(Wikimedia Commons)
With so much emphasis on politics and leadership in the US this past week, here’s a look at where different sports stand in their respective seasons.
It was a crazy week in college football, with two top-four teams losing, as well as the first look at the CFP Rankings. Georgia, who has not looked like its former national championship pedigree selves this season, has still found ways to win games, which is why it was (deservingly) ranked at number 3 in the first playoff ranking. However, the Bull Dogs fell to #16 Ole Miss. on Saturday in embarrassing fashion. Also, #4 Miami had similar issues, losing to unranked Georgia Tech. In a year filled with surprise upsets and top teams losing, these two losses seem more meaningful with the regular season approaching its end. #11 Alabama put a beat down on #15 LSU in the game of the week, which essentially ends the Tigers’ playoff hopes. Bama, in its first season without Nick Saban at the helm, has not looked as dangerous as it is used to being, but undoubtedly it could bring home the championship this January. Indiana remains undefeated after a narrow victory at home against Michigan, who continues to embarrass themselves, much to the delight of Ohio State fans. Speaking of Ohio State, the Buckeyes rode the high from last week’s road win over Penn State as they dominated Purdue 45-0. True freshman, Jeremiah Smith, broke Cris Carter’s freshman season touchdown record with his ninth score in his ninth game as a Buckeye.
As week 10 of the NFL approaches, so does a great Thursday night showdown against two powerhouses in the AFC. The Cincinnati Bengals travel to M&T bank stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals have not had the start that they hoped for as they stand at 4-5 on the seasons. The Ravens stand at a record of 6-3. Both teams have struggled on the defensive side of the ball this season, but they make up for it with their explosive offenses. The duo of Bengals’ superstars, Joe Burrow, and Jamar Chase, look to continue their success–as do the running attack of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Other good matchups this week include the San Francisco 49ers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 1 pm ET., and the Detroit Lions face the Houston Texans on Sunday at 8 pm ET.
The NBA season, though still young, has already been providing great matchups and fresh storylines. Perhaps the most impressive team so far has been the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are 11-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Cavs currently have the best record to start a season since the 2015-2016 Warriors, who famously went 73-9 in the regular season before blowing a 3-1 finals lead to none other than Lebron and the Cavs. While it is unfair to compare this Cavs team to the 2016 Warriors this early, it’s interesting nonetheless. Speaking of the Warriors, the team has found its identity following Klay Thompson’s offseason departure, going 7-2 for their best start since it won the finals in 2022. The Dubs collected a statement victory against the Boston Celtics, the reigning champions, last Wednesday. They had a rough night on Friday in Cleveland but will look to bounce back Tuesday at home against the Dallas Mavericks, when they will also honor Klay in his first game back in the bay. Kevin Durant, now 37 years old, has had an MVP-caliber start to the season, though he is expected to miss the next two weeks with a calf strain. Another situation to keep an eye on is the status of Spurs head coach, Greg Popovich, who suffered a serious health problem last week. The team has not given any details about what is wrong with Coach Pop, but assistant coach, Mitch Johnson, is expected to act as interim head coach until Popovich returns. As I said last week, it is too early to make championship predictions, but I would keep an eye on the Cavaliers in the East.
