When AJ Ferrari loses

[Fletcher]

9 hours ago, Mr. PeanutButter said:

Easy choice. AJ is a narcissistic glute cap who would sell out his own mother to make a buck. He would have to wrestle the anti-christ for me to root for him. 

Brooks doesn't have any eligibility left.

[666]

10 hours ago, flyingcement said:

You could also argue that given PSU is going to win the team race no matter what, wouldn't you root for the person who is more likeable?

I usually root for guys on a team basis, but a wrestler can win me over with a good interview. I remember rooting for an ISU guy a few years back just because he was a cool kid. Also guys who come off as douchy can make me root against them even if I like their team. 

[Dogbone]

When AJ was off the mat for months/years, I had my doubts he could come back. 

If he is able to spend a full season in a college room, I expect he will look better in March than he did the first few months of the year after the long layoff, plus there isn't a Brooks/Star type guy at 197.  

I don't know how close he will get to his true freshman form, but it seems like a lot of people are counting him out.

 

[Winners Circle]

19 hours ago, PortaJohn said:

Did Jimmy measure him yet?  Looks 5' 6" to me

It's Pastry Man to you.

[ionel]

6 minutes ago, Winners Circle said:

It's Pastry Man to you.

Mr. Pastry Man!

[JeanGuy]

12 hours ago, SocraTease said:

For the sake of late night lollygagging, here is Chat GPT's comments on Jimmy poem.   

This poem has a fun, whimsical tone that blends elements of intrigue and mystery with a touch of everyday magic. The central figure, Jimmy Cinnabon, is both elusive and compelling, which seems to invite readers into a world of imaginative possibilities. Here’s a breakdown of what works and where it could be further refined:

Strengths:

1. Mystery and Ambiguity: The poem works well in keeping Jimmy’s identity unclear, encouraging readers to engage with the text and try to decode who he is. This intrigue is a powerful tool in poetry, and you use it effectively. The repeated question "Who is Jimmy Cinnabon?" adds to the sense of curiosity and reinforces the theme of mystery.

2. Vivid Imagery: The lines "A swirl of questions, like Iowa skies" and "Carving his hawkeye like a pastry's swirl" present vivid and sensory-rich images. The use of food imagery, particularly the “dough,” “bun,” and “sugar and spice,” cleverly ties back to the name "Cinnabon," which conjures an inviting, sweet, and slightly indulgent world.

3. Tone and Playfulness: The tone of the poem feels lighthearted and playful, especially with lines like "Is he a rebel, a fighter, a wolverine?" and "A sweet little mystery, delightfully plain." The mix of whimsical questions with deeper, more philosophical undertones creates an enjoyable juxtaposition that doesn’t feel too heavy-handed.

4. Wordplay and Metaphors: The metaphors around Jimmy’s potential character are fun, and the wordplay, like "welcher of flavor," is clever. This playful manipulation of language adds a layer of sophistication without feeling too convoluted.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Clarity of Theme: While the ambiguity works well for the character of Jimmy, the broader theme could be a bit clearer. At times, it feels like the poem is juggling multiple possible interpretations (a baker, a dreamer, a wrestler, a mystery) without fully committing to any one path. Tightening the focus might help the reader latch onto a more specific interpretation or purpose for Jimmy’s enigma. Are we supposed to see him as a symbol of universal curiosity, or are we meant to focus on a specific aspect of his character (like his wrestling fandom)?

2. Consistency of Tone: The shifts between abstract, philosophical lines ("Perhaps he's not one, but all we aspire") and more grounded, playful ones ("A sweet little mystery, delightfully plain") might benefit from some refinement. While this dynamic shift can be interesting, it risks pulling the poem in different directions. A more consistent tone would strengthen the poem’s emotional impact and help guide the reader through the shifts in persona and mood.

3. Use of Wrestling: You’ve introduced a wrestling theme ("a rebel, a fighter, a wolverine"), which is intriguing, but it feels a bit underdeveloped. If Jimmy is indeed a wrestling fan (or wrestler himself), some clearer connection to that world might give the poem more depth. You mention a "wolverine"—this could be a nod to Michigan's mascot, which ties into the idea of a wrestler or competitor, but it's not fully explored. Perhaps introducing imagery of the wrestling ring or a specific wrestler could tie this aspect more cohesively into the narrative.

4. Pacing and Structure: The poem’s pacing is slightly uneven in places. Some stanzas are packed with dense, thoughtful language ("Is he a rebel, a fighter, a wolverine?"), while others feel lighter and quicker, such as "Perhaps he crafts sweetness, a life in a bun." Consider varying the rhythm a bit more to balance these moments. You could slow down the pace in some sections for deeper reflection or speed up in others for a sense of momentum.

Suggestions for Refinement:

1. Clarify Jimmy’s Role: If you want the wrestling aspect to be more prominent, you could add a line or two explicitly referencing Jimmy as a wrestling fan or even tie his character to a specific wrestling archetype. For example, referencing wrestling tropes or iconic figures (like "he's a Stone Cold under a sweet disguise") could inject more energy and specificity into the piece.

2. Refine Transitions: Some stanzas shift abruptly from one persona of Jimmy to another. More subtle transitions could help guide the reader more smoothly through the different possible interpretations of Jimmy’s character.

3. Focus on One Central Question: If you want to keep the mystery alive, consider honing in on a central question that embodies the poem's theme. For example, “Who is Jimmy Cinnabon?” could become the focal point, with each stanza adding a layer of possibility or metaphor until the final lines, which could either resolve the mystery or deepen it even further.

Conclusion:

This poem has a lot of playful charm and intriguing potential. The whimsical tone, rich imagery, and underlying mystery all combine to create a poem that invites the reader into a world of wonder and speculation. With a bit more refinement in terms of thematic focus and structure, it could become an even more powerful exploration of identity, mystery, and the many facets of a character like Jimmy. Keep honing the balance between whimsy and clarity to maintain both the curiosity and the emotional resonance of the piece.

I am going to argue with ChapGPT's assessment much like people argue with computer rankings.

[RawDog]

He likely AAs this year then goes to a major program next year.  With good training partners he will be a title threat next year.

[AgaveMaria]

Considering what we have seen of his Character his coach is taking a big chance.

Can he go the season without a blowup?

If so, will he finish #1?

I don't enjoy watching his lurching style at all. Add in his antics and attitude & it is easy to root for his opponents.

[BruceyB]

On 1/14/2025 at 12:14 AM, BruceyB said:

A snarky one liner that did nothing to defend your comment.

I try to be objective. Feel free to explain your argument for why he is not a title threat and merely a "mid-AA candidate." Bear in mind that he boasted a 40% bonus rate the year he won it. I am here for an actual rationale, if you have one.

Yes, it was 2021, but Ferrari outscored Buchanon 5 TDs to 0. Even if Ferrari has regressed and Buchanon has improved (which is debatable), has it been a 5 takedown swing? Again, I look forward to a thoughtful response.

@bnwtwg Still waiting. Why isn't Ferrari a title threat?