Hardcore Sports Radio

The Hardcore Footy Show returns

Brendan Dunlop — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:13:00 GMT

Happy New Year Hardcore Country! Hopefully the holidays were as good for you as they were for Wayne Bridge who is happy to trade Stamford Bridge for a better paycheque, some actual playing time and I'm sure Busta Rhymes' new album.

The Hardcore Footy Show returns today and we've got one hell of a show in store. We'll kick off 2009 with an extra co-host. The Hardcore Footy Show Pick Em Challenge officially came to an end on Boxing Day, and Brandon in St. Louis proved that he was the best soccer capper in all of Hardcore Country. I'm not surprised he was better than James, but I know that Travis Payne's pride is hurt, seeing another American flex his soccer knowledge in front of an international community.

So as the winning prize, Brandon will co-host the show today. A big thanks goes out to everybody that participated in the challenge. It was fun to see the picks each week and I was happy to see all the new Hardcores get in on it. We'll keep the picks going each week, but we'll have a new contest in for this month.

Today we'll recap the end of 2008, debate whether the FA Cup even matters and get to some continental chat after a couple of big time games in Spain's La Liga. And we'll be sure to let Brandon plead his case for an MLS team in his beloved midwestern city.

Catch James Sharman, Kristian Jack, Brandon in St. Louis and me, today at 12pm EST on The Hardcore Footy Show!

NFL Wildcard Weekend: HSR Staff Picks

Rob Pizzola — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:38:00 GMT

The NFL Playoffs have arrived, and although my Dallas Cowboys blew it to end the year, I have to say that I'm stoked for this year's playoffs. I truly believe that there are 8 teams that are legitimate Super Bowl contenders this year, which hasn't been the case for a while now.

We're doing things a little differently for our picks in the playoffs. We will each pick every game against the spread, as well as, over or under the total in each game. Each of us is given 1 top play ATS and 1 top play on a total. Top plays are listed in bold.

RAGE RECAP - January 2nd

Aaron Bronsteter — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:21:00 GMT

HOUR 1

- Sports Rage kicks off 2009!
- Morency breaks down the day's news and scores
- Morency talks to Cohen about his break
- Morency reveals that Cohen and Rickster are deadlocked in their NFL pick em contest
- Cohen talks about the stress of Rickster possibly beating him
- Morency says that the competition must continue

- Clam Chowder checks in with the first call of 2009
- Clam Chowder regrets that he won't be able to make it to the International Bowl
- Clam Chowder talks about the quarterback situation in New England

- Brad from Pennsylvania calls to break down some bowl games
- Brad says that he needs a winner for tomorrow

- Dave Malinsky, covers.com expert checks in
- Malinsky talks about how tough it was to cap this bowl season
- Malinsky says that it's tough to take a MAC team over a Big East team
- Malinsky is leaning towards UConn covering in the International Bowl
- Malinsky and Morency talk about how good Utah looks tonight
- Malinsky and Morency both like Ohio State
- Malinsky also likes the Arizona Cardinals

HOUR 2

- Aime from Montreal's girlfriend Cindy checks in
- Aime says that he's on his way to the International Bowl
- Aime has a long moment of silence
- Morency points out that callers from Montreal are stranger than most

- The Rickster checks in to wish him a happy new year
- Rickster says that Cohen is going to end up losing
- Rickster says that Cohen got lucky that it's a draw
- Rickster calls out the Denver Broncos
- Rickster lets Cohen know that he was nominated for Dickwad of 2008
- Rickster points out how happy Cohen was when people ripped the Rickster
- Rickster and Cohen make their picks and they are exactly the same except for the ATL/ARI game
- Rickster says that he's going to Las Vegas and challenges Mike in Buffalo to a competition where they try to pick up girls
- Rickster calls the Denver Broncos, Cohen and Maple Leafs goalies the Dickwads of the Night
- Rickster says that he's back for 2009 and to get the Kick Axe going

- Cohen says that Rickster will hook up with ladies of the night in Las Vegas and lose his virginity
- Morency talks about his holiday bets

- Maple Leaf Dave checks in from Vancouver
- Dave says that he has an idea for a profitable business: a kneepad business for the Vancouver sports media
- Dave says that the fans of Vancouver will learn the truth about Mats Sundin
- Dave agrees with the Rickster on the situation with Curtis Joseph
- Dave thinks that Bryan Burke is overrated

- Jay from Oakland checks in
- Morency says that he had some money on the Raiders last weekend
- Morency says that he has no pity for the Patriots
- Jay says that Alabama put on a gutless performance

- Kyle in Winnipeg asks Morency for some picks
- Kyle likes Buffalo in the International Bowl

- Avry in Edmonton checks in
- Avry says that it's his 16th birthday
- Avry says that the U.S. losing in hockey is becoming a pattern
- Avry says that the U.S. need to calm themselves down

AFTER HOURS

- Mike in Buffalo checks in
- Mike wonders about shenanigans in the Cohen and Rickster NFL picking competition
- Mike admits to giving Rickster picks all year long
- Cohen says that Rickster should be disqualified
- Morency recalls that Cohen said that he and Darsh discussed his picks as well
- Cohen is livid about Rickster cheating during the competition and calls him a hypocrite
- Morency says that any decision that Councilman Cohen renders is a conflict of interest

- Montreal high school coach Earl de la Perralle checks in
- de la Perralle talks about how important it was to the student athletes to play at the Rogers Centre tonight
- de la Perralle breaks down the International Bowl
- de la Perralle says that if he was a betting man, he would take Connecticut, but sees a David vs. Goliath scenario

- David in Alabama is pleased with the Crimson Tide's season regardless of the loss
- David says that he didn't think Alabama would win more than 12 games
- David says that the Tide will be back next year and will be hungry

- The Blue Dude says that both Rickster and Cohen are bitches and it's just a fun competition
- Blue Dude breaks down the junior hockey tournament
- Blue Dude asks for Morency and Orville's opinions on Cohen and Rickster's picking competition

- Rob in Boston checks in
- Rob wonders if the Celtics will be getting Stephon Marbury and if so, WHY?
- Rob says that if Cohen was taking someone else's picks that Rickster would be going crazy

- Morency is joined by 1958 Buffalo Bulls alumni Willie Evans
- Evans talks about not being permitted to play in the Bulls last bowl game entry fifty years ago due to the colour of his skin and the team not playing as a result
- Evans says that it's hard to recall what he was feeling
- Evans talks about what it's like to see the Bulls make another bowl game in his lifetime

- Baroni in Arizona checks in
- Baroni says that the Canada vs. USA junior hockey game was incredible
- Morency thinks that it was a top-5 junior game of all-time
- Baroni wishes every hockey game was like that game

- Drew in Nelson checks in
- Drew wishes everyone a happy new year
- Drew says that Rickster's behavior is fraudulent
- Drew calls Rickster a hack and asks who his source is!
- Drew says that he doubts Rickster will make it to Vegas

- Cohen thanks Hardcore Country for their support
- Rickster returns!
- Rickster says that Drew isn't right in the head
- Rickster says that he's just stooping to Cohen's level
- Rickster throws Mike from Buffalo under the bus and says that Mike plotted with him
- Cohen defends the legitimacy of his picks
- Rickster says that his war with Cohen is not over
- Rickster names Mike in Buffalo his dickwad of the night

DICKWADS OF THE NIGHT:

Cohen: Alabama and Texas Tech
Orville: Hockey, for not doing anything about fighting and now an innocent life is lost
Nero: Gary Bettman
Morency: Charles Barkley

NFL Wild Card Picks

Eric Cohen — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:19:00 GMT

What a crazy card we have heading into Wild Card weekend. For the first time in NFL history we had four home teams open up as underdogs. Money has come in on Arizona and San Diego but it certainly seems like the four road teams are coming in with more momentum. I can't find any home dogs that make me want to pull the trigger.

Atlanta pick at Arizona: The Cardinals were awful after clinching the NFC West and certainly seem to have peaked too early. The Cards were undefeated in the division but just 3-7 against everyone else. While the Cards have a quarter back with a lot more playoff experience Matt Ryan proved to be very cool under pressure winning big road games down the stretch in San Diego and Minnesota. Both teams will be able to score but the Falcons are much more balanced on offense with two outstanding running backs. Atlanta competes in a much tougher division and finds a way to get it done in Arizona. Pick: Falcons.

Colts pick at Chargers: Two hot teams in what should also be another playoff shootout. Last year with a banged up L.T and Rivers the Chargers shocked the Colts in Indy as 10 point underdogs. This year it looked like both teams would miss the post season. The Colts were 3-4 but have not lost since. The Chargers were 4-8 but won its last four games to actually get a home playoff game. Once again the Chargers are banged up with L.T hobbled and Antonio Gates being questionable. Fresh off his 3rd MVP Peyton Manning should have another field day against an average Chargers secondary and while San Diego may be division champs they went 0-5 against playoff teams. Pick Colts.

Ravens -3 at Dolphins: When these two teams played earlier in the year they were both 2-3. Since the Ravens beat the Dolphins, Miami has only lost once and are shocking division champs after a one win season. Unfortunately this is a very tough match up for Miami. It was the Ravens that provided the blue print on how to stop the wild cat offense. You can't run on Baltimore and Cam Cameron seems to have a pretty good idea about what the Dolphins want to do on both sides of the ball. The only teams that have beaten Baltimore this year are the Steelers, Giants, Colts and Titans, and they are all far superior to Miami. Ravens should cover relatively easily. Pick Ravens.

Eagles -3 at Vikings: Philadelphia has not played very well on the road this season winning just 3 games away from home. The Vikings won 6 of 8 at home but did not finish very impressively losing to Atlanta and needing a last second field goal to beat the Giants second stringers. The key will be the experience of Donovan McNabb vs Tarvaris Jackson who has never started a playoff game and struggled turning the ball over late in the year. Expect the Eagles defense to confuse Jackson and although Philadelphia struggled winning close games and converting short yardage opportunities they have more momentum after dismantling Dallas week 17 and should find a way to advance. Pick Eagles.

On the Soccer field this weekend

Brendan Dunlop — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:52:00 GMT

The Hardcore Footy Show Pick Em Contest is over, but we'll keep the picks coming every week. My co-hosts are still enjoying their well deserved vacation, but here's what I'm putting my money on this weekend.

The first weekend of 2009 lacks the lustre you might be hoping for. The English Premier League takes the weekend off to get some FA Cup action in. You know they're still celebrating the new year in Italy so no Serie A either. And the Bundesliga takes the whole month off, leaving Spain's La Liga to give us our premium soccer fix. They definitely deliver with a couple of matches, and they took the liberty to space em out which is always nice.

Spain's La Liga
Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid
Saturday, 4pm EST
Here is a great opportunity for Valencia to show they can play well against the other big teams in Spain. All they have to do, is actually play well against the other Madridistas. Playing well against the cream of the crop hasn't been easy for Los Che this year, although a win this weekend would see them up a couple of spots and into second place. The two sit third in the table, but Atletico holds the advantage on goal differential. Unai Emery definitely wants that to change and even held practise on New Year's Day. I'm guessing the only guy more pissed about that than the players, was the trainer, knowing all the puke he would be cleaning up around the pitch. I could barely run to the bathroom Thursday let alone run at practise! But that's why I talk and write about these games instead of play in them. Valencia has taken the last three meetings at the Mestella, one last January in the Copa del Rey. I like the Bats to repeat the success on Saturday, mainly because Atletico's hot streak has to come to an end. They've won four in a row in La Liga, and are unbeaten throughout since losing the Madrid derby in October. Big teams on hot runs usually hit their cool down thanks to big teams. PICK: Valencia (+110)

Barcelona vs. Mallorca
Saturday, 2pm EST
I think I'm the only one other than Mallorca head coach Gregorio Manzano that has any hope for this result, but I think red-hot Barca will struggle with the Barralets again. But they will at least come away with a point this time. Mallorca shocked the league leaders with a 3-2 win at the Nou Camp in May, and although their last league win came in late October against Espanyol, I don't think a tie is out of the question here. Again let's look at everyone's favourite factor when predicting results; streaks. Barca is way too hot right now! Other than losing to Shaktar in that meaningless Champions League game, they haven't lost since August. I really don't think they'll lose now...but a draw against the 17th place team will bring them down to reality a bit. Where will the luck come from for Mallorca, a team that has only two draws that represent the positives from their last nine games? Debut keeper Dudu Aoute who I'm sure would love to see the headline, "Dudu on Barca." PICK: Draw (+550)

Real Madrid vs. Villarreal
Sunday, 11am EST
I don't know who draws up the sked in Spain, but the NHL could learn a few things. The headline match on Sunday might force you to keep your Saturday night at the club short, but it will be worth it. Talk about a hell of a start to a new job. Imagine being a doc fresh out of med school, and your first three assignments include delivering septuplets, a quadruple bypass on conjoined twins and brain surgery on a former president. Ok maybe those tasks are a little extreme, but taking over an injury riddled Real Madrid team to face Barcelona, Valencia and Villarreal right out the gate is no easy task either. Juande Ramos will have a boosted roster as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra are expected to make their Madrid debuts. Gonzalo Higuain now joins the long list of talents on the injury list. Villarreal though seem to be sliding. They've lost two in a row and haven't won since November at Huelva. A trip to the Bernebeu is no easy way to find the win column. Sunday should bring a win for Juande. PICK: Real Madrid (-133)

Here are my other plays this weekend (some great road value out there!):

England's FA Cup
QPR vs. BURNLEY (+250)
Saturday, 10am EST

Birmingham vs. WOLVERHAMPTON (+188)
Saturday, 10am EST

HULL (+130) vs. Newcastle
Saturday, 10am EST

Portugal's Superliga
Vitoria Setubal vs. SPORTING LISBON (-143)
Saturday, 3:30pm EST

May the winners be yours Hardcore Country!

Brandon in St. Louis wins THFS Pick Em Challenge

Brendan Dunlop — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:24:00 GMT

After fourteen weeks of The Hardcore Footy Show Pick Em Challenge, one regular listener reigns supreme as the best soccer capper in Hardcore Country: Brandon in St. Louis! Clearly, James and I were no match for the midwestern soccer wizard, KJ gave him a run but it was too little too late. Hopefully we all made some money in the process, it was a fun competition and I was glad to see all the participants. We'll keep the fun going in 2009, but we'll make it a little different.

FINAL WEEK'S RESULTS
Fitzy - 5/5
Breaks - 4/5
Dunlop - 3/5
Kristian Jack - 3/5
Brandon in St. Louis - 3/5
Scuba Steve - 3/5
Ghetto in Ottawa - 3/5
Peanut - 2/5
Travis Payne - 2/5
Lynn Nguyen - 2/5
Pierre in Toronto - 1/5
Ricardo M. - 1/5
S-Double D in Windsor - 1/5
J. Houdini in Montreal - 1/4

FINAL STANDINGS (Wins - Losses)
Brandon in St. Louis 45-25
Kristian Jack 43-32
Ghetto in Ottawa 42-33
Dunlop 36-39
Pierre in Toronto 36-39
James Sharman 34-36
Peanut 33-37
J Houdini in Montreal 32-32
S-Double D in Windsor 32-43
Ricardo M. 31-44
O.G.G. 27-23
Fitzy 27-22
Breaks 26-44
Pizzola 26-14
Tom Newton 24-31
Sam in Sacramento 24-21
Sam 23-13
Travis Payne 19-21
James: Abroad 19-16
Toledo_Ted 16-24
Brendon Lynch 15-15
Scuba Steve 12-13
Charley B 11-9
Miguel in Toronto 10-10
Lynn Nguyen 9-16
Pharoah 3-17
Crow 2-3
McFly 2-3

We've got ideas in the works for the next competition. We're leaning towards a survivor pool based challenge, but if you have any other ideas hit us up, soccer@hardcoresportsradio.com

We're back with The Hardcore Footy Show in 2009 with our first show Monday, January 5th at 12pm EST. Happy New Year Hardcores!

NFL Week 17: HSR Staff Picks

Rob Pizzola — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:55:00 GMT

It's the last week of the regular season and much of the playoff picture is still unclear. Here are our picks for Week 17 in the NFL. Remember, all picks are against the spread and top plays are highlighted in yellow.

NOTE: Morency and Cohen are on vacation this week, so their picks aren't posted. From what I can remember, Morency really likes Denver getting 8.5 points at Denver. Cohen liked the Giants, Saints, Titans, and Jets.

RAGE RECAP - Dec. 23 and Morency's Bowl Picks

Aaron Bronsteter — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:10:00 GMT

HOUR 1

- Morency breaks down the day's action on the Festivus Rage-imus version of the Twisted Tuesday.
- Morency talks about how it's a bad time to be a bookie in Boston.

- Morency says that Festivus just isn't the same without Cohen having to wrestle somebody.

- Morency begins Festivus by ripping Nero.
- Morency says that Nero has gotten a free pass because Rocco was a big fan of his.
- Morency tells Nero that he does not smell as pleasant as Junk Food Joanna.

- Brandon in St. Louis bats leadoff to talk about the TCU/Boise State game.
- Brandon said that he lost some cash on the football game but made it back by betting on Illinois against Missouri in college hoops.
- Brandon gives out his New Year's Resolutions for 2009.
- Brandon wants people to stop using nicknames ... He's not down with it at all.
- Brandon expresses his disapproval of the Rickster for continuosly ripping Cohen night in and night out.
- Brandon isn't in much of a Christmas mood, but does a great job kick starting Festivus.

- Rob in Boston checks in to tell Cohen that he wants him to beat the Rickster in the handicapping challenge.
- Rob tells Cohen that he should be ashamed of himself if he loses.
- Rob wishes Hardcore Country a great holiday season and is looking forward to 2009.

- Morency tells Cohen that there's no need to get stressed out over the handicapping challenge.
- Orville spices things up with some pretty stressful music in the background.

- UFC commentator Mike Goldberg steps up and in to discuss the UFC 92 card.
- Morency congratulates Goldberg on his 100th event with the UFC.
- Goldberg and Morency both agree that the UFC 92 is probably the best of all-time.
- Goldberg says that 3 fights on the card could be main events on their own.
- Goldberg is most looking forward to the fight between Quinton Jackson and Wanderlei Silva because of their history of bad blood.
- Goldberg says that Jackson has spent a lot of time on his conditioning for this fight.
- Goldberg points out that Silva has lost 5 fights since the last time he fought Jackson.
- Goldberg breaks down the fight between Antonio Nogueira and Frank Mir.
- Goldberg cannot figure out how Mir can possibly beat Nogueira.
- Morency agrees that Mir is really in tough especially since Nogueira wants to fight Brock Lesnar so badly.
- Goldberg thinks that both Mir or Nogueira would have a great shot at beating Lesnar in '09.
- Goldberg talks about how he thought Nogueira was a great coach on The Ultimate Fighter.
- Morency and Goldberg agree that Mir was in a tough situation having Junie Browning as one of his fighters.
- Morency tells Goldberg that he likes Forrest Griffin to beat Rashad Evans.
- Goldberg talks about how Griffin really tries to stay out of the spotlight.
- Goldberg thinks Evans is the more athletic fighter and wonders whether or not the fight will go to the ground.
- Goldberg says that this could be one of the most even fights in UFC history.
- Morency can't wait to see which fighter will impose their will on the other.
- Morency and Goldberg discuss the rumours of UFC 97 taking place in Montreal in April.
- Goldberg says that he'd love to party in Montreal again with the Sports Rage Crew.

- Cohen says that he has his picks ready but thinks that the Rickster might stiff by not calling in.
- Morency trashes Prison Break and Lost.

- Bruder chimes in to apologize to Hardcore Country for not giving condolensces to Clam Chowder and Mike in Iowa.
- Bruder talks about losing his "Christmas Bonus" teaser.
- Bruder wishes old foes like Baroni and Drew in Nelson a very Merry Christmas.
- Bruder says that his brother is moving to Finland next week.

- Former HSR employee Jeff Kidney steps in and says that if Cohen loses his contest with the Rickster, he'll be the dickwad of the year.
- Kidney says that he'd need a lot of money to get into a truck with Cohen and the Rickster.
- Kidney tells Morency that he'll see him at the International Bowl next week.
- Cohen says that he's happy that Kidney is no longer a virgin.

- Clam Chowder checks in to say that he's never going to get rid of his nickname.
- Clam Chowder says that he appreciates the condolensces from Bruder.
- Clam Chowder wants everybody to feel the passion!

HOUR 2

- Dennis in Saskatoon checks in while he's doing some Christmas shopping.
- Dennis says that he can't handle the Rickster and his constant talk about the Maple Leafs.
- Dennis wishes everyone a great year in 2009.
- Dennis tells Morency that Bernard Hopkins was the best interview of 2008.

- Avry in Edmonton calls in and continues the attack on the Rickster.
- Avry says that the Rickster better get ready for the ass kicking that the Oilers are going to give the Leafs in March.

- Double J in Cape Breton steps in and says that he hopes Cam is feeling better.
- Double J hopes that the Michigan Wolverines can make the NCAA Tournament this year.
- Double J throws TSN2 under the bus for carrying so many bowl games this year.
- Double J says that the highlight of 2008 was listening to Cam sing Def Leppard songs on Sports Rage.

- Ross in the Hammer chimes in and puts a lot of pressure on Cohen to beat the Rickster.
- Ross wants Drew in Nelson to rip apart the "Prickster" with his call tonight.

- Dennis in St. John's kicks it with Morency.
- Dennis can't believe the way that the Dallas Stars railroaded Sean Avery.

- Brian Blessing of Las Vegas Sports Consultants chimes in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
- Blessing talks about how much he enjoyed the college football game this evening.
- Blessing wonders how Cam is doing.
- Blessing doesn't have a strong opinion on the Notre Dame/Hawaii game tomorrow but would side with Hawaii.
- Blessing says that he loves Penn State plus the points against USC.

- Derek in Halifax checks in and says that Mike Goldberg is a class act.
- Derek gives props to Cohen and appreciates the job that he does.
- Derek says that Orville is one of the best in the business, especially at getting interviews.

- Morency thinks that Nero could beat Cohen in a Jewish trivia challenge ... For the record, Cohen is jewish and Nero is not.

- Pizzola checks into studio
- Pizzola likes Rickster in the capping contest with Cohen
- Pizzola says that the Jays have disappointed him and he's done with them in 2009

- Rickster checks in
- Rickster says that there will be more rage in 2009
- Cohen wins the coin toss
- The Rickster makes his picks, Cohen follows

- Drew in Nelson steps in
- Drew sings a little Christmas Song for Rickster
- Rickster reges back
- Rickster mentions Drew never said what he does for a living
- Drew mentions he is a retired high school teacher
- Rickster insults Drews daily habits and intakes

AFTER HOURS

- Returning from break, Morency reads off a ton of your e-mails.

- Trouble in Alberta calls in to threaten Drew in Nelson after his controversial comments.

- Chris in Kingston chimes in to show his appreciation for Hardcore Country

- Kyle checks in to list his grievances

- Corey in Sackville stirs the pot

- Mitch in Thornhill checks in to wish everyone in Hardcore Country happy holidays

- Bradd in Penn State sends his love to Hardcore Country

- Bossman checks in to tell Baroni to watch some Pavel Bure youtube videos and names his Dad as his dickwad for throwing away a winning Proline ticket

- Aaron in Wyoming thanks Gabe and Hardcore Country for everything throughout the year

- Baroni checks in
- Baroni commends Brian Blessing on how committed he is
- Baroni rips Rickster
- Baroni gives his shout outs

- Morency lays down his bowl picks (see below)

- Steel City Steve inquires about Cohen's weekend NFL picks vs. Rickster
- Steve breaks down some games
- Steve wishes everyone a happy holiday and discourages drunk driving
- Steve nominates Drew in Nelson as the Comeback Caller of the Year!

DICKWADS OF THE NIGHT:

Cohen: Bills, Raptors, Jays and Lions Dickwads of the year
Orville: NCAA pretenders: Gonzaga for blowing it against lowly Portland State, Xavier losing to Butler, Missouri losing to Illinois
Nero: Nike hockey equipment
Morency:

MORENCY'S BOWL PICKS:

Hawaii
Hawaii/ND OVER

Central Michigan
Central Mich/FAU OVER *** (Best Bet)

West Virginia

Wisconsin

California
Miami/CAL Over

Louisiana Tech *** (Best Bet)

N.C. State
NC State/Rutgers OVER

Northwestern/Missouri OVER *** (Best Bet)

Nevada

Rice
Rice/W. Michigan OVER *** (Best Bet)

Oregon
Oregon/OK State OVER

Houston
Houston/Air Force OVER

Oregon St.
Pitt/Oregon St. OVER

Vanderbilt

Minn/Kansas OVER

GA. Tech
Louisiana Tech/GA Tech OVER

Iowa
Iowa/SC UNDER

Clemson

Georgia *** (Best Bet)

Cincinnati

Texas Tech

East Carolina

Utah

For Morency's NFL picks, tune into Game On Sunday at 11 AM ET

Sports Rage Holiday Programming Guide

Aaron Bronsteter — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 03:41:00 GMT

Morency and the Sports Rage crew may not be here, but we have a ton of great new programming for you over the holidays.

Here is a list of guests and shows that will be airing over the course of the holidays.

Wednesday, December 24: The Best of Sports Rage Interviews

Thursday, December 25: NCAA Bowl Preview Show with Cam Stewart and many of Hardcore Country's most knowledgeable callers

Friday, December 26: Dave Malinsky and Pete Fiutak break down the weekend's bowl games, Morency discusses UFC 92 with The Score's Sid Seixeiro and Frank Trigg

Monday, December 29: Steve Merrill discusses the upcoming Bowl Games, interviews with NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus and NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy and some of the best moments from Sports Rage this year

Tuesday, December 30: Interviews with NFL All-Pro Legends Mercury Morris, Fred Biletnikoff and Anthony Munoz and some of the best moments from Sports Rage this year

Wednesday, December 31: The Best of Sports Rage Interviews

Thursday: January 1: Interviews with UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie, retired NFL Wide Receiver Tim Brown and retired NFL cornerback LeRoy Butler and some of the best moments from Sports Rage this year

Friday, January 2: WE'RE BACK!

The Hardcore Footy Show Pick Em Blog FINAL WEEK

Brendan Dunlop — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:49:00 GMT

It's really hard to believe the end is near. This is the last week for The Hardcore Footy Show Pick Em Challenge, it OFFICIALLY ENDS ON BOXING DAY. That is your last available game day, (there's a full sked of EPL). So get your picks in fast, and even if you're not challenging up there with Brandon, Ghetto and KJ (clearly I don't know what I'm doing), play for pride baby! This is going to go down to the wire with a great battle at the top of the table. Let's have fun with it.

Last week's results;

James Sharman - 4/5
Ghetto in Ottawa - 4/5
Brandon in St. Louis - 4/5
Pierre in Toronto - 4/5
J. Houdini in Montreal - 3/5
S-Double D in Windsor - 3/5
Breaks - 3/5
Dunlop - 2/5
Peanut - 2/5
Kristian Jack - 2/5
O.G.G. - 2/5
Tom Newton - 2/5
Travis Payne - 1/5
Ricardo M. - 1/5
Pharoah - 1/5
Scuba Steve - 1/5
Fitzy - 1/4

To see the full contest rules, check the original blog. http://hardcoresportsradio.com/blogs/brendandunlop/archive/2008/09/19/more-picks-for-the-wknd-and-contest-rules.aspx

STANDINGS (Wins - Losses)
Brandon in St. Louis 42-23
Kristian Jack 40-30
Ghetto in Ottawa 39-31
Pierre in Toronto 35-35
James Sharman 34-36
Dunlop 33-37
S-Double D in Windsor 31-39
Peanut 31-34
J Houdini in Montreal 31-29
Ricardo M. 30-40
O.G.G. 27-23
Pizzola 26-14
Tom Newton 24-31
Sam in Sacramento 24-21
Sam 23-13
Breaks 22-43
Fitzy 22-22
James: Abroad 19-16
Travis Payne 17-19
Toledo_Ted 16-24
Brendon Lynch 15-15
Charley B 11-9
Miguel in Toronto 10-10
Scuba Steve 9-11
Lynn Nguyen 7-13
Pharoah 3-17
Crow 2-3
McFly 2-3

Let's go out with a bang! Let it roll...

Dunlop
Stoke City vs. Manchester United (DRAW +400)
CHELSEA (-700) vs. West Brom
Sunderland vs. BLACKBURN (+225)
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal (DRAW +250)
LIVERPOOL (-300) vs. Bolton

James Sharman
TBA

Kristian Jack
Stoke City vs. MANCHESTER UNITED (-333)
MIDDLESBROUGH (+150) vs. Everton
CHELSEA (-700) vs. West Brom
ASTON VILLA (+150) vs. Arsenal
Portsmouth vs. WEST HAM (+250)

Peanut
Aston Villa vs. ARSENAL (+188)
Stoke City vs. MANCHESTER UNITED (-333)
CHELSEA (-700) vs. West Brom
Wigan vs. NEWCASTLE (+225)
SUNDERLAND (+125) vs. Blackburn

Travis Payne
Middlesbrough vs. EVERTON (+188)
TOTTENHAM (-138) vs. Fulhamerica
Man City vs. HULL (+350)
CHELSEA (-700) vs. West Brom
Portsmouth vs. West Ham (DRAW +240)

This week you heard the very best of 2008 on The Hardcore Footy Show, what did you think of it? Who do you want to hear us talk to in 09'? And be honest, how many times did you laugh at Travis Payne? Let us know, we're back January 5th, 2009 but you can hit us up anytime, soccer@hardcoresportsradio.com

Happy Holidays Hardcores and may the winners be yours!

Rickster vs. Cohen: ALL OR NOTHING!

Aaron Bronsteter — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:50:00 GMT

After 16 weeks of NFL capping, the Rickster had an incredible week and evened things out with the Rickster!

Down three picks, Rickster had an early Christmas Miracle with a 4-1 week, with Cohen going 1-4.

Rickster selected the Jets, Patriots, Falcons, Ravens and the Redskins, while Cohen selected the Bills, Vikings, Steelers, Eagles and Tampa Bay.

Going into Week 17, their picks on Tuesday are for all of the marbles! Who will emerge victorious?

The BEST of The Hardcore Footy Show in 08'

Brendan Dunlop — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:20:00 GMT

This week on The Hardcore Footy Show, we'll take a look back at the year that was. Well, the ten months we were on the air anyway. A lot happened on the pitch in 2008, and we talked about all year long on the show.

We'll take a look back to our first show, our favourite interviews, the best moments and of course it wouldn't be a good 'Year in Review Show' without a blooper reel of all the stupid shit we said in 08'. There's even a 'best of; segment dedicated to our official American soccer correspondent Travis Payne. He's even tried to sell it back to us...

In 2008 we talked to a lot of footy fiends. We talked to poet and soccer commentator Ray Hudson from GolTV, chatted business with MLS commissioner Don Garber, and got a South American soccer lesson from KJ's favourite writer Tim Vickery. Here it all on our special Year in Review show TODAY at 12pm EST.

We'll be back January 7th to talk about everything that happened while you got loaded off of mom's eggnog and brandy. And hit us up anytime, soccer@hardcoresportsradio.com

Happy Holidays Hardcore Country! May you have even more winners this holiday season.

NFL Week 16: HSR Staff Picks

Rob Pizzola — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:20:00 GMT

Morency and Cam took care of business last week, while everyone else sat right around the .500 mark. It seems like a bit of a tricky board this week, especially since the weather might play a factor in a lot of today's games. If there are any last minute changes to anyone's picks, I will post them at the bottom of the blog.

Let us know what you think and may the winners be ours!