BY: Josh Houchins
ESPN 1440 Radio Host

Not going to go on and on how Mizzou came up big and grabbed a 6-foot-6 beast in its move to the Southeastern Conference. I’m not going to spout off on how awesome it was to see Deontay Greenberry spurn Notre Dame for Houston or that Miami may have really won the battle for winning Florida (no, not the Republican Primary).

I am going to show you a screenshot of ESPN.com and the fact today’s recruits are sporting university hats from the early 90s. Really? What’s next, a Starter’s jacket?

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Take a trip with WGEM SportsCenter host, Josh Houchins, as he recaps the weekend in his own weird way. And make sure to follow him on Twitter.

* Let’s start the weekend off with the NBA, why don’t we? And I’m starting (and finishing) with the late-game (non)-heroics of Derrick Rose and his two missed free throws against the Heat with 22.7 seconds left that would have given the Bulls their first lead of the day. Chicago has now lost five straight to the Heat, causing me to be a tad concerned with the future of that rivalry. The Bulls handled Miami last year in the regular season, but since Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals it’s been all the Big Three. It makes you ponder if instead of the Bulls figuring out Miami, the exact opposite has happened and the Heat will own them for an extended period of time.

* Oh, and did you see LeBron jump OVER JL3!!! That was impressive.

* Patrick Kane’s Superman Shot (above) wasn’t that great to me.

* I have watched all of the Lethal Weapon movies over the past six days. For some reason all of them have been floating around on Dish Network. So, here’s my ranking: 1, 4, 2, 3. No. 3, which was the last one I watched, was just too much. Especially the part where Riggs gets down on all fours and barks like a dog. A tad too silly.

* Watched very little of the Pro Bowl/NHL All-Star Game on Sunday. My response to those who complain — “It is what it is. Don’t like it, don’t watch it.”

Luck looks amazing, just awaiting a story

* Since it is HBO, I had to watch the first episode of Luck, a series concerning horse racing from the owners to the trainers to those winning off the races. The first episode wasn’t much. But (and this is a huge ‘but’ by the way), the following episodes via the season preview look pretty solid. Many are saying the concept will be different than past HBO shows, with more based on the art of horse racing. We witnessed some of that in the premiere, but it seems that may take a backseat in the future.

* Duke’s Ryan Kelly + a beard = Napoleon Dynamite combined with your IT guy.

* If any of my IT guys are reading this, I love and appreciate your work.

* I wish Roy Oswalt would make his mind up. For one, I do not feel the Cardinals need him. Yes, Oswalt from 2006 would be ideal, but that ain’t happening. We’re not talking about a guy’s upside when he’s 34. It just doesn’t work like that. And secondly, it seems like a “Hey, we always wanted him in St. Louis” type of deal.

* A New Jersey minor league hockey team added a sponsor — in its logo and with new jerseys. And it actually looks pretty cool. Bravo, you made a turtle look threatening.

* It is possible to eat just sausage (both link and patty) for lunch. I accomplished that feat Saturday.

* In the mood to watch a stupid movie just to laugh out loud like an idiot, I suggest The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard. It didn’t win an Oscar in 2010, that’s for sure, but, it is similar to Step Brothers in a way if that helps at all.

– And Finally, it’s Super Bowl week and I decided to have a little fun on WGEM SportsCenter. I am giving the listeners the Giants and 3.5 points. If I lose, one lucky listener will be able to come in and shave my head. I like my hair, so let’s go New England!!

–HOOCH

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QUESTION: What’s up with this photo? All I know is that is makes me giggle…

* Best caption wins … nothing. So, post comments below like crazy.

– Hooch

Josh Houchins is the everyday host of WGEM SportsCenter, 7-9 a.m., on ESPN 1440 and WGEM.com

Posted under Sports

Take a trip with WGEM SportsCenter host, Josh Houchins, as he recaps the weekend in his own weird way. And make sure to follow him on Twitter.

* It’s amazing to think that when the rankings come out today that the Missouri Tigers could be ranked No. 2 in the nation. It’s easy to understand why they are because the one loss looks better than Ohio State’s three or UNC’s three. Duh. I’m not 100-percent sure Mizzou is the second-best team in the nation, but you must give them credit for playing so well through the first 19 games.

* Frank Haith as the early leading candidate for Coach of the Year? The Mizzou coach entered the season with an all-conference performer gone for the season and a couple of players seemingly more concerned about getting into a “who can attempt more shots per game” contest than actually trying to win. But Haith calmed the offense down a tad, got English and Denmon to take good shots, and worked with a sophomore point guard (Flip Pressey shown above) to make him the team’s leader and responsible for the ebb and flow of in-game tempo.

* NFL’s GOAT of the Weekend in order of greatness reads as follows: 3) Lee Evans, 2) Billy Cundiff, and 1) Kyle Williams. Even a 49ers teammate gave Williams the stink eye for screwing up!

* The E-Trade baby segment on CBS’s pregame show (It was on FOX’s as well?)  Sunday made me feel uncomfortable. I do not care for those commercials.

* Have you seen the court at the Air Canada Centre where the Raptors play? The end lines on each end has a paint job making you think it’s an illusion. It plays with your mind big time. Here’s the layout while here’s this weekend’s game to see for yourself.

* Pacers mascot (below) … way to go.

* Watching the 49ers reminded me of one of the weirdest-looking players of all-time — Merton Hanks. Remember him? The guy with the really long neck.

* I talked last Monday about Pressey’s impressive game last weekend against Texas. Well, this past week he went for 18 points, five boards, seven assists, and six steals. Forget Haith as coach of the year, Pressey could be there as Player of the Year if the vote was done today.

* Haywire was … blah. The critics love it, while the viewers were so-so on Rotten Tomatoes. I enjoyed the fight scenes, as Gina Carano was stellar. But, the little dialogue mixed with a weak plot that could have been wrapped up in 40 minutes led me to give it a C-.

* I don’t think I have seen better back-to-back interceptions than what I saw in the Patriots-Ravens game by Brandon Spikes and Jimmy Smith.

* And Finally, have I ever said I have huge man crush on Tom Brady? Just sayin… The dude is good and goes home to Gisele. Enough said.

–HOOCH

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By Josh Houchins, ESPN 1440 Host

On one hand the potential rematch of the regular season fun between the Harbaugh Brothers intrigues me. While on the other a rematch of a previous Super Bowl with many of the same participants could actually be the most entertaining.

Rematch?

Oh, but wouldn’t you want to see Ray Lewis and Ed Reed (two of the greats at their respected positions) put a cap on their careers with another ring? Or what about having the chance to see two Mizzou boys with the last same name (Smith) climb the mountain of success and praise their school after?

Hey it all sounds good. But which matchup do what see come out of this weekend?

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QUESTION: What’s up with this photo? All I know is that is makes me giggle…

* Best caption wins … nothing. So, post comments below like crazy.

– Hooch

Josh Houchins is the everyday host of WGEM SportsCenter, 7-9 a.m., on ESPN 1440 and WGEM.com

Posted under Sports

Take a trip with WGEM SportsCenter host, Josh Houchins, as he recaps the weekend in his own weird way. And make sure to follow him on Twitter.

* Well, how’d that one work out for you, Green Bay?

* Oh, and even though I used the photo above, I really wanted to use THIS photo from the Green Bay-New York game, but showing it in all its glory may cause the Big Guys to make a call downstairs.

* TRIVIA: How many snaps was Chad Ochocinco in on during New England’s 35-point blowout? (Answer at the bottom)

* Stupid award shows. I have a hard time finding other things to do that sit around and casually watch it seems, and last night was The Golden Globes. For one, there are way too many categories. But, Morgan Freeman received the lifetime achievement award they present, and it gives me a chance to rank my Top Five Freeman Movies:

• 5) Bruce Almighty(2003) — When you think about what God’s voice sounds like, don’t you hear Morgan Freeman?
  

  Ned and William Munny

• 4) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) — I watched no movie more as a child.
• 3) Glory (1989) — It’s hard to fully appreciate this movie until watching a second or third time. Denzel is amazing.
• 2) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — I worry every time I see Red look up and see Brooks’ name carved in the wall.
• 1) Unforgiven (1992) — My favorite western of all-time with two of my favorite characters — Little Bill (Gene Hackman) and English Bob (Richard Harris).

* In other crazy news from the weekend, the St. Louis Blues won a shootout! It’s true! Check here if you do not believe me.

* I would like to see the QND Lady Raiders play the Washington Wizards.

* Want to buy John Smoltz’s $7.2 million mansion with its own golf course near Atlanta?

* Mizzou’s Flip Pressey had one of the most impressive games I can recall Saturday in a win over Texas. The future first-round NBA draft pick (hopefully after senior year for Tigers fans) went for 18 points and 10 assists … with ZERO turnovers.

* I think the Cardinals are focusing on “big” pitchers in their scouting departments. Prospect Matt Adams was in town with the Cardinals Caravan Saturday night and the dude resembles Mitchell Boggs, Lance Lynn, and one-time closer Chris Perez. If he pitches like the first two have with the Redbirds, may be another player to watch down the road. (LATE CORRECTION: Had too much on the brain it seems and labled Adams as a pitcher. Actually is a first baseman like comment states below. No excuse here. Complete brain fart. My bad, so please forgive me).

* ANSWER: One. Oh, I do love the Patriot way.

* And Finally, I don’t get too cheesy too many times on the Musing, but with today being Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I would like to share a quote of his I have lived by for the past 15 years: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moment of comfort and convenience, but at times of challenge and controversy.”

–HOOCH

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By Josh Houchins, ESPN 1440 Host

When a player in any sport retires, the first thing many of us do is ask the following question:

“Do you think he’s a Hall of Famer?”

Then the debate starts. Well, does he have the stats? Or has he made a huge contribution to the sport? Was he one of the best at his position during the decade/time he played? How many titles or rings does he have? How did he leave his sport? Did he revolutionize his position?

Every question is asked to decide if he belongs in the Hall or not. Well, when Barry Larkin was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Monday by an easy amount, something else caught my attention. Yes, Larkin deserves it, I’m not debating that. What I am questioning is the sanity of the voters.

Look at the names below those receiving 12.6% or higher. Bernie Williams was a solid player who made a ton of cash by being a postseason stud. Juan Gonzalez and Vinny Castilla hit a lot of home runs but never won anything. Then you have…

Tim Salmon — A lifelong Angel that won a World Series.
Bill Mueller — St. Louis native best known for hitting grand slams from both sides of the plate in same game.
Brad Radke — Played for the Twins.
Javy Lopez — Won NLCS MVP and helped Braves win a ton of division titles. Also hit 260 homers as a catcher.
Eric Young — Talks with a high-pitched voice.

Yep, those guys received votes. That’s why I don’t take Hall of Fame museums quite as serious as I used to.

It’s still fun to debate who gets in and who doesn’t, though. And I guarantee we’re not discussing Brad Radke or Eric Young.

Posted under Sports

Take a trip with WGEM SportsCenter host, Josh Houchins, as he recaps the weekend in his own weird way. And make sure to follow him on Twitter.

* Heading into halftime of Pittsburgh-Denver game, I started wondering if we would have one truly entertaining game for Wild Card Weekend. Well, my question was answered rather quickly as we got to experience the new playoff rules. And that lasted one play! The Broncos are not a very good team in the standard of “good NFL teams,” but they have the ability on a one-game basis to do some damage. They took advantage of the injuries sustained by Pittsburgh during the game (and those prior) and escaped Round 1 with a win. All you can say was “Bravo.”

* And what the heck was Big Ben wearing after the game? Need two of those hats. One to… well, I can’t say the rest on here. Sorry.

* Want to hear the greatest announcing of an event ever?? Check this out and YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE LAST THING SAID. Skim ahead if need be.

* Speaking of announcers, being a (serious) play-by-play man for the Lingerie Football League on MTV would have to be a true low. I don’t think I would even jump at that opportunity. And yes, I caught myself watching a little bit of it Friday night and was amazed by how serious they take it.

* Big congrats goes out to Brad Dance and the Highland Lady Cougars. As a Highland alum, it’s always fun to see your school win a tournament title. But the last time it had happened was 1986 for the Lady Cougars at their own tourney. So, Bravo, Coach Dance!

Sir Charles ... not the greatest SNL host

* I’m not sure why everybody was excited to see Charles Barkley on Saturday Night Live. I guess if you enjoy watching a guy stare at cue cards the entire night, it was your kind of show. He’s my favorite hoops player of all-time, and even I was not impressed.

* 24-2. Hahaha…

* RANDOM: Mark Price was one of the most underapreciated point guards in NBA history.

* It’s really hard to believe THIS fighter was banned for using roids. She looks so calm and normal.

* Dear Mizzou hoops, good luck playing teams that have at least one player that’s physical. Kansas State pushed the Tigers around from the start, never backed down, and ran away with the win in the end. Mizzou will not shoot THAT bad against many other teams, but still ones that have one bigger guard capable of pushing their guards around will come out on top. Now we will see what kind of a coach Frank Haith is, as he has something to correct now. Leading up to this point it was just not screwing up the flow. Well, Kansas State broke up the flow, it’s up to Haith to fix it.

* And Finally, how about them St. Louis Blues??!! Following Saturday’s win over Colorado, the Blues are now tied with Detroit for the Central lead and are only two points behind Vancouver for most points in the Western Conference. Many knew a new coach would change things … just not to the level they’re at now. Wow…

–HOOCH

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BY: Josh Houchins, ESPN 1440 Host

The playoffs are here and it’s time for one final look at the NFL and the Power Rankings.

1) Green Bay — At least they know that if Aaron Rodgers gets hurt they do have a solid backup. Just sayin’…

4) New England — Your defense has to show up sometime, right?

5) Baltimore — The bi-polar team of the NFL. One week they look great (beat Pittsburgh 35-7) and then another week look bad (lost to Jacksonville 12-7). Maybe postseason will be when they look great?

6) Pittsburgh — Can they win with limited production from the running game? Don’t see it happening.

7) NY Giants — No team scares me more than the Giants. Eli Manning + whatever receiver = possibly winning it all.

11) Houston — Losers of the last three against teams like Carolina and Indianapolis. Similar to Atlanta.

12) Denver — I’m not sure they can score 13 points against the Steelers.

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