Tag: Football

Is Baseball or Golf a more enjoyable sport?

By: Clark Kinney

Baseball and golf are two of my favorite sports to play, practice, and even watch. Both sports run in my family so I have been around them my entire life. Whether it be Tiger Woods sinking a putt to clinch a victory on the last hole or Bryce Harper sending a baseball into orbit for the walk off win, I just find both sports so enjoyable. While there are pros and cons to each, I believe one sports edges out the other in its overall enjoyableness (definitely not a real word but you get the point).

Baseball is America’s pastime. People love going to the ballpark, grabbing a hot dog and a soda, and watching some good, old fashioned baseball. Baseball can sometimes be a little slow to watch, but most of the time it is very entertaining in my opinion. Now from a playing standpoint, baseball is a little different from other sports. In order to enjoy playing baseball, people have to learn how to enjoy failing. I know it sounds crazy but it is true. Hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in all of sports, so if you play baseball, you will fail. You will be in the Baseball Hall of Fame if you fail seventy percent of the time you step in the batter’s box. While you cannot play baseball forever, you will remember the memories you made while playing and the lessons you learned for a lifetime. 

Golf is flat out addicting. There is a usual snowball effect when getting into golf. First, someone plays golf and they find out that golf is harder than they thought it was and they are not as good as they thought they were, so they proceed to go out and practice. Next, they understand how good the professionals are and appreciate how good they are so they start watching more golf tournaments on TV. After practicing some more, they get better, their scores start to drop, and that just makes them want to practice and play even more. They then find a group they enjoy playing with, start playing with them at the local course, and they have little matches and so on and so on. People never stop playing golf until they physically cannot swing a golf club anymore.

This may surprise some people, but I think golf is a more enjoyable sport for a lifetime. Baseball is better now but in 30 years I do not think I will agree. Golf will be fun forever.

Which Sport is more fun to play: Football or Baseball?

By: Clark Kinney

For me, this is a really tough question to answer because I have played both sports and loved both sports. There’s so many different aspects of them whether it be watching them, playing them, or practicing them which makes my decision even more difficult. Let’s walk through these different aspects and I will share with you my final decision. 

Watching football is awesome and is practiced by millions of Americans each year. It is fast-paced, fairly easy to understand, and overall very entertaining. Even if you have never played a down of football, you most likely find it fun to watch and have an idea of what is going on. On the other hand, baseball less fast-paced, a little harder to understand, and can be less entertaining if you have not played it and/or do not find it interesting. For me, I understand the ins and outs of baseball and find it very fun to watch. I do understand that baseball can be slow, but I love watching the different hitters with their different strategies face all the pitchers trying to fool them. It’s just so fun to watch and very interesting in my opinion.

There’s nothing quite like a Friday night football game. There’s something about playing with your guys and coming together as one that is in a way that is unlike any other sport which is so fun to me. Football games are very emotional and you can act on your emotion. Baseball games can be extremely fun to play but also can be extremely boring. A big game against a big rival is hard to beat especially if you are playing well. Baseball games can get very emotional like football but if you act on your emotion in baseball it probably will not end well. 

Football practice is not fun to say the least. Early season football practice in the South Carolina heat and humidity makes you question your love for the sport. However, there is something to be said about overcoming those practices and playing on Friday nights. Baseball practices are fun to me because I love hitting and taking ground balls, so I look forward to going to baseball practice most days unlike football.

This is a very, very close call but I think overall baseball is more fun to me because I have played it so much and find it so interesting. I do think the average person would find football more fun though.

Which is better, Leo’s or Buffalo Wild Wings?

By: Clark Kinney

It’s an American staple to go out with your friends to eat chicken wings and watch a game or even to just go have a good meal together on a weekend. In Sumter, your options for this are somewhat limited with 2 real options: Leo’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Now Leo’s is likely a little farther away from most people but is it worth the drive? The wings at Leo’s are very good and pretty big compared to the wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Leo’s ranch is also very, very good along with their raw fries and cheese balls. All of these are top tier. I’m giving those 4 food items a 8.7 out of 10 which is very high. The service at Leo’s is good and your order is always correct or at least I have never received the wrong order. The atmosphere is somewhat lacking because, even though it is newly renovated, it is kind of dark and not a ton of TVs but enough to watch a game on from almost anywhere in the restaurant. They also have many more good options other than wings including wraps and sandwiches that are solid. 

Buffalo Wild Wings is closer for many people and is bigger. The wings themselves are pretty good but usually not very crispy and small. Their fries/tots, ranch, and cheese curds are all good but not as good as those at Leos, resulting in them receiving a 6.8 out of 10 which is still good. The service at Buffalo Wilds Wings is usually good and the orders are usually correct; however, they have been known to sometimes take long. The atmosphere is sports filled and very good along with tons of TVs with any and every important sporting event on. There’s always much better lighting than Leo’s and they, like Leo’s, do have more good options other than wings including burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.

Overall, I’m taking Leo’s any day of the week. I think it is just much better food which outweighs the other factors. It is worth the 10 minute longer drive. 

Worst NFL Team v Best College Football Team

NFL or College Football – which is better – Smoke Signals Student ...

By: Sam Tristan

Worst NFL team vs Best College team

The question of whether the best college football team could defeat the worst NFL team is a subject that has fueled debates and discussions among sports enthusiasts for years. While college football teams exhibit exceptional skill and talent, there are several reasons why the top collegiate team would likely fall short against the lowest-ranked NFL team.

The sheer disparity in talent and experience between college and professional athletes is substantial. NFL players are among the elite in their sport, having honed their skills at the collegiate level and then further refined them in the professional arena. The best college football team may have standout players, but they lack the depth and experience that characterize an NFL roster.

NFL teams are composed of athletes who have not only excelled in college but have also undergone the rigorous demands of professional training, coaching, and competition. The transition from college to the NFL involves adapting to a faster, more complex game with a higher level of physicality. While the best college team may have a few players with NFL potential, the overall roster may struggle to match the physicality and speed of their professional counterparts.

The strategic and tactical aspects of the game in the NFL are on a different level when compared to college football. NFL coaches, many of whom have years of experience at the highest level, employ complex game plans and strategies that take advantage of their players’ strengths and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. The best college team, while undoubtedly well-coached, may not have encountered the level of strategic complexity and adaptability present in the professional game.

Another critical factor is the difference in size, strength, and athleticism between NFL and college players. NFL athletes, conditioned by elite training programs and nutrition regimens, generally possess a physical advantage over their college counterparts. The linemen in the NFL, for instance, often outweigh and outmuscle their college counterparts, making it challenging for a college team to compete in the trenches.

The notion of the best college football team defeating the worst NFL team seems improbable due to the vast disparities in talent, experience, and strategic complexity. While college football showcases exceptional athletes and intense competition, the NFL represents the pinnacle of the sport, with players and teams operating at a level that transcends the collegiate game. The transition from college to the professional ranks involves a significant leap in all aspects of the game, making it unlikely that even the best college team could overcome the challenges posed by the lowest-ranked NFL team.

Will Bryce Young turn it around in his sophomore season. 

By: Tucker Burnette

After struggling in his first season as a Carolina Panther, the number 1 overall pick Bryce Young is looking to turn things around in his second season. There have been many excuses made for the young quarterback, but the key factor to success will be if the new hire at head coach will be able to help Young adapt and grow as a quarterback. 

Recently there have been some big-name quarterbacks who have struggled in their first season and then turned it around in their second year under a new head coach. A prime example of this is Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence, much like Young, struggled in his first season under the coaching of Urban Meyers, but when the Jaguars made the switch to Doug Pederson Lawrence flourished. 

The question still remains, will Bryce Young take the leap or will he be just as unproductive? In my opinion Young has all the skills he needs to be a superstar quarterback but he lacks the talent around him. This season his offensive line was one of the worst in the league and his number one wide receiver was Adam Thielen who for the first time in 5 years had over 1,000 yards. The Panthers also do not have a pick in the first round which means the top offensive weapons will be gone by the time they are on the board. With all that being said, I am not a sports analyst and do not get paid to have an opinion but Bryce Young is going to have to take a major step forward next season if he wants to turn the Panthers franchise around. 

A Brutal Ending

By Connor Hanson

My beloved Packers have fallen in the most heartbreaking game of the season. I’ve never actually been emotionally affected by the outcome of a game, but this game was different. This team was different, we had a beat up running back, young wide receiver core, and an unproven quarterback.

We were expected to go into a rebuild this year, and for the first 9 games, it looked like we were, but we persevered and pushed through the tough times and made a playoff push. All of this is thanks to the complete turnaround that Jordan Love has had. He went from having the worst qbr in the league for the middle of the year to leading the league in that same statistic for the last 5 weeks of the season.

But, all good things must subside, and change to something melancholy. On Saturday the Packers faced the explosive 49ers. And for 57 minutes we were the better team, but we got slapped in the face by having a rookie kicker. He missed the kick that would have secured a tie if the 49ers scored. But, they marched down the field and scored with 1:35 seconds left in the 4th quarter putting them up by 3. Jordan Love was making great throws and skillfully managing the game clock. In the end, he threw a game-ending interception, to end in heartbreaking fashion.

The greatest CFB Team Ever

By: Sam Tristan

The 2019 LSU college football team stands out as one of the greatest of all time for several compelling reasons. Led by head coach Ed Orgeron and quarterback Joe Burrow, the Tigers achieved a remarkable 15-0 record, capping off their extraordinary season with a victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

One defining aspect of the 2019 LSU team was its prolific offense. Under the guidance of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, the Tigers set numerous records, showcasing an explosive and dynamic style of play. Burrow himself threw for an astonishing 60 touchdown passes during the season, establishing a new single-season record. The team’s offense averaged an impressive 48.4 points per game, leaving opponents struggling to contain their high-powered attacks.

Moreover, the 2019 LSU team navigated a challenging schedule, defeating seven top-10 ranked opponents throughout the season, including decisive wins against powerhouse teams like Alabama and Clemson. The National Championship game against Clemson showcased the team’s resilience, as they overcame an early deficit to secure a convincing 42-25 victory.

The team’s success extended beyond individual performances to a cohesive and determined unit that demonstrated exceptional teamwork and camaraderie. The combination of an explosive offense, a tenacious defense, and a resilient mindset makes the 2019 LSU Tigers a formidable candidate for the title of the greatest college football team of all time. Their dominant and historic season left an indelible mark on the sport, solidifying their place in the annals of college football history.

What will the Bears do with the 1st Pick?

By Dylan Jones

As many NFL fans know, last year the Carolina Panthers traded DJ Moore, 2023 first round pick (9th), 2023 late second round pick (61st), 2024 first round pick, and a 2025 second round pick to the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Panthers did this so they could get their quarterback for the future, Bryce Young. After a struggling rookie season for Young, the Panthers went 2-15 and were the worst team in all of the NFL. This means since the Bears have the Panther’s 2024 first round pick, they will have the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. This year’s draft has a very deep quarterback room including some names like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (UNC), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Bo Nix (Oregon), and Michael Penix Jr. (Washington). With that being said, it leaves NFL fans clueless with what the Bears will do with the first overall pick.

The Bears have many different options on what they can do with this pick. One choice is to take the college superstar and proclaimed “generational” talent in Caleb Williams. This would force the Bears to part ways with their starting quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields started to prove himself as the season went on and showed why they should keep him around. If Chicago were to draft Williams and trade Fields, I think some teams to watch out for trying to acquire Fields would be the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, or New York Jets. The second choice would be to draft Marvin Harrison Jr, wide receiver from Ohio State. Marvin Harrison Jr. would step in immediately and be a very impactful player for Chicago. An offense with Marvin Harrison Jr. and DJ Moore would be very hard to stop. The third choice would be to trade the pick away for a superstar caliber player and some future picks. The Bears chose to do this last time they had the first overall pick, and they brought in superstar wide receiver, DJ Moore. The sky’s the limit of what some teams value this number one pick because of how good Caleb WIlliams is projected to be. I think this is the best choice because they can trade the pick and use it to build around Justin Fields and make them a potential wildcard team in the 2024 season. 

The Best NFL Draft

By: Sam Tristan

The debate over the best NFL draft class of all time is subjective and often depends on individual preferences and criteria. However, one class that consistently stands out is the 1983 NFL Draft. This draft is renowned for producing a remarkable trio of Hall of Fame quarterbacks in John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino, all selected in the first round. Their collective impact on the league and enduring legacies have solidified the 1983 draft class as one of unparalleled quarterback talent and historical significance.

Beyond the quarterback position, the 1983 class showcased exceptional depth and talent across various positions. Players like Eric Dickerson, Bruce Matthews, and Darrell Green, among others, contributed significantly to their teams and earned spots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The longevity and sustained success of many 1983 draftees further contribute to the class’s reputation as one of the best, with its members leaving an indelible mark on the NFL for years to come.

While opinions may vary, the 1983 NFL Draft’s combination of elite quarterbacks, overall talent, and long-lasting impact on the league make it a strong contender for the title of the best draft class in NFL history.

Do the Atlanta Falcons have a legit chance at signing Bill Belichick? 

By: Tucker Burnette

More Competition For Ex Patriots Bill Belichick in Atlanta ...

With the recent firing of Arthur Smith the Falcons are currently on the hunt for a new head coach. At first thought it’s obviously the smart thing to do, to take a shot at arguably the greatest coach of all time, but that’s easier said than done. The Falcons, along with 3 other teams, are making a push to get Coach Bill Belichick, but are the Falcons in the lead? 

The Falcons have interviewed coach Belichick along with other notable names such as Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and the previous Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, but their hunt is far from over. Obviously the job in Atlanta is going to be a challenge considering the Falcons were statistically in one of the worst divisions in football and weren’t able to win despite having a loaded and young roster. We have seen in the past that Belichick likes to have his quarterback to run his team, but that’s the Falcons only weakness because their current starting quarterback is Desmond Ridder. The Falcons currently sit at the 8th pick in the draft and will probably fall just short of one of the many potential star quarterbacks in the draft, which makes you wonder, “Will Belichick take a chance with the Falcons or just retire? “

With all that being said, in my opinion, I don’t see a coach as old and as proven as Belichick coming to wrap up his career with the Falcons at the current state they are in. However, the analysts at ESPN and other major sports networks seem to think the opposite. So the question still remains: Will Belichick go to the Falcons, somewhere else, or retire?