Mayer: Colts vs. Packers, A Game to Remember

I had the chance to cover the Colts vs Packers game on Sunday in Indianapolis. It was a truly special experience for me. As I've mentioned before, I'm a pretty die hard Packers fan. I've seen Green Bay play twice before: Once during the Favre era in San Diego (a blowout of the lowly Chargers) and a couple years back in Green Bay (a bad loss to the Texans on a last second field goal). So, this was only the third time seeing my favorite team and this time I was covering them professionally. Talk about a dream come true.

Indianapolis was playing for more then a win. Earlier in the week it was learned coach Chuck Pagano had been diagnosed with a treatable form of  leukemia. The first year head coach had already created a strong bond with the team. He sent players an e-mail urging them to play on and focus on the football field. That is always easier said then done. There were players on both teams wearing shirts supporting the coach as well as signs in each endzone.

 
 The Colts came into the game big underdogs. Although Indianapolis was by no means playing like a bad team, they were still playing with a rookie quarterback and facing the Packers who were needing a win and considered one of the better teams in the league. Andrew Luck has impressed everyone so far this season with his poise and decision making. He may still have a ways to go, but after leading a brilliant comeback, this was undoubtedly a monumental game in his career.

The Colts were excited to get one of the greatest defenders in their history back. Dwight Freeney had yet to take the field in the regular season due to a nagging ankle injury. Fans were excited to see a familiar number on defense and hoped he would wreak havoc for Aaron Rodgers.

I won't go into a long recap because I have to think everyone either watched this game, saw highlights, or heard about what happened. The Packers played with ease in the first half behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers on offense leading to 21 points and on defense the pressure was put on by Clay Matthews and company. Charles Woodson had the tough task of covering Reggie Wayne, who would put on an other worldly performance accumulating over 200 yards and wearing orange gloves in support of his coach. Despite their effort, Indianapolis found themselves with a 18 point deficit going into the third quarter.

Indianapolis absolutely dominated the second half. There are times in sports that emotion makes the difference. While Indianapolis made great adjustments and out played the Packers physically and mentally, the emotion was special to see. Call it cliche, but the Colts pushed it to the next level playing for their coach.

The Colts fought back, not allowing a point while continually putting drives together and converting key third downs. Reggie Wayne played like a man possessed, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. The Packers doubled, bumped at the line, played man, played zone; it didn't matter. Andrew Luck showed incredible poise and some serious guts. Specifically, on one play when he was being tackled for a sack by Matthews, who grabbed his arm, and shook off the defender eventually completing a HUGE third down (to Wayne of course). The other play was his run near the goal line after the play broke down, diving forward to get the first. The Packers missed a 50 yard tying attempt to tie the game and Indianapolis stormed onto the field in one of the most inspirational and emotional victories you'll ever see.

As a Packer fan I was disappointed for two reasons. First, this game put Green Bay under .500 and in official Worry-Mode for a season that had sky high expectations. Secondly, it's never fun to see your team lose in person. However, talking to the Colts in the locker room after the game, feeling the joy and sense of accomplishment was special. These men came together for their coach. They were not afraid to make it known how much he meant to them and how they were able to take those feelings and channel them into positive energy during the second half. I feel lucky to have been at a game that went way beyond a W. This is a victory that everyone who was there and watched will remember.
 

NBC 2 Sports: MLB Playoff Outlook

Jason Pensky:
For the second year in a row I look at the MLB playoffs and can legitimately talk myself out of thinking each individual team has a shot to win the title. Last year I believe Chris Carpenter is the only reason the Cards won the World Series. He's the most underrated player in the history of baseball, and if he played for New York or Boston, he would already be in Cooperstown, even though he's still playing. With no Chris Carpenter in this year's playoffs (the real Carp isn't healthy), I will offer a thought on each team:

Nats....No Strasburg, no title.

Reds...stud-filled staff.

Braves....Hollywood is hoping for Chipper to Hoist.

Cards...Their baaaack, but the magic isn't.

Giants...this isn't 2010.

Yankees....these aren't your father's Yanks.

Tigers....2 v 2 they'd win it all with Verlander/Cabrera.

Rangers.....something just doesn't seem right.

A's....their surge has been historic.

O's.....my favorite team. Not objective!

World Series Picks:

Yankees over the Reds 

                                    

Reds over the A's (plan B)  

Grant Pugh

October baseball: The "Land of Hopes and Dreams."  That also happens to be the name of this year's theme song by Bruce Springsteen. Just like "The Boss,"' playoff baseball stands for everything that's right in America. Watching teams go toe-to-toe for our national pastime brings hope, fear, cheers, and tears. 

Major League Baseball and Bud Selig have implemented a new system this year, and it has a taste for the theatrical. The additional wild card playoff game is fun, but add in the fact that the lower seeds will get to start the division series at home in a 2-3 format, this could get crazy dramatic. 

It's only fitting that the Cardinals and Braves square off for the NL Wild Card after what happened last year. The game takes place in Atlanta, and the Braves always seem to win when Kris Medlen starts, but the Cardinals have the experience. Prediction: Redbirds walk out of Atlanta with a win. 

In the AL, my oh my how the Rangers have fallen. They went from leading the AL West to fighting for their playoff lives. One good thing, at least they get the Orioles at home. What Buck Showalter has done with this team is nothing short of incredible, but what Showalter hasn't done is win in the postseason. Prediction: Rangers take care of business at home. 

Now on to the 2 Division League Series in the National League. The Nationals are the #1 seed, and congratulations, you get to travel to St. Louis and face one of the toughest teams in baseball. The Cardinals lineup is the strongest in the NL, and no Stephen Strasburg will come back to haunt Washington. Prediction: Cardinals move on to the LCS. 

The Cincinnati Reds and Dusty Baker are back in the playoffs as National League Central Champion. However, the Reds will have to travel to San Fran for the first 2 games against Matt Cain and company. The Giants are an overlooked team heading into the postseason which makes them very dangerous. Prediction: Giants get it done and move on to the LCS. 

Over in the American League, The Oakland Athletics are the best story in baseball. Bob Melvin and crew come out of nowhere to not only make the playoffs, but knock the Rangers out of the division on the final day of the season. If the A's are the best story, Miguel Cabrera is the best chapter of the baseball season. He's the first triple crown winner since 1967, and leads a Tigers lineup full of power. The Tigers and A's met in the 2006 LCS, and I expect a lot of theatrics in this one, too. Prediction: It's hard to go against these A's, they are red hot and may end up knocking Jim Leyland into retirement. A's move to on to the LCS. 

The New York Yankees needed some late magic to clinch the AL East over Baltimore. If Texas beats Baltimore, a Texas-New York matchup is something the networks will drool over. These two teams have some playoff history in recent years, and I expect this one to be another exciting chapter. Prediction: Yankess move on to the LCS. 

How good would a Cardinals vs Giants LCS be? These are the past 2 World Champions with some of the best pitching in baseball. The format goes back to normal for the LCS, which gives the Giants the home field, but I like the road warriors under the Arch. Prediction: St. Louis moves on to the Fall Classic. 

Everyone remembers the Jeter flip vs the A's several years ago. No flipping part two this time, but I like the Yankees over the A's based on experience. Prediction: Yankees go back to the Fall Classic. 

So let's go to the World Series (because this post is getting long). The last time there was a Triple Crown winner (1967), the Cardinals won the World Series. On the other side, the last 6 times Kentucky has won the National Championship in Basketball, the Yankees won the World Series. We've had a chalk year in sports with Kentucky and the Miami Heat, and I think the trend continues. Prediction: Yankees over Cardinals in 6.

Lucas Mayer

Since the Wild Card era began after the strike season, Bud Selig and company have been on a constant mission to create parity. It makes sense, the more teams that have a chance at winning, the more fans keep watching. The only issue was the wild card teams' only disadvantage was lack of a home field advantage in the playoffs. This isn't the NFL and that proved to not be a big deal at all. Wild Cards teams have had no issue finding their way to and winning the World Series ( Marlins 97' Angles 02' Cardinals 11' to name a few). So the baseball minds decided to create a second wild card. Now the two wild card teams will play a sudden death game to enter "the real playoffs". I love this idea. It puts the wild cards teams at a severe disadvantage, which is appropriate and gives a bunch of clubs a chance as the season winds down. The move also creates the need to win the division as opposed to the past when teams coasted by not caring how they made it into the second season. So here we are, about to embark on this MLB post-season experiment. The start has been tremendous (how about those A's!) and I expect the roller coaster ride to continue.

Wild Card

Cardinals vs. Braves

A tough match-up, but I'll side with Atlanta. The Cardinals have offensive depth. Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday can get hot and carry the team at any moment and Kyle Lohse is no slouch, but Kris Medlen hasn't lost since 1900, or so it seems. The Braves are playing to send Chipper Jones out on a high note and the back end of their bullpen is absolutely filthy. Shortening the game to six innings could be the key to a deep run for Atlanta. 

Orioles vs. Rangers

In the American League the Texas Rangers will face off against the Baltimore Orioles, who have had a magical season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since the infamous Jeffrey Maier incident. The Orioles have been astounding in one run games and extra inning affairs and came close to taking the AL East away from the Yankees. The Rangers on the other hand, just went through one of the worst collapses in history giving up the division to Oakland on the last day of the season. I still have to go with Texas. They are the better team, but mainly I can't pick Joe Saunders over Yu Darvish in the Texas heat, I just don't see it.

Division Series

Giants vs. Reds

My gut tells me whoever wins this series will represent the senior circuit in the World Series. It's really hard to choose mainly because the teams are similar. Both have strong starting pitching with Matt Cain and Johnny Cueto being two of the best starters going. Will the real Tim Lincecum show up? What Bronson Arroyo do we see? Mat Latos or Madison Bumgarner, that may hold the key to who wins. Buster Posey has been the best player of the second half and Marco Scutaro single handedly eliminated the Dodgers. The Reds will look for Brandon Phillips to ignite the top of the order for Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Both bullpens can be overwhelming. I flip my coin and it comes up Cincinnati's way (I'm sure my Dodgers bias doesn't help).

Nationals vs. Braves

Here is where you miss Stepehen Strasburg. The rotations match-up pretty closely and the fire-baller probably would have put Washington over the top for me. However, without him, I like Atlanta's solid bullpen advantage with the struggling Tyler Clippard in the back end. Does Drew Storen close? Offense could go either way. I can see Michael Bourne heating up, causing chaos on the base paths and Jayson Werth getting some big hits. It will be fun to see what Bryce Harper does and I expect fireworks from Chipper Jones. All in all, the Nationals go into the off season wondering if Strasburg could have pushed them over the top.

Tigers vs.Athletics

This should be the Tigers series. They have the best pitcher in baseball with Justin Verlander and the Triple Crown winner in Miguel Cabrera. Those are only two of a slew of weapons for a team that underachieved. The A's have an all rookie rotation, Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick. With respect to those guys, Cespedes has never experienced anything like October and the rest of the Athletics lineup is not exactly house hold names (this is a team with another stellar bullpen). So of course, I am going with Oakland. Sometimes there are special teams and the A's are exactly that. They play together and are riding a special wave that may take them all the way. 

Yankees vs. Rangers

The Bronx Bombers may be more dangerous then ever. They are healthy and CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano are firing on all cylinders. The New York offense is plain scary in the playoffs especially in the House That A Lot of Money Built. They will miss the best closer of all time in a big way. If we talked in the beginning of the year, I would have picked the Rangers in this match-up. Texas can equal the offensive firepower of the Yanks, but have better starting pitching depth. However, with the way these teams are playing I don't see New York having much of an issue, they advance.

Championship Series

Braves vs. Reds.

The parity in the NL is pretty outrageous, it gets harder as the match-ups advance. I'll go with the Reds hitting some key home runs at Great American and getting some lights out performances from Cueto and Latos along with Chapman blowing away the Braves lefties late in the game. 

A's vs. Yankees.

Is this deja vu all over again? I feel like I'm in the early 2000's and Derek Jeter is running across the field on the famous flip play nailing Jason Giambi at the plate (How can you not slide there? HOW?!?). Not this time, The A's magic continues. That's right I'm taking the rookie starters Jarrod Parker, Tommy Milone and A.J Griffen going into the hostile Bronx and coming away alive. This one goes seven games. 

World Series

A's vs Reds

I think I stepped into the time machine once more and got sent back to the late 80's/early 90's. Wheres Barry Larkin and Dennis Eckersley when you need them. Anyway, I'm going with the Athletics. Yep that's right, I'm picking Oakland to go all the way and shock the Sports World. Maybe I just want it to happen because it would be one of the best stories EVER....EVERRRRRR, but look at what they have done. They came back from 13 games down to the two time AL Champions. They are easily the hottest team in the MLB and that makes a difference going into the playoffs. The pitching is young and dominant, maybe too young to comprehend the pressure they should feel. The bullpen is lights out and while the Athletics offense is nothing to get very excited about, they have been hitting for power (clutch home runs have become commonplace). I sense something special. In 2012 the A's will become the sports story of the year.   

 

Mayer: The 2012 West Vigo Boys Soccer Team

(This blog post corresponds with a feature story that aired on Monday, October 1st. Here is the link to the video: West Vigo Delivers Surprising Season

The soccer players walked in and out of the gym trying to stay warm and for that matter awake. They arrived at West Vigo High School around 7:45 AM on Saturday and were still trying to figure out the location of the bus that was scheduled to take them on the two and half hour ride to Browne County.

This kind of thing happens all the time in high school sports. Bus schedules get mixed up and kids that would want nothing more then to sleep in on a Saturday are left envisioning their upcoming game and waiting for a ride. Of course, many of these soccer players that had given up their Saturday and countless other weekends and hours of practicing never anticpated having to do so. That's because as recently as this summer, they weren't soccer players.

Anyone who has played sports on a serious level understands the commitment it takes. Time is just one aspect. So, when the Vikings boys soccer team found themselves without enough players two weeks before the 2012 season, they knew it would be a difficult task to convince others to join the squad. That didn't stop captains Brady Cole, Nathan Augustus, and Justin Kump from attempting to save their team. They wandered the halls of their school and pitched the idea to countless athletes. Cross Country players already had the conditioning aspect down, basketball and baseball players could get great practice for their upcoming seasons, and tennis players would have the much needed hand eye coordination.

Coach Culley DeGroote also tried to sell the soccer team to students, but he was also busy making sure he knew enough about the sport to teach it. DeGroote had experience as a coach, but had never played or taught the beautiful game. The middle school gym teacher surrounded himself with assisstants Cody Jones and Travis Lewzader, who would help relay the basics.

Sports teams often have to overcome obstacles that bring them together and help form a bond that eventually leads to great success. They must climb a metaphorical mountain to reach the summit of athletic success. However, the Vikings were not only climbing a mountain, they were doing it without harnesses and hopping on one leg.

West Vigo lost nine starting seniors from the 2011 squad. Three of those players were the all time leading scorers for the program. The coaching staff was gone as well. The players that remained had to switch positions for the most part and play a greatly increased role. Once players from other sports were recruited (over half the team) the Vikings had two weeks to impart 15 years of soccer knowledge. The players who actually knew soccer had to spend much of their time normally preserved for improving, teaching the novices basics of the game such as how to properly execute a throw in and when there would be a corner or goalie kick. Furthermore, a great number of the new soccer players did not know their teammates previously and had never met Coach DeGroote, so chemistry would have to be built from ground zero in a very short amount of time.

The bus ride was quite at first. Most of the boys used the long journey to catch up on sleep and dream of a Saturday watching college football, going to the lake, or spending the day with friends and family. After a while, everyone started to gain some energy and begin preparations for the game. They acted like a group that had been together for years as opposed to a couple months. There was laughing, razzing, and everything you would expect from a group of high school boys on a road trip.

The pre-game was rushed because we made it to Browne County a bit late. It was cool, but not cold and the grass was still moist with the son yet to break through. Players went through their routines and for the Vikings this includes countless tips and advice for the less experienced boys. As the game started and progressed the inexperience shows. Defenders are out of position, maybe only a second late, but that can make all the difference in soccer.

A Browne County player, who is obviously experienced and talented, continually uses jukes and fakes to get around the Vikings. West Vigo has opportunities on offense, but they just can't seem to get enough players down the field to create continuinty and any kind of established attack.

The final score is 5-1, the one West Vigo goal coming on a beautiful shot from Justin Kump, an experienced sophomore. The Vikings don't hang their heads. They hustle off the field, stand in line and shake hands. Coach DeGroote directs them to gather everything and make sure all the trash is thrown away. Some of the players spent a few minutes talking with parents then head back to the bus.

The silence of a defeated team is not found on the ride back. The players understand that the odds are stacked against them. They are still learning with each game although this was the season finale and playoffs await. There are smiles and laughter along with music and talk of plans for the rest of the weekend. The players are not ok with losing. They are a determined group, but simply, refuse to let a loss bring them down. The team is constantly looking forward, trying to figure out ways to get better and build a sustainable program.

Athleticism is the basis for the majority of sports, but knowledge and fundamentals play just as important of a role. When building a team, it takes time for the players to bond and build a trust that can translate into success. The West Vigo soccer team has packed in years of knowledge and practice into a small set of time and still found a way to wins games. They have morphed into a true team instead of individuals playing with like uniforms. No matter the outcome, the season has been a mighty success. 

After finishing conference play at 2-3-1, West Vigo won its sectional game 2-0 over South Vermillion. They play Covington for the championship on Saturday.

Mayer: Some High School Football Offenses Must Evolve

I often hear the term "it's a different game" when referring to a higher level being compared to a lower level within the same sport. For instance, when hitters advance to high school baseball they often see off-speed pitches on a consistent basis like never before. Basketball players have to deal with more advanced zone defenses and complex set plays in college. As tennis players move up they must incorporate different serves and deal with opponents who can cover more court and hit at much greater speeds.

It's not actually a different game, but simply the evolution of the sport as the players advance physically and mentally. The stakes are raised and the games advance in a myriad of ways.

Football is not an outlier. Schemes become increasingly complex as players progress and the speed of the game ramps up dramatically. What I have found most interesting about high school football is the extreme differences in evolution between classes (at least in Indiana).

While the 4A and 5A teams often exhibit complex offensive schemes and are not afraid to pass, the trend has not trickled down to many of the 1A and 2A teams. Obviously this is a serious generlization. In no way can you put all teams under an umbrella of progressive or "ancient" game planning. In fact, I started thinking about this subject after doing a segment on Goin2TheEndzone, breaking down the Sullivan offense. The Golden Arrows are a 2A school.

Sullivan has a fascinating offense. They are not afraid to spread the field with multiple receivers and throw it deep. They also have a solid running game and use many fakes at the line of scrimmage involving wide receivers. It's not surprising to see the Golden Arrows use multiple receiver end arounds and receiver double reverses in a game.

At the same time, I've covered games where a lower class team seems to be playing football out of the 1950's. The team lines up again and again in the I-formation or some kind of a jumbo set with multiple backs (whether they are running backs, full backs, or tight ends in the backfield) and run up the middle. Every so often you see them dare to call a stretch run.

I understand why these teams don't use extremely complicated offenses with constant moving parts and pass plays that go thirty plus yards. The same goes for zone defenses that require defenders to adjust at the last minute and cover offensive players that are often bigger or faster. The athletes at the lower levels are usually not as physically gifted, that's a simple fact of life.

Still, I feel that taking the risk of implementing some kind of complexities in the offense, whether it's more sweeps, reverses, or play action passes would be worth it. When a defense knows the play will be a run up the middle 75% of the time, it becomes a game of field position and which team doesn't turn the ball over. I say take some chances and trust your players. It may be a bit of an adjustment  for players who regularly use less then ten plays a game. However, players are smarter then ever being raised in an age where professional and collegiate football schemes are being broken down for everyone to study.

Mayer: Ratings and Money > Integrity to Goodell

Courtesy Deadspin

The NFL referee lockout has officially reached a breaking point. Games are being changed by missed calls and non calls that should be made. I have never seen so many blatant false starts missed which may be the single easiest penalty for officials. There is a fundamental misconception of many rules, most glaringly pass interference.

There are now issues developing that go beyond simple poor rulings. It took the preseason and first week to gauge the knowledge level of the replacement referees. Now players and coaches are taking that information and bending the rules like never before as well as testing the limits of what the officials can see on the field. Excessive holding has been a constant issue which makes sense because it usually happens in some form on every play. However,  players understand the newbies are not used to the speed of the game and do not know what to look for.

The NFL has been so incredibly outspoken about player safety in the last year, but have not addressed how inexperienced officials are allowing illegal hits to be called. Helmet to helmet as well as hits to defenseless receivers are going unnoticed. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to so dramatically change the rules of football to protect players, but then hire people who are not fully capable of enforcing that rule set?

Anyone who saw Golden Tate's dirty shot in the Seahawks game against the Cowboys can attest that players will continue to take advantage and games will come with increasing risk. The amount of fighting after the play and cheap shots has become absurd. Let's not look past coaches who are in the ear of the officials for the entire game. This is not unusual, but normal referees have learned how to properly deal with and often ignore pestering coaches. Replacement officials seem to be much more effected.

The increase in late flags being thrown and penalties being taken back after the fact must be at an all time high. The amount of time it has taken for challenges to be looked at has been astronomical, at times creating long unnecessary delays. Overall, game times are already averaging ten minutes longer then normal. These replacement referees do not have control of the game which is the most important duty of the officials.

The most infuriating part of this lockout saga is the amount of money that is being fought over. The NFL has become a superpower in every sense. If they gave into every single one of the referees demands and doubled the money, it would not have a significant economic effect on the league. I agree with many of the changes Roger Goodell has made to the game. However, this looks like a power play more then anything. The commissioner knows how the NFL consumes our lives and despite being upset, fans will keep watching. The NFL will still make insane amounts of money and to the league that is all that matters.

UPDATE: In one of the most controversial plays in NFL history, on Monday Night Football with the nation watching, a last minute hail mary from the Seahawks Russell Wilson was ruled complete and beat the Green Bay Packers. The ball was clearly intercepted by Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings. After many horrible calls and confusion throughout the NFL season, the replacement referees single-handedly reversed the appropriate outcome of a game. 

Note: I am a very loyal Green Bay Packers fan. (Also it is an odd coincidence that I had previously mentioned Golden Tate in this post on Wednesday. Maybe a subconscious premonition?)

I'm not one of those people that has slow mornings. I'm usually up and at it as soon as I wake up and already have a list in my head of things to do. Most of the time it involves reading or writing about sports and pushing myself to my apartment complex's gym. I don't doddle. Today, I just wanted to go back to sleep. I wasn't tired, I simply wanted to go back to dreaming and not have to the face the reality that a win was stripped, stolen, snatched away from my beloved Packers. There has been so much outrage over one of the worst calls you will ever see in sports, but I'm more sad then angry.

I can't stop thinking about the ramifications of the blown call. What if the Packers miss the playoffs by a game? What if they miss a home playoff game or home field advantage because a replacement referee was not adequately prepared to do his job? I already want to know what happens in the parallel universe where the call was correctly ruled an interception and Green Bay sits atop the NFC North with a 2-1 record. This call could be no big deal, or could have monumental ramifications, we just don't know yet. 

The sting of the atrocious game winning "touchdinception" and subsequent result would not hurt as much if it did not happen to my favorite team. However, it's disheartening to see a sport that preaches integrity, refuse to correct an easily fixable problem that is significantly effecting the play on the field. I said it before, the NFL could concede to every demand and it would be pennies to the owners. The amount of greed being shown by the owners and desire for power that Roger Goodell is exhibiting is disgusting. 

It should be said that the problem goes way beyond this specific play (I have not even mentioned the blatant offensive pass interference not called on Golden Tate, which the NFL has admitted, as well as the illegal block in the back at the line of scrimmage) but what the fans, players, and coaches have dealt with all season. The game is not under control. Aside from the obvious incorrect calls, the way football is played is being altered. Players are taking cheap shots, coaches are trying to take advantage, and games are dragging along as mass confusion becomes the headline. 

I can only hope that something positive comes out of this horrific injustice. In a perfect World this will be the play and game that force Goodell and the owners to bring back the men who know how to properly officiate. Within a couple of hours after the game we saw a backlash from players, fans, and media that is arguably unequal in the history of sports. Social media has a lot to do with that as everyone is able to have their opinions heard (including some Packers players that were unable to control their emotions). I will never forgive Roger Goodell. If the Packers win the rest of their games and become champions, it won't change a thing. The man in charge has clearly shown that the integrity of this sport is simply not as important as money. 

That last sentence is meaningful to me. "The man in charge has clearly shown that the integrity of this sport is simply not as important as money." I have always believed that sport is a reflection of society, that it's more then a game. Now, I'm not naive. I understand that money drives all sports and the NFL is king when it comes to finances. However, "with great power comes great responsibility." I would like to hope that a group of such powerful and absurdly wealthy people would be willing to concede a tiny amount in order to benefit millions of fellow countrymen. And therein lies the problem. What's wrong with the NFL and this lockout is what's wrong with our country.

Courtesy Sports Illustrated

Pensky: Honoring the Edge, My Favorite Colt

  Peyton Manning gets most of the credit for the Colts decade-plus run of excellence, but don't kid yourself, Edgerrin James was perhaps the second most important piece to the franchise turning the corner. In fact, I believe, if the Colts had a better defense when James was healthy, the franchise would have more than one Super Bowl victory.

   As the Colts prepare to induct James into their prestigious Ring of Honor this Sunday during their game against Jacksonville, I find myself reflecting on both what James did statistically, and what he brought to the Colts from a personality standpoint.

   Let's make no mistake about it, the numbers James put up in an injury shortened career were pretty staggering:

--Franchise best 9, 286 yards rushing

--Franchise best 2, 188 rushing attempts

--Franchise best 49 100-yard rushing games

--Franchise best 5 1,000-yard rushing seasons

--Ranks 11th All-Time in the NFL with 12, 246 yards rushing

--Only player to lead the NFL in rushing his first 2 years in the NFL

   He was so important to the Colts that the year he first suffered a season-ending knee injury (2001), turned out to be the only year the Colts missed the playoffs from 1999 to 2010. He was so important to the Colts that even while he was finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals, Colts owner Jim Irsay sent James a Super Bowl ring, after the Colts beat the Bears in 2007. 

   And yet even with all of these numbers, and with his humongous role on the field, it was his personality that I have missed the most. James seemed flamboyant with the famous dreadlocks. But the truth is, he was one of the most honest athletes I have ever been around. He showed up to training camp in Terre Haute one summer in a taxi cab, and with camera's rolling, got out of the cab, giggled and said, "this is what happens when you lose your license." 

   The very next summer, he showed up in a yellow school bus, with a hoard of underprivileged children who were his special guests.

   During one interview session in Terre Haute, a nervous reporter asked James how he would "prefare" (instead of prepare) for the coming game, and James smiled and said "Man you gotta get it right!" He then proceeded to give the reporter an incredibly well thought out response. He liked to have a laugh, but it was all in good fun.

   Another summer as the team prepared to play a pre-season game in Japan, James admitted that a friend of his had told him to get a message, and ask for a happy ending. He smirked when he said that, like a 10 year old child would who had just said something he probably shouldn't have. 

   James loved a challenge off the field as much as on it. He would welcome strangers to his dorm room at Rose-Hulman during training camp if they were competitive Madden video game players (James played Madden as the Jets, never as the Colts). And he was routinely spotted playing pool at BW3's throughout camp in Terre Haute, never one to stay in his room for fear of being recognized. 

   There was an true innocence to his personality that led to honesty, and likability. He said what he thought, he was always true to himself, and true to who he was as a person and athlete. I have missed that ever since he left.

   Congrats to James, truly my favorite Indianapolis Colt of all-time!

Pugh: Rivalry Renewed

Notre Dame, USC, Miami...college football is a better product when certain teams are playing at a high level. Tennessee is one of the those teams. The Vols can take a step towards getting back to prominence this weekend when the Florida Gators come to town.

Courtesy: GoVolsXtra

From 1992 to 2004, Florida vs Tennessee was one of the marquee matchups every season. A big September game that had implications for the winner of the SEC East. The schools have a combined 4 National Championships in the last 15 years. In recent memory, Florida has dominated by winning 7 straight with a combined score of 213-106. Not only that, but the Gators won 2 National Titles in those 7 years, while the Vols have been through 3 different head coaches and struggled to stay about .500. That could change this weekend.

For the first time since 2007, #23 Tennessee and #18 Florida both enter Saturday's showdown in the top 25. ESPN's College Gameday will be in town for the first time since 2004. The Florida vs Tennessee game is the second highest Gameday showdown, only Florida vs Florida State has been featured more.

Courtesy: al.com

Will Muschamp secured his first big win as Gators head coach last week at Texas A&M. Derek Dooley is still searching for that signature win with the Vols. Not only could this weekend be a signature win, but it could cool down the hot seat that he's currently sitting on. His record is 13-14 at Tennessee, with his only conference wins coming against Vandy, Kentucky, and Ole Miss. His biggest wins came against Cincy and NC State, 2 teams from weaker football conferences. A loss to Florida would not necessarily mean Dooley's days are numbered, but it would certainly rattle the confidence cages.

Courtesy: utsports.com

The experts have favored Tennessee to win Saturday. The Vols come in with a potent passing attack led by Tyler Bray, Justin Hunter, and Cordarrelle Patterson. On the other side, the Gators have plenty of confidence after winning on the road last week. Their offense may not put up the big passing numbers, but Jeff Driskel continues to improve, and has one of the best running backs in the SEC, Mike Gillislee, to guide him.

Regardless of what happens, it's great for college football to have the Florida-Tennessee rivalry alive and well again. Will dominance continue for the Gators or can Tennessee take a step in the right direction? Saturday will be fun to watch.