Vikings trade for former QB Cousins

 The Minnesota Vikings announced that they are trading for their former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, in exchange for a 3rd round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft from the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins was with the team from 2018-2023, and played some of the best football of his career as a Viking. The trade comes after the Vikings started 6-0, but have had terrible quarterback play all season. After watching Carson Wentz turn the ball over 3 times on national TV, the Vikings had no choice but to find a quarterback. It was heavily speculated that they'd reunite with Cousins. Now. it's official.

I think this is a solid move for Minnesota. Cousins showed some great potential during his time in Vegas, the type of potential we haven't seen out of him in a long time. He threw 20 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. And he has helped the Raiders offense grow, while proving that #1 pick Fernando Mendoza can sit for a little and learn behind a good veteran quarterback before he can take over. I believe Mendoza is in the best possible spot right now.  I think he's taking over a good offense, and while he is facing the best defense in the league this week, I am excited to see what happens.

The Raiders will host the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks this week, while the Vikings travel to Wisconsin to face their archrival, the Green Bay Packers. It will be interesting to see how these teams seasons go.

New Mexico football ranked for first time

 The University of New Mexico's football team is ranked for the first time in its history, and tonight they are set to play their first game as a ranked member against Nevada. A proud basketball program, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 1968 and 1974, New Mexico football has been mediocre at best throughout most of its history, despite producing legendary linebacker Brian Urlacher. They won the Western Athletic Conference 3 times in a row in the 1960s, but in their 30 years in the Mountain West Conference, they have never won it. But after a 9-win season last year and a 7-1 start this year, things are looking up for them in the first two years under Jason Eck, who nearly quit coaching around 13 years ago. He was fired from Western Illinois, and applied to a job selling artificial turf. He did not get that job and thought about quitting football. He stayed, and after bouncing around schools being a position coach, he was hired as the head coach of Idaho University in 2022, and led them to 3 straight FCS playoff appearances. In 2025 he was hired by New Mexico, and the rest is history. Now he is leading the Lobos to their first ever AP ranking. How long will it last?

2026 World Series preview

 The 2026 World Series is here, and for the first time since 1980, it features 2 teams looking for their first championship. And for the first time since 2023, it does not involve the Los Angeles Dodgers. That's right. Baseball might be saved after all. Let's take a look at both these teams and analyze them.

After being swept by the Dodgers in last year's NLCS, the Milwaukee Brewers were hungry. They wanted to finally get over the hump. The Brewers traded away Freddy Peralta (more on him later) and Tobias Myers to the New York Mets and traded Caleb Durbin and Andruw Monasterio to the Boston Red Sox. At the trade deadline, they missed out on Tarik Skubal, but they signed JoJo Romero and Dustin May. The Brewers didn't spend too much money, but it didn't matter as they clinched the NL Central for the 4th straight year and clinched the NL's #1 seed for the 2nd straight year. The Brewers took down the Padres in the NLDS to return to the NLCS and set up a rematch with the Dodgers. It was the opposite of last year's matchup, as the Brewers swept out LA to win their first NL pennant in team history and their first trip to the World Series since 1982. Jake Bauers was named NLCS MVP after driving in six RBIs and hitting a home run. The Brewers pitching staff is led by NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorouski, and it's hard to imagine he doesn't have a big impact in this series. Bauers, Christian Yelich, Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio and more are going to be hard to stop. Can they finally bring a World Series home to Wisconsin after over 50 years? They'll need to get past an opponent who is quite similar to them.

The Tampa Bay Rays had two mediocre years in a row after making five straight playoff appearances. They needed to figure things out and return to the playoffs. In the offseason they signed Cedric Mullins, Steven Matz, and other veterans to give some experience to this team. At the trade deadline they acquired Freddy Peralta, Liam Hicks, Tyler Wells, and more. They won the AL East for the first time since 2023 and the #1 seed in the AL for the first time since 2020. They swept out their main rival, the Yankees, in the ALDS to set up a date with the Cleveland Guardians. The Rays went down 2-1 in the series, but won the next three games in the series to return to the World Series for the first time since 2020. However, they'll play their first World Series game at Tropicana Field since 2008 (all games were played in Texas in 2020 due to COVID-19). Peralta won ALCS MVP, meaning both LCS MVPs will play their former team in the World Series. Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and more will be hard to stop. And good luck getting hits off of Drew Rasmussen or Freddy Peralta.

Now for my predictions. I'd honestly be fine either way, but I am taking the Brewers to win in 5 games. I could see it being closer, but I just think the Brewers are hungrier and more well-rounded than the Rays. I'm super excited for this series because it's 2 smaller-market teams who've never won it before. I can't wait.

Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson announces retirement

 Philadelphia Eagles longtime offensive tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the team. Johnson's retirement comes after missing Philadelphia's game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons. Those reasons have not yet been disclosed. In Johnson's 14 years with the Eagles, he made 6 Pro Bowls, was a 2-time 1st Team All-Pro, a 3-time 2nd Team All-Pro, and helped the team win their only 2 Super Bowls to date.

As an Eagles fan, I am very disappointed by this news. I loved Johnson as a player. I thought he was everything that embodies the city of Philadelphia. Hard-nosed and willing to give everything 100% effort. He was an anchor on one of the best offensive lines in the league. And I will never forget what he did for this city in 2017-18, helping the Eagles to their first Super Bowl, and embracing the "underdog" culture by making masks. He was iconic.

As for the Eagles, a disastrous few weeks have just gotten even worse. The offense can't look good for 4 quarters, the defense can't close games out, the majority of fans (myself included) want Nick Sirianni gone, and now one of the Eagles' best offensive tackles has retired. The Super Bowl-winning team from 2 years ago has completely fallen apart. But it can only go up from here, right? Right?

2026 MLB playoffs predictions

 The 2026 MLB Playoffs are here, so it's time to make some predictions. Will the Dodgers 3-peat? Will the Yankees win title number 28? Will the Astros go all the way after going 81-81? Here's what I think.

NL Wild Card

Phillies vs Braves: Braves win in 3 games

The Phillies have been a quite disappointing team this year. After back-to-back NL East titles, the Phillies struggled to make the playoffs, and played their worst baseball in the month of September. Kyle Schwarber hit a lot of home runs, but the bullpen is bad. The Braves shook off their rough 2025 season to reclaim the NL East for the first time in 3 years. Matt Olson had a great year, and Chris Sale had his lowest ERA since 2018, and is in the conversation for Cy Young. This is a series that could go either way, but I am taking the Braves just because I can't trust the Phillies right now.

Cubs vs Padres: Cubs win in 3 games

The Cubs returned to the playoffs after having a season of streaks. In April they had a 10 game winning streak. In May they also had a 10 game winning streak, but also had a 10 game losing streak. They seemed to figure it out the rest of the way on the way to an 89-73 record. Pete Crow-Armstrong is probably the favorite to win MVP right now, after hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases. The pitching is doing well and things are looking up. The Padres also returned to the playoffs after looking dead in July. They rallied in the last 2 months and clinched the NL's top wild card spot. This is a rematch of last year's wild card series, and I think it'll have the exact same result.

AL Wild Card

White Sox vs Astros: White Sox win in 2 games

Talk about a turnaround. 2 years ago the White Sox had the worst record in MLB history, and now they're in the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. Led by Japanese phenom Munetaka Murakami, as well as Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth, this is a very scrappy team, and they're finally fun to watch. On the other side, how the mighty have fallen. The Astros had a streak of 8 years in the playoffs, including 2 World Series wins. Now they're the AL West champions with a measly 81-81 record, the worst division winners in history. Led by Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes, and closer Josh Hader, the Astros are a team that has the experience, and that could be important. I just don't think it will be and the White Sox win their first playoff series in 21 years.

Red Sox vs Yankees: Yankees win in 3 games

The best rivalry in baseball, and a rematch of last year. The Red Sox seemed dead in the water in the spring, firing longtime manager Alex Cora in April. Then they caught fire in July and started creeping into a playoff spot. Things are looking up again in Boston. The Yankees were very good, but unlucky that the Rays were in their division. They went 93-68 and clinched the AL's top wild card. Aaron Judge was out most of the year, and will not play in the playoffs. Ben Rice stepped up in his absence, hitting 41 home runs. Cam Schlittler was fantastic, with an ERA under 2, and will start game 1 of the series. Last year in this series he started the winner take all game 3, and held the Sox scoreless. I don't think he shuts them out this year, but I do think the Yanks win the series.

NLDS

Dodgers vs Braves: Dodgers win in 4 games

The Dodgers are the back-to-back world champions, and have shown no signs of slowing down. Featuring Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Max Muncy, Mookie Betts, and so much more, the Dodgers are expected to be the first team to 3 peat since the Yankees of the 90s, and it's not hard to see why. I think they will get past the Braves.

Cubs vs Brewers: Cubs win in 4 games

The Brewers were the NL's top seed for the second straight year, led by Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski, Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio and more. They're a team to watch out for, and don't be surprised if they are in the World Series. I just believe in the Cubs too much to pick against them for now.

ALDS

White Sox vs Guardians: Guardians win in 4 games

The Guardians won the AL Central for the 3rd straight year, the first time they've won the division 3 times in a row since 2016-18 under their former moniker. Led by Chase DeLauter, Brayan Rocchio, Gavin Williams and more, they are a team to watch out for. They're hungry for a deep playoff run, and they just want it more than the White Sox, in my opinion.

Rays vs Yankees: Yankees win in 5 games

The Rays surprised a lot of people with their season, going 98-64 in their return to Tropicana Field (went under renovations due to Hurricane Milton). Junior Caminero had a breakout year, with 42 home runs, and Drew Rasmussen had a brilliant season pitching. Brian Baker had 42 saves. This should be a great series, but I am going to give the Yankees a slight edge, because I think they have the experience the Rays don't.

NLCS

Dodgers vs Cubs: Dodgers win in 5 games

I have the Dodgers returning to the World Series for the 3rd straight year. I think they have too much talent. 

ALCS

Guardians vs Yankees: Yankees win in 6 games

The Yankees, in my opinion, are too experienced to not make it to the World Series. They made it here 2 years ago, why not now?

Yeah, I'm not even trying to be optimistic. This is the World Series matchup 95% of us would hate. But who would win it?

World Series

Dodgers vs Yankees: Dodgers win in 5 games

The Dodgers win a repeat of 2024 and become the first team to 3 peat since the 1998-99-2000 Yankees. And the majority of the baseball world is pissed.

Those are my predictions for the 2026 MLB playoffs. We might not get a 2027 playoffs, so let's enjoy this one while we can.

Vanderbilt wins on chaotic last play

 The Vanderbilt Commodores and the North Carolina State Wolfpack played a thrilling college football game on Saturday, with an ending no one will forget anytime soon. After jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, the Wolfpack looked like they were going to run away with the game. But Vanderbilt clawed their way back into it, making the score close. However, with less than 10 seconds left, NC State was up 31-28 and all but had the game won. This sets the stage for the games final play.

NC State was inside their own 10 on 4th down with 7 seconds left. The plan was for Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey to just fall down in the end zone for a safety, and then stop the Commodores from taking the kickoff back. But what happened was more mind-numbingly dumb than any walk-off kickoff return would've been. Bailey started running around in his own end zone, and then got stripped by Vanderbilt defensive end Miles Capers, and Cayden Daniels recovered the fumble in the end zone to preserve a wild, unforgettable 35-31 victory.

I feel 2 things, really. One, I feel bad for Bailey, because he's not gonna live this down anytime soon. But at the same time, that was an incredibly stupid thing for him to do. All he had to do was fall in the end zone, and NC State wins the game. But no, he had to run around. Now I understand he was trying to run out the clock, but if you're gonna do that, run out the back of the end zone. That way you don't run the risk of something like that happening.

Vanderbilt will try to win their 4th game in a row to open the season in the iconic Jordan Hare Stadium at Auburn University next week, while NC State will host Appalachian State, who are famous for beating Power 4 teams, especially ranked ones. I am curious to see how NC State recovers from such a devastating loss.

Iron Maiden concert review

 We're going to do things a little differently. I was at a concert over the weekend and I want to talk about it. I had a great time.

The concert was Iron Maiden on their Run for Your Lives Tour, featuring Anthrax and Megadeth at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, home to Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls. I was excited, as I had never seen any of these bands. All 3 are metal (and rock, for that matter) royalty. I have heard many songs by these bands, but never seen them live. I didn't know what to expect.

First up was Anthrax. Now, admittedly, I'm not as familiar with Anthrax as I am with the other bands, but I was still excited to see them. They put on a great show, but I wanted to see more. They only played about 7 songs, and they did not play "Antisocial", one of my favorite Anthrax songs. The show was high energy, featuring Scott Ian shredding and hyping up the crowd. Their singer, Joey Belladona, was very good, hitting high notes, and getting the crowd involved. Overall it was good, but it left me wanting more.

Next up was Megadeth. I enjoy Megadeth's music, but I don't like Dave Mustaine as a person. But in their case, I can separate the art from the artist. They did a great job, and Mustaine, who is turning 65 soon, sounded solid for his age. They played many, if not all the songs I wanted to hear from them. I was not disappointed in them at all. Their guitar work was excellent, and the drumming was great. Very high energy and solid show heading into the headliner.

Last but certainly not least, the headliner, Iron Maiden. Arguably one of the greatest and most iconic metal bands in history. They made their dramatic entrance to "Doctor Doctor" and the stadium erupted. Their  set was very high energy, and Bruce Dickinson still sounds good after all these years. He was very energetic and got the crowd very involved. The guitar work was still great too, and the guitarists were swinging their guitars in the air like a windmill. They did an encore afterwards, and still were very energetic, especially for men in their late 60s.

Overall the concert was great. All three bands did such a great job, and I was blown away by the stage production as well (forgot to mention that). I am out of words to describe the show, so I'll end the article here.