Archive for November, 2007

Prediction: Sun Devils will top Wildcats

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* The BIGGEST story in Phoenix and throughout the state is tomorrow’s Duel in the Desert at Sun Devil Stadium. The guys shared their thoughts on the game and callers gave their predictions. Will the weather be a factor if the rain continues to fall? ASU is the better team, but Mike Stoops and the ‘Cats come into this one red-hot and a win would send them to their first bowl game in nearly a decade. G&A both like the Sun Devils.

* We were joined by Browns Pro Bowl guard Eric Steinbach. Steinbach discussed the Cardinals’ short-handed defense and Derek Anderson’s rise from NFL quarterback obscurity to one of the best signal-callers in the league.

* G&A also talked about how NFL teams no longer focus on creating a dominant run-game with today’s trend being skilled quarterbacks paired with talented wide receivers. Gambo said the Cardinals haven’t gotten their money’s worth in Edgerrin James. Ash said Edge will never be a break away threat, but will grind away for short gains and move the sticks. Both agree you can find good running backs on the cheap (see Ryan Grant).

* ESPN MNF analyst Ron Jaworski previewed all the big games this weekend.

* G&A agree Cleveland should be able to expose the Cardinals’ injury-riddled secondary and leave Glendale with a win.

* Big game for the Suns tonight against Orlando at USAC. G&A agree it’s time for STAT to step up his game and dominate like he has in the past.

 
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The Big News

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* Gambo declared his favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because there is no gift exchange and he can eat and watch football all day. Ash’s least favorite “holiday” is Valentine’s Day.

* The Duel is the Desert is just around the corner. The guys debated what means more if ASU beats UA Saturday - a possible place in a BCS game (Fiesta Bowl) or keeping UA out of a bowl for another year. Gambo thinks keeping the ‘Cats bowl-less is a bigger deal than the BCS, Ash thinks otherwise and callers were split down the middle.

* We were joined by Arizona football coach Mike Stoops . Stoops said his team is ready for Saturday and the opportunity - a bowl bid - that presents itself.

* We had a special Thursday visit from ESPN MNF analyst Ron Jaworski, who previewed tonight’s big Green Bay-Dallas game in Big D.

* The Suns lost their 2nd straight game last night. Gambo thinks Phoenix needs a consistent 3-point shooter.

* Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner previewed the Red Birds’ game Sunday against the Browns.

* Suns President Rick Welts broke the big news - the Suns and Sports 620 KTAR agree to a 5-year extension.

* ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler shared his thoughts.

Tomorrow: Ron Jaworski

 
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Happy meals

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* Gambo cashed in on another free birthday lunch from Ash and E. Ash gives Gambo and E new nicknames for their numerous free b-day meals.

* More bad news from Cards camp - Adrian Wilson is out for the season. The guys debated what Whiz and the gang will do with Antrel Rolle - play him at safety in Wilson’s place or at corner for the injured Eric Green? Gambo would put him at safety. G&A wonder if Whiz will swallow his pride and bring back punter Scott Player.

* Johnny V. checked in from Tempe after Cardinals’ practice to discuss the mood in the lockerroom today.

* Rolle also discussed the death of his close friend Sean Taylor. Rolle believes some of Taylor’s old “friends” may be behind the attack.

* We were joined by ASU wide receiver Rudy Burgess. The Sun Devils play the ‘Cats Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium.

* ASU Athletic Director Lisa Love checked in for her weekly segment. Love says this is a BIG game for the Sun Devils and how the rivalry with UA catches the attention of the entire state.

* ESPN BCS guru Brad Edwards also checked in. Edwards says the Fiesta Bowl would be wise to take a 10-2 ASU team, even if there are better options out there. We took calls to discuss - some agreed, others didn’t.

* Forward Shane Doan from the Coyotes previewed tonight’s game in Minnesota. The Desert Dogs are looking to push win-streak to five.

Tomorrow: UA head coach Mike Stoops, Cards QB Kurt Warner, ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler

 
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Happy Birthday, Gambo!

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* Happy birthday, Gambo! He celebrated the big day by allegedly whacking a co-workers car in the parking lot - full investigation upcoming.

* Redskins’ safety Sean Taylor passed away this morning. G&A don’t believe this was merely a robbery situation as initially reported. Gambo feels this is the reason athletes carry guns and have posies-for protection, even when criticized by fans and media. Ash wonders why Taylor, as a multi-millionaire and high-profile athlete, didn’t have more home security like alarms and cameras. Both agree it’s tough to fathom Taylor’s young daughter growing up never really knowing her father.

* We talked some Suns hoops. Ash likes Boris Diaw, but wonders if the club would be better off packaging Diaw to the Cavs in a sign-and-trade-deal for big man hold-out Anderson Varajao. Would the scrappy power forward/center be a better fit on the floor with Amare? G&A agree Brian Skinner has been a pleasant surprise thus far.

* ESPN college football insider Mark May checked in to talk college football, BCS, the Heisman Trophy and the numerous coaching vacancies dominated the conversation.

* We were also joined by Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. Hatton will face Floyd Mayweather in a BIG welterweight title fight next weekend in Vegas

Tomorrow: ESPN BCS insider Brad Edwards

 
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Heads need to roll

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* G&A broke down another crazy (extended) weekend of college football. Gambo doesn’t like the conference championship games - Ash doesn’t mind them. Both agree ASU has a great chance to land in the Fiesta Bowl with a win over the ‘Cats Saturday.

* The Cards blow a layup win Sunday against the 49ers in Glendale. Ash thinks heads need to roll - starting with punter Mike Barr. Gambo feels the loss was a collective effort, which included Whiz, Steve Breston, rookie tight end Ben Patrick and others. Now the Cards must clean up their act (penalties/sloppy play) before Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Derek Anderson and the Browns visit this weekend.

* We were joined by NFL Network anchor Rich Eisen. Eisen shared his views on the NFL season to date and relayed some funny stories which appear in his new book, Total Access: A Journey to the Center of the NFL Universe.

* G&A also discussed Redskins safety Sean Taylor, who is fighting for his life after getting shot during an apparent burglary.

 

Tomorrow: Mark May from ESPN

Wednesday: ESPN BCS guru Brad Edwards

Thursday: Arizona football coach Mike Stoops

 
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Where’s Gambo?

Here’s what went down Friday on Franz and Ash:

* Yes, Doug Franz from Doug and Wolf filled in for a vacationing Gambo.

* Former Cardinal Seth Joyner joined the guys to talk a little Cards football.

* The guys discussed ASU’s loss to USC. It probably knocks ASU out of the Rose Bowl, but not completely out of the BCS picture. Doug believes Georgia would be a more enticing two-loss team than the Sun Devils if both win out. ASU color analyst Jeff Van Raaphorst also joined the guys to talk about the loss.

* Speaking of the BCS and the SEC, No. 1 LSU goes down to Arkansas creating a plethora of scenarios for the BCS Championship, including Kansas against West Virginia? The guys wouldn’t be surprised to see Ohio State get back into the picture.

* ESPN analyst Tim Legler stopped by for his weekly visit. Legs is impressed with Brian Skinner’s play thus far with the Suns. He’s also impressed by Skinner’s former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, who have won four straight and are off to a 6-4 start.

* Ash caught up with former Dodger and soon-to-be former Met catcher Paul Lo Duca to talk about his baseball camp this weekend.

Dungeons ‘N Dragons

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* Extremely short show following ASU’s win over Princeton in Maui.

* Ash got bad news just before we hit the air - he’ll be co-hosting with Doug Franz on Friday while Gambo is off.

* Ash explains the breakdown of Friday’s show. Dungeons ‘N Dragons in the first hour, proper garage sale etiquette and how to squeeze people in drive-time.

* We were joined by ESPN college insider Mark May. MayDay caught us up to speed on the latest BCS news and shared his thoughts on the self-absorbed Nick Saban.

Tomorrow: Ron Jaworski from MNF, former Agua Fria star/now USC defensive end Everson Griffen, and ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler

 
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End zone celebrations

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* Cardinals get big road win in The ‘Nati. Red Birds are now in position to *gulp* make the playoffs either by winning the NFC West or qualifying as a wild card team. G&A discussed Antrel Rolle’s breakout game - both agree they could live without the end zone celebration. Ash hopes the Cards can keep stack wins, especially with 4 of their last 6 in Glendale.

* Anquan Boldin joined the guys to discuss his touchdown catch in the win.

* More break-up in the BCS. Texas Tech beats OU in Lubbock - how does this help ASU?

* The guys debated about who might replace Lloyd Carr at Michigan. Is Les Miles the logical choice?

* Gambo is shocked the Oregon coaches and doctors would let Dennis Dixon play against UA with a torn ACL. The QB first suffered the injury during the Ducks win over then unbeaten ASU in Eugene.

Tomorrow: ESPN college football analyst Mark May & USC defensive end & former Agua Fria SuperPrep Everson Griffen

Bad News Barroid

Here’s what went down today on G&A:

* UA upsets Oregon last night in Tucson. The loss helps the Sun Devils’ Pac-10 & BCS positioning. Ash thinks if Dennis Dixon doesn’t get hurt, the Ducks roll to an easy win. Gambo thinks otherwise and credits the ‘Cats for taking the game from Oregon.

* The Suns win, but Amare Stoudemire is again saddled will foul trouble and sits out most of “crunch-time” last night against the hapless Chicago Bulls. Ash loves STAT’s intensity, but needs to temper that on the defensive end of the floor. Gambo thinks Amare is immature and needs to step it up if the Suns want to take that final step.

* We discussed the latest from Barry Bonds and his lawyer claiming Barroid is totally innocent.

* ESPN MNF analyst Ron Jaworski checked in to preview the Cardinals game in Cincy. Jaws also talked about all the teams around the league with QB issues.

Monday: Cards Pro-Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin

 
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The return of Ricky Williams

Here’s what’s happening Friday on G&A:

Friday, November 16: Gambo & Ash from Hall of Fame Collectibles (Lindsay & Baseline in Mesa) from 1:00-6:00 p.m.

5:01-Ron Jaworksi: ESPN MNF analyst checks in for his weekly visit to discuss this weekend’s key matchups and everything else making headlines around the league. Jaws will share his thoughts on the Cardinals game in Cincinnati, the return of Ricky Williams and the Pats march towards perfection.

 
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