Nike Unveils new Pro Bowl Uniforms

As we all know, Nike is now the new maker of NFL uniforms. That being said, we all knew there was an overhaul coming but I did not expect it to be for the Pro Bowl. Nike is getting away from the traditional blue and red combos and has instead created these black and white ones. I think they are really neat but I would have preferred them to keep the same jerseys as last year. It reminds me a lot of of Oregon and Oregon State (coincidence?). More info below.

http://nflcommunications.com/2013/10/08/nfl-nike-elite-51-pro-bowl-uniforms-unveiled/

OU unveils alternate uniform for OU/TX

It was a mere month ago, that I called on the athletic department to get alternate uniforms, and this morning I finally saw what I have been waiting years for. A tweet from Bob Stoops this morning made it official, the Sooners WILL have an alternate uniform for the game this weekend. This is not a complete overhaul just some gold around the numbers and different shoulder combinations. What do you guys think? Click the link below to see the new more pictures.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-football-ou-texas-uniforms-get-gold-treament/article/3890840

Three things we learned this weekend

1. Derrick Rose is back
After sitting out over a year with a torn ACL, Rose made his return in an exhibition game against the Pacers scoring 13 points in 20 minutes. Is he the spark that leads the Bulls to the top of the Eastern conference this year?
                   

2. Peyton Manning can run
For the first time since 2008, Manning had a rushing touchdown. It wasn't pretty and it's safe to say he does not have the same speed he had a few years ago, but this was a huge touchdown that would play a major role in the Broncos 51-48 win yesterday. He even faked out the cameraman.

                 

3. Racing is dangerous
I found this amazing video this morning. Yesterday, Indycar was in Houston and the event took a sad turn when this incredible crash happened.

                 

Bonus from last weekend
It doesn't look like this guy has much going for him, regardless, this is probably my favorite sports video so far this year.

                 

Football, Politics and Religion

In Brazil, there's a common saying that says, “não se discute futebol, politica, e religião”. For those non-Portuguese speakers, that roughly translates to “You don’t discuss soccer, politics, and religion”. Lucky for you, I feel that we know each other well enough to discuss all three of these topics; more specifically on how this trio of subjects should or shouldn’t mix together on an individual or national level. So follow me, as we discuss what roles and responsibilities athletes and organizing committees like the NOC’s (national Olympic committees) should have in the public eye.

So who could I possibly be thinking of when I speak of ‘religious athletes’? Probably the most talked about athlete in recent times, Tim “God’s QB” Tebow™; the man behind the cultural phenomenon known as “tebowing”. Should Tebow take advantage of his position and prominence to promote his beliefs/religion? Most people wouldn’t care in this case but what if the man was Muslim or a believer of some other religion? What would you think if he pulled out a mat and prayed before every game and then went on to discuss his beliefs during his press conferences? Some people probably would not take that very well but then again not all of the world population is ruled by bigotry so maybe you wouldn’t be affected.

So let’s choose another example. Recently (Aug. 10^th-18^th), the Track World Championships were held in Moscow, Russia. Not all is well in Russia with civil unrest and protests against President Putin, but luckily this is a sports blog and not a political column so we’ll steer clear of who’s wrong and who’s right. A prominent point to make is that Russia is strictly against same-sex marriage and has proven it by taking action against protesters. Yet, this did not deter American athlete Nick Symmonds who, after winning silver in the 800m, dedicated his medal to his homosexual friends and spoke out against Russia’s repression. This begs the question: Is this proper behavior for an “ambassador” of the US or should athletes restrain themselves and their right to free speech to avoid all conflict? For athletes in their own sports leagues, such as the NBA or the NFL, their opinions should be thought through carefully because they still represent an organization but they stay in the same country (except when on international duty). However, athletes like runners have it more complicated because often they travel across the globe to compete. Should they not have the same right to speak out against what they feel is wrong just because they are guests? In a perfect world no! However, our athletes represent a country, and so when they have the American flag, they should be more cautious and careful in what they say. Perhaps even wait until after the event is over to state what they experienced and how they feel. This leads me to my next subject: the Olympic Games.

Ever since Pierre de Coubertin brought back the Olympics in 1896, they have always been a source of controversy. After all, countries around the world are vying not only for the gold medals but also to host the Olympics. Most often times, a European or American city is chosen. In fact, they've only been held outside of these two areas only 7 times (including the 2016 and 2020 Olympics). However, many times the choice of a certain city has led to boycotts. The most known and biggest boycotts: 1980 and 1984. In 1980, a total of 62 countries, including the US, boycotted the Games which were held in Soviet Russia. As a response, Russia and her allies (16) boycotted the games held in Los Angeles, four years later. Subsequently, large country boycotts have been avoided but it raises a question: Should athletes be penalized because a country disagrees with the host city’s politics? Personally, I feel that unless the country is blatantly breaking international laws or treaties (in which case they shouldn't even be chosen in the first place), countries shouldn't mix politics and sports. Athletes train for years for one moment, and to see it go to waste simply because the two nations cannot agree is a shame.

So to recap, individual athletes should be able to express their opinion without the fear of being penalized and punished for them. Yet, I believe too much discussion can take away from the sport at times. There is a time for playing and a time to talk, world affairs aren’t a subject that should be linked to sports. Maybe it’s the innocent side of me, but I find that sports are a beautiful art form that is tainted by cheating and scandals to overcome a country because your country doesn’t like them and can’t stand to lose against them. For my sake, keep your politics to yourself and just enjoy the game. Fair-play and sportsmanship are things that tend to disappear when national tensions arise; yet, in the end all that matters, no matter what you believe, who you are, or what sport you play, the only thing that counts, the one thing that unites us all is that desire for the perfect play.

Bryan Corbaz (@CorbazXC): Bringing an old wooden ship from the civil war to this crew, Bryan is currently a student in Switzerland. An obsessed runner, Bryan was a part of a state champion XC team, an all-american at USATF nationals in steeplechase, placed 5th last year at Swiss Nationals, and is the current state XC champ. He hopes to attend a DI college to continue to achieve in and outside of the classroom, all while being the funniest of the Corbaz brothers.

NFL PREVIEW

Adrian Peterson

The 2013-14 NFL season begins this Thursday night with Baltimore vs. Denver. In honor of the new season, I have gathered Eric Sarani and Allen Collins to create this preview for your reading pleasure. Enjoy.

1. Most under the radar team?
Corbaz (@yungswiss_): The New Orleans Saints. After being rocked by the bounty gate scandal, the Saints get their coaching staff back. Adding Rob Ryan will have the biggest difference as he will turn that last place defense around. Look for Brees to have another big season. Also look for the Bucs, Eagles and Lions to bounce back.
Allen (@AC_Writer): The Cincinnati Bengals. Strong defense and the Dalton-Green connection on O.
Eric (@Eric_sarani): Cardinals; With a legitimate arm in the pocket now in Carson Palmer, reigning coach of the year Bruce Arians could take the Cardinals to second in the NFC west and a shot at a wild card spot in the NFC. Don’t sleep on ARIZONA.

2. Most over hyped team?
Corbaz: The Baltimore Ravens. After winning the Super Bowl the Ravens have lost six starters as well as the heart and soul of that defense, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. It will take at least a season for the chemistry to get where it needs to be.
Allen: The Denver Broncos. Yes Peyton Manning is good, yes they added Wes Welker but they won't go far this year.
Eric: Redskins; Don’t think RGIII stays healthy. Even though I love Alfred Morris running the ball, too tough of a division. Eagles way underperformed last year (healthy Mike Vick and Chip Kelly offense is dangerous), and the cowboys and giants will both have at or over .500 records.

3. Who will win the MVP?
Corbaz: Peyton Manning. He will have plenty of targets to throw to including Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas. Their defense is a question mark so count on Manning to make up for that weakness by putting up huge numbers.
Allen: AD. That year he had coming off surgery was spectacular. I see him having an equally impressive year being healthier.
Eric: Adrian Peterson; Boomer

4. --- will win the AFC West.
Corbaz: This division is a joke right now. The Denver Broncos will win easily. They will go undefeated and have no problem with the lowly Raiders, Chiefs and Chargers.
Allen: The Denver Broncos. Fever shouldn't have any trouble with division foes behind Manning.
Eric: Denver Broncos, Easiest division and they’ve got Peyton.

Peyton Manning

5. --- will win the AFC South.
Corbaz: The Houston Texans. This was a really hard decision for me but there is just a little more talent in Houston than there is in Indianapolis. Schaub, Johnson and Foster will be too much for a lot of defenses. Ed Reed will also have a huge impact not only on the field but in the locker room as well.
Allen: The Houston Texas. Luck's Colts will challenge but Houston three pronged offensive attack will prevail.
Eric: Colts; This is going to be decided by one game like last year and unlike last year, the Colts will edge out Houston for top dog in the South. Andrew Luck is only getting better and They have got backs now in Bradshaw and a polished Ballard. Reggie Wayne is the youngest looking 34 year old I’ve ever seen.

6. --- will win the AFC North.
Corbaz: The Cleveland Browns. Just kidding, I am picking the Cincinnati Bengals. They are a young team, hungry to improve on a 10-6 season in 2012.
Allen: The Cincinnati Bengals. If there defense performs like last year and the offense plays up to potential they'll win out.
Eric: Bengals; I think the Bengals edge out a question mark-ridden Ravens D as Number 1 in the AFC North. I think Gio passes the Green-Ellis for the starting job at running back to win out the last 7 games and take 1st place.

7. --- will win the AFC East.
Corbaz: The New England Patriots. Even though they had a very interesting off season, Belichick is a genius and will be good enough to win this weak division. However, it will be interesting to see how they fair against better opponents such as the Falcons in week 4 and the Broncos in week 12.
Allen: Bill and Tom. No receivers, no problem, Brady will get the Patriots to the winner's circle.
Eric: Patriots; Haven’t been anything less than 1st since 2008, and Miami isn’t beating them this year either.

Colin Kaepernick

8. --- will win the NFC West.
Corbaz: The San Francisco 49ers. This was the hardest decision to make but there will be some great games in the West this year so mark your calendars. I think the 49ers-Seahawks game in week 2 will be one for the ages.
Allen: The Seattle Seahawks. This league will be tough be behind Russell and Marshawn on O as well as lock corners Browner and Sherman. They'll gut it out.
Eric: 49ers; Reigning NFC champions win their division and get the 1 seed in the playoffs.

9. --- will win the NFC South.
Corbaz: The Atlanta Falcons. I definitely see them going 13-3 again and hungrier then ever to reach the Super Bowl. Adding Stephen Jackson in the backfield was a great under the radar move.
Allen: Those Dirty Birds. Matt Ryan's crew adds Stephen Jackson and Osi Umenyora on D. They'll overcome the Saints in this division.

RG3 and the Skins have high hopes for the new season

Eric: Falcons; Stephen Jackson is going to tear up the league this year. Falcons win by a big margin.

10. --- will win the NFC North.
Corbaz: The Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is a stud and drafting Ed Lacy will give this offense balance it hasn't had in years.
Allen: The Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews will simply get it done, again.
Eric:The Green Bay Packers led by Rodgers will edge out the Vikings.

11. ---will win the NFC East.
Corbaz: The Washington Redskins. This team will go as RG3 goes. It sounds like his knee is fine so look for him to have another great season. The Eagles under Chip Kelley will be interesting to watch and could possibly end up in a shoot out between the two when they play.
Allen: RGIII and crew. Solid rushing attack and Griffin's playmaking will put up enough points to win this division.
Eric: Giants; I honestly think there are too many questions with the Redskins and the Cowboys aren’t winning anything any time soon.

12. Who will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy on February 2nd, 2014?
Corbaz: The San Francisco 49ers. After reaching the NFC title game in 2012 and the Super Bowl last season, it is finally their time to hoist that trophy. They had a spectacular off-season and with a year under Kapernick's belt, I do not see them being stopped in the playoffs.
Allen: The Atlanta Falcons. After a few early exits I see Atlanta getting over the hump. With a stronger rushing attack and a much needed pass rusher added the Falcons will finally do the job. All hail the Dirty Birds.
Eric: I’m picking the patriots over Atlanta.

Eric Sarani (@Eric_sarani) and Allen Collins (@AC_Writer) are contributors to Corbaz Sports Blog.

WINNERS AND LOSERS FROM THIS PAST WEEKEND

In case you missed the top 10 from the first weekend of college football click here.
WINNERS:

1. Villanova's trick play- Thanks to this great play, everyone is now aware that Villanova doesn't just have a basketball team. The wildcats ran this fake punt fumblerooskie play within the first three minutes of the game against Boston College. They would ultimately lose but at least they garnered some national attention.

                  

2. Clemson Tigers- The #8 Tigers proved that they are indeed a contender this year by beating #5 Georgia 38-35 on Saturday night. Tajh Boyd did not disappoint as went 18-30 for 270 yards and three touchdowns.

                  

3. Kurtis Drummond- This should be catch/interception of the year.

                  

4. Jamies Winston- The Florida State quarterback had his coming out party last night against Pitt, going 25-27 for 356 yards and four touchdowns. Did I mention he's a redshirt freshman?

LOSERS

1. Malcolm Mitchell- Junior reciever Malcolm Mitchell from Georgia is now out of for the season because he tore his acl while celebrating a touchdown with his teammates Saturday.
                               

2. Roger Federer- For the first time since 2002 Federer has failed to reach the final at one of the grand slams. On Monday, Federer lost to #19 Tommy Robredo in straight sets prompting concern over whether he will ever win another major again.

3. Alabama high school coaches- I'm not sure what the back story is to this video but regardless this is really ridiculous. Look to the right of the screen.

                             

Who were your winners and losers from this past weekend?

MUST SEE GAMES OF THE WEEKEND

Jadeveon Clowney and the Gamecocks will be in action tonight vs. UNC

Tonight the new season of college football begins (thank the lord). Here is a list of the games on tonight and what you need to know:

Game	Network	Time
North Carolina at (6) South Carolina	ESPN HD	8/29/2013 6:00 PM
Liberty at Kent St.	ESPN3	8/29/2013 6:00 PM
Presbyterian at Wake Forest	ESPN3	8/29/2013 6:30 PM
Tulsa at Bowling Green	ESPNU HD	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Indiana St. at Indiana	BTN HD	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
UNLV at Minnesota	BTN HD	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Akron at UCF	ESPN3	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Illinois St. at Ball St.	ESPN3	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Northwestern St. at Missouri St.	Mediacom-Springfield	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Robert Morris at Eastern Kentucky	OVC Digital Network	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Pikeville at Morehead St.	OVC Digital Network	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Rhode Island at Fordham	Patriot League Network	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Grand View at Drake	College Sports Direct	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Hampton at Western Illinois	College Sports Direct	8/29/2013 7:00 PM
Southern Utah at South Alabama	ESPN3	8/29/2013 7:30 PM
Towson at Connecticut	ESPN3	8/29/2013 7:30 PM
Western Carolina at Middle Tennessee	CBS Sports ULive	8/29/2013 7:30 PM
UT Martin at Chattanooga	CSS	8/29/2013 7:30 PM
Jacksonville at Delaware	College Sports Direct	8/29/2013 7:30 PM
Dayton at Youngstown St.	YSUSports.com	8/29/2013 7:30 PM
Utah St. at Utah	FOX Sports 1	8/29/2013 8:00 PM
Jackson St. at Tulane	CBS Sports ULive	8/29/2013 8:00 PM
Valparaiso at North Dakota	MidCo Sports Net	8/29/2013 8:00 PM
Cumberland at Tennessee Tech	OVC Digital Network	8/29/2013 8:00 PM
SE Missouri St. at SE Louisiana	LionSports.Net	8/29/2013 8:00 PM
Monmouth at Montana St.	Max Media HD	8/29/2013 9:00 PM
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt	ESPN HD	8/29/2013 9:15 PM
Sacramento St. at San Jose St.	Mountain West Network	8/29/2013 10:00 PM
Eastern Oregon at Portland St.	BigSkyTV.Org	8/29/2013 10:00 PM
Rutgers at Fresno St.	ESPNU HD	8/29/2013 10:30 PM

Clearly the most interesting game on the schedule tonight is between South Carolina (6) vs. North Carolina. The Tar Heels are not favorites here and it is going to take a lot to beat a very good South Carolina team but on paper this has potential to stay interesting for three quarters. Another matchup that I will be watching is Ole Miss at Vanderbilt. Two rising teams in the SEC on a Thursday night seems alright with me. 

Here is a list of this week's must see games:

Rice at Texas A&M

ESPN HD

8/31/2013 1:00 PM

Virginia Tech vs. (1) Alabama (at Atlanta, GA)

ESPN HD

8/31/2013 5:30 PM

UL-Monroe at (16) Oklahoma

FSN PPV

8/31/2013 7:00 PM

(5) Georgia at (8) Clemson

ABC HD

8/31/2013 8:00 PM

(12) LSU vs. (20) TCU (at Arlington, TX)

ESPN HD

8/31/2013 9:00 PM

(19) Boise St. at Washington	FOX Sports 1	8/31/2013 10:00 PM
Nevada at (21) UCLA	Pac-12 Networks	8/31/2013 10:00 PM
(22) Northwestern at California	ESPN2 HD	8/31/2013 10:30 PM

(11) Florida St. at Pittsburgh

ESPN HD

9/2/2013 8:00 PM

For full weekend schedule click here.

-Chris Corbaz (@yungswiss_): After conquering the YMCA basketball leagues in Tulsa with his Westbrook like quickness, Corbaz is now studying public relations at the University of Oklahoma. He is a die-hard Oklahoma City Thunder fan and an avid follower of the Dallas Cowboys but not Tony Romo. #Thunderup