This Week's Summary

We have finished yet another interesting week in the sports world, from the BCS championship to a classic NFL playoff game.  A lot in between has happened as well.

The week started off with the BCS championship game.  While I have already written a summary, I have a couple of closing thoughts on this.  It looks as though the powers that be have realized some things about the BCS championship:

-The wait was too long: Alabama waited 44 days in between games; LSU 37.  That is WAY too long of a layoff for the teams, players and fans.  At least with college basketball, the season doesn't stop.  I think people are finally realizing that.

-The BCS is conceding...finally!!...that some sort of playoff is needed.  While the thought is for a four team playoff, I still think 8 or 16 will work.  They can still use the bowl games.  If anything, the bowl system needs to be totally revamped anyway.

-If you have a matchup no one really believes, no one will watch.  The television ratings dropped again..and no wonder with a dud of a game.  And with no one watching, money cannot be made.

Hopefully a lot of changes will be made and the system will be better.

Elsewhere:

-Joe Paterno finally spoke, via a Sally Jenkins interview via the Washington Post.  Here's the link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/joe-paternos-first-interview-since-the-penn-state-sandusky-scandal/2012/01/13/gIQA08e4yP_story.html

Not really much more was added to what we already know/knew.  Which means a lot of people still won't believe him...and still will feel he could have done more.  As his health seems to worsen, it was probably a good thing-from that standpoint-PSU is moving on.  I still don't like how PSU handled everything.  But the end may be near for JoePa.....



-The NFL playoffs are in full swing....and we were treated to a classic Saturday night.  San Francisco had the last say in a five minute back and forth, bringing back memories to a 49er team of old.  New England put an end to the Broncos and Tim Tebow, crushing Denver.

-The NHL has reach its halfway point already...and as a Blackhawk fan, I've had to endure two overtime losses top Detroit.  not good, if they have hopes of returning to the Stanley Cup finals...

-College basketball is also in full swing.  All I'm willing to say now is that there doesn't seem to be a full fledged top team...or teams.  Sure...Syracuse seems that team.  But everyone in college basketball seems to be down.  The big conferences...the mid majors.  Something is missing...

-Baseball is already around the corner...can you believe that??  And Prince Fielder is still without a team....

And now some personal news.  For those who have seen the promotions and posts, for the last 1 1/2 years I have been involved off and on in an Internet sports show "The Sports Misfits"  I haven't been involved as much lately,especially  since we went on a hiatus this past Fall.  We had relocated and I've been on a couple of times in the new location.  But I decided today that the desire just isn't there right now to continue.  I'm really sad about this, but among other things, my desire for sports isn't what it normally is.  Don't get me wrong, I love sports!!  Work and health often get in the way, but this Fall made me realize how much I like staying home on Sundays.  I don't get a lot of free time during the week and the lack of "me" time ultimately affects what I'm doing for a living.  In 2011, I also wrote less often than any year since I started this blog.  So if anything, I'd like to try to channel my inner sports to this..and hope that I can some of the desire back for sports.  If things work out that I can get back into Internet broadcasting, I will.  If anything, a personal goal of mine is to try podcasting, so I can once again channel some of this into the spoken word.  So we'll see...Of course, I'll let you know if I go in that direction. 

But for those you who actually took time to see the "Misfits"...I thank you for your support there.  And I thank Mike and Garry for letting me spend Sunday mornings with them.  They are the true heart and soul of the "Misfits", so I wish them well there.  Maybe someday, I'll get back on and harass them with my commentary.  I will keep the broadcast link on the page, so feel free to watch them whenever you like.

As for the immediate future of this page....I'll post my NFL Divisional Playoff review sometime  after the games today.  At some point soon, I'll start posting some weekly college basketball posts.  Keep in mind, for the next 2-3 weeks, my posts may be sporadic due to my busy time at work.  So hang in there with me.  Before we know it, that stretch will be over...and it will be almost Spring!!

Thanks for everything....I'll be in touch.

Oh...and one last thing: For quick commentary on the goings on in sports, follow me on twitter: @jaredsportsriff.  There is a twitter feed on this page.  It's only 140 characters...as opposed to many more here!!

jP2012