With the NASCAR season closing in on the final races, they too have gone to a “play off” system for top drivers throughout the season. I think this was the best thing to happen to NASCAR because it gave race leaders something to push for instead of being complacent winning second or third and continuously racking those points up. Now, in order to advance to the playoff, you must WIN a race and you have a for sure slot. Denny Hamlin leads the pack right now with two outright wins and 15 top 10 finishes. Some other finishers that have wins already are Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch. All eyes are on Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart who have had outstanding careers but have announced that this would be their last season and neither have a win or for sure slot in post season races. Jeff Gordon did very well last season and is looking to end his career on a good note and win the Sprint Cup.
Along with the flooding in South Carolina, this week’s game with South Carolina and LSU will be moved to Louisiana. Everyone knows how much having the home field is an advantage, so this plays into LSU’s favor. During the week, LSU’s band has learned and will play USC’s fight song, but even that won’t make it feel like home. With the crown yelling and no worries of having to travel, USC now has to alter their game plan to get ready for the number seven LSU team which is no easy task in itself. Do you think this is fair, even under the unfortunate circumstances? Should they postpone the game or move it to a neutral site? If I was South Carolina, I would have made it a point to host the game even if that meant making arrangements at a nearby stadium such as the Carolina Panthers (which is about an hour away from Columbia
As we get into the middle of football season, fans and followers can’t help but to think about the upcoming season for basketball. Who is your favorite? Will Kentucky run away with the title again? Coach K doesn’t seem to think his team is ready for action and his incoming players aren’t ready to prove all the hype of their successful team from year to year. The Kentucky Wildcats have been known for the past couple of years for having a rock solid recruiting class, having an outstanding season and then those players leaving college to play professionally. Do you think college basketball players should follow the same rules as college football players and have to stay in school for at least 3 years? Do you think at 19, a player is ready for the professional world and should be allowed to quit school once they see those money signs? Personally, I think it should be the same for football and basketball athletes. Education should be more important to college athletes then making money and starting their professional career. What will they have to fall back on once their basketball career ends?
Nearing the playoff season for professional baseball, teams are competing close and its coming down to the wire. This week the Chicago Cubs clenched a spot in post season play and are now waiting to see what teams are successful and join them in the chase. Texas Rangers won Game 1 in their opening game again the Toronto Blue Jays 5 to 3 and injuries are expected to have played a part in that loss. This is the last leg of the season. Players staying healthy is key to a successful post season and players need to be all in and committed to the game while keeping themselves in the game with being healthy. They aren’t going to help their team much by sitting on the bench next to the coach because they hurt their throwing arm, right? Game 2 for these two teams will be held on Friday in the chase to win the ALDS.
As we head into October, sports fans and followers remember that its Breast Cancer Awareness month and get involved with local fundraisers and events. All around the United States, there will be the Susan G Komen walk/run 5K race held in which proceeds are donated to the research of finding a cure for this awful disease. How are you involved? Have you donated or participated in an event? Join a 5K, even if that means you have to walk it. It’s the purpose and pride of the walk that matters and joining women who are battling currently or have already beaten this disease. We want to celebrate them and by doing so we can celebrate them and enjoying the game of sports. Have you seen on television casts, player and coaches wearing pink on their jerseys? It has become a great part of athletic teams everywhere (professional, collegiate, even high school teams) to spread awareness even if donations haven’t been made. Seeing pink and ribbons all around can trigger people to do some research, donate or just volunteer their time in this fight against cancer. Get Involved!
Here we go, week six! Conference play has begun in the last couple weeks and successful programs are starting to hit the polls and climb! Teams like the Toledo Rockets are now ranked number 24 before their conference game against Kent State. For me, it’s exciting to see a team that I have an emotional connection with be so successful. My youngest brother plays basketball at UT and is close with a lot of the football team members. It’s been noted that their hard in the offseason has paid off and their success is starting to become noticed. We have another awesome game brewing in the Big 10 with Michigan against Northwestern. Although Northwestern is higher ranked, coming to the Big House isn’t easy and Michigan will be on their top game! Michigan State has fallen to number 4 as TCU and Baylor pass by them at 2 and 3.
FINALLY! Urban Meyer has picked a starting quarterback with more time than just before the game officially starts. At first, I was all for the element of surprise until I saw it starting to affect the players on the field. Up until now, the Ohio State offense has looked pretty terrible. It’s a good thing the defense is on point because that is what is truly winning them games. I believe with Meyer selecting his “go to quarterback” this will make a difference in pre-game readiness. Instead of getting snaps for both Cardale Jones and JT Barrett, they can focus on one and making him ready for the upcoming game. I don’t particularly agree with his decision of who would be the one and only, but I like that he is finally sticking with one. JT Barrett has come into every game thus far and has proven to look better and mesh better with the offensive players. Cardale looks scared and timid to make a mistake and its affecting the success of the football team. We’ll see if Urban Meyer sticks with his decision in their week 6 game against Maryland.
During the college game day airing, rain was definitely a cautious factor in the game played against Clemson and Notre Dame. A hurricane that was heading up the South Carolina coast, was dumping inches and inches of rain all along its path and creating a potential handicap for teams to play in. Luckily, the rain was able to hold off for most of the first half and the teams were able to play through it during the 2nd. Clemson came out triumphant and validated my game day prediction. Aside of all the sports talk, the rain has affected many parts and land all over South Carolina and the President has issued a State of Emergency. Living in Charleston and experiencing the flooding and after effects of all the rain, it is very important for the community to come together in times of need and help one another out. It was very cool to see teams from the Citadel, Charleston Southern and the College of Charleston helping community members pick up the remains of the flooding and helping community members get back to everyday activities. While the flooding still continues as everything drains from the Northern part of the state, we pray for all the families and victims in this time of need.
Ohio State still at number 1 has a tough contest in week five against the first Big 10 game, the Indiana Hoosiers. Although they are my favorite, I may have to pick the underdog in that game with a ESPN point spread of 19 points. Ohio State is a great football team but Indiana has been known to give some fits to those top ranked teams and make them earn every point to beat them. Duke beat Georgia Tech last week, knocking them out of the top 25 and Michigan climbs in at number 22 while beating BYU last week. The big game where college game day will be held is in South Carolina at Clemson who will be hosting Notre Dame. Even though Notre Dame has the higher ranking, I have to go with the underdog with this one. Notre Dame will be playing with their third string QB and Clemson has the home field advantage. Look for the Orange wave and tailgating while Lee Corso decides who he thinks will win, the Fighting Irish or the Tigers of Clemson.
Week four is gearing up to be a great one. Alabama, one of the top ranked teams has fallen to Ole Miss, one of their first of many top competitors. A lot of upsets happened last weekend and the underdogs are taking over with winning 15 games of the 25 from the AP poll. Ohio State still ranking number 1, may not last long with Michigan State and Ole Miss coming in respectively at 2 and 3. Ohio State plays Michigan State towards the end of the season in would could be the deciding factor in which team will go to the Big 10 championship and ultimately, the playoffs. My favorite is always Ohio State but those Spartans are tough! With how well Hawaii played against Ohio State in Columbus during week 2, they may give Wisconsin a run for their money. Alabama falls to number 12 but looks to redeem themselves against Louisiana this Saturday. Look who made its first comeback to the top 25, the Michigan Wolverines! After a not so impressive first week, they have made it a point to make a statement, play their hearts out and come back to the top of the AP polls.
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