Quick Hits: No crowds, big crowds and moving to the top
Sep 28, 2012
NHL taking a calculated risk
The NHL has canceled the full slate of pre-season games, and both sides haven’t talked since Sept. 12. The good news is that the NHL and NHLPA are supposed to sit down and try to hammer something out this weekend, at least find some middle ground to end the lockout that the owners have issued.
There is one issue that almost everyone seems certain of — that fans will return if games or the entire season is canceled.
I have to disagree with the surveys and twitter polls that question whether fans return to the game. Die-hards will, but it is the fans that might have gotten into the game this past season that will move on if there isn’t a season. A sport that has a small, passionate fan base can’t build on that dedication if the powers that run the league keep missing seasons every decade.
All it took was one play
The NFL finally settled its dispute with the regular officials after two nationally televised debacles by the replacement refs. For anyone that wants to blame the replacement referees, you shouldn’t. They were put in an impossible situation and were given almost no help by the NFL or the teams. Players tried and succeeded to get away with bullying the officials and the NFL did not try to get the best replacements possible. Yes, one game was impacted by a terrible call and that was spurred the two sides coming to an agreement. But did anyone expect the fill-ins to do a great job?
The bottom line though is if the NFL wants to get something done they will and can in an expedient manner. The most important thing that the end of the lockout brings to fans, we don’t have to hear about how bad the refs are and just enjoy the game, until the real officials miss a call that costs your team a game.
Rowdiest crowd this weekend will be at a golf course
You won’t find the most intense and raucous crowd at any college football or NFL stadium this weekend. No, you’ll find it in the most unlikely sports setting — a golf course. Medinah Country Club near Chicago will host the Ryder Cup, and the gallery will resemble the Roman Coliseum. This is no place for the meek. The bi-annual event which pits the USA against Europe has become the most intense sporting event on the planet, and the crowd can really impact the result. In 1999 in Massachusetts, the crowd took Colin Montgomery off his game with taunts of “Mrs. Doubtfire” and rattled the Euros. Meanwhile over the Atlantic, the US hasn’t exactly felt the warmth and respect of the game of the host courses. Even if you aren’t a golf fan, this is must watch TV.
Seems like old times
The Florida State Seminoles have the look of, well, the Florida State Seminoles that we expect them to be. The way the ACC looks this year, it’s hard to believe a team in conference can knock them from the ranks of the unbeaten. The 'Noles big win over Clemson served notice that the squad from Tallahassee is closer to being an elite team and quarterback EJ Manuel put up the performance on a national stage that should propel him to a Heisman Trophy candidate. If Manuel can play at that level the rest of the year, Florida State will be playing for a national title.
Around the Triangle
This weekend will show the fan bases of NC State, Duke and UNC what to expect the rest of the year.
The Wolfpack heads to Miami after wins over South Alabama and the Citadel. While those are confidence builders, it is hard to gauge how State has moved forward since the opening loss to Tennessee. A win at Miami will give more insight into where this Pack team is headed. You will find out if running back Shadrach Thornton is for real, after a breakout against the Citadel it is safe to say the defense this weekend will be a step up.
Duke travels to Wake Forest so we know this is going to be a close game. The Blue Devils are 3-1 for the first time since 2008. A win over Wake Forest doesn’t guarantee a winning season, but a win would make the fan base feel better about that chance. What to watch for in this game: Wide out Connor Vernon will become the leading receiver in ACC with six catches, which he might have on Duke's first drive.
UNC should beat Idaho with ease, but that is exactly what needs to happen. The Heels defense is coming off a solid performance over ECU, Gio Bernard has returned and Larry Fedora isn’t sure what he has yet in his team. A win over the Vandals doesn’t fix all the Tar Heel problems, but it is a chance for the head coach to know if this team is capable of playing his style.
Most Recent Comments
Posted Sep 28, 3:23 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 19455
Joined: Dec, 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
RE: Quick Hits: No crowds, big crowds and moving to the top
I see the NHL losing fans, especially in small markets like Carolina. It's a sad situation all around, and I don't see the season starting before January. If the New Year's outdoor game is cancelled, there goes the season.I don't blame the replacement refs; they did the best they could with what they had. That said, I'm glad the "real" refs are back, but I think the honeymoon will be over this weekend. I'm a Panthers fan, so I can't blame the refs for anything - there's plenty of blame to go around in Charlotte - offense, defense and special teams. I don't think they'll beat a good Atlanta team.
I think State will win tomorrow, as well as Carolina. The Duke/Wake game is harder to predict, but I think Grobe will be the happy coach when the game is over.
