This and That
Each week I'll talk about the world of sports...
•East Carolina has made headlines early during this college football season. The Pirates are ranked in the top 15 in one poll after beating Virginia Tech and West Virginia. What a defensive performance against the Mountaineers, keeping outstanding quarterback Pat White in check. Skip Holtz has done a masterful job and East Carolina may have to roll out even more cash to keep other schools away from him, even with his recent extension. Holtz deserves a lot of credit, as does quarterback Patrick Pinkney, who has completed over 80 percent of his passes during the first two games.
•Notre Dame had a struggle against San Diego State. Believe me, my friends, this Irish team will get better and better and thanks to a favorable schedule, I still feel will win 8-10 games. There is a lot of talent in South Bend, and this weekend's game vs. Michigan should be exciting. I feel good things are in store for Charlie Weis and his team.
•I was saddened by the news of former UTEP coach Don Haskins' death. He was a great basketball mind who was very defensive-minded. Haskins was ahead of his time with his philosophy that led to an NCAA championship. I felt he received more recognition following the release of the movie Glory Road. Haskins will be missed in the basketball community. I understand why my friend Bob Knight had such glowing praise for Haskins.
•I cannot thank my friends, family and extended family from ESPN enough for coming to the various events at the Hall of Fame weekend. For those who flew in from all over the country, I am truly blessed to have your support. It was truly special, and I will never forget the weekend as long as I live. There were so many special people involved, seeing so many Hall of Fame players and coaches. Wow, it was so emotional for me.
•Do you think fans of the Patriots were holding their breath when quarterback Tom Brady went down against Kansas City. Matt Cassel did a good job of leading New England to a hard-fought W and now it looks like it will be his job the rest of the year.
•Give Brett Favre a lot of credit for leading the Jets to victory in his debut with the team. He didn't have much time to learn the playbook, but he showed his ability to throw long with a touchdown bomb to Jerricho Cotchery.
•I was impressed by Dallas in its win at Cleveland. The defense basically held Derek Anderson in check. Tony Romo and company moved the ball effectively. Wade Phillips has a very talented squad.
•Wow, the Red Sox and Rays have a big series at Fenway this week. Boston is now within 1½ games of first place in the AL East. Matt Garza pitched his heart out but Tampa Bay lost 1-0 at Toronto on Sunday. The Blue Jays swept the three-game series and Tampa Bay has lost five of its last six. The next six for the Rays: three in Boston, and three at Yankee Stadium. At least Tampa Bay still looks in good shape in the AL wild card if the division goes to Boston.
•It was great to see the emotion of Serena Williams as she jumped up and down, celebrating another U. S. Open women's championship. She edged Jelena Jankovic in two very tough sets. It marked the third U. S. Open singles title for Serena. Remember, she beat three of the top seven seeds to capture the crown.
