For all of you baseball fans out there; live these last few weeks up because after them it will only be the select power teams who will be playing. The regular season is almost over and now is when playoff races begin to heat up and things get really intense. There are only a few divisions that are still uncertain but those games will give fans something to watch while the other meaningless games are still on. The National League West and East seem to be the most heated races in all of baseball where the standings could change almost anyday. The teams involved need every win they can get and hope for their rivals to choke hard.
NASCAR is also into their playoffs and pretty soon a Sprint Cup champion will be declared. Will it be Jimmie Johnson for his unprecedented 5th straight title? Or will one of the other drivers come and end his reign? Jeff Gordon used to be the best of the best but he has fallen as other drivers have stepped up, will he be able to regain glory? These races have a lot on the line and every position could be the difference between a champion and second place. If you are not a big racing fan I still highly suggest watching NASCAR on television. The coverage is amazing and even a non-car person (like me) can keep interested.
The NFL goes into its third week with many surprised playing out so far. The NFL is so great because you never know what is going to happen. The teams are a lot more evenly matched and while yes there are a few REALLY bad teams, the parity in the NFL is better than any other sports league. There are no headline games this week but any of the games being played has the possibility for legendary plays. Watch any game and see what could happen.
Top Games To Watch
1. College Football – No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 10 Arkansas Razorbacks
This will be the first real challenge for Coach Nick Saban and his Crimson Tide on their journey to repeat as National Title champions. They will be on the road in a hostile environment against a team that has the skill to give the Tide a run for their money. The Razorbacks are close to the top and want nothing more than to be at the top. Knocking out the top team in the country will elevate the Arkansas team to the national consciousness and they will be involved in every discussion about the National Title until the season is over. Defeating a higher ranked opponent is means for a party, defeating the best team in the country is means for school wide celebration. This will be a highly competitive game with a lot on the line and both teams eager to prove themselves. All these things make for a very watchable game for the entire family.
2. MLB – Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies – Sept. 20-22
In this renewal of a bitter baseball rivalry the teams meet with potential playoff implications. This is basically a playoff series for the Braves. If they can sweep the series they will be tied with the Phillies for first place but if they themselves get swept then it will spell almost certain doom for their division title hopes. The Phillies would love to win this series and then hold a comfortable lead and allow them to rest their players going into the post season. Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay is the leading contender for the NL Cy Young Award and if he can reach 20 wins on Tuesday night then he would almost solidify that award. The Braves have quite a challenge ahead of them in Halladay, let alone having to win the other games so they will be playing with all their intensity and energy in hopes to pull off these big wins. Two teams fighting for the top spot; what else could you want?
3. NASCAR – Sprint Cup Series @ Dover International Speedway - Sept. 26 @ 1 pm
Clint Bowyer won the first race of the Sprint Cup Series and currently leads the way to the title. But there are nine other races still to be driven and anything could happen. Especially in a field where names like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and four time champion Jimmie Johnson are still in contention. Jimmie Johnson has the biggest target on his back because he has won it the past four years and they would all love to dethrone him. But if he is able to pull away for another championship he very well could be the best driver to ever get behind the wheel. Watch and see if he can speed his way to all-time glory or if someone else can get into Victory Lane.
Things To Keep An Eye On
- Brett Favre’s return to football has been less than stellar. The Vikings are 0-2 and looking bad. Check out the NFL Schedule to see where they are playing next and watch to see them fall further or make a step towards winning again.
- The Tour Championship is this weekend for the PGA too. Perhaps Tiger Woods can regain glory by winning? Perhaps not.
- Check out this great catch by New England Patriots’ wide receiver Randy Moss. One handed the entire way.
