Switch to Sun Belt is sensible for ODU
The Sun Belt is a solid, safe landing spot for Old Dominion after Conference USA fell to pieces. In addition to making better geographical sense for ODU, the Sun Belt offers multiple ESPN viewing platforms.
In these ways, ODU has bettered itself. But it’s also true that most Sun Belt schools — Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, Louisiana-Monroe, Troy and others — don’t resonate in these parts any more than C-USA programs do. Maybe that’s a problem, but given the circumstances, a manageable one.
Wish list: James Madison is one school that clearly is recognized around here. If only there were a way for the Monarchs to get the accomplished Dukes into S.B. Ballard Stadium next year, rather than wait for the 2023 Sun Belt schedule possibly to do it. Sure, most schedules are made years in advance. But local fans would love it.
Off easy: Why is Roger Goodell giving WFT owner Dan Snyder the kid-glove treatment? For several reasons, not the least of which is that Snyder is one of Goodell’s bosses.
Add WFT: Goodell says he won’t release the report on sexual harassment charges in order to protect the “security, privacy and anonymity” of the former employees who spoke to investigators. This is nonsense, of course. His primary aim is to protect Snyder.
One more: Goodell says Snyder, per instructions from the league, has been away from the team operation for the past four months. But Ron Rivera told a D.C. radio station that he talks with Snyder “once or twice a week.” The lying never ends.
So wrong: Last week, I was sure Patrick Mahomes would return to MVP form, only to have the Chiefs quarterback find himself on the short end of a 27-3 score to Tennessee. Is that what’s known as a bad take?
Impatient: Is it too soon to complain that this World Series needs a spark?
Come midnight: The romantic notion that baseball is “timeless” takes on a whole different meaning for people
who nod off on their couches during postseason games.
Rising: Joe Burrow is the flavor of the week after his passing helped demolish the Ravens in Baltimore to lift Cincinnati to 5-2. It was another unflinching road performance by Burrow, who earlier this season led the Bengals to a win in Pittsburgh. At 24, he’s something special.
Joe Cool: Asked how he deals with hostile stadiums, Burrow said that rival SEC crowds were much louder when he played for LSU.
Front-runner: I’m reclining my seat on the Wake Forest bandwagon now that the Deacons are 7-0. Wake, picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division, is taking advantage of the ACC’s systemic dysfunction. Dave Clawson has done enough to win Coach of the Year.
Wondering: Can we presume that Justin Fuente is toast? In its past 43 games, Virginia Tech is 22-21 and currently laboring under a three-game home losing streak.
An idle theory: Football would be more interesting without field goals. Discuss among yourselves.
Option play: The fan who returned the ball that Mike Evans tossed in the stands after Tom Brady’s 600th TD pass cost himself around $500,000, the estimated worth of the souvenir on the open market. While caught up in the moment, did he do the smart thing? Or should he have tucked the ball under his arm and made like Derrick Henry to the exit?
In closing: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is the truth.