BASEBALL
Because the paper went to print before the end of game seven, I can’t tell you who will represent the American League in the World Series . but I can tell you that the Boston Red Sox are now the Colorado Rockies’
biggest enemy. The Rockies wrapped up their series fairly quickly and have since sat around waiting to play again. Although it appeared the Indians would breeze through the ALCS with a sweep, the Red Sox refused to go away, forcing a seventh game. Whichever team comes out of the American League will have an immediate advantage in the World Series because of Colorado’s long layoff. A day or two off is always a good thing, but two weeks off without game conditions can make for a frustrating first game.
As for my prediction for the World Series – I was definitely down on the Rockies when the playoffs began, and although they are on an incredible winning streak, I believe the winner will come out of the American League. Boston has the pitching and hitting to overcome Colorado, and the city of Cleveland is due for a title – in anything.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
As I’ve stated before, I am a big fan of what South Florida has accomplished this season. With that said, I’m really getting tired of teams, such as USF, that rise through the ranks, finally crack the top 10 and then lose to a team that they shouldn’t lose to. Granted, the Golden Bulls fell to Rutgers, everyone’s favorite underdog from last season, which fields a very respectable team. However, to continue to get respect, you have to earn the ranking that is given to you. The same goes for the likes of South Carolina, which, after cracking the top 10 two weeks ago, has scored only six points over the last six quarters against North Carolina and Vanderbilt (combined record of 6-8).
On another note, I continue to be amazed by the University of Virginia. The Cavaliers have won seven in a row after the team lost its first game of the season at Wyoming. The most amazing part: five wins have come by five points or less and the last three by a combined four points. Although the wins haven’t necessarily been pretty, the Cavaliers’ winning streak might provide Al Groh enough relief to get off the proverbial hot seat. Another ACC coach who might be feeling the heat is Georgia Tech’s Chan Gailey. Gailey’s squad went to the ACC championship game last season – but overall his teams seem to under-perform. This year’s team looked promising early after a blowout victory over Notre Dame – but that win has proved unimpressive. If the Yellow Jackets don’t get it together next season, things might not be all and well in Atlanta
NFL
I don’t have much to say about Sunday’s action because I found it boring. What I did enjoy was watching Arizona kicker Neil Rackers take down Washington’s Carlos Rogers during the Cardinal’s loss to the Redskins. What I did not enjoy was listening to the radio as my Miami Dolphins got stomped by New England. The Dolphins are not a well-put-together team. They are old, they are slow, and the depth chart is thin. I don’t blame head coach Cam Cameron for this – but I am still a little bitter at his selections in the draft. Unless many (and I stress many) moves are made with free agency next season, it will take at least five years for Miami to have a competitive team again.
ONE LAST THING
.Roberto, the CT spectrum editor (or the soccer guy . whatever you want to call him), reminded me of some good European
soccer action coming up. The UEFA Champions League features outstanding matches on Tuesday and Wednesday. Two matches will be televised, including Glasgow’s Rangers FC vs. FC Barcelona on Tuesday and Chelsea FC vs. FC Schalke of Germany on Wednesday. Both games will be aired on ESPN2 at 2:30 p.m.