Virginia is only state to have 2 unbeatens left in FBS
It’s cute how state legislators can put aside partisan issues in a fanciful fight against the NCAA rule prohibiting James Madison from going to a bowl. Now can they get back to governing? Hampton Roads has potholes that need filling.
Sure, an excellent JMU team deserves better, but the school knew the rules. Instead of beating a dead horse, let’s focus on the news that the list of unbeaten FBS teams has been trimmed to nine, and Virginia is the only state that boasts two of them: 7-0 JMU and 8-0 Liberty. Something real to shout about.
TV timeout: During football broadcasts, the word you hear most often before “intercepted” is “almost.”
Scoundrels: Evidence mounts that Michigan violated the rule that prohibits scouting in person for the purpose of stealing opponents’ sideline signals. It’s a petty infraction that makes a goliath like Michigan look small, though some of the outrage on social media doesn’t fit the crime. As for potential punishment, don’t expect much. When’s the last time the hammer came down on a college blueblood?
Reality check: What distinct advantage would second-ranked Michigan gain from illegal scouting? Not nearly the advantage Michigan has by putting a couple dozen high future NFL draft picks on the field.
Add Michigan: What will come out of this controversy is more speculation that Jim Harbaugh is headed to the NFL.
Makes you wonder: It’s a little surprising — isn’t it? — that the biggest college programs haven’t installed communication equipment in helmets like the NFL.
Catching up: If you’re a casual baseball fan just beginning to recognize and respect the Diamondbacks, it may have something to do with Arizona finishing the regular season tied
for the 12th-best MLB record.
Go figure: In 2021, three MLB franchises lost 102 or more games. Two years later, two of them are in the World Series. The other team was the Orioles.
Trivia: It’s been 23 seasons without a World Series champion winning back-to-back since the 1998-2000 Yankees’ three-peat. Is this good or bad for baseball?
Beating the cap: After a couple of relatively rough games, 49ers QB Brock Purdy was stung by criticism. But let’s not overlook his secret power. Because Purdy is being paid next to nothing, the Niners can afford to surround him with star-studded veteran talent.
Word play: Going into Sunday’s game at the Commanders, the Eagles should be a little worried that Jalen hurts.
Challenging: Following their visit to Washington, the Eagles’ schedule reads like this: Cowboys, at Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, at Cowboys. A first-place schedule isn’t for sissies.
Stepping in: Behind 34-yearold backup Tyrod Taylor, the Giants’ offense gained a little traction in the win over Washington.
A little is a lot for these 2-5 Giants. The Hampton native is expected to start again Sunday against a tough Jets defense.
Quick hit: Bill Belichick lives after all.
Wondering: If women and girls are still tuning into Chiefs games in great numbers to catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift, can they really claim to be the smarter sex?
Celebration: On Nov. 8 at ODU’s Chartway Arena, another class will enter the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. I’m a small part of the selection process, so pardon the advertisement. To be honored are NBA referee Tony Brothers, legendary high school football coach Tommy Reamon Sr. and Olympic gold medalist sprinter Francena McCorory, as well as Michael Vick and Ryan Zimmerman. The party starts at 6 p.m., with dinner and inductions at 7. Tickets are $65 and can be reserved by calling the arena box office at 757-683-4444.