I forgot to do this last week, so here we go.  We had our championship games Week 17 and now have four champions of the first annual Niners Nation Fantasy Football Leagues.  The winner of each league received a $75 gift certificate to the 49ers online store.  The runner up in each league received a $25 certificate to the online store.  Speaking of which, they have a 20% off New Year sale going on now, if you want to buy any 49ers gear.

Niners Nation #1

#1 seed Peckerwoods pulled out the victory 86.1-83.55 thanks to the late efforts of Jay Cutler and Antonio Gates.  The Czars were held back by a 0 point effort from Pierre Thomas and .8 from tight end David Martin.  Peckerwoods wisely chose Leron McClain and Kevin Smith over Clinton Portis; one of many choices that made the difference in the matchup.

Niners Nation #2

#2 seed I'm Carrying Underwood pulled out the victory 96.55-86.2.  Underwood was basically carried to victory by a 36.5 explosion from Steven Jackson, his second biggest point effort of the season.  Although Nosetackle Supreme had big point performances on the bench, none of the difference makers could have been expected to outperform his starters.  This was especially so given the benched starters for playoff teams that week.  We'll definitely adjust the league schedule next season to have the finals Week 16.  My bad.

Niners Nation #3

In the championship game the wild card, forty9ers3298, became the Cinderella story of this Fantasy Football Season when he came back to beat division winner The Faithful. The Faithful started off strong with great Sunday showings from C. Johnson, D. Driver, and D. McNabb, and going into the last game the Fatihful was up 25.4 points. Forty9ers3298 had a good, not great day with Eagles Def. and D. Williams but it was his last, Sunday night game heroics, that netted him the victory. L. Tomlinson's 3 touch down season breakthrough performance (Only took to the last week of the season) and assistance from V. Jackson propelled him to being the Champ. Congratulations to forty9ers3298 and too everyone else... SEE YOU SUCKERS NEXT YEAR!

Niners Nation #4

The ultimate Cinderella shocked the world in NN #4.  The #6 seed Portland BowlBlazers ran the table and absolutely blew out the top seed Legacy_of_Walsh 131.2-78.15.  In a rarity, the BowlBlazers coach rating (basically optimal lineup) was perfect.  Given some of the folks on his bench (Wallace, Benson, F. Jackson and others) it's not exactly a shock, but still impressive nonetheless.  As for Legacy, his optimal lineup would have put up 104.35 so he never really stood a chance.
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I want to thank everyone who took part in the fantasy football leagues this year.  I also want to thank Fanhouse and Flea-Flicker for sponsoring the leagues.  Thanks to their financial support, I was able to provide the prizes.  See you next season!

Due to a quirk in scheduling (also known as a mistake by me), the championship games for our Niners Nation Fantasy Football Leagues are scheduled for Week 17.  For those in the title games, the winner of your league championship wins a $75 gift card to the 49ers online merchandise shop.  The runner-up will receive a $25 gift card to the 49ers online merchandise shop.  The site we've been using for the leagues is not the easiest for determining contact information for each team.  So if you're in the finals of your NN league, please either post a comment in this thread indicating which team and which league (no need to include your email address for public consumption) or email me directly at ninersnation@gmail.com.

Niners Nation #1

The semifinals were not all that competitive as chalk held and the #1 seed peckerwoods and #2 seed The Czars each won going away.  In an interesting little coincidence, peckerwoods finished with 127.55 points and The Czars finished with 127.85.  Current projections have The Czars winning handily, but much of that will depend on how well DeAngelo Williams can play.  He's been a fantasy beast the last month, with three weeks of over 32 points.  That has certainly helped his average and could be the difference-maker in this matchup.

Title Game: #1 peckerwoods vs. #2 The Czars

Niners Nation #2

The highest scoring team in the league, #4 seed Nosetackle Supreme handily took care of business with a 47 point victory over the #1 seed Jamestown Slackers.  As with many fantasy contests last week, DeAngelo Williams was a big factor, as was a Peyton Manning explosion.  In the other matchup, the #2 seed I'm Carrying Underwood held off the #3 seed Eight Year Olds, Dude thanks in large part to Philip Rivers, who has carried Underwood to this point.  The title game is a matchup of divisional foes, a series which was split during the regular season.  Underwood is a narrow .34 point favorite, so keep an eye on this one.

Title Game: #2 I'm Carrying Underwood vs. #4 Nosetackle Supreme

Niners Nation #3

In this first very, VERY, tight semi final match-up, #5 seat forty9ers3298 upset the #1 seat, The Norsemen, by less then one third of a point. Both teams started big week 16 mistakes as forty9ers3298 started Brett Favre over Matt Cassel and The Norsemen started D. Orlovsky over P. Rivers. Luckily for forty9ers3298 D. Williams spectacular 4 TD performance helped to propel him past The Norsemen by the narrowest of margins. In the second match up The Faithful took home the victory by 13 points against the #2 seed, Whole11yards. While Whole11yaqrds had solid performaces from a pair of Packers A. Rodgers and R. Grant, the better pair of Colts players, Colts Def and D. Clark, surged The Faithful to victory. In a brief side note the "championship" consolation game will be between StrictlyFootball and Fana Chimes.

Title Game: #3 The Faithful vs. #5 forty9ers3298

Niners Nation #4

We've got a Cinderella run in NN #4 as the #6 seed Portland BowlBlazers road a big day from Marques Colston to an 83.55-75.8 upset of the #2 seed RAINERS.  In the other semifinial matchup, the #1 seed Legacy of Walsh blew out #5 Team Mac Dre 104.7-59.65.  In what is a running theme through all the leagues, DeAngelo Williams and Peyton Manning were the different-makers, finishing with a combined 70.1 points.  The title game looks to be rather interesting as projections currently have Legacy of Walsh as a mere .04 favorite.  Should make for a wild Sunday.

Title Game: #1 Legacy of Walsh vs. #6 Portland BowlBlazers

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We'll be back early next week with a wrap-up of the Niners Nation Fantasy Football Championships.  I hope everybody had fun with the leagues and here's hoping AOL Fanhouse wants to do this again next year.

One weekend down, one round down.  With six playoff teams per league, we had a pair of first round games for each league, the 4/5 and 3/6 matchups.  With the semifinals kicking off tonight, I thought some quick recaps/previews were in order.

Niners Nation #1

I, Frank the Tank, managed a fairly easy win over BarNone, one week after he took me behind the woodshed.  I was fortunate as all but my kicker and defense scored in double figures.  The difference maker was probably 22 points from TE Dallas Clark (only one other double digit performance all season).  #5 ChocoPaco49 pulled out a 10 point win thanks in large part to Revival at the Stick starting Frank Gore over Torry Holt, which would have made up the difference.

The semifinals put Frank the Tank against the #2 seed The Czars.  The Czars is projected to win 102.84-96.22 thanks in large part to his Panther duo of Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams.  Needless to say I'll be watching the Panthers-Giants game intently.  The other matchup is ChocoPaco49 against the #1 seed peckerwoods.  Peckerwoods is favored to win 96.77 to 89.65, primarily through Jay Cutler and Anquan Bolding.

Niners Nation #2

The high seeds advanced here in relatively easy victories. #3 seed "Eight Year Olds, Dude" was the beneficiary of Andre Johnson and Dominic Rhodes absolutely blowing up; riding that wave to a 117.15-88 victory.  Even with his optimal lineup, Maisy's_Cupcakes would have fallen 4 points short.  #4 seed Nosetackle Supreme also rolled to an easy victory by 23 points and his opponent would have lost even with an optimal lineup.

The semifinals pits Nosetackle Supreme against the #1 seed Jamestown Slackers.  Nosetackle is actually a 15 point favorite right now.  If Jamestow set his lineup with the highest predicted points he'd still be 6 point dog.  It's not surprising though, as Nosetackle scored more points during the season than Jamestown.  The other matchup pits Eight Year Olds, Dude against #2 I'm Carrying Underwood.  And again, the lower seed is favored, this time by 6 points.

Niners Nation #3

So the first round of playoffs (and consolation games) are over. Forty9ers3298 pulled an upset over the number 4 seat, The Far Side, in large part because of the awesomeness of Matt Cassel, DeAngelo Williams, and The Eagles Defense. The number 3 seat, The Faithful, had a massive week pulling out a very well fought game against Team Swoosh.While Team Swoosh had solid days from Adrian Peterson and the Jets Defense, a trio of Week 15 statistical power houses, D. McNabb, D. Rhodes, and D. Clark, put The Faithful over the top.

Now Forty9ers3298 is up against the number 1 seat The Norsemen and The Faithful is up against the number 2 seat, Whole11yards. Also Kezar Kids advances to face StrictlyFootball and Rainers advances to face Arnaz 83rd Battalion, in the consolation games round 2.

Niners Nation #4

Both low sides sprung upsets in the opening round in NN #4.  The #6 seed Portland BowlBlazers won by 17, thanks to consistently strong performances from his RBs and WRs, while Hit or Miss saw Chris Johnson struggle to a below average day and TO and Lee Evans combine for 6 total points.  Team Mac Dre won the low scoring game 77.5-70.5.  Team Mac Dre road 25.5 points from Philip Rivers to victory.

The semifinals pit Team Mac Dre against the #1 seed Legacy of Walsh.  Walsh is a slim 2 point favorite, with neither team leaving many points on the bench.  The BowlBlazers square off with the #2 seed Rainers.  In what should be a tight matchup, the Rainers are a .18 point favorite.  Of course, both are leaving some potential big point-scorers on the bench, which could swing this matchup.
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We'll see you next week with a look at the various championship games.

It's rather amazing, but we are officially done with the fantasy football regular season.  I realized I mixed up the scheduling and so the title games will be during Week 17.  Not great, but not the end of the world.  This season certainly flown by.  Tonight's matchup between the Saints and the Bears kicks off the playoffs for all four of our Niners Nation fantasy football leagues and I thought I'd get previews of each league from the various commissioners.  I've also taken a screen shot of the bracket for each league.

Niners Nation #1

NN #1 saw four teams tie at 8-6 with only two getting playoff spots.  The two teams are mine (Frank the Tank) and the 6 seed BarNone, who happened to be in the same division as me.  Even more of a coincidence is that we faced each other the final week of the season, with BarNone winning 102-77.1  We'll see if he can spring the early upset.

The favorites have to be the top two seeds, who also happened to be the two highest scoring teams in the league.  The first round bye comes at a perfect time for peckerwoods as he's just trying to get his RBs healthy.

Niners Nation #3

So here's how the playoffs breakdown. The two teams with round one byes are Whole 11 yards and The Norsemen. Both had records of 9-5 and despite some faltering in the final few weeks, both will be sipping lemonade next week while the other four teams duke it out. After facing the former #1 in a loser goes home game last week (Myself, StrictlyFootball), The Faithful bullied his way into the top spot the first division. Forty9ers3298 is going into the playoffs hot, after winning the last 6 out of 7 games. He might just be the fantasy equivalent of the 06 Steelers, watch out.

The Far Side had the exact same record as his fellow division 3 rival, The Norsemen, but was relegated to a second place wild card spot due to losing the (fourth down on the list) tie breaking scenario, points scored (that just sucks). Team Swoosh is the last to procure a wildcard spot and despite having identical records as myself and Rainers, being the way the league is set up, he won the tie break for his points scored. While just three weeks ago this league was spread far apart in wins and losses, the final regular season weeks have proved to be as topsy turny as their real life football counterparts. Congrats and good luck to those that made it, and there's always next year for those who didn't.

Niners Nation #2 and #4 after the jump, with a particularly thorough preview by AmazingAaron for NN #4.

Continue reading this post »

The season is flying by and we find ourselves with only two weeks left in all four Niners Nation Fantasy Football Leagues.  What makes it more intense is that the last two weeks of the season feature strictly divisional matchups.  So, if you're only a game or two back of the division leader, all is not lost.  With that in mind, I thought it was time for an update from all of our leagues.  Thanks to the respective commissioners for their insights.  Due to the length, two of the leagues recaps are after the jump.  Also, you can click on the link for each league to see the current standings (no need to log in there to see them).

Niners Nation #1
Only two teams are eliminated from playoff contention.  For those that have a bone to pick with him, howtheyscored is one of them at 3-9.  Swiss Cheese brings up the rear of the league at 2-10, thanks in part to a dynamic running back duo of Jamal Lewis and Edgerrin James.  The fact that he's been starting Derek Anderson all see makes me think he hasn't signed in lately.  Or he knows of some strategy that we don't know.

As it currently stands, your division leaders are myself (Frank the Tank @ 7-5), Revival At The 'Stick (9-3 and clinched a wildcard berth) and peckerwoods (9-3 and clinched a wildcard berth).  The two wild card teams right now are The Czars at 8-4, RhymeSayers at 7-5 and ChocoPaco49 at 6-6.  There are three teams sitting at 6-6, one at 5-7 and one at 4-8 all still alive for playoff spots.  The first tiebreaker for all playoff spots is best head-to-head record.  For those in the same division the next tiebreaker is best divisional record.  After that it goes to most average points per game, followed by hardest schedule (record) and then hardest schedule (points).

I've always found that points scored is a better indicator of a team's value since record can be benefited by a timely schedule.  Peckerwoods stands as the #1 seed and as highest ranking team it's not surprising.  They've ridden the likes of Jay Cutler, Clinton Portis and Anquan Boldin straight to the top.  Our most "fortunate" projected playoff team would be ChocoPaco49, who has scored fewer points than four teams behind him.  He squeezed out an upset of Peckerwoods this past week in a down week for them.  Peckerwoods is averaging 105.87 points a game, but had their worst week of the season with 74.6 points.  They better hope it's not a trend.

With only two playoff spots sewn up, things are getting crazy.

Niners Nation #3
Well, with the fantasy playoffs drawing nearer and nearer, the spots for the final 6 playoff positions are as clear as Ozzy Osbourne on Vicadin. In Division 1 it has been a roller coaster of sorts. As myself, StrictlyFootball, has stayed on top since the beginning, a huge streak of wins has swung forty9ers3298 into playoff contention. Some may wonder how he has accomplished such a mighty feat, I'm sure juwperman is, but when you look at his roster it is plain to see. Thanks to a twin combo of Matt Cassel and Brett Favre, a stable of WR's that have come on strong as of late (Houshmanzadeh and A. Gonzalez), and claiming opportunistic kickers and defenses, he has been able to march through his opponents.

In Division 2 Whole11Yards was a late pick/back-up drafting genius. He grabbed A. Rodgers, Matt Forte, and A. Johnson. While he did miss with Bulger and S. Jackson, his smart early picks in P. Burress and K. Winslow and free agent acquisitions as the season progressed has made him competitive in every match-up this year. NikeToledo I think had the misfortune of having his team placed under an unlucky star. Even though he is piratically in the top 3 for every league leading stat, he has fallen victim to running into hot teams at boiling hot times. Fanachimes is an interesting case, barring M. Turner, his roster is not that hot, but because of continuous constant play from every position. he has been able to maintain a flow of close, if not over, 100 point games. He's like the Redskins, when you have reliable production from every position you're going to be a competitive team.

Division 3 A.K.A. The NFC South. I believe Albertoleecho is either a hacker or a psychic because he just seems to get points out of players that don't jump off the page. He just seems to know when S. Smith or K. Orton or M. Lynch will have a good game or be bad. Sometimes you look at his roster before Sunday and go, "Wow, this doesn't seem like a difficult match-up." Then when Tuesday rolls along, wham-bam and Bob's your uncle, he beat you by thirty. He's the devil, he is. Wth3hoya and Rainer both seem to have good consistency and have some big play-makers, but both seem to have this uncanny ability to catch the crap bug. Let me explain. Usually on a fantasy team if one player plays poorly another player will have a breakout game, well unfortunately for these two managers it seems that when one player goes down, every other player goes down too. So either their in the stratosphere of points or are in the dumpsters. But don't you worry their good days far outshine their bad ones. Lastly I would like to give a shout out to Mikemcwolf and Sam2323 who never quit on their teams even when their playoff hopes had passed them by.

Continue reading this post »

Alright folks, the drawing has taken place and we are ready to get this league underway.  I'll be emailing people in the coming hours to let them know the next step.  We had 58 people enter and hopefully all 58 are interested in joining a league.

Right now the initial league will be 12 people.  If the remaining 46 people are interested in taking part in the additional leagues, I'd like to try and get 2 more people to give us 48 and allow for another 12 team league.  If not we'll have three 12 team leagues and a 10 team league.

If you've been pre-selected you'll receive a form email I believe from Flea Flicker with log in information (it might say it's from me but I'm not 100% sure).  If you're not preselected for the first league I'll be contacting you myself from my own email address (ninersnation@gmail.com) and the subject will be Niners Nation Fantasy Football League and some small descriptor after that.  Please respond to the email ASAP so we can get draft dates worked out.

A reminder: Even if you're not the in the first random drawing league, all leagues are equal with prizes for all league winners.  More to come.

EDITOR'S NOTE 4:55PM: If you didn't register for the random drawing, you are still allowed to take part in the league (as you can see from the comments below).  If you're interested in playing fantasy football league with your fellow Niners Nation folks, either leave a comment below OR email me.  My address is ninersnation@gmail.com.

Since we're just going to discuss 49ers, I imagine it's not really giving away my entire draft strategy.  However, aside from Frank Gore, many of the players discussed would be sleeper-type players.  Up to this point we've had some very brief discussions of the 49ers potential fantasy impact.  The preseason will answer some more questions, but in the the meantime, I thought I'd give the 49ers roster a once-over and throw out guys who could have some sort of fantasy impact. 

Including our Niners Nation Fantasy League (register for the free drawing by Thursday!), I'm in 3 fantasy football leagues.  One is a dynasty league where you keep an entire 28 man roster.  Another is a keeper league in which you can keep up to 3 players.  The NN league is a year-by-year league without keepers (at least not yet).  I mention all this because this analysis is aimed at one and done leagues.  Keeper and Dynasty leagues are a little too involved with each league having a million different rules that impact certain players' value.  In a one-and-done league you can account for most, if not all the variables.

QB
Alex Smith: If he is the starter, he's got the arm and ability to put up some quality numbers.  If he looks to be the starter, I think he's definitely worth a late round pick as your backup QB if you've got a very strong #1 option.  If you waited too long and grabbed a guy like David Garrard, you might want a more solid backup option.

Shaun Hill: When I see him in action he comes across as more of the game manager type who will win football games, but won't put up huge numbers.  He put up a nice 3 TDs against TB, but didn't break 200 yards in any of this 3 appearances.  I think he definitely falls into the better real QB than fantasy QB (which I have no problem with as a 49ers fan).

RB
Frank Gore: Gore is a no-doubt first round pick thanks to the huge combined yards I fully expect.  He managed to finish 10th in points for running backs, in spite of the 49ers anemic offense.  And, if you're in a league that offers a point per reception, I think he's absolute gold.

DeShaun Foster: His only real value is as a handcuff to Frank Gore if you're concerned about injuries.  This offense is built around Gore and Foster is not going to put up the kind of numbers that would justify having him on your roster.

TE
Vernon Davis: Davis is going to put up big time fantasy points this year.  He finished 15th among tight ends last year after his 52 receptions, 509 yards a 4 TDs.  ESPN is  projecting 59/623/6 but I think his receptions and yards could be even bigger.  Mike Martz wants to take advantage of his speed a little more often, meaning bigger plays and more yards.  I don't know if he'll necessarily crack the Witten/Gates/Gonzalez/Cooley barrier, but I think he could get to the 5th or 6th spot this season.  I think the Duke is a very viable option as a starting TE.  If you can get Cooley, Witten, etc... maybe you go with them as a safe pick, but I think Davis's upside is immense.

Delanie Walker: I include him here only because the discussion around Walker has been more prominent this year than last.  Martz has really taken a liking to Walker and it makes me curious about him.  I don't think he has a lot of value in a normal league, but he's got keeper potential.  He's a guy worth keeping an eye on as a potential waiver wire steal.

WR
Bryant Johnson: I go with Johnson first because I think for the 2008 season, he has the most fantasy upside.  He's out of the shadow of Boldin and Fitzgerald and looking to make a name for himself.  He could be a spectacular crash and burn, but he might be worth a look as your 3rd or 4th receiver.

Isaac Bruce: I'm not sure how much Bruce has left in the tank, but if he stays healthy and relatively fresh, he gives Smith/Hill the most consistent target they've ever had.  ESPN thinks projects 65 receptions, 866 yards and 6 touchdowns.  While those aren't spectacular, they would blow away anything the 49ers put on the field last year.  For now Bruce is a bye-week fill in but if the offense gets it going, he could be an ok flex option.

Arnaz Battle: It'll be interesting to see if his numbers go down because of the increase in receiving options.  ESPN points to him in a Mike Furrey role in the slot, and to quote them it isn't a bad thing.  He'll never be spectacular but he's probably a good bye week fill in if you have multiple byes with which to contend.  Did anybody here have him on their fantasy team as more than a bye week fill in?

Others: Jason Hill probably has the most upside of the remaining wide receivers if he can stay healthy, but he'll be on the waiver wire so no need to spend a pick on him.  Ashley Lelie is injured and has a lot of work to do before he can become a productive fantasy receiver.

Kicking
Joe Nedney: With only 19 field goal attempts, Nedney was not a viable fantasy option.  If the 49ers can move the ball a little more, he's consistent enough to be worth a look.  Until then he's a better real kicker than fantasy kicker.

Defense
I steadfastly maintain that this defense has the potential to be a top 10 defense.  Fantasy-wise, the 49ers were one of the worst producing defenses.  Until they develop a legit pass-rush they cannot be relied on in fantasy football.  While turnovers and points off turnovers are certainly possible, they cannot be relied upon.

Some leagues do offer IDPs, or individual defensive players, although ours will not be one of those leagues.  If you're in an IDP league, Patrick Willis is obviously money in the bank and will probably be one of the first defensive players taken.  Justin Smith might be worth a look if he is going to be spending a lot of time in the outside linebacker role.  If the pass rush develops, Nate Clements will have value as a pass rush means more hurried passes, meaning the potential for more interceptions.  Also, he finished 2nd among cornerbacks in tackles, so that's certainly a plus for fantasy purposes.

So, there you have it.  Aside from Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, a lot of the 49ers fantasy potential ranges between not much and high risk.  I guess it just comes down to whether you're a gambler or not.

EDITOR'S NOTE 7/26 - I posted this earlier in the week, but wanted to bring it back to the front for anybody who missed it.  Niners Nation Fantasy Football is just around and the random drawing for spots is apparently happening around July 31.  So, if you're interested make sure and register, following the instructions below.

Alright folks, it's time to join in the fun that will be Niners Nation Fantasy Football League.  First off, this is open to EVERYBODY, whether you're just an occasional reader who has never registered here, or you're a long time commentor.  While registration is required at the league site, you don't have to register at ninersnation.com to join.  Although we'd certainly love to have y'all.

Every blog in the network will have a league that will be comprised of the blogger and the readers.  Based on the previous thread I had opened, there is enough interest where we can likely form two separate leagues, and possibly even more than that.

Here's how things will work.  For now we have one league set up for people to join.  As we are a quasi-democracy (minus the whole voting for me thing), we're going to go with a random drawing of people for the first league.  There was some discussion of having long-time readers/commentors in their own league but I think it will be more fun mixing in some new blood with some of the old blood.  Oh, and if you let your team go dead during the season, the mocking will be merciless and public.

Even though we are filling this league first, all the leagues are equal and the winner of each league will get a prize.  I'm working on the prize situation, but it will definitely be more than just a front page post (although that will be available, in addition to whatever else I come up with).  Right now I'm thinking some 49ers merchandise (t-shirt, hat, something like that).  More word to come on that.

So how do you get in on this action?
Head on over to the league site (http://thefanhouseleagues.com/register/).  At that page you'll enter your name and email.  Then, in the dropdown menu make sure you find and click on Niners Nation.

From there, I believe you will receive an email soon when the drawing takes place.  If you are not selected in that first drawing, never fear, another fantasy league will be up and running as soon as this one is full.  I know it's not conducive to a Super Bowl between the winning leagues, but I'm thinking we could work something out where I track the points of the finalists in each league and the winner's are squared off and those same week points are used for a grand champion of Niners Nation.  However, we've got plenty of time to figure that out.

Draft date and format are still to be determined.  Again, if you have not indicated your interest in one of the threads or via email to me, you are still allowed to register for the drawing.

If anybody has any questions, comments or concerns, please either post a comment in this thread, or email me at the address at the bottom of the screen.  I think this will be a lot of fun and can't wait for the season to get going.  I'm very competitive and to quote Clubber Lang, "I'm gonna bust you up."