Sports Predictions for 2008

A few random thoughts on the upcoming year in sports:

* Patriots win the Super Bowl. I know it’s not a very original prediction, but damn if they just look too good right now. And as much as I’ve got no reason to like the Pats, I’m just not a fan. Although I will say I’m a fan of Tom Brady & Randy Moss. Both of those guys are at the top of their game, so I’ve got to give them the respect their due. Who could screw up this prediction: NY Giants. If the Jints make it to Arizona I expect a repeat of their week 16 game, so I think anything could happen.

* Memphis cuts down the nets at the Final 4. I think a great PG is the difference in the NCAA tourney, and Rose is a great one for Memphis. I think they’ll come into the tourney with 1 or 2 losses, and then run the table as a #1 seed. I think it’s a big advantage to them that they get to return to San Antonio for the 2008 Final Four. Last year they lost a close game to Ohio State in the Regional Finals in San Antonio. Who could screw up this prediction: UNC has a strong team across the board, and Roy knows how to win a championship. Indiana has got a tenacious coach in Sampson and superstar in Eric Gordon. I see Gordon taking his team on his back, like Dwayne Wade did for Marquette. Also, don’t forget about DJ White. I also Texas (strong PG) and Tennessee (Lofton’s sharpshooting) could be contenders.

* Tiger Woods wins 3 out of 4 majors. He’s due at Augusta and I think he’ll make quick work of Torrey Pines. So that leaves him to win a 3rd at either Royal Birksdale or Oakland Hills. And I’m not shocked if he wins both of those and completes the Grand Slam. The last couple of years have brought huge changes in Tiger’s personal life, so I think the relative quiet of 2008 is going to get him winning big again.

* US team wins the Ryder Cup at Valhalla. I think the recent President’s Cup showed some good pairings for the US squad, so they’ll be ready to roll in Louisville. Coach is the resident golf guru, so he’ll probably have more educated thoughts on these last two prediction.

* I like the Suns over the Pistons in the NBA Finals. Phoenix is a great team and has been oh so close for the last few years. I think this year they catch a few breaks in the playoffs and get to the Finals. The Celts are the trendy pick in the East, but I’m just not sold on their big 3 in the playoffs. Will their D and PG hold up during the pressure of the playoffs? I say no. Who could bust up this prediction: Spurs are obviously still the class of the West, and Utah & Dallas cannot be overlooked. In the East, you’ve still got to consider King James a contender in any series. But I think the Suns get it done.

* Roger Federer wins the US Open and at Wimbledon…and a bunch of other tournaments. Bond’s the tennis guru, so I’ll leave any deeper analysis to him.

* I like the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series. I think they already had all of the pieces, and adding Willis and Cabrera just put them over the top. Plus, they’ve got the postseason experience. Who could blow this prediction: You can never count out the Red Sox, and I think the Yankees will finally play strong in the postseason.

* I think the Texas Longhorns hoast the trophy in college football. Mack looks serious heading into 2008, hiring Will Muschamp away from Auburn to energize the D. Also Colt McCoy comes back from a up/down 2007 season. And UT will play a tough schedule that’ll get them ready for the Orange Bowl. Who could rain on my precition: USC is going to be really strong. Their QB position will be solid with both Sanchez & Mustain fighting for the alpha dog spot. Their defense is stout, especially at the LB spots. So I expect them to make it to Miami as well.

* I think Roger Clemens finally retires. And proof comes out that he was a steriod user.
* I think Barry Bonds finally gets cleared of charges.
* I think Michael Phelps wins 6 gold medals in the Olympics.
* I think I watch of sports in 2008.

What are your bold sports predictions for 2008?