Each week I talk about the world of sports:
• The World Series is set as the Yankees and Phillies should have an interesting battle. Game 1 features CC Sabathia against Cliff Lee and both guys have been super in the postseason. I wonder what Indians fans are saying about seeing these two guys on the mound since they both used to wear that Cleveland jersey?
• It was an emotional weekend for the University of Connecticut football team. After going through the tragedy of Jasper Howard's murder, the team had to play at West Virginia. Give credit to the Mountaineers and their fans, who displayed so much class in honoring the fallen Huskies player. Randy Edsall's team fought so hard, playing to win for the late Howard. At the end, West Virginia prevailed in a nail-biter, but both teams and schools were winners.
• Alabama remained unbeaten, but barely as Tennessee had a shot to win the game in the final moments. The Vols were so tenacious, but Terrence Cody had a pair of blocked field goals in the final period to lock up the win. The Tide is unblemished and that dream match-up against Florida is still alive.
• Watch out for USC. This weekend's game at Oregon is a big one. Something tells me the Trojans will find a way to slide into the national championship picture. Cincinnati and Boise State don't have as much tough competition. Winning at Ohio State and Notre Dame cannot be overlooked, especially if you add a win in Eugene. I have been really impressed with the composure of Matt Barkley, the diaper dandy.
• What about the job done by TCU! Gary Patterson's team went into Provo and the outcome was never in doubt. The Horned Frogs have won at Virginia, at Clemson and at Air Force, plus the victory over the Cougars. You can make a case that this is a legitimate national championship contender. This is why we need a playoff. These teams should not be denied.
• South Florida was beaten 7-1 by Pittsburgh and the Panthers are off to their best start since 1982, when Dan Marino was there. Jim Leavitt's team also lost to Cincinnati. I wonder if this is a case of déjà vu... last year South Florida got off to a good start but struggled down the stretch.
• How about a salute to the Pittsburgh Steelers for handing the Vikings and Brett Favre their first loss of the season. The Pittsburgh defense came up with several big plays and Mike Tomlin's team got a huge W! Minnesota hung tough and showed why it is one of the top teams in the NFL. It is never easy to win on the road.
• The Saints showed a lot of heart in Miami. New Orleans was down 24-3, but you can never count out Drew Brees and that offensive attack. That game had special meaning for Jeremy Shockey, who played his college ball at Miami. You can see his emotion after the game, celebrating the comeback victory. Reggie Bush made several big plays as well.
• The NBA season starts this week. It is time to go out on a limb as I expect to see the Cavaliers and Spurs playing for the NBA title. The addition of Richard Jefferson will help Tim Duncan and company. I am going with Cleveland as Shaq helps a third star get a ring -- Kobe, Dwyane Wade and now LeBron will team up with the big fella to cut down the nets. If Shaq is 70 percent of what he was in his prime, it will be a great plus for the Cavaliers, offsetting Orlando and Dwight Howard.
• I also feel the addition of Ron Artest will be a positive for the Lakers. He will help the team's defense and I don't think there will be any problem with him and Kobe.
• Duke basketball struck gold once again. I know some people said Coach K would have issues recruiting due to his commitment to USA Basketball for the Olympics. That is ludicrous and absurd and Kyrie Irving has decided to join the Dukies.
