Now that we’ve officially made it through not only the holiday season but a rather ugly 2007 in terms of sports if you’re a fan of Minnesota teams, it’s time to start 2008 out with a positive jam. Two lists: Five things you have to look forward to this year, and five things sports, in spite of themselves, are getting right. First, this year:

1) Another year of Purple Jesus. We’re not sure what to make of the Vikings’ overall chances next year. We know the schedule looks a little tougher with the AFC South teams on the docket, etc. We don’t know what will happen for sure at QB or WR. But we do know this squad, with its running game, should compete for a playoff spot. That’s more than we knew a year ago at this point.

2) The good possibility of playoff hockey in the state of hockey. Nothing better.

3) If you like wrestling: The Gophers look primed for an NCAA D-I repeat, while Augsburg will gun for its 11th D-III title in 18 years.

4) College football Metrodome fairwell tour. That’s right, just a few more games in the big blue seats for the Gophers before they move into a fine facility of their own. The Twins aren’t far behind, either.

5) Gophers basketball looks, at the very least, to be watchable again. Too bad you can’t watch it on TV.

AND NOW … five things sports gets right in spite of itself:

1) Outdoor hockey. They need to do this at least once a year, if not more, in the NHL. Maybe when that new Gophers football stadium opens here …

2) Baseball’s all-star game. We’re pretty sure we’re in the minority on this one, but we love the winner-take-home-field wrinkle added a few years back. It’s better than an alternation or a coin flip. The game itself is also the only of the big ones that resembles the actual sport.
3) NFL instant replay. Our rule: If we can’t think of a markedly better way to do it, then it must be pretty good.

4) The NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Sure, it’s built on money and hype. But it delivers like nothing else.

5) Your choice. Complete this (and/or the other list).

Fasola-link! Color of the year! Search no further. You have found the color that defines 2008, or something like that.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 at 8:50 am and is filed under Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.