I am sure that people around the state of Mississppi, Oxford more specifically, are going to be screaming “Eli for Heisman” again this year. In what the Rebels affectionately refer to as the Grove Bowl, Manning threw for almost 400 yards, 180 of which went to receiver Jason Armstead, and the Red beat the Blue 49-21. Let me remind you of something–Mississippi’s defense is not one of the most impressive in the country. In fact, UM’s defense is one of the worst in the country, and they know it. To tell the truth, I don’t even think Eli Manning is the best quarterback in the state of Mississippi, let alone the SEC or even the country. Can we get a “Fant for Heisman” chant, please? If not that, “Eli who” will work just fine.
Anyway, it’s been a slow week in the world of sports. Not much is going on other than the Masters Tournament this weekend. Just to clarify, Tiger Woods is my pick to win, as I said Tuesday. Sure, I’m taking the easy way out, but come on, it’s Tiger Woods. Woods owns Augusta National, no matter how long the course is.
I have somehow managed not to talk about hockey all that much this semester, and for those who know me, that is quite an accomplishment, but I can’t hold back any longer.
Montreal Canadiens forward Saku Koivu was diagnosed with malignant abdominal cancer on Sept. 12, 2001. At one point, the prognosis did not look good for Koivu, not only for his playing career, but his life. After an almost miraculous recovery, Koivu was back on the ice for the Habs Tuesday night, and will play the rest of the season including the playoffs. I was able to see his return on television and it was nothing short of emotional. Not only is it good to see Koivu back on the ice and living a healthy life, but it’s good to see Montreal back in the playoffs.
The Canadiens are the New York Yankees of the NHL, winning 24 Stanley Cups in their history. The last Stanley Cup victory was in 1993, and Montreal hasn’t really competed for it since. So if you’re looking for an underdog to root for in the NHL playoffs this year, root for Montreal.
I know they’re Canadian, but everyone loves an underdog just the same. In case you’re looking for an American underdog to cheer for, look no further than the Los Angeles Kings of the Western Conference. The Kings are going to finish in the middle of the Western race, and could find themselves matching up with the juggernaut that is the Detroit Red Wings in the second round. OK, enough about hockey. I want a show of hands. Who thinks Barry Bonds will be the one to break Hank Aaron’s homerun record of 755? Who thinks Sammy Sosa can do it? Who thinks Ken Griffey Jr.? Why am I the only one with my hand raised? I’m not joking, folks. I think Griffey will be the one to break Hammerin’ Hank’s record, if anyone is to do it. Think about it this way–Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record at the age of 42.
Note the record then was only 714. For the 32-year-old Griffey to break Aaron’s record, he would have to hit 31 homeruns a season until he turns 42. Bonds, who is 37, would have to average 38 a season until the age of 42. Sosa would have to average about the same. Sure it’s possible that all three can do it, and it is true that Griffey has been hampered with injuries as of late, but my in my mind, the next all-time home run king will be Ken Griffey Jr.
Now, am I the only one counting down the days until Aug. 31? Sure, most sane people are counting down the days until their last final, as I am, but I am still excited about this year’s Bulldog football team. The ‘Dawgs will open the 2002 season at Oregon, who won the Fiesta Bowl last year and are now without All-American Joey Harrington. I wonder if people in Eugene are at all worried about the Bulldogs coming in to Autzen Stadium in August. Because if they aren’t–they should be.