Sports Blog

We’ve now officially entered that part of the year where football, both NCAA and NFL, take centre stage - and I watched way too much football this weekend!

Ohio State/Michigan Re-match? - We Have To Wait A Little Longer

I hope you caught the Ohio State/Michigan game on Saturday. It absolutely lived up to expectations and hype. What struck me about Saturday wasn’t just the on-the-edge-of-your-seat action of the Ohio State/Michigan game; it was the letdown that followed with the USC/Cal game Saturday night. There simply was no comparison between the match-ups. USC should have trounced #17 Cal, but the victory was not decisive. All we are left with is a big question mark - does USC deserve a berth in the championship game? Not yet. Even the BCS computer left Michigan deservedly at #2 after their narrow loss to Ohio State. I want to see how USC does next weekend against Notre Dame. They will lose if they wait until the fourth quarter to put serious points on the board against Notre Dame.

So who will be Ohio State’s opponent in Arizona? If Notre Dame beats USC, I like their chances. I know what you’re thinking - Michigan beat Notre Dame already this season. Look, this happens in the NFL all the time. Year in and year out, the Conference Games are spectacular. The Super Bowl isn’t always the best 2 teams in the league. It’s not a perfect system either, but both College ball and the pro ranks are based on Conferences.

As great as Saturday afternoon’s match-up was, I’m sorry Michigan, you not only lost the game, you lost the Conference title and lost your bid to play in the championship game. It would be ridiculous to see Ohio State face Michigan in the Championship Game while other Conference champions are passed over. Having said that, I won’t be surprised if the BCS voters and computer system find a way to create a re-match. Only in the BCS can a team that finished second get a second chance at glory.

Week 11 in the NFL - And the Picture Is Getting A Little Clearer

The separation is widening. And credit where credit is due - the Dallas Cowboys looked very impressive in their victory over Indianapolis. Circle that game on December 3rd in the Meadowlands. It is possible that the Cowboys and the Giants will be fighting it out for the Division lead. And say what you want about Drew Bledsoe, but right now the Cowboys have the luxury of 2 healthy quarterbacks.

I don't think the Eagles have a shot without Donovan McNabb. With upcoming games against Indianapolis, Carolina, the Giants and Dallas, it's over for Philadelphia.

I'm not quite ready to bury the Atlanta Falcons yet, but their defense was on the field way too long on Sunday and couldn’t stop the run. They are fortunate to be in a weak division and have a relatively easy schedule except for Week 15 against Dallas and Week 16 against Carolina. Regardless, the shine is off this team. On the other hand, Steve McNair and Jamal Lewis have quietly taken the Baltimore Ravens to 8-2. I like the way McNair runs this offense. They have a steady few games going down the stretch and I took for the meeting on Thursday, November 30th in Cincinnati as the statement game to set the Ravens up to win their division.

I didn't see Chicago this week, but the Bears seem to find a way to win - even the close ones. I'm just a little suspect of Rex Grossman ever since that Monday Night Game in Arizona. I'm looking forward to seeing how the Bears handle the creative offense that the Patriots will throw at them next Sunday in Foxboro. I expect Tom Brady to hand the Bears their second loss of the season.

And finally, the Sunday Night flex game was, again, THE Game of the Day. LaDainian Tomlinson is hands down the MVP of the league this year. As usual, Jake Plummer predictably through an interception to ice the deal for the Chargers. Another statement game – no team goes into Mile High and comes out with a victory without also coming away with a moral victory and a lot of confidence. Denver now has to go into Arrowhead on a short week. Not an easy assignment.

Another great weekend – and 3 games on Thursday to look forward to!