BASKETBALL

In college basketball, last night was the first of two annual match-ups between #21 North Carolina and #5 Duke.  Many sports enthusiasts believe that is truly the biggest rivalry in sports.  Coming into the game, UNC wanted to see what their star recruit Harrison Barnes could do against Duke (and he was actually supposed to go to Duke until he changed his mind at the last moment).  UNC got out to a big lead thanks to a strong night from forward Tyler Zeller (who finished with 24 points).  Barnes had a slow night with only 9 points, but he is still one of the best young players in the game right now.  However, Duke slowly clawed back into the game thanks to an amazing night from their up-and-coming superstar Nolan Smith.  Smith had 34 points and helped Duke edge out the victory against UNC.  The two will meet on UNC’s court later this season, and you can better believe the Tar Heels want revenge.  Duke 79, UNC 73.

FOOTBALL

In college football, Tate Forcier was heavily recruited by Michigan a few years ago.  He was supposed to be the savior of their program and actually had a rather decent first season.  But, last season, Michigan decided to go with Denard Robinson, a Michael Vick like running-quarterback who would light up the highlight reels.  Robinson became a household name early on and was an early favorite as a Heisman candidate.  Michigan cooled down when they started playing tougher opponents, but it was clear who Michigan’s man would be going forward.  Because of this decision, Forcier said he wanted to transfer.  And yesterday he made his decision to head down south to the University of Miami.  Miami used to be a top contender every year in the early part of the decade, but has had a rough few seasons as of late.  Now, they have a new coach, and new energy, and Forcier might be a missing piece they need to get back to the top of the standings.

Finally, in the NFL, it turns out there were a group of fans who bought Super Bowl tickets who didn’t get their seats.  They bought seats that were supposed to be completed/available, but by game time, the seats simply weren’t ready.  In an embarrassing move, Cowboys stadium officials had to ask them to leave.  Can you imagine going to the Super Bowl with an expensive ticket in hand and not getting your seat.  Add to that a likely pricey plane flight and hotel reservation.  Well, these fans are not happy, and are now suing the NFL for the mishap.  Approximately 1000 fans had an issue with seating, and now they are filing a suit for $5 million in damages.  Sure, it’s hard to justify that number, but clearly they’re going to try.  The NFL is offering 3 times the value of the ticket ($2,400), but they want more.  We’ll see how this turns out.

FOOTBALL

It appears that Sunday’s Super Bowl was the highest rated Super Bowl EVER!  It’s being reported that 111 Million People tuned into watch the broadcast on FOX.  That’s more than a 3rd of the country.  Wow!  The lead story (other than Christina Aguilera messing up the National Anthem and the awesome VW Darth Vader ad) was a David vs. Goliath battle between two of the NFL’s most historic franchises, and that storyline definitely worked.  Bottom line is that this season was the most successful season the NFL has had ratings wise, and a highly-rated Super Bowl just capped that off.  Viewership for regular season games was up by 24%.  That’s amazing, and it’s clear that football is now America’s game (not baseball).  It’s a well-packaged, action-infused, intelligent sport, and will be sorely missed… for the next 8 months.

Elsewhere in the NFL, the Tennessee Titans have found their replacement for Jeff Fisher.  They’ve decided to promote long-time offensive line coach Mike Munchak to be the head guy.  Munchak has been loyal to the Titans organization, and he was considered the top candidate for the job since the beginning of the search.  However, Munchak didn’t say it would be business as usual for Tennessee.  Nope, he said “change is coming”. What that means remains to be seen.  But, first things first, they need a quarterback and new style of play.  There are some strong QB candidates in the draft, and you will most likely see the Titans snatch one off the board.

Finally, an update from the new media darling in sports:  Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers graced his face going to Disney World hanging out with Mickey Mouse as the Super Bowl MVP typically does, and also took part in the Green Bay Backers welcome back ceremony (a parade is coming).  However, Rodgers has primarily been in the media for his motivations for wanting to win (e.g. the Packers are an underdog, to get the Brett Favre monkey off his back, because he was benched the first 4 years of his career, etc…).  Now Aaron said he has run out of that brand of motivation.  His motivations now will be directed at… doing it all again.  “Let’s get another one”, Rodgers said.  Truly the words of a champion.  

FOOTBALL

The day we’ve all been looking forward to finally came:  Super Bowl Sunday.  The radio stations have been talking about it all week, and yesterday we got to see the amazing showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The stories going into the game:  Would Aaron Rodgers reach elite status by winning a Super Bowl, thus officially putting the Brett Favre era to bed in Green Bay?  And would the Steelers defense be able to contain him?

The Packers got on the board first as Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson in the back of the end zone.  It was just the first of many key catches that made Jordy Nelson such an important player for the Packers.  Then, Pittsbugh got the ball deep in their own territory.  The Packers defense hit Ben Roethlisberger  and he was picked off by the Packers Nick Collins for a 37-yard run back for a touchdown.  And suddenly, in just the first quarter, it was 14-0 Packers.

The Steelers got a field goal, but Aaron Rodgers drove down the field again and hit Greg Jennings with a laser pass for another Packers touchdown.  Wow!!  It was 21-3 Packers.  Who would have thought this would be a blowout in the first half.  Many expected the Steelers defense to contain the Packers, but it was the other way around.  Fortunately for the Steelers, behind some solid running from Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers were able to drive late in the 4th quarter for a Hines Ward touchdown in the back of the end zone.  And we headed into halftime with the Packers leading 21-10.

Then, in the 3rd quarter, it was all Steelers.  They stopped Green Bay on the opening drive, then cruised down the field behind Mendenhall, capping it off with an 8-yard touchdown run by Mendenhall.  21-17 Packers.  At the same time, the Steelers were given chance after chance to take the lead, but their passing offense suddenly turned anemic.  They couldn’t get a long pass, and Big Ben wasn’t scrambling as well as he used to.  All those failed attempts allowed the Packers to score again in the 4th quarter as Aaron Rodgers hit Greg Jennings again for a touchdown.  28-17 Packers in the 4th.

So the Steelers, with their backs against the walls, had to get back in the game fast.  And, oddly, whenever they rushed their offense, they seemed to be able to move the ball easily.  They marched right down the field and Roethlisberger hit Mike Wallace for a 25 yard touchdown.  28-23 Packers.  Then they ran a beautiful lateral play for a 2-point conversion to make it 28-25 Packers.  If they could stop Rodgers, they could get the ball back to win the game.  But, Rodgers was just too good and captained the Packers all the way down to the Steelers 8 yard line.  Except, they couldn’t convert a touchdown and had to settle for a field goal.  Suddenly, the Steelers found themselves with the ball, 2 minutes to go, and all they needed was a touchdown to win the Super Bowl.  They did it 2 years ago against Arizona.  Could they do it again?

The answer:  No.  They looked horrible on their drive.  Some of the receivers didn’t even know what they play was.  They completely had a meltdown.  Then, on 4th and 6, Ben Roethlisberger tried to connect with Mike Wallace in traffic, and it was incomplete.  Game… over!  And the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl!  With the win, Aaron Rodgers immediately moves into the Brady, Manning, Brees ranks, and gets the Brett Favre monkey off his back.  Remember, the Packers drafted Rodgers in 2005.  He had to sit on the bench for 4 seasons before he finally got his chance.  He’s lucky he even got a chance to play.  He could have been traded to an inferior team and never received the chance to prove himself.  Of course, Rodgers was named MVP, throwing for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers.  They will be the team to beat next year.  Green Bay 31, Pittsburgh 25.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, it was the Miami Heat vs. the Orlando Magic.  Many think this match-up could be a semi-finals battle in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  The Magic were ready for the Heat, and their star Dwight Howard even did the whole throwing chalk dust in the air to start the game.  And the whole Magic team did the ‘take-a-team-photo’ routine that LeBron used to do with the Cavs.  Clearly, everybody wants to antagonize LeBron.  The Magic did their best to anger James, but in the end… HE JUST WENT OFF!  LeBron put up an amazing 51 points!!!  Combine that with his 11 rebounds and 8 assists, and it was if he single-handedly beat the Magic.  Very impressive, and a clear signal that the Heat will be very tough to beat this post-season.  Miami 104, Orlando 100.

Elsewhere in the NBA, the All-Star reserves were announced for both conferences.  For the East, 4 Celtics made the squad:  Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen & Rajon Rondo.  Joining them are Al Horford and Joe Johnson from the Hawks, and the Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh.  That’s a pretty good bench.  For the West, it’ll be Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams backing up Chris Paul at point guard, Dirk Nowitzki from the Mavericks, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili from the Spurs, Gasol from the Lakers, and in a shocking selection the rookie sensation Blake Griffin.  Many thought Griffin wouldn’t make the squad, as rookies tend to be left off, but you simply can not deny Griffin’s dominance this season.  He was born to play in an all-star game, and the fans are going to love watching Chris Paul throw an alley-oop for an impressive Griffin dunk.  It will truly be a game to watch.

BASEBALL

Finally, in baseball, it’s the end of an era.  Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte has decided to retire.  Pettitte was a key part of the Yankees dynasty during the late 90s and early part of this decade.  He, along with Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, David Wells, Mariano Rivera, and later C.C. Sabathia made up an almost unhittable pitching rotation.  When you think about all of the Yankees success, Pettitte’s name always comes to mind.  He briefly left New York to join Roger Clemens in Houston, but came back to New York just a few years later and was just as effective as before.  He is truly a Yankees legend, and will likely be welcome with the organization in some capacity.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, for the 3rd time in his career, Bill Belichick has been named AP’s Coach of the Year.  This comes as no surprise, as Belichick led the Patriots to a remarkable comeback season.  Heading into Week 1, there were numerous concerns about the Pats D, whether or not Tom Brady was still ‘Tom Brady’, and if this was truly the end of the Pats dynasty.  Belichick once again proved everybody wrong.  Tom Brady had a phenomenal year, the Pats D, while not the best, had enough coaching brilliance from Belichick to ensure that opposing teams struggled.  Sure they lost in the divisional round, but it was a tremendous regular season.

Elsewhere in the NFL, Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison had some serious words for commissioner Roger Goodell.  Harrison received a hefty fine total this year for making rough, harmful hits on opposing players.  There was even one point where Harrison threatened to retire from the NFL because he didn’t know how to play the game any other way.  Jokingly, he said, in short, that he doesn’t want to hurt anybody out there or step on anyone’s toes — that he wishes he could put a pillow down when he tackles someone so they’re comfortable.  He continued by criticizing Goodell for not caring whether or not players get hurt, calling him a hypocrite.  Harrison is vehemently against the proposed 18 game schedule, saying that the NFL only cares about money — not its players.  Harrison said adding 2 more games gives him about 150 – 175 more plays where he could get seriously hurt.  Clearly, Harrison is upset with the league.

Finally, signing day in college football, where the nation’s top recruits pick their schools.  Here are the big stories:  Cyrus Kouandjio decided upon Auburn, but when he was given the pen to sign, he had reservations.  Now, he said he needs space and time with his family to finalize where he’ll play.  JaDeveon Clowney, the top recruit in the nation, said he wouldn’t sign yesterday and would wait for his birthday, Valentine’s Day, to sign.  However, he did narrow his choices to Clemson, South Carolina, or Alabama.  Finally, Isaiah Crowell, the top running back in the nation opted to stay in state with Georgia.  The signing gives Georgia the dream team they wanted as Crowell will join Ray Drew and Jay Rome, the other top recruits from Georgia.  It looks like Georgia football could sit atop the standings next year, and possibly more.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, it was Media Day for the Super Bowl teams.  Of course, the center of attention was squarely on Ben Roethlisberger.  As you remember, Ben was accused of a sexual crime at the beginning of the season.  He was found innocent in court, but commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Big Ben for 4 games.  At media day, all the media tried to play amateur psychologist with Roethlisberger, asking if he thought winning the Super Bowl would be a form of redemption.  Roethlisberger dodged most of these questions, but sometimes played humble.  He said at one point he thought that if he could win a couple Super Bowls nobody could touch him — that he would be invincible.  Now, Roethlisberger acknowledged, that this particular mindset was not smart.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs only have 7 losses on the season.  They’re currently the top seed in the West and sometimes seem unbeatable.  The Portland Trail Blazers have been hot lately and hosted the Spurs last night.  The Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge was absolutely on fire.  The Spurs had no answer for him, and Aldridge put up a career high 40 points.  Aldridge was the #2 overall pick in the draft a few years ago, and he’s finally starting to show that he is a force to be reckoned with.  Many believe that he will be selected as an all-star game reserve this week.  With the pummeling, the Blazers hand the Spurs their 8th loss.  Next up for San Antonio — the LA Lakers.  Portland 99, San Antonio 86.

BASEBALL

Finally, in some off-season baseball news, old teammates are once again reunited.  Yesterday, both Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, two key members of the Boston Red Sox famous 2004 World Series run will join forces… and in the competitive AL East.  They’re not going back to Boston, nor rival New York.  Nope, they’re headed to Tampa Bay.  Recently, the Tampa Bay Rays have been just as competitive as the Yankees or Red Sox in the AL East.  Now, with these two seasoned veterans, they remain equally as dangerous.  And, on top of all that, the Baltimore Orioles are projected to have a turn around season this year.  It will be a wildly competitive AL East.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, prior to playing the Cavs, LeBron James had some words for his former team.  However, he didn’t say anything vile or vicious.  He merely said that he felt bad for them.  LeBron stated that he knows they’re going through a tough time right now, and that he mainly feels bad for the fans.  “We had a lot of great years there”, LeBron said about the Cleveland fans.  Prior to the season, people thought that the Cavs could still possibly make the playoffs without LeBron, they never thought they would be absolutely horrible.  The Heat, of course, trounced Cleveland, bringing their record to 8-40 on the year.  And to think, Cleveland beat Boston in their first game of the season.  Miami 117, Cleveland 90.

SOCCER

In soccer, a new record has been set in England as Chelsea has signed superstar Fernando Torres.  Torres is one of the Elite players in the British Premeirship League, and Chelsea (one of the top teams) brought Torres over from Liverpool for $50 million pounds (about $79.5 million dollars).  To put this in American terms, this is very similar to LeBron signing with the Heat — a mega-star leaving his current team to play elsewhere.  Soccer is growing in popularity in the United States right now.  More people are paying attention to foreign leagues, as evidenced by the growing coverage on Sports Center.

GOLF

Finally, in golf, ever since all his melodrama and conflict, Tiger Woods has not been the same.  Prior to his scandalous affairs, Woods was riding high and dominating the golf circuit.  But over the past year, he has shown signs of deteriorating, and it’s clear that he’s unfocused.  Just yesterday, Tiger Woods shot a 3-over Par 75 at Torrey Pines to open his season.  That puts him in a tie for 44th place.  We are not accustomed to this as fans.  Tiger is always at the top or looming close to it, allowing for a fantastic come-from-behind victory in the end.  But, fact is, Tiger is getting older.  Some are hoping for a comeback, and some couldn’t care less about him anymore.  Either way, the ending of the Tiger Woods legacy is still unwritten.