In 2015 Urban Meyer had a problem every Power 5 team would dream about. Ohio State had 3 quarterbacks who have proved they could be a starter in the Big 10. The problem was that he had to pick 1 to be the starter and like 2 of the better QBs in the country on the sideline. This situation is unique with today QB transferring to find themselves a starting job. Coming off a National Championship Urban Meyer wants to continue to win and has 3 guys capable of starting. Cardale Jones was the only one healthy during the spring game as JT Barrett was coming off an ankle injury and Braxton Miller having shoulder surgery. This could be the best QB room any team ever seen in college football with 3 guys that have all played and proven themselves as Power 5 QBs. I will go through what lead to this historical QB battle, what happened in the 2015 Ohio State season and what each of these QBs done since this season.

Leading up to 2015

Braxton Miller who arrived in Columbus, Ohio first in 2011 as a top QB recruit in the country. Braxton Miller saw time as a freshman and took over in 2012 and became a 2 time Big 10 MVP, as while as 2 times offensive player of the year. Shoulder surgery sidelined him for 2014 which open the doors for JT Barrett and Cardale Jones. Miller redshirted so he could come back for his senior year in 2015. JT Barrett arrived at the campus in 2013 as the 7th best dual-threat QB out of high school. Jt redshirted his freshman year and was expected to be Miller backup until Miller had to miss the entire season. Barrett became the starter and was making a case for the Heisman before he broke his ankle late in the Ohio State-Michigan game. Barrett then finished 5th in the Heisman vote and had surgery so he could be ready for his sophomore year. Cardale Jones landed in Columbus in 2012 and redshirted his first year. Jones did draw attention during his redshirt year when he famously tweeted, “Why should we have to go to class if we came here to play FOOTBALL, we ain’t come to play SCHOOL, classes are POINTLESS.” Jones barely saw playing time as a freshman and was ready to be Barrett backup his sophomore year. Once Barrett went down Jones came in and finish the win against Michigan and was about to make his first college start in the Big 10 championship. Cardale led the #6 rank Ohio State to a 59-0 win against #11 rank Wisconsin the night before the college football committee first playoff selections. Ohio State made it and Jones was about to make his second start against #1 Alabama. Where he won again and was ready to face off against the Oregon Ducks for the National Championship. Cardale Jones with 280 all-purpose yards, scoring two touchdowns and help of Ezekiel Elliott won the 2015 National Championship. Cardale thought about entering the draft but said he wasn’t ready for the next level yet so he was returning for his junior year.

2015 Ohio State Season

Coming into the 2015 season after winning the National Championship Ohio State had 2 time Big Ten player of the year in Braxton Miller, Heisman Candidate and the guy who broke Drew Brees Big ten record in less than 12 games as a freshman. As while as the guy who just went 3-0 against Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon and won a National Championship. What makes this so unique is that Miller could have transferred and been immediately eligible as a grad transfer. As well as Jones and Braxton could have transferred and sat a year without losing a year of eligible then be a backup for a season. When the transfer portal now and Qbs transferring more than every I don’t believe there will be another situation like this again in football. Miller made this competition easier when he decided to switch to wide receiver. In Miller first game as a wideout, he scored a rushing as while as caught a touchdown. Miller finished his senior year with 26 receptions for 341 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, 260 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown. Eventually Cardale “12 Gauge” Jones was named the starter immediately before game time in the season opener. Jones started the first 7 games before Barrett took over the job to finish the season. Cardale finished the season with 1,460 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 193 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns. JT Barrett took over for the last 5 games and the bowl game, as he finished his sophomore year with 992 yards, 11 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 682 rushing yards, and 11 rushing yards. After the season both Braxton Miller and Cardale Jones entered the draft, as JT Barrett returns for his junior season. The talented Ohio State trio couldn’t repeat as National Championship with a disappointing lost to (#9) Michigan State 17-14. Ohio State finished 12-1, after losing to Michigan State, they beat rival (#12) Michigan 42-13 and beat (#8) Notre Dame in the Fiesta bowl 44-28. The Qb room also had LSU current starting Qb Joe Burrow as he redshirted in 2015. This Ohio State team feature Ezekiel Elliott, Micheal Thomas, Joey Bosa and many other NFL players. The greatest QB group (based on each of the guys prove they could play at this level) in college football history couldn’t finish as National Champs.

Post- Ohio State

JT Barrett took over as Ohio State starter for the next two seasons and finish with 25 school records when he finishes his career. JT junior year ended with a loss to Clemson in the first round of the college football playoffs, and his senior year Ohio State finished with a 12-2 record a bowl win against USC. Barrett is the only QB in Ohio State history to go 4-0 against Michigan in there career. Barrett went undrafted in the 2o18 NFL draft and was signed by the New Orleans Saints were he spent most of his rookie season on and off the practice squad. He spent this last preseason with the Seattle Seahawks where he was cut once against before the season and currently a free agent. Braxton Miller was drafted in the 3rd round by the Houston Texans as a Wideout. At the combine, he finishes in the top 3 in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, 60-yard shuttle. Miller became third on the Wide Receiver depth chart behind Deandre Hopkins and rookie Will Fuller and had an alright first two years with the Texans before getting waived. Miller spent last year on the Eagles practice squad and sign with the Browns before this season. He was then cut on the final cut day and currently a free agent. Cardale Jones was drafted in the 4th round by the Bills even though he only played in 11 college games. Jones only saw playing time in the final game of his rookie season and went 6-11 passing, 96 yards, and an interception. Jones was then traded to the Chargers for a season and then spent a season on the practice squad. Jones is currently on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Even though none of the 3 Qb has had a successful NFL career all 3 prove to be college football stars and was involved in one the most unique QB battles in college football history.

The first NFL game of the season is September 5th on Thursday night with the Chicago Bears taking on the Green Bay Packers. The NFL is the biggest sport in America with millions of fans turning into every game and the Super Bowl to crown the champion at the end of the year is one of the biggest events in the world. Fans love watching their favorite team on Thursday or Sunday or Monday night as well as check in on their fantasy teams. In this preview I’ll go through couple storylines to watch, what to not to watch, fantasy sleepers, fantasy bust, playoff prediction, and NFL awards prediction. Fantasy picks are based on NFL fantasy rankings.

The “New” Browns

The first storyline to watch is the Cleveland Browns who have been the joke of the century with their many swings and misses in trying to land a franchise Quarterback since 1999 (picture below). After 28 misses it seems like they finally connected on one. Last season Rookie of the Year Baker Mayfield looks ready to take over the Browns and led them to the playoffs. When the Browns hired Hue Jackson they hoped he could turn it around. After going 1-31 in his first two seasons and going 2-5-1 in the start of the season before getting fired. Gregg Williams took over and with Baker, they look like a whole new time ending the season 5-3. Williams left and took the Defensive Coordinator job with the Jets, but Freddie Kitchens the former Offensive Coordinator got promoted to head coach this season. In the Browns backfield, they will have Nick Chubb, Duke Johnson and Kareem Hunt once his suspension is over. Baker will have a talented receiver core in Jarvis Landry, his college buddy Odell Beckham Jr., Rashad Higgins, Tight End David Njoku speedy former Florida Gator and returner Antonio Callaway (suspended 4 game for WEED). They are loaded on the defense with young studs like Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Denzel Ward, Joe Schobert, and added former Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Cleveland sports have had many rough years in sports as Lebron finally brought a title home for the Cavaliers and looks like its Baker turn to bring another championship to Cleveland.

Young QBs

Another storyline to watch will be the young Qbs around the led and how each of them will try to progress faster then others and keep their jobs in the NFL. Starting with the rookie class with the first pick Kyler Murray. Murray has the most to prove with the Cardinals selecting Qbs in the first round in back to back drafts. Murray is suppose to be the prefect fit in Kliff Kingsbury new offense. Next is Daniel Jones the 6th pick with the Giants who looks to take over for Eli Manning this season. Giants got a lot of negative attention with these selection and picking Jones so early but, only time will tell if they made the best pick or not. The last Qb drafted in the first round is Dwayne Haskins to the Redskins. Haskins has looked good so far in training camp and the former Buckeye only competition is Case Keenum in which he should beat out easily. The other rookie that could see playing time is Drew Lock on the Broncos. The Broncos will probably start with Joe Flacco but as the season progress its likely they will go with the rookie and let him grow into a franchise Qb. Their is also 5 second year qbs that look to avoid the sophomore slump. First, last year number 1 pick Baker Mayfield like I mention above is ready to continue off his rookie of the year season and brings the Browns to the playoffs. Next is Josh Allen who had a up and down season with the Bills battling injuries and is ready to make Buffalo fans to believe he is the guy. Sam Darnold look decent in his first year with the Jets but struggle with no solid players around him. The Jets sign Le’veon Bell which should help the Jets offense and take some pressure off of Darnold. The only Qb to make the playoff is Lamar Jackson with the Ravens. Lamar Jackson running ability help him led the Ravens to the playoffs last season. Jackson will need to work on not turning the ball over with his playoff ready team as he looks to take over full time with Flacco gone. Josh Rosen is the only guy to be on a new team after his rookie season as it probably best for him to get out of Arizona. Rosen had one of the worst QBR in the NFL last season but the cardinals didn’t offer much him. Rosen with a new surrounding in Miami with Fitz-magic looks to improve after a terrible rookie season. With 10 of the 32 teams with a rookie or second year guy looking to led the way it is important to watch the future of these teams.

What to not Watch: New York Giants Offense

The New York Giants were one of the worst teams in football last season and decided to get rid of their best player on both sides of the ball in Odell Beckham Jr. and Landon Collins. Giants rookie Qb Daniel Jones will need time before taking over for Tom Brady Kryptonite Eli Manning. Training camp hasn’t been kind to the Giants Receivers with Corey Coleman tearing his ACL, Sterling Shepard Fracturing his thumb and Golden Tate getting suspended 4 games. This will hurt tight end Eli Engram fantasy value as he is the only legit downfield target. Last year Rookie of the Year runner up Saquon Barkley will be the only star on the team and will struggle with teams loading the box on him. It will be another long season for the Giants and the only positive is they will have a top pick in next year NFL draft.

Fantasy Sleepers

• Vikings Qb Kirk Cousins, 19th ranked Qb Cousins will be better than the big numbers he put up in his first year with more time to get used to Diggs and Thielen and an improved O-line.
• Bears RB Tarik Cohen, 28th ranked RB Cohen should be much higher in PPR leagues and Matt Nagy offense. Jordan Howard left the Bears will rely on Cohen speed and catching ability on offense.
• Browns WR Jarvis Landry, 26th ranked WR Landry won’t struggle like his first season with the Browns. Odell arrival with help Landry with the defense focus on Odell and Baker being the full time with help Landry production increase.
• Texans WR Will Fuller, 37th ranked WR Fuller when healthy is a touchdown machine. I understand that he is injury-prone after drafting him many times but with Hopkins on the other side, it allows Fuller to get 1 on 1 looks.
• Falcons TE Austin Hooper, 14th ranked TE Hooper will be able to be a sleeper with teams locked in on Julio and Calvin Ridley. Hooper is always a good pick if you strike out on the top tight ends.

Fantasy Busts

• Cardinals Qb Kyler Murray, 10 ranked Qb and hasn’t played a game yet. Rosen struggle with the Cardinals having nothing around him. Many questions about Murray height and had a lot of stars around him in college will be hard for me to draft him early.
• Jets RB Le’veon Bell, 5th ranked RB after missing a whole season. Bell is on the struggling Jets and not playoff contender Steelers. After James Conner success it seems like Bell could have been a system back and will struggle with a new team.
• Packers WR Davonte Adams, 2nd ranked WR, first this is just terrible to have him ranked above Julio, Antonio, Odell, Michael Tomas, and Tyreek Hill. 2nd will Packers new offense and Adams being Rodgers only option, will be hard to take over all those other guys listed.
• Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, 9th ranked WR, Evans big body helps him be one of the best in the game but Winston inconsistent play and Bucs having no other options on offense will be tough for Evans to succeed.
• Giants TE Evan Engram, 5th ranked TE, Engram came on the scene last year and grew into a must-have at TE. Like I said before it will be hard for him to have the same success.

NFC Division Picks

West: LA Rams, Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and the Rams look to get back to the Super Bowl and will make it to the playoff easily. Sean McVay and the Rams will walk through the West and make it back into the playoffs.

North: Minnesota Vikings, SKOL, Vikings got some O-line help for Cousins and Vikings are ready to get back to the playoff after a disappointing season a year ago.

South: New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees is hungry for a MVP season and another superbowl after the Minneapolis Miracle and blown PI called ended their last two playoff runs. They will win the divison again with one of the best offense in football.

East: Dallas Cowboys, Cowboys were hot to end the year and their young studs in Cooper, Zeke, Dak and return of Jason Witten look to lead the offense. On, Defense Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith look to help the defense to grow into one of the NFL best.

Wildcards: Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Bears new offense was unstoppable in the beginning of the year and a disappointing playoff game (Doink!) the Bears will be a good team again and sneak into the playoffs. The Seahawks seem to also figure out a year to make the playoff and i’m not going to be one to count them out.

AFC Division Picks

West: LA Chargers, Chargers have one of the best defense in football and Bosa healthy will help them dominated the conference. With Keenan Allen, Rivers, and Gordon on Offense Chargers look like a compete team ready for the playoffs. Even with Derwin James and Russell Okung injuries Chargers will win the division. Last year they lost many games because of their kicker and would have made the playoffs if it wasn’t for those misses.

North: Cleveland Browns, All the reasons I listed above its Baker time in Cleveland and they are ready to taste the playoffs.

South: Houston Texans, J.J. Watt healthy on defense and Watson having some help on O-line will help them get back to the playoff and have a better chance once they end up there.

East: New England Patriots, Brady and Belichick enough said.

Wildcards: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chiefs with Mahomes with win many games easily but Defense will cost them some. Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers will sneak into the playoffs after missing a season ago. Steelers won’t have the Antinio Brown and Le’veon Bell distractions from last season.

Awards Predictions

MVP: Saints QB Drew Brees, Its finally Brees turn, with Mahomes having high exceptions, and Brady doing just enough to win games. Brees will put up the numbers with Kamara and Thomas and finally win his first MVP award.

Comeback Player of the Year: 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Jimmy G was 2-0 with the Pats before getting traded to the 49ers the next season and going 5-0 to end the year. After that, he signed one of the biggest Qb deals in the NFL before going 1-2 and tearing his ACL. Jimmy G is healthy again and ready to lead the 49ers offense.

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Redskins Qb Dwayne Haskins, Murray on the struggling Cardinals, Jones not playing right away and Josh Jacobs on the Raiders it gives Haskins the best chance to win and succeed right away.

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: 49ers DE Nick Bosa, Bosa the number 2 pick in the draft is fully recovered from his back injury and is looking good in training camp. Bosa looks to dominate like his brother Joey on the Chargers and put up big numbers.

AP Offensive Player of the Year: Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot with his new contract is ready to go behind the best o-line in football. Leading the NFL in rushing since he been in the league even with his suspension. The Cowboys got Cooper and one of the best O-line in football and Zeke will be able to put up big numbers once he and Jerry Jones make a deal.

AP Defensive Player of the Year: Rams DT Aaron Donald, Donald is the best player in the game on either side of the ball. The defensive tackle had 20 sacks last season even though he was triple-team a majority of the time. This selection doesn’t need much reason why and is the easiest prediction to make. The only other player that is competition to Donald is Chicago Bears Khalil Mack.

AP Coach of the Year: Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, Chargers are one of the most complete teams in football on both sides of the ball. Chargers were in every game they played last season and won 12 games and got a wild card spot. With a healthy team, Lynn should be able to take the division from the Chiefs and get a first-round bye.

On August 24 College Gameday will open the football season at Magic Kingdom before the Miami, Gators game. The only problem I have with this is fans won’t be able to bring signs to hold in the background since Disney World bans poster and signs in their park. College Football is finally back and Saturdays are back to sitting on the couch all day watching game after game. Quarterbacks are the key pieces for every team trying to win their conference or make a playoff push. I picked my top 10 Quarterbacks to watch this season, I didn’t go by overall because some Qbs disappoint or disappear after one good season. I pick the biggest names and ones that if you are looking for a game to watch and its one of these 10 guys, you should change it to that channel. I also will address the Gophers current QB situation for this upcoming season.

Clemson: Trevor Lawrence

As Lavar Ball would say NEVA LOST stands true for Clemson Sophomore stud Trevor Lawrence. Trevor Lawrence the 5-star Qb took over for Clemson week 5 last season as a true freshman and never looked back to beat Bama in the championship. Lawrence who been called a “once in a generation” type of player has lived up to the hype to this day. With Travis Etienne and Justyn Ross coming back Clemson offense with Lawrence leading the charge look unstoppable. Lawrence is the best Qb in college football and will be the first pick of the draft when he enters (has to be 3 years removed from high school to enter). Lawrence and his sunshine looks could go down as one of college football greats when his times comes to an end.

Games to Watch: 9/7 Texas A&M 2:30, potential Bama National Championship

Freshman Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
3,280	30	65.2	4	177	1	3.0

Alabama: Tua Tagovailoa

Tuanigamanuolepola “Tua” Tagovailoa, yes that’s his real name like every college football conference starts with Clemson and Alabama and why not start my QB to start with these two that took over college football last season. Tua came to frame in the championship his freshman season when he replaces Jalen Hurts in the second half and threw the game-winning pass in overtime. Tua took over the starting job and led Alabama to another championship where Lawrence and Clemson were too much to handle. Tua with his 4 NFL ready receivers led by Jerry Jeudy look to get back to the championship and have a rematch with Clemson. Tua is ready to continue to dominate and after this season go down as Alabama greatest QB ever.

Games to Watch: 11/9 LSU TBD, potential Clemson National Championship

Sophomore Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
3,966	43	69.0	6	190	5	3.3

Georgia: Jake Fromm

The other quarterback with college football playoff experience is Jake Fromm from Georgia. Netflix started a show QB1 where they follow 3 high school quarterbacks senior seasons and Jake Fromm was one of three guys from season 1. Jake Fromm took over for 5-star recruit Jacob Easton (transferred to Washington) got injured and took Georgia to the National Championship his freshman year and ultimately lost to Bama. His sophomore season he yet again beat out a 5-star QB Justin Fields (transferred to Ohio State) and led Georgia to the SEC championship and losing again to Bama. Jake Fromm has been solid for Georgia offense and in the tough SEC, as he looks to help Georgia get past Alabama.

Games to Watch: 9/21 Notre Dame 7:00, 11/2 Florida 2:30

Sophomore Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
2,749	30	67.3	6	-27	0	-0.7

Oregon: Justin Herbert

The potential number 1 pick Justin Herbert decided to go back to Oregon for his senior year instead of being one of the top picks in the draft. Justin Herbert was a Heisman Trophy candidate last season even though he was with his third head coach and changing the offensive scheme. Justin Herbert often misses the spotlight because the Pac-12 is looking down on by the Power 5 conferences and Pac-12 games are often late at night for most people. Herbert looks to led Oregon to a Pac-12 title and Justin Herbert looks to build his resume to beat out Tua as best QB in the draft.

Game to Watch: 8/31 Auburn 6:30

Junior Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
3,151	29	59.4	8	166	2	2.3

Arizona: Khalil Tate

The other Qb to watch in the Pac-12 is Khalil Tate for Arizona, even though Arizona isn’t ranked and projected to be at the middle of the conference. Tate looks to take over for Kevin Sumlin offense and led Arizona to a Pac-12 championship. Khalil broke out sophomore year and look unstoppable in the air and on the ground but, injuries made his junior season an up and down year. Khalil is healthy and ready to get back in the Heisman conversational.

Games to Watch: 10/12 Washington TBD, 11/16 Oregon TBD

Junior Stats Passing / Sophomore Stats Rushing

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
2,530	26	56.3	8	1,411	12	9.2

Texas: Sam Ehlinger

The modern-day Tim Tebow is Texas QB Sam Ehlinger who is ready to take over the Big 12 and bring Texas back to the Vince Young Era. Sam Ehlinger won the starting job before his sophomore season and help Texas get to the Big 12 championship against Oklahoma. Ehlinger made a promise like Tebow famous “promise speech” that after the lost in the Big 12 Championship that his mission will be to never let the Longhorns or the University of Texas feel this disappointing again. Ehlinger and the Longhorns beat Georgia in their bowl game, as Ehlinger became the 6th Power 5 Qb in the last two decades to throw for over 25 touchdowns and run for more than 15. Ehlinger is ready to make his Heisman run and led Texas to their first college football playoff.

Games to Watch: 9/7 LSU 6:30, 10/12 Oklahoma 11:00

Sophomore Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
3,292	25	64.7	5	482	16	2.9

Oklahoma: Jalen Hurts

Ehlinger biggest competition and the QB with the most pressure this season is Oklahoma Jalen Hurts. Hurts has high exceptions coming from Alabama where his freshman year they lost to Clemson in the Championship. Then his sophomore season defeated Clemson in the first round of the playoff and then he was benched at halftime for Tua where they won in overtime. Then instead of transferring and having to sit out a year he stayed at Alabama and helped them get back into the Championship when Tua got hurt. Now Hurts with his grad-transfer went to Oklahoma and beat out 5-star QB Spencer Rattler. Hurts also has high exceptions going to Oklahoma since the last 2 QBs have won the Heisman, made the football playoffs and became the 1st pick in the draft. Hurts hope to help Oklahoma and Lincoln Riley continue their Big 12 dominance.

Game to Watch: 10/12 Texas 11:00

Sophomore Stats (Replaced by Tua Junior year)

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
2,081	17	72.9	1	855	5.6	8

Nebraska: Adrian Martinez

Nebraska is trying to get back to their Tom Osborne wherein his 25 seasons, Osborne never won fewer than nine games, secured 13 conference titles, and only coached three games where they were not in the Top 25. With Scott Frost and freshman Adrian Martinez struggle early last season going 0-6 but eventually turned it around and went 4-2 to finish the season. Martinez is ready for year 2 and the Huskers are ranked 24 in the preseason poll. Martinez is even in the Heisman conversion and is ready to lead Nebraska to a Big 10 Championship.

Game to Watch: 9/28 Ohio State

Freshman Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
2,617	17	64.6	8	629	8	4.5

Ohio State: Justin Fields

Ohio State star transfer Justin Fields is another QB to be featured on Netflix show QB1. Justin Fields freshman year didn’t go as planned when he decided to go to his home state school at Georgia and didn’t beat out Jake Fromm for the job. Fields played in a limit role for the bulldogs and left for the Buckeye state. Fields got immediate eligibility by saying some Georgia baseball players were using racial slurs at him so he had to leave. Fields won the starting job at Ohio State and look to led Ohio State in their tough Big 10 schedule.

Games to Watch: 11/23 Penn State TBD, 11/30 Michigan 11:00

Freshman Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
328	4	69.2	0	266	4	6.3

Hawaii: Cole Mcdonald

The small school QB to watch is Hawaii Cole Mcdonald, like Trevor Lawrence with his sunshine year and golden arm Mcdonald lit it up his first year as a starter. Mcdonald a 2-star QB who was ready to prove himself by going to a junior college got his only offer by Hawaii at the last moment. Mcdonald took this chance and help led Hawaii to an 8-6 record and a bowl game. If you are looking for a game to watch turn into Mcdonald and the Rainbow Warriors offense torch secondaries.

Games to Watch: 8/24 Arizona 9:30, 9/14 Washington 6:30

Sophomore Stats

Yards	TDs	CMP%	INT	Rush Yds	Rush TDS	YPC
3,875	36	58.9	10	359	4	2.7

Gophers QB Situation

Gopher QB battle ended when last year week 1 starter Zach Annexstad hurt his foot in camp. Tanner Morgan was ranked 10th best QB in the Big ten and 86 overall in Divison 1. Tanner Morgan took over after Annexstad got injured last season and went 4-2 including wins over Wisconsin and Georgia Tech in the bowl game. Gopher fans should be confident with Morgan throwing the ball especially with speedy WR Tyler Johnson coming back. Morgan backups will be talented freshmen who are on scholarship Jacob Clark and Cole Kramer getting plenty of reps to be ready when needed. Gophers should cruise through the non-conference schedule but its get tougher during the end of Big 10 play with Nebraska, Penn State, Iowa, and Wisconsin. PJ Fleck led the youngest team in college football to a bowl game and beat Wisconsin for the first time since 2003. Gophers football looks like they have their best team in recent years and ready to start competing in the Big 10.

Are you kidding me is a segment where I find 3 or 4 ridiculous storylines that the sports world is currently talking about. These segments could be monthly, or weekly all depends on what goes on in the sports world. These storylines are ones you can’t make up or are unpredictable that makes you think are we really discussing these topics. This edition I will discuss Dabo Swinney not giving Kelly Bryant a ring, Antonio Brown helmet issue, and police thinking bird poop was cocaine on Georgia State QB car. I will also give a shout out to Minnesota own Chet Holmgren going viral this month.

Kelly Bryant ringless

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney decided to not give former Clemson Tigers Quarterback Kelly Bryant a championship ring. Kelly Bryant played the first 4 games of the season before getting benched for freshman star Trevor Lawrence. Kelly Bryant then decided to sit out the rest of the year so he wouldn’t lose his last year of eligibility and have now transferred to Missouri (ineligible for Bowl games this season). Dab0 reasoning is that Kelly Bryant wasn’t on the team and decided to leave. I understand Kelly brought the team back to the playoffs in 2017 after Deshaun Watson led them to a National Championship the year before. I get that Kelly won some games for them last year and his decision to leave so he could play college football again instead of sitting on the bench was the right move. I agree with Dabo on this one, Kelly wasn’t there for the team at the end of the year as while as its not just one ring. If Dabo gives Kelly a ring then everyone feels like they deserve one, Jalen Hurts wouldn’t stay around at Alabama if he could transfer and still win a championship ring for past performance. Kelly Bryant left the team so he could play one more year and I don’t blame him but he doesn’t deserve a ring for leaving Clemson.

Antonio Brown “Helmet” issue

Antonio Brown is one of the NFL biggest Divas and after last season problems with the Steelers he got traded to the Raiders for a 5th round pick. Antonio Brown once again has some issue with the NFL saying his helmet that he been wearing since his rookie season is no longer certified. Concussions are the NFL biggest issues and every season they go through a process to determine if a helmet is safe to play in or not. Antonio Brown helmet is over ten years old and that’s the main reason why it didn’t get certified. Instead of just wearing a new helmet like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, Antonio Brown tried to fight the NFL. Antonio Brown said if he can’t wear his old helmet then he will not play. His reason is that the new helmets block his vision. Antonio Brown lost the battle and have said that he will still play. The reason he lost is the NFL is such a big business and not going to give special treatment to one player if Brown wants to quit then someone else will fill his spot. This is almost as bad as David Irving who suspended indefinitely for violated league drug policy and has said he retired from football to protest league policy toward marijuana. The NFL doesn’t care about players, just about their safety and not going to change their rules for one player because there are thousands of players that dream about getting a chance to play in the NFL. Antonio Brown just needs to stop his complaining and wear a helmet the NFL certified. Antonio Brown has become a star since he was drafted in the 6th round out of Central Michigan and just needs to be happy with his 30 million dollars he is guaranteed.

Bird poop=Cocaine

Georgia State Quarterback Shai Werts who started 10 games last season and had a total of 25 touchdowns (passing, rushing) and no interceptions was pulled over for speeding couple weeks ago. Shai Werts was then arrested and charged with Drug possession for what police believe was cocaine on the hood of his car. Shai repeatedly told police numbers of time that it was bird poop but according to some test kit the police had it tested positive twice for a drug. Shai Werts was suspended until the charges were dropped since the police found out it was actually bird poop and not cocaine. Only thing I have to say about this is how can the police not tell the difference and they came out and said everything about him and his car made him a clean person except for his hood. I guess if you have bird poop on your car wash it off or you might get arrested for it being “cocaine”.

Shout out- Chet Holmgren

Shout out to Minnesota own Chet Holmgren who plays for Minnehaha Academy and is currently national ranked 7 by rivals.com for the class of 2021. The 7-foot center currently has 13 offers but more and more will be coming in as his ability makes him a game-changer. At Minnehaha Academy, he plays with Jalen Suggs who is highly ranked for football and basketball who also part of the class of 2021, and highly recruited class of 2022 Prince Aligbe. Chet Holmgren took over social media the last week for crossing up Steph Curry with his move (video below). Chet play was shown on ESPN, Bleacher Report, Barstool Sports podcast, and many more major sports accounts. Chet has many more followers after this moment and is helping to bring attention to Minnesota basketball talent. Chet will receive much big-time Division 1 offers after his junior year and if he keeps pulling off moves like this one.

The MLB is 1 of the 4 major sports in the United States, but is the one sport where attendance is at an all-time low. Baseball’s average attendance could drop below 30,000 for the first time since 2003. Last season the average ticket price for all games was $76 per ticket. One of the problems in the league is when fans attend games, they have to pay for parking and around $12 for a beer, not to mention the other high-priced food and beverages, on top of their ticket price. MLB has some other major problems they need to fix which could also improve their attendance, other than lowering ticket prices. The other problems the MLB needs to fix this offseason is the All-Star game, Juice Balls, and the foul ball netting.

All-Star Game

The MLB All-Star game is an annual game with the “best” of the American League players against the “best” of the National League players. The current problem with their system is they allow the fans to vote for the starters and coaches and players help selection the reserves. This is a problem because big market teams usually have more fans across the country and people want players from their favorite team to make it instead of looking at stats for the season. This season Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge finish 2nd in the fan vote and Twins outfielder Max Kelper didn’t finish top 5. This might not be surprising if you just look at the names and not at the stats. Judge at the break had 32 hits and 9 home runs while Kepler had 85 hits and 21 home runs. Another example is in 2015 the Royals were one of the best teams in baseball manage to have 8 players in 1st place in the All-Star voting. Omar Infante had the most votes at second base but was the only major league playing to have 0 home runs and 0 stolen bases. These just that show that the fans don’t always vote for the best players. I understand that the MLB is struggling with big names players right now and other than Mike Trout many sports fan struggles to name many All-Star players. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado got 2 of the biggest contracts in history last season and they didn’t get voted into the game. When Hall of Fame and contracts depend on All-star appearances baseball needs to make sure they are awarding players that deserve to be in the game and not just make it for their name or that they play for a big-time market. I have 2 solutions to fix this, the first would be since their a stat for everything even who should be in the Hall of Fame or not (JAWS). Then make one for All-Star voting and the player with the highest values make the game. My second solution would be to let the managers and players pick 3 players at each position or even use the All-Star stat and then allow fans to vote from there. This would allow fans to look at stats and who is doing the best, which will allow players from a small market like Kepler reach national attention for his success this year. This could help attendance by if a small market team or a team that not doing good come to a ballpark people could want to go see that game for a player on the other team.

Juice Balls

Another current issue baseball is having is pitchers like Justin Verlander have quoted that they believe baseball is Juicing baseball to make them go farther. Verlander has quoted that he believes this since the MLB has bought the company Rawlings who makes the baseballs for MLB. As well as the MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said he wants more offense in baseball. This season there have been more home runs then ever, MLB is on pace to finish with 6,668 which will destroy the 2017 home run record. The home run twins are on a home run terror this season and currently on pace for 311 which will be the most in a single season history, after a season a year ago finishing 23rd in the league in home runs. The Bomb Squad (twins) have 7 guys with at least 15 home runs as Kepler leads the way with 25 bombs. Another example of home runs being hit more than ever this season is the MLB home run derby. The home run derby was on the most talk about in history and one of the best moments in baseball this season. It saw 312 total home runs hit, 23 by winner Pete Alsonso which is most in a final round. As while as Vladimir Gurrero Jr hit a total of 91 dingers. There was also the first-ever tie-breaker in the new bracket format which started in 2015. Joc Pederson and Vlad both broke for most home runs in a single round with 29. In the tie-breaker, Guerrero and Pederson tied with eight home runs, then matched again with one home run in a three-swing swing-off, before Guerrero prevailed in a second swing-off by a score of 2–1. The MLB has seen a ton of home runs hit this season and it may be for the better. The Twins attendance went from the bottom of the league last season to the top 1/3 of the league this season with their home run explosion. If the MLB is juicing the baseball it is good for baseball, during the steroid era baseball saw was the most popular it has been in recent years. People want to see home run when they go to a game, and if home runs continue to be hit at this pace for the next few season MLB attendance will continue to grow again. If MLB isn’t juicing the baseball that just means these young players have power and have learned to hit for power and not for contact. Either way, this season of offensive explosion is good for baseball.

Foul Ball Netting

A 2014 analysis by Bloomberg found 1,750 fans were injured each year, primarily by foul balls and broken bats. Which is about 2 every 3 games which are more than batters getting hit by a pitch in a season. This is the biggest problem the MLB is currently facing and probably the easiest to solve. Last year, MLB approved a rule that would make teams extend foul ball netting to the far end of the dugouts before this season but it needs to be to the foul pole. Baseball has gotten away from lawsuits from these injuries since the “baseball rule” is in place, which is on the back of tickets fans purchase has an “assumption of risk” doctrine. The Chicago White Sox will be the first team in American baseball to extend it to the foul poles. Current baseball fans are worried about the netting blocking their view and fans should pay attention to the game to avoid getting hit. If you see anything on twitter about foul balls hitting someone or someone catching one. The replies will most likely be loaded with twitter trolls saying we don’t need to move the netting that people just have to pay attention or get off their phones. and get The same twitter trolls that have less than 100 followers and sit around all day tweeting at random people that probably can’t stay off there phone for a 3-hour game. The youtube video below is from Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel as he tests out how quickly a baseball can hit you in the stands. Even if you are playing close attention Chicago Cubs’ Jason Hayward said Wednesday he wished there was netting around the entire park for safety’s sake. “People don’t realize how hard it is to react to a baseball, We go through that. I know they don’t get it. But it’s that hard to react to it.” The ballparks are slow to change this rule because the tickets that would be involved are usually expensive and they don’t want them to drop from upset fans. But, at the end of the day, it is the only solution for young to old fans safety. With the low attendance, baseball is having nowadays it is important to keep the ones that come to the games safe. Having the netting pole to pole is successful in the Japanese baseball stadium currently has netting pole to pole and when a ball clears it ushers blow whistles and horns to alerts fans. Baseball has gotten away from this issue for a while with their “baseball rule” on tickets but after Albert Almora Jr. hit a 2-year-old girl with a foul ball on May 28th and he was devastated during the at-bat. The Astros have responded to Almora foul ball incident by extended the nets to the foul pole on their next home game August 19th. Fans need to be aware of how serious this situation is and that watching through a netting isn’t as bad as getting hit in the face by a ball hit 100 mph. Over time the netting will change and eventually be the best for fans watching the game and as well as protecting the fans from baseballs. More fans will go to games if they don’t have to fear that if they aren’t paying attention for a second that a ball won’t hit them in the face and have permeant damage. If fans can feel safe at a game with friends and have some drinks out in the nice weather that will help baseball attendance. More teams need to follow in the White Sox and Astros footsteps before another kid get hurt or someone dies from being hit by a foul ball.

HBO Hard Knocks is an NFL reality show that follows an NFL team during training camp and allows fans to watch the ups and downs of the NFL. The rules to be selected for the show are a team can’t be selected if it was in the playoffs either of the last two seasons and if it has a first-year head coach or if it has been on the program at any point in the last 10 years. That leaves 5 teams the Detroit Lions, San Fransisco 49ers, New York Giants, Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders. They selected the Raiders as it debuts August 6th on HBO, and I’m going to tell you why this pick was a slam dunk over the other teams.

Why Nots

Lions– The Lions are nothing special for tv. Matthew Stafford there QB and will threw for 5000 yards again this season.

49ers– Jimmy G coming back from injury will make them interesting to watch, along with 1st round pick Nick Bosa. Richard Sherman could make some interesting moments with his trash talking. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has been very vocal of not wanted to be on the show.

Giants– Giants have to decide when Daniel Jones will take over for Eli and watching them in training camp would be fun. As well as Saquon Barkley is one of the best young stars in the league. With Golden Tate getting suspended, Coleman torn ACL, Shepard fractured thumb would make training camp interesting. But, no one wants to watch one of the worst teams in the league training camp.

Redskins– The only other option that could have been a good pick for HBO was the Redskins. With Alex Smith trying to come back from his leg injury that got infected after, Case Keenum and rookie QB Dwayne Haskins all competing for playing time. As well as Derrius Guice coming back from his ACL injury, Redskins are a team to look out for this season.

Why the Raiders

The Raiders team is built for reality tv with John Gruden as the Head Coach. Gruden recently went back into coaching after being on ESPN for many years. As well as Mike Mayock who was a draft expert for NFL Network is the new Raiders GM. This is the Raiders last year in Oakland before moving to Las Vegas. After trading away current stars Khalil Mack and Amir Cooper for draft picks, Gruden has the type of players he wants for his teams. 3 first-round draft picks with Clelin Ferrell who many thought was a reach, Josh Jacobs, and Johnathan Abram. Derek Carr has been questioned if he is good enough to be an NFL QB and now has diva WR Antonio Brown to give him some more help. Antonio Brown caused a lot of problems with the Steelers last season before getting traded. Raiders other reality stars are Richie Incognito and Vontaze Burfict who both signed with the Raiders this offseason. Incognito was voted dirtiest player in the NFL in 2009, also was apart of a bullying scandal of former teammate Jonathan Martin with the Dolphins. In the ESPN report, it said Incognito would used racial slurs toward Martin and even threaten to kill him once over 2 seasons and reported that Martin wasn’t the only victim. It has been said that the Dolphins coaches told Incognito to toughen up Martin but he took it took far, recently Incognito got back in the news with getting arrested in a funeral home for threaten to kill employee over an argument about his father. After taking a year off Incognito is an interesting signing for Gruden as he is suspended for the first two games of the season. The other star Burfict who is a productive player when he’s on the field the problem is, he’s not on it too much. Burfict have faced many suspension for illegal hit and PEDs, as he is always in controversial incidents in his career. In his seven-year career with the Bengals, he has racked up 4.2 million dollars in fines. The Raiders also signed Burfict this offseason to help the defense. Some other characters on the Raiders are back-up QB Nathan Peterman who Gruden said is growing on him even though Peterman who threw 5 interceptions in a half of football on 16 passes and been called the worse NFL QB in history. They also got Clemson star Hunter Renfrow who became a hero when he caught a touchdown pass to beat Alabama in the closing second of the National Championship. They sign Last Chance U star Ronald Ollie but he has already been cut in training camp, and for you UMAC fans they still have Greenville star linebacker, Nicholas Morrow. With all this in one NFL locker room, it makes the Raiders the easiest selections in history and HBO hope it helps raise the viewers of there show.

Series 8/10, The youth hockey movie base in Minnesota was one of my favorites growing up and still is. Despite it getting bad reviews for being too predictable, unrealistic, and only appealing to a younger audience the first movie was very successful in theaters and enough to make two sequels and an animated show. The first movie made $54 million in home video sales in 1992 when it came out. The movie was so popular a year after it came out the NHL expansion team Anaheim Mighty Ducks copied the name, later dropped the mighty. When I went to Phoenix Coyote game in Arizona and wore my Conway Ducks jersey and received many comments on how cool my jersey was and a lady took a picture of it to show her kids it who love the series (2017, 15 years after the movie came out kids still love it). It is even rumored that Disney plus will have a Mighty Ducks tv show on it in 2019, 17 years later.

Mighty Ducks: D1

9/10, The original Ducks movie has the most realistic storyline in my opinion and that’s why it got a 9. Gordon Bombay is a very successful defense attorney and to celebrate his big win he celebrates by drinking and gets arrested for drunk driving. For his community service, he has to coach a pee-wee hockey team, which he is upset about because it brings back his memory of missing a penalty shot in the championship costing his team “the Hawks” to lose. Coach Bombay team has limited equipment, gear, and practice on outdoor ice, so Bombay gets his boss Ducksworth to sponsor the team, where the team name came from the Ducks. Trying to figure a way to get this team to win Bombay finds out that Adam Banks on the Hawks is playing for the wrong team and should be on the Ducks. After Banks dad try to fight it, Adam decides it better to play for the Ducks then no one. After not caring for the team and losing trust in many of the players he eventuality got them to trust him and start winning some games. Ducks went on to the championship against the Hawks, then Charlie Conway the team leader is in a similar situation that Bombay was in goes on and wins it for the Ducks. The movie ends with Bombay getting on a bus for a minor league hockey tryout.

D2: The Mighty Ducks

8.5/10, The movie starts with Bombay on his minor league team dominating but he gets hurts and loses his chance at getting to the NHL. Now back in Minneapolis Bombay looking for something to due gets offered to coach the junior games with his old team the ducks. Bombay and Charlie Conway manage to reunite most of the former team, along with some other US stars in LA. During the early games, Team USA wins easily and Bombay starts to live in the LA lifestyle. My favorite part of the whole series is when Ducks enforcer (Fulton Reed) and Dean Portman become the “Bash Brothers” and dominate opponents. The team suffers a bad loss 12-1 to Iceland and Coach Bombay Aka Coach Blood now is furious and practice is so hard the team sleeps in tutor Michelle McKay class. The next day she cancels practice allowing the players to rest and Bombay is upset. While the team didn’t have a practice they still go to the training facility so they are still ready for the upcoming game. There loud mouth Russ Tyler tells the team to play his friends in street hockey to show them how to be “the real team USA”. Russ Tyler later joins the team when a spot opens up with his unique “knuckle puck” shot. Bombay realizes he been enjoying the spotlight in LA too much and needs to get back to his old self. Bombay shows up late to the next game and apologize to the team and later burns a cutout of himself proving to the team that he not all about that anymore. In the championship Team, the USA is down and led by the Bash Brothers fights the bench. Bombay makes a big speech before the 3rd period and reveals new Ducks uniforms for the team to wear. Needing a goal to tie Russ Tyler disguised as Goldberg the goalie skates out to middle ice and uses his Knucklepuck to tie it up. In the Shootout Team USA won 4-3 against Iceland.

D3: The Mighty Ducks

8/10, After winning the junior games, the Ducks were awarded scholarships to Bombay old school Eden Hall Academy. Eden Hall Academy is made up of three Minnesota big schools, Eden Prairie, Cretin Derham Hall, St. Thomas Academy. Bombay announces to Charlie that he won’t be their coach that he taking a job in the junior games and Ex-North Star player Ted Orion. The Ducks aren’t fans of Orion right away with his “two-way” hockey talk and taking Charlie captain “C” away from him. The Ducks “JV team” have beef with the Varsity team and sets up there own scrimmage. Orion shows up and tells the Ducks to take the jersey off the “Ducks are dead”, Conway and Fulton refuse and quit the team. Bombay comes back for longtime friend Hans funeral where he meets up with Charlie and explained to him that Orion quit hockey to take care of his daughter who was in a bad car accident. He always explains to Charlie the reason he started coaching the Ducks and that he told Orion that he was the heart and soul of the team. Charlie apologizes to Orion and asks to be back on the team before the team bus leaves. Now Conway and Fulton are back on the team, along with Banks who was moved up to Varsity. Dean Buckley informs Orion that the school is going to revoke their scholarship for lack of play but Bombay being a former attorney came to the rescue once again. They agree if Varsity beat JV, JV would leave but if JV beat varsity then they have to change the school name from the Warriors to the Mighty Ducks. Coach Orion gave the team there Ducks jersey for their hard work and learning how to play defense. Varsity came out physical but the Ducks new defense held it 0-0 to the 3rd period. During the break, Dean Portman came in the locker room with his scholarship in hand ready to play. With the final minute “Captain” Charlie on a breakaway throws it back to Goldberg who scores for the win and the Eden Hall Mighty Ducks banner falls.

Pitching is very important in the majors and has a star on the mound improves your chance at a championship. Pitchers can dominate the other team and allow your team’s chances to win with not needing as many runs. Taking a look back at the best starting pitchers since 1990s (sorry Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman) and selecting my Top 10. Many pitchers have been one-year wonders and have won Cy Young awards. The Cy Young award goes to the best pitcher in each conference and can help improve your chances at making the Hall of Fame. The Cy Young award is an important part in making my list, as well as All-Star appearances, World series appearances and as well as if they are in the Hall of Fame already. Another award that many of these pitchers got was the Triple Crown (lead the league in Wins, Strikeouts, ERA for a year). The order is my selection of the most dominant during their career.

Top 10

1. Pedro Martinez– Pedro Martinez pitched from 1992 to 2009 mostly for the Expos, Red Sox, and Mets. Pedro time with the Red Sox made him an automatic for any list in the best pitcher decisions. Pedro Martinez was an 8-time All-Star, World Series winner, 3 time Cy Young winner, Hall 0f Famer and Triple Crown winner. Pedro finished up with a 219-100 record, 2.93 ERA and 3,154 strikeouts in his career. With modern analysis showcase Martinez with the lowest Whip in the live-ball era, his ERA plus which takes in ERA and adjust it to the ballpark (hitter-friendly or not) is best in history and third-highest strikeout-walk ratio in history. He often dominated teams in a hitter-friendly park and the end of a steroid era which puts him at the top of this list.

2. Randy Johnson– “The Big Unit” pitch from 1988 to 2009 in the MLB for Expos, Mariners, Astros, Diamondbacks, Yankees, and Giants. Looking at one of my favorite players growing up, and seeing how dominant he was throughout his career. The Big Unit got his nickname for his 6’10 lanky frame who threw it so hard, it once killed a dove (video below). Randy Johnson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. The Big Unit is a 10-time All-Star, 5 time Cy Young winner, Triple Crown winner, and a World Series MVP made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer (1st year eligible for the HoF). Randy Johnson is a lock for the top of this list with his 303-166 career record, 3.29 Earned Run Allowed (ERA), 4,875 career strikeouts. Randy Johnson the tall lanky pitcher will always be remembered as one of the best all-time.

3. Roger Clemens-“The Rocket” played 24 seasons with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees, and Astros. Roger Clemens is at the top of this list despite his name being linked to steroids and other accusations, as while as his fierce competitive behavior. While he was on the Blue Jays after winning the Cy Young award both years, he demanded a trade because he didn’t believe the Jays would be competitive enough. In The Rocket career, he was an 11-time All-Star, 7 time Cy Young winner (most all-time), won two world series and 2 time Triple Crown winner. Clemens finish with a 354-184 record, 3.12 ERA, 4,612 strikeouts (3rd All-time). Clemens is unique since he has won an AL MVP award, struct out 20 batters in a game twice, and the only pitcher in history to have more than 350 wins and 4,500 strikeouts. If Clemens named wasn’t followed by steroid user he maybe even higher on this list. His competitive behavior and powerful pitching allowed him to dominate his whole career.

4. Greg Maddux- Maddux played for 22 seasons mostly for the Cubs and Braves. He also finished up his career with the Dodgers and Padres. In Maddux career, he was an 8-time All-star, 4-time Cy Young winner (1st to achieve in 4 consecutive seasons, Randy Johnson matched) 18-time Gold Glove (most all-time), and 1st ballot Hall of Famer. During his stretch of 4 Cy Young, Maddux had a 75-29 record, 1.98 ERA, while allowing less than 1 baserunner per inning. Maddux is the only pitcher in history to win at least 15 games for 17 straight seasons. In Maddux career, he had a 355-227 record, 3.16 ERA, and 3,371 strikeouts. Maddux won more games in the 1990s than any other pitcher and is second in career wins. Maddux with all his wins and dominance during his Cy young wins makes him a shoe for the Top 5 of this list.

5. Clayton Kershaw– The best pitcher current in baseball cracks the Top 5 for best starters since the 90s. The longtime Dodger Kershaw has been in the Majors since 2008 which he was the youngest player in the MLB for a year. Kershaw has been an 8-time All-Star, 3 time Cy Young winner, Triple Crown winner, NL MVP (youngest pitcher since 1985), and has a no-hitter in his career. Kershaw also became the 1st pitcher to lead the MLB in ERA in 4 consecutive years, as well as his career ERA and walks and hits per inning (WHIP) are lowest among live-ball pitchers with 1,000 innings pitched. Kershaw currently has a career 161-71 record, 2.41 ERA and 2,383 strikeouts. Kershaw could move up past Maddux and Clemens if he has more success in the playoffs but landing at number 5 while you are still playing is pretty good for this future Hall of Famer.

6. Curt Schilling– The third and Last Red Sox on this list is Curt Schilling who also played for the Orioles, Astros, Phillies, and D-backs in his career. Schilling was a 6-time All-Star, 3 time World Series champion, World Series/NLCS MVP, won the Roberto Clemente Award (best exemplifies game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement). In Schilling Career, he had a 216-146 record, 3.46 ERA, and 3,116 strikeouts. Schilling didn’t win the most awards but often dominated batters, especially in the post-season. Schilling post-season record was 11-2 and his .846 winning percentage is highest of anyone with 10 decisions. Schilling is also part of the 3,000 strikeout club and the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio of anyone in the club. Schilling also is tied for 3rd for the most 300-strikeout season and has the second-highest JAWS (statistic for player career and merit for Hall of Fame) of any pitcher not in the Hall of Fame (Roger Clemens). Schilling postseason dominance helps him land at number 6 on this list and one day will be a Hall of Famer.

7. Roy Halladay– “Doc” played for the Blue Jays and Phillies from 1998 to 2013 and was their go-to guy every season. Halladay was an 8-time All-Star, 2 time Cy Young winner (both conference), pitch a perfect game, and pitched the second postseason no-hitter in history. When Halladay retired he was the active major league leader for complete games (67) including shutouts (20). Halladay was important to his team for his ability to go deep into games which allows the relief pitchers to rest for other nights. Halladay career record was 203-105, with a 3.38 ERA and 2,117 career strikeouts. Halladay is the newest first ballot of the Hall of Fame being inducted this season. Unfortunately, Halladay Died in 2017 when he crashed a helicopter into the Gulf of Mexico. An Autopsy reported that Halladay had “high concentrations of morphine and amphetamine along with an antidepressant, sleeping aid Zolpidem and a trace amount of alcohol in his blood” probably trying to deal with post-baseball life. Halladay legacy will always be remembered especially for Blue Jays and Phillies fan. His career numbers earn himself a spot in baseball Hall of Fame and will always be one of baseball best pitchers.

8. Tom Glavine– The Second Brave to make this list (sorry John Smoltz) Tom Glavine spent most of his career with the Braves, a few seasons with the Mets and ended up going back to Atlanta to retire. In his career, he was a 10-time All-star, World Series champion (MVP), 2-time Cy Young winner, and another first-ballot Hall of Famer. Glavine was unique being a quality batter in the National League and winning 4 Silver Slugger Award (best hitter by position). Glavine had a career 305-203 record, 3.54 ERA, and 2,607 strikeouts. He was 5-time 20 game-winner, one of 24 pitchers to have 300 wins, and was second in the 90s in wins to teammate Maddux. Glavine a talented athlete who was also drafted to the NHL deserves to be on this list. Often overshadowed by his teammate Maddux, I made sure he wasn’t left off my list.

9. Justin Verlander– Long-time Tigers ace and current Astros pitcher Justin Verlander lands at number 9 on the list. Verlander is an 8-time All-Star, World Series Champ, Al MVP, Cy Young Winner, Triple Crown winner, Rookie of the Year, ALCS MVP, and has 2 career no-hitters. Verlander has a career 216-127 record, 3.37 ERA and 2,878 strikeouts. This long-time Tiger has dominated for many years and help the Tigers win many conferences. Verlander is the 114th pitcher to win 200 wins, also becoming the 2oth fastest to reach the milestone (412 starts). This three-time Cy young runner up is often in the running for the title and deserve to be in the Hall of Fame one day.

1o. Max Scherzer– Next on the list is Verlander teammate manage to land one spot behind him and the Nationals ace, Max Scherzer. Scherzer started his major league career in 2008 with the D-backs, then the Tigers from 2010-2014 and the Nationals since. In Scherzer career, he has won 3 Cy Young awards, 7-time All-Star, led the league in strikeouts 3 times, pitched two no-hitters in 2015, and has two immaculate innings (9 pitches, 3 strikeouts). He has tied 2 MLB record for strikeouts (20) in 9-innings, and 250 strikeouts in 5 straight seasons. Scherzer currently has a 168-87 career record, 3.16 ERA, and 2,630 strikeouts. Scherzer was a key pitcher helping Detroit win 4 consecutive American League Central titles and as well as two for the Nats. Scherzer looks to continue to dominate and sure to reach the 3,000 strikeouts make and make himself a lock for the Hall of Fame.

NBA free agency started on July 1st and this season was bigger then ever. After the first week of free agency teams have spent nearly $4 billion on player contracts. Big names like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard were all up for new contracts. 1/3 of the players that made a All-NBA team change teams. This summer is one of the craziest in NBA history, with many stars moving and Durant/Iggy leaving the Warriors dynasty. It seems like since Kawhi and the Raptors took down the Warriors, the balance of superstars is restored in the NBA. While every NBA fan was checking twitter every minute for a Woj Bomb from Adrian Wojnarowski.

Winners

Brooklyn Nets- The Nets made a terrible trade in 2013 to get Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce past there prime giving up multiple first rounds picks. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce made little impact and put the Nets in a hole for years. The Nets took on bad contracts to acquire draft picks back and got some young players to grow into playoff contenders last season. Finally having money the Nets got Durant and Kyrie to Brooklyn to team up with their young core. They also got Deandre Jordan to become the 3rd big star. The Nets also have solid role players in Chris Levert, Jarret Allen, Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Allen Crabbe. They also traded D’Angelo Russell for a future first round pick. Now it is up to Kyrie and Durant to led the Nets to the finals. The Nets landed two of the biggest names in free agency and manage to land them over crosstown rival Knicks, time will tell if this new duo can bring them to the promise land.

LA Clippers- The Clippers made the biggest splash of the summer in the middle of the night July 5th. All week every said Kawhi was going back to Toronto or going to the Lakers, as Kawhi was the last big name to sign. Kawhi decided to go home to LA but go to the other team in town and not Lebron’s teams. Kawhi Leonard decided to leave the team that he just won the NBA finals with and was the Finals MVP, but wanted to go home and wanted the Clips to get another star. Clippers went all in trading away their young star Shai Gil Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and 5 first round picks for MVP Finalist Paul George. George and Kawhi will play with bunch of young guys that made the playoffs as well as brought the Warriors to 6 games with KD. Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer hopes this new duo with the solid role players they have will have more success than Lob City did.

Utah Jazz- Utah started their off-season trading for veteran Mike Conley to replace Ricky Rubio. Mike Conley is finally out of Memphis and be will able to compete for a playoff contender instead of continuing to help the Grizzlies rebuild. They also added sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic who will be a key piece next to Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz also added Ed Davis, Jeff Green and Emanuel Mudiay who will improve Utah’s bench. A playmaker like Conley and Mitchell surrounding by shooters Ingles and Bogdanovic and Defensive player of the Year Gobert makes the Jazz a dangerous team.

Anthony Davis Trade- The Davis trade was a win-win for both sides and they look at the future. The Lakers landed Anthony Davis, and manage to sign Danny Green, Demarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, Javale McGee, Quinn Cook, Alex Caruso, and Jared Dudley. Even though the Lakers missed out on the Kawhi Leonard sweepstake they manage to land key pieces around their stars of Lebron and Davis. For the Pelicans they start there rebuild but got the right mix of young talent and veterans to make a run for the playoffs. Pelicans landed Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart in the Davis trade to team up with Jrue Holiday and Jahlil Okafor. On Draft night they landed Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. As well as David Griffin added veteran players J.J. Reddick and Derrick Favors to add to the mix. David Griffin making great moves in his first season in New Orleans.

Portland Trailblazers- Portland Trailblazers made my favorite move of the offseason. Even though they lost Seth Curry and Mo Harkless, they traded for Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside is on his last year of his contract but I like him teaming up with Lillard and McCollum as they can get buckets and Whiteside can dominant down low. As well as trading for Whiteside, Portland sign Lillard to a 4-year extension. Lillard led the Trailblazers past the Thunder last season in the playoffs and Whiteside hopes he can help them take the next step.

Losers

New York Knicks- The Knicks have been hard to cheer for the last decade and after this offseason it won’t get much better. Knicks traded away Porzingis to have cap space for 2 max players. The Knicks’ biggest signings were Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, Reggie Bullock, Elfrid Payton and Bobby Portis. They wanted to use their money for bigger names but that is what they got stuck with. The Knicks could look like geniuses with not wanting Durant because his future is uncertain with his achilles injury. They also give all there free agents 1 year plus a team option contracts in hope that they have the ability to sign 2 max players again in the coming years. The Knicks did draft RJ Barrett who will be a star in the league and have solid young players around him, so be patience Knicks fan your time will come eventually.

Orlando Magic- Orlando ended their playoff drought and decided to overpay the players they have. Nikola Vucevic the team all star resigned for 4 years 100 millions, which is questionable where they have last year lottery pick Mo Bamba behind him and many other centers were going for cheap. They also over sign for Terrance Ross and Al-Farouq Aminu, 2 role players that got starters contract. Orlando needs a point guard and didn’t decide to save money for that. Last year, they traded for former number 1 pick Markelle Fultz who future is up in the air as well as rumored to get Frank Ntilikina another lottery bust. Orlando has some young pieces and a few stars in Aaron Gordon and Vucevic but needs some guards to continue their playoff success.

Jimmy Butler- Jimmy Butler turn down a max contract and wanted to get traded to Miami. This is a weird move since Butler has publicity said he wants to play for a contender and thats why he didn’t want to be in Minnesota anymore. Butler stepped up in the playoffs when Simmons and Embiid took a back seat. Butler gets to be the star for his team in South Beach and this could look like a good move if Miami gets Bradley Beal or Russell Westbrook. Hopefully this drama queen is done throwing a fit and is where he wants to be now.

Bobi and Tobi- The NBA best friendship comes to an end when Boban Marjanovic signed with Dallas and Tobias Harris resigned with the 76ers. The Duo has their own show on ESPN the Jump and was rumored to be in Bad Boys 3 together. They became teammates in 2016 on the Pistons and spent two seasons there. During the 2018 season they were both traded the Clippers in the Blake Griffin trade and then a year later they were both traded to the 76ers. These two formed a friendship on and off the court and will be truly missed by friends.

TBD

Philadelphia 76ers- The 76ers made plenty of moves this offseason and I don’t know if they were good or bad. The got rid of drama queen Jimmy Butler and J.J. Reddick but manage to land big man Al Horford and Josh Richardson in the Butler trade. Ben Simmons need to improve his 3 point shooter since Philly wants to give him a max deal. Philly starting lineup looks like Simmons, Richardson, Harris, Horford and Embiid will be an interesting lineup and i’m curious how it works out.

Russell Westbrook- Westbrook could look like a loser since OKC traded Paul George away and looks like they are in rebuild mode. George is the second big name to leave Westbrook and OKC as it makes Westbrook look bad that no one is staying longterm. The Former NBA MVP Westbrook could get moved to a playoff contender in which he can help them compete for a finals. Rumors have said that Minnesota, Detroit, Orlando, and Miami all been interested in the triple double machine.

Wovles

On Draft night, the Timberwolves traded Saric and the 11th pick to move up and take Jarrett Culver from Texas Tech. Culver a 6’7 wing will add another two-way wing to the wolves. Culver was a key player on helping Texas Tech reach the National Championship game which showed he is ready for the professional level. Having Wiggins, Covington, Okogie, and now Culver gives Minnesota plenty of depth, Culver could be Wiggins replacement if Wiggins doesn’t improve this season. Culver needs to improve his 3-point shooting in the NBA but is a elite defender and can get a bucket when needed. Drafting Culver over point guard Coby White tells me that they believe they have a shot at signing D’angelo Russell.

Minnesota second pick was Jaylen Nowell a Pac-12 player of the year honors at Washington. He is a great ball-handler but needs to improve his shooting and defense in the G-League before he is ready for the league. Jaylen Nowell looks to show the Wolves in the Summer league that he is good enough to make the 13 man rotation.

Timberwolves signed Naz Reid to a two way contract (split time from the G-league and NBA). The Center from LSU went undrafted after only playing one season in college. ESPN ranked him the 3rd best center in the Class of 2018. The 6’10 250 lbs Reid can create space with his body around the basket, but with his stout frame NBA teams worried about his defense liability and he struggled with the bench press during the combine.

Wolves signed Syracuse star Tyus Battle to a exhibit 10 contract which means Minnesota can put him on the wolves or a two-way contract. Tyus Battle left Syracuse before his senior year to try and achieve his dream of playing in the NBA. Minnesota signed him after he ended up going undrafted. Many teams love Battle abilities to play many positions other than just point guard.

Minnesota made Ryan Saunders the full time coach after he was the intern coach, since the Thibodeau firing. Wiggins and the young core saw improvement once Saunders took over and Minnesota hopes that continues. Minnesota also added Pablo Prigioni as a assistant coach on Saunders’ staff. Prigioni is a Argentine professional basketball coach and a former player. He played at the point guard position for many european teams and the Knicks, Clippers, and Rockets. He is the oldest rookie in NBA history making his debut at 35 years old. After the NBA Prigioni return to play for the Baskonia and then became their head coach. Last season Prigioni was a assistant coach for the Nets last season, as the Wolves hope that helps them in landing D’angelo Russell.

Minnesota can’t make many moves this free agency with Teague, Wiggins, Gibson, Dieng, and Bayliss contracts. Wolves are looking at getting rid of the former number 1 pick Wiggins since he hasn’t lived up to exceptions. Minnesota is in the running for All-star D’angelo Russell since the Wolves need a point guard and Russell looks to be the right fit. Many teams are looking at landing Russell since point guards are hard to come by, but hopefully for Minnesota his friendship with Karl Anthony Towns helps him land in Minnie. The Mayor of Apple Valley Tyus Jones is a restricted free agent, which means the Wolves can match any teams offer. Minnesota will love to keep the hometown kid in Minnie but if a team gives him a high enough offer, it will be difficult for the Wolves to keep him.

Gophers

• Gopher Star Jordan Murphy is staying in Minnesota as he signed a Summer League Contract with the Wolves. Murphy came to the Gophers from Brennan High School in Texas and made a immediately impact being named to the Big Ten All-freshman team honoree. Murphy finish his Gopher career being named All-Big Ten first team (media) and led the Big Ten in rebounding (11.0). During his career Murphy set the single season rebounding record, second in Big Ten his in rebounds (1,307), second in Gophers all-time scoring (1,802), and had 22 double-double his senior season. Murphy looks to continue to have success in Minnesota.
• Hopkins star Amir Coffey left before his senior year to try and make it in the NBA. Coffey used his strong finish to his junior year and had a strong performance in the NCAA tournament to help boast his draft stock. Coffey father played in the NBA and Coffey has all the tools to become a solid NBA role player. Coffey has been a big name in Minnesota hoops since his high school days at Hopkins. At Hopkins Coffey help them win at state championship his sophomore season hitting a half court shot. His senior year he was named Minnesota Mr. Basketball and was ranked 32nd on ESPN. Coffey at Minnesota has been named Big-Ten All-Freshman team honoree and after his junior year named All-Big Ten third team. Selfishly I wish Coffey came back for his senior season to help led the Gophers but his dream is to make the NBA and wish the Minnesota kid the best with his two-way contract for the Clippers.