Friendly Fire: A Look at Some of the Action on 11/15/11

New U.S. Men's National Soccer coach Jurgen Klinsmann has taken a lot of heat for how much the team has been struggling. Since Klinsmann took over, had been outscored 5-2 and had a record of 1-4-1. The team dropped to 34th in the latest Fifa rankings and finished last year 6-8-3, their worst record since 1994.

Coach Klinsmann decided to change his lineup formation. To help make up for a lack of scoring, he changed in to a very offensively minded 4-4-2. On a fog-filled night the U.S. got to test their new lineup in a World Cup rematch with Slovenia. The U.S. attack responded with three goals and some desperate defending and great saves by Tim Howard gave the U.S. a 3-2 victory.

The U.S.'s old coach, Bob Bradley, was in action with his new team as well. Egypt started well against Brasil, but then the Brasilians took over. Brasil had no shortage of good opportunities on the attack. Jonas scored the only two goals of the game and almost had a third in Brasil 2-0 win.

A weakened Uruguay team pulled off a stunning victory in Rome 1-0 over Italy. Uruguay was without four of its best players do to injuries and fatigue. In the 3rd minute, Sebastian Fernandez scored for Uruguay. Despite Italy's large edge in shots and shots on goal, Urugauy did enough to keep them from scoring.

Germany is starting to look like the best team in the world after a convincing 3-0 win over the Netherlands, who is the #2 ranked team in Fifa's current rankings. Prior to this, Germany finished World Cup qualifying with a perfect 10 wins in 10 games. In this friendly, Mirslov Klose scored one goal and had assists on the other two.

The #1 ranked team and defending World Cup Champions, Spain, got all the could ask for and more from Costa Rica. Costa Rica controlled the first half and led 2-0 at the intermission. Spain played better in the second half, but couldn't find the net until David Silva finally scored in the 83rd minute. David Villa added another in the 90th minute to help Spain salvage a 2-2 draw in a game they could have easily lost.

Fifa's current rankings: http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/index.html

ESPN's Tip-Off Marathon

While the college basketball season has already tipped off, ESPN's Tip-Off Marathon began just an hour ago. The marathon features 21 games, 21 conferences, 15 states, and 14 ranked teams. Here are my Top 5 Games to Watch from the marathon.

5. Northern Iowa @ Saint Mary's - 2 AM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

Two mid-major tournament regulars who frequently do some damage. This game will help to give an early expectation as to what to expect from these teams come March.

4. Belmont @ #10 Memphis - Noon EST, ESPN/ESPN3

Belmont is coming off a 30 win season last year. They nearly upset Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium (lost by one). Memphis is young and unproven. I think the Bruins finish off the upset this time.

3. #6 Duke vs. Michigan State - 7 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

The Blue Devils were definitely tested by Belmont. Michigan State played a tough game against UNC, but just weren't good enough. But will they be good enough to beat Duke? This game should tell us a lot about both teams.

2. #8 Florida vs. #3 Ohio State - 8PM EST, ESPN2/ESPN3

The Gators bring a deeply talented backcourt, but Ohio State might have the best big man in the country in sophomore Jared Sullinger. The slim-downed Sullinger should be a beast, but how good will the rest of the team be? This is their first true test.

1. #2 Kentucky vs. #11 Kansas - 9PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

Two of the winningest programs in the sports history faceoff on a big stage. Terrence Jones and yet another top rated freshman class lead Kentucky. Kansas point guard Tyshawn Taylor will run the show for the Jayhawks.

More complete preview of all of the games: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/page/Tipoff-game-by-game-preview-of-the-marathon/game-game-preview-college-hoops-tip-marathon

Andy Katz's blog posting previewing Belmont before the season began: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/7147784/belmont-bruins-chance-shine-early-duke-blue-devils-memphis-tigers

Detroit News article about Jared Sullinger and the Ohio State Buckeyes: http://www.detnews.com/article/20111109/SPORTS0203/111090312/Ohio-State-fit-for-Big-Ten-title-run-with-trimmer-Jared-Sullinger

Houston, Do We Have a Problem?

The Houston Texans are 7-3, including 3-0 against their weak division and have won four games in a row. Barring a complete meltdown, they should win the AFC South and make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. However, injuries have dominated their season.

Starting running back Arian Foster, who had a total of 2,220 yards last season, had ten carries in his first four games, due to injury. Thankfully, he is now healthy and has had two 75+ yard touchdown receptions this season. The last running back to do that was Gale Sayers during his rookie season of 1965.

Star wide receiver Andre Johnson is one of the best in the game. Over the past three seasons, he had a total of 4,360 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. He looked to be on pace for another one of those seasons, until he injured his hamstring. He has now missed the past six games, but is expected to return after the team's bye this week.

Former #1 pick of the 2006 NFL Draft, Mario Williams was having a great season. Through five games, he led the team in sacks and was playing well enough to lead the league by the end of the season. Then, he tore his pectoral and his season was over.

Coming off an impressive win over Tampa Bay 37-9 on Sunday, the Texans had to be feeling good. Today, news reports announced that 2010 Pro Bowl MVP quarterback Matt Schaub had suffered a Lisfranc injury. What is that you might ask? It is a joint in the midfoot that is rarely injured, but when it is can be rather serious. Other NFL players that have been affected by this injury include Dwight Freeney, Kevin Jones, and Larry Johnson. Original reports ruled him out for the next several weeks, but a source announced that it is believed he could be done for the season. Houston is on a bye week this week, so Schaub should visit specialists. Stay tuned for more information.

The Texans have proved all season how good their depth is. Now, it is time for former USC star Matt Leinart to prove himself. Leinart was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, but he suffered on and off the field troubles in the desert. After being unemployed last season, Leinart signed a one year contract to be Schaub's backup. Schaub had never missed a game since becoming a Texan, but he will now. This is Leinart's second chance. He has one of the most talented offenses in the league around him. In order to succeed, he must limit his mistakes.

Houston's has had plenty of injury problems this season, but the Texans refuse to give up. They will look to use this week's bye to rest up and heal as they prepare to make a run at the franchise's first ever playoff berth. Houston does have some problems, but don't doubt this Texans team. They could have a playoff run in them.

Article about the Texans' depth (written prior to Schaub's injury): http://bleacherreport.com/articles/932659-houston-texans-depth-a-key-for-a-deep-playoff-run

More information about what a Lisfranc injury is: http://www.sportsmd.com/SportsMD_Articles/id/283/n/what_is_a_lisfranc_injury.aspx

Houston Chronicle blog post about Matt Leinart becoming the starting quarterback: http://blog.chron.com/sportsjustice/2011/11/what-do-you-have-for-us-matt-leinart-next-man-up-for-texans/