The Drive: Well, it did not take a Phi-Beta-Kappa to watch Virginia Tech’s spring game and understand that this year can be very, very special. I know, everybody hates this even being brought up. But let me put it this way. I graduated from Florida, covered Tennessee’s National title and Penn State’s big run a few years back. I’ve seen this before. All I’m saying is that coming into every football season there are a handful of football teams that can say this—-if everything goes right, luck, breaks, injuries, etc.—they are good enough to be there at the end, one of the handful that could get a shot at playing for the prize. Not “they will”,  certainly not using the word “should”...but they are in the conversation. They have to be. This team reminds me of Tee Martin’s Tennessee team in some ways. Maybe just in the circumstances coming in. We’ll see. Certainly the ‘Bama game will tell everyone plenty.
The Fairway: Not bragging, but thanks to my in-laws I was able to watch the final round of the Masters in person. I followed Phil and Tiger for 14 of the 18 holes, and it was the most ridiculously amazing display of golf I had ever seen. Best golf tournament I had ever seen, for its plots, and subplots.  Mickelson’s ball landed about three yards from my feet on 7 fairway. I was right on the ropes, trying to stay ahead of the group the hole time. He didn’t have a good lie and was blocked by tree branches. We could hear him talking to Bones, who appeared to be giving him the “punch up” yardage to the front of the green, in front of the bunkers, to avoid disaster and try to save par. That’s a green you don’t want to be long on. Mickelson wanted distance to the pin. Bones just turned away, and started flipping his yardage book. The look on his face was a mixture of wonderment and incredulousness. It was like he couldn’t decide which, but never showed it to Phil, as best as I could tell. He was so sure of himself, it wasn’t a shock that he somehow hit a swinging hook around the tree branch and over the trap and dropped on a dart on a dime and spun that ball sideways rolling it to a foot or two. All we get is a fist pump. Couldn’t see Bones when that ball hit but he had to know this was one of those days. Ride ‘em till she bucks you…is the Tin Cup line I think. Amazing stuff. The fact that both Tiger and Phil gave some strokes back at the end should not be a sign that either “choked.” That’s just stupid. That’s Augusta. The fact that they came from 8 back and were in the thing is beyond belief to begin with. All that said, I thought Kenny Perry had it in the bag. But again, that’s Augusta. Cabrera survived. All hail Argentina!
The Green:  Are we getting Lebron vs. Kobe?  As I sit here, I’ll tell you what I’ve been thinking all along. I am NOT sold on the Lakers. They look like a disjointed bunch that lacks heart—sometimes. It’s strange, they are the best team I’ve seen in a while that just doesn’t show up on some nights.  The unpopular yet perhaps more balanced, sensible pick in the West is Denver.  I don’t think Boston or Orlando can handle the Cavs. Boston feels like a Broadway play that’s missing one of its lead actors. Watching Orlando some evenings is like listening to a top orchestra who is out of tune.  No joy there. In fact..that can be downright annoying. The Rockets are too banged up, but I love the fact that six guys on that team—at least—don’t know how to back down. My kind of team.  Cleveland-Denver?  Yikes. But it would be a great series.
The Jar:  Heading back to Tamaqua, Pennsylvania at the end of the month as my High School’s commencement speaker. There’s a sure fire way to know you are old. Regardless, it’s an honor and I am looking forward to being on the ole’ stomping grounds one more time. Haven’t made a reunion yet, but I suppose this will have to do. I’ll promise you this, I’m a sportscaster. This won’t be a sleepy old speech. Now, is there any way to work in “outta my kitchen, I’m cookin Mama’s chili.”?