Kiffin Next to Fall

Just one day after the St.Louis Rams fired coach Scott Linehan, today the second coach was put on the chopping block. The Oakland Raiders have announced the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin. The move comes as a surprise to no one as Raider's owner Al Davis and Kiffin bumped heads repeatedly during the off season.

Oakland is expected to name offensive line coach Tom Cable as their new head coach. There is a press conference scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday where some type of announcement will be made regarding the teams plans for the remainder of the season.

White Sox Force One Game Playoff

162 games is not quite enough to figure out everything in the AL playoff picture. The Chicago White Sox, behind a grand slam by Alexei Ramirez, defeated the Detroit Tigers forcing a one game playoff between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins to determine the winner of the AL central, and the chance to square off with the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.

The Tigers were up 2-1 after the top of the 6th, but the grand slam by Ramirez gave the White Sox a lead that they were not going to give up. Gavin Floyd picked up the win bumping his record to 17-8.

The game was a makeup of a rainout earlier this month, and was delayed 3 hours by rain moving through the Chicago area.

Linehan The First To Go

The first coach to go this NFL season? Now former Rams coach Scott Linehan got the unfortunate title. The coach was fired after a 31-14 loss to the Bills, capping off an 0-4 start where the Rams only put up a total of 43 points. It seems as though Linehan lost control of his team, after star running back Steven Jackson pubicly aired his concerns on a St. Louis radio show last week, where he said the locker room was "kind of on eggshells". He also disagreed with the benching of starter Marc Buldger.

What does an unhappy superstar, unhappy ownership, and an 0-4 start get you?
A kick out the door.

NL PLayoff Picture Set

Another year, same result. For the second time in as many years the New York Mets have failed to make for playoffs after having led either the division or the wild card for the majority of the season. The task was simple. Win today and they will live to play another day. What better way to send off Shea Stadium then to win on the final day of the regular season to make the playoffs. Instead they lost at the hands of the Florida Marlins Sunday by the score of 4-2. Their Achilles' heal all season long was their bullpen and that served true once again. Scott Schoeneweis and Luis Ayala served up back-to-back homers in the eighth inning giving the Marlins the lead and giving away the Mets' playoff hopes.

Elsewhere in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers did that the Mets failed to do; take care of business and live to fight another day. CC Sabathia went the distance for the Brewers allowing just one run on four hits over nine innings. A Ryan Braun homer in the 8th sealed the deal for the Brewers 3-1. Sabathia did just what Milwaukee acquired him to do; get the Brewers to the playoffs for the first time since 1982. Pitching on three days rest for the third straight start, Sabathia looked every bit as sharp as he has in his time with the Brewers. CC has been dominant to say the least since coming to the National League. Sabathia is 10-2 with a 1.78 ERA in 16 starts. Now he and his Brewer teammates will get to take another crack at the Chicago Cubs, the team the Brewers beat Sunday to get into the playoffs.

Its All J-E-T-S

As good as Kurt Warner looked a few weeks ago against the Miami Dolphins he is looking equally as bad today against the New York Jets. Warner has been sacked three times, thrown two interceptions, and fumbled four times in the first half.

Meanwhie, Brett Favre and the Jets have looked pretty good, but then again how can you not when you keep getting handed great field position series after series. Favre has thrown for over 150 yards in the first half including three touchdown passes to Laveranues Coles.

34-0 Jets at halftime. This one is all over...

Week 4 Outlook

Week 4 is upon us. Here's a look at this week's top matchups...

Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2), 1 p.m. ET
It is a little early to call this a must win game for the Jets but starting out the season 1-3 after all the highly acclaimed off season moves could be the sort of downward momentum that can crash a season. Arizona has been traditionally bad on the east coast but, with an offense clicking on all cylenders right now under the lead of Kurt Warner, the Cardinals have a chance to end that today.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1), 1 p.m. ET
Brian Griese threw an unheard of 67 times last week. Green Bay will be without both starting safeties (Nick Collins & Aaron Rouse). This could be a high scoring game unless the Packers defense steps up in their absence. You can expect another 40+ throw performance today from Griese.

Wahington Redskins (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0), 4:15 p.m. ET
The first of two big time inner division match-ups this week. After a poor performance in week 1 the Redskins seem to be clicking once again. Offensively Clinton Portis is leading the way for Washington, regaining his explosiveness. Today however it will likely be a passing orientated game. Both Terrell Owens and Santana Moss have historically had monster games against each other. Look for that to continue today.

Baltimore Ravens (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1), 8:30 p.m. ET Monday
A battle of the top two teams in the AFC North. These two teams to not like each other. Traditionally these games feature hard hitting smash mouth football. The problem for the Steelers is that they will be without starting running back Willie Parker. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall will get the carries in Parker's absence. His effectiveness very well may determine the outcome of this game.

Be sure to check back with WAY Back Sports throughout the day for the latest news from around the NFL.

It's Sunday!

It's another Sunday, meaning only one thing: more football! Let's see if the pros can match the excitement that college football started the weekend with. Keep checking waybacksports.com to get the latest news and stats.

More Upset Specials

USC. Florida. Georgia. Clemson. Wisconsin. What do these teams share in common? They were upset in another exciting week of college football. Oregon St. knocked off USC. Ole Miss upset Florida. 'Bama tripped up Clemson and Michigan protected the Big House.

We will remember week 5 of the college football season as the week where national title hopes were thrown out the window, and where the underdogs reigned supreme.

Weekend Of Upsets Continues

If you thought that Oregon St. beating USC was going to be the only upset this weekend, you were mistaken. Ole Miss knocked off #4 Florida today in the Swamp, where the Gators had won 21 of there last 22. Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Sneed tossed two touchdowns and ran for another, but the play of the game was on special teams. After Ole Miss took a late lead, but Flordia's Percy Harvin scored on a 15 yard rush, leaving the Gators just the extra point shy of a tie. But as the PAT went up, Rebles special teamer Kentrell Lockett charged over the Flordia line and blocked the game-tying kick.

Tim Tebow went 24/38 for 319 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Worst To First: Rays Clinch AL East Title

66-96. This was the record of the last place Tampa Bay Rays in 2007, the laughing stock of the AL.

No one is laughing now.

Though the Rays dropped their game last night to the Tigers, the Red Sox loss to the Yankees clinched Tampa's first AL East championship. "You can't believe it. You have to kind of wait and sit back. It just feels fantastic right now, wonderful" said should-be manager of the year Joe Maddon. It's the first time since 1997 that Boston or New York has not won the division. Tampa had never won more then 70 games in a season, but have accumulated 96 victories thus far. "Unbelievable, it just feels unbelievable" said Rays 1B Carlos Pena.

Unbelievable is definatly the word for the Tampa Bay Rays this season.

Jackson: Locker Room is "Kind of on eggshells"

Rams RB Steven Jackson has thrown his support behind benched QB Marc Bulger. Jackson, in an interview with a St. Louis radio station, said that benching the starter was the "wrong decision". He added "You just rewarded this man with a new contract last year, millions of dollars, and you bench him. Then if things do not work out with Trent(Green), you go back. I don't like it at all".

The Rams have proven to be one of the doormats in the NFL this year, and now their superstar is unhappy. Sorry St. Louis fans, it's going to be a long year.

Saturday's Big 3: Week 5

After #1 USC was knocked off by Oregon State, the number one spot is up for grabs. Let's see which games this week could produce the new #1

3) #12 Penn State vs #22 Illinois
JoPa and crew will try to derail Juice Williams and the Illini this week to keep their perfect record this season. Illinois, coming off a bye week, will try to prove that they're a better team then what they showed last game, a narrow win over Louisiana-Lafayette. In this battle of two top 25 teams, I'll take Penn State to remain unbeaten.


2) #2 Oklahaoma vs #24 TCU
It's a contest bewteen two unbeatans in Norman, OK this weekend as the Sooners take on the Horned Frogs. Oklahoma is led by Sam Bradford, a sensational quarterback who has tossed 12 touchdowns this season. Don't sleep on TCU though, who are unbeaten in their last two trips to the Sooners home stadium. All and all, Oklahoma is too good, and with the number one spot wide open, I can't see OU dropping this one.



1) #3 Georgia vs #8 Alabama
They're both 4-0. They're both in the SEC. They're both able to put up points. Georgia and Alabama is the biggest game on this weeks schedule. Georgia is looking to leapfrog Oklahaoma and show that they're the #1 team in the land, and Alabama wants to show a national audience that a win versus Clemson was not just a fluke. This game features two great running backs, Knowshon Moreno(9 TD) and Glen Coffee (8.6 Yards Per Carry). It also shows off two top freshman recivers, Julio Jones of 'Bama and A.J. Green of the 'Dawgs. Nick Saban and Mark Richt are two great coaches, but I see Richt and the Bulldogs to remain undefeated and cause a real debate for the number one team in the land.

Stay tuned!

Final Weekend!

After 159 games it all comes down to the final weekend for several teams in both the National and American Leagues. Friday marks the beginning of the final regular season three game series for every team in baseball. For some the fate of their season rests in these three pivotal games; for others it is merely a chance to go out on a high note and see what their young stars can do. Regardless of where your team stands it is sure to be one exciting weekend all across Major League Baseball.

Through Thursday night the following standings hold true:

NL East:
Phillies 89-70 - Next: vs. Nationals
Mets 88-71 1 Next: vs. Marlins

NL Wild Card:
Mets 88-71 - Next: vs. Marlins
Brewers 88-71 - Next: vs. Cubs

AL East:
Rays 96-63 - Next: @ Tigers
Red Sox 94-65 2 Next: vs. Yankees

AL Central:
Twins 87-72 - Next: vs. Royals
White Sox 86-72 .5 Next: vs. Indians

Oregon State Stuns #1 USC

21-0. Not an unusual score at halftime for a game featuring the #1 ranked University of Southern California. The problem for Trojans fans however is that for the first time in a very long time it was not USC who had the twenty-one point lead. Instead it was an unranked Oregon State team. A team who lost its first two games of the season, week one at Stanford and then the following week at Penn St.

Call it a two week layoff. Call it a big win hangover. Call it a fluke. Any way you call it the Beavers, not the Trojans, walked away from Thursday night's game winners by the score of 27-21.

Led by freshmen tailback Jacquizz Rodgers and his 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns Oregon States jumped out to a 21-0 lead before USC got their act together in the second half.

Trojan's quarterback and Heismen hopeful Mark Sanchez threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns but was picked off late in the fourth quarter putting an end to any possible comeback.

The loss, by the team who many believed to be the clear cut #1 team in the country, shakes up an already unpredictable college football season. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season shakes out now that the mighty have fallen.

Giants Suspend Burress

The New York Giants have suspended wide receiver Plaxico Burress for one game for missing a practice without informing the team. The Giants have a bye in week 4 so he will serve his suspension during week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Burress has eight catches for 259 yards and a touchdown in three games this season.

Giant's coach Tom Coughlin had the following to say in regards to the suspension:

"We have had success here because of the team concept and the team concept means basically that everyone is accountable and responsible and that we don't let the other guys down. And that is what we are trying to do. This is a team that is focused and displayed mental toughness and they will do the same thing with regard to this."

Time for a Change in STL

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Thats what an 0-3 start and a coach on the hot seat will do to the St. Louis Rams as they have elected to bench quarterback Marc Bulger in favor of 38 year old Trent Green. The move was announced today by Ram's coach Scott Linehan. Green last played for the Miami Dolphins last season before suffering what many thought would be a career ending concussion.

"I think we'd be crazy if we didn't try something different because what we've done for the first three weeks is not working."

It is never a good sign if a team decides to bench one of its only recognizable players this early in the season. It is not a good time to be a Rams fan.

Steelers Injury Woes

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star running back Willie Parker and four time Pro-Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton for Monday night's game against Baltimore.

Parker suffered a sprained left knee late in Sunday's game against Philadelphia. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated that the injury may require Parker to miss more than one game but no time table has yet been established. 2008 first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall will make his first NFL start in Parker's absence.

Hampton is suffering from a groin strain and is only expected to miss one week.

Sox To Retire #6

1, 4, 8, 9, 27. Those are the only five numbers that the Boston Red Sox have retired in their storied history as a Major League Baseball franchise. On Friday they will do something that they have not in quite some time (2000) as they will add a sixth number to that list. Ironically, that number will be the number 6, worn proudly by Johnny Pesky for ten years as a player for the Red Sox and several more as a coach.

Pesky, who is best known for Fenway's right field foul pole which bares his name, has ties with all five of the other retirees. He played with Bobby Doerr (No. 1), Joe Cronin (No. 4), and Ted Williams (No. 9) and then coached both Carl Yastrzemski (No. 8) and Carlton Fisk (No. 27).

U-S-A!

For the first time since 1999 the United States captured the Ryder Cup, golf's version of the Olympics. Every two years the event is played with the United States taking on a usually dominant Europe team.

After losing the previous three Ryder Cups, the Americans, led by first time Captain Paul Azinger, were determined not to go down on home soil. They wasted no time getting out of the gates jumping out to a 5 1/2 to 2 1/2 lead after day one. Europe made a push day 2 by winning the day 4 1/2 points to 3 1/2 cutting USA's lead to 2. In the end it was the Americans, led by Ryder Cup rookies Bubba Watson and Kenny Perry, who sealed the deal putting the United States back in the winner's circle 16 1/2 to 11 1/2.

Saying Goodbye to Yankee Stadium

While Sundays in fall are usually reserved for watching football, there is something much bigger going on tonight. The house that Ruth built, Yankee Stadium, is hosting its final game in its 85 year life. It's been the home of 26 World Championships, Monument Park, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Rodger Marris, Lou Gehric, Yogi Berra, and countless others. It's hosted the Pope, boxing matches featuring Muhammad Ali, and was the setting of the memorable "Win One for the Gipper" speech. It was their for the United States after 9/11. So as Andy Pettite throws the last first pitch in stadium history, we bid adu to a national treasure.

Yankee Stadium is a baseball cathedral, and the moments that have taken place there will last a lifetime. Goodbye, Yankee Stadium.

Dolphins Running Wild

In a very unexpected development the Miami Dolphins lead the New England Patriots 21-6 at half time. Led by three rushing touchdowns from Ronnie Brown and little trickery from the offense the Dolphins are looking less and less like a team that has won just once in their last twenty regular season games.

Matt Cassel and the Patriots will need to get their acts together in the second half if they want to avoid the upset.

Be sure to check back with WAY Back Sports throughout the day for the latest NFL week 3 news!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Here we are once again! Its week 3 of the NFL schedule. Be sure to check in with WAY Back Sports all day for the latest NFL news.

This week's top match-ups include:

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Aaron Rodgers faces his first real test as he takes on what may believe to be the best team in the entire National Football League.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

Traditionally a tough match-up between AFC South foes. The Jags will be looking to ride their high powered running game to their first victory. The Colts will look to build upon last week's victory over the Vikings. Dallas Clark will be back for the first time this season for the Colts, only improving an already powerful offense.

New York Jets (1-1) at San Diego Chargers (0-2)

Its may seem a little premature to say this but this game could be the make or break point in the season for the Chargers. 0-3 is a hole that they just may not be able to overcoming. With LT questionable there will be a lot of pressure put on the arm of Philip Rivers.

Saturday's Big 3: Week 4

Here are the top three games on the college football schedule for week four of the season:

3) #4 Florida at Tennessee
A SEC East rivalry is renewed at the Gators take on the Rocky-Top singing Vols. Tennessee is going to have their hands full now that Florida WR Percy Harvin is back to 100% after a heal injury that has limited his touches. With Harvin at Tim Tebow's disposal, I see the Gators going in to a hostile enviorment and picking up the W.

2) #3 Georgia at Arizona St.
This is as far west as the 'Dawgs have been for a regualr season game since 1960. Some of the appeal of this game was knocked off after ASU was upset last week, but it's a great game none the less. ASU QB Rudy Carpenter (975 passing yards) will look to slice up the secondary, and Georgia RB Knowshon Moreano looks to add to his Heisman resume. This will be a very close game, but Georgia will go get the win in the dessert.

1) #6 LSU at #10 Auburn.
The Tiger Bowl is the biggest game of this weekend. It's been 10 years since LSU has beat Auburn on the road, a streak that Auburn fans hope to see continue. Auburn's D, who only allowed 2 points last weekend, will look to limit LSU RB Charles Scott, who has rushed for an average of 11.4 yards per carry. Eleven of the last 18 matchups bewteen the two have been decided by a touchdown or less, including four in a row. This weekends game will be more of the same, but I see Auburn, with the home field advantge, getting the win over the Bayou Bengals.

It's no supurise that all of these games have a SEC team in them, it's clearly the deepest conference in college football.

Wizzards Lose Arenas

The AP is reporting that Washington Wizzards franchise point guard Gilbert Arenas will be out at least until December following surgery to his left knee Thursday. The procedure to remove what is being called "loose debris" is the third surgery that Arenas has had in the past 17 months.

This is bad news for a Wizzards team not known for its depth. The team in July signed the seven year pro to a six year $111 million deal.

Rays Prove Themselves Yet Again

Once again the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox had a series showdown in which first place was up for grabs and once again it was the Rays, not the defending champs, who came out on top.

Tampa scored ten runs, six of which came of Boston starter Tim Wakefield during his 2.1 innings of work, en route to a 10-3 victory and two game strong hold on the AL East. Willy Aybar, Fernando Perez, and Gabe Gross all homered in a winning effort for the Rays who now have 90 wins on the season.

The win makes Tampa Bay just the sixth team in Major League Baseball history to win 90 games in a season after having ten consecutive prior losing seasons.

David Ortiz homered twice for the Red Sox who have now lost four of their last five against the division leading Rays.

The two teams will not face each other again in the regular season, but both appear to be locks to make the playoffs at this point setting up a potential match-up in the ALCS. Tampa won the season series 10-8.

QB Shuffle

A pair of NFL teams announced today that they will be changing quarterbacks on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings have elected to go with 15 year veteran Gus Frerotte for their Sunday matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Frerotte will be replacing Tavaris Jackson who had started both games so far this season. Jackson had been the Vikings starter most of last season, nearly leading the Vikings to a playoff berth. Viking's coach Brad Childress had the following to say in regards to the move:

"I'm just not seeing right now the aggressiveness from Tarvaris that I saw throughout the offseason, training camp, the two preseason games that he played in. And part of it may be experience. I know Gus will give us that. And I know his approach will also lend itself to that."

Elsewhere in the NFL the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Tyler Thigpen will get the start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Thigpen will be the Chiefs third different quarterback in three games this season; Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard were the other two. The start will be the first of his career for the second year pro out of Coastal Carolina.

"For what we're trying to do, I think he can do a good job of it," coach Herm Edwards said. "He'll be limited in some things but we want to take a look at him. We're trying to look at young players, it's part of the process. Is he a two? Is he a one? Is he always going to be a three? You don't know until they play, until they have an opportunity to play."

Sox Slug Their Way To A First Place Tie

For the first time since the day after the All-Star break, the Boston Red Sox have found themselves in a tie for first place atop the AL East. The long ball led the way for Boston, with a total of six players going deep. Leading the way was David Ortiz, who hit a 3 run bomb in the first inning, followed my Mike Lowell, also in the first. Jason Bay hit a shot in the 4th inning with Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis following suit in the same frame. Jacoby Ellsbury hit the final sox homer in the 5th inning. Dustin Pedroia also added an RBI.

Pitching wise, Disuke Matsuzaka picked up his 17th win, going 5 innings with 7 strikeouts. Tampa stater Scott Kazmir didn't fare as well, going 3+ innings, giving up 4 homers and 4 walks.

This is a rough start for the Rays in what could be called their most important homestand in franchise history. They have two games remaining with Boston, then wild-card hopeful Minnesota comes in for a four game series. If the Rays start to slide, the eyes of the Twins will be wide open, looking for the last spot in the playoffs.

Lester Pitches Sox Within 1

Johan Santana to Boston for Jon Lester, Jed Lowrie, and Michael Bowden. Thats all it would have taken to land one of the most dominant pitchers Major League Baseball has seen in years. All winter media outlets all across the country wondered why the Red Sox would not bite on this deal. Many assumed they were just waiting out the Twins hoping to lower their price, others simply thought they would cave and give in to the outcry by the Boston fans for the once in a lifetime chance to acquire a talent like Santana. Instead, GM Theo Epstein stood firm behind his belief that the key to success for the Red Sox both short and long term rested firmly with the organization's young stud prospects. Many questioned, some called him crazy, but in the end it is Epstein who is having the last laugh.

Jon Lester pitched eight innings of four hit baseball on Sunday, outdueling one of the game's top pitchers in Roy Halladay en route to a 4-3 Sox win. In the heat of a pennant race it was been the youngsters like Lester who have been the difference. The win moves Lester to 15-5 with a 3.15 era. Not bad when you consider that Johan Santana, the star who Lester was almost traded for, is 13-7 with a 2.70 era. And oh by the way, the other major piece to that proposed deal, Jed Lowrie, has been a spark plug for the Sox both offensively and defensively since his call up replacing Julio Lugo as the everyday shortstop, has nearly a .400 on base percentage while committing zero errors in 68 games.

Sunday's win moves Boston just one game back of the first place Tampa Bay Rays, a team who just will not go away. How many times has it appeared that the Rays' run was about to end only to see them kick it back into gear and maintain their lead? Looking back over the past month of entries on this site alone will show just how impressive their run has been. They too have been led by some young stars of their own, all coming together to will the team to victory. That, however, can all change on Monday when the Sox and Rays open up a three game series in Tampa Bay. It is a chance for Boston to take over the AL East lead for the first time since June.

Then again, the Sox are 0-6 at Tropicana Stadium this season.

Only time will tell how this season will shake out. Either way, it is time to put up or shut up for both teams. Time to let young guys do the talking.

Big Z Throws No-No

In a game that was to be played in Houston but was moved to Milwaukee in the wake of Hurricane Ike, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who had not pitched since September 2nd due to arm trouble, no hit the Astros. He walked Michale Bourne in the bottom of the fourth inning, which kept him from a perfect game. The Cubs last no hitter was thrown by Milt Pappas on September 2nd, 1972.

Pats Do It Without Brady

Offensive flare may put fans in the seat, but it's defense that wins championships.

The New England Patriots returned to that motto on Sunday with a 19-10 victory over the New York Jets. Led by sacks from Richard Seymour and Adalius Thomas and seven tackles from rookie linebackers Jerod Mayo the Patriots were able to limit Brett Farve and the Jets to 250 yards of total offense.

Matt Cassel, making his first start since his senior year in high school, was steady throughout, not putting up impressive numbers but managing the game well in a winning effort. Stephen Gostkowski paced New England offensively with four field goals.

This is a good start for the Brady-less Pats. They will look to make it 3-0 against the Miami Dolphins next week.

Brett Who?

All is well in the land of the cheezehead.

Aaron Rodgers is making Packers fans quickly forget the former hall-of-fame quarterback. Led by Rodgers' three first half touchdown passes the Green Bay Packers cursed to a 48-25 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Rodgers, who finished the day 24 of 38 for 328 yards and 3 TD's, impressed throughout with his excellent arm strength.

Thats two weeks in a row that Rodgers has led the Packers to a convincing victory. He is making the Packers' decision to go with the inexperienced 24 year old over the 38 year old veteran a good one.

McFadden, Raiders Save Kiffin

At 33 years old Lane Kiffin is the youngest head coach in the NFL. He just may get to keep that title for another week as Kiffin's Oakland Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 23-8 on Sunday. Led by Darren McFadden's career high 164 yards rushing, including a nineteen yard touchdown run, the Raiders looked a lot more like the team owner Al Davis and company expected than the deer in headlights team they looked like in week one.

Rumors have circulated all week regarding the potential firing of Kiffin if things in Oakland did not get turned around in a hurry. Kiffin and Davis have bumped heads several times over the past few months prompting Davis to go as far as saying "he's not the guy I hired."

It will be interesting to see just how much time this win will buy Kiffin. It was a much better effort on the field in week two, but the Raiders only have so much to work with. Its just a matter of time before they get blown out again and the drama continues.

K-Rod Breaks Record with 58 Saves

Los Angeles Angels Closer, Francisco Rodriguez has broken Bobby Thigpen's single-season save record by recording his 58^th save last night.

Week 2 - Match-up Of the Week

New England @ N.Y. Jets

The first game of the Matt Cassel era is here. For those of you who have been living under a rock the past week, Tom Brady suffered a season ending knee injury last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots offense was still functional following Brady's injury. Cassel led on a couple of nice drives including a bomb to Randy Moss for a touchdown on Cassel's first series of the season. You have to wonder just how well he will fare in is first start since high school against the Pats top rival in the AFC East.

From the Jets side, if you are a Jets fan you have to be licking you chops. Week 2, at home, Brett Farve as your quarterback, against a Brady-less Patriots team who you always get up to play anyway. If there was a opportunity for the Jets to make a statement as a true contender in the AFC East, today is the day.

It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Be sure to check WAY Back Sports for the latest developments in then NFL today as the game progress.

Week 2 is Upon Us

Its that time of week again! Time to sit back and enjoy a full day of the NFL. Be sure to check WAY Back Sports for all the latest NFL news as the games progress.

K-Rod Ties Single Season Save Record

Los Angeles Angels closer, Francisco Rodriguez, earned his 57^th save of the season last night in a 7-4 win over Seattle. With that save, K-Rod tied the single season saves record, set by Bobby Thigpen in 1990 as a member of the Chicago White Sox. K-Rod may get a chance to break the record tonight when the Angles face off against the Mariners. If he does not get the chance tonight, he will have 15 more chances until the end of September to get it done. 

Odds are that K-Rod will be able to break the record and possibly put the number of saves in a single season over 60. There is no doubt that K-Rod has been a dominant closer for many years, but it is interesting to note that he breaks the record in the final year of his contract. In the open market, K-Rod will command top dollar from any team wishing to have his services, and after a record breaking year like this, I would say he has earned it.

Saturday's Big 3: Week 3

Another college football Saturday is almost upon us, so let's take a look at the top three games for week 3.

3) #10 Wisconsin at #21 Fresno State
Fresno State coach Pat Hill has made a carrier of playing any team at any time at any venue. The Bulldogs traveled across the country to play Rutgers and got a victory. Wisconsin is lead by tailback P.J. Hill, a bruising, downhill runner whose already racked up four TD's in two games. I like Wisconsin going to the west coast and getting the win.

2) #2 Georgia at South Carolina
It's a clash in the SEC as National Champion hopefuls Georgia take on the old ball coach and South Carolina. Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno is showing everyone why he is a real threat to win the Heisman, scoring 6 times in the first two games. But this is 'Dogs first test on the road and the Gamecocks will be looking to get a loss to Vanderbilt out of their heads. This is an easy pick, I'm taking Georgia.

1) #5 Ohio State at #1 Southern California
This is the match up that college football fans have been waiting to see since the schedule came out. It is by far the most anticipated regular season game this year. The hype machine has been on all week for the so called 'clash in the coliseum'.

Ohio State did not look goodt after a narrow escape against Ohio, a game they played without their top runner, Chris "Beanie" Wells. USC has not played a game since their 52-7 trouncing of Virgina in week one.

Ohio State's D is lead by James Laurinaitis, and he'll be busy trying to stop the Trojan offense with RB Joe McKinght and QB Mark Sanchez, who looked great week one. USC is led by hard-hitting LB Rey Maualuga, who will have his hands full when Ohio State brings in dual threat QB Terrelle Pryor.

With or without Wells, who is a game-time decision to play, I see a victory for USC. I wouldn't be surprised if they won by 2 or more touchdowns.

735 Days—Shaq Calls his own Retirement

Phoenix Suns center, Shaquille O'Neal told a Florida television station that his NBA career would be over in 735 days. O'Neal plans to play the remaining two years left on his contract, and then call it career. The 36-year-old was bothered by injuries last season and hopes to rebound in the final two years of his campaign. As confident a man and player as Shaq is, perhaps it is a little too early to announce retirement. A decision to retire is final and not negotiable in any way, just ask Brett Favre.

Staal Signs Extension

ESPN.com is reporting that Carolina Hurricanes Center, Eric Staal, has signed a long-term contract believed to be worth over 8 million dollars a season for the next 7 years. The 23-year-old Staal ended last season with 38 goals and 44 assists. As the NHL looks to increase its appeal and ratings in non-traditional hockey markets, having a player of Staal's caliber sign long-term to a team like Carolina can only help in what seems like a bright future for the NHL.

Bruins Discuss Possible Outdoor Game at Fenway

Bruin's owner Charlie Jacobs has mentioned the idea of possibly hosting an outdoor game as a part of the NHL's "Winter Classic" series, sometime in the future. Potential locations for the game are Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and the Boston Common. After the success of the New Year's day game in buffalo this past year, many teams have been interested in hosting an outdoor game. Traditionally a popular sport in cold weather areas, the NHL is increasing their popularity with every outdoor event that they host. The NHL should explore Boston as an opportunity to host an outdoor game given the recent success of cult-like sports franchises like the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

Saints Lose Colston

The New Orleans Saints will be without star wide receiver Marques Colston for the next 4-6 weeks following thumb surgery Wednesday. It is believed that Colston tore a ligament in the thumb during Sunday's 24-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Colston finished the game with a mere 26 receiving yards on three catches for the day, far from his usual numbers.

This is a big loss to the Saints and Drew Brees in particular who has had a very good chemestry with Colston the past two seasons. Colston had 2,241 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons as a Saint.

Simms Signs With Titans

The Tennessee Titans have announced the signing of quarterback Chris Simms. Simms, who was in New England for a workout on Monday, will serve as the backup to Kerry Collins this week as the Titans are without regular starter Vince Young following what the team is calling a minor knee sprain.

Simms spent five seasons in Tampa Bay, two as the starter, before being cut back in August.

The Titans issued the following statement following the signing:

"Chris has been a starter in the league and should fit into our system well," said Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt. "He is a smart player who is a student of the game and has the presence in the huddle that you look for in a quarterback."

Chelios Returns for a 25th Season

The Detroit Red Wings have signed 46-year-old Defenseman Chris Chelios to a one-year deal worth $750,000. The 2008-2009 season will be Chelios' 25th NHL season and 9th season with the Red Wings. He is currently the oldest active player in the NHL. Placing things in perspective, Chelios entered his 3rd season in the NHL the year Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby was born.

Merriman Out For Season

Shawne Merriman, linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, will be placed on the IR so he can have a total reconstructive knee surgery, according to a Chargers source. The 24 year old Meriman was going to try to play the season with two torn ligimates in his left knee, after many doctors told him not to do so. He left last Sunday's game after only tallying two tackles.

Brady Who?

Have no fear, the Red Sox are here!

On a day that sunk the hearts of many all across New England with the news that Tom Brady will miss the remainder of the season, the Red Sox sought to put a smile back on the face of sport fans in Boston Monday night.

Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelpon combined for a seven hit shutout as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 to climb withing a half game of the AL East lead.

The Rays, who have lost six of their seven games so far in September have watched their lead in the AL East drop from as much as five and a half games at one point down to a mere half game going into tomorrow night's match-up in Boston. A win for the Sox in that game would put them back in first place for the first time since July 17th.

People have been waiting all season for the Rays to fall off. They are so young and so talented that it has taken much longer than anticipated, but it appears that time has finally come. Injuries to speedster Carl Crawford and rookie of the year favorite Evan Longoria are starting to take their toll. If there is any good news for the Rays coming away from this game it is that Longoria has been activated from the disabled list and could play by the end of the week. It remains to be seen whether or not he will be available in the remaining two games of this series with Boston.

Wagner To Miss Rest Of Season, Most Of 2009

Billy Wagner, closer for the New York Mets, needs shoulder surgery that will end his 2008 season and will cause him to miss most of the 2009 season as well. The Mets said that Wagner has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left elbow and a torn flexor pronator, which is a muscle in the forearm.

Mets GM Omar Minaya was told reporters that "The tear is now big enough that the doctors are recommending so-called Tommy John surgery".

The 37 year old Wagner has been on the DL since August 5th.

The Mets are now more then likely to make a big splash after the season looking for bullpen help, as the 'pen has been a major concern.

Brady Officially Out For Season

Its official, New England Patriot's QB Tom Brady will undergo season ending knee surgery. As of now it appears former backup Matt Cassel will get his chance as a starter, however the addition of a veteran quarterback like Chris Simms or Tim Rattay seems eminent. Another possible scenario could be the addition of recently retired QB Daunte Culpepper. A potential reunion between Moss and Culpepper only makes sense and allows for a chance to both revive the Patriot's season, and revive the struggling Culpepper's career.

QB Shuffle

It is looking more and more likely that the knee injury suffered on Sunday by Patriot's all-pro quarterback is a sever one. It has been reported by numerous sources that Tom Brady has suffered an ACL tear in his left knee. Brady will undergo an MRI at some point on Monday to determine the exact extent of the injury. The key telling point from a Bill Belichick staff, a staff that is generally very tight lipped when it comes to injuries, was the Monday tryouts scheduled for free agent QB's Chris Simms and Tim Rattay, both of whom where cut by their previous teams during training camp.

For the time being Matt Cassel is New England's starting QB. Cassel looked very shaky at times during the preseason but led the Patriots to a 64 yard scoring drive in his first series after replacing Brady on Sunday. The Patriots went on to win the game 17-10. Cassel is no Tom Brady, but then again nobody, other than perhaps Peyton Manning, could fill Brady's shoes.

The Patriots have a news conference scheduled for 3pm Monday where it is expected that they will announce the extent of the injury and perhaps the signing of a veteran backup.

Reports: Brady Out For Season

It has been reported that Tom Brady will miss the rest of the 2008-2009 season with an torn ACL in his left knee, according to yahoo.com. Two sources told Yahoo's Michale Silver that the injury involved "serious damage". A team source was also quoted as saying "It's bad, we're going to have to play the season without him".

If the report is true, it's an absolutely crushing blow to New England. The team looked lost without him in the pre-season, where Brady missed all four games while recovering from an injured foot.