2013 Under Review: A Year Worth Remembering

There are a lot of beautiful things about sports. The would of sports provide excitement and entertainment, and they are a way of life for people across the entire globe. The nonstop action a sporting event provides is riveting, yes, but there is something more that makes sports so paramount in the lives of so many. With every year, fans embark on a journey with an unknown destination, and when this journey takes place, something new commences before their eyes. Every season and every year provides new excitement and a new journey, whether its records being shattered, curses being broken, or streaks being launched, every expedition is unique in its own individual way, and I want to take some time to reflect on the journey known as 2013.

Let us first venture way back to the magnificent month of January. Unfortunately for the die hard fans world-wide, I am not talking about the World Darts Championship. Instead, I am talking about Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide taking their third National Championship in four years. Although the Tide will not be participating in the soon to be played Championship, Saban and the boys absolutely demolished an inferior Notre Dame squad headed by the one and only Manti Te’o. Seeing a college team completely dominate the entirety of its competition is something we are not accustomed to seeing, but the Crimson Tide made winning a title look just about as easy as one could make it look. In addition, although the Te’o debacle did not partake technically in 2013, it is always worthy of a shout out. Way to go Manti. Keep being you.

Next in line to write their way into the history books were the Baltimore Ravens. The man that separated this run from others is none other than Ray Lewis. Whether you like the man or not, it is an indisputable fact that he is one of the most inspirational sports figures of this modern era. The most memorable game from this magical run had to be the matchup with Denver, or the “Mile High Miracle.” It was simply your typical 70 yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones with 30 seconds left that would send it to overtime, only for Justin Tucker to win it in double overtime. Was it busted coverage? Maybe so. Nevertheless, it was one of the most remarkable plays in playoff history. The Ravens headed to the Super Bowl to take down the 49ers in a game delayed by the stadium lights going out. Colin Kaepernick fought back hard, but in the end, Lewis and fate was too much to overcome. We saw the true power of inspiration in Ray, and not only that, we saw fate run its path as the Ravens Super Bowl victory marked the end of Lewis’s career.

The 2013 NBA scene was fully headed by the Miami Heat and LeBron James. Not only did the Heat win their second title in a row, they also went on a memorable 27 game winning streak, second longest in the history of the game. When Miami arrived at the Playoffs they wasted no time in beating my measly Bucks team and the Rose-less Bulls. They encountered a physical and inspired Pacers team in the Eastern Conference Finals who they would battle with for seven games. However, they proved superior in Game 7. In the finals, the Spurs looked like they would be the new champions. However, shady play by Manu Ginobli and others down the stretch greatly hindered the Spurs. Regardless, it took a miraculous three by Ray Allen and a questionable no-call at the other end in Game 6 to eventually propel the Heat to the 2013 NBA Championship. Although it was not necessarily a surprising outcome, the fight put up by their opponents is what made these playoffs something memorable.

In college basketball, all of 2013 was as unpredictable as ever. However, nothing could quite top the magnificence of March Madness. The Cinderella of 2013 was the Wichita State Shockers. On their run to the Final Four, they took apart Pittsburgh, Gonzaga, La Salle, and squeaked it out over Ohio State, but they would ultimately fall to the eventual National Champions, Louisville. Although the run by the 9 seed Shockers was remarkable, it continued a trend of Cinderellas that should be deemed nothing less than disappointing. Whether George Mason, VCU, Butler(twice), or now, Wichita, upon arrival at the biggest stage, they could not deliver the Championship. However, this may be one case where it is fitting that the Cardinals ultimately pulled it out and Cinderella did not prevail. It is not often that an entire nation is utterly appalled at a leg injury; However, Louisville’s back up point guard, Kevin Ware, suffered broken leg against Duke in the Elite 8 was won of the more gruesome injuries displayed on live TV. When play resumed after Ware was rushed to the hospital, it was blatant that Louisville was no longer trying to win themselves a National Championship, they were trying to win it for Kevin. Because of this, the emotional victory the Cardinals achieved is forever engraved in my heart and the heart of basketball fans across the country.

From a record and statistical stand point, the 2013 MLB season was full of excitement. Chris Davis put on quite a spectacle with his 37 first half home runs, and 53 total. Mike Trout also wrote a new chapter in the history books as he became the youngest player to ever hit for the cycle. The incredible Miguel Cabrera became the first player to ever record 30 home runs and 90 RBIs before the All-Star Break. I could go on and on, but the last notable achievement was Big Papi setting the record for most hits ever by a Designated Hitter. Moreover, Ortiz was not done in the regular season. Much to my dismay, Ortiz led the Red Sox on an improbable run to a World Series. Whether it was Victorino, Saltalamacchia, or Ortiz, the Red Sox were able to achieve whatever task necessary whenever put before them. This fate-propelled run was never to be forgotten, as the high-intensity and “fairy tale” endings provided excitement unmatched by Playoff Series in recent memory.

Have no fear, we have saved the best for last. This football season, both college and NFL, has provided memories and history that cannot be found in another single season. We have had the pleasure of watching Josh Gordon and Calvin Johnson exemplify historical receiving performances. What made their performances so fantastic is their ability to perform at this high of a level consistently. Gordon was the first person to record 200 receiving yards in consecutive games, and Johnson recorded the second most receiving yards in a game in NFL history, 329. However, the most remarkable record is that of Peyton Manning, who broke Tom Brady’s record for passing TD’s in a season at 51. Peyton still has one game left to make the new record even more unreachable. With the regular season coming to a close, it has been action packed, record setting, and of course, memorable. However, nothing can quite equal that of the conclusion of the college football year. In most seasons, I would talk about a plethora of games and moments, but instead, all that is necessary is two games and two plays. The Auburn Tigers pulled off two of the most miraculous plays in the history of sports in back to back weeks. If you had told me that their 73 yard touchdown pass on 4th and 18 to take down Georgia would be the second best play of their season, I would have kicked you in the shin for your nonsensical opinion. However, it was in fact the second best. In the best rivalry in football, the Iron Bowl, Chris Davis of Auburn returned an Alabama 57 yard field goal attempt 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired. This return will forever go down in the history books as one of if not the most memorable play in the history of football. A story book run to the National Championship with an undetermined ending. We will leave their finale for 2014.

From January 1 to December 31, a lot of things in life are constant, but oh how the sports world conforms to something you could have never expected. Records have been broken along with hearts, lives have been made, and memories have been forever engraved into our brains. Many things may always be predictable such as the Cubs will suck and UVA will underachieve in everything except women’s rowing, but it is the unpredictability of every year that keeps us coming back and craving more. The end of the journey of 2013 is coming to a conclusion, and it is an ideal time to reflect on all of the magnificence the year has brought us. However, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, buckle up sports fans, a new journey is just beginning, and a brand new story is about to be written. A new year will bring new excitement, new records, and new champions. Grab your refreshments folks and get ready for the ride.

-Ben Greer

College Football Championship Week Picks

#17 Oklahoma (9-2) @ #6 Oklahoma State (10-1) 12:00 ABC
This might be the least talked about Bedlam in the history this rivalry. With a win, Oklahoma State will
clinch a BCS birth for the 2nd time in the last three years. Cowboys QB Clint Chelf has hit pay dirt 16 times since their lone loss against West Virginia and has helped guide OK State to 7 straight victories. I like them to hold off the Sooners in a tight 42-35 game.

#25 Texas (8-3) @ #9 Baylor (10-1) 3:30 FOX
Texas is 7-1 in the Big 12. The Bears have kept their conference title hopes alive after a dramatic three point against TCU last week. If the Cowboys lose and the Bears get a W, they will be representing the Big 12 in a BCS bowl. Lache Seastrunk returned to the backfield last week for the Bears and you have to believe BU gets the win, I like them by 17 at home 37-20.

PAC-12 Championship Game: #7 Stanford (10-2) @ #11 Arizona State (10-2) 7:45 ESPN
Sun Devils running back Marion Grice is out against the Cardinal so junior QB Taylor Kelly will have to drive this offense. The entires Sports Spin staff has loved Stanford since the beginning of this season, I think the defense holds and Ty Montgomery makes a big special teams play to power the Cardinal to the Rose Bowl. 31-17

 ACC Championship Game: #20 Duke (10-2) @ #1 Florida State (12-0) 8:00 ABC Charlotte, NC
WHAT THE HELL???? DUKE IS IN A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME????? Jameis will be declared innocent and the Noles will pound Duke 47-20.

Big Ten Championship Game: #2 Ohio State (12-0) @ #10 Michigan State (11-1) Indianapolis, IN
I do not believe Ohio State is a top 5 team, their easy schedule has gotten them to this point. The key to this game will be Michigan State's ability to move the football down the field, and end all possessions on Ohio State's side of the field in points. No turnovers, no missed opportunities. Connor Cook has been playing very well since replacing Andrew Maxwell at quarterback and Jeremy Langord is one of the best backs in the Big Ten. I like Michigan State in an upset, 24-21.

SEC Championship: #3 Auburn(11-1) @ #5 Missouri (11-1)  Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Both of these teams need to be incredibly pleased with what they've accomplished. Once again, Missouri should be undefeated, but they have an excellent opportunity here to get themselves into a BCS bowl…. But Auburn is a team of destiny, how can you pick against this team? War Eagle in a thriller 37-35.-Josh Neighbors

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

College Football Rivalry Weekend Picks

This is the best weekend in college football I have seen in years. In addition to these 6 ranked vs ranked  match ups, this saturday is full of contests with plenty of conference and BCS implications. Sit back, grab some turkey and enjoy what promises to be an awesome weekend of college football.

#3 Ohio State (11-0) @ Michigan (7-4)
As much as I hate Ohio State, there is no way this Michigan team tops this Ohio State team. Note, this is the Buckeyes hardest road game they've played all season and their performance in this game could dictate their BCS future. A matchup with a Michigan State team that boasts the best defense in the country is on the horizon, meaning Braxton Miller and this Buckeyes offense need to ensure they work at peak efficiency in preparation for next week. I like the Buckeyes (38-24).

#21 Texas A&M (8-3) @ #5 Missouri (10-1)
Johnny Manziel has a combined 18 touchdowns in games after suffering a loss. He's never lost two games in a row. That being said, this is a damn good Missouri Tigers team. They are averaging close to 40 points per contest and are allowing a mere 19.7 points per game. If we are being completely honest, this Tigers team should be undefeated. With two games left in the season, the Tigers are still in the Title
hunt. If they can win this week, they will move up to at least #4 in the standings and will have a face off against either Bama or Auburn. Either Ohio State or FSU will most likely need to fall, and I know it might sound like a lot needs to happen, but it's college football, it's pure insanity. I think Missouri wins, but I never bet against Johnny Manziel, Aggies (47-41).

#6 Clemson (10-1) @ #10 South Carolina (9-2)
South Carolina can still go to the SEC championship game with a Missouri loss, so in terms of going to the conference championship this game has no meaning. But it's South Carolina Clemson, so it's kinda a big deal. The question is can the Gamecocks defense halt the high-powered Tigers offense, as Boyd and the Tigers are averaging 51.5 points per game in their last 4 contests. I got to see the Tigers play a few weeks ago and they are a completely different team since their loss to FSU, I like the Tigers to squeak out a (38-35) win.

#25 Notre Dame (8-3) @ #8 Stanford (9-2)
The Irish are going to get beat up by this Stanford front 7. I like Stanford (31-13).

#22 UCLA (8-3) @ #22 USC (9-3)
Despite the success of both these teams this season, ASU has already clinched the PAC-12 South and this one purely for pride. USC interim Coach Ed Orgeron has the opportunity to possibly remove the interim title from his position with a win here. Trojans QB Cody Kessler has been great as of late, and the chess match between Kessler and the talented core of linebackers the Bruins will be the matchup to watch. I like how the Trojans are playing as of late, and I think they snag a (24-19) victory.

#1 Alabama (11-0) @ #4 Auburn (11-1)
This might be the biggest Iron Bowl of all time. The SEC West crown, bragging rights, and most importantly a trip to the national title (in my opinion) for the winner. Say what you want about how good Alabama is on both sides of the ball, how well coached they are, how many questions we have about Nick Marshall at QB and his ability to pass the ball for the Tigers, but I said it after the Georgia game, the Tigers feel like a team of destiny. I don't know how or why, but I think we are in for another miracle at Jordan-Aire. Auburn (27-24).-Josh Neighbors
Photo credit: ESPN.com, SI.com, Touchdown Alabama Magazine

Barclays Premier League Week 10

Newcastle v Chelsea

After a grueling mid-week League Cup clash between Manchester City, the Newcastle supporters will be hoping for a point against a tough Chelsea squad. The venue is St. James Park, which will be Newcastle’s only hope against a team full of superstars. Chelsea, who are second in the league, just beat Manchester City last weekend 2-1. Some questions will be asked of Man City’s defense, but Fernando Torres is in red hot form. Torres has scored three goals in his last two games. The presence of Samuel Eto’o has forced Torres to be more clinical. This weekend he will get another chance against Newcastle.

Weekend Prediction: 3-0 Chelsea

Fulham v Man Utd

David Moyes has been under heavy criticism recently after shaky performances against Stoke and Sunderland. He has tried numerous combinations of players in the midfield which have excluded the 27.5 million pound man Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini has many critics and has not proved his worth for the United supporters, but he may have his chance against the Cottagers. Fulham have been on a decent run of form which has them lodged near the middle of the table. The Cottagers have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net against reputable opponents. The Fulham squad has promise and will hope to get past a difficult fixture with Manchester United this weekend.

Weekend Predictions: 1-1 Draw  

Hull v Sunderland

It’s been a surprising start to the new Premier League campaign for Hull City, who are proving themselves to be worthy opposition to other clubs. With all four of their losses coming from title contenders, Hull will fancy themselves against a struggling Sunderland side who are in the relegation zone. Although it’s early in the season, under new leadership in Gus Poyet, Sunderland must pick up some points this week.

Weekend Prediction: 2-0 Hull

Man City v Norwich

Questions have been rising about the strength of Manchester City’s defense that has diminished throughout poor performances. Joe Hart, who has been a consistent performer for England and City has been struggling this year. Most recently, he was the victim of his own howler at Stamford Bridge when Torres volleyed home into an empty net. Manuel Pellegrini has not revealed who the starting keeper will be for Saturday’s matchup with Norwich. Despite Man City’s problems in defense, Norwich have a struggle of their own: goalscoring. Only six goals have been scored for the Canaries, which will worry Chris Hughton after acquiring the likes of Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper this summer. It is unlikely we will see a repeat of the drama which unveiled during the last gameweek of the 2012-2013 Barclays Premier League season when Norwich were victorious.

Weekend Prediction: 4-0 Man City

Stoke v Southampton

The Saints will be marching into the Britannia Stadium on a fine run of form which have put them in a surprising 5th position. Southampton’s defensive record has been marvelous in their pursuit for attractive football. The have only conceded three goals all campaign, which puts them as the favorites against an average Stoke side. However, the Britannia is a tough place to go because of Stoke’s workrate. You should expect all ten players behind the ball for Stoke as they will attempt to lockdown the defense.

Weekend Prediction: 2-0 Southampton

West Brom v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace will be looking to climb further up the table with three points this weekend. It is crucial that Palace find ways to get points out of the mid table sides because of their weak squad. With Ian Holloway recently leaving the club after mutual consent, they will be looking for a fresh start under a new manager. This will give the side some confidence because changes can sometimes motivate the players to prove themselves. However, West Brom will be no easy task for the rejuvenated Palace side. They will be looking for all three points to move into the top half of the table.

Weekend Prediction: 1-0 West Brom

West Ham v Aston Villa

After two surprising starts to the campaign, West Ham and Aston Villa have been on a disappointing run of form. Since the struggle to find the back of the net started for Christian Benteke, arguably one of Villa’s only attacking options, Villa have failed to produce the spark from the beginning of the season. This mid table clash could provide the viewer with a fairly even game decided by one moment of brilliance.

Weekend Prediction: 1-0 Aston Villa

Arsenal v Liverpool

Two of the leagues best this season will fight for a position at the top of the table this weekend. Arsenal’s squad could not be stronger with the return of Santi Cazorla into the deadly combination of Ozil, Ramsey, and Wilshere. The team has proved their worth and have produced some mouthwatering goals this season. With the red hot form of striker Olivier Giroud, Arsenal have been dangerous and clinical in front of goal. Meanwhile, the return of Luis Suarez into the starting eleven for Liverpool has added another threat. Alongside Daniel Sturridge, SAS make the most lethal and dangerous strikeforce in the Premier League. After a hatrick last week, Suarez will be keen to add to his goal tally against a strong opponent.

Weekend Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Everton v Spurs

This should be a smashing Sunday with another two of the leagues best going head to head at Goodison Park. With one point between them, this match could separate these two sides in the table. With Romelu Lukaku leading the line for Everton, and Ross Barkley tucking in behind him, Everton have tremendous goal scoring ability. The same goes for Spurs with top class players such as Roberto Soldado and Christian Eriksen. Overall, it will come down to the discipline of the defenses that will decide who wins this match. Right and left backs including Leighton Baines (Everton) and Kyle Walker (Spurs) provide attacking fortitute for their teams, but can also leave them exposed in critical situations.

Weekend Prediction: 0-0 Draw

Cardiff v Swansea

The Welsh rivalry will make this match very entertaining for supporters. With Cardiff and Swansea putting together decent starts to the season, it is hard to decide the outcome. Swansea is having success in the Europa League, but it is effecting their results in the Premier League. For an average team like Swansea this is detrimental to the team because they do not have the depth of a top four side. However, the likes of the new acquisition Wilfried Bony will be eager to smash home a goal or two to beat their rivals Cardiff this gameweek. Cardiff have had a rollercoaster debut in the Premier League so far and will look to add to an impressive victory over Manchester City.

Weekend Prediction: 2-1 Cardiff -Hugo Thaxter

Week 8 NFL Picks Against the Spread

You could work hard your entire life and find an okay job with okay pay, or you could just take these picks to the bank right now and win straight cash. LETS GO.

Carolina Panthers (-6) @ Tampa Bay (+6): Las Vegas has adopted a team, and it's the Carolina Panthers. Vegas has thrown a lot of love in the Panthers directions, but this line on the other hand might not be enough. This stingy Panthers defense is going up against a hurting Bucs' offense. Vincent Jackson is the only sure thing in that offense. I like the Panthers to move above .500 with a win here and they cover.

San Francisco 49ers (-16.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Good lord do I hate betting the Jaguars..... I will take them to lose and  cover, Come on boys don't let me down here in London.

Dallas Cowboys (+3) at Detroit Lions

I do not like this Cowboys defense against this high-powered Lions offense. If Reggie Bush can re-establish himself as a dual threat. And then there is Calvin Johnson... you cannot cover him, give the points and take D-Town.

New York Giants (+6.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

Most dangerous (1-5) team in the league. They will need to get after Mike Vick because this Eagles offensive line is beginning to resemble the lines of the passed, and they are not protecting the QB's. Take the points and the Giants, I think they win this one outright as well.

Cleveland Browns (+7) at Kansas City Chiefs

Oh my god it's former Redskins QB Jason Campbell starting once again! There is no way he sucks as bad as Weeden did. But that Chiefs defense is straight nasty. Take the Chiefs and lay the 7, this is a game I'd stay away from this week, the way new QB's rejuvenate teams is unpredictable. We saw what Hoyer did for this team and Campbell could do the same, but I doubt it against this defense.

Buffalo Bills (+12) at New Orleans Saints

How dare Vegas lay double digits against the pride of Duke University Thad Lewis. The Bills have played in one game decided by 7 points or less and that is the problem. They keep games close, so as much as I like Brees I think Buffalo will lose and cover. STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE.

Miami Dolphins (+7) at New England Patriots

Never bet against Brady. 

New York Jets (+6.5) at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals offense is consistent. The Bengals defense is consistent. The Jets defense is consistent. The Jets offense is the single most consistent offense in the NFL. Geno Smith's bipolar play has made the Jets a gambling nightmare. I hate saying this, but I think the Jets cover, but still lose.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Oakland Raiders

Big Ben is starting to play well and the Steelers now have back to back W's. Last weeks win agains the Ravens was huge for the Gold and Black. I like them on the road this week to cover and get the W.

Washington Redskins (+13) at Denver Broncos

Redskins fans, please don't watch. Josh McCown ripped my Skins defense apart last week, I can only imagine what Peyton does to us. Denver covers.

Atlanta Falcons (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Steven Jackson is back, the Falcons have a solid one-two punch is Jackson and Rodgers in

the backfield. Harry Douglas gotten off on the right foot in replacing Julio Jones as the best vertical threat on that team(Roddy White is still hurt). Don't forget about Tony Gonzalez, Carson Palmer is always good for a few picks. Take the points, I like the Falcons to win.

Green Bay Packers (-9.5) at Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is a wreck. Packers cover and win.

Monday

Seattle Seahawks (-10.5) at St. Louis Rams

Russel Bussel Hussel Wilson

By: Josh Neighbors

The Expected Surprise: World Series Preview

In a baseball season that has provided an endless amount of surprises and numerous heartwarming moments, the culmination of it all has left us with a result that does not fall far from what we have become accustomed to once October strikes. Both teams fall in the top 10 payrolls in the MLB, both teams, in recent history, have been incredibly successful, and both teams have combined for 5 appearances in the last ten World Series. So when the two come together in the Fall Classic, nobody should be too shocked.

However, if anyone were to pick a year for these two teams to reach the promise land, very few would have picked this to be the year. The St. Louis Cardinals did not appear to have the tools this year to make a significant run throughout the season. However, instead of taking a year to rebuild like the typical franchise might, one of the best, if not the best, franchises in the MLB brought up players within their system to play a substantial role such. A few prime examples of this are second year pitcher Joe Kelly with a 2.69 ERA, rookie Michael Wacha with a 2.78 ERA, and Matt Carpenter, who although is not in his first year, he played his first full season as a starter and hit for an incredible 318 average. Led by veterans Adam Wainright, Matt Holiday, Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and David Freese, it is no mystery as to how the Cardinals made it here. Lacking their former cornerstone of the franchise Albert Pujols has not seemed to slow them down a bit, but will they be able to take that final monumental step? So far this postseason, the young players and veterans have all played like they have been there before. They have a certain unphasable confidence that makes them a hard team to pick against. However, when the final series of the year arrives, the pressure becomes something entirely new, and will the boys from St. Louis be able to handle it?

At the beginning of the year, an incredibly minimal amount of people picked the Red Sox to make it to the World Series. In fact they were picked to finished no higher than fourth in the AL East alone. Who can blame them? Coming off one of the worst seasons in recent Sox history, it seemed a long shot that bringing in a lot of new guys and a new manager would click right away. However, the Red Sox brilliantly brought in all of the right guys to compliment the Boston veterans. They did not hesitate to find an identity as they brought in blue collar guys like Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino, Koji Uehara, and Jake Peavy. They brought in veteran guys to go along with veterans Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, and Jacoby Ellsbury. For the most part, these guys are not necessarily big stars, but they are proven winners. When you bring together a group of guys who know what it takes to win, the sky is the limit. First year manager John Farrell did about as amazing as a job as you can do with a brand new group of guys, and all of these factors have resulted in the Red Sox returning to the World Series for the first time since 2007.

Now both of these franchises have been here before. Chances are, both will be here again before long. However, for both teams, this would undoubtedly be an unforgettable. The Cardinals have a plethora of veterans combined with some incredible young talent, and Red Sox consist almost wholly of proven winners with a few exceptions. In the postseason, starting pitching gets you to the ultimate goal. In the regular season, the Cardinals had the fifth best ERA and the Red Sox possessed the fourteenth best. However, both teams are in the top three in team batting average. As far as postseason stats go, Boston has the best team average, while St. Louis has the best team ERA.

The truth of the matter is that I have an incredibly unbiased perspective considering my utter hatred for both of these teams. However, I have an incredible amount of respect for the expedition both teams have embarked on this season. The expedition is coming to a close for both teams, and one team has to lose. This year, as much as it pains me to say it, is the year for the Boston Red Sox. Even though the Cardinals do possess a tremendous array of pitchers, they have not yet had to face a lineup quite like Boston. Not only are they fantastic hitters, they are timely hitters. Even though the Cardinals led the league in hitting with runners in scoring position this year, it is a disservice to simply say the Red Sox have had the right hits at the right time this postseason. Whether its Big Papi or Shane Victorino, they get the job done when it needs to be done. It will certainly be a formidable task. This series will reach the oh so dramatic seventh game in Boston. Whether they close it out with a walk-off or a Koji Uehara save, the Red Sox will bring the trophy back to Boston. All I can say is if they win, they better shave those horrendous beards.

-Ben Greer

Drawing The Line

“I believe in our team. I do.” -Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley.

These unbelievably inspirational words from the Jaguars head coach have yet to have an effect on one of the worst NFL teams we have seen in a good while. And after this next week, even Gus will be forced to question the validity of his statement. The game has not yet commenced, but yet they are already making history this week.

The Denver Broncos are favored to defeat the Jags by a whopping 28 points this week. This line is indeed tied for the highest of all time. To find that line, you have to go back to the 1966 matchup where the Baltimore Colts were favored to take down the Falcons by the same four touchdown line that we see today. That  clearly exemplifies just how rare it is to have two professional teams with such an immense differential in ability.

Lets put a few things into perspective, shall we?

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL just about every category possible including passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and least amount of interceptions thrown.

Jacksonville quarterbacks Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert are ranked 32 and 34 in yards, 29 and 33 in completion percentage, 31 and 37 in touchdowns, and they have combined for a total of nine interceptions, which is tied for second most in the NFL.

The Denver Broncos are ranked number 1 in total offense, and the Jaguars are a whopping number 31.

If thats for some obscure reason not enough for you, you need a serious reality check my friend.

Okay maybe the Denver defense is not the most elite in all the land, but heres the thing: it does not matter against the Jags. Denver has scored 230 points in 5 games, and the Jags have scored an abysmal 51. However, besides Seattle, it is not like they have played the most prestigious of defenses in any sense. The Broncos have scored 51 and 52 points in two separate games this season already.

Remember that other 28 point line way back when? Well the Colts exceeded the 28 point line, and I have full confidence that the Broncos will cover this line as well. The only questions we can ask in this one are the following: “How soon will Denver pull the starters?”

“Can Jacksonville reach double digits?”

“Will Gus Bradley give former Iowa Hawkeye Ricky Stanzi a chance at quarterback?”

28 points is a lot of points in the NFL. However, I firmly believe that this line is smaller than what the final outcome will produce. It is truly remarkable that there could be an assemblance of professional athletes that are capable of producing such a poor result week in and week out on the field. Not only will this Jacksonville team lose by an unfathomable amount this week, the bleeding is not going to halt anytime in the near future. It will be a crime if they are favored to lose by any number under 10 points for the rest of the year. There is only one question left to ponder about for this pathetic team. Are we witnessing a team that just might possess the capability of producing a winless season? This very well could be the case. However, for now, buckle up Jags fans, Mr. Manning is coming to town, and it is going to be ugly.

-Ben Greer