Sports Agenda For Thursday 10/31/13
Top Stories:
It's Halloween and there are, well, frankly some seriously scary stories coming out of South Florida in the sports world. Plus we'll preview the Dolphins vs. Bengals Thursday night and the FSU vs. UM on Saturday all in the agenda.
Quote of the Day:
"Welcome to my nightmare. I think you're gonna like it. I think you're gonna feel you belong. A nocturnal vacation. Unnecessary sedation. You want to feel at home 'cause you belong." – Alice Cooper
Miami Dolphins: (vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 8 p.m., NFL Network/MyTV33)
I chose the quote of the day and didn't really think about it, but it's especially fitting for one Miami Dolphins player.
Offensive tackle Jonathan Martin has reportedly left the team after suffering a breakdown.
Unfortunately, it will be met with jeers and laughter from some, but it's a very serious situation.
Dealing with physical issues, a strained hamstring, broken hand, pulled muscle is easy.
Trying to get past mental issues is a completely different monster and much, much tougher to deal with in the short and long-term.
My hope is Martin is surrounded by family and friends and is getting the professional help he needs.
It's going to be a long recovery for him and I hope the fans will stand behind him during the process, though I'm guessing they won't because, well, psychological issues are still viewed as weaknesses.
They aren't weaknesses.
In fact, it takes a stronger person to know they need help, ask for help, and then take that advice and implement every day.
As someone who's had to battle depression for most of my adult life, I know exactly what he's going through and let me tell you, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
If I had to put it into words, imagine that every day, no matter what, things look bleak.
Your brain doesn't stop going and almost always plays out every scenario ending with something bad.
Plus, it makes you physically worn out and not wanting to do anything, largely because in some part of your mind you're afraid of the worst happening.
It brings up emotions of anger, frustration, sadness, hopelessness, and you cry, get mad, and everything you can imagine.
Just remember when you read about whatever he's dealing with, it's a serious issue and should be treated no differently than if he had cancer or another debilitating disease.
Okay, now let's get to the game.
The Dolphins must win this game if they have any shot of salvaging their season.
They have to do it with a cast-off left tackle, a turnstyle at right tackle, an interior line that can't pass block, down a wide receiver, defensive ends who aren't making plays, and linebackers who are overpaid and underproducing.
Other than that, they should be okay.
Honestly, I don't see the Fins competing very well in this game just due to the distractions and the fact that the team just isn't that good.
The Dolphins are still about a year or two away from being competitors, assuming they get a new general manager.
Yes, a new GM because this one can't build an offensive line to save his life and the coaches ARE NOT developing players.
Otherwise, with the amount of draft picks this team has had in recent years, they should be competing at the highest levels.
On the bright side, they'll have around $36 million in cap space next season.
Of course we see what they did with that this year and it ain't pretty.
So, with the Bengals in town, take Cincinnati….27-20 over the Dolphins.
Miami vs. FSU: (Saturday, 8 p.m.)
The showdown at Doak where FSU hopes to not have a Choke at the Doak.
Look, every stat I can find, every pundit that I can find, everyone believes the Hurricanes are going to get blown off the field by FSU.
It makes sense based on the records and the records of the teams both schools have played.
Still, there's always a lingering doubt in the back of my mind about rivalry games.
How many times have we seen teams that don't belong on the same field as their rival stand up and spring a major upset?
It happens every year across the country.
Except this year at Doak Campbell Stadium.
FSU is going to dominate this game in ways that UM hasn't seen before.
The Noles offense is operating at a level equal to that of Oregon and Baylor.
That's scary and Canes fans should be worried.
If you asked me last Sunday, I'd have said the Canes would lose by three touchdowns.
As of Thursday, I'm still inclined to keep the Canes at least +22 in the game.
So if I had to go with a final score, here goes..
FSU – 41 UM – 20
