The World Series is in full swing and Major League Baseball and Fox Sports are worried that an all-Midwestern series between the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals won’t have the same appeal as an East Coast-West Coast series. No random shots of New York fans such as Jerry Seinfeld or Billy Crystal. Major League Baseball is so concerned it produced an advertising campaign featuring former L.A. Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda lamenting, “Real fans don’t hide in October.” Even if your team is not in it, you should be watching. So baseball fans, show your support. Watch the World Series this week. And if the game isn’t doing it for you, I compiled a list of things to do while you have the game on.
1. Carve a pumpkin. Halloween is more than a week away and if you haven’t already, sit down and work on a jack-o’-lantern for the front porch. My suggestion: How about a pumpkin with Tony La Russa’s face on it? Or how about Joe Buck? Sounds pretty scary to me.
2. Turn down the volume on the TV and see if you can get the game to synch up with Hotel California. If not, you can always try Dark Side of the Moon.
3. If you’re over age 21, call your friends over for a friendly drinking game. Everytime someone uses a Motown metaphor — drink!
4. Fantasize about your favorite team being in the next World Series . . . Oh, Lou Piniella, thanks for leading the Cubs to the promised land.
And finally . . .
5. Just watch the game. It’s baseball.
MISCELLANEOUS
It’s hockey time
It’s a brisk 79 degrees and you know what that means? Hockey! We are four weeks into the season and here are some interesting matchups this week. The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning begin a home-and-away series starting Thursday in Tampa. The Lightning play in Raleigh Saturday. . . . In golf, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship starts Thursday in Sonoma, Calif. . . . The Florida Seals open their season against the Huntsville Havoc Friday night at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. . . . The MLS playoffs continue this week. D.C. United faces the New York Red Bulls.
PRO FOOTBALL
Bucs on a roll
Three weeks ago, the Bucs were considered left for dead. Now they are alive and kicking.
State teams
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles, Sun. — The Jags’ schedule favors them as they will face just two teams with winning records — the Eagles and the Giants — over the next six games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants, Sun. — The Bucs have won two in a row in thrilling fashion. What’s next? A kickoff return for the game-winning score?
Miami Dolphins : Bye.
Games of interest
Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals, Sun. — There’s no doubt that the Falcons can run the ball, it’s the passing game that has Atlanta fans in a tizzy.
Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints, Sun. — The Saints must enjoy the home cooking — they’re 3-0 at the Superdome. Critics are waiting for New Orleans to falter but they continue to surprise everyone in the NFL. Steve McNair is coming off a concussion but should be ready to play.
St. Louis Rams at San Diego Chargers, Sun. — This game features two of the NFL’s most exciting backs — Steven Jackson for the Rams and LaDainian Tomlinson for the Chargers.
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos, Sun. — The Colts and the Bears are the only undefeated teams left. How will Indy’s powerful offense do against the Broncos’ stringent defense?
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Bowl picture remains in flux for many
As the season winds down, conference championships and postseason bowl bids are still on the line for many teams.
State games
North Carolina A&T; at Bethune-Cookman, Thur. — The Wildcats won’t take the winless Aggies lightly. They can’t if they expect to have a shot a the MEAC title.
Georgia at No. 9 Florida, Sat. — Chris Leak needs to recover from a poor outing vs. Auburn or the calls will be out to replace him with freshman phenom Tim Tebow.
Morgan State at Florida A&M;, Sat. — The Rattlers continue to cling to their hopes of a MEAC title.
Arkansas State at FAU, Sat. — After losing their first 4 games, the Owls have won two out of three, including the first time at home in the young program’s history.
FIU at Alabama, Sat. — Can’t be denied that the fight between Miami-FIU players will have lingering effects for the Golden Panthers. This could get ugly.
Florida State at Maryland, Sat. — Injuries continue to haunt the ‘Noles and have many already looking toward next year.
Miami at No. 21 Georgia Tech, Sat. — The Larry Coker Farewell Tour makes a stop in Atlanta.
UCF at Houston, Sat. — The Golden Knights must contend with another talented QB in Kelvin Kolb. Is it too early to call this a rebuilding season?
Games of interest
No. 10 Clemson at Virginia Tech, Thur. — The Tigers are in the driver’s seat in the ACC and are no longer a surprise. A win vs. the Hokies could have people talking BCS.
No. 19 Oklahoma at No. 23 Missouri, Sat. — This is the Sooners’ first big test since losing Heisman-hopeful Adrian Peterson. OU still has a shot at playing on New Year’s Day.
No. 8 Tennessee at South Carolina, Sat. — This is a brutal stretch for the Gamecocks. First, they get the explosive Vols, then a rejuvenated Arkansas team followed by Florida at The Swamp.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Three big games highlight Week 10
It’s Week 10 of the season.
Edgewater (6-1) at Winter Park (6-2), Fri. — A big showdown at Showalter Field.
Lakeland (8-0) at Osceola (6-2), Fri. — Lakeland is the No. 1 high school team in the country. This could get ugly for the Kowboys.
Bishop Moore (8-0) at Eustis (7-1), Fri. — Bishop Moore looks to remain perfect with a victory over the Panthers.
AUTO RACING
Georgia on minds of Cup hopefuls
Five drivers have the best position for the Nextel Cup Chase heading into Atlanta.
Nextel Cup Series: Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Sun. — Kasey Kahne is the defending champion and has had three top-5 runs at the track. The standings were shaken up after last week’s race, as seven drivers are now within 100 points of leader Matt Kenseth.
Busch Series: Sam’s Town 250, Memphis Motorsports Park, Sat. — Kevin Harvick clinched the series title Oct. 13 but there is still plenty of reason to watch as former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya makes Series debut.
Craftsman Truck Series: EasyCare Vehicle Service Contract 200, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Sat. — Todd Bodine leads the points, but Johnny Benson is right on his tail.
