Football
It’s going to be a long year in my house.
First, the 49ers are going to suck again this year, big time. Sure, we picked up Alex Smith in the draft, but somehow I don’t see him going Roethlisburger on the NFL with the supporting cast he has. The bigger news was that the PR director took everyday humor and videotaped it, with pansies predictably calling for his head. So, here comes some more “rebuilding,” as the Preview says:
Nolan made some necessary changes and took steps to create a new mindset with the 49ers. The defense is switching to a new scheme, and the offense has undergone some changes. Still, the 49ers lack any significant playmakers on offense. Expect some improvement from the new-look 49ers, but it won’t be enough to get them into the playoffs. After all, it might be another two or three years before Smith is fully acclimated to the system.
They also just had a player die at the end of a game. If that’s not bad for morale, I’m not sure what is. I am hoping they at least beat the Cardinals to stay out of the basement after the 2-14 trash that was last season.
Even the college games won’t be as exciting with the alma mater in the tank. Last year was the first losing season in eleven years, and it doesn’t look like it will be getting any better this year. From Stewart Mandel’s MWC Preview:
Fisher DeBerry’s venerable program is going through a rough patch. After suffering their first losing season in 11 years, the Falcons will hang their triple-option hat on second-year QB Shaun Carney, but they lack a single experienced halfback. At least the O-line is experienced and strong. AFA’s defense fell off the map last season, particularly against the run, which doesn’t bode well with an inexperienced linebacker corps.
Our projected standing is eighth out of the nine teams. 
Here we are a year later and the team is looking to be much improved. Hopefully Smith will do better w/ some help from Dilfer