What will the Tampa Bay Lightning do this NHL offseason and beyond? *Update*

The NHL offseason is officially upon us after the Washington Capitals defeated the expansion Las Vegas Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

And if you're a fan of social media, watching Alexander Ovechkin and company's epic bender is something only the 1986 Mets can rival.

The Tampa Bay Lightning came up short, losing to the eventual Cup champs after surrendering a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bolts had chances in Game 7, but all of the excuses and what-if scenarios won't do the franchise any good now.

Vegas has the Lightning as 9-1 favorites to win it all next season, which is the best among all NHL teams. The Bruins, Leafs, Knights and Jets are all tied for second at 10-1.

So why's Vegas so optimistic? Tampa essentially brings back its entire squad.

Chris Kunitz and Andrej Sustr are the only notable unrestricted free agents. Kunitz has stated he'd like to return, but he turns 39 in September and his playing time diminished with the emergence of the younger Anthony Cirelli.

Sustr is all but gone. His playing time decreased significantly and I cannot see a scenario where he returns considering the amount of defensive talent in Syracuse, specifically fan favorite Slater Koekkoek.

The one guy General Manager Stevie Yzerman will press hard to sign long term is J.T. Miller. The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent, which means the Lightning get first crack at terms and I fully expect Yzerman to sign him to a semi-lucrative deal.

Miller is a threat in every aspect of the game. He's a solid defender who can score within three feet of the net or blast one from 20 feet out, and at 215 pounds is a physical presence the Bolts lack at the forward position.

Koekkoek is also restricted, but working out a deal shouldn't be an issue unless Yzerman is done with the former first rounder.

Cedric Paquette will be an interesting re-sign considering he wouldn't cost much and is a scrappy, fourth-line grinder. I don't anticipate Paquette coming back, though. Adam Erne and Matthew Peca are both better fits for what the Bolts are trying to accomplish, and Paquette's a penalty liability.

Peca is unrestricted, but I think Yzerman brings him back.

The 2018-2019 season is loaded with returning talent, but it's after 2019 things get murky.

Nikita Kucherov will be a restricted free agent and will draw a massive payday, especially if he has another huge season.

Defensemen Ryan McDonagh, Anton Stralman, Brayden Coburn and Dan Girardi are all unrestricted after 2019. McDonagh will probably stick around, but I can't see the rest of them, or even wanting the rest of them to return after next season. Possibly Stralman, who'll be 32 when camp begins.

Yzerman will have to pull some more tricks out of his cap if he wants to revamp the defense for the future. Trade Kucherov for an elite defender/defensive prospect anyone?

And speaking of the future, expect defenseman Cal Foote and right winger Taylor Raddysh to get a look or two this upcoming season. Both have been playing exceedingly well in Syracuse.

Alexander Volkov, Mitchell Stephens, and Dominik Masin are a few more names to keep an eye out for.

As for potential free agents the Bolts could bring in - I don't think the fans will see any. At least none that are game breakers. Patrick Maroon may be the one player Yzerman would consider.

Maroon's a bigger forward at 6'3, 225, and plays well on both sides of the ice. He'd be relatively inexpensive at 30 years old, but he is coming off of back surgery.

James Van Riemsdyk would be a dream scenario with his size and skillset, but he'll be garnering a huge payload the Bolts probably can't afford.

There you have it. A peek into the Lightning's future. 2018 is loaded for another Cup run.

It's 2019 where things become unclear.

*Update*

Yzerman has sent goaltender Peter Budaj to the Kings in exchange for forward Andy Andreoff. Andreoff's a bigger version of Paquette, which solidifies my suspicions that Yzerman won't re-sign Cedric.

Carter Verhaeghe has re-signed for a one-year deal. Verhaeghe scored 17 goals and added 31 assists for the Crunch.

Also, I'm hearing fans wishing Yzerman would trade Tyler Johnson before his no-trade clause kicks in July 1st.

Two things: 1. No franchise is taking on that oversaturated deal. 2. It would be an unsavory move causing future potential free agents to not trust Yzerman. It's not how Stevie rolls.

But stranger things have happened.

Where are the Tampa Bay Lightning's premier players? They have none

"Big time players step up in big time games" is an adage used to describe these types of situations.

The Capitals have established players who stepped up, especially after falling in the series 3-2 when the team started 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Washington regrouped, rebounded, and persevered.

The Lightning don't have the elite-level player. No one with that killer instinct. No one to motivate urgency.

Don't kid yourselves, Bolts' Fans, this one was over in Game 6 - not 7. Washington was more physical and inspired with its back against the wall, and it proved its worth shutting Tampa out 3-0 because Braden Holtby, a former Vezina Trophy recipient, played lights out.

He did the same thing last night and now has 159 scoreless minutes against the Lightning on 53 saves.

That's big time.

The defense in front of him blocked shots and leveled every Lightning player on the ice.

Truth is, Tampa wanted nothing to do with it. Fear set in, and no one became the emergent hero the Bolts desperately needed. No St. Louis. No Lecavalier.

Just Holtby.

Oh, you thought I was going to mention Ovechkin? No one can deny his presence - not just offensively, but making crucial plays on the defensive zone, too.

Kuznetzov, Burakovsky, and even the dirtiest of scum bags, Tom Wilson, was laying hits and creating turnovers.

Where was Stamkos? Kucherov? Where was the team that scored 290 goals during the regular season?

The regular season... Perhaps that's all Tampa's good at because the "hump" stigma Ovechkin has fought his entire career is officially on Stamkos and the Bolts.

Tremendous regular-season players. Choke artists in the playoffs. Three out of the last four Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Zero Stanley Cups to show for it.

Heck, Stamkos has yet to earn a single Game 7 point during his 10-year career.

I wonder when those memes will begin to surface because the whispers aren't far behind?

This one's not on Vasilevskiy or Jon Cooper. The Big Cat made some highlight-reel saves and kept the Lighting in it, and Cooper can't go out on the ice and score. The game plan was there and it wasn't executed.

Does this team need an overhaul? No, but it would help to get a little bigger and tougher. It'll be difficult to sign anyone this off season considering the Bolts are already pressed for cap space and J.T. Miller will be a restricted free agent - who is a must-sign.

Will Kucherov be trade bait if the Lightning have an average 2019? A trade like that could easily bring in an elite defender/player.

Losses like these create a ton of questions, none of which will be answered today or tomorrow. It'll stew with the fans throughout the long summer months.

Who is the Lightning's "big time" player(s)?

I don't know.

This is a make or break NFL free agency and draft for Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jason Licht

Jason Licht's on the bubble.

The Buccaneers' general manager has been inconsistent with both his free agent signings and draft picks.

While his early-round picks have panned out pretty well, his late-round picks are atrocious, and the bulk of NFL franchises are comprised of 5th- through 7th-round picks.

The free agency period is about to begin and the draft pundits are doling out mock drafts every 30 seconds. Licht's job, and possibly career, is at stake.

Here are a list of his draft picks since 2014:

2014:

Mike Evans, WR, 1st round - Nothing bad can be said about Evans. Four straight 1,000 yard seasons. One Pro Bowl. Great pick.

Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, TE, 2nd round - Never amounted to anything in Tampa. Was labeled as a lazy, entitled player. Bad pick.

Charles Sims, RB, 3rd round - Utility back that can't carry the load. Solid pass catcher. Struggled between the tackles. Good pick.

Kadeem Edwards, OL, 5th round - Has yet to play a meaningful snap in the NFL. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Kevin Pamphile, OL, 5th round - Has started 33 games in Tampa and has played well in key situations. Good pick.

Robert Herron, WR, 6h round - Never played a meaningful down in Tampa. Is no longer in the NFL. Bad pick.

2015:

James Winston, QB, 1st overall selection - First player in NFL history to eclipse 4,000 passing yards in each of his first two seasons. Inconsistencies and turnovers have plagued his young career. Good pick.

Donovan Smith, OL, 2nd round - Has started 47 games at left tackle, but has struggled recently with speedy edge rushers. Good pick.

Ali Marpet, OL, 2nd round - Has started 40 games at guard and center. Scouts questioned his abilities considering he came from a small college, but has proved doubters wrong. Great pick.

Kwon Alexander, LB, 4th round - Surprised since day one and hasn't disappointed. Earned first Pro Bowl in 2017. Great pick.

Kenny Bell, WR, 5th round - Has yet to catch a meaningful ball in the NFL. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Kaelin Clay, WR, 6th round - Has six receptions in three NFL seasons. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Joey Iosefa, RB, 7th round - Played in two NFL games. Is no longer in the NFL. Bad pick.

2016: 

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, 1st round - Has one interception and 15 passes defensed in 25 starts. Finished 2017 on the IR. Never built on his average rookie campaign. Bad pick.

Noah Spence, DE, 2nd round - Has started six games with 6.5 sacks, but his sophomore year was marred with injuries. Bad pick.

Roberto Aguayo, K, 2nd round - This is Licht's most egregious draft choice; trading back into the 2nd round, giving up a 3rd and 4th rounder, for the FSU kicker. Is no longer in Tampa, and was, until recently, jobless. Bad pick.

Ryan Smith, CB, 4th round - Played special teams and earned ten starts in 2017 due to injuries in the secondary. Has five passes defensed. Bad pick.

Caleb Benenoch, OL, 5th round - Has started six games at tackle and guard the past two seasons. Solid reserve player. Good pick.

Devante Bond, LB, 6th round - Has played mostly on special teams. Earned two starts in 2017 due to injuries. Solid reserve player. Good pick.

Dan Vitale, RB, 7th round - Never played a meaningful down in Tampa. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

2017:

OJ Howard, TE, 1st round - Was having a strong rookie campaign before missing the last few games due to injury. Fundamental run blocker and has the speed to create mismatches. Great pick.

Justin Evans, S, 2nd round - Started slow, but came on strong towards the end of the season - earning nine starts with three INTs. Good pick.

Chris Godwin, WR, 3rd round - Started two games and earned over 500 receiving yards as a spot player. Great pick.

Kendall Beckwith, LB, 3rd round - Started eleven games at all three linebacker positions. Tremendous athlete. Great pick.

Jeremy McNichols, RB, 5th round - Has yet to play a meaningful NFL down. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, 7th round - Has yet to play a meaningful NFL down. Bad pick.

Half of Licht's picks are bad picks, and I'm basing this off of productivity. Seeing the field, getting on the field, and making impactful plays equals productivity.

Eight of those picks are no longer in Tampa, and two of those are no longer in the NFL.

Winston is on the bubble and can quickly turn into a bad pick making Licht's resume even worse.

His free agent signings are pathetic:

2014:

Cornerback Alterraun Verner never played well in Tampa and was released in 2016. Left tackle Anthony Collins played one season and is no longer in the NFL. Defensive end Michael Johnson was a complete bust after one season. And defensive tackle Clinton McDonald was the only free-agent signing that panned out.

2015:

Linebacker Bruce Carter played one season and was beat out by a rookie in Kwon Alexander. Henry Melton played poorly for one season and is no longer in the NFL. Safety Chris Conte has been serviceable, yet inconsistent. Cornerback Sterling Moore played well in one season.

2016:

Guard JR Sweezy missed all of 2016 with a back injury and played in 14 games last season. Cornerback Brent Grimes has been an excellent addition to the secondary, but he's 34. Defensive end Robert Ayers never lived up to his lofty expectations, amounting two sacks last season.

2017:

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson didn't have the same impact as he did in Philadelphia, but that may be because Jackson and Winston never got on the same page. Defensive tackle Chris Baker played one season and was a disappointment.

That's six players that stayed in Tampa for one season. Technically, it may be seven if JR Sweezy is released considering he only played one season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans, look above. That is why this team hasn't developed in the last five years. Bad free agent signings and only half of the draft picks having any kind of significant effect.

Sad truth, this team isn't talented. The coaching staff isn't working with impressive players.

Licht's bubble will burst unless he and his staff revamp how they evaluate talent. If not, expect a complete overhaul after the 2018 season.

For the bridge-diving Tampa Bay Lightning fans: by the numbers

Tampa Bay Lightning fans are worried the charmed  ride will end sooner rather than later and unjustifiably so.

Maybe it's because the Buccaneers haven't been to the playoffs since 2007 or maybe it's because the Rays have been making some questionable decisions lately, but the fans in Tampa are anxious.

Why?

The Bolts are 7-2-1 the last ten games and 4-0-1 in its last five with a plus-3 point differential. All five went into overtime or shootout with three of those victories against current playoff teams (Toronto, Dallas, and Philadelphia). 

Buffalo got the best of Tampa recently in a 2-1 OT disappointment, but rebounded against the hottest team in Philadelphia last Saturday in a 7-6 OT rally.

No matter the circumstances, this team has a special sort of resolve and never-surrender attitude. Something playoff mentality teams do.

Is the Buffalo game what's upsetting everyone? Is it the amount of goals allowed or games taken into overtime that has everyone fidgeting?

Let's take a look at a few numbers:

(Florida is currently on the outside looking in the playoff picture, but let's add them anyway since the Panthers are one-point out) 

The Lightning are 13-8 against all current Eastern playoff teams with a plus-21 point differential. New Jersey is 2-0 against Tampa with a plus-2 on them (both games were one-point victories). Boston is 1-0, but the top-two teams in the Atlantic will meet three more times. The lone victory came in Boston on a back-to-back, 3-2.

The rest? 

Washington - 2-1, plus-1

Pittsburgh - 2-1, plus-4

Columbus - 3-0, plus-8

Philadelphia - 2-1, plus-5

Toronto - 2-1, plus-2

Florida - 2-1, plus-4

No one's talking about gaining an integral part of the team when arguably the Lightning's best two-way player, Ondrej Palat, returns soon, as well as gaining Ryan McDonagh, who'll make his debut another game since he was seen practicing with a red, non-contact jersey during the morning skate.

This, and the next 11 out of 16 games are at Amalie where the Lightning have won 76% of the time.

If Bolts fans truly want to worry, out of the next 16, 11 are against teams with a .500 or better record. The good news is the Lightning play up to its level of competition.

Yes, the defense is a concern. Expect to see less Andrej Sustr and more Slater Koekkoek in the coming weeks. 

Barring a severe injury, this team is primed for a Stanley Cup run. The doom-and-gloom attitudes make little sense when the Lightning currently have 94 points and sit atop all standings - not just the Eastern. 

Reinforcements are coming. The team doesn't quit.

Enjoy the ride, Tampa.

Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning make the right moves before NHL trade deadline

It isn't a question of whether the Lightning made a good move. It's the simple idea of proven commodities versus potential.

And the Bolts received instant help at a fair price.

On Monday, General Manager Steve Yzerman traded center Vladislav Namestnikov, two prospects, a first rounder in 2018, and a conditional first rounder in 2019 to the New York Rangers for defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward J.T. Miller.

The price appears steep, but the Lightning gain a cerebral, veteran defender in McDonagh to shore up a lagging blue-line defense. McDonagh has been known to utilize his athleticism and intelligence to keep offenses at bay, and pairing him with his former Rangers teammate, defenseman Dan Girardi, might rejuvenate the 33-year-old Girardi, who's already having a monster year.

McDonagh has been in the Norris Trophy discussion in the past; most notably during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The former New York captain is currently a +7 on the season with 26 assists and two goals.

Miller is a bit of an underrated player and galvanizes a glaring weakness - face-offs.

Steven Stamkos is currently Tampa Bay's best face-off option, winning 51.6% of his face-offs, good enough for 48th in the NHL. Miller is 22nd, winning 54.3% of his face-offs. It seems like a simple facet of the game, but becomes crucial down the stretch, in the 3rd period, and could be the difference in preserving a one-goal lead or staving off a fierce rally.

He's also a sneaky scorer, hitting the back of the net 22 times in both 2016 and 2017. Miller is the type of player Yzerman and Jon Cooper love: a two-way grinder that'll mix it up on the penalty kill.

New York is getting a good deal, receiving the youngsters it needs to rebuild a stagnant program.

Namestnikov's roll will increase and he'll become even more of a goal scorer and all-around facilitator for the Rangers, and there's no telling whether the Lightning could've re-signed the center considering he'll be a restricted free agent this summer and will garner a hefty pay raise due to a career season.

The Rangers also gain two young and potentially excellent prospects in forward Brett Howden and defenseman Libor Hajek.

Key word: potential. While Howden and Hajek may become staples for the Rangers, the Lightning are loaded with talented forwards and defensemen in its farm system allowing Yzerman to trade away the prospects.

Proven NHLers far outweigh minor leaguers who have yet to see NHL action, and this move makes Tampa Bay heavy contenders.

It's a win-win for both teams. Tampa gets to go on a Stanley Cup run, while the Rangers get to rebuild a once proud organization.

It was the right move at the right time for both organizations.

The University of Central Florida Knights epitomize everything wrong with competitive sports

Comedian Demetri Martin has a great rant on sports and championships. "I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything."

This is how the University of Central Florida Knights will be remembered in 2018.

Not for sending shockwaves throughout the college football landscape by upsetting perennial power, and former No. 1 team in the country, Auburn in the Peach Bowl New Year's Day.

It won't be for going undefeated with an epic overtime win against Memphis in the AAC Championship Game.

Or not for defeating rival USF in what many consider to be one of the best games of the college football season.

Nope. Instead, UCF will be remembered for its persistent whining and blubbering about how the program deserves to be National Champions because it went 13-0 with a win against the Tigers.

So...give it to them.

Yes. Seriously. Why not?

Society has begrudgingly accepted the "Everyone-Gets-a-Trophy" culture and UCF is the quintessential definition of the insufferable juvenile stomping their feet until they get what they want without deserving the rewards.

The Knights defeated a very good Auburn team. An Auburn team that defeated both Georgia and Alabama - both of whom are playing for the National Championship.

But that's where the argument ends.

Even the little brother gets a win against his big brother in a game of hoops once in a while.

According to TeamRankings.com, UCF has the 54th toughest schedule in the nation and Sagarin, who is universally respected in the college football world, has the Knights at 72nd.

Before its New Year's Day victory, UCF has two wins against a Top-25 College Football Playoff ranked team (Memphis twice).

None of this inspires champion, but give it to them anyway. They deserved to be called National Champions, just like 1998 Tulane or 1999 Marshall deserve it.

UCF did itself a disservice and painted a huge target on its back for next season with this abomination. LaVar Ball thinks the Knights complain too much.

The right move was to have a parade to celebrate an undefeated season, but entitlement created a monster because the Knights defeated the likes of FIU and Austin Peay.

What the Knights don't have is consistency. The program could be avoiding all of this if UCF would've continued the winning wave after its victory against Baylor in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. Instead, the momentum quickly ebbed with a forgettable winless record in 2015.

The Knights have zero clout. No tradition. And no legacy.

Florida State had to schedule games at places like Nebraska and LSU, without a return game, to build its program and prestige.

It won. Proving everyone wrong over and again consistently throughout the '80's to be considered a premier power, even with a down 2017 season.

The Knights lack that consistency.

Want to be respected? Then win in 2018. Win in 2019. And so on.

But who're we kidding. The Knights are having a parade.

Congrats to the 2017 National Champions.

Edco must be having a sale.

Seminoles' Head Coach Jimbo Fisher has burnt too many bridges at Florida State University

There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. - from Julius Caesar

The Jimbo Fisher saga is now a stagnant, mess of an issue at Florida State, and Fisher is largely to blame.

Media outlets have confirmed that the Texas A&M Board of Regents is set to meet on Thursday in order to approve Fisher's potential contract. This has been public knowledge the last day and a half, and it's something Fisher could've easily dispelled or turned down to end all speculation.

Instead, he let it play out.

Considering Fisher is mum on the situation leads administration and boosters to believe Fisher is gone.

If that's the case, Fisher needs to come out and say it one way or the other. It's not exactly fair to the University, its students, its fans, the boosters, and especially recruits who're currently looking elsewhere.

Wanya Morris, a 4-star offensive lineman, has already backed out of his commitment to the Seminoles and more will soon follow.

Even if Fisher decides to get cold feet and return to FSU, he has burnt some powerful bridges. The Auburn drama of 2010, the consecutive years where LSU tried to pull Fisher, and now the TAMU fiasco is creating distrust with the boosters - many of whom would like to see Fisher take the Aggie gig.

Jimmy Sexton, Fisher's long-time agent, has leveraged money every time Fisher has been sought after by other schools. Florida State President John Thrasher isn't budging and won't give Fisher another raise, but is allegedly willing to put more money into finding competent assistant coaches.

Upgraded facilities and a football-only complex is supposed to be in the works, as well.

If Fisher stays, it'll play out again next season where a new SEC team will try and poach Fisher eventually leaving Florida State to scramble for a new coach.

The Seminoles won't be caught off guard.

Rumors are circulating that administration has contacted Oregon Head Coach Willie Taggart about the potential vacancy, and Taggart has expressed interest.

Taggart knows the State of Florida and is a relentless recruiter.

More will be known in the next couple of days, and regardless of how this is played out Fisher has done some serious internal damage within the program.

Florida State is currently a better program than TAMU, but Texas money combined with SEC funds could potentially change that.

Maybe it's time for Fisher to take his money and go.

Love them or hate them, give the Miami Hurricanes props

Wise men ne'er sit and wail their loss, but cheerily seek how to redress their harms. - from King Henry VI

"The U is back" is a yearly joke.

The ACC was arrogantly dubbed by fans the "All 'Canes Conference" after Miami joined in 2004.

The Hurricanes have never played in the ACC Championship Game. Miami's last conference title was 2003 and haven't been in a National Championship game since the controversial contest against Ohio State in 2002.

Since then, the U hasn't come close to even resembling the early 2000's teams.

Randy Shannon once had the Hurricanes "back," leading Miami to a 9-4 record in 2009. He did so with a brutal schedule, surpassing all expectations. Prospects were high for 2010.

He was fired the next season after a Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame and a 7-6 record.

Not back.

Al Golden also had the Hurricanes "back," starting the 2013 season 7-0 and reaching No. 7 in the AP poll. Golden's Hurricanes were soundly beaten by Florida State and finished the year 9-3 - losing to Louisville 36-9 in the Russell Athletics Bowl.

With a couple of solid recruiting classes, expectations were once again rising.

He was fired in 2015 after losing to Clemson 58-0.

Miami was "back?"

Enter Mark Richt.

He had the U back in 2016, beginning the season 4-0 with hated FSU coming to Miami.

A blocked extra point led to a Seminole's victory and the Hurricanes would lose four straight.

The memes and jokes were back, but this was different. Miami would rebound, winning five straight including a victory against West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Perhaps the weather in South Florida was changing.

The 2017 Hurricanes weren't impressing anyone.

They struggled in the first half against Toledo.

They needed a last-minute touchdown against the worst Florida State team in 40 years.

They needed a last-second field goal against Georgia Tech.

They needed a fourth quarter to seal victories against a pesky Syracuse and stingy North Carolina squad.

There's no reason for the 'Canes to be 8-0 and ranked 7th in the AP poll. Not with late-game heroics. Not against inferior competition.

These were the games they were losing when pundits pegged them as "back."

But here they are. Dismantling a good Virginia Tech team and setting up a potentially epic top-10 match-up against Notre Dame.

This team is resilient, plays hard, doesn't quit, and most importantly they're having fun. Look to the sidelines and watch the players with the "turnover chain" and laughing it up with their team mates. They play for each other. They're a family.

They're the U. It's what has been missing the last 15 seasons. That continuity. That passion.

"The U's back" hasn't been uttered yet. Perhaps ESPN is waiting for Miami's first ACC Championship Game appearance. Maybe FoxSports will wait and see if Miami defeats Notre Dame this Saturday.

Regardless, the joke's over. Put the memes away.

Miami's for real.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev is for real

Be great in act, as you have been thought. - from King John

Tampa Bay Lightning fans didn't know what to expect from defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

The 19-year-old was traded to Tampa for Jonathan Drouin, who was supposed to be the next Steven Stamkos. Fans knew Drouin had tremendous upside and saw flashes of his speed and brilliance during the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Drouin was also an alleged problem in the locker room - already bumping heads with GM Steve Yzerman about wanting out of Tampa due to the organization sending Drouin down to the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, at the beginning of the 2016 season.

Yzerman saw it as a way for Drouin to get playing time and refine his skills instead of being lost in a shuffle of scorers.

Drouin saw it as disrespect.

Sports really is the ultimate soap opera.

Enter Sergachev.

Sergachev was Montreal's 9th overall pick in the 2016 Entry Level Draft. The scout's praised his fluid skating for a kid that's 6'3", 215 pounds. He's competitive, confident, a true two-way player, but he couldn't break into the Canadiens lineup - spending the majority of his 2016-2017 season with Montreal's OHL affiliate, the Windsor Spitfires.

Enter Drouin.

It seemed like Montreal was getting the better end of this deal. They were inheriting a proven scorer, a playoff veteran, and a presence to increase Montreal's power play.

Tampa didn't know what they were getting. Or did they?

Although Drouin has played one less game, trading for Sergachev is paying huge dividends.

Through nine games, Sergachev has three goals, five assists, and is a plus-three on the early season.

Drouin has two goals, three assists, and is a minus-five through eight.

Sergachev is shoring up a blue-line defense that was porous and a problem a season ago utilizing his speed and athleticism to slow the opposition down.

Yzerman is known as a mad scientist when it comes to situations and trades like these, but even he couldn't have scripted a better start, especially since Montreal is off to a horrendous 1-6-1 record, while the Lightning just dismantled the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champs 7-1 last night where Sergachev blasted in a power play goal.

The Bolts also have the best record and lead the NHL in points.

The season's early and anything can happen between now and May, but there's no denying Sergachev is having a positive impact on the Lightning's success.

For Sergachev and the Bolts, expectations are high.

What's going on with Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III?

Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie which we ascribe to heaven. - from All's Well That Ends Well

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback Vernon Hargreaves is having a bad year statistically.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hargreaves, a first round pick out of the University of Florida, has been targeted 37 times, giving up 404 yards receiving, and is ranked the 108th cornerback in the National Football League.

Dirk Koetter admitted to being concerned over Hargreaves play. "He should be," Hargreaves told PewterReport columnist Scott Reynolds. "I'm not making plays; I'm not producing."

Against the Patriots, Hargreaves allowed 94 yards and a touchdown on all six targets. He had a slight improvement against the Cardinals, allowing 50 yards, but was targeted five times while Carson Palmer connected on all five. He also missed three tackles in the loss to Arizona.

Hargreaves has one pass breakup this season.

So what exactly is the issue?

A former Buccaneer player, who requested not to be named, says, "He's still young with a lot to learn, but he's on the right track."

A former University of Florida defensive player, who also requested not to be named, agrees with the sentiment. "It's his second year and he's getting targeted a lot because he's young and still developing."

How can the Buccaneers defense support a young, struggling cornerback and help him develop?

For one, a pass rush would be nice.

The Bucs are last in the NFL in sacks with six and are second-to-last in sacks per pass attempt at 3.6%, according to Football Outsiders. Just to put things in perspective, the Jaguars have 23 sacks and get to the quarterback nearly 11% per pass attempt.

"Yep, that effects every cornerback," says the Bucs' source.

Not coincidentally enough, the Jags also lead the NFL in interceptions (10).

The Bucs? Four. Good for a tie at 18th.

The correlation between a violent pass rush and consistent secondary play is undeniable.

Without a pass rush, corners are left out to dry. It's an impossible task to ask a corner to continually shadow a receiver for long periods of time, but it feels like Hargreaves has had the coverage. Just not the success.

"He's covering the wide receivers pretty tight," explains the Gators' source, "but there have been those plays where he has gotten burnt."

Improvements across the defense need to form quickly, and hopefully Hargreaves gets to stick around long enough to enjoy potential success.

Until then, the bust card is looming.

Florida State's Jimbo Fisher is no different than former LSU coach Les Miles

Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. - from Twelfth Night

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher is garnering tons of negative attention and justifiably so.

His team was ranked third in the nation before losing to Alabama in a contest where FSU's starting quarterback was knocked out for the year.

The Seminoles never got off of the bus a couple of weeks later against North Carolina State.

FSU squeaked by Wake Forest on a last-minute touchdown, followed by a heart-crunching, last-second defeat at the hands of the hated Miami Hurricanes.

And the 'Noles are now 1-3.

FSU could easily be 3-1, but it's not. Great teams find ways to win. Losers accept ways to lose.

One of Florida State's prestigious websites didn't appreciate a blogger challenging Fisher's coaching choices nor the claim that FSU won't win against anyone except Delaware State the rest of the season because facts weren't utilized.

They were right. The Seminoles beat big, bad Wake.

Barely.

Apparently, facts and stats outweigh old fashioned opinions, so here goes:

Jimbo Fisher is Les Miles.

(In no way shape or form is this a championing for Miles to be FSU's next head coach. It's only for comparison purposes.)

Miles' LSU team lost to Alabama in the 2011 National Title game. In the three years after LSU's defeat, Miles regular-season record gradually declined, from 10-2 the following season to 8-4 by 2014 - a 75% winning percentage during the span.

He posted a 62% SEC winning percentage in the same time period, losing to unranked teams three times.

Miles never sniffed another SEC Championship Game before being fired in 2016

Since losing to Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff, Fisher is 20-9 - a 70% winning percentage.

This season hasn't concluded so there is time for Florida State's percentages to go up. Or down.

He has posted a 67% ACC winning percentage since 2015, while losing to three unranked teams.

Fisher hasn't come close to playing in the ACC Championship Game since the Jameis Winston-led, 2014 squad.

The difference is Fisher has been doing all of this with superior talent.

After winning the 2013 National Title, Fisher has never finished below fourth in any of the major recruiting services (ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports).

On the other hand, Miles has never finished better than sixth since losing to 'Bama in 2011 - and even had a class finish 18th (2012, according to Rivals).

So Miles was doing a better job with lesser talent in a tougher conference. Or was it?

Fisher has had to deal with a slightly harder strength of schedule. From 2015 to present, FSU has averaged the 11th hardest strength of schedule, according to Sagarin.

LSU from 2012 to 2014 has had the 13th.

Chalk one up for Jimbo. Sort of...

Facts and data are boring, but are a necessary evil when evaluating coaches. Fisher has clearly been underachieving since 2015. Issues with the offensive line and defense have got to be addressed this off-season or else Fisher shouldn't be Florida State's head coach much longer.

Les is more, and Jimbo has done a lot less with more.

Jimbo Fisher is the blame for Florida State Seminoles' woes

Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we often might win by fearing to attempt. - from Measure to Measure

North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb spit on Florida State's midfield logo after his team embarrassed the Seminoles 27-21 in FSU's home opener.

The crude gesture is a foreshadow and symbolic to the 'Noles season: It's over.

Two games into the fresh college football year, FSU has nothing to play for. Its once National Championship aspirations faded when quarterback Deondre Francois went out with a season-ending knee injury.

And now the mighty Seminoles are on the outside looking in in the Atlantic Coast Conference. With both a turnstile offensive line and porous defense, who exactly are the 'Noles going to beat on its schedule? Delaware State?

Jimbo Fisher didn't do his true freshman quarterback any favors Saturday afternoon. He completely left James Blackman out to dry by throwing the football to begin the game rather than lining up and playing smash-mouth football to wear out a stout Wolfpack defense.

Blackman did look good at times, but Jimbo can't expect the young signal caller to shoulder such a burden and responsibility.

Is it offensive line coach Rick Trickett? Is his time up at FSU?

Is it the recruits? Surely a relentless recruiter like Fisher couldn't miss on an entire line, could he?

Speaking of recruits, how is it quarterback JJ Cosentino hasn't grasped the offense? As a redshirt junior, one would assume he'd be a lock to start ahead of a freshman, right?

What about the talented defense led by a Heisman trophy candidate; one who got completely faked out of his mind for a long Wolfpack touchdown catch and run?

It all points back to one person: Jimbo Fisher.

Has anyone done less with more?

The 2013 National Title, with a generational quarterback, and a ticket to the inaugural College Football Playoffs, with a generational quarterback, seems like decades ago. Hope and pleasant surprises are done at FSU. Expectations are always going to be high.

National Championship or bust.

And Jimbo doesn't know how to satisfy such expectations.

From here on out, every ACC bottom-dweller will give FSU its best shot because they are down and nearly out. If Fisher loses to Wake Forest this weekend where the offensive line continues to fail, the defense continues to underachieve, and the play-calling continues to be reckless, is it time to see FSU's head coach the door?

Absolutely.

A quarterback should have been better prepared, an offensive line should have known assignments, a defense should have been motivated and ready, and a veteran play-caller should not have been outdone by a coach with lesser talent.

But that's Jimbo.

FSU went 0-2 to start its 1989 season. That squad won ten straight. The 2017 team doesn't have the same pride.

Let's see how good a coach Jimbo really is because chances are there will be plenty more field spitting in 2017.

ESPN throws a degrading Hail Mary with College Game Day in Manhattan

There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. – from Hamlet

ESPN made a severe miscalculation and it’s chucking a Hail Mary to remedy the rolling chaos currently trickling down the one-time sports giant.

Ratings have dropped nine percent since July of 2017 and advertising dollars are falling as well.

What can the network do to dress its wounds?

Record ratings have graced the national news networks with the main catalyst being the man in the oval office and his antics. It’s common to hop on Twitter and have a civil debate or raging argument over what the President is doing, has been doing, isn’t doing, et cetera.

ESPN is trying to imitate what the major news networks have been doing all along; mostly creating political controversy in the sports world in hopes of renewing lost viewers.

The polarizing Colin Kaepernick debate and obsession is getting stale, but it’s still a major topic on social media. It’s politically driven and generates tons of difference from the viewing masses. ESPN has beaten this dead horse into the ground and more, but continues to regurgitate the same material, i.e. “Is he being blackballed?” or “Is he really any good?”

By doing so, viewers are tuning elsewhere because they’re sick of the same, circular argument.

ESPN’s Jemele Hill claimed the President to be a “white supremacist,” setting Twitter into a political blitzkrieg. The result was an apology to her employer and outrage elsewhere. Discussions about her job and her right to free speech became the overwhelming focus.

I’m not saying that what she did was forced for ratings, but it was forced. Was it a ploy to generate reviewers to her declining SportsCenter SC6 show?

So did politics, mixed with sports, remedy the bleeding company?

Disney’s shares are down 0.6%, and the mass media and entertainment conglomerate is currently in negotiations with Altice, USA, a New York-based cable company which claims 4.9 million customers, according to Altice’s website. If a mutual agreement isn’t made by September 30^th, ABC, ESPN and other Disney-owned programming are going to be blacked out in the New York tri-state area.

ESPN’s widely popular college pregame show, College Game Day, is in Manhattan this week over the likes of Mississippi State v Georgia and TCU v Oklahoma State – all of which are top-20 teams.

I wonder why Game Day decided to go to Manhattan, a city without a football team?

While New York City is engaging and filled with diverse cultures and interesting sites, it’s not a place for college football. Northerners don’t care about college football as much as others do across the United States.

College sports cater to small-town America; places like Ann Arbor, Eugene, South Bend, Gainesville, Tulsa, Tuscaloosa, and Fort Worth. Setting Game Day up in Manhattan feels contrived and like a cash grab in the US’s biggest market.

Losing tons of money makes one desperate.

But, most importantly, it feels like Disney and ESPN are placating to Altice and begging for a deal.

ESPN tried something new by entertaining the political market and it backfired greatly by agitating those who tune in solely for sports, and now it’s trying to rectify itself by pandering to a company which may cut ties with the World Wide Leader sooner rather than later.

It won’t be long before the 4-Letter consumes itself. This ball is a duck and no one’s coming down with it.

The Bulls' defense needs revamping and a New Years Six game is Strong possibility: University of South Florida 2017 Season Preview

Charlie Strong inherited a Cadillac at the University of South Florida.

The Bulls' head coach gets a senior quarterback, who's a Heisman candidate, that amassed 4,342 total yards last season.

By himself.

He has a utility running back capable of  breaking one big either running or catching the football.

He gets a speedster at wide receiver who averaged nearly 19 yards a catch.

USF scored 73 offensive touchdowns in 2016, averaging 511 yards a game.

Strong's offense is strong, but he also inherited a lemon.

While the Bulls' offense is loaded with talent and playmakers across the board, its defense was a turnstile in 2016. Strong inherits a defense ranked 120th - allowing 482 yards per game and nearly 32 points.

If USF wants to be considered a good program and if they want to compete with the likes of its in-state rivals, it needs to change the culture of its porous defense.

And that's Strong's specialty.

During the 2009 season, Louisville ranked 65th in total defense - allowing 26 points per game. Strong took over in 2010 and completely overhauled the Cardinals' defense - allowing 19 points per game and jumping up to 18th nationally.

In Strong's final year at Louisville, the Cardinals defeated the Florida Gators 33-23 in the Sugar Bowl with a stifling defense ranked first in the nation.

And he did it all with lesser talent than the so-called "big dogs." This should excite USF fan.

If Strong can do in his first year at USF what he did at Louisville there's no doubt this team can go undefeated considering it's strength of schedule.

Sorry, USF fan, but it's the truth. The Bulls play nobody and it's the reason a New Years Six Bowl looks promising, but not the Playoffs. The committee would never take USF over, say, a two-loss ACC Champion in Clemson or two-loss SEC Champion in Alabama. Not until stronger opponents are scheduled. Don't believe me? See the 2015 Houston Cougars.

But like the 2015 Cougar team that defeated Florida State in the Peach Bowl, the Bulls, too, can reach a New Years Six Bowl and beat a notable opponent gaining notoriety for its program.

Or, like that Cougar team, the Bulls will lose its head coach for a shinier garage.

Observations: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason Victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars

These observations are based on the projected starters

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense displayed balance and precision throughout its first few drives during Thursday night's victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jameis Winston was locked in early, finishing the night 21-of-29 for 196 yards. The ground game got going in the second exhibition game and the defensive front seven impressed, but the secondary was below average - struggling against the likes of an undrafted rookie. Winston has got to cut down on stupid mistakes and the kicking game is a disaster.

The Good

Winston has been a notoriously slow starter, sometimes allowing his emotions to get the better of him then taking a quarter or two to settle down. In both preseason games, Winston has been poised - going 5-of-6 in the opening drive while hitting four different receivers not named Mike Evans. Doug Martin would eventually punch it in for a two-yard touchdown run.

The check-down pass has eluded Winston in his first couple of seasons, but he utilized his fourth and fifth reads thanks to stellar pass protection. On the second offensive drive, Winston threaded a laser to Evans for a 21-yard gain, eventually leading the offense to a field goal. The superstar wide out caught five passes for 57 yards in the first half.

The offensive line struggled to run block against the Bengals, but had plenty of wide holes and cutback lanes for Martin, who finished with five carries for 30 yards and the score. In the first quarter, Martin found a huge hole behind the right side of the line for an 11-yard gain. Martin may have scored if not for Jags' safety Barry Church.

The defensive front seven came out more aggressive than it did against Cincinnati. Strong side rookie linebacker Kendall Beckwith dragged Jags' running back Chris Ivory down for a one-yard loss and weak side linebacker Lavonte David continues to show why he's one of the best in the game, stopping Jags' running back T.J. Yeldon behind the line then sacking quarterback Blake Bortles later on in the second.

The linebackers can't do their job unless the defensive line has a push, and the front four was in the Jags' backfield all throughout the first half.

The Bad

Roberto Aguayo is gone. Kicker Nick Folk has this kicking job in the bag, right?

Folk struggled, getting an extra point blocked then missing a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter. A kick that long isn't a gimme, but the coaching staff is frustrated nonetheless considering they cut Aguayo for doing the same things. The difference is Folk isn't a second round pick. Aguayo was.

Folk will continue to get his chances, but another game like that and Head Coach Dirk Koetter along with General Manager Jason Licht might be looking elsewhere.

The Ugly

Tampa Bay's secondary isn't very good and wrinkles must be ironed out before next week's dress rehearsal. Vernon Hargreaves III was abused by Jags' wide receiver Allen Robinson throughout the first half. Hargreaves earned a pass interference penalty against Robinson in the second quarter then followed it up allowing Robinson a 12-yard gain.

Late in the first half, Robinson deked Hargreaves for what would have been a 22-yard touchdown pass, but Robinson dropped the ball. Hargreaves was also abused by undrafted rookie free agent Keenan Cole out of Kentucky Weslyan when the rookie sped past Hargreaves and dropped what would have been a wide open touchdown.

Jags' tight end Mercedes Lewis had a drop in the second quarter and Bucs' nickel cornerback Javien Elliot allowed Robinson to run right past him for a potentially huge gain, but Bortles vastly under threw the wide out.

This game changes drastically if not for so many drops by Jags' wide receivers, but the offense isn't without its faults.

With less than eight minutes remaining in the first half, Winston threw an ill-advised interception in the end zone. Lucky for the Bucs he was called down before he threw the ball.

On third-and-goal, Winston went back to pass, but was met by Jags' defensive end Dante Fowler. With Fowler wrapped around his legs and another Jags' defender grabbing at Winston's helmet, the third-year QB threw up a prayer and was intercepted by Church. It was a stupid play that could've cost the Bucs the game.

A few plays before Winston's mistake, Evans dropped what would've been a 43-yard touchdown. It hit him right in the hands.

Backed up close to its end zone on second-and-long, Winston forced a ball to wide receiver Chris Godwin, who was double covered. The ball was nearly intercepted by Jags' safety Jarrod Wilson. Those plays are aggravating and can't happen with an offense this talented.

The Bucs play the Cleveland Browns this Saturday at Raymond James.

Florida State safety Derwin James isn't going to win the Heisman, so just stop

Derwin James is a physical specimen.

The highly touted 5-star safety made an immediate impact on Florida State's defense as a true freshman during the 2015 campaign, racking up 91 total tackles and forcing two fumbles. Opposing offensive coordinators quickly noticed James' controlled, smart and violent style of football, having to game plan around his athleticism and versatility.

He has been compared to a Miami Hurricanes great, the late Sean Taylor, on many occasions for their similar size and presence.

James' 2016 season started off well, tallying 11 tackles and an interception before hurting his left knee in the week two contest against Charleston Southern, which sidelined him the rest of the year.

With the 2017 season weeks away, James has been mentioned as a Heisman candidate and potential top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. James is certainly gifted enough to garner such accolades as an NFL prospect, but a Heisman candidate he is not.

As a matter of fact, a defensive player hasn't won the Heisman since Charles Woodson did so for Michigan back in 1997, and some will argue he earned the prestigious NCAA award because he played on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver and punt returner. Woodson was the quintessential definition of an athlete.

James just plays safety.

Fourteen of the last seventeen winners have been quarterbacks. The other three have been running backs. Notre Dame's Manti Te'o was the closest true defensive player to come close to sniffing the Heisman - finishing second to Johnny Manziel in 2012. Michigan linebacker/safety Jabrill Peppers finished fifth last season.

Other than Woodson, the last time the winner played a position other than quarterback or running back was 1991 when Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard took the award.

Vegas has given James a 50-1 long shot,  so with the odds stacked against James why even mention him in the Heisman race?

Easy. Labor Day weekend. The biggest match-up to start the college football season in years.

Alabama versus Florida State. Primetime television. The brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

And both teams will be highly ranked with a star-studded lineup.

The Crimson Tide will march out starting quarterback, and Heisman hopeful, Jalen Hurts as well as starting running back, and Heisman hopeful, Bo Scarbrough.

If only the Seminoles had a recognizable athlete on the defensive side of the ball to clash against the Tides' unstoppable force...

This'll be the narrative for the next few weeks, all so the 4-Letter and talking heads around the U.S. have something to debate until Labor Day weekend. James will either be Florida State's redeemer as the leader of a defense who stopped Alabama or he'll be the disappointment who couldn't live up to his lofty expectations if his team loses.

It's a win-win for the networks.

Make no mistake, James is an elite collegiate athlete. He's just not a Heisman candidate.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht to Blame for Roberto Aguayo Fiasco

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had pressing needs. A pass rusher, a safety, a wide receiver, and offensive line help. The organization was desperate for all of those positions, but, instead, Bucs' General Manager Jason Licht took a gamble - trading back into the second round by giving up a third and a fourth round pick.

It was a desperation move.

Roberto Aguayo should've never been a second-round draft pick.

It's not that he isn't talented. Far from it. He was Florida State's 2nd three-time All-American. The first? Some guy named Deion Sanders.

As a freshman, he set NCAA records scoring 157 points in 2013.

He won the Lou Groza award in 2013, given to the NCAA's best kicker.

He never missed an extra point in college. He missed one field goal his freshman year, three as a sophomore and was automatic from 39 yards in.

Aguayo had the leg and the accolades. Still, he should have never gone that high in the 2016 NFL Draft. It's not his fault. Licht is to blame.

Kyle Brindza was the kicker to start the 2015-2016 season for the Bucs. He had the leg, nailing a 58-yard field goal against Houston that season, but was successful on only 50% of his field goals for Tampa. Brindza was criticized for some of Tampa Bay's early-season losses. Losses that came back to haunt them to end the year.

The Bucs brought Conner Barth back for a second stint and he was consistent the rest of the 2015-2016 season. But Licht was still haunted by Brindza, and Licht saw an opportunity.

When Bucs' fans stared at the TV that Friday night, the scroll read "Trade" with the Buccaneer logo next to "Pick Is In." Most fans thought it was going to be Ohio State safety Vonn Bell, who would've satisfied one of the positions Tampa desperately needed.

"Roberto Aguayo, kicker, Florida State."

Silence fell on Bucs' fans everywhere. Twitter was instantly filled with questions and venom.

This was a stupid pick. It wasn't Aguayo's fault.

A kicker was not going to change the fate of a 6-10 Buccaneer team. He was not going to win them 10 games. He wasn't worth a lofty pick, especially with so many other needs.

Aguayo struggled during the NFL's 2016-2017 preseason and grumblings could be heard across the Bay Area, but Aguayo never lost the Bucs a game like Brindza did. Other than a blowout loss against the Cardinals, Aguayo was...average.

He nailed a game winner against the Panthers on Monday Night in October. He was 92-of-94 on extra points during the regular season. What hurt Aguayo was he was never consistent - hitting only 71% of his field goal attemtps. He should've been an impact player as a second-round draft pick, but he crumbled under pressure.

A kicker should never be the savior of a franchise. It's not like the Bucs had all of the pieces in place and the final key was a kicker. They had needs all over.

Aguayo may never be the same again and his NFL career could potentially be over. He'll most likely earn a shot elsewhere. Who knows if he'll be successful, but the bust stigma is currently hanging over his head.

Licht gave up picks for a kicker.

That's not on Aguayo.

Observations: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason Loss to the Cincinnati Bengals

These observations are based on the projected starters 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell in its preseason opener Friday night to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-12. While the contest did feature a few positive moments, it was overshadowed by poor tackling, lack of explosion in the trenches, and a frustrating kicker. But, altogether now, it's only preseason and these are easily correctable miscues.

The Good

Quarterback Jameis Winston and the passing game looked sharp in the opening series. Winston connected with wide receiver Mike Evans on three separate occasions - one of which a 29-yard lob to the Bengals 48-yard line, and hooked up with tight end Cameron Brate twice. Winston finished the game 9-for-13 for 99 yards.

The pass protection gave Winston plenty of time to throw with a wide pocket, and the third-year signal caller was fluid in his mobility when the pocket did give way. On 3rd-and-8 from the Bengals 16-yard line, Winston was able to step and scramble to his right finding a wide open Evans for a 12-yard gain. Evans caught four passes for 58 yards.

The offense should be even more explosive this season with the additions of free agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson and rookie first round tight end OJ Howard, and both players should alleviate the rolling pressure on Evans.

The Bad

The trenches on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball were lackluster and nonexplosive.

The offensive line excelled in pass protection, but was nonexistent in the run game. The push wasn't there and it showed with running back Doug Martin finishing the game with four carries for 11 yards. The play-action pass is an important part of Head Coach Dirk Koetter's offense, and if the run game isn't there to keep opposing linebackers and safeties in check then defenses will play man coverage with two safeties deep and allow for its pass rushers to tee off on Winston.

The Bucs' defensive line is soft and unnoticeable. Bengals' running backs Jeremy Hill and Joe Mixon were able to find big holes and cutback lanes all throughout the first half. Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton had a clean jersey, sitting back and picking the Bucs' secondary apart. If it wasn't for a spectacular interception in the end zone by Bucs' second-year cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, Dalton would've finished the game unblemished.

Poor tackling was also a major issue and didn't help the defensive line look any better. Mixon caught a ball out of the backfield in the second quarter making three Buccaneer defenders miss before being brought down after an 11-yard gain.

The Ugly

Roberto Aguayo, the former second round draft pick and now former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, continues to make fans scratch their heads and bellow in disgust. Aguayo nailed a chip shot field goal from 20 yards out in the first quarter, but missed a 33-yard extra point that bounced off of the right upright in the second.

Was the pressure of being a kicker taken in the second round weighing on him? Bucs' General Manager Jason Licht needs to take some heat for this transaction considering he gave up a third and fourth round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to move up for Aguayo.

The Bucs have since released the place kicker.

Tampa Bay plays Jacksonville this Thursday night at 8pm.

Jeff Long and the Rest of the Committee are Clueless Establishing Equitable College Football Playoff Criteria

College Football Playoff committee chair Jeff Long is openly appointing teams to the inaugural playoff by justifiably making the rules up as he, and the rest of the committee, proceed.

Long, who is also University of Arkansas's Athletic Director, made headlines by discussing the controversially subjective, puzzling, and ESPN-created "Game Control" criteria, which Long assures has always been part of the discussion amongst committee members and the selection process, and denies the claim the 4-Letter Network has any influence over the conversations.

During last night's broadcast, Long rationalized why Mississippi State is still considered in the playoff race by ranking the Bulldogs no. 4 in the nation even after losing to Alabama 25-20 November 15th.

Long stated, "(Mississippi State) do have wins over teams who were previously in the Top-25. The committee takes that into account. They view those teams as when they were played and when those games were played.”

In other words, Mississippi State defeated teams while they were in the Top-25, but those same schools are no longer in the Top-25. The Bulldogs defeated LSU while the Tigers were ranked no. 8, Texas A&M while the Aggies were no. 6, and Auburn while the Tigers were no. 2. Out of the three, only Auburn remains in the Top-15.

There is nothing wrong with this bit of logic. Inflated preseason rankings and the ambiguity of which team(s) will preform early in the season isn't the committee's fault. After the Aggies lambasted the then no. 9 South Carolina Gamecocks 52-28, pundits were ready to crown Texas A&M National Champs.

Since then, both the Aggies and Gamecocks have been a major disappointment. 

One would suppose the committee would be more consistent with it's explanation as to the barometer set in choosing which schools make the Top-4, but conflicting explanations have irritated most fan bases.

On November 11th, Long clarified why undefeated Florida State dropped in the rankings by seeding the Seminoles no. 3, allowing one-loss Oregon to leap FSU and causing a ruckus amid the Seminole faithful.

“Oregon has three (current) Top-25 victories. Florida State only has two,” proclaimed Long during the November 11th ESPN broadcast.

Fair explanation, except it contradicts Long's present thoughts.

The committee didn't take into account Louisville, who was ranked 25th when Florida State defeated the Cardinals 42-31 in Louisville on Thursday night. Since then, Louisville has worked its way back into the Top-25.

Oregon lost 31-24 at home to a then unranked Arizona team. According to Long's logic, the loss should go against the Ducks.

Why is it agreeable to forgive Mississippi State's "no-longer-in-the-Top-25" wins, but Florida State's vacant Top-25 wins, such as Notre Dame, go against them? Why did the narrative change from November 11th to today? What happened?

The Seminoles currently hold victories over two current Top-25 teams. Alabama and Mississippi State, the present and past no. 1 seeds, have two. Combined ('Bama's victory over Mississippi State and Mississippi State's victory over Auburn). Long hasn't mentioned inequalities between Power-5 conferences, so the "SEC is a superior conference" excuse has yet to be offered, and the defense cannot be used until differing weights are applied to each conference. 

So which criteria is the one being given? The originally accepted, "It must be a current Top-25 win to hold credence," or the SEC popular, "A Top-25 win is a Top-25 win no matter when it was played?" 

The rules and regulations constantly altering and changing gives off the impression the committee is being swayed and aren't deemed reliable.

Is TCU and Baylor nipping at the heels of the no. 4 seed the reason for the change of heart? Is Florida State, as polarizing as they are, who're forced to wear the black hat, the reason for the imbalance in the selection committee's methods?

For all the faults of the BCS, the process was objective and there were clear standards set in place. The obvious solution is to use the BCS formula and have the Top-4 battle it out. 

But there's no bias and leverage in that sort of sensible thinking.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum lacking evidence against Florida State's Jameis Winston

Paul Finebaum, ESPN's pompous and vacuous, Alabama-based radio show host concluded an interview with Keith Olbermann regarding Florida State quarterback, and reigning Heisman winner, Jameis Winston.

The focus of conversation is whether Winston will have a "sophomore slump" in 2014, which is an informal way of stating a decline in productivity as a second-year starter. Finebaum deliberately rants about everything except Winston's expectations for the 2014-2015 college football season.

As a high school English teacher, my students know the fundamentals of properly administering and organizing their thoughts when expressing a position, or "argument." They know to voice the opinion, or as we like to call it a "claim," by validating their thoughts with evidence to reinforce their opinion. A lack of evidence to support the claim is considered fallacious.

They must also explain their evidence, which is what teachers call "commentary." Commentary and evidence is severely lacking in Finebaum's claim.

Olbermann asks Finebaum, "Is there an expectation that he (Winston) won't be able to repeat anything like his Heisman season?"

Finebaum dodges the question by answering, and I paraphrase, he's not sure how anyone puts stealing crab legs from a grocery store behind them.

I recently went to Publix and accidentally forgot to pay for an item, and it didn't dawn on me until I got home. Embarrassingly, I turned around and admitted to my fault - paying for the item and apologizing. My life hasn't changed and I still enter the same Publix for my groceries.

Where is Finebaum's evidence proving Winston will be affected by his shoplifting incident, and what does it have to do with expectations?

Finebaum follows his opinion by stating, "I thought Johnny Manziel last year was a head case after his (2013) Heisman season. Winston has taken it to a different level."

Different level? How's so? Manziel was allegedly hungover at the Manning Camp last summer and was then purportedly told to leave. The former Texas A&M and current Cleveland Browns quarterback was consistently in the news for his random tweets and destructive behavior.

Winston has stayed out of the negative news since the theft. Worse than Manziel? Where's the evidence to support this claim (opinion)?

"(Winston's) still very brash. He's very arrogant," continues Finebaum. Once again, where? Other than talking his teammates up, the lofty expectations Winston has placed on himself and the preseason ranked No. 1 Seminoles, where is said arrogance?

"He has been talking a lot of trash." Prove it. The red herring logical fallacy can be seen painted across this entire interview. Finebaum has yet to answer Olbermann's question.

The interview concludes with Finebaum laughing while declaring, "Lying. Cheating." Although Louisville Head Coach Bobby Petrino was loosely mentioned due to Florida State traveling to Louisville this season, the attention was and is mainly on Winston.

Most "journalists" exercise sensationalism to exploit a story by making it seem bigger than it is through assuming the worst possible scenario. By Finebaum's claim and lack of evidence with no commentary, I'll assume he means Winston and the Seminole's cheated in defeating the Auburn Tigers during the 2013 BCS National Championship game.

If Finebaum can somehow prove deceit, it would make him credible - something the show host has been lacking his entire career.

The Seminoles play Oklahoma State August 30th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.