2011 Purdue Football Preview

The NFL may not care about this upcoming football season but to those in West Lafayette, Indiana and to this Salt Lake City native, we can’t wait until Boilermaker Football kicks off this fall.

The Boilermakers are coming off of a season the fans and players would like to erase from our memory.  This team had the talent to do something special but were plagued with bad injuries.  They started off with a respectable record of 4-2 out of the gate but finished the season on six game skid.

This year, the Boilermakers are still talented and we are excited to see what this team can do in the new Big 10.  They will be an experienced team with 7 players returning on offense and 9 on a defense that ranked 4th in the nation in plays in the backfield.

There is a big hole to fill with DE Ryan Kerrigan’s departure for the NFL (Redskins) but this defense was tops in the Big 10 on creating havok for opposing teams trying to move the ball.  If defensive ends, Gerald Gooden and Adam Brockman can emerge as solid pass rushers, this defense will continue to be a headache for offensive coordinators.

Last year, QB Robert Marve had Purdue fans excited but an ACL injury prevented him from a chance to shine.  Back-up QB Rob Henry excited us with his ability to score from the air and on the ground (12 combined TD’s in his replacement duties).

Can Marve regain his starting role and lead Purdue back into a Bowl Game?

This quarterback battle will be something I will follow closely as we get closer to the season opener.

No matter who gets the starting nod, it will be up to WR Justin Siller and WR Cortez Smith to fill the void Keith Smith left when the NCAA denied him 6th year eligibility.  Siller is the guy to watch.  This 6’4″ athletic receiver can line up anywhere on the offense and could be breakout player in the Big 10.  A healthy receiving corps is much needed to revive a passing game that was all but dead.  (Purdue finished 112th in passing and 114th in passing efficiency in 2010)

In the Hot Seat…

Coach Danny Hope enters his third year as the Boilermakers head coach with a record of 9-15.  He can be forgiven for the injury fest he experienced last year but a losing season with this experienced and talented team will be tough to accept for Boilermaker fans.  You better believe that if he fails to lead this team to a Bowl Game, his job will be in jeopardy.

Get Excited Boilermakers!

The opening part of the schedule should have you dreaming about post season glory.  The first 5 games make it possible for a 4-1 start.  A 5-0 start is obtainable.  The opening five games consist of Middle Tennessee, Rice, Southeast Missouri State, Notre Dame and Minnesota.  Four of those games are at home with the Rice Owls as the only road game of this stretch.  Six games qualifies for a bowl game and I feel the Boilermakers will be “bowling” come December.

Let’s Keep an Eye on…

The defensive front.  It will be exciting to see if someone step up and replace the pass rushing presence of Ryan Kerrigan.  One of the great things about college football is watching a player develop into a key contributer.  If the offense is even a little bit better than last year and the defense keeps up their dominance, it will be just what the Boilermakers need to move past teams like Illinois and Michigan in the Big 10.

Games to Look Forward To:

Oct 1st vs Notre Dame.  This game is always a favorite for Purdue fans.  Interstate rivalries are always intense and this one will be no different.  This game will be played under the lights at Ross-Ade Stadium and will be nationally televised on ESPN or ABC (TBD).

Nov 26 @ Indiana.  The Boilermakers are heading to Bloomington Indiana to smack the Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium.  Last year the Boilermakers lost to the Hoosiers 31-34 in overtime.  Capping off a six game losing streak to those clowns at Indiana was a horrific thing to witness.  Hoosier fans waived the 2010 Oaken Bucket and taunted the Boilermaker faithful which made it worse.

Revenge will be sweet this year as this win over the Hoosiers will put the Boilermakers back into a Bowl Game.  Purdue’s last Bowl Game was a victory in the 2007 Motor City Bowl where they defeated Eastern Michigan 51-48.

I know this season will be a memorable one and I look forward to being a part of it.  Please follow me on Twitter (@JasonBrentner) to keep up-to-date on Purdue football.

If you liked what you read, send some money my way. Donate as much or as little as you wish. Most of all, THANK YOU FOR READING.

What?? You Think This is all I Got? (My Journey to the Army: Part 4)

So the chips are in place.  My documents have been submitted and I am waiting for the National Guard to make their decision on if they will overlook my medical history.  No matter what happens, I will keep fighting until I reach 35 and I can no longer enlist.  While I’m fighting for a dream, I will work on my other talents.

Yeah…I told you earlier that I love rocking the mic at a comedy club.  I miss it and think about it often.  I will be working on that too.  I miss the life, the friends, the feeling of a packed house hanging on my every word.  I have begun picking up the pieces and will be developing a new act to bring back to the Comedy Scene of Salt Lake City.

I will take it beyond this city…I will perform around the country and eventually perform at a USO show.  I will consider my life pretty fulfilled if I can bring the house down on a military base somewhere.

I don’t know what has come over me but I am filled with a feeling that my life can be whatever I want it to be.  I can be more than one thing.  I have the talents to be amazing and I can’t wait to see where I end up on this journey.

I watched this next video and…DAMN I MISS MAKING A CROWD LAUGH

Let’s Just Agree for Once

With the news of Bin Laden being killed, Americans are once again fighting with each other.

The Right Wing Fanatics are claiming President Obama is using this news to further his political career and secure re-election in 2012.  I have some news for you my conservative friends: NO SHIT!  Any politician whether they be democrat of republican would use this news to give them a boost in approval ratings.  Remember after September 11th and President Bush declared a war on terrorism? Remember when our occupation of Iraq was successful and Bush proclaimed “Mission Accomplished”?  His rating went up.  In order for our leaders to get things done, they need our support and events like this are priceless.  Of course they are going to use them to their advantage.

Don’t think I forgot our crazy Left Wing Fanatics.  You guys are out there either celebrating or preaching.  Some of you are trash talking President Bush.  You are screaming that in his eight years in the White House, Bush couldn’t find Osama Bin Laden and President Obama found him in his first term.  Fact: President Bush and his administration laid the ground work on ending that bastards reign of terror.  The Obama Administration would not of been able to get this done without the tireless work of those who came before them.  EVERYONE involved should be congratulated on a job well done.

Another thing that is bugging me is all the “peace” talks that are all over social networking sites and the news.  People are preaching that celebrating the death of a man is not right and brings us down to our enemies level.   His death was needed and should be celebrated by those who were affected by his evil deeds.  His victims need closure and healing; Bin Laden’s death was necessary for this to happen.

I don’t get happy when people lose their lives no matter who they may be but Bin Laden was more than just a person.  Bin Laden was an idol and prophet to many people.  He was a symbol who inspired his followers to seek out and kill Americans and their allies.  The only way to take down a symbol of evil is to eliminate it.  This is why we celebrate his death…one of the many symbols of terror and what is wrong with the world today is now gone.  I don’t see what is wrong with cheering over that.

That is the important part over this historic event.  It’s not a time to argue our personal viewpoints.  So let’s stop the fighting with each other and just be happy that deep down, we all agree Osama Bin Laden needed to go. 

My Journey to the Army: Part 3

Dear God: Please let Osama Bin Laden into Heaven for about ten minutes. I'm sure there are plenty of our fallen soldiers who want to take turns kicking his ass.

I heard the news last night about the death of Osama Bin Laden and I was thrilled.  I never thought the death of one man would make me smile.  I have always respected all lives, even the lives of evil lunatics such as Bin Laden but this mother fucker had to go.  He has caused so much misery to so many people worldwide that his death was necessary to begin some much needed healing.

It was an amazing thing for so many people….especially the people of the great city of New York.  During the ninth inning of the Phillies and Mets match up, the crowd began to learn of Osama’s death through their phones.  Almost immediately, the stadium began chants of “USA”.  This made my heart swell up with more patriotism than I have ever experienced in my life.  To top it off, the New York Mets pulled out a 2-1 victory in 14 innings of play.  A fitting victory for New York almost ten years after Bin Laden took down the twin towers.

Even with the death of Bin Laden, our war on terrorism is far from over.  There will always be fanatics out there that will want to harm us and we will continue to need soldiers to defend people from this enemy.  I look forward to joining our armed forces and be part of the next chapter of this fight.

The Utah National Guard is willing to work with me on my quest.  They have requested medical documents which I have gathered and turned in to my recruiter.  He will be reviewing these documents and we will go from there.

My Journey to the Army: Part 2

In my last entry, I talked about starting my dream of being a soldier. Honestly, this dream began when I was eight years old.
I met my Grandfather for the first time back in 1988. I met him before but my first memory was at that time.

I was so intrigued by this man. He would tell me stories of being in the Navy and about his experience of Pearl Harbor. He was stationed there on that dark December day in 1941.  He even showed me his uniform and let me wear his Officer’s Cap. From that day on, I wanted to be like him.  I didn’t grow up with a positive male role model in my life; so my Grandpa was my hero.

I spent my childhood telling everyone that I wanted to serve in the military. I wrote reports on military topics in school, I played with GI Joe’s, I even dressed up as a soldier for Halloween.

On October 17th, 1994, Grandpa passed away. I was crushed.  The greatest man I knew was gone.  His death made me want to serve even more. He showed me the path I wanted to follow.  It may be 17 years later but the path is still visible.

I dedicate this entry to my Grandfather, Lt Commander, Wolfgang “Baron” Klosterman.

My Journey to the Army: Part 1

So I began my journey into the United States Army by visiting my local recruiter.  I knew I would be thrown some roadblocks, but not within 5 minutes.  We went over my medical history and it wasn’t my hearing loss that delayed my enlistment; it was the removal of my gall bladder back in 2007.  Apparently this is a automatic dis-qualifier and there is nothing my recruiter can do for me.

He did however, provide me with some relief.  He referred me to my local Utah National Guard recruitment center.  Apparently, if I were to get trained through the National Guard, I could transfer (If I wanted) to the US Army.  The Guard and US Army provide the same training and once my training is complete, the Army won’t care about my previous medical history because I will have been trained as a Soldier.

My first roadblock has been put in front of me but I will get through this.

Sometimes I feel this should be my family crest...

It’s Time to Stop Kidding Myself

So here I am.  31 years old and very little to show for it.  Sure, I have a beautiful woman in my life who sees the real me and loves me unconditionally.  I also have a bright and all-around wonderful daughter who I love with every ounce of my heart.  I have developed a personality that is unique.  I have avoided being a sheep and I live my life the way it makes sense for me.  At least until recently….

Recently, I had a revelation.  I realized if I keep doing the same old thing, I am going to end up dead before I am 60.  I could get lung cancer because of my smoking habit.  I could also die from a heart attack for my poor choice of nutrition.  I don’t want to go out like that.  I want to meet my maker with a life I can be proud of.

I have had a dream since I was little and it is not stand up comedy.  I love rocking the mic at a comedy club but I still feel the emptiness in my heart because I haven’t pursued my first dream of serving my country in the military.

I have been trying since high school and I keep walking away when they tell me that my hearing loss disqualifies me from serving.  This time, I will DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to enlist in the United States Army.  I won’t let roadblocks get in my way this time.  I will become what I want to be.

So there, it’s out there.  Try and discourage me and I will ignore you and keep pushing forward.  And to everyone out there that don’t get me and look down upon me, I would like to share a video with you to help you understand.

So, I’m going to dedicate myself to serving and I am ready for it…BRING ON THOSE OBSTICALS.

Awesome delivery experience!

A New Sandwich King has Arrived

Bye Bye Subway! Jared can eat a dong. There is a new sandwich king and it’s name is Jimmy John’s. I got a sub packed with flavor and in my hands in three minutes. The delivery guy came in huffing and puffing. Jared can run a marathon but can he get me a delicious sub in three minutes. It was a great experience and I’ll be ordering again soon.

First Episode of JNT’s Sporting Punchline

The first episode of The Sporting Punchline is up and ready for listening.  Ty and myself are happy to bring you our opinions on the world of sports.  Our guest is BYU and College sports expert, Mitch Harper.  We had a great time recording and we hope you enjoy.

http://www.4shared.com/embed/541642397/787ffdf4

2011 NBA All Star Weekend Review

"Take away the car and Griffin only completed game situation dunk that he has done many times this season."

Vince McMahon of the WWE would be proud of the NBA this past weekend as they took a page out of his book and turned a classic event into scripted fiasco.

I have always enjoyed basketball for it’s competitive nature as well as the complex intricacies and All Star Weekend is one of my favorite sporting events of the year.  I did enjoy this year’s installment but felt like I killed some brain cells in the process.

It all started with the celebrity game on Friday night.  Justin Bieber, who represented the Western Celebrities was awarded the game’s MVP award despite the losing effort.  He scored 8 points on a miserable 3 for 11 shooting.  How does this happen?  Because the fans don’t know better.

Text voting has become an out of control phenomenon.  Bieber’s fans consist of 12 year old girls and Mitch Harper.  Harper knows his basketball but what do the majority of Bieber’s fans know about hoops?  I’m convinced that he would of received the MVP award if he went out with a massive concussion and a compound fracture in the first ten seconds.  (I was hoping Michael Rappaport would of fulfilled my wish)

Scottie Pippen should of received the award with his 18 point performance that helped the Eastern Celebrities secure a win.  The Hall of Famer even stuffed the MVP in the third quarter.  ”He played pretty well but he has an ugly shot” was Pippen’s comments on the teen sensation’s game.

I was disgusted with the fan voting; Pippen was no match for millions of clueless teenage girls and Mitch Harper with their cell phones.  Oh well, it was a celebrity game so I didn’t linger on the disgust for long.  It was the next two nights that bugged me.

Fan voting tainted another part of All-Star Weekend; the Dunk Contest.  The Clippers, Blake Griffin won this event when the NBA announced the contestants weeks ago.

Blake Griffin competed against DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka and Javale McGee in the Dunk Contest.  If you are a casual fan of the NBA, Griffin competed against a bunch of nobodies.  Blake Griffin has been a human highlight reel in the sports world this season and is a household name.

This event would of been awesome if you threw in another superstar like Lebron James or Dwight Howard. (Howard was a guest commentator for the event and had a look of disgust the entire time because he knew what was coming)

Blake Griffin took on Javale McGee of the Wizards in the final round.  Griffin was put into the final round with a so so performance.  In my opinion Javale McGee should of taken on Serge Ibaka of the Thunder.  Ibaka was robbed by the judges when this seven footer the Congo dunked from behind the free throw line http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo8drXa9nBw.  Sure it has been done before but not by a seven footer from behind the free throw line.

In my opinion, the judges favored the hometown star from the get go and put him into the finals so the fans would easily crown him.  The voting began at the beginning of the final round before any dunk was completed.  Griffin wowed everyone with a simple two handed allyoop over a car, from the middle of paint.  Take away the car and Griffin only completed game situation dunk that he has done many times this season.  The car used was the official car of All-Star Weekend, a 2012 Kia Optima.  If Griffin missed the finals, the NBA would not of been able to showcase the sponsors car….even the Crenshaw Elite Choir would of got dressed up for nothing.  There was no way this was not going to go down…what a crock.

Javale McGee pretty much conceded to Griffin with a miserable dunk to complete the contest.  ”He came prepared with the car,” McGee said, “and nothing’s going to beat the car unless I bring out a plane or something.”  He gave up because he knew Griffin was crowned when the voting commenced.  Thank you NBA for scripting this historic contest.

I wish Lebron James would of completed his triple double performance with a huge comeback win for the Eastern All-Stars.  King James put on a hell of a show in the fourth quarter of the All-Star game on Sunday night.  If the East would of won, I would of had more arguments on how fan voting sucks because I’m positive Kobe Bryant would of still won the MVP award.  Fan voting began at the beginning of the fourth quarter when the West All-Stars had a big lead and Kobe led all scorers.  Bryant had a huge lead in fan voting before we witnessed a kick ass effort by James and the rest of the Eastern squad.

I enjoyed the game very much but I felt the whole All-Star weekend was like it’s host city, Los Angeles…..FAKE.