Leelanau Sports Guy’s World

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Eagles hammer Lions - The Lions never play great in Philly and it looks like that trend continues. I think they can rebound with a victory over the Bears (I wouldn’t of said this a few weeks ago) and try to keep pace with the Packers. Chicago is starting Brian Griese over Rex Grossman, but the biggest key could be the injuries on Chicago’s defense. I like the Lions “O” to finally back up Roy’s talking!

2. State is 4-0 - We’ve seen this before, but I think Mark Dantonio is different from some of the previous coaches. He’s building the Spartans around defense and the running game, something lacking since George Perles left. What that means is they will be able to be more physical and keep up the intensity needed for the Big Ten. I’m not predicting a win this week, but I wouldn’t be shocked.

3. Michigan is 2-2 - I’ve been telling everyone who will listen that Michigan is still going to win the Big Ten. They have a nice schedule and Henne is coming back (although some would argue that is a minus).

4. Tigers season almost over - No playoff run this year. Sure I’m a bit disappointed, but it was still a great season that still has a shot to finish with 90 wins! It’s been a great two years to be a Tiger fan and I think it’s going to continue. Watch out in ‘08!

5. Asterisk Wins - I voted to send it like it was to the Hall of Fame, but at least it’s not going to space!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Brian Wittkop Sr. loves electric football, so much that he wants to start a league in Northern Michigan. Wittkop has 25 game boards and teams from the NFL and college, many he painted himself.

Electric football pits two players head-to-head using plastic players with bases (some can be adjusted) that will move them in a desired direction. Little foam footballs can be thrown or carried by the players and field goals can be kicked. I had better settle down, or I won’t be able to work this afternoon.

“There’s a quaintness to this and it’s social,” said Wittkop, 48, who belonged to a league when he lived in Monroe.

Wittkop is among tens of thousands of people who now play it, said Ira H. Silverman, a spokesman for Miggle Toys Inc. of Highland Park, Ill., which sells the sets and accessories online and elsewhere.

“When the Internet came around, guys in Florida, Texas or Michigan started talking to each other about it,” Wittkop said. “I keep in touch with guys all over the country. I have an e-mail list of about 200.”

I have many fond memories of playing electric football and I still have my field in the basement, the 1985 Super Bowl Bears vs. Patriots edition. I might just have to set it up soon and play a game. Maybe even practice up enough to join the NMEFL (Northern Michigan Electric Football League).

Read Good vibrations on the gridiron in the Record Eagle
Purchase Electric Football Sets/Equipment at Miggle Toys
Visit Brian Wittkop Sr.’s Electric Football Web site

You can even watch video of Electric Football action…

Record Eagle sportswriter Mark Urban takes a look at the big rivalry game between Michigan State and Michigan and how it could play a very big part in either team making the NCAA Tournament. My guess is that neither are going to make the “Big Dance” and both will be playing in the NIT regardless of the outcome Tuesday.

Read Tuesday’s loser will miss the NCAAs in the Record Eagle

Also, here’s another article from the Record Eagle about the annual winter sports card and memorabilia at the Civic Center.

I haven’t been there in a couple of years, but Nothing But Sports in Traverse City is a sports card collectors dream. Lots of packs and boxes to be found. Check out Rich Bannatyne’s shop in the Record Eagle article below…

Read Store for the ultimate sports fan in the Record Eagle

My View: I always love sports card shops. I worked at Cardboard Heroes in Dayton, Ohio, for a couple of years and loved it. I still get very excited on the occasion of opening a pack of baseball cards, just that part of me that hasn’t grown up yet!

I love my baseball cards. I don’t get a chance to pick up too many anymore, but I still have my old Tiger rookies and some of my favorites from over the years. Here’s a neat look down memory lane at some of ESPN’s page 2 columnists favorite baseball cards.

Read A pack of baseball memories at ESPN

My favorite card is pictured right, it’s my Alan Trammell rookie card. Tram is my favorite Tiger of all-time and the fact that its his rookie, but also Paul Molitor’s, makes this card real sweet.