Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/26/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 26, 2012:

1. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
2. Alabama (SEC Champion)
3. Florida (At Large SEC)
4. Oregon (At Large PAC 12)
5. Georgia (At Large SEC)
6. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
7. Stanford (PAC 12 Champion)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
11. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
12. Utah State (WAC Champion)
13. Louisville (Big East Champion)
14. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
15. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Texas A&M (#9, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Notre Dame
(9) Florida State at (8) LSU
(12) Utah State at (5) Georgia
(13) Louisville at (4) Oregon
(11) Northern Illinois at (6) Kansas State
(14) Fresno State at (3) Florida
(10) Nebraska at (7) Stanford
(15) Arkansas State at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Notre Dame
(5) Georgia vs (4) Oregon
(6) Kansas State vs (3) Florida
(7) Stanford vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) Notre Dame
(3) Florida  vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) Notre Dame

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/19/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 19, 2012:

1. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
2. Alabama (SEC Champion)
3. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
4. Georgia (At Large SEC)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
7. Florida State (ACC Champion)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Texas A&M (At Large SEC)
10. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
11. Louisville (Big East Champion)
12. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
13. Utah State (WAC Champion)
14. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
15. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
16. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: Louisiana Tech (#12, WAC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Arkansas State at (1) Notre Dame
(9) Texas A&M at (8) LSU
(12) Northern Illinois at (5) Florida
(13) Utah State at (4) Georgia
(11) Louisville at (6) Kansas State
(14) Tulsa at (3) Oregon
(10) Nebraska at (7) Florida State
(15) Fresno State at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Notre Dame
(5) Florida vs (4) Georgia
(6) Kansas State vs (3) Oregon
(7) Florida State vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Georgia vs (1) Notre Dame
(3) Oregon  vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) Notre Dame

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/12/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 12, 2012:

1. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
2. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
3. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
4. Alabama (SEC Champion)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. LSU (At Large SEC)
8. Florida State (ACC Champion)
9. Texas A&M (At Large SEC)
10. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
11. Louisville (Big East Champion)
12. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
13. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
14. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: South Carolina (#9, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Arkansas State at (1) Oregon
(9) Texas A&M at (8) Florida State
(12) Louisiana Tech at (5) Florida
(13) Northern Illinois at (4) Alabama
(11) Louisville at (6) Georgia
(14) Fresno State at (3) Notre Dame
(10) Nebraska at (7) LSU
(15) Tulsa at (2) Kansas State

Round 2
(8) Florida State vs (1) Oregon
(5) Florida vs (4) Alabama
(6) Georgia vs (3) Notre Dame
(7) LSU vs (2) Kansas State

Round 3
(4) Alabama vs (1) Oregon
(3) Notre Dame vs (2) Kansas State

Championship Game
(2) Kansas State vs (1) Oregon

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 11/5/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of November 5, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. Florida State (ACC Champion)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
12. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
13. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
14. Fresno State (Mountain West Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: Boise State (#11, Mountain West Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) Alabama
(9) South Carolina at (8) LSU
(12) Louisiana Tech at (5) Florida
(13) Northern Illinois at (4) Notre Dame
(11) Nebraska at (6) Georgia
(14) Fresno State at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) Florida State
(15) Tulsa at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(5) Florida vs (4) Notre Dame
(6) Georgia vs (3) Kansas State
(7) Florida State vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Election, Local Midtown, Grizzlies, Cafe Society Thanksgiving

Election results are in nation-wide and there will not be significant changes. No matter who won the election, it is critical for both parties to work closer together and help the country regain its strength.

With the failure of the proposed Shelby County sales tax increase, look for property owners to flip with bill with increased property taxes next year. Home ownership is great, but there is eventually going to be a point when you can no longer squeeze juice out of the berry.

Local has finally opened their Midtown location on Overton Square. Once you walk in you will find it hard to believe the same space once housed Yosemite Sam's. Overall, the new location is nice. The downstairs has a somewhat "cookie cutter/chain" feel, but the upstairs has a lounge style that will be very welcome in Midtown. Once the weather gets better, the new double decker patio will be a prime spot. In addition to the remodeling, there is a new menu that will also be featured at the Downtown location.

The Grizzlies are off to a quick 2-1start under new owner Robert Pera. They return to action at FedExForum this weekend against Houston and the defending NBA champions Miami. As always, tickets are still available.

With Thanksgiving being just a couple of weeks away, many people are planning their holiday meal plans. If you don't feel like cooking your own bird, give Cafe Society a call.  Here are the items they will have available for you to serve at your home.

12-14 lb Turkey with Gravy - $60

Side Items (will feed up to 5 people):

Traditional dressing/stuffing - $15

Potato puree - $15

Roasted root vegetables - $15

Haricot vert almondine - $15

Cranberry chutney - $7

Cheesecake - $30

Pumpkin pie - $20

The deadline to order is Monday, November 19th by 2:00PM and items must be picked up Wednesday, November 21st by 9:00PM. Stop by the restaurant or call 722-2177 to place your order.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/29/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 29, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
5. LSU (At Large SEC)
6. Florida (At Large SEC)
7. Georgia (At Large SEC)
8. Florida State (ACC Champion)
9. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
13. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
14. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Oklahoma (#7, At Large Big 12), USC (#8, At Large PAC 12), Ohio (#12, MAC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) South Carolina at (8) Florida State
(12) Nebraska at (5) LSU
(13) Louisiana Tech at (4) Notre Dame
(11) Boise State at (6) Florida
(14) Northern Illinois at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) Georgia
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) Florida State vs (1) Alabama
(5) LSU vs (4) Notre Dame
(6) Florida vs (3) Kansas State
(7) Georgia vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/22/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 22, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Florida (At Large SEC)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
5. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
6. LSU (At Large SEC)
7. Oklahoma (At Large Big 12)
8. USC (At Large PAC 12)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Ohio (MAC Champion)
13. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: South Carolina (#7, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), Big 12 (2), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) Alabama
(9) Florida State  at (8) USC
(12) Ohio at (5) Notre Dame
(13) Nebraska at (4) Oregon
(11) Boise State at (6) LSU
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) Oklahoma
(15) Tulsa at (2) Florida

Round 2
(8) USC vs (1) Alabama
(5) Notre Dame vs (4) Oregon
(6) LSU vs (3) Kansas State
(7) Oklahoma vs (2) Florida

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Florida

Championship Game
(2) Florida vs (1) Alabama

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/15/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 15, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Kansas State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Oklahoma (At Large Big 12)
7. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Nebraska (Big 12 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: West Virginia (#4, Big 12 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) Alabama
(9) Florida State  at (8) LSU
(12) Boise State at (5) Florida
(13) Ohio at (4) Notre Dame
(11) Nebraska at (6) Oklahoma
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Kansas State
(10) Louisville at (7) South Carolina
(15) Tulsa at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(5) Florida vs (4) Notre Dame
(6) Oklahoma vs (3) Kansas State
(7) South Carolina vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Alabama
(3) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Butcher Shop, Neely's, Football

A couple of long-time Memphis restaurants announced changes this week. The Downtown location of The Butcher Shop announced that it would be closing on October 26th after 31 years in business. The building will be turned into a commercial and residential development. I'm not sure if I'll miss the restaurant. The quality was ok and the service was typically poor.

This does remind me that Downtown Memphis could use a quality steakhouse. No kids, the Mesquite Chophouse nor Texas de Brazil counts. Maybe one day Folk's Folly or Ruth's Chris will open a location.

Neely's announced that both of their Memphis locations would be closed for renovations. Upgrading restaurant facilities happens all the time. The big difference here is that a date hasn't been announced for when the bbq eateries will re-open. Could it be possible that one or both may not reopen? Either way, no big loss. There is much better bbq available through out the city.

Side note - The Grizzlies also announced that Neely's would not be providing bbq at games this year.

Holy cow! The Memphis Tigers earned a win last week against Rice. Will the Tigers be able to carry the momentum to this weekend against East Carolina? There's a good chance win number two can happen today. Most Tigers fans won't care though...basketball season started last night.




Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 2-4
Season: 23-13 (63%)
Auburn over Mississippi
Rhodes over Macalester
Alabama over Missouri
Notre Dame over Stanford
East Carolina over Memphis
Tennessee-Knoxville over Mississippi State
Tennessee Titans over Minnesota Vikings

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Missouri

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Missouri may be an interesting pair with a reasonable road trip for fans.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/8/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 8, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
4. West Virginia (Big 12 Champion)
5. Florida (At Large SEC)
6. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
7. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
8. LSU (At Large SEC)
9. Florida State (ACC Champion)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Georgia (#6, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) Florida State  at (8) LSU
(12) Louisiana Tech at (5) Florida
(13) Ohio at (4) West Virginia
(11) Boise State at (6) Notre Dame
(14) Nebraska at (3) South Carolina
(10) Louisville at (7) Kansas State
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(5) Florida vs (4) West Virginia
(6) Notre Dame vs (3) South Carolina
(7) Kansas State vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) West Virginia vs (1) Alabama
(3) South Carolina vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Bad Weather, Cooper-Young, Italian Wine Dinner, Football

Memphis was rocked with severe storms tonight. MLGW is reporting that many Memphians, especially in the Midtown and Downtown areas, are still without power. I hope everyone is safe and sound.

The American Planning Association has named Cooper-Young as one of its Top 10 Great Neighborhoods. Cooper-Young was selected for its "historic architecture, vibrant business and entertainment district, and active and engaged residents who’ve spent decades redeveloping the neighborhood." Congrats to one the better parts of Memphis.

The Grove Grill will be hosting an Italian Wine Dinner on Wednesday, October 17. The menu and pairings are still in the works, but this should be a fantastic experience. Details are coming soon.

The Grove is also bringing back half off wine on Monday's. This great special gets you 50% off any bottle of wine under $50. Bring yourself. Bring a friend or friends. Cheers!

There really isn't any good Memphis related football to discuss right now. Rhodes in a small losing streak and Memphis is Memphis. Arkansas and Ole Miss? Not looking so hot. Mississippi State with an undefeated season so far? Not enough cowbell to legitimately give them more chatter than this. A huge positive? Grizzlies basketball warming up and the Tigers season kicks off in a few weeks. 


Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 5-1
Season: 21-9 (70%)

Rhodes over Austin College
LSU over Florida
Georgia over South Carolina
Rice over Memphis
New Orleans Saints over San Diego Chargers
Tennessee Titans over Minnesota Vikings

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Auburn

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Auburn is barely hanging on.  No change here...yet.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 10/1/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of October 1, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
3. Florida State (ACC Champion)
4. LSU (At Large SEC)
5. West Virginia (Big 12 Champion)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
8. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
9. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Nebraska (Big 10 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
14. Ohio (MAC Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Michigan State (#11, Big 10 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) Kansas State  at (8) South Carolina
(12) Boise State at (5) West Virginia
(13) Louisiana Tech at (4) LSU
(11) Nebraska at (6) Georgia
(14) Ohio at (3) Florida State
(10) Louisville at (7) Notre Dame
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Oregon

Round 2
(8) South Carolina vs (1) Alabama
(5) West Virginia vs (4) LSU
(6) Georgia vs (3) Florida State
(7) Notre Dame vs (2) Oregon

Round 3
(4) LSU vs (1) Alabama
(3) Florida State vs (2) Oregon

Championship Game
(2) Oregon vs (1) Alabama

Vokda Martini Tasting, Shell Out For The Arts, Football

Cafe Society will host a 360 Vodka Martini Tasting on Thursday, October 4th at 7:00pm. For $25 plus tax and tip, you will sample 6 different flavors of 360 Vodka, the planet's first eco-friendly vodka.$5 small plates will also be available. Call 901-722.2177 for reservations.

ArtsMemphis is hosting a Mid-Fall Mardi Gras themed Shell Out For The Arts event on Sunday, October 14th from 5-8pm at the Levitt Shell. $20 will get access to beer, wine and dinner from Whole Foods in a private tent before and during the Mardi Gras Indians led by Big Chief Juan Pardo concert. The concert begins at 6pm. For ticket information, contact Sandra Kealge or buy tickets online.  Buying tickets in advance is recommended.


The Memphis Tigers football team enters a bye week with a winless 0-4 record. Memphis isn't the only Conference USA team unable to lock down a win. In addition to the Tigers, Houston, Southern Miss, Tulane and UAB are also fielding horrible clubs this year. The sad part is, both Houston and USM were both in the conference championship game last year. With the way things are going, USM and Memphis may be playing each other to avoid a zero win season on Thanksgiving Weekend.

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 3-3
Season: 16-8 (66%)


Michigan State over Ohio State
Georgia over Tennessee-Knoxville
Trinity over Rhodes
Alabama over Mississippi
Green Bay Packers over New Orleans Saints
Houston Texans over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Auburn

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Auburn is barely hanging on.  No change here...yet.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/24/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 24, 2012:

1. Alabama (SEC Champion)
2. LSU (At Large SEC)
3. Florida State (ACC Champion)
4. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
5. Georgia (At Large SEC)
6. West Virginia (Big 12 Champion)
7. Notre Dame (At Large Independent)
8. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
9. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Michigan State (Big 10 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)
16. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)

Dropped out: Oklahoma (#5, Big 12 Champion), USC (#7, At Large PAC 12), Clemson (#8, At Large ACC), Michigan (#11, Big 10 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1),  Independent (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), PAC 12 (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1),

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Tulsa at (1) Alabama
(9) Kansas State  at (8) South Carolina
(12) Boise State at (5) Georgia
(13) Ohio at (4) Oregon
(11) Michigan State at (6) West Virginia
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Florida State
(10) Louisville at (7) Notre Dame
(15) Louisiana-Monroe at (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) South Carolina vs (1) Alabama
(5) Georgia vs (4) Oregon
(6) West Virginia vs (3) Florida State
(7) Notre Dame vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) Alabama
(3) Florida State vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) Alabama

Burger Fest, Football

Memphis-area burger fans are happy to see a new festival next weekend. The Best Memphis Burger Fest will be held Sunday, September 30 from 10:30am to 5pm at Minglewood Hall. There will be a burger cooking competition, a team Kookamonga burger eating contest, live entertainment and more. This sounds like a fun time.

Another football weekend is in full swing. Rhodes is off to a nice 2-0 start, but their schedule gets a little tougher today when Birmingham Southern comes to Fargason Field. The 1pm game might be great way to enjoy the weather and have a lazy Saturday in Midtown.

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 5-1
Season: 13-5 (72%)


Birmingham Southern over Rhodes
South Carolina over Missouri
Duke over Memphis
Clemson over Florida State
New Orleans Saints over Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Tulsa vs Auburn

As the season begins to unfold, Tulsa appears to be the best team in Conference USA. Auburn is barely hanging on.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/17/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 17, 2012:

1. LSU (SEC Champion)
2. Alabama (At Large SEC)
3. Florida State (ACC Champion)
4. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
5. Oklahoma (Big 12  Champion)
6. Georgia (At Large SEC)
7. USC (At Large PAC 12)
8. Clemson (At Large ACC)
9. West Virginia (At Large Big 12)
10. Louisville (Big East Champion)
11. Michigan (Big 10 Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Tulsa (C-USA Champion)
16. Louisiana-Monroe (Sun Belt Champion)

Dropped out: Michigan State (#7, Big 10 Champion), South Carolina (#10, At Large SEC), Southern Miss (#15, C-USA Champion), Florida International (#16, Sun Belt Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), ACC (2), Big 12 (2),PAC 12 (2), Big 10 (1),  Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana-Monroe at (1) LSU
(9) West Virginia  at (8) Clemson
(12) Boise State at (5) Oklahoma
(13) Ohio at (4) Oregon
(11) Michigan at (6) Georgia
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Florida State
(10) Louisville at (7) USC
(15) Tulsa at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) Clemson vs (1) LSU
(5) Oklahoma vs (4) Oregon
(6) Georgia vs (3) Florida State
(7) USC vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Oregon vs (1) LSU
(3) Florida State vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) LSU

Cooper-Young Fest, Big East Changes, Football

One of the better festivals in the Memphis-area returns tomorrow when the Cooper-Young Festival kicks off at 9am. As usual there will be vendors, live music and great people watching. Admission is free.

Earlier this week, the Big East took another blow when Notre Dame announced in was moving all sports but football and hockey to the ACC. This was a big hit for TV negotiations, but something the Big East can survive. Over the next several months, everyone will have a close eye on the stability of the conference. Already rumored to be ready to bolt to greener pastures are Louisville to the Big 12 and the basketball only teams onto another conference or forming their own league. With marquee names gone (and more possibly leaving) and the football AQ bid  no longer existing after this season, Memphis fans find their Tigers in a glorified version of Conference USA.

Early on, CBS scored the big game of week 3 when the network selected the Alabama vs Arkansas game for the network's weekly SEC game. Their hearts, and those of Razborbacks fans, were broken last week when the Hogs lost to the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe. (There is something fun about watching John L. Smith lose). The game will still be solid match up, but it appears the Florida vs Tennessee-Knoxville game may be the best SEC game of the weekend. What are the "Fire Dooley" fans going to do if the Vols keep winning?

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 4-2
Season: 8-4 (66%)

Rhodes over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges
Alabama over Arkansas
Florida over Tennessee-Knoxville
Middle Tennessee State over Memphis
New Orleans Saints over Carolina Panthers
San Diego Chargers over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Southern Miss vs Auburn
 
Central Florida may be the best team in Conference USA, but since the Knights are serving a post season ban, the Golden Eagles get the nod. Auburn's struggles continue and Memphis may be more likely during bowl season. If the Tigers lose to Louisiana-Monroe this weekend, Auburn its way to the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham.

Breaking: Jerrry Lawler Collapses at Live Event - UPDATE

Several media outlets are reporting that Memphis' own Jerry Lawler collapsed at a live WWE event. He was removed from the arena on a stretcher and CPR was performed. According to the WWE broadcast, this was real and not part of the entertainment storyline. The announcer also said Lawler has been moved to a hospital. As a show of respect for Lawler, Raw is continuing to broadcast without an announcer for the remainder of the show. Seems like they would shut down the production, but I guess the show must go on.

Thoughts and prayers to Jerry Lawler and his family.

UPDATE - Jerry "The King " Lawler's girlfriend has confirmed that Lawler had a heart attack this evening. He is in stable condition and breathing on his own.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/10/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 10, 2012:

1. USC (PAC 12 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. Alabama (At Large SEC)
4. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
5. Oregon (At Large PAC 12)
6. Florida State (ACC Champion)
7. Michigan State (Big 10 Champion)
8. Georgia (At Large SEC)
9. Clemson (At Large ACC)
10. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
11. Louisville (Big East Champion)
12. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Southern Miss (C-USA Champion)
16. Florida International (Sun Belt Champion)


Dropped out: Arkansas (#8, At Large SEC), West Virginia (#9, At Large Big 12)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), ACC (2), PAC 12 (2), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Florida International at (1) USC
(9) Clemson  at (8) Georgia
(12) Boise State at (5) Oregon
(13) Ohio at (4) Oklahoma
(11) Louisville at (6) Florida State
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Alabama
(10) South Carolina at (7) Michigan State
(15) Southern Miss at (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Georgia vs (1) USC
(5) Oregon vs (4) Oklahoma
(6) Florida State vs (3) Alabama
(7) Michigan State vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Oklahoma vs (1) USC
(3) Alabama vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

Rock For Love 6, Football

Rock for Love 6 started yesterday with a show at the Hi-Tone. Concerts continue tonight and tomorrow night at the Hi-Tone. New this year is the addition of the Rock for Love 6 Overton Square Street Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Madison Avenue (Cooper to Diana) on Saturday. This will be a family friendly street festival with food trucks, vendor booths, a Kids Zone and music. Admission is free.

Rock for Love 6 wraps up Sunday night at the Levitt Shell with Booker T. Jones. Admission is free and food and drink sales will benefit the Church Health Center.

Memphis suffered a heart breaking loss to Tennessee-Martin last week. Memphis will have a tough time bouncing back on the road against Arkansas State. A win for the Tigers isn't out of the question, but it will be a long shot.

Here's the picks for this week.

Last Week: 4-2
Season: 4-2 (66%)

Rhodes over Washington University in St. Louis
Arkansas State over Memphis
Florida over Texas A&M
Tennessee State over Jackson State
New Orleans Saints over Washington Redskins
New England Patriots over Tennessee Titans

Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: Southern Miss vs Auburn

Even with a blowout loss to Nebraska, USM may still be the class of C-USA. It looks like Auburn will struggle this year and find its way to Memphis during bowl season.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 9/4/2012

Now in its 7th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).


For the week of September 4, 2012:

1. USC (PAC 12 Champion)
2. Alabama (SEC Champion)
3. LSU (At Large SEC)
4. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
5. Oregon (At Large PAC 12)
6. Florida State (ACC Champion)
7. Georgia (At Large SEC)
8. Arkansas (At Large SEC)
9. West Virginia (At Large Big 12)
10. Michigan State (Big 10 Champion)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Louisville (Big East Champion)
13. Ohio (MAC Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Southern Miss (C-USA Champion)
16. Florida International (Sun Belt Champion)





Dropped out: Michigan (#8, Big 10 Champion), South Carolina (#10, At Large SEC)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (4), Big 12 (2), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Florida International at (1) USC
(9) West Virginia  at (8) Arkansas
(12) Louisville at (5) Oregon
(13) Ohio at (4) Oklahoma
(11) Boise State at (6) Florida State
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) LSU
(10) Michigan State at (7) Georgia
(15) Southern Miss at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) Arkansas vs (1) USC
(5) Oregon vs (4) Oklahoma
(6) Florida State vs (3) LSU
(7) Georgia vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Oklahoma vs (1) USC
(3) LSU vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) USC

Memphis & Kansas To Start Football Series

The Kansas Jayhawks have announced a home-and-home series against the Memphis Tigers. 
Kansas will host Memphis at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 12, 2015 and will travel to face the Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Sept. 17, 2016. The two schools, which have never met in football, finally inked the agreement that began as a verbal back in January.

Nice to see continuing improvements to the Tigers football schedules.

Lynyrd Skynryd Postponed, Football

News from the Live at the Garden concert series: Due to potential for severe weather conditions, tonight's Lynyrd Skynyrd concert has been rescheduled for September 12th. Updates will be posted to liveatthegarden.com as information becomes available.

A new era begins tomorrow at the Liberty Bowl, when  Justin Fuente leads the Memphis Tigers on the field to play against visiting Tennessee-Martin. Memphis should win the came against, but Tigers shouldn't overlook the FCS Skyhawks. MTSU did that last night and eventually lost to the FCS McNeese State.

Here's the picks for this week.

Season: 0-0 (0%)

North Carolina State over Tennessee-Knoxville
Michigan State over Boise State
Notre Dame over Navy
Memphis over Tennessee-Martin
Alabama over Michigan
Oregon over Arkansas State


Weekly Liberty Bowl Projection: SMU vs Tennessee-Knoxville

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football 2012 Pre-Season Playoff Predictions

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions will return for another college football season. Now its seventh published season, click here to see last season's final mock playoff field.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

The pre-season playoff field for the 2012 season is:

1. USC (PAC 12 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. Alabama (At Large SEC)
4. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
5. Oregon (At Large PAC 12)
6. Florida State (ACC Champion)
7. Georgia (At Large SEC)
8. Michigan (Big 10 Champion)
9. Arkansas (At Large SEC)
10. South Carolina (At Large SEC)
11. Boise State (Mountain West Champion)
12. Louisville (Big East Champion)
13. Houston (C-USA Champion)
14. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)
15. Ohio (MAC Champion)
16. Florida International (Sun Belt Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (5), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Mountain West (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Florida International at (1) USC
(9) Arkansas  at (8) Michigan
(12) Louisville at (5) Oregon
(13) Houston at (4) Oklahoma
(11) Boise State at (6) Florida State
(14) Louisiana Tech at (3) Alabama
(10) South Carolina at (7) Georgia
(15) Ohio at (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Michigan vs (1) USC
(5) Oregon vs (4) Oklahoma
(6) Florida State vs (3) Alabama
(7) Georgia vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Oklahoma vs (1) USC
(3) Alabama vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

2012 Memphis-area College Football

Football season is already upon us. NFL pre-season is almost over and college football's regular season begins on Thursday. Here's a quick look at the two Memphis college football programs for the 2012 season.

Under the leadership of new coach Justin Fuente, the Memphis Tigers can only expect to improve over last year's 2-10 campaign. Another win or two would be nice for program. Most of the pre-season magazines are picking the Tigers to finish last in C-USA East and until we actually see improvement on the field, it will be hard to disagree with the prognosticators.

The often forgotten college football team in Memphis is at Rhodes. The NCAA Division III Lynx, should be competitive in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference under second year coach head coach Dan Gritti and with 2nd Team Pre-season All-American wide receiver Jack Lartigue.

2012 Memphis Tigers Football Schedule
Best Home Game - Central Florida (Saturday, October 20)


2012 Rhodes College Lynx Football Schedule
Best Home Game - Millsaps College (Saturday, October 20)

Belgium Beer Dinner @ Cafe Society, Chick-fil-A Day, Pastner Not Happy With Big East

Spots are still available for Cafe Society's Belgium Beer Dinner to be held on Thursday, August 2nd at 7:00PM. $40 (plus tax and tip) gets you a 4-course Belgium themed dinner with Belguim beer pairings.

Call 722-2177 for reservations.

 

Apparently today is Chick-fil-A Day nation-wide. Traffic was a little more hectic than usual near the restaurants on Poplar and Union. The only time I've noticed that Union location being busier was on its grand opening day.

Memphis basketball coach Josh Pastner isn't too happy with the Tigers' new conference. It looks like the Big East has committed at least two men's basketball out of conference games beginning in 2013. As part of the agreement, Memphis will have to play Big East football only members Boise State and San Diego State. This combined with planned and rumored Big East departures may start to prove "the grass in not greener on the other side" argument. Out of conference focus should be put on keeping the Tennessee-Knoxville series going and establishing/reviving series with regional rivals like Arkansas, Mississippi and Vanderbilt.

CK's, C-USA News

Memphis-area late night dining options has taken another hit. First, Downtown's Cockadoos shut its doors a couple of weeks back. And it was announced yesterday that 10 of the 12 CK's locations have shut down. The two remaining locations are at Poplar and Evergreen and Shelby Drive near Millbranch. With the closures, where is the best place to get late night breakfast fare? IHOP, Denny's, Waffle House? Any local options out there?

The road to the Conference USA championship and football and men's basketball got a little easier for the Memphis Tigers today. The NCAA has banned Central Florida from post-season play for the upcoming academic year. The ban is just one of several penalties handed to UCF today. UCF was picked by most pre-season publications to win the C-USA East Division in football and the Knights would have most likely been a top 4 C-USA basketball team.

Speaking of sports, Living Social is has a special offer for Fanatics. You can get a $20 Fanatics credit for $10. You can learn more about Fanatics by clicking the Grizzlies ad near the top of the page. This is great offer for all sports fans just in time for football season.

Overton Square Upgrades, Grey Goose Tasting, Memphis Football Rivalry Renewed.

More upgrades are on the way for Overton Square. Local Gastropub is adding what appears to be a double-decker patio at its new location in the former Yosemite Sam's on the corner of Cooper and Madison. And national chain Bar Louie announced it will open its first Memphis location on the opposite corner of Madison and Cooper in the space that used to be the home to Vortex. Local businesses would be preferred, but the new addition of Bar Louie will add more flavor to the square. Franchise owners are encouraged create an atmosphere reflective of the local culture.

Cafe Society will be hosting a Grey Goose cocktail tasting Wednesday, July 25th at 6:30PM. For $25 (plus tax and tip), you will get 5-6 cocktails. Small plates will also be available for $5. Seats are limited, so call  722-2177 soon to snag your reservation.

The University of Memphis has announced it will renew its football rivalry with Mississippi beginning in 2014. The four game series will feature two games at the Liberty Bowl and two in Oxford, with the 2014 game being played at Ole Miss. It's good to see the new athletic directors at both schools could work together to get the rivalry going again. Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen said "this is just the start" of the new Memphis scheduling philosophy and that there is "more to be announced". Future out of conference games for Memphis includes series with Arkansas State, Duke, Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Missouri and Tennessee-Martin. Both schools also announced that they are working to renew the men's basketball series as well.

Best of Memphis, Early Voting, New Grizzlies Guard, Fino's Groupon

The Memphis Flyer's 2012 Best of Memphis voting begins today. Vote for your favorite places to eat, drink and shop. The results will be published in the fall.

Early voting begins Friday for local, state and federal elections. Visit ShelbyVote.com to learn more about where to vote early and to see an updated ballot.

According to several media outlets, the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to terms with former Toronto Raptors guard Jerryd Bayless. He should be a cost-effective, solid pick-up who will replace O.J. Mayo on the Grizzlies roster.

Midtowners should enjoy today's Groupon offer. $7 for $14 worth of food at Fino's on the Hill. Get one before they run out.

New Grizzlies Owner?

ESPN is reporting an announcement could come as early as this week from NBA that Michael Heisley will be selling the Memphis Grizzlies to Robert Pera. Pera is a 34-year old billionaire and part owner of Ubiquiti Networks. The price tag is in the $350 million dollar range.

Its good to see a new owner is in place. It should squash all of the rumors of Heisley moving the Grizzlies. Pera will most likely keep the team at FedExForum. The Grizzlies lease with the Downtown arena runs through 2021 and has several expensive clauses that may prevent the team from leaving early. But don't be surprised if rumors start popping up about cities like San Jose and Seattle making a push for Pera to relocate the team.
 

Breaking: Dave Chappelle Performing In Memphis...Next Week

Tickets for comedian Dave Chappelle's stand up show at the Orpheum next Tuesday (June 12, 2012) go on sale tomorrow. Apparently, Chappelle likes to set up shows with little notice. And its working well, because most of his shows are sell outs.


Tickets are $50 and will be available at the Orpheum box office (203 S. Main Street), Orpheum-memphis.com, livenation.com or by phone at (901) 525-3000.

New Grisanti Restaurant, Memphis In The Rankings, Golf

Ronnie Grisanti will return to the restaurant scene at the end of June when he opens Ronnie Grisanti's Italian Restaurant in the Sheffield Antiques Mall in Collierville. Grisanti's most recent project was located inside Stella Marris (still not sure what he was thinking there).

Memphis recently earned a #6 ranking in the 10 Happiest Cities to Working list compiled by Forbes. The Bluff City came in just behind the #5 Washington, DC. San Jose was ranked #1.

In other rankings, Travel & Leisure readers ranked Memphis #14 in a ranking of "America's Best Burger Cities". Coming in at #1 was Providence, Rhode Island. Anytime burger rankings come out, I feel the need to throw out Top 5 ranking. Here's my latest for the Top 5 places to grab a burger in Memphis.

1. Belmont Grill
2. Earnestine & Hazel's
3. Sweet Grass Next Door
4. Huey's
5. Tops BBQ

The FedEx St. Jude Classic returns to Memphis this week at TPC Southwind. If you get out to the tournament on Sunday, try and wear seersucker.

Grizzlies, Wine Race, Fox 13

The NBA has announced that the first game of the Grizzlies-Clippers playoff series will be on Sunday. The location is still up in the air. If Memphis wins tonight against the Orlando Magic, the game will be at FedExForum. If the Grizzlies should lose, the game will be in Los Angeles. The game time is TBD.

If the Grizzlies host the first game, one of the better Sunday Fundays in recent Memphis history could be in the works. The game by itself would be a good reason, but add in the Beale Street Wine Race and you can see why many people may be calling in sick on Monday. The event kicks off at 1pm and it will feature a parade, the Queen of the Vine contest (typically a must see), wine stomping and the Great Wine Race.

Did anyone see the much hyped announcement this morning on Good Morning Memphis on Fox 13? The big news was the addition of Ernie Freeman and Joey Sulipeck to the morning show. Sadly, the announcement appeared to be filled with technical errors and a lack of general excitement by the new members of the morning team.

Liberty Bowl, New Memphis Brewery

It might be a little early to be making your New Year's Eve plans, but here's an early option to consider for your festivities. The 2012 Liberty Bowl will be held on New Year's Eve again this year. Kickoff will be at 2:30 and the game will be televised by ESPN.  The game will feature teams from the Big East, Conference USA or the SEC. The painful discussion of the bowl tie-ins will come at a later date.

A new microbrewery will be opening this fall near Downtown Memphis. High Cotton Brewing Company is scheduled to open in September on Monroe Avenue. The initial plan will be to brew beers and distribute them to local bars and restaurants with the possibility of a taproom in the future. Along with the Eat Local theme, the idea of Drink Local in Memphis might be picking up steam.

Patio Parties, Chiwawa, Grizzlies

Bleu is hosting a series of throwback Thursday night patio parties that will feature decade appropriate music, food and drinks. There will be a new decade each week, beginning with this week's 70's-themed party with DJ Rod. You don't have to dress to the era, but it might be cooler if you did. The festivities will kick off at 6pm. Future themes include the 50's (May 3), the 60's (May 10), the 20's (May 17) and the 40's (May 24).

For the past 30 years or so, Midtowners often wondered when a new business would open up in the old Chicago Pizza Factory of Madison. Now the wondering can end. Chiwawa will open later this year. After a few renovations, the restaurant will feature locally sourced hot dogs and authentic Mexican cuisine. Not sure on the concept, but its good to see someone taking advantage of the space and adding another great addition to the Overton Square/Madison Ave area.

Grizzlies playoff tickets went on sale yesterday. Most of the good seats were gobbled up, but there are seats remaining. If the Clippers lose to the Knicks tonight, the Grizzlies can lock up home court advantage for the first round with a over the Magic tomorrow night. Bottom line...Go Knicks! Go Grizzlies!

Central BBQ Downtown, Crawfish Festival, Outdoor Music

Downtown residents will now have easy access to one of the better bbq restaurants in Memphis. Central BBQ will open it's third Memphis location at 147 Butler near the Civil Rights Museum. This should be a great addition to Dowtown and South Main and should be open in the next couple of months.


The Overton Square Crawfish Festival is this Saturday, April 7 from noon until 6pm. Admission is free and there will be live music. Crawfish and beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be a 5-mile Crawfish Cruise bike around Midtown starting at 10am.

Organizers of Live at the Garden and the Levitt Shell both recently announced their upcoming concert lineups. The Live at the Garden series will include five concerts this year, beginning with Chicago on June 16. Other shows include: Seal (July 27), Duran Duran (August 17), Lynyrd Skynyrd (August 31) and Bonnie Raitt (October 5). Season tickets are on sale now. Individual show tickets will be available on April 23.

The free concert series at the Levitt Shell begins on May 17 with The Stooges Brass Band. The free shows will continue Thursday through Sunday until July 1. Checkout the full Levitt Shell lineup.

Free Ice Cream, Mas Las Delicias, Memphis Dawgs, Dancing Jimmy's

Ben & Jerry's location at 5007 Black Road in East Memphis is giving away free cones today. It might be a good way to beat the unseasonably warm weather we are having. Donations are also being accepted with proceeds going to Le Bonheur.

Las Delicias is opening a third Mexican restaurant location later this year in a space on Quince that used to be the home to Thyme Bistro and Jarrett's. Who can't be happy that there will be yet another location to sample some of Las Delicias' guacamole? The location should also be a nice compliment to Neil's relocation to the same strip mall in East Memphis.

Keeping thing's out east, we now head over to Cordova. Memphis Dawgs has announced that they will open a test location in the Wolfchase Galleria food court. The trial period should last about 30 days. As of earlier today, they were waiting on code approval from city/county officials. Hopefully they will find a way to keep the hot dog cart in various locations along with the Wolfchase addition.

Another club/bar is opening on Beale Street. Dancing Jimmy's will take over the building that used to house Pat O'Brien's. The east side of Beale is in need of more quality entertainment spots and, if done right, this will be a nice addition to the area.

Pink Slime, Peabody Rooftop Parties, Basketball

It's good to see that Kroger has announced that it will no longer sell beef with "pink slime" additives. The "slime"...err, "lean beef trimmings" are a widely used ingredient made from leftover beef trimmings that’s treated with an ammonia-based disinfectant. Sounds healthy.

On a better note, the Peabody Hotel has announced their 2012 Rooftop Party lineup. The season opens up with FreeSol on April 19th. Spring is usually the best season to go to the Thursday evening parties. The weather isn't overwhelmingly hot and everyone is in a festive mood.

Now that the Tigers basketball season is complete and that Will Barton has announced he is heading to the NBA, we can focus on the Grizzlies. It's looking like another play-off run is in the works. Now the team just needs to make sure that Gilbert Arenas can leave his guns at home.

Tigers Dancin' Again, Patio Season

With the their convincing win over Marshall in the Conference USA Championship Game, the Memphis Tigers secured yet another bid to the "Big Dance." The West region #8 seeded Tigers open up tournament play against #9 St. Louis in Columbus, OH on Friday at 5:50pm CST on TBS. It's pretty safe to say that every bar in Memphis will be carrying the game. Recommended viewing spots: Bayou, Next Door and Max's.

A couple of side notes about the tournament.

- How is Memphis only an 8 seed? Based on their season, especially the way the peaked toward the end, they should have been a 6 or 7 seed.

- C-USA added a second team to the fun this season. Southern Miss is a 9 seed in the East region. UCF and Marshall also qualified for the N.I.T.

The great weather we have been having so far this year has opened up patio season a little early. Where is your favorite patio to relax, people watch and enjoy a beverage? Here's our top 5:

1. Bayou
2. Bosco's
3. Local
4. Celtic Crossing
5. Brookhaven

Free Pancakes, Vito's, Music Fest

It's not too late to get free pancakes today at IHOP. The restaurant chain is giving away free pancakes today until 10pm to help support Children's Miracle Network which is a partner with Le Bonheur. Free pancakes will be giving in exchange for donations.

Vito's is participating in today's Groupon offer for the Memphis area. If you haven't had a chance, check out Vito's - good Italian food with convenient delivery to parts of East Memphis and Midtown.

The 2012 Beale Street Music Festival line up was announced today. This year's group of artists is strong as always. Here's who we are looking forward to seeing May 4-6 at Tom Lee Park: My Morning Jacket, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Al Green, The Cult, Cold War Kids, Robert Randolph and the Family Band and The Old 97's. Tickets are available now.

Margarita Day, Lent

The 2012 holiday calendar may not be the best for those who are cutting out alcohol. Yesterday many people celebrated Mardi Gras with an adult beverage. Lent begins today with Christians giving up favorites such as sweets, social media and drinking. Those who gave up drinking will have their first test when they find out today is National Margarita Day. Good luck to the newly non-drinking guys and gals. In honor of the holiday, here are our Top 5 Places To Grab A Margarita In Memphis.

1. El Mezcal
2. Los Compadres
3. Salsa
4. El Porton
5. Happy Mexican

Speaking of Lent, what is everyone giving up this year?

Winter Weather, Anti-Valentine's Day, Roburt Sallie

Just a note to take caution when driving home this evening. Roads may be icy with the combination of rain, sleet, snow, etc we have had today.

People were talking this weekend about the more bars having Anti-Valentine's Day-themed events for single people. The most chatter was about people going to Alchemy. What are some good spots for couples and singles for Valentine's Day in Memphis?

On a completely random note, former Memphis Tiger basketball player Roburt Sallie was kicked off of his professional team in Spain for failing a drug test. The drug in question was a penis enlarging supplement. The jokes are running wild on Twitter about this. There's no doubt that he will never be able to avoid this topic in the future.

Grizzlies Win, Dirty Dova Fun, It's Cold Outside

Nice win by the Memphis Grizzlies over the Indiana Pacers last night. It was my first opportunity this season to see the Grizzlies in person. They looked ok, but it is obvious that Zach Randolph is dearly missed.

After the game, we made one of our few excursions to Cordova to check out Stella Marris. The Italian restaurant (Ronnie Grisanti is the Chef) and "lounge" is quite an eye catcher and the crowd wasn't too bad for a Friday night. Apparently Saturday nights are the time to go. Staffers claimed there were almost 750 people at the club last Saturday night. The only sketchy part of the club the requirement to have two forms of identification to get in. The practice has been implemented to prevent underage patrons from entering, but I had less requirements when visiting the DMV. Check out more info and pics on the Stella Marris Facebook Page.

Finally, winter weather has arrived in the Mid-South. There is a slight chance of snow on Monday morning, but Memphis usually avoids the snow quantities needed for a fun Snow Day. Ways to avoid the cold? Stay inside and cuddle up with your special someone on the pre-Valentine's Day weekend. Or you can go to FedEx Forum to watch the Tigers play UAB. Stay warm!

Tigers to Big East, Daniel Tosh, Aldo's Pizza Pies

Hi everyone! Yes, it's been a while since our last post. Holidays and just being busy have put blogging to the back burner, but more posts are in the works.

The Memphis Tigers will officially be in the Big East starting with the 2013-14 academic year. This is a huge move for the Tigers, especially on the financial side. The TV contracts and other payouts should be much higher than the amount the Tigers were receiving from Conference USA. Football should improve (can it get any worse?), but don't expect the level of competition to change that much. Most of the football playing schools are former C-USA members, so you will still see home games against Houston, SMU, UCF, USF as well as Louisville and Cincinnati. Having Boise State on the schedule will a challenge and a definite ticket seller. Memphis basketball fans may see a championship team fall to the middle of the pack with level of competition that will be flowing through FedEx Forum.

If there is one more thing that R.C. Johnson can do before he steps down in June, it would be to secure long standing rivalries with UAB and Southern Miss. Like the Memphis-Louisville series ending after the first Big East raid of Conference USA, it would be sad to see these rivalries end.

Daniel Tosh is coming to Memphis on Sunday, April 8 at the Orpheum. This show should be awesome. The show is on Easter Sunday, so everyone should be jacked up on Peeps and other sources of sugar. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (February 10) at 10am.

It looks like Aldo's Pizza Pies is still planning on opening on Main Street. It was originally supposed to open a couple of years back, but the opening has been delayed several times. Aldo Dean has focused his energy on Bardog and The Slider Inn. A solid downtown pizza spot can't open soon enough.

Visit The Slider Inn when you have a chance. The food is fantastic and they need support outside of patio season.