My World of Sports: 11.14.13

I haven't blogged on sports for awhile, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts. First, Tiger football, as most people know, is really looking up this year. It's been so much fun. Last year, we did have many significant injuries. We weren't just making excuses. This year has been different, despite the fact that we have played with our second-string quarterback for the last several games. Both lines have stayed in tact. That has been huge. Here are some of the major question marks as we round out the season:

• Will we be able to make a field goal when it counts? The fact that our coaches went for it against Kentucky - on fourth and 3 from the 4 yard line (I think) - makes me think they've lost confidence in Baggett.
• Will James Franklin come back rusty? He played almost flawless football before his injury. Even though Maty Mauk's done great, James deserves the job back. But how will he look? He came back rusty last year, for sure. I wish they would have given him more plays against Kentucky.
• Can we sniff out and stop the screen pass? As aggressive as our d-line is, they'll see that play over and over. Will we be able to stop it?

Second, the Chiefs are looking great. It's been awhile, huh? I don't think they'll win this week, as it's in Denver. We'll get them back in KC, though. I hope we put Manning on his back, repeatedly. It's been exciting to see both the Tigers' and the Chiefs' dominant pass rush this year. I think our lack of offensive weapons will ultimately keep us out of the Super Bowl.

Third, hoops is finally here. Not sure if the Tigers will have the post players to have much success this year. Of course, a couple of years ago, we didn't have any either. However, our guards this year aren't named Denmon, English, and Dixon. Our guards are pretty good, though. If I were Haith, I'd go with a more guard-oriented attack. Brown, Ross, Clarkson, and Clark should be strong. I'm really impressed with JW3. The freshman looks like he'll have a great career here at Mizzou.

Fourth, there are a lot of complaints about the new rules for fouls in college basketball this year. Count me as one who thinks this is great. The game has resembled SEC football the past few years. When the game is that rough, it's hard to call games consistently. You typically get hammered on the road. This makes it more objective. If you touch someone, it's a foul. It forces players to play defense with their feet and not their hands. Bill Self and others are crying about how many fouls are currently being called. That's temporary. Players will figure it out. Then the game will speed up and there will be more scoring. I am relieved, though, that Mike Anderson is no longer our coach. These rules will put an end to "40 minutes of fouling."

Fifth, we're doing New City Hoops each week at the Armory. It's a ministry we started to teach inner-city kids skills. Check it out here. I'll also begin coaching Hadley in Upward basketball in just a month or two. Looking forward to that.

M-I-Z!