When I was a little boy playing Little League baseball, I once yelled at an umpire for calling me out on a strike three pitch at my feet. That night, the first thing my parents said to me was this: "Umpires make mistakes. Don't let them control the game. Control what you can control; why were you down 0-2 in the count to begin with?"I've always remembered that, in all phases of life. I've always ...

The UCLA Bruins aren’t exactly in the ideal setup after losing to Arizona 4-0 on Sunday night, but there is no need to panic. When they face Florida State on Tuesday, they will do so knowing their season is on the line. (Click here for updated bracket) They have to beat the Seminoles, then Arizona twice to advance—something they are more than capable of doing. They ran into a buzz saw that was Konner ...

If a university receives a commitment from a 5-star recruit, he can impact the team right away.However, two 5-star recruits are even better. To make things even more delirious, obtaining the two best recruits from the same graduating class can change a program's direction.With Duke in contention for the top two recruits of 2013, Jabari Parker and Julius Randle, the Blue Devils will be more than fine with just securing one. It's impossible to find any basketball ...

This year's College World Series has been one to watch thus far. Stony Brook joined Kent State as the only two teams in this year's series who had never made an appearance. Unfortunately for the Stony Brook Seawolves, they were eliminated on Sunday after Florida State ousted them with a 12-2 romp.There are a couple teams, however, that may experience more of a challenge to finish with a title. The ironic thing, is that the ...

Arizona is safe for the moment, but nobody else is. After taking down UCLA 4-0 on Sunday, the Wildcats are off until their next game on Thursday, leaving the Bruins and the Seminoles fighting for the right to face them. As a result, either Florida State or UCLA heads home on Tuesday night. It will be a heartbreaking loss for either side. If the Seminoles blow it, their loss will come on the heels of ...

After Kentucky spent 2011-12 proving the old adage that “defense wins championships,” it’s only fitting to give some preseason credit to the teams that will make opposing offenses miserable next year. Whether they’re swatting away shots like the record-setting national champs, pressuring the ball or just forcing opponents into low-percentage shots, these squads will be dangerous foes even if their own offenses are having an off night. One team that’s made its living on defense ...

The 2011-2012 season ended in disappointment for UNC as they were defeated in the Elite Eight by Kansas.Harrison Barnes, Kendall Marshall and John Henson announced their intentions to enter the NBA draft soon afterward. Tyler Zeller used up all four years of his eligibility, so he too will be among the group of Tar Heels anxiously awaiting to hear their names called to the stage on June 28th.In the following slides, I will discuss the ...

Florida and South Carolina is not just an intriguing matchup because of the deja vu factor. This battle will feature several headline players worthy of your attention.Two 45-plus win teams bring a ton of talent to the table. Each team's pitching staff features elite arms, and each lineup is littered with high-caliber sluggers.You may not watch college baseball year-round, but the College World Series always should always glue your eyeballs to the television screen.Let's take ...

Head coach Dave Rice and the UNLV Runnin' Rebels nabbed the final piece to their 2012-13 recruiting class when the Rivals No. 72-ranked, Savon Goodman signed with the Rebels, filling up their final scholarship for this year's crop of recruits.Goodman is a 6'6" forward who will add to the already impressive frontcourt for the Rebels, joining Rivals No. 7-ranked Anthony Bennett, Rivals No. 144-ranked Demetris Morant, transfers Khem Birch and Roscoe Smith and returning NBA ...

What does it mean when the ACC picks off 20 of the ESPNU Top 100 recruits for 2012?It means it's going to be quite a race, and no easy climb for the North Carolina Tar Heels to reach their sixth ACC title in the last seven seasons.There is no mercy for the team that lost their top four players to the draft. UNC will be facing a gauntlet of a schedule—and for the first time, ...