Brian Gionta's hat trick led all scorers tonight in the Devils 6-1 defeat over the Islanders.

As we all know that Steven Jackson is out for this week and Deuce McAlister is done for the season.

REDBLACKHOCKEY has a nice piece on the Islanders/Rangers fight, specifically Chris Simon, suspended last season for stick butting Ryan Hollweg.

My brother had the second pick in his NFL fantasy draft this year. Last year, he drafted RB Larry Johnson. However, the fantasy geniuses all suggested taking RB Steven Jackson after Ladanian Tomlinson.

He asked for my opinion. I of course agreed with the fantasy sports wizards. I recommended Jackson myself. He was really deliberating between Jackson and Shaun Alexander, who was coming off surgery in the first half of last season, but finished strong.

Of course, my brother drafted Jackson second and now is dealt with a huge dilemma. Jackson has not done shit this season and is apparently out for this week's game due to a groin injury.

Dan Shanoff feels my pain.

"NFL Injury Watch: Steven Jackson, one of the most disappointing fantasy players of the season so far, will miss at least one week with a groin injury. Can you think of a year recently when the consensus No. 1 (LT), 2 (SJ) and 3 (LJ) fantasy players have gotten off to such sorry starts?"

At least LJ and Tomlinson have yet to fair any better. Would you believe that Willie Parker is leading the league in rushing yards? Yahoo Rushing Statistics

By the way, Deuce McAlister was just reported to be out for the season.

I guess he should have drafted Peyton Manning.

Ray Rice and Mike Teel will look to kick some more ass when Maryland comes to town this weekend. I think it was great for the athletic director to schedule this many home games. The fans are really into it this season, as if Louisville were here every week now. Yes, I was at that historical game. Keep up the good work.

Yes, the Mets are the playing awful baseball right now. Metsblog.com's Matthew Cerrone knows that they need to step up or fail to make the playoffs. If they do, it would be the first time in history when a team was leading a division by seven games or more, after the first week in September. Basically, Jose Reyes cannot continue to hit pop-ups.

I hate training camp roster cuts, but they are part of the process. They determine who is good enough to make the team come Oct. 4th, NHL opening night for the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, there are players, who worked hard throughout the summer, who will be left off the roster. Yes, I do feel bad for them.

I do not know the companies that would pay any amount of money to have their name on a building that will be rendered useless after this season. The Bergen Record: "Izod, Southpole, and Rocawear -- clothing lines that compete for sales among young shoppers -- are also competing to replace Continental Airlines as the new naming-rights partner for the 26-year-old arena.

THEBIGLEAD had an opportunity to interview Steve Politti, after he turned down an offer from Yahoo Sports. Before I read this interview, I thought to myself... is this guy not thinking straight or maybe he is a devoted, loyal sports writer.

2MANADVANTAGE has a nice live cap of the game last night. Thanks guys for your efforts. TOM GULITTI also blogged last night's contest between the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers.

I am sure that everyone wanted to see Brodeur for an entire start last night. The truth is that he is in great health, and ready to see more action.  Tom Gulliti, Bergen Record Devils Beat Writer, said that he is going to play two periods next game and then a full start in the final contest.

YAHOO SPORTS has the full recap on the New Jersey Devils game. Rookie Nicklas Bergfors scored two goals to lead the Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Flyers Monday night.

Apparently, this story continues with the New Jersey Nets considering an option to rename their arena, the Izod Arena. Check out my previous post on THE NEW ARENA NAME . I am trying to get as far away from CAA as I can. It just keeps on haunting me wherever I run.

Thank goodness that Kevin Weekes will return to practice this week. I was really worried that he could be out a week or two from his injury in the Rangers game. The Star Ledger has more on his status. "Devils backup goaltender Kevin Weekes, who had to be helped off the ice Friday night after taking two knocks to the head in a goal-mouth crash, is expected to skate today.

The NJSEA is looking at various companies to replace the naming rights to former Continental Airlines Arena, CAA. AN EARLIER POST of mine back at the end of August details the Devils move from the Meadowlands to the Prudential Center.

Here are the lines to win the the Stanley Cup Finals, according to THEGREEK, a popular sports betting site. Most of the lines look sharp, but I must say that the Sabres lost several key players to free agency and are not worthy of their 14-1. I would place them around where the Devils are, at +2045, which really means 20.45 to 1 on your bet.

Yes, Rodriguez is worthy of the regular season's annual most valuable player award in the American League. Nobody will argue that precious trophy should not belong on his mantel. His statistics and game-winning hits are MVP-caliber.

Jamie Mottram, who founded FANHOUSE , an excellent and humongous sports blogging network, is departing to become the “Senior Editor of Blogs & Community” at Yahoosports. Whatever that means.

Mottram talks about leaving Fanhouse to join Yahoo on his blog. This is a well-deserved, definitely wealthy offer from Yahoo. Just ask the other 15 bloggers who covered this story. Or they're just in cahoots with Mottram. Either way, this is obviously a big deal, unless these bloggers were scratching their balls for a story.

Good luck Mottram. I personally have read Fanhouse many times and recommend it to any sports enthusiast.

ISLANDERS BLOG BOX is up and running.

It will be the first time in history that a NHL team is devoting additional space, like actual media, for bloggers. It is more of a project, of course, to generate publicity on and off the ice.

Then again, where do you draw the line with blogging? That is going to be the $25,000 dollar question eventually, as blogging becomes more mainstream. Until then, enjoy it while it lasts.

Congratulations to the following list of people (below).

Blog Name Blogger ID

The Long Distance Islander Jon Jordan

The Fantasy Fancy Tim Marino

The Isles Files Michael

Islanders 360 Mike Carey

Islanders Outsider The Outsider

Greetings from Islander Country Jim McGlynn

Unique perspectives from 7th Woman Dee Karl, 7th Woman

The Bouncing Puck: Ravings of an Islander's Blogger B.D. Gallof

The Tiger Track Tom Liodice

Voice of the Islander Fans FCT4NYI

IslesBlogger.com Michael Schuerlein

Okposo Net Kenneth Dick

ESPN has more on this issue, which may have each team play each other next season. I am huge supporter of that system which was implemented and then terminated after the lockout.

I am certain that every club wants to see Crosby, Jagr, and other superstars. That said, ESPN reports,

"A two-thirds majority is needed to change the schedule, a move that would be effective in the 2008-09 season."

I am hoping that owners realize this is beneficial for hockey to see Sydney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin in every arena. Please make it happen.

Over a week ago, head coach Brent Sutter revealed that he is unsure if Patrik Elias will remain as team captain this upcoming season.  If Jamie Langenbrunner were to replace Elias, that plan might have to be delayed. He went for surgery on his injured groin and will be sidelined for up to two months.

After Weekes departed, Jason Parise came into the game. He played alright, saving 22 out of 25 shots, in the 4-3 defeat. Danius Zubrus scored his first Devils goal of his career, unassisted, in between four Rangers goals. The Rangers scored two in the first, the first by Dane Byars and the second by Ryan Callahan.

The New Jersey Devils lost 4-3 to the Rangers on Friday night at the Garden. With the loss, came another injury to the organization.

Starting goaltender Kevin Weekes, apparently Brodeur was still unavailable, collided with his own teammate Johnny Oduya after Sean Avery drive hard for a rebound and knocked Oduya into Weekes. He was immediately removed from the game as a result, just over six minutes into the first period. His replacement

The Bergen Record reports that Weekes' injury was a possible concussion. But, GM Lou Lamoriello claims that he will be fine.

"But the Devils backup goaltender's status is uncertain now after sustaining a probable concussion in a collision caused by Rangers agitator Sean Avery in the first period of Friday night's 4-3 preseason loss to the Blueshirts at Madison Square Garden."

The New New York Post determined that Weekes will be okay, based on an interview with head coach Brent Sutter...
"Weekes, hit on the head by Oduya, then by the right post, spent five minutes held immobile on the ice, then was helped to the dressing room in obvious distress, done for the night. Weekes was not hospitalized and will be fine, according to Sutter."

Two points, in my opinion. One, this is a preseason hockey contest between two rivalries nonetheless. I expect players to try and score no doubt but not do what Avery did last night. Not only did he interfere with the goaltender, but he injured an opposing goalie in a preseason game. I hope and pray that Weekes, who had started his third consecutive preseason game last night, has a full recovery. From what I have been reading, that seems to be the case. Then again, Lamoriello may want to keep the press out of the locker room for the time being.

Weekes suffered a neck injury that could have been more serious. It did not look pretty. That is for sure.

Secondly, I like the fact that the Devils retaliated for Avery's vicious, possible dirty hit. Avery is known for being a physical player, but if this was deliberate, payback better be a bitch. Newcomer Vitaly Vishnevski gave Avery a solid crosscheck from behind while the Rangers were on the power play. He did receive a two-minute minor, but well deserved.

At least, that is what the Star Ledger believes as well.

"From that point on, there was a bull's-eye on Avery's new lightweight jersey. Newly signed Devils defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski cross-checked Avery hard from behind while in front of the net during a Rangers power play midway through the opening period and then slammed the Rangers pest into the boards just over nine minutes later.

Vishnevski's cross-check gave the Rangers a two-man power-play advantage and Ryan Callahan gave them a 2-0 lead by scoring on the five-against-three at 12:57. Dane Byers had scored a power-play goal for the Rangers at 1:53 of the period."

MY ACTUAL RECAP for the Devils/Rangers game last night. Sorry about the tandency.

Head coach Brent Sutter can now sleep better at night. The New Jersey Devils won their first preseason game of his Devils professional coaching career, 3-0, over the Boston Bruins last night. For a full recap, check out Yahoo Sports.

History was made in Newark, N.J. when Sherry Ross was officially hired as the New Jersey Devils new radio color commentator. Ross will be the first woman to broadcast a male professional sports team. Congrats to her. The Canadian Press reports this.

Thank goodness that Colin White only has a broken nose. I mean, a broken nose is not a joking matter either, but with the reports on Langenbrunner coming in, this is not bad.

According to GM Lou Lamoriello, White broke his nose, but does not require surgery. Accordingly, he might miss the season opener on Oct. 4, nearly two weeks away.

Langenbrunner underwent surgery, not sure how successful it was, but he is sidelined indefinitely.

CBC Sports reports that he will be out of commission for up two months.

The Star Ledger confirms this report. It also mentions that Rea Brown, a Canadian doctor, examined Langenbrunner and determined that surgery was indeed necessary. Apparently, a groin injury and a sports hernia are one in the same.

For now, the Devils are just trying to stay healthy until the season starts, while they face the Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden, a 7:00PM battle. The game is also on television, finally, on MSG. I mean not to get upset, but what else does FSNY have on tv anyway other than the Devils and some college football?

Jamie is going for surgery today for the sports hernia injury that has been bothering him since February. He actually played through the pain until the season end. I am not sure why he did not go for surgery immediately after the season concluded. That would have been the ideal solution for his groin dilemma. Now, the Devils are in middle of training camp without one of their key players. Last season, he scored 60 points, good for third on the team.

Jamie Langenbrunner is undergoing surgery to repair his injured groin and Cam Janssen is following suit for a separated shoulder suffered during the Devils first preseason game. There were rumors spread from people in attendance that the new Reebok jerseys made Janssen's injury happen. He did fight twice in game, so it's his problem there. He also injured the same shoulder last season and was out for over 10 games, so surgery is probably a good idea. To add insult to injury, Colin White was drilled by a puck to the eye in practice.

Devils 2007 Preseason Schedule

Mon Sep 17, 2007 Flyers at Devils 7:00 PM ET

Flyers won 3-2.

Thu Sep 20, 2007 Devils at Bruins 7:00 PM ET

Fri Sep 21, 2007 Devils at Rangers 7:00 PM ET

Mon Sep 24, 2007 Devils at Flyers 7:00 PM ET

Wed Sep 26, 2007 Islanders at Devils 7:00 PM ET

Sat Sep 29, 2007 Devils at Islanders 7:00 PM ET

Devils Official site has the schedule, from pre-season throughout the 07-08 season.

Mr. Sutter,

I am a huge supporter of your philosophy, winning record, historical NHL playing statistics, etc. Do not worry about the Devils. Even though they lost tonight in the first preseason game of the 07-08 campaign, those players who made the trip to Trenton, N.J. for the game in front of 4,615 announced fans, played well in a 3-2 Philadelphia Flyers victory.

The Devils managed two power play goals, one of their weaknesses in the second half of last season and the playoffs. Yahoo Sports offers some insight into the game’s goals and attendance figures. Even though your coaching debut was "spoiled" via the defeat, keep your head up. At least you do not have to be coaching the New York Mets right now. The Mets just got swept by the division rival Phillies and lost tonight to the worst team in the National League, in my opinion. The final score was 12-4. Yahoo Sports has a recap of yet another pathetic defeat. Gosh, it pains me to be a Mets fan right now. I cannot wait for hockey to commence. Only 16+ days remaining until opening night!!!!

Mr. Sutter- game one is out of the way. Your team scored two power play goals in seven chances. Zach Parise tallied the first one at 1:12 of the third period, Andrew Greene added the next at 6:10 of the third. However, Philly scored at 8:42 and held on for the victory. Both goaltenders, Kevin Weekes and Jordan Parise saved a combined 21/23 shots tonight. Brodeur was not in the lineup.

Jamie Langenbrunner is most likely to go under the knife and miss the remainder of the preseason. SportingNews reveals more about Langenbrunner’s situation. Get well soon, you will surely be missed on that second line.

Solid question in my opinion. A lot of talent in next year's 2008 NFL draft. Or perhaps the giants just suck so much. Last theory- they want to fire Coughlin as much as I want him out of town. He was not a winner in Jacksonville and he was not a winner in New York. Even Tiki Barber admitted difficult relationship with him, causing him to retire at 31. He is a running back, gets hit hard ever game, but 31 is so young to retire. He is definitely enjoying the spotlight, working for NBC, covering the NFL, but Coughlin primarily caused his star running back to retire. On top of that, Coughlin... your team is getting injured again. Karma? Bad luck? Jeez... every season that you have been here, another key players goes down with injuries. Osi, Strahan, Manning was hurt in the first week this season. The general manger and owners continue to support you- what is wrong with them?

Giants' Defense.. I have yet to check ratings, but they must be second to worst in the league. They gave up 45 to Dallas, now 35 to the Packers. Other than the Bengals who literally do not play defense, the Giants are either really bad at football or blowing the season in hopes of getting a top pick in the draft.

Darren McFadden? Ray Rice? Brian Brohm? Who knows? It is just terrible to watch Sunday football in New York. At least we have Saturday for Rutgers football- thank God for Rice, Teel, head coach Greg Schiano.

After getting swept by the Phillies, the Mets need the playoffs to start asap and have the Phillies not make it. Otherwise, we will be endangered species if we make it out of the first round. (Teams in the same divisions cannot play each other in the first round if you were wondering.) Then again, the Phillie have yet to beat any good team than the Mets, taking 12-18 this season, including two sweeps at Shea Stadium and one in Philadelphia.

It's not Willie's fault that the Mets bullpen cannot close out games or keep them tied. He brings in a variety of pitchers each game with the intention of winning the game. Even Mota or Schoenweis, anyone for that matter should be called upon to bring relief to a starting pitcher. I don't care if your salary is 5 dollars or 500 million dollars, it's your fucking job.

Luckily, the Nationals and Marlins are the Mets opponents until the end of the season. Thanks God. Get the job done, don't blow this entire season in the last two or three weeks. That would be embarrassing and a new low to the Mets organization. I am losing my hair watch sissies play in the field, six errors, 11 walks, this is not pee wee league anymore. And a walk to the opposing starting pitcher? Enough enough. Someone rescue the mets, they are beginning to drown.

Carlos Beltran cannot come through in the clutch tonight. He left the bases loaded in the eighth inning by striking out swinging tonight. Anyone remember last year's playoffs? I sure as hell do. Cmon guys- the Phillies starting pitching is worse than little league baseball. It's September and you still cant come thru in the clutch situations. Lo Duca- do you wanna be a met next season? Get that fucking batting average up or take a hike. Reyes, get on base, stop popping up to the shortstop. Can anyone hit besides David Wright? Sorry, I did not mean to leave out Moises Alou, who literally is earning his dollars this season, even with the injuries. Shawn Green... I like you at first base, and your numbers are better now than earlier in the season... Milledge, nice triple the other night...We need production from everybody in key spots, not inning ending ground ball double plays or strike outs with 2 outs and runners in scoring position- FUCK!... Paul Lo Duca, I am referring to you idiot.

ESPN’s Baseball Page provided me with the statistics to back me up on this one. You have 16 GDP in 104 games. Only two catchers have grounded into more double plays in fewer games, Yavier Molina and Yorvit Torrealba. I forgot to mention that both players earn less than 2 million combined, while you earn over 6 mil this season. Just letting you know, in case you got that short term memory loss thing going.

Dont get me started with Willie Randolph's infatuation with Guillermo (I dont care how you spell his first name) Mota. Hes consistently brought into key spots in games and cant get a single out, or makes the game closer than it needs to be. Either take steroids and avoid getting caught by MLB or resign. Mota, you are the shittiest pitcher I have ever seen. Almost remind me of Anthony Young, possible the worst pitcher in baseball history.

Mets.com revealed your career numbers for me. Your 3.89 career ERA does not blow me away, even though you somehow managed to pitch well for the Expos in 1999, Dodgers in 2003 and 04, and for the New York Mets last season. In ‘04 and ‘06, you also managed to reach 4.81 for the Marlins and 6.21 for the Indians. What the fuck is wrong with your head or your arm? You fucking take steroids for half a season? Jeez man… forget all that shit, whip that fastball for first pitch strikes, and then mix the hitters up with a nasty slider or change up. Otherwise, get the fuck out of a mets uniform. Why Omar Minaya gave you a two year contract after you were caught with steroids and suspended for 50 games, I dont even wanna delve into... not worth my time.

Cmon guys, you have Pedro pitching tomorrow and Perez Sunday. Lets make this series a quick 2-1 before things get ugly.

I will publish the third and fourth lines for the New Jersey Devils tomorrow. I wish Kevin Everett a safe recovery from his spinal surgery. Yahoo Sports does not need sleep so you can catch the story there.

The Eagletribune reports about David Beckham, who is most likely out for the season with a sprained MCL. I disagree with John Shimer’s opinion. I think he is a major bust. Fans only go to games to see him. The proof is in the tickets being sold.

Shout out to my boys Judd, David, and Adam at our place in the Bruns... Happy holidays to those celebrating the new year Wednesday Night.

Randy Moss- can he put up or shut up for the rest of the year? Sportingnews has more on Moss' first week explosion over the Jets.

Tiger? Yeah, I forgot to mention he won another championship. The Seattletimes quotes this story from The Associated Press and Gannett News Service

Federer, Woods, Henin- some of the most talented players at their respective sports right now...

Alright, so I am finished with the EGZ line (pronounced eggs)in my previous blog, Devils A Line. If you missed that one, it is Elias, Gionta, and newly acquired Zubrus. In my second line for the Devils this season, I have Langenbrunner, Parise, and Zajac... just like last season.

Piscataway, N.J.

Ray Rice ran the ball 37 times Friday night for #13 Rutgers- 37, and every one of them counted towards his game-high 175 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Knights defeated the Navy Midshipmen 41-24 in a high scoring affair. Rice now leads the nation in rushing yards in the first two games with 359 and is tied with several others in first place for rushing touchdowns with five in the two starts, According to Yahoo Sports. If he offered lessons on gaming, I would sign up tomorrow. He is a workhorse.

Head Coach Greg Schiano better make sure not to overuse Rice in blowouts or even rest him sporadically in serious matches to prevent potential injuries. After watching the NY Giants game Sunday night, injuries are definitely part and parcel of the game of football, unfortunately as that may be.

Mike Teel was on his game as well, completing 14 of 19 for 266 yards and 3 TDS. He did make his first mistake of the season, throwing an interception in the third quarter. He rebounded from that blunder to hit Kenny Britt, that’s right Kenny Britt, I love that name, with a 53 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the Knights up 34-17 at that point. Rice added a rushing score before Navy ran in a TD late in the fourth quarter to reach the 41-24 final in front of many fans adorned in red. 43, 514 to be exact, According to the Scarlet Knights website .

Teel is also ranked in top tier of college quarterbacks as is his favorite receiver, Tiquan Underwood. He finished with 6 catches for 104 yards- not too shabby, According to Yahoo Sports.

Heisman trophy candidate Ray Rice reached another plateau in his unbelievable career at Rutgers. His second rush of the game eclipsed the 3,114 yards held by former Rutgers running back Terrell Willis. He also rushed for another 100 yard plus performance, only his 17th of his illustrious career on the Banks. It is all in the Scarlet Knights press release above.

Michigan, can you say season is over? Ian, I apologize about your alma mater’s lack of football skills. Notre Dame, I hope that they join the Wolverines for some prep talk. Both teams are 0-2 for the first time in almost fifty years. Gosh, disappointed, confused? Nah, just overrated as I keep reiterating. Clifton Brown has a nice piece in the New York Times about Michigan’s 39-7 home demolition by Oregon, yes the Ducks (Wolverines are shit, we all know), while Pete Thamel writes about Notre Dame’s 31-10 defeat by Penn State.

While Big Ten blows chunks, Big East teams are undefeated excluding Syracuse, who flat out plays pussy football. South Florida won an exciting road game over then #17 Auburn, who is no longer in the top 25.South Florida missed the 25th spot by 20 votes. The Bull have North Carolina Tar Heels next and a potential top 25 spot in their hands.

Rutgers has Norfolk State next. Haha. Not to make predictions but Rice gets 150 yards, two scores. Let us get Underwood a touchdown this week as well. Teel, continue the good work. Stay healthy.

I forgot to mention that Michigan and Notre Dame play each other this week, ending one’s 0-2 record… unless they tie? What, they can both forfeit saying they are too embarrassed in front of their fans.
And Appalachian State won again this week, 48-7, over some shit team to move to 2-0, for the season. ESPN has the game recap. Also, NCAA just changed the rules to allow division two teams to get ranked in the AP Top 25, Blogcritics, an interesting blog reported. A few more wins and I smell an appearance.

I am going to start listing my top three lines for the New Jersey Devils entering this season. Patrik Elias- command the top line for a change, everyone needs you to return to form (81 in 82 games- 2003-2004, or 96 points in 2000-2001 campaign). We cannot sit by idly while you rack up 69 total points on offense. No excuses this season, earn your fucking stripes.

Roger Federer- Champ Again, Another Fine Weekend in Sports.  Sorry about not posting for the past several days.  I was very busy returning to school and dealing with a broken laptop. Stay away from HP laptops please.

Federer won his fourth straight US Open's Men's Title on Sunday afternoon. He is rapidly approaching Pete Sampras' 14 Grand Slam Titles. Just Amazing. Phenomenal.

This question cannot be simply answered. Most non-Devil fans will say Patrick Roy is the game's best goaltender. Dominik Hasek, Terry Sawchuk, and Jacques Plante were all selected before Martin Brodeur by a panel of 41 writers, according to ESPN. Then again this poll was taken in 2004.

So much for a Nadal-Federer final. Nadal could not overcome knee injuries in his past-midnight match with David Ferrer, who looked phenomenal last night. The final score for Ferrer was 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. I did not have a chance to witness the entire first set or match for that matter, but what I did see, was Ferrer playing his best game and Nadal struggling.

Nadal did not want to claim injury spoiled his chances of facing and even defeating Roger Federer in the US OPEN FINAL. But, he clearly looked like a man in pain during the match, called over the trainer once when Ferrer was serving.

Nadal, I know how frustrating it can be. The whole world was rooting for you.

Ferrer, if you make it to the finals against Federer and play this well, maybe you can beat him. Tonight Federer faces Andy Roddick in a rematch of last year's US Open Final in which Federer beat him in four sets.

All those people who purchased finals tickets for the strict purpose of Federer-Nadal will have to wait until next year.

I was probably one of those people cheering on Nadal and I cannot stand to see Federer dominate every opponent in grand slams other than Nadal on clay court.

I am still awaiting someone to overcome the humble, 11-time grand slam winning champion, and definitely one of the game's greatest players.

Ferrer, you just earned your stripes against the second ranked player in the world- Is #1 Federer next?

I love rooting for underdogs, but I was upset when Maria Sharapova lost in the third round of the US Open to polish teen Agnieszka Radwanska 4-6, 6-1, 2-6.

12 Double Faults and 49 unforced errors crippled her chances, especially in the third set when it mattered most. Gorgeous and wealthy #2 ranked and seeded Sharapova was a favorite to repeat as champion of this tournament. Instead, she made history when she lost- she became the first #2 seed to lost earlier than the fourth round since 1981, a stretch of more than 25 years. Craighickmanontennis, a tennis blog, reveals his thoughts about the match.

She will have to battle back and stay in good shape as the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) and Justine Henin are playing solid tennis these days.

I am confident in Sharapova to bounce back from this major upset in the third round and prepare arduously for the upcoming events. Even though the US Open is the final major event of the season (Australian Open is in January 2008), there are titles to be won. Sharapova is still young, has already won 16 titles including including Wimbledon and the US Open and amassed millions of dollars in advertisements.

On the men's side, Rafael Nadal is battling knee problems and still managing to dominate his opponents. He has only lost one set in three rounds of play. Federer is well, Federer. He has also lost only one set in the first three rounds of play.

I was privileged to enjoy #3 Novak Djokovic defeat Radek Stepanek in a thrilling five set match on Friday. The 4hr 44 min spectacle defined excellent play on both sides of the court. In the 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-2) match, Djokovic seemed to gain momentum in the fifth set tiebreaker where has much experience even as a 20-year old.

By the way Djokovic has defeated Federer, Roddick, and Nadal in a Montreal tournament. Can you say upset? Well,Djokovic over Federer in the finals would earn himself a lot of respect. Gotta root for the underdogs even if he is ranked #3.

In the greatest women's match this far, Israeli Shahar Peer defeated Nicole Vaidisova in a three-set marvel that lasted over 2 1/2 hours. The USOPEN site relates over an excellent recap for those who missed the match. The scores were 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5). Both women played their hearts out, chasing after what looked like unreachable shots. Peer was able to overcome Vaidisova's agressive approach and claim defeat.

Good luck the rest of the way.

My picks to win it all are Djokovic and Henin on the women's side. I like Henin because she is incredibly dominant and I don't see Serena or Venus stopping her. My sleeper is definitely Peer. We will see how she fares in the fourth round.

Look, I am not trying to make any cliches.

Facts are Ohio State and Michigan represented the Big Ten in bowl games last season. Both teams were easily defeated by Florida and USC respectively. There was a lot of hype praising OSU and MICH promoting the two teams for the bowl championship. Crock of crap if you asked me.

Withleather, an exceptional sports blogger seconds my opinion.

Deadspin, arguably the cream of the crop in sports blogging today used the words holy shit to describe #5 Michigan's loss to Division I-AA Appalachian State this past weekend.

I was not surprised that Michigan lost. It was just a matter of time that someone beat its ass. That overrrated school, with its great fans, coach, history. Yeah, whatever.

Wolverines, you suck at football. Enjoy the rest of the miserable season.

After this past week's first football game of the season between #16 Rutgers and unranked Buffalo, who understandably sucks at football among other sports, the Scarlet Knights continued where they left off last season's bowl win over Kansas St. The Knights demolished the Bulls 38-3, and publicly stated that “We are here to stay,” while the Bulls stated, “We suck at football.”

The #5 ranked Michigan Wolverines were another team that borrowed the Bulls motto this past weekend. They expanded upon it in a mighty way. They were embarrassed at home by a team from the former Division I-AA, the first time in college football history of this enormous upset.

Brief Rutgers highlights before I rip Michigan football a new asshole.

Ray Rice, running back for the Scarlet Knights reminded me of Forest Gump this past Thursday night. If you recall the first touchdown of the game, the play called for a rush middle. Rice took it 34 yards untouched. Sorry Buffalo, he is that good. And You guys suck.

He also scored from 12 and 41 yards out, the latter also Gump-like, just so fast and so easy. He finished the day with 25 carries for 184 yards and three scores. Using his arms a bit, he caught two passes from quarterback Mike Teel for 21 yards. Brian Leonard, you will be missed but for games against Buffalo and the like, Ray Ray can surely handle the load himself.

Mike Teel- I do appreciate the fact that you decided to show up, similar to the final three games last season. As do the 43,000 plus Rutgers fans in attendance for the home opener, thanks to ScarletKnights . Next time, please make sure that Jeremy Ito learns how to kick a field goal. We cannot afford 1-3 every game.

But this weekend is undeniably about Michigan (among some brilliant Tennis in the US Open and domination by the US Men’s Basketball Team for the next few blogs).

I just wanted to thank MSG for covering the Rutgers game. It is a shame that you were not able to cover the Michigan-Appalachian State game. Michigan lost to a division-I AA team on a blocked field goal with six seconds remaining in the game. Big Ten? I call the Wolverines “The Big Choke.”

I do not need to talk about Rutgers all day and night. Everyone witnessed the annihilation either first hand or on television. But Michigan. A bunch of pansies in my opinion. Actually, that is the opinion of just about every sportscaster in the nation. If you read or even glimpsed at the newspaper or internet articles and blogs regarding Michigan’s laughable and pitiful collapse to a non-division one team, you would think that Michigan played like pee wee football.

As Larry Lage, AP Sports Writer, stated, “Time to regroup for Michigan -- if that's possible” in his piece on this enormous upset in college sports history.

ESPN’s Pat Forde called Michigan “The Vanquished” in his article.

Dan Shanoff in his blog shared his feelings about this past weekend in college football. I definitely suggest reading this blog.

Greg Schiano. Glad to have you back as coach of the Knights. Keep on chopping. Llyod Carr of Michigan- you might wanna stop losing or else you might lose the big one- your job!

Michigan players and coaches, if you walk down the street, watch out for eggs and rocks. The fans are not too excited right now. I even saw one in tears on ESPN. HAHAHHAHA.

I also do not need to remind college football fans that the Big East went 6-0 in bowl games last season. Ohio State and Michigan went 0-2!!!!!!!!!!! Overrated is an understatement. Just continuing its shitty play from last season, Michigan lost again. At least Appalachian State was a champion in its league right? According to ESPN, it was the first time in college football history that a team from the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Division I-AA, defeated a ranked (top 25) team from Division I.

And the AP puts Rutgers at 16 in the pre-season? Shame on you, let me guess, did you personally attend the University of Michigan? Where are you now? Still defending your humiliating alma mater- I think not.

Michigan, where’s winter break this year? It aint Phoenix, Arizona, or Miami. For those who still believe that the Wolverines can earn a spot in a top five bowl game, I hope you brought your flask. Keep Drinking.

And finally, Michigan and all your devoted overmatched pussy fans, Drive Home Safely.