The Best Time Of The Year

So, for me, this is the best time of the year.  It's the second week of the US Open, college football is underway, baseball pennant races are heating up and pro football starts this next week.  Could it get any better?  (Well, it could be March and the NCAA Tournament, but it gives me something to look forward to in six months)

At the US Open, there is a lot to look forward to.  Roger Federer and Andre Agassi face off on Wednesday night; Serena Williams plays Jennifer Capriati; Lindsey Davenport beat Venus Williams Monday afternoon leaving her with a quarterfinal matchup versus Shinobu Asagoe of Japan.  I have yet to mention Andy Roddick who faces Spanish phenom Tommy Robredo on Tuesday night.  It's a good time to be in New York.  Men's Final:  Federer/Roddick.  Women's Final:  Davenport/Serena Williams.  (A couple of Russians studs stand in Davenport's way)

Over the weekend, college football got into full swing.  My Oklahoma Sooners had a nice stroll in the park in their opening win over Bowling Green.  Number 3 ranked LSU had to struggle to get past Oregon State.  LSU pulled the victory out 22-21 at the end but everybody will remember the three missed extra points OSU missed which would have given them the victory.  We'll have to remember this in December if LSU makes it through the SEC unscathed.  Congratulations to Texas for stomping on North Texas 65-0.  Now show me in October vs Oklahoma you can do that and I'll be proud of you.  Wont happen though.

Games to look forward to this weekend? 

Michigan at Notre Dame -- Let's see the Irish go on a slide like no other. 

Georgia at South Carolina -- The Bulldogs take their freshman running back and national championship contender on the road to Lou Holtz and the Gamecocks.

Florida State at Miami (Friday) -- Haven't we seen this game like three times in the past 12 months?  Should still be exciting. 

Texas at Arkansas -- I know the Razorbacks can put up more of a fight than North Texas could.  I just want UT to keep winning so Oklahoma can crush them again in the Red River Shootout next month.

The pennant races are heating up.  The American League wildcard looks to be a two team race.  Boston is up 3 1/2 games on Anaheim.  Boston is still on the heels of the Yankees for the AL East title, down just 3 games.  In the National League, five teams still have a shot for the wildcard.  The Cubs are up 1/2 game on the Giants, but they still hold five games in hand.  The Cubs/Marlins series was postponed over the weekend because of Hurricane Frances.  The Marlins, Padres and Astros (with their ten game winning streak) are just a few games back of the Cubs. 

My early pick for the World Series?  St Louis Cardinals vs Oakland A's.

My friend, Josh, and I are going to have an NFL Preview in the next few days.  I'll keep my thoughts on the NFL until then. 

My Top Eight Fall Activities in Wisconsin

1. Camping

2. Hiking

3. College football games

4. NFL games.

5. Playing tennis

6. Golfing

7. Watching the pennant races

8. Going to pumpkin patches

Realize if the weather is nice, I would rather be outside doing anything than watching tv.