In the United States:
few weekends are greeted with such intensity or joy as opening weekend
of College Football Season in the USA.
Although play in "weekend one" was anticipated last weekend,
the inaugural weekend of the season brings great joy to the hearts of true
fans. Opening Weekend is hardly known as
a time for crack competition, known and strong teams often play non conference
opponents, sometimes even from lower divisions.
Unlike previous years, however, there are a few exciting competitions
today. Of the dozens of games being
played today, perhaps the most anticipated will take place this evening, when
two very high ranking teams, the Florida State Seminoles and the Alabama Crimson
Tide meet at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It's the first time since
the AP preseason poll began in 1950 that a No. 1 team is facing a top-three
opponent on opening weekend. Some have said that it's the best non-conference
game for many years, and it will give one team or the other a chance to
solidify their top four ranking.
Top-ranked Alabama's showdown with No. 3
Florida State is just one game in a five-day opening weekend that started with
Ohio State traveling to Indiana on Thursday night, the number two Buckeyes
winning 49-21 over the Hoosiers. Other
games featuring strong competition include No. 11 Michigan vs. No. 17 Florida and
No. 22 West Virginia vs. No. 21 Virginia Tech, which will be played on Labor
Day (Monday).
In Cricket, in England:
The West Indies team has been touring England since August 1st,
competing against various county teams, playing England in three Test Matches,
playing one T20, and at the end of September, concluding their tour with 5
ODIs. (remember, T20 means that each
side pitches 20 overs (series of six pitches), while ODIs are One Day
International matches). Today the West
Indians play against Leicestershire at their home grounds of Grace Road. Grace Road has been in continuing operation
since 1877, although the County Team took a hiatus, and played elsewhere for a
few decades before the Second World War.
In their last five matches, dating back to 1984, the Leics have never
bested West Indians, but have drawn with them 4 times. During this tour, the West Indies have played
to a draw in their first three County matches, and in their two tests against
England so far have won one and lost one.
Today's match will be the first of
a two day competition. Unlike any
other sport, possibly, Cricket's organization is legendary. Today's timetable lists an 11 am start, Lunch
from 1 to 1:40 p.m., Tea from 3:40 to 4 p.m., and the Close of the match at 6 p.m.
In Spain: The Vuelta a
Espana has been heating up in the second week of competition. Riders have toured the southeastern regions
of the country in recent days, including an ascent to a mountaintop weather
station dusted with snow. In Spain. In
August. Chris Froome and the Sky team have been driving the train in recent
days, with Vicenzo Nibali, in second place but gaining ground in recent days,
down by 59" and Alberto Contador,
who is at the edge of retirement, is gaining ground at 3'13" back, and is
in 9th place.
