Real Sports Talk with E$

WELL, there is a lot to talk about this week. I am writing this super early, as I am probably down in New Orleans, Louisiana as you are reading this column. For the record, don't forget that columns (especially this one) are reflections of myself, and no one else within sports, or this newspaper as a whole. With that said, time to start the conversation off with sports (as I always do).

Who is the bigger disappointment through the first third (or so) of the NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons, or the Houston Texans? It appears that the Texans are, as quarterback Matt Schaub is getting a TON of heat after throwing a number of interceptions returned for touchdowns. Former University of Houston player Case Keenum has taken the helm for the Texans, and looks to right the ship in order for the Texans to get back into the playoff hunt. The Falcons, who have one of the most explosive offenses in all of the NFL, have been quite a disappointment in large part to their inability to close out games. Between four of the losses that the Falcons have had, they have lost by a combined 19 points. Not only does losing this game hurt their chances to make the playoffs, but it doesn't allow them the ability to have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, which they desperately need. Neither of these teams has much of a chance to make the playoffs, as two teams will come out of the west and north (for the NFC, while the AFC will have two teams from the west and south (with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans getting the South spots).

The NHL season is tough for me to get into this point, as I believe that it is irrelevant to look into the first few weeks of the season as any indication for the 2013-2014 season. While it is nice to finally have some games under way, it is tough to dictate how the season will play out. With the new conference alignment, the Western Conference teams are off to an extremely fast start, as the Tyler Cote's San Jose Sharks were the last team to receive a loss this season. The anticipation that the Eastern Conference was going to be considerably better has been false so far, as teams like the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers are off to slow starts, despite the talent (and salary) that are involved with both teams. At some point, the ship will be pointed in the right direction, and both teams will be in at least contention for the playoffs.

In other Irrelevant (though I find interesting) sports news:

-I am supposed to be limited as to how much I can write, but, if you read this column often, you know that I have a tendency to say a hell of a lot. SO, as far as the NBA goes, look for the Miami Heat to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals this season.

-How the hell were the Boston Red Sox able to come back as many times as they did in these playoffs?

-If you were to start an NFL franchise up, who would be some of the first players you would take? Andrew Luck, A.J. Green, Eddie Lacy, Earl Thomas and Vontaze Burfict are a few of the players I would take.

-Is it time to go skiing yet? If it hasn't snowed by the time this article comes out, I feel confident it will snow by Halloween next week.

-What has happened to Titans running back Chris Johnson?

-I respect LeBron James for having his teammate's back (in Ray Allen), but he seems to be talking out of his ass on this one.

Non-Sports Information of the Week

-On the topic of New Orleans (location of the National College Media Convention this year), thanks to Emily Kane, who found out from her parents some cool places for me to check out down South.

-Shout-out to whoever mentioned me on PSU Crushes. The camera is always rolling (though I assumed it was one of my friends being a jackass. If not, I'm pretty easy to access).

-Took a Dynamic meteorology test last week; that was tons of fun.

-Shout-out to 42 Main Street.

-If you happen to need any candles, ask the women's lacrosse team for some, as they are currently selling them.

-Pizza from Plymouth isn't cutting it any more compared to the stuff from New York.

-This semester is flying by.

-For the record, I wrote this column a week ago, and that is a little too much to try to project stuff that is that far away. I'll do better to try to write this closer to press release next time.

-Another shout-out to one of my Meteorology professors, Dr. Sam Miller. I have a HELL of a lot of respect for him, and he is definitely one of the best teachers in Plymouth.

Real Talk with Eric- When it rains outside, go and lie down in your room and listen to it. It is so relaxing, and will put you into another place.