What 2 Watch This Weekend

FRIDAY

RED SOX VS. RAYS - Dice-K hits the hill for the Red Sox after posting the best winning percentage on the road for a starting pitcher this season. On the other side young phenom James Shields who posted 14 wins and 160 Ks. Tropicana Field should be rocking for the 8 o'clock start on TBS.

DODGERS VS. PHILLIES - After hitting two homers off of Derek Lowe in game one to take the early 1-0 lead in the series the Phillies look to take a two game lead before heading on the west coast. One thing that I took out of the game was the great job both bullpens did last night which is always key for a post season game in the National League.

SATURDAY

RED SOX VS. RAYS - Game 2 figures to be the most intriguing of the first two in Tampa. Everybody will be watching to see how Josh Beckett ends up throwing in the game. I have heard way to much criticism of Tony Francona this week with him deciding on Beckett in game two instead of Jon Lester. One thing that I have realized from being a coach, you know more about your team than anyone can imagine, but you will still be questioned no matter what. Why are people second guessing a guy that has won 2 World Series rings in 4 years?

ARIZONA ST VS. USC - The Trojans look to get back in action in the ever popular PAC-10 against a feisty Sundevil team ("I'm a SunDevil, Jerry!). I still am giving the Trojans a great chance to win the conference and head to another Rose Bowl, but if my pre season prediction ends up being correct there should be another conference loss heading for them. Is this the week?

LSU VS. FLORIDA - The entire state of Florida has been talking about this game since the Gators loss to Ole Miss. This most-see Saturday night game in Gainesville will be rocking with one of the best rivalries in the SEC. Is it possible that the Gators lose on their home turf for the second straight game? I doubt it, but we gotta see which Tim Tebow shows up for this one.

WISCONSIN VS. PENN ST - The Badgers have lost two straight Big Ten games and are at home this weekend against a #6 nationally ranked team. Smells like an upset. Well, it very well could be, but my Nittany Lions are going to be the top dogs in the conference at least until their match with the Buckeyes October 25th. This will be a nice test for this young Penn State team on the road at night.

SUNDAY

RAVENS VS. COLTS - Both teams come into the game posting 2-2 records. The Colts are the home team, something that mattered every time a visitor hit the field. Now in their new stadium they have yet to win one on their turf. The Ravens should use a heavy load of rushes on a Colts defense that is desperately missing the likes of Bob Sanders in the secondary.

JACKSONVILLE VS. DENVER - David Garrard and the Jaguars are really not off to the start the they and we thought they would this season. Starting the year at 2-3 is one thing but losing to the Broncos this week would make things worse for a team chasing the Titans and Colts in their division. The Broncos are off to a great start and with a win at home this week they can really put a strangle hold on their AFC West with the Chargers falling off.

EAGLES VS. 49ERS - The Eagles might be the best 2-3 team in the history of the NFL. Donovan McNabb came out this week and put some blame on himself hoping to jumpstart a team that is at the bottom of the best division in the league. For the Niners, they are in an easier division where they could possibly come out of and make the playoffs for the first time in years. Big game for both teams in only week 6 of the early season.

PHILLIES VS. DODGERS - Game 3 heads to the west coast where the LA fans will be rowdy. I mean when actually was the last time that the Dodger faithful was in this position? That's right 1988! Manny has brought life to a city that has been dying to cheer about there baseball team. The pivotal game three should be in the Dodgers favor, but this is October anything can happen.

MUST WATCH GAME OF THE WEEK

TEXAS VS. OKLAHOMA - #5 vs. #1. The Red River Rivalry is back in action this weekend and this is one rivalry that really never disappoints. A year ago the Sooners won on a touchdown in the 4th to go on to a 28-21 victory. Before that the Longhorns won despite the loss of Vince Young. This rivalry is different because they always play at a neutral site, The Cotton Bowl. And when they tell you that the crowd is half and half, it is the truth, you really can't tell who has more fans in the stands. It's hard not to take the Sooners in this one, but stranger things have happened. Plus, Colt McCoy is playing at level this season that no one thought that he could get to after coming in as the starter after Young. I am looking at Sam Bradford, who is the leading passer in the BIG 12, to play very well...get the victory...and help his own cause with some Heisman brownie points.