COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Thursday night is kind of like what Monday Night Football is to the NFL.  A featured game that the whole country can enjoy.  Last night, the spectacle was USC v. Oregon State.  Now, the reason why this game was televised was because Oregon State beat the dominant USC two out of their last three meetings.  And since USC is the clear No. 1 team right now, the game bore relevance.  Un-be-lieve-a-ble!!!  That’s the only way to say it, as Oregon State pulled ANOTHER shocker and stunned top ranked USC.  Before this game, many college football experts said that the Pac 10 was becoming a much tougher conference.  But, if unranked Oregon State can build up a 21 point first half lead, then stave off the #1 seed in the nation, then maybe USC wasn’t so tough after all.  Sure, they beat Ohio State, but many think the Big 10 (Ohio State’s division) is weak as well.  Plus, Ohio State was without it’s star RB, Beanie Wells.  Either way, now USC is simply hoping other teams lose, so come the end of the year, they will still be in contention for a national championship.

BASEBALL

Nope, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays couldn’t finalize the underdog story just yet.  They only needed to beat the Detroit Tigers to clinch the AL East, but they lost.  All they need is one win, but they simply can’t grab it.  Saturday, they will get another chance against this pesky Detroit team.

BASKETBALL

Golden State Warriors shooting guard, Monta Ellis, made the typical, num-nut young player mistake.  These guys get paid millions just to play basketball.  This means they have to do their best to keep their bodies in perfect physical condition, and… not get hurt.  That’s why pick-up basketball games on the street are absolutely forbidden.  Yet, some NBA pros still insist on doing dangerous stuff for fun. Monta Ellis drove a mo-ped, got into an accident, and now has a sprained ankle.  He will be ready for the season, but the Warriors organization is still going to charge him a hefty penalty.  Pro athletes seem to love fast, dangerous vehicles.  This led to extremely young careers ending too quickly.  Former Duke all-pro PG and #2 draft pick, Jason Williams for example.  He liked motorcycles, and got into an accident that ended a promising pro career.  The Warriors are simply trying to keep their huge investment in Monta Ellis safe and secure.  So for any kids out there looking for promising athletic careers, it’s probably best to stay away from the skateboard (unless, of course, that’s your sport).

On Thursday, Allan Houston signed with his former team, the New York Knicks. 37 year old Houston retired in October of 2005 due to knee pain. Houston still ranks fourth on the Knicks’ all time career scoring list. This is the best news for the team. I’m excited to watch them now!