This and That
Each week I'll give my thoughts on the world of sports:
• Kim Clijsters completed an amazing comeback story by winning the U.S. Open women's singles final. She beat Caroline Wozniacki, an up-and-comer in the title match. That came just one night after Serena Williams' outburst ended a pretty good match. Clijsters had a baby and was retired for two years before coming back to the WTA Tour. During her run at the Open, she beat both Williams sisters en route to the championship.
• As for Serena Williams, her actions were uncalled for. It showed a real lack of maturity and it cost her any shot of advancing. She may have gotten a raw deal on the foot-fault call, but the screaming and yelling, especially with young fans who adore her watching, was disappointing. I have always been a big fan of hers, but she has to apologize for this. Her cursing and carrying on, making a gesture with the racket, was terrible.
• Rich Rodriguez may have enjoyed his biggest win in coaching ever when his Wolverines knocked off the Irish. It has been an incredible month for the Michigan coach. He went through the controversy of alleged NCAA violations of time management to the high of a huge win. The victory at the Big House has to be a major positive for Michigan. For Notre Dame, that was a huge loss because there are few opportunities to move up in the BCS standings due to the schedule. The USC game is really the only other contest to prove something big.
• It is amazing to see freshmen quarterbacks stepping into big-time situations and do well right out of the gate. It is not easy to succeed under pressure at major programs, yet Matt Barkley of USC and Tate Forcier of Michigan did just that last weekend. They performed under the gun late in wins. Barkley did it with a dramatic drive in the hostile environment of Columbus. It is always a tough place to play. Forcier engineered a great drive, making one big play after another against Notre Dame.
• The Mid-American conference is always underrated in football and basketball. The league has a number of dangerous opponents. If you don't believe me, go ask Michigan State about what happened against Central Michigan. What about Toledo beating up on Colorado? There were other close calls as Northwestern beat Eastern Michigan by three. Indiana got past Western Michigan by four. Bowling Green came within a touchdown of a Missouri team that blew out Illinois. This is a league that can play!
• I am starting to believe the Mountain West might be tougher than the ACC this year! Just look at the top teams with BYU and Utah. Then check out what happened with Maryland struggling to get past James Madison. Florida State was trailing at home against Jacksonville State until a pair of late touchdowns sealed the deal. I know teams like Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are solid, but the ACC has had mixed results so far and the big boys at the Mountain West deserve some serious love. Utah and BYU can match up with any heavyweight in the ACC.
• For all of those people who questioned Tiger Woods in the past few weeks, one number stands out -- 62. Yes, my friends, it was an amazing round on Saturday at the BMW Championship. Tiger is one of the premier athletes of our generation, and any time he is challenged, he shuts up his critics with an incredible performance.
• Derek Jeter showed there are players who can be great on and off the field. I love the way he carries himself as a great success. Congratulations on passing Lou Gehrig as the all-time hit leader of the Yankees.
• Drew Brees began his season just where he left off -- throwing touchdowns. He had six in the win over the Lions, and he has a number of weapons at his disposal. It looks like Brees is going to put up more big numbers this season.
• For all of the talk about Brett Favre in Minnesota, Adrian Peterson showed why he is the best running back in the NFL. All the former Sooner did was rush for 180 yards in a win over Cleveland.
• Richard Seymour said he was blindsided by the trade from the Patriots. He took a few days to clear his head, then he reported to the Raiders. I believe he will be a factor on the west coast.
