snowboarding Sharks fans Army fans Georgia fan NC State fan Appalachian State fans Cowboys fan Auburn fans Strong woman Soccer fans Longhorns fan USC fan

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Colt McCoy has thrown five interceptions in four games. Tim Tebow has completed 19 passes against non-FCS opponents. And yet it's not all that easy to argue against the two of them splitting all 15 first-place votes in this week's ESPN.com Heisman Watch.

SportsNation tried to branch out in its rankings last week, giving the Heisman nod to Cal running back Jahvid Best, only to see him go silent in a bad loss at Oregon. Voters also ranked Jacory Harris third a week ago, ahead of McCoy. Miami's quarterback rewarded that faith by floundering at Virginia Tech.

So will this be strictly a two-person race, or is there room for more at the top?

Chaz (Chicago)

Is it possible that Jimmy Clausen is underrated? His numbers are amazing. His performance has been top drawer in every game this year. And he's proving to be one tough competitor playing w/ a tough injury for QBs. Yet, no one is talking about him for the Heisman-- when he should be in the conversation.

Mark Schlabach
c

He earned a lot of my respect Saturday night by going back into the game with the toe injury and throwing the winning TD. His numbers have been great. He'd probably be in my top five today, but the Irish couldn't lose another game for him to stay there. Full transcript.

lazarre11

Mardy Gilyard for heisman, how many diffrent ways does the kid has to score to get some heisman buzz. Do they want him to teleport to the endzone? He is by far the most exciting player to watch since young & bush.

-- lazarre11
bodhisamaya

Tebow has less than impressive numbers and is a runaway Heisman favorite? The Gators would be dominant with or without him. He is getting far too much credit for the talent around him.

-- bodhisamaya

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SportsNation TV: Friday

September 4, 2009
Sep
4

Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd always shake hands before stepping on the set of "SportsNation" TV.

Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPNEWS at 4 p.m. and ESPN2 at midnight ET.

Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).

Shaq Would you let Shaq spank you on your birthday?
In a hands-on interview, Shaq administered the birthday spanking for radio host "Money" from the "Petros & Money Show."

LeGarrette Blount Should LeGarrette Blount be kicked off the Oregon football team?
Replays of the Oregon running back's punching Boise State linebacker Byron Hout after the Ducks' loss will be shown all season.

Michael Vick Are the Eagles too consumed with Michael Vick?
He'll be eligible in Week 3. In his final preseason game, Vick ran for a 2-yard touchdown, was sacked four times, lost a fumble and was intercepted.

Oklahoma State Should Oklahoma State and Georgia shake hands before their football game?
The Cowboys won't have a team handshake with the Bulldogs, citing concerns about incidents that might erupt during the display of sportsmanship.

Tiger Woods What do you think of Tiger Woods' criticism of Ernie Els?
Els said he had a three-year plan for dethroning Tiger but hasn't won in his past 41 tournaments. Tiger said his opponent hasn't worked hard enough.

What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

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CHAT IN PROGRESS

NHL with EJ Hradek
  • EJ HradekI don't think he's doing that much different. I think we've seen him play pretty well in San Jose. He's got a lot of speed. It might be the simple situation where he's being counted on to do more. He's coming into the real peak years of his career as opposed to being a real young guy. He has a load of talent. Maybe the change of scenery as well has made a difference. This is a talented, talented player.
  • Jason (Boston)Bruins have won 3 straight (on the road), they are getting healthier, and Rask has proven he can be a starting goaltender in the league with Thomas injured, can they hit a mid-season stride similar to last years?
  • EJ HradekIt's certainly getting Savard and Lucic back is a huge benefit to the team. Savard is helpful in a lot of different areas. Lucic brings a physical nature to the game and a certain number of intangibles. Those guys being back really helps and will be a tougher team to deal with. I don't know if they're quite the same team they were last year, but there's no question with those guys back in the lineup, they'll be harder to deal with
  • Brett (South Jersey)the flyers have tremendous scoring balance, what are your thoughts?