Archive: The Sports Scoop
By Andrea de Vera
OnlineTickets.com
NEW KING OF QUEENS?
Thursday, Jan. 31 – Change is in the wind for the New York Mets with arguably the best pitcher in the game, Johan Santana, blowin’ in from the Minnesota Twins. But first, the two-time Cy Young winner and the Mets must negotiate a contract extension – likely worth “more than $120 million over six or seven years” – by 5 p.m. EST Friday.
If the two parties can reach an agreement, the Twins would receive four prospects – outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra – and send Santana (15-13, 3.33 ERA in 2007) to the NL, forever changing the dynamic of the Mets’ season, standing in the NL East, and hierarchy in the MLB at large.
TURN THE BEAT AROUND
Wednesday, Jan. 30 – In the NBA, you win some, you lose some. Before Tuesday night, the Seattle Supersonics knew something or two (or fourteen) about losing some games, and the New Jersey Nets (in the midst of a nine-game losing streak) could surely sympathize.
The Sonics finally snapped their 14-game losing streak after Kevin Durant made the go-ahead jumpshot with 32.6 seconds left in the game followed by two clutch free throws from Luke Ridnaur that launched the Sonics ahead of the champion San Antonio Spurs for good 88-85. Uncharacteristically, the Spurs have dropped three straight games.
Despite trade rumors circling around a certain All-Star point guard, the Nets ended their nine-game skid with a much-needed 87-80 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, for a little redemption after an 0-6 showing on a recent Western Conference road trip.
WHOA, NELLY!
Tuesday, Jan. 29 – Who’d a thunk that Chris Webber, 34, would someday return to the Golden State Warriors and realign with Coach Don Nelson? C-Webb – who last played with the Detroit Pistons back in May 2007 – has just signed with Nelly’s run-and-gun Warriors Monday.
Hearken back to 1993-94 when Nelson led the Warriors to a 50-32 mark, spurring a Rookie-of-the-Year season for F/C Webber. But that would be the first and last NBA season for Webber and Nelson to join forces and the last time (until the 2006-07 season) that the Warriors made the playoffs.
Shortly after the ‘93-‘94 season, Webber forced a trade to the Washington Wizards to get away from Nelson, and the Warriors eventually relieved Nelson of his coaching and GM duties. However, Nelson assures that he and Webber made amends years ago and welcomes C-Webb's veteran savvy to bolster the Warriors’ playoff push in the competitive West.
MAJOR WINS
Monday, Jan. 28 – The Australian Open has come to a close, as tennis’ best stepped up in the land Down Under. The fifth-seeded Maria Sharapova – winner of the 2004 Wimbledon and the 2006 U.S. Open – tallied her third major title after defeating her fourth-seeded foe Ana Ivanovic in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3 Saturday.
After defeating Roger Federer (1) in the semi-finals, Novak Djokovic (3) captured his first Grand Slam title with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2) win over Jo-Wilifried Tsonga (unranked) Sunday night. Speaking of firsts, the 14-day Australian Open tournament attracted a record crowd of 605,735, surpassing the 554,858 mark during the 2007 Aussie Open.
BIG STARS TO LIGHT UP BIG EASY
Friday, Jan. 25 – Fans have spoken (loud and clear) about which stars will head down to the Big Easy for the 2008 NBA All Star Game. Fan favorite Kevin Garnett led the way with 2,399,148 overall votes followed by LeBron James with 2,108,831 votes. The starting lineups are as follows:
East Starters: F Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics; F LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers; G Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets; G Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat; and C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic.
West Starters: F Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs; F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets; G Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers; G Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets; and C Yao Ming, Houston Rockets.
Check back soon for All-Star Game updates including participants in the Slam Dunk Competition, Three Point Shootout, and Skills Challenge during All-Star Saturday Night, Rookie Challenge participants, as well as the All-Star reserves!
WHERE UPSETS HAPPEN
Thursday, Jan. 24 – Ah, the NBA. Where amazing happens. Wednesday night provided just that – amazing moments, thrilling wins, and shocking upsets.
In the East, the Toronto Raptors pulled off the ultimate upset with a big 114-112 win over the Boston Celtics. The Raptors shot 58 percent from the floor, 71 percent from behind the arc (15-of-21), and 100 percent from the charity stripe (19-19). The Orlando Magic set a franchise record with 18 3-pointers en route to a blowout victory over the Memphis Grizzlies 112-85. The Magic’s previous record was 16 3-pointers set back in 1996.
For the second time this season, the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves scorched the Pacific-Division-leading Phoenix Suns, this time by a ten point margin 117-107. Elsewhere in the West, the Houston Rockets overcame a 13-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to surge past the Seattle Supersonics 109-107. Rockets guard Tracy McGrady, recently hobbled with a nagging knee injury, led the Rockets’ rally with 18 points – in the second half alone – and 28 points in the game.
BACK AT THE HELM?
Wednesday, Jan. 23 – Tony Dungy. Mike Holmgren. Jon Gruden. Three coaches. Three Super Bowl wins among them. But have these NFL head honchos decided to cut their coaching reigns short after their respective teams (Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) came up short in the hunt for a Super Bowl title in 2007? Signs (and a recent re-signing) point to no.
The Colts – once dwelling in AFC obscurity – have surged to a 73-23 record during Dungy’s six-year tenure. Lucky for the Colts and NFL fans, Dungy will return for the 2008 season. Holmgren (157-99 in his 16-year-career as a head coach) will return in 2008 – the final year of his contract. Gruden signed a three-year contract extension with the Buccaneers after leading the club to a first-place finish in the NFC South this past season.
ICE BREAKER
Tuesday, Jan. 22 – Turns out the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins will be without their captain, center, and scoring extraordinaire Sidney Crosby for 6 to 8 weeks after the 20-year-old superstar suffered a high ankle sprain in Friday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Crosby - last season’s MVP and scoring champion - was having a stellar year with 63 points, 20 goals, and 43 assists going into last Friday’s game.
The leading All-Star vote getter, Crosby, must sit out the 2008 NHL All-Star Game to be held Sunday, Jan. 27, and a number of games thereafter. So what does Crosby’s injury mean to the Penguins, a team that has surged to a 27-17 mark after a slow start to the season? While the Pens will definitely miss Crosby’s offensive presence, look for the 2007 NHL rookie of the year, Evgeni Malkin, to carry the scoring load.
PERFECT PATS v. UPSET GIANTS IN SUPER BOWL XLII
Monday, Jan. 21 – It's official: the New England Patriots will play against the
underdogs of the playoffs the New York Giants. The Patriots are early 131/2-point favorites. While all bets are on New England, New York proved to at least Dallas and Green Bay that it deserves a chance to go to Glendale, Arizona. After huge losses early in the season against the Cowboys and the Packers, "redemption" seemed like a fitting word to describe the Giants' feelings on Sunday.
Lawrence Tynes joined the group of the redeemed. He missed two field-goal tries with an opportunity to win the game just before regulation time was up. But with 2:35 into overtime, Tynes hit a 47-yard field goal to beat Brett Favre and the Packers, 23-20, and to send the Giants on a date with the unbeaten Patriots 13 days from today.
Catch the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Arizona, and witness a possible 19-0 record season or a shattering upset that will surely ignite sports fans worldwide. Order Super Bowl XLII tickets today!
Read more about the upcoming Super Bowl match up HERE!
RECHARGED AND READY?
Friday, Jan. 18 – With an upcoming AFC Championship Game against the still undefeated New England Patriots, the underdog San Diego Chargers will need their trio of offensive weapons – QB Phillip Rivers (sprained knee), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), and TE Antonio Gates (toe) – recharged and ready for Sunday’s match up.
Need the latest injury report on the Big Three? According to Coach Norv Turner, looks like L.T. “looked good” at practice Thursday and should return to the lineup Sunday. While Rivers practiced Friday, a cautious Turner has cited Rivers and Gates – who has not practiced this week – as doubtful for Sunday’s game.
ON THE REBOUND
Thursday, Jan. 17 – After a much-needed win over the surging Portland Trailblazers Wednesday 100-90, it looks like the Boston Celtics have rebounded from their first two-game losing streak (back-to-back losses to the Washington Wizards). Sharp-shootin’ guard Ray Allen looks to have bounced back offensively with a season-high 35 points.
And how ‘bout those Charlotte Bobcats? With wins over some hefty competition in the past week or so – Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, and Boston Celtics – it looks like the now 18-23 ‘Cats are making some noise before the NBA All-Star break, especially with the Bobcats’ leading scorer Gerald Wallace’s gaudy numbers of 36, 40, and 26 points in his last three games. Seeing that the Bobcats play in the relatively weak East, don't count them out of the playoff hunt just yet.
After missing eight games, Shaquille O’Neal returned to the Miami Heat lineup for the first time since re-aggravating his hip injury on Dec. 26. However, even O’Neals’ double-double (24 points, 10 rebounds) couldn’t propel the Heat past a 30-point loss to the visiting Chicago Bulls. The hapless Heat have dropped 11 straight losses.
RED-HOT LAKERS COOLING DOWN?
Monday, Jan. 14 – Hopefully not. No question, the 25-11 Los Angeles Lakers are one of the NBA's hottest teams, winning six straight games and 16 of their last 19, while gaining ground on the current Pacific-Division-leading Phoenix Suns – a team that the Lakers have beaten twice this season already. A key part of the Lakers’ success? Third-year Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who is averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
However, don’t expect Bynum’s stat line to fluctuate anytime soon – a minimum of eight weeks to be exact – seeing that Bynum suffered a “subluxation of his left kneecap and bone bruise” during the Lakers’ 100-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday. With Bynum expected to make a full recovery, look for players like Ronnie Turiaf and – ahem – Kwame Brown to step up in Bynum’s absence.
SPEEDY RECOVERIES?
Friday, Jan. 11 – In the last few weeks, more than a few playmaking, game-changing NFL stars went down with injuries – namely San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates, who dislocated his left big toe during the Chargers’ 17-6 AFC Wild Card victory over the Titans, and Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens, who’s been out with a high ankle sprain since Week 16.
While Gates continues to rest his injured toe, Owens returned to practice Thursday for the first time since sustaining his ankle injury. Aside from a slight limp at times, Owens was able to run routes and catch passes. Thus far, both Gates and Owens remain game-time decisions for their divisional playoff games this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, respectively.
Read more about the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs HERE!
TAKING THE LEAD
Wednesday, Jan. 9 – As voting continues for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, the third returns revealed the Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett (1,527,963 votes) and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (1,294,019) as the top vote-getters as of Jan. 3.
In the East, leaders include K.G. and LeBron at forward; the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard (1,260,987) at center; and the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (1,019,582) and the New Jersey Nets’ Jason Kidd (743,683) at guard.
In the West, leaders include the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (1,234,111) and the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady (809,395) at guard; the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (1,049,641) and the Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony (1,029,335) at forward; and the Rockets’ Yao Ming (1,077,244) at center.
With voting continuing through Jan. 20, the NBA will announce the All-Star starters on Jan. 24. Then, on Feb. 17, East meets West inside New Orleans Arena – proud home of the Hornets and the 57th annual All-Star Game.
INCREDI-BOWL
Tuesday, Jan. 8 – The LSU Tigers wrapped up the 2007 NCAA bowl season with a convincing 38-24 victory over the visiting Ohio State Buckeyes in the BCS National Championship. After a wild and unpredictable year in college football, the Tigers became the first two-loss champion and first two-time national champion in BCS history.
The Buckeyes failed to avenge their 2006 BCS Championship loss to the Florida Gators 41-14 despite valiant efforts from Buckeyes RB Chris Wells who racked up 140 yards rushing against LSU. But the real star of the game had to be Tigers QB Matt Flynn who completed 19-of-27 passes for 174 yards and 4 TDs to help solidify the Tigers as the #1 team in the country.
OUT OF THE WILD
Friday, Jan. 4 – With the NFL playoffs set to kick off, here’s some NFL news unrelated to the upcoming Wild Card weekend:
New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick earned the AP NFL Coach of the Year award Wednesday. While the infamous “Spygate” scandal stirred the NFL early in the season, Belichick and the Pats created even bigger buzz going a perfect 16-0 on the season.
While Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson garnered NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, it was San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis who has earned the 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Willis shined with 174 tackles – tops in the NFL.
Former 1999 Defensive Player of the Year, Warren Sapp, 35, is hanging up his cleats and retiring after 13 years as one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the game. After playing nine seasons and earning a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sapp ended his career after a four-year stint with the Oakland Raiders.
STELLAR START
Thursday, Jan. 3 – After a 97-93 victory over the Houston Rockets Wednesday, the Boston Celtics improved to 27-3, matching the best start in the NBA shot-clock era – a feat that five other teams have achieved in the past, including the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (41-3), the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (39-3), and the 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers (37-3).
With back-to-back games on the docket, the surging Celtics will face the struggling Memphis Grizzlies (9-22) Friday before taking on the East’s elite Detroit Pistons (25-7) Saturday inside the daunting Palace of Auburn Hills. The Celtics have won seven straight, while the Pistons have reeled off ten wins in a row.
RUSHIN’ ROOKIE
Wednesday, Jan. 2 – The Minnesota Vikings may have narrowly missed making the NFL playoffs, but Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson was the clear winner for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Peterson stayed busy in his first year, topping 100-plus yards rushing six times throughout the season while also setting an NFL record for rushing yards in a game with 296 yards in Week 9 against the San Diego Chargers.
By season’s end, Peterson had earned an NFL Pro Bowl nod after racking up 1,341 yards rushing – good for second in the NFL behind Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson. After finishing at 6-10 last season and 16th in the league in rushing offense, the Vikings picked up the playmaking Peterson as the seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. This season, the Vikings improved to 8-8 on the season and ranked first in the NFL in rushing offense.
(FAR FROM) REGULAR SEASON
Thursday, Dec. 27 – There’s nothing regular about the 2007 NFL regular season. Not since the 1972 Miami Dolphins has an NFL team gone undefeated in a season. The New England Patriots have a chance to defeat the New York Giants Saturday night inside Giants Stadium and potentially make history as the first team to go tally a perfect 16-0 during the regular season.
Wait. There’s more. With QB Tom Brady just one TD pass away from tying Peyton Manning’s single-season TD pass record of 49 and WR Randy Moss just one TD reception away from tying Jerry Rice’s single-season record of 22, all of America has a chance to see if the Patriots can continue to rock the record books.
The NFL has announced that the Patriots-Giants game will be simulcast on three networks – a broadcast event not seen since the 1967 NFL/AFL merger. While there are still plenty of tickets for the Pats-Giants game, fans can also catch the game on CBS, NBC, and NFL Network.
BLAZIN’ HOT STREAK
Thursday, Dec. 20 – With the Portland Trailblazers reeling off nine wins in a row – including Ws over the Utah Jazz (ahem, twice), Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Hornets, and Toronto Raptors – the Blazers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA as of late. With such young, explosive talents – La Marcus Aldridge, Martell Webster, and Steve Blake – and a strong bench, the Blazers are certainly holding their own in a tough Western Conference.
During the Blazers’ nine-game win streak, guard Brandon Roy has gone on a hot streak of his own, scoring over 20 points in eight of the Blazers’ last nine games – including a 25-point, nine-rebound, eight-assist effort against the Raptors Wednesday. Not surprisingly, many pegged the Blazers as a Western Conference bottom dweller at the beginning of the season, especially with the Blazers’ No. 1 draft pick, Greg Oden, out rehabbing from knee surgery.
ALL-STAR SALUTE
Wednesday, Dec. 19 – Nearly one month ago, the NFL nation mourned the loss of Washington Redskins free safety Sean Taylor, who died of a gunshot wound to the leg. In Week 13, shortly after Taylor’s death, the Redskins honored their fallen teammate during their first defensive play of the game, sending out only 10 men on defense. Clearly the ‘Skins were a man short.
Taylor – who had 42 tackles and a league-high five interceptions – was in midst of a stellar season before his untimely death. In an effort to honor Taylor’s memory, achievements, and impact in the NFL, voters have elected Taylor as the NFC’s starting free safety during the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl, where players and fans can salute the former all star once again.
Read more about the 2008 Pro Bowl rosters here!
DIAMOND DEALS: SHORTSTOPS
Thursday, Dec. 13 – October baseball is over and done. Now is the time that real MLB action kicks in, when blockbuster trades are made and franchise-changing deals are signed. Here’s a look at some short stop deals from around the league:
Shortstop Alex Rodriguez – a three-time AL MVP – is making headlines and setting records once again, this time for nailing down baseball’s highest contract Thursday – a 10-year, $275 million deal with the New York Yankees. A-Rod set the previous record with a 10-year, $252 million deal he signed with the Texas Rangers in 2000.
The Baltimore Orioles trade former AL MVP and four-time All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada, 31, to the Houston Astros in exchange for Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate, and Michael Costanzo. Tejada is hitting .287 in his career with 258 HRs, and 1,033 RBIs to boot and should provide a big bat in the Astros lineup.
MODERN DAY DRIFTER
Wednesday, Dec. 12 – After just 13 games at the Atlanta Falcons’ helm, Bobby Petrino has stepped down as the Falcons’ head coach Tuesday. Barring a nearly four-year stint as the Louisville Cardinals’ head coach, Petrino has been known to “fly the coop” quite often during his career and will return to the college ranks as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, succeeding former head coach Houston Nutt. The Falcons have named longtime Falcons’ assistant coach, Emmitt Thomas, as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
FULL COURT COVERAGE
Tuesday, Dec. 11 – Former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick appeared in a Virginia court Monday to face his ultimate fate – a 23-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. The sentence would likely have been less harsh had Vick been more truthful about his role in a dogfighting scandal that involved gambling and executing pit bulls.
With Vick surrendering and starting his prison term early on Nov. 19, the fallen NFL star could be released as early as May 2009, although an NFL comeback remains uncertain. On Nov. 30, Vick’s cohorts, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, were sentenced to 18 months and 21 months, respectively, while another co-defendant, Tony Taylor, will receive his sentence Friday.
BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS
Monday, Dec. 10 – Floyd Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) needed just ten rounds to beat the pride of the U.K., Ricky Hatton (43-1, 31 KOs), and retain the welterweight championship Saturday inside a MGM Grand Garden Arena filled to capacity with 16,459 spectators. The quicker, more skilled, and more accurate Mayweather proved to be too much for Hatton, despite a sold-out arena chock-full of Hatton’s British fans and followers. For those who missed the highly hyped yet highly exciting bout, catch HBO’s replay on Dec. 15.
KINGS OF THE RING
Wednesday, Dec. 5 – In one of the biggest boxing bouts in recent history, American-grown “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather (38-0, 24 KOs) and England’s very own “Hitman” Ricky Hatton (43-0, 31 KOs) will face off in what is billed as the “Undefeated” Welterweight Championship this Saturday, Dec. 8, inside Las Vegas’ 16,000-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Mayweather retired in May 2007 after defeating Oscar de la Hoya but will rock the ring for the first time, while facing Hatton, who needed just four rounds to defeat Jose Luis Castillo back in June 2007. Surprisingly, Mayweather enters the ring with less of a “home-field” advantage with over 20,000 of Hatton’s countrymen headed to Sin City in support of their prized fighter.
BOWL-ING LANES
Monday, Dec. 3 – The road to the NCAA college football bowl season leads to some interesting match-ups in 2007 – a year that featured some unlikely upsets and surprising wins to boot. This past weekend proved a bit puzzling as well, as the Ohio State Buckeyes and the two-loss LSU Tigers leapfrogged supposed BCS Championship Game contenders – Missouri and West Virginia – for the top two spots and a shot at winning the BCS National Championship.
Here’s an overview of all the top teams in search of BCS glory: the Virginia Tech Hokies (3) will go head to head with the Kansas Jayhawks (8) in the Fed Ex Orange Bowl; the Hawaii Warriors (10) will face the Georgia Bulldogs (5) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl; the West Virginia Mountaineers (9) will duel with the Oklahoma Sooners (4) in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl; and the Illinois Fighting Illini (13) will battle the USC Trojans (7) in the Rose Bowl.
LOOKING HIGH AND LOW
Friday, Nov. 30 – Just when you thought the New York Knicks could get on a roll, riding a two-game win streak into Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics, it was the Celts and their seemingly invincible Big Three that rolled over the visiting Knicks 104-59. Knicks guard Nate Robinson’s buzzer-beating three-pointer spared the Knicks from scoring a franchise-low in points, which was 58 back in 2000. Watch out for those eggshells, Isiah.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers tallied a convincing 127-99 victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets Thursday, just hours after Lakers coach Phil Jackson agreed to a two-year contract extension worth roughly $24 million. Back in 2005, Jackson signed the richest deal for an NBA coach – a three-year contract worth a whopping $30 million. Jackson – who has already won nine NBA titles – will try to add to his enviable ring collection this season.
In NFL news, the battle of the 10-1 Green Bay Packers and 10-1 Dallas Cowboys took place Thursday inside Texas Stadium. As Packers QB Brett Favre went down with a shoulder and elbow injury early in the second quarter, Cowboys QB Tony Romo stepped up with yet another stellar performance of 309 passing yards and four TDs as the Cowboys improved to an NFC-best 11-1 on the season, while dropping the Packers to 10-2.
HARDEST HIT OF ALL
Tuesday, Nov. 27 – Washington Redskins free safety Sean Taylor was one of the NFL’s hardest hitters to ever take the field, but it was an unimaginable off-the-field tragedy that hit Taylor, 24, and his family the hardest. Taylor died early Tuesday at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, just one day after an apparent home intruder shot Taylor in the leg.
Despite undergoing several hours of surgery to repair a damaged femoral artery, the former Pro Bowler suffered significant blood loss which he would not overcome. Survived by his one-year-old daughter, Jackie, his family, and his Redskins teammates, Taylor will be remembered as a loving father, a fierce hitter on the field, and a young life taken too soon.
MANIC MONDAY
Monday, Nov. 26 – After an eventful holiday weekend in NCAA college football, here’s a Monday run down of the biggest wins, upsets, and coaching changes:
The unranked Arkansas Razorbacks delivered a triple-overtime blow to then-No. 1-ranked LSU Tigers 50-48 Friday. The Kansas Jayhawks kissed their undefeated season goodbye after a 36-28 loss to the Missouri Tigers – now ranked No. 1 in the AP polls and in the BCS standings. West Virginia, Ohio State, Georgia, and LSU round out the Top 5.
After Texas A&M's 38-30 win over No. 17 Texas Longhorns Friday, Aggies head coach Dennis Franchione stepped down as head coach, making way for former Green Bay Packers coach and Houston Texans assistant head coach, Mike Sherman, to take the reigns for next season. Head coaches also saying goodbye include Georgia Tech’s Chan Gailey and Nebraska’s Bill Callahan.
DIVISION PROBLEMS?
Friday, Nov. 23 – Not for the big victors on Thanksgiving Day. Kicking off NFL Week 12, the NFC-North-leading Green Bay Packers, NFC-East-leading Dallas Cowboys, and AFC-South-leading Indianapolis Colts each tallied a win Thursday and padded their leads in their respective divisions. Here’s a quick rundown of all the Thanksgiving Day NFL showdowns:
The Packers improved to 10-1 after defeating division rival Detroit Lions 37-26. With an easy 34-3 rout over the New York Jets, the Cowboys, improved to 10-1 on the season and continued to distance themselves from the New York Giants. The Colts crushed the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 and improved to 9-2 to stay one step ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars in a competitive AFC South.
TRADE WINDS
Wednesday, Nov. 21 – The Los Angeles Lakers have finally made a trade. Hang on, it’s probably not what or who you think. The Lakers completed a three-player trade with the Orlando Magic Tuesday, keeping guard Kobe Bryant in a Lakers uni and acquiring 22-year-old, 6-8 forward Trevor Ariza from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Lakers forward Brian Cook and veteran guard Maurice Evans.
Averaging 8.9 points and over four rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game in 2006-2007, Ariza should bring size, athleticism, and solid defense to the Lakers budding nucleus of Jordan Farmar, Andrew Bynum, Ronny Turiaf, and Kobe Bryant. With the trade, the Magic will gain a big body and good outside touch from Cook, a veteran presence and spark off the bench from Evans, and more depth overall.
HARD-TO-TOP SUNDAY
Monday, Nov. 19 – It was a Sunday of streaks. Some streaks hinted at invincibility. Some proved otherwise. With a 56-10 rout over the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots improved to a perfect 10-0, while the Miami Dolphins fell to 0-10 after a 17-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In NBA action, the Boston Celtics’ winning streak ended at eight after the now 9-2 Orlando Magic handed the hot-start Celtics their first loss of the season, 104-102.
It was a Sunday of seconds, including second championships and second runs. The Houston Dynamo earned their second MLS Championship after defeating the New England Revolution 2-1, while NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson secured his second consecutive Nextel Cup Championship. In MLB news, former New York Mets southpaw Tom Glavine returns for his second stint with the Atlanta Braves after signing a one-year deal worth $8 million.
BACK TO THE BIG APPLE
Thursday, Nov. 15 – The Big Apple is no stranger to big-name sports stars and astronomical salaries – especially when it comes to the New York Yankees and the New York Knicks – the two franchises with the highest payrolls in the MLB and NBA, respectively. Yankees slugger, Alex Rodriguez, and Knicks guard, Stephon Marbury, are two of the Big Apple’s most handsomely paid pro athletes who continue to make headlines in the sports nation.
Rodriguez, who decided to opt out of his $252 million contract during the last game of the 2007 World Series, entered into talks with the Yanks Wednesday in hopes of reaching a deal with the team. In the midst of a $76 million contract with the Knicks, Marbury was fined $195,000 for skipping the Knicks’ Tuesday night game in Phoenix and, thus, rejoined the Knicks for their Wednesday game in Los Angeles against the Clippers.
AND THEN THERE WAS ONE
Monday, Nov. 12 – After a 37-29 victory over the surging New Orleans Saints Sunday, the St. Louis Rams charged toward their first win of the season, avoiding a disastrous 0-16 record. Rams QB Marc Bulger racked up 302 yards and completed 27-of-33 passes for 82 percent in the Rams’ winning effort. With the Rams tallying a win, all eyes were on the NFL’s lone winless team – the now 0-9 Miami Dolphins that dropped a 13-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills Sunday.
The NFL nation is buzzing about the irony of all ironies: With the Dolphins still winless and the New England Patriots still undefeated, the Pats could very well be the first team since the 1972 Dolphins to achieve a perfect regular season. The ‘72 Dolphins – rumored to pop champagne whenever the final undefeated team is defeated – may have raised their glasses of bubbly for the last time, seeing that the Pats are on pace for record-breaking perfection this season.
HOUSTON INS & OUTS
Thursday, Nov. 8 – The Houston Astros new GM, Ed Wade, closed a deal Wednesday that sent Astros closer Brad Lidge and utility player Eric Bruntlett to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for three players – outfielder Michael Bourn, pitcher Geoff Geary, and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo. The Astros hope Bourn can provide some top-of-the-order speed and power and expect Geary to provide some middle relief in the bullpen.
With Lidge off to the Phillies, the Astros are in need of a quality closer. During the 2004-2005 seasons, a stellar Lidge converted 71-of-79 save opportunities while posting a 2.07 ERA. Since Lidge surrendered that demoralizing home run to St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols during the 2005 NLCS, Lidge’s numbers – and psyche – have taken a hit, seeing that Lidge has converted 51-of-65 save opportunities with a 4.37 ERA following that fateful blow.
PERFECTING PERFECTION
Monday, Nov. 5 – After a healthy dose of hype leading up to Sunday’s New England Patriots-Indianapolis Colts match up, the Patriots escaped with a 24-20 win over the defending Super Bowl Champion Colts inside the roaring and raucous RCA Dome. While the Colts dropped to 7-1, the Patriots improved to a perfect 9-0 – a near-perfect 9-0, according to Coach Belichick, the perfectionist Patriots, and Sunday’s box score.
After all, the Patriots – who averaged over 41 points per game prior to week 9 – could not run up the score on the Colts. Despite Tom Brady’s two interceptions, the Patriots’ 10 penalties for 146 yards, and a Pats defense that allowed 112 rushing and 114 passing yards from Colts RB Joseph Addai, the Patriots rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Colts and survive as the NFL’s sole unbeaten team – a “near” perfect one at that.
FILLING THE BILL
Friday, Nov. 2 – Four combined Super Bowl titles in the past six years. Two of the finest quarterbacks in the game. One of the most highly anticipated regular season games to date. For the first time in NFL history, two teams touting 7-0 or better records will meet for the first time when the Indianapolis Colts (7-0) host the New England Patriots (8-0) Sunday inside RCA Dome, where the Colts topped (and stunned) the Pats 38-34 in last year’s AFC Championship Game.
With all the hype surrounding this mid-season match-up, what’s really at stake? No AFC Championship. No rings. No headlines that you’ll remember a year from now. However, this Colts-Pats battle of the unbeatens sure does fill the bill for providing plenty of around-the-water-cooler banter, for delivering two MVP frontrunners in Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, and for fueling the fire of one of the greatest rivalries in pro sports today.
TO TRADE OR NOT TO TRADE?
Thursday, Nov. 1 – That is the big question circling around the NBA involving disgruntled Lakers superstar, Kobe Bryant. Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban reported Wednesday that the Mavericks are no longer in the Kobe Bryant running, seeing that the Mavs are looking for “bargains” and a bargain Kobe Bryant is not.
That leaves the Chicago Bulls at the center of Kobe trade talks, which have mentioned the likes of Bulls forwards Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas and center Ben Wallace as potential trade bait. However, the Bulls players involved and the NBA at large remain uncertain and in the dark as the Kobe Bryant to-trade-or-not-to-trade saga continues.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Wednesday, Oct. 31 – The NBA season officially kicked off Tuesday night with a ring ceremony to honor the 2007 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs followed by the spotlight on the Rockets-Lakers game in Staples Center. The new-look Houston Rockets took on Kobe Bryant and a Los Angeles Lakers team teeming with uncertainty as Kobe trade rumors continue to swirl.
Whether Kobe goes or stays in a Lakers uniform, Phil Jackson hopes the Lakers can get a definitive answer so the team’s off-court issues won’t affect their on-court play in any way. At least for four quarters, the focus was on basketball – thrilling, down-to-the-last-second basketball at that – as Kobe recorded a game-high 45 points in a nail-biting 95-93 loss to the Rockets.
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