Leelanau Sports Guy’s World

It doesn’t have anything to do with Detroit sports directly (except when the Ravens are playing the Lions), but it’s pretty awesome how the Baltimore Ravens are using computers and technology to study and prepare for upcoming opponents. Head coach Brian Billick is the main person responsible for the Ravens use of computers. Maybe the Lions should read this and start using the system as well! Check out the article below.

The Ravens Go Digital - Wired article by Erik Malinowski

Northern Michigan is getting excited about the return of the Detroit Red Wings to Centre ICE. After last season’s lockout, this is the first chance for Wings fans to see their favorite players. The Wings may look different, but many faces remain including Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Manny Legace. Also returning is goalie Chris Osgood, resigned by the Wings to a one-year contract. Probably not returning is Pavel Datsyuk, who is almost assured to be playing in Russia next season. This is a big loss to the Wings, who will still retain his rights until July of 2007.

Also don’t forget that going on right now (through September 10th) is the annual Prospects Camp featuring young players from the Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Columbus Blue Jackets organizations. Tickets are $5.00 per day (available at the door). View schedule.

Here’s some links for more info…

Traverse City appetite whetted for Red Wings return - Free Press article

Wings bring new team to TC - Record Eagle article

Datsyuk as good as gone - Free Press article

I love the 3 day weekend, doesn’t get much better than that. We did all the usual stuff, swimming, sitting at the beach, cookouts, smores, and I even found time to have another live fantasy football draft. As a bonus, a gentleman was fishing in his kayak out on Lake Michigan and caught a beautiful salmon. His wife doesn’t like it so he gave it to us. I grilled it last night and it was delicious, a great way to end the weekend!

Here’s my thoughts from the football games I got to watch.

MSU 49 - Kent State 14 - Was about what I expected. Lots of offense and some holes in the defense. Stanton was solid, but the best player on the field was sophomore Jehuu Caulcrick. He finished with 114 yards and 3 TDS to lead the MSU ground game. Freshman Javon Ringer also ran for 69 yards and showed some flashes of his potential. If the defense can tighten up a bit this team can definitely go to a bowl and make some noise in the tough Big Ten.

Michigan 33 - Northern Illinois 17 - I am sure Michigan fans were a little nervous at first, but Michael Hart and the Michigan offense was too much. Henne looked good and the receivers made some great catches. Michigan’s defense is going to be the key to their season though. They gave up a couple of big plays and long drives that could prove deadly against the top teams in the Big Ten.

Lions 21 - Bills 7 - The Lions needed this win badly heading into the regular season. The defense looked sharp and the ground game was working well. Losing Garcia does hurt, but they will overcome this. Harrington is the man and look for him to lead the way early this season. A fast start is critical to this Lions team.

After watching TV the last couple of nights, I can’t imagine what people in Lousiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are going through. It’s awful. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families as they get through this difficult disaster.

If you want to help the people of New Orleans and the rest of the damaged areas, use one of the links below to donate some money to help buy food, supplies and provide places for them to stay!

United Way (It’s easy, it’s right through PayPal!)

USA Freedom Corps (This is the site linked to from Michigan.gov)

American Red Cross