37 MILLION DOLLAR CENTER TURNED REAL LIFE OLD MCDONALD

   Imagine you're a sports agent who has been representing an all pro multi-million dollar center for the last seven seasons and he calls you and say I am done with football and he's not injured, How would you react? Well Browns agent told him "You're are making the biggest mistake of your life," Brown response back to him was "No I'm not." We all know when it comes down to sports it's a big business, excuse me a BIG money making business especially in the NFL. When you're in the position to represent a offensive linemen especially an all pro linemen it's a very lucrative pay day for you as his agent. Brown made a decision that most of us would frown upon, call him crazy, call him stupid and DUMB, he quit playing professional football to become a farmer.

   

   Jason Brown a stand out center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill started his NFL career in 2006 with the Baltimore Ravens playing three seasons in Baltimore. In 2009 Brown signed with the Rams and that's where he signed a five year $37 million dollar contract, but he let that all go to head back to North Carolina Louisburg to be exact and bought 1,000 acres of land to start farming sweet potatoes. When you read his story you would assume that Jason knows something about farming right? The answer to that is nope. Jason did what the average person does on a regular when they want to learn how to do something he went straight to the internet. Jason Browns "First Fruits Farm" wasn't bought for personal use or financial gain, he did it to help lower the rate of hungry and needy people in the Louisburg area and probably other parts of N.C. Brown promises to donate the first fruits of every harvest that he pulls in to the local food pantry to help the homeless and needy people and families and he did that. Rebecca Page who organizes food for the needy families stated "It's unusual for a grower to grow a crop to just give it away.' Well Jason did that in abundance. As of today Jason has grown 100,000 pounds of sweet potatoes and will give away more next year once the weather breaks. Brown believes that the NFL is great and he had a great job, but he believes that a life of service to others trumps the NFL.  

   

   Eliminating hunger with his farm was just the beginning for Jason Brown, on Tuesday of last week Brown delivered his own baby because the mid wife couldn't make it on time. A real life SUPERMAN in the making. Who said you can't help others and in the process be a doctor as well. The question I leave all of my readers with is what do you think about Jason Browns decision?  and If you were in the same position as he was with a multi-million dollar contract would you leave it on the table?

VICK GETS A TRUE START AND PROVES WHY HE'S A STARTER

   During the off-season the Jets made a decision to part ways with their former number one draft pick Mark Sanchez because of his flighty play during his time in NY to hand the reigns over to the young kid Geno Smith. The NFL a huge business which main focus is continued growth and their teams winning at all cost by having talented players and excellent coaches makes the NFL operate. The NY Jets decided to make a move to get their team back in the talks as a powerhouse and to help their young quarterback by signing Erick Decker from the Broncos, Chris Johnson a stand out running back for the TItans and one the most agile and athletic quarterbacks in the game Mike Vick.  The Jets had a different role for Vick in mind when bringing him in. The role was to help develope and to push Geno to be a great quarterback in the NFL. The question that went through my head when I first heard the news of Vick signing with the jets was Will Vick be comfortable with being in a back up role after being a starter and a dominant force since he has been in the league?

   Vick was let go by the Eagles after coming off probably one of the worse season he has had since coming the NFL. His last season down fall in my eyes wasn't totally on him especially with a depleted offensive line, but some of his decision were off and just as the NFL is a winning entity so are the teams of the NFL. Coaches have to keep their jobs by winning and that requires putting their best foot forward and than the Eagles best foot was with Foles. Vicks release gave speculation that his career could be on a down fall, but having such a talented and more of a pocket minded quarterback that could still threaten defenses with his feet on the market would be a jackpot for most teams. Vick earned some new wings with the Jets and accepted his role as the number two guy in NY and starting over with an entirely new number. It was in due time that Vick would take over the helm again and that came with Geno Smith having a rough first half of the season. To Genos credit he played dodge a defense but some of his decision in the passing game prompted a change at quarter back for the jets. 

  Vicks first game on the field as a full time quarterback came against the Chargers and lets be honest this wasn't a game for him especially with not having practice time with the first team. The chargers were high on emotions from jumping out to a huge lead and Vick didn't look at all comfortable in the pocket or on the field. After losing to the Packers where the Jets faulted the veteran quarterback got the start for the Steelers game. In my mind I was thinking what a game to get the starting nod for, but Vick proved to the entire league that he still has what it takes to lead his team to a victory. Vick finished the day 10/18 132 passing yards, 7.3 average on each pass, 2 touchdown passes and 0 interceptions. Along with the help from Ryans defense forcing four turnovers the Jets were able to defeat the former AFC north leaders 20-13. A great victory for the Jets but a greater victory for Vick that will help rebuild his name.  

  

THE MLB GOLDEN GLOVES COME TO CHARM CITY IN A THREE PACK

    What a way to close out the MLB 2014 season for the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles than to have three of their players win Golden Gloves. The Orioles year after year display qualities of a ball club that can cause problems in the majors but seem to run into a speed bump or two each season. During the off-season management open up their pocket books and took a chance on spending to bring in quality players and from the looks of it their system worked this season. Some believe the Yankee way isn't respectable because you're pulling very talented individuals in by adding multiple zeros after the commas, but the purpose of playing professional sports in what? In the words of my old coach Herm Edwards "WE PLAY TO WIN". There's no moral code to the word win, it's either you win or you don't. Second place will not be recognized in the history books only first place. The Orioles took a different approach and it paid off for them and for the city of Baltimore. The Orioles swept the Tigers to face the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS where they lost but a major improvement from the past few seasons.

     What is the Golden Glove Award you may ask? It's an award given annually to an individual player who has displayed superior play during the season in their respective position on the field. In the AL the Kansas City Royals who couldn't win it all in the World Series claimed three spots on the 2014 AL Golden Glove Awards list for catcher, first base and left field. Seattle and Boston added one player each for second base and third base, but rounding out the list for the last three spots were Baltimore Orioles players. Claiming the Golden Glove for an outstanding right fielder went to Nick Markakis. Markakis finished his 2014 season with a batting average of .276 with 14 home runs and 50 runs batted in and a on base percentage of .342. Nick had a good showing during the post season with a .258 batting average and one home run. Markakis was a fan favorite in Baltimore and by his stats proved why he won a Golden Glove.  Taking the Golden Glove for the position of short stop was J.J. Hardy. Hardy finished with a season average of .268, 9 home runs, 52 runs batted in and a on base percentage of .309. Hardy has been proving his worth since going to the majors straight from high school. Since being with the Orioles he has etched his name as a top short stop in the majors. Rounding out the list for the Orioles Golden Glove winners is none other than center fielder Adam Jones. Adam Jones year after year puts on a show when the stadium lights come on. This past season I have seen in person how Adam Jones can change the complexion of the game whether he's not having a good game to coming up to bat and taking one out of the park with one swing. In 2014 Jones finished with a .281 batting average, 29 home runs, 96 runs batted in and a on base percentage of .311. When he comes out of the locker room for a game he's ready to give his all and to show why he is one of if not thee base center fielder in the game.   

THE RACE FOR THE ACC TITLE AS OF NOW LOOKS SIMILAR TO LAST YEARS TWO TEAMS.......

    The end of the college football regular season is vastly approaching and the ACC championship is shaping up to be identical to last years match up. I know everyone watches college football to see who will reign supreme in the money bank known as the SEC, but to me being a former Virginia Cavalier and ACC athlete I look forward to seeing who will play each other in the title game. When I played in the late 90s through the early 2000s I didn't get the opportunity to play in a potential conference championship game because it was just won out right by the school with the best record.  I believe adding the new schools definitely gave the ACC a boost in character and a boost in game play to fight for the top position in each division. 

       Looking back at the current standings in the ACC from this past weekend we have the same two teams atop each division that finished first last season. Duke for a second season came out blazing and wanting to make the statement that they are not a one and done team and so far they have proved that with a current conference record of 3-1 and a overall record of 7-1 and a 22nd ranking overall. The Blue Devils have the opportunity to run the table with their last four games to head to the ACC championship game. This Saturday they will play 1-4 in the ACC conference and 3-6 overall Syracuse in New York. If Duke continues to play football the way they have been they will cruise through Syracuse. Their last three games will all be home game a definite plus finishing the regular season. After Syracuse they have a current 1-4 in the conference and 4-5 overall Virginia Tech Hokie team that's definitely in a rebuilding phase this season but can not over look the Hokies especially with Coach Beamer still the head coach. Rounding off the bottom two games they will face a up and down North Carolina Tar Heels team and sadden Wake Forest Demon Deacons team that has yet to win a game in the ACC. The Blue Devils boast a 4-0 home record and a 3-1 away record which is awesome when playing on the road with traveling and battling fans. Duke has played against low talented teams, but a win is a win and they have shown week in and week out that they are a different Blue Devils team than what we were use to seeing in the past. So if the current standings look the same at the end of the regular season I believe Duke will give the Seminoles a run for their money again this season but in order to win they have to play 100% mistake free football.

       Now the current NCAA national champions and still undefeatedddddddddddd!!!!!!! Your Florida State Seminolessssssssss!!!!! and the crowd cheers. The Seminoles as we all know are undefeated in both brackets, currently Florida State is 5-0 in the conference and 8-0 overall. The Seminoles have played some stiff competition and of course had some fine tuning games so far and through it all came out on top. The Seminoles have shown signs of being beatable but teams have not been able to finish the job and they have allowed the Seminoles to climb back in the game in the second half. Will the Seminoles sporadic play hurt them in their final four games and jeopardize their playoff chances? or will they pick up their slow start and dominate teams from this point out. The Seminoles have some pretty decent games coming up to finish out the regular season. They will travel to Charlottesville to face the Virginia Cavaliers this Saturday who are a dangerous team but can't seem to get out of their own way. The Cavaliers did beat the 4th rank Seminoles two seasons ago in Tallahassee 14-13 and have the opportunity to do it again but they have to play mistake free football against the champs. Rounding off their last three games the Seminoles will play the Miami Hurricanes which is an instant classic every season, Boston College who are third in the Atlantic Division behind Clemson with a record of 3-2 in the conference and 6-3 overall and finish their regular season at home with their yearly inner state rival the Florida Gators. The Florida State Seminoles definitely have a great chance to go undefeated again, win the ACC title again and make it to the National championship again. In my eyes the Seminoles should be #1 in the Nation no disrespect to the Mississippi St. Bulldogs, but Florida state is the reigning National Champion and until someone knocks them off should stay atop the AP poll.
#theACCDN #ACC #FLORIDASTATESEMINOLES #DUKEBLUEDEVILS

AND IT'S 1,2,3 STRIKES YOU'RE OUT AT THE OLD BALL GAME!!!

   Three world series championships in five seasons WOW!!! One of five teams to have done it and they will accompany other great organizations including the New York Yankees who captured four between 1996-2000 and the Oakland Athletics who won two in the 1970s.. Don't get it twisted the Giants didn't win this world series easy but they proved why Bumgarner deserves to be seen as an elite pitcher. The Kansas City Royals just as the Giants did came in as a wild card team and had their foot on the gas pedal through out the entire postseason. The Royals steamed rolled the Angels and the Orioles to meet up with the Giants who before last night had two championships in five years and wasn't look at to be in the position that they were in. After their opening lost in Game 1 to the Giants the way they did people even myself wrote them off to lose the world series, but the royals had other plans. The Royals came out in game two exactly how the Giants came out in Game 1 with intentions or silencing the talkers and proving the doubters wrong and they did it. Through out this series the Royals played great baseball and pitched well to force a game seven. Their game six outing was a brutal assault on the Giants dismantling their defense and offense beating them 10-0. There's nothing better than having a dramatic game 7 in your own backyard and the Royals definitely created a great script for all of the baseball lovers and sports enthusiasts. The bottom line when it comes down to a game 7 someone will be celebrating and someone will not and unfortunately for the Royals they didn't get the opportunity to celebrate on their home field. 

     Giants come in many forms, whether helping others in their time of need, in fairy tales, grocery stores lol but their are many types of Giants. In October a Giant came in the form of a MLB baseball team from the west coast and that's San Francisco to be exact. Pushing their way up the ranks in the postseason as a wild card team to find themselves in the 2014 World Series against the AL Champs the Kansas Royals. The Giants charged out in game 1 with a full head of steam in KC and took game 1 convincingly. Just as any championship series goes you will experience some rough times as the Giants experienced in the world series against the Royals, but the key is how do you recover. The Giants had no choice but to recover and put their best foot forward after allowing the Royals to tie the series 3-3 with a devastating lost in KC forcing a game 7. I will give you two names that sealed the deal for the Giants in my mind, and that's Madison Bumgarner and Pablo Sandoval. Madison Bumgarner a BEASTTTTT came in as a relief in the fifth inning and pitched an amazing game. Even though Bumgarner on paper was given the save for the the Giants game 7 victory, everyone who watched last nights game knows he won that game. Bumgarner finished the last five innings with 4 Ks, 2 Hs and no runs scored. Bumgarners world series stats are as follows and that's all three world series I might add, 4 wins, 0 losses, 1 save, 31Ks, 0.25 ERA, 0.53 WHIP percentage and a .121 BAA. Ok the chant can continue now M V P, M V P, M V P! Mr. Pablo Sandoval, along side Bumgarner played an amazing game also. Sandoval went 3-3 with 2 runs what a way to hit the free agent market soon. Sandoval added to his game 7 heroics by catching the final pop fly out to seal the deal for the Giants and Bumgarner.  

ANOTHER SEASON TO ACCOMPANY THE NFL. THE NBA IS BACK!!!!!!

  Hear Ye!!! Hear Ye!!! the NBA season will begin tonight! for all of my basketball fans. October can go down in sports history as the best month of the year for the all sports fan. Why you ask? Take a second and think about it, you have the world series for baseball going on which the Giants are leading the series 3-2, you also have the NFL season in full swing with games basically going all week except for four days out the week and now comes the NBA season. How will the 2014/2015 season play out? We have the Black Mamba back and kicking off his debut tonight! against the Rockets at home in L.A. The one thing I bet everyone has on their minds is with Kobe being 36 years old how much gas does he have left in the tank. According to his former teammate and new coach Byron Scott, "he's playing like the Kobe of old." On september 22nd the Black Mamba played three games of five-on-five and he looked great. Myself and this is my opinion, I believe Kobe will be back on top in the talks for the league MVP because of his work ethic and his I will not lose!!! attitude. So look out NBA he's back

     After consecutive seasons of tearing up his knees Derrick Rose just like Kobe will be back on the hardwood this week. He will get to test that repaired knee against Carmelo and the Knicks on wednesday at the Garden. Rose definitely is a major component to the bulls, however they have had success with him not in the line-up. I believe in the past with Rose in the line-up the flow of the team followed the Sixers when Iverson was there. Rose would get the ball and everyone else would spread and let him create baskets which would take them out of their own game and minimize their importance on the floor. I think this time around Derrick Rose should spread it around which would take some of the pressure off of him and will save his body when they really need it just as Kobe did once the Lakers roster was depleted because of free agency and he was partnered with new and young players. Just as the MLB season the NBA season is a very long season and he will be needed down the line to help them in the playoffs. I do believe if the Bulls had Rose in the playoff last season they would of gotten further because of his creativity.  

    Last and certainly not least the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. Miami has lost some prime real estate during the off season but added some quality talented along with the talent they already have. Even though many believe that Dwayne Wade should call it quits because of injury plagued years he's still hanging on as the leader of the Heat. They had the bank to keep Bosh onboard and hopefully he steps up his play especially with the absence of Lebron James. Ray Allen has left but they add Luol Deng to the roster to jump start his career back up and they still have the Birdman on the roster which will help them with rebounding and defense. The Heat have a decent bench but Erik Spoelstra needs to use them. The Cleveland "Lebron James" Cavaliers will tip off Thursday at the Garden against Carmelo and that will be a great game to watch. Everyone except James and his family didn't see him going back to the Cavaliers after the Heat lost to the Spurs in the finals. James is back home which gives the city of Cleveland a spark. Lebron a very smart man didn't come back to Cleveland alone, he brought some high talent with him in Mike Miller who played big role in the Heat second championship, and adding free-agent Kevin Love to the mix to help all-star Kyrie Irving out. This could be a huge season for the Cavaliers not a championship season I think because as we all know when adding different pieces to a puzzle you have to make sure they fit. So lets hear it for the start of the 2014/2015 season and it should be a interesting season. 

KC MUST HAVE CONSULTED IVERSON FOR THE ANSWER, SERIES 1-1

  Let the pitching duels begin. In game 1 Bumgarner took over and the Giants smashed the Royals on their on turf. In Game 2 the Royals had different plans, it was Yordano Venturas turn. Ventura had a decent game in the five innings that he pitched. Even though he surrender eight hits and two runs to the Giants he didn't give up any walks. The Giants made it a game with the Royals in the fourth with doubles from Pablo Sandoval and Brandon Belt but not enough to hold off the Royals sluggers. In the sixth inning the Royals bats came alive and especially Omar Infantes bat. Billy Butler singled off of Jean Machi scoring Lorenzo Cain. The Royals received some extra help in the scoring department from the Giants pitcher with an errant pitch putting two runners in scoring position for Salvador Perez to do some magic. Perez doubled both of the on base runners home and Infante followed up with a home run. Infante went two for three with a home run and double to help lift the Royals over the Giants. 

  We have ourselves a series ladies and gentleman. Peavy and the rest of the Giants bullpen couldn't keep the Royals down like they did in game 1. The Giants bats took the night off as well. That's why you have to love sports and the MLB playoff system, because there's always a chance to make up for any mistakes from the last game. The Royals knew they needed to play better in order to take game two and they played very well to even the series up before heading to San Fran. I will be tuned in for game 3 to see how the Royals come out against the Giants on their home turf. The Royals have played great post season baseball on their field and on the opposing teams field game 3 should be exciting and rowdy. 

#KCROYALS #SFGIANTS #WORLDSERIES #TIED #BASEBALL

GIANTS TO STRONG FOR THE ROYALS OR WILL KC BLAST OFF?

 What a way to start the World series off for the San Francisco Giants. The Kansas City Royals came into the first game of the World Series on an emotional high and with swag after sweeping the Angels and the Orioles. The Giants had other plans for the Royals this time around and took the wind out of their sails to make this World Series a true contest. The Royals fans were decked out in their KC blues ready to cheer their home team to a opening world series victory but Bumgarner had other plans for the Royals Faithful. Bumgarner pitched strong seven innings and finished with strong stats. Bumgarner finished with an ERA of 1.29, a low WHIP percentage of 0.57, 5 STRIKE OUTS, 1 BATTED BALL, 1 EARNED RUN, 1 RUN and only 1 hit in seven innings how can you have a better opening game? October has proven to be the Giants month, they have won seven consecutive World Series games second in the National League. 

  The Giants bats aided Bumgarner in the first game, in the first inning the Giants had two runners on base when Hunter Pence stepped up to bat. Just as any team would do the Royals started game one with their big arm pitcher James "Big Game" Shields and the Giants hitters were able to change Shields name to small game. Shields sent a pitch right over the plate and before you know it CRACK!!! Pence sent his pitch out the park and the Giants had a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Before Tuesday nights homer pence hadn't hit a home run since September 20th against the Padres. While watching some of the game I could only imagine being a pitcher with a first inning 3-0 lead in the World Series could definitely relax me and make my night easier than a tied game or down a run or two. As a former athlete you want to make a statement and the Giants definitely did with playing a complete game with their pitching and hitting. When you're hitting on all cylinders the sky's the limit and the Giants showed with destroying the Royals in game one 7-1 that October is Orange for one reason and that's for the San Francisco Giants. The Royals probably didn't expect to sweep the Giants but knew it would be a battle and that's why baseball just as basketball in the post season give you more opportunities to win. So game two is coming up and we will see how the Royals will respond.     

THE HOOS HIT THE ROAD AGAINST DUKE AND TRY TO REMAIN ATOP OF THE COASTAL DIVISION

  The Cavaliers will be coming off of a bye week and a huge win over Pitt two weeks ago to hit the road to play the Duke Blue Devils. This isn't your old Duke team, the Blue devils were able to overcome a 22-0 deficit last season to beat the Cavaliers 35-22 and getting them the ACC championship game against national champion Florida St. and to a bowl game and barely losing to the Texas A&M Aggies 52-48. The Blue Devils finished the regular season 10-2 before losing in the conference championship and the Chic-Fila Peach bowl. The Blue Devils of old are a memory to some. Duke began their 2014 campaign with a few lackluster teams that they bull dozed through, hit a small speed bump with a lost to the Hurricanes but before their bye beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd stadium. The Blue Devils finished at the break 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the ACC. The Blue Devils are looking to chalk up another W in the win column against the Cavaliers in their continued battle between one another since 1890. 

  The Cavaliers are coming into this Saturdays game 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the conference sitting atop the Coastal Division of the ACC. The Cavaliers have had some up and down battles with the Blue Devils and definitely will be looking to win big Saturday. The Cavaliers in the past four years have inked some major opponents on their schedules, and have challenged them but couldn't come away with the victory.  The Cavaliers again stepped up to the plate to open their 2014 season against a top ten ranked UCLA team and took it to the wire but didn't get the victory. Virginia always show resilience, and in the six games played so far they have proved that they can run with almost any team when both the defense and offense are in sync. The Hoos have a strong running game which we saw against Pitt on national television and a defense that swarms to the ball and can create turnovers. The Cavaliers schedule will remain a test from this point out and I do believe the Cavaliers can make a run. However, they definitely have to play lights out football on both sides of the ball and finish all four quarters not a half to continue to be a threat in the ACC and to claim the top spot in their division. 

Prediction: Virginia 30 Duke 17

#theACCDN

ALDS CHECK! NEXT UP THE ALCS AND THE ROYALS FOR THE BIRDS

   In the words of former NFL coach Jim E. Mora "PLAYOFFS!" I could bet money that before the 2014 MLB season started that no one had the Baltimore Orioles on their radar to make it to the ALCS playing to make it to the World Series. Some say the front office finally got it right and open their wallets alittle to bring some star players in and some say it's luck. Professional sports isn't a game of luck as if you're playing the slots or rolling dice at the crap table it's bringing in the talent, the right leader for your team and cohesion between the players. Buck Showalter obviously was the right man for the job. Buck has the Orioles playing like World Series champions and that play has been seen against teams that normally give the O's problems. Buck has been able to keep the Orioles playing strong even through a late season low blow with Chris Davis's 25 game suspension. 

  The Orioles will be facing a strong  opponent in the Kansas City Royals to make a run for the world series. Just as the Royals did the Orioles swept their last opponent in three games to make it to the ALCS. In the regular season the Royals took four out of the seven games played in the regular season. In three games from April 25th to the 27th the Royals  won two out of the three games and the two teams split a four game series in May. This ALCS will be a must see, both teams are hitting strong and pitching strong. As a hometown boy I will and always have rooted for the O's and Charm City will be lit in orange and black and ready for the birds to take it to the world series.  It has been a little  more than three decades since the O's have been to the world series it's about time for the O's to bring the ship back to Baltimore.

PITTSBURGH CAME INTO SCOTTS STADIUM AND WAS SENT PACKING

  Prime time on ESPN 2 and everything except for the third quarter for the Hoos went right. Virginia now 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the ACC won a important game Saturday night against a coastal division opponent. Virginia went into halftime with a comfortable 24-3 lead and It was assumed that the Cavaliers would continue their domination in the second half. In the first quarter of play both teams started off lethargic, only putting up a total of 6 points by field goals. A spark was created by the defense and offense in the second quarter. Kevin Parks the Wahoos leading rusher ripped off a 48 yard run to the end zone with 10:51 on clock. Just under 7 minutes later the Cavaliers offense struck again with a 3 yard touch pass from Matt Johns to Khalek Sheppard putting the cavaliers up 17-3. Much of the offense success came with help from their defense forcing numerous three and outs for the Panthers offense. The crowd was wild and the Cavaliers were amped up. Pittsburgh just as any team would like to wanted to get more points on the board before the first ended but the stingy Cavaliers defense had other plans. At the 2:40 mark Max Valles with four of his finger wrapped up picked off Chad Voytik taking it to the house for a touchdown! This game look like it would get out of hand the rest of the way.

   The third quarter painted a completely different picture than what we saw in the first and second quarters. The Pittsburgh Panthers were able to come out hot scoring ten points in the third to bring the Cavaliers lead to 24-13 making things very uncomfortable for the Hoos going into the fourth quarter. The Pittsburgh Panthers were able to squeeze one more score in during the fourth quarter with 1:27 left on the clock but couldn't punch the two point conversion in to decrease the Cavaliers lead to just three points. The Cavaliers were able to hold on and win the game even with having a bad second half with not putting any points on the board after their first half onslaught. The defense held the Panthers leading rusher James Conner who before saturdays game was ranked third in the country averaging 158 yards per game and second with nine touchdowns to just 21 carries for 83 yards. Kevin Parks finished the game with 169 yards on 29 carries. A great win for the Hoos against a coastal division opponent but they definitely have to fix their second half play down the stretch.  #wahoowa #theACCDN 

A LEGEND RETIRES AND GOES OUT WITH STYLE

  One team, 20 seasons later and a giant in the game of baseball hangs up his pin strips.  On a Thursday night in September Derek Jeter was in his final game at Yankee Stadium ever against the hot Baltimore Orioles. Standing at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning fans in the stadium were probably wondering if Jeter would go out striking out, a hit or as he could do with a home run such as his Mr. November home run during his career. Just as Jeter has done time after time he gave the fans, the state of New York and the world just what they wanted a inside swing hit driving the ball into right field giving the Yankees the win that night. Jeters teammates sprinted out of the dugout to greet Jeter as he ran the bases for a final time with the fans cheering as loud as possible for their hero. It's very rare to finish your career with the same team you have started your career. Derek Jeter was able to have success with one team and impact a city with not just his play but with his character as well. Derek Jeter has lasted twenty season with five world series rings, fourteen all star appearances, five golden glove awards, five slugger awards, two Hank Aaron awards and a Roberto Clemente award as a player whether you're a Yankee fan or not or a baseball fan you have to respect his career. 
  
   One more game to go and probably the best short stop in the game will close out his career and it would come against one of the Yankees nemesis the Boston Redsox. How would the Fenway Park fans treat Mr. November on his final game of his career? They treated him with class and re2pect. The chant of his name throughout Fenway park showed that despite the hatred between the Yankees and Redsox that a guy of his caliber deserves to be recognized despite the team he played for. The 40 year old baseball titan got up to bat for the final time in the third inning at Fenway and sent a chopped single to third base sending his career hit total to 3,465 placing him sixth overall in baseball history. What made his final at bat strange and great at the same time was the game was postponed for two minutes while the Boston Redsox faithful cheered Jeters name and allowed him to bid his farewells to the Redsox players and to thank the fans for the much appreciated cheers before sitting down so that the game could commence. Derek Jeter finishes his career with a .310 batting average, 260 home runs, 1,311 RBI's and a .377 on base percentage. In roman times they screamed HAIL CAESAR!!! as a Derek Jeter fan and one that wore his jersey in college I will yell HAIL JETER HAIL JETER.  If you get the opportunity to read my blog I hope it's to your liking God Bless you. 

THE AL EAST AND NL EAST TITLE COMES TO 95N & 95S

  What an AWESOME night on September 16, 2014 for the Baltimore Orioles. The O's were one win away from clinching the AL east title and bringing it back to Baltimore since their last time winning the championship 17 years ago.  The Orioles had a up and down season last year finishing the season 85 and 77 with a .525 winning percentage. The Orioles were win away last year from sealing up the last AL east wild card spot but the same Blue Jays that they defeated on Tuesday to clinch the 2014 title beat them 3-2 to put them out of the playoff race. Despite Chris Davis being suspended a few days ago the O's were able to keep their surge and WIN! The Orioles had some great series wins this season to past opponents that would dominant them. Since the beginning of the season up to this point the Orioles have played the Yankees fifteen times and out of fifteen games the Orioles won eleven of them. The Yankees was the O's speed bump in 2012 in the first round of the playoffs and this was a perfect revenge season for the birds. The question now is will the birds continue with their momentum into the playoffs?

   Let's take a ride down 95 south where the 2012 NL east champions reside and NOW!!! 2014 NL east champions reside. The Nationals took their show on the road to Atlanta to play for their second championship in three years. The Nationals proved that they could beat the Braves convincingly and in their back yard with a shut out score of 3-0. The Nationals can thank Pitcher Tanner Roak, closers Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen and short stop Ian Desmond with closing the game strong and sealing the victory for the Nationals. Roak pitched seven scoreless innings, allowed only five hits, no walks and struck out four batters. Roak threw 89 pitches and finished with an era of 2.85 showing the Nationals why he deserves to be on the team by winning big in a pivotal game for the Nationals. Tyler Clippard came in to relieve Roak and closed out the eighth inning retiring the Braves batters handing the game over to Drew Storen to close it out. Despite the Nationals past problems with their closers, Storen came in and pitched right at the braves batters only needing seven pitches to take the air out of Braves stadium. All three batters for the Braves grounded out and that's right the celebration began and the NL East title was in DC again. Ian Desmond gave the Nationals a 2-0 lead in the sixth inning with a 443 foot home run after Jayson Werth drew a walk from Aaron Harang. Ian Desmond gave the Nationals an insurance run to start off the ninth inning after doubling by scoring on a wild pitch by the Braves David Carpenter. The Nationals victory came minutes before the Orioles won the AL East title. Now the Nationals must finish their regular season and come with the same drive that they had to win the NL East title into MLB playoffs.  

ACC WEEK 3 HOW DID TEAMS FAIR?

    What a saturday in the ACC especially for Virginia, Virginia Tech and Boston College. Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh both had games that should of been easy wins and their scores reflected such games. However, Pittsburgh even though they beat Florida International 42-25 still had problems finishing FIU. The panthers came out flat for their noon game against FIU and it showed in the first quarter of play. Pittsburgh was able to overcome a 16 point deficit in the first quarter with help from sophomore running back James Conner finishing with 177 yards on 31 carries. The Panthers quarterback Chad Voytik contributed with 12 carries and 126 yards and a 32 yard touchdown run. Voytik was 9 for 17 for 89 yards and 1 touchdown in the passing game to help Pitt in their win.    
    
   Georgia Tech on the other hand started off strong and had to rally against Georgia Southern to win. The yellow jackets blew a first half lead in the third quarter by allowing Georgia Southern to score 20 points to their 0 points. The yellow jackets Jamal Golden forced a fumble with 4:12 on the clock and the yellow jackets was able to drive down the field and score the game winning touchdown. Justin Thomas the yellow jackets leading rusher saturday completed the pass to D. Hill for the win. Duke, Miami, Syracuse and NC State finished with victories on saturday. 
     
     Two teams in the ACC lost saturday and out of the two losses Virginia Techs lost was the worse. Virginia Tech coming off a gigantic win against Ohio State drops the ball against ECU. Virginia Tech jumped into the top 25 after defeating Ohio St. and lost to ECU by a late touchdown by the pirates. Virginia Techs kicker Joey Slye in the 4th quarter kicked the ensuing kick off out of bounds giving the Pirates the ball on the 35 yard line. An illegal substitution penalty on the Hokies aided in the Pirates game winning touchdown run. Wake forest was the other lost of the day in the ACC to Utah State. 

   This week I have two games that were on my radar as games of the weekend! First up goes to my Virginia Cavaliers, the cavaliers coming off a great victory against in state Richmond headed into saturday as underdogs to than 17th ranked Louisville. A tight game in the fourth quarter lady luck reared her face when Louisville fumbled a punt which was recovered by Kelvin Rainey for Virginia at the Cardinals 25 yard line. Lady Luck came right on time for the Wahoos and four plays later the Cavaliers kicker Ian Frye sealed the victory with a 42-yard field goal. My final game of the weekend and it sits atop the list for games of the week in the ACC. Boston College defeats 9th ranked USC at Boston College 37-31. The game MVP award goes to BC quarter back Tyler Murphy. Murphy help beat USC with his legs saturday boasting 13 carries for 191 yards and the game sealing touchdown of 66 yards. The Eagles were flying high off of emotions wearing red bandannas that showed support for former BC grad and World Trade Center hero Welles Crowther. It doesn't get any better than that america. 

   Week 4 approaches and the game to watch will be Florida St. vs. Clemson who will win this game? I am going with the Seminoles to take this game. Tell me your picks for the ACC. #theACCDN 

THE ACC WEEK 2 WRAP-UP. VTECH SHOWS UP BIG AGAINST A BIG 10 POWER HOUSE

    Last saturday was a great day for the football teams of the ACC. The conference went 11-0 in outer conference games and the one conference game the panthers of Pitt dominated Boston College. Cavaliers of Virginia were able to bounce back from their opening day lost mainly due to lack of offense to run over the Spiders of Richmond 45-13 scoring one or more touchdowns each quarter. UVAs quarterback duo of Matt Johns and Greyson Lambert lead two scoring drives for the Cavaliers which was a major improvement from their first outer conference game against #7 UCLA. The Cavaliers defense remained stout by forcing seven turnovers from the spiders offense including one of the turnovers being a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Cavaliers will open their ACC play tomorrow hosting newly added #21 ranked Louisville.  
    The Florida State Seminoles continued their domination with a second outer conference game smashing the Citadel 37-12 keeping the Seminoles atop of the national polls at #1 and #1 in the ACC. Florida St. finished 2-0 in outer conference play starting off with a close victory against Oklahoma St. and of course beating The Citadel, but will begin their ACC play against Clemson on September 20th. Clemson came out strong against South Carolina St. last saturday beating them 73-3 which to me suppose to happen especially against a team that doesn't present a threat. The big question will be can they maintain that same fire against the #1 team in the country next saturday. Clemson couldn't escape Athens with a victory against the Bulldogs and definitely will be challenged on the road in Tallahasee. 
    The Hurricanes bounced back just as Clemson did after their opening lost to ACC newcomer Louisville by defeating Florida A&M 41-7. Miami continued their offensive troubles by only converting 2 out of 10 third down conversions and 3 turnovers by the offense. Even though they steam rolled the Rattlers that doesn't look good for the Hurricanes offense as a unit. Syracuse held on to beat a good Villanova team which in the eyes of some are on the level of North Dakota St. and Eastern Washington. Villanova who the week before losing to Syracuse demolished the Fordham Rams 50-6 which were ranked #10 in the FCS coaches poll should give Syracuse a sense of accomplishment with beating a solid team. 
    Georgia Tech was pushed to limit for a second week. In their opener the Yellow Jackets barely escaped with a victory against Tulane and at the half versus Wafford they were only up 10-9 but was able to pull away in the second half. Duke started off their season with two victories against easy opponents in Elon and Troy. The big question will be how will they fair against ACC competition after playing teams that they should beat at least on paper. The Tarheels are 2-0 after two weeks of play but just the majority of the teams across the nation they also played against non competitive schools to begin their season. Their two victories came against Liberty and San Diego State. The Pittsburgh Panthers took their show on the road to Boston College and defeated them convincingly 30-20 with smart field play by running the ball 51 times eating up clock and testing the Eagles defense which couldn't stop James Connor. 
   NOW!!!!! for my ACC team of the week award goes to the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies took their show on the road to Columbus, Ohio against the than ranked #8 Buckeyes. The Hokies in the eyes of all analyst were underdogs and wasn't suppose to beat the Buckeyes gave reporters a different perspective after saturday nights victory. Virginia Tech than un-ranked wanted the world to see that they should be in the top 10 after holding off the Buckeyes. I know analyst thoughts were that Ohio St. didn't have their top quarterback at the helm, however you recruit players that can step up when someone takes a fall. I could imagine Buckeye stadium in dead silence after the clock read 00:00 at the end of the game and Tech were the victors. The Hokies scored one or more touchdowns in each quarter against Ohio St. except for the third quarter where they couldn't score but made up for it in the fourth quarter scoring 14 points. Great job Hokies from a Cavalier and it was great to see the final score in your favor.        That's my week 2 wrap-up I am looking forward to seeing how week 3 unravels as some of the teams start their inner conference play. Stay tuned and continue to read my blogs as I cover all aspects of sports. #theACCDN

TAVONS COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS WITH THE NEW PLAYOFF SYSTEM.....

      It's finally here and it's about time!!!!! Years have gone by and numerous sports reporters and college football players both former and current including myself have wanted a playoff system for college football. The former way of crowning a national champion was flawed and too easy especially if you had a powder puff schedule and finished undefeated year after year. I have always been a supporter of the underdog and the past few years some teams have emerged as giants and have shook the polls. I believe adding the college football playoff system will allow those underdog teams with great records to be seen on a larger stage. One of those teams in my eyes will be North Dakota State. I am glad that we can say good bye to the normal top 5 teams being the front runners and receiving bids to all of the BCS bowls. I definitely believe adding more games to a 10 game schedule is perfect. The College football season is too short with such a huge build up for the season to kick off. I wonder if former players were given a survey asking if they would prefer a playoff system would they say yes? I wonder that because with adding a playoff system it could potential help some of the players stock before entering the draft instead of relying solely on their pro days.

   NOWWWWWWW (DRUM ROLL PLEASE) my predictions for the rest of the college season. Week 1 has gone as planned and  everyone that was ranked in the top 10 has started off undefeated. Jameis Winston and the current NCAA football champions opened their season with the unranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. Florida St. was able to hold off the Cowboys surge to win 37-31 to remain at the top of the rankings. Alabama who remains at #2 didn't look to well with their opening against West Virginia in the after A.J. McCarron era. West Virginia aided in Alabamas victory with numerous mistakes and not finishing drives in the red zone with touch downs. So I will apologize for not jumping on the Roll Tide bandwagon. Even though the Ducks have lost a huge part of their offense with Thomas I still believe the Ducks will pose a threat to the top two teams and make them play perfect or near perfect each week. I believe that everyone is sleeping on the Michigan State Spartans and they will climb up the ladder but will not have enough fire to take it to the Big Show in January. I know you're patiently waiting for my pick and here it goes. I pick the ACC to remain at the top one more year with the Florida St. Seminoles but it will be another hard fought victory for the Seminoles against the Ducks of Oregon. #theACCDN

AUGUST 30TH IS APPROACHING AND HOOVILLE WILL BE ROCKING ONCE AGAIN!!!

  It never gets old to me as a former Virginia Cavalier football player or as a athlete period when this time of year approaches. August 30th will kick off the Cavaliers 125th season and it will kick off with a BANG!!!! The Cavaliers will open their season at Scott Stadium versus #7 UCLA a very quality opponent. Some may wonder what's Coach London's strategy with adding another ranked Pac-12 team to the schedule for a third consecutive season especially coming off another losing season?

   UCLA coming off of a 10-3 season and a huge Sun Bowl victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies will start this season with a #7 ranking. The Bruins will have their top gun back at the quarterback position in Brett Hundley who finished with over 3,000 yards passing and 24 touchdowns and a completion percentage over 67%. The Bruins lost a top target for Hundley in Shaquelle Evans but return two other top targets in Devin Fuller and Jordan Payton. The Bruins will also get help from their very talented back field which helped the Bruins offense last season with Jordan James and Paul Perkins. With Hundleys arm a  talented receiving core and running back tandem this may be a rough day for the Cavaliers. The Bruins are looking to start this season off strong and finish as the Pac-12 champions. 

   My Virginia Cavaliers had a rough season last year finishing 2-10 with nine straight losses to end the season definitely raised a few eye brows for fans. The Cavaliers returned 16 starters and will be looking for those starters to ignite a strong season for the Hoos to get them back to winning. The Cavaliers offense was very dismal last season but do have a bright spot with returning their first 1,000 yard rusher in over a decade in Kevin parks and Taquan Mizzell will assist with electrifying the offense. The Cavaliers will be starting a new quarterback in Greyson Lambert but will have returning vets in Keeon Johnson and Darius Jennings at the wide receiver position to help Greyson. Defensively the Cavaliers return nine starters and will have a huge task in containing Hundley and the Bruins offense. Season after season I stay true Navy Blue and Orange and as a former Cavalier I yell out WAHOOWA AND GO HOOS GO!! The Hoos will have their hands full and if they can walk away with a victory it will be the start of a great season for London and his Cavaliers and finishing with a winning season would take some pressure off of Coach London. Make sure you tune in saturday August 30th at noon on ESPN as the HOOS face off against the 7th rank UCLA Bruins. 

70 MPH PITCH, 13 YEARS OLD, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVER AND A GIRL!!!!!

   Most 13 year old children are enjoying their summers by going on vacations, going swimming , playing with their friends and dreading the idea of starting school in a few weeks. Mo'ne Davis had other plans this summer. She decided to play little league baseball but probably didn't think what she loves to do would put her in the national spotlight. A very athletic young lady who was first spotted at the age of 7 by little league coach Bandura playing football with the little boys while cleaning the baseball field. After inviting her to his basketball practice and noticing her eye for detail while watching the older boys run drills he knew she was very athletic. Davis has been pitching for Bandura since he discovered her and noticed that Davis had a knack for throwing strikes at an early age which was a definite plus. As Mo'ne got older her skill set got better. At the age of 13 she can pitch a fast ball, a change up and continues to practice throwing the breaking ball. Mo'ne has gotten to the point where she can see her mistakes, fix them and continue throwing strikes because of her keen eye to detail. 

   70 mph and two shut outs later Davis and the Taney little league team has found themselves in the little league world series title run. Davis first shut out which propelled her and her team to the tournament run came in Williamsport, PA. with a 4-0 win. After her second pitching shut out Davis began to get national attention at an alarming rate. She has been watched by celebrities Lil Wayne, Kevin Durant, Coach Auriemma and Adam Jones to name a few. Being 13 years old, very athletic, pitches a 70 mph fast ball and a female playing in an all boy sport what does that get you? How about the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, the only little league world series player to grace the cover of the magazine, people from all backgrounds and both genders wanting her autograph and over 35,000 people to see her game yesterday versus a good Las Vegas, Nevada team. 

  Mo'ne Davis has began to change the course of history with out probably knowing it. She has made it very clear that females can play with the boys,  she has boost the self esteem of women and girls world wide and across all races. Mo'ne has brought major publicity to the Little League World series and network ratings has soared to incredible highs since throwing her two shut outs. What's Mo'ne Davis's ultimate goal? Davis likes playing baseball but wants to play for the UCONN Huskies women's basketball team and wants to make it to the WNBA. I definitely applaud her talent and abilities and wish her the best in the future. Let Mo'ne Davis's stardom be a jump start to other female athletes that are questioning their abilities. To those that are in her corner please continue to be a support system for her especially once the bright lights of hollywood start to dim and the cameras walk away. Mo'ne if you read this blog continue to be a great and humble young lady and never give up on your dream. #DARETOBEGREAT!  

MY DMV SPOTLIGHT, MR. TINO ELLIS DEMATHA HIGH SCHOOL. TAKING OFF!!!!!!

  
  Here we go Here we gooooooo! I first would like to apologize for being out of commission since my last posting and truly appreciate everyone that has read my blogs and that continue to read them. I have my next DMV SPOT LIGHTTTTTTTTTTT and he's a talented rising junior. 
  Next up we have a sensational young man that as a sophomore help his Dematha Catholic High School football team win the 2013 WCAC title. I got the opportunity to sit down and interview my next DMV spot light athlete and it was a great interview. 

TAVON: Hello, before we get into the interview I would like for you to introduce yourself to everyone.

TE: Hello everyone My name is Tino Ellis.

TAVON: Thanks for sitting down with me Tino and doing this interview. 

TE: Not a problem at all and thank you for reaching out to me to do this interview I really appreciate it.

TAVON: The pleasure is all mines. Let's jump right into it and let everyone know a little more about Tino Ellis. What school do you attend? What grade are you going to? and what's your favorite sport?

TE: I attend DeMatha Catholic High School, I am a rising junior and of course my favorite sport is football. 

TAVON: Exactly I figured football would be your favorite sport and that's great a rising junior. So as a sophomore you got the opportunity to play on the varsity level in a tough league for a great program. Did your team finish strong in 2013?

TE: Yes as a sophomore I was running with the big dogs lol. It was a great opportunity for me as a sophomore to play on that level at such a great school and it showed that my hard work wasn't overlooked. The 2013 season finished great, we won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title. 

TAVON: WOW! that's an awesome accolade to add to your resume as an athlete to be a sophomore football player at Dematha and to win a championship. What position do you play and why that great position? 

TE: Yes definitely a great accolade to have as a sophomore in such a great league. I am a wide receiver at Dematha and I picked the wide receiver position because I knew I had the skill set to play the position. 

TAVON: That's great I almost dropped a tear lol. I played wide receiver in college at UVA and with the New York JETS. Not to mention the wide receiver position is the best position on the field but don't tell your Quarterback that lol. I know that you're a rising junior and with having a championship under your belt as a sophomore I know you have turned a few heads in college. What schools have expressed interest in you?

TE: LOL! I saw that you were a receiver as well and I'll make sure I don't tell my quarterback what you said so I can continue to get the ball thrown my way. Currently as a prospect I have Georgia, Penn st., Notre Dame, Michigan, USC, Maryland, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Virginia, Hawaii, Tennessee, Oregon, UCLA, Rutgers, Nebraska and Mississippi State. My top five schools in no particular order are Notre Dame, Maryland, Virginia Tech, USC AND Georgia.

TAVON: That's a very impressive list Tino but I have to talk to you one to one about your top 5 list. We got to get Vtech off of there and add Virginia lol I'm just saying. I am proud of you myself and very happy that such prestigious schools have shown interest in you already. Great job and keep it up. I have three more questions and we will be done.

TE: I knew you would say something about Virginia Tech being on my top 5 and not Virginia lol. I will keep working hard to increase my list by the end of my junior year. Keep the questions coming I am enjoying this.

TAVON: What is your ultimate goal in life?

TE: My ultimate goal in life is to be able to look at my past and be proud of myself for what I have done on and off the field.

TAVON: That's an adult answer for a young man. Most young men in your position would say make it to the NFL but you didn't you chose self reflection. Your mom and dad have the making of a wise man on their hands. If you had to the opportunity to work with anyone to enhance your football skills who would it be?

TE: Thank you Tavon for the compliment and that's what I truly believe. The one person that I would love to work with to help improve my skills as a wide receiver would  be Michael Irvin.

TAVON: That's a very great pick to work with my one person would of been Jerry Rice and still is my pick lol. My last question for you to close out your interview is what are some encouraging words for the younger kids that are inspiring to do what you're doing?

TE: Yes Jerry Rice is a great pick to learn from as well. My encouraging words for the younger generation would whatever sport that you play get whatever you can out of it and don't let the sport use you because it's not going to last forever. Also give 100% in whatever you do. 

TAVON: There you have it straight from Mr. Tino Ellis's mouth. Again thank you Tino for sitting down with me to do this interview and make sure everyone checks it out at formernyjet18.blogsport.com. If you would like to see this young man in action go to 
www.hudl.com/athlete/2906406/highlights/145003565

GOING HOME AT THE HEIGHT OF HIS CAREER, AND A CITY THAT WILL FLOURISH ECONOMICALLY

    Disney couldn't of written a story like this and made it dramatic enough for the public and believable at the same time. The majority thought it would happen and some thought he would stay at Miami to continue the championship runs. Since Lebron left Cleveland the Cavaliers haven't seen many good days or playoffs. Cleveland has the talent but not that one player to spark a flame under their young players feet to start a surge in the NBA. The question that critics may have is how will Cleveland welcome Lebron back after being blacked listed from the state because of him leaving the way he did?   

   Lebron coming back to Cleveland has more importance than just a basketball hero coming back home or a championship. Lebrons presences could uplift Cleveland's economy with businesses flourishing again as it did before he left the Cavaliers. Critics will always have negative things to say about Lebron but him coming back was to give back to his city where he grew up and that took care of him and shaped him to be who he is today. Most athletes play their specific sport for the money and fame but in this instance I believe he made this move to give Cleveland and the people of Cleveland hope that you can be great and love where you come from. All athletes play the game to win and to say I am the best and he has done that and has proven that. In the words of Jay-z all you can do as a basketball fan is "either love him or leave him alone" because at the end of the day the ink has dried and he's headed back to where he started. GAME ON!

A ROAD WELL TRAVELED, SOUR ENDING BUT STILL A GIANT AMONGST THE REST!!

     A road battled tested and the Wahoos proved to be the right opponent for the Commodores from Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt took the first game of the series putting their foot down to let everyone that selected the highly ranked Cavaliers to win the CWS hands down with no problem that they are here to prove them WRONG. If you followed the Cavaliers regular season and post season you saw a resilient team that when their backs are against the wall they will claw back and show their teeth. Going into the second game I knew the Hoos would come ready to play and would not walk away without a fight and fight they did. The Cavaliers were down 2-1 going into the sixth inning of game 2 only to show their fight and drive and turned that 2-1 lead by the Commodores to a 6-2 lead at the end of the seventh inning for themselves. The Cavaliers bats woke up against a strong pitcher in Tyler Beede to tie the series up 1-1 forcing a final deciding game 3 for a National Championship. If the Cavaliers win game 3 it would be the first National Championship for an ACC team since 1955 when Wake Forest won it. If Vanderbilt wins it will be the SEC's fourth in six years and their first National Championship in any sport.

   The College World Series game 3, for all the marbles, glory and to say my school is the best school in the game of baseball. Game 3 of the CWS started with a error by the Cavaliers catcher  Robbie Coman trying to throw Bryan Reynolds out at second  which sailed into the out field allowing Swanson stealing from second to third to go home giving the Commodores a 1-0 lead after the first inning. After some questionable play by the Cavaliers they were able to wake their bats up in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game up 2-2 against Carson Fulmer who proved to be a challenge for the Hoos through five innings. Game 3 entered the top of eighth inning still tied and everyone on the edge of their seats including myself as I watched chanting LETS GO HOOS! LETS GO HOOS! wearing my Virginia Football hat proud of my colors. As I watched Norwood walk to the plate I kept saying lets get out this inning and start that spark again and bring the ship back to Charlottesville. Nick Howard pitched a 97mph fast ball and Norwood swung and BOOM! sent the pitch into the left field dugout to give Vanderbilt a 3-2 lead and a huge momentum swing in this tough game. That homerun hit by Norwood was only the 25th homerun hit in four years at TD Ameritrade park. The Cavaliers couldn't bounce back from that homerun and the Commodores took game 3 by one point crowning them the best college baseball team. As a Cavalier myself I am very proud of the baseball team and what they accomplished this long season. I know second place isn't where any team wants to be because we are taught as athletes winning is the only thing and no one remembers second place. However, I think the UVA team made a strong statement that we are a team to watch and will continue to make imprints in college baseball for years to come. So with that said I will start the chant now for next years season U-V-A GO HOOS GOOOOOO!