College Football Week 2 Preview and Predictions

Missouri quarterback James Frankiin is set to for his first real battle against an SEC defense Saturday. (Getty Images)

Since I have had a super busy week, I am only giving a short preview before my predictions. Additionally, this is about as weak of a slate of games as I can remember in a long time. Therefore, they do not merit as thorough of an anylsis as my other ones.

5. #24 Florida @ Texas A&M - 3:30 PM EST, ESPN/WatchESPN

Texas A&M's debut against Louisiana Tech this season was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Isaac. Now instead, their opening game will be against new conference rival Florida. The Aggies will look to get the season off on the right foot in their first game as a SEC member. Meanwhile, the Gators will look to continue their success from their 27-14 win over Bowling Green last weekend. They will be looking for continued growth out of newly named starting quarterback Jeff Driskel.

Prediction: Florida 24 Texas A&M 20                                              

4. Air Force @ #19 Michigan - 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2

The Michigan Wolverines must look to bounce back quickly from their disappointing 41-14 loss to Alabama. They can't afford to be hungover going into their home opener against a dangerous Air Force team. The Falcons rushed for an amazing 484 yards last week in a win over Idaho State. They will look to use their option offense to control the tempo against Michigan. The Wolverines will look for a bounce back game from quarterback Denard Robinson. They will also be the beneficiaries of getting starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint back from suspension.

Prediction: Michigan 38 Air Force 24

3. #16 Nebraska @ UCLA - 7:30 PM EST, FOX

Nebraska travels across the country to take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl. The Cornhuskers hope that this is the first of two trips this season. If that is going to be the case, they must win games such as this one. Nebraska star quarterback Taylor Martinez had a huge game last week. The one potential blow to the Cornhuskers offense is that star running back Rex Burkhead is questionable for the game. UCLA kicked off the Jim Mora era with a solid win over Rice. They look to keep their momentum going this weekend.

Prediction: Nebraska 30 UCLA 24

2. Purdue @ #22 Notre Dame - 3:30 PM EST, NBC

Notre Dame's dominance of Navy in Ireland was one of the big stories from last week. This Saturday should show the affect that jet lag has on their ability to play football. For the Fighting Irish, the man at the center of it all is sophomore quarterback Everett Golson. Golson shined last week against the Midshipmen. Purdue will undoubtedly be excited to travel and play their in-state rivals this weekend. Their three-quarterback attack should cause the Irish defense to stay on their toes.

Prediction: Notre Dame 34 Purdue 20

1. #7 Georgia @ Missouri - 7:45 PM EST, ESPN2/WatchESPN

This is Missouri's first SEC game since joining the conference. With it being at home, the home crowd will certainly be stoked for this one. One clear advantage that the Tigers have is that they have the element of surprise. Their spread offense led by quarterback James Franklin is something that Georgia will not be as familiar with. Georgia is the heavy favorite in the game. However, I have some concerns. On defense, the Bulldogs have six starters suspended for the game. Additionally, they looked suspect at times against Buffalo last week.

Prediction: Missouri 34 Georgia 31

NHL Labor Negotiations Could Continue Soon

Nearly 200 NHL players are expected to be in New York next Wednesday and Thursday for player meetings. (Chris Young)

The NHL's current collective bargaining agreement expires on September 15. While the NHL and NHLPA are officially away from the negotiating table, discussions have picked up around the league as the date continues to get closer. Commissioner Gary Bettman has resoundingly stated that if a deal isn't reached, he will impose a lockout on the league.

The NHL has already suffered from a recent lockout. During the 2004-2005 season, the league canceled the entire season and playoffs, until the current deal was agreed to. Everyone involved with the NHL would prefer to retain from that occurring again. When asked about how this summer relates to the summer of 2004, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly had the following to say.

"I think its been different in a lot of respects. At least with respect to a lot of the issues that need to be discussed and worked out, we plowed a lot of ground in that area and made some progress. I think we have some tentative agreement to some things, we have teed up other issues in other areas, so from that perspective we had a good summer of negotiation."

While there has been some progress made, both sides remain fairly entrenched in their views. Daly added, "Right now it appears as though we're stalled, at least temporarily." If the season is to stay fully intact, the two sides must begin to find a compromise quickly. The first preseason game is scheduled for September 19. Regular season games are slated to begin October 11. It will be interesting to see where the heart of each side really lies and what and when something is finally decided.

Adam Greenberg is Attempting Unexpected Comeback

Years after suffering a tragic injury, Adam Greenberg is striving to comeback and record his first official major league at-bat. (Getty Images)

In July 2005, Adam Greenberg was one of many promising prospects in the Chicago Cubs farm system. He was called up to the majors that same month. On July 9, 2005, the 24-year-old Greenberg was called to pinch hit in the ninth inning. The first pitch he saw from Florida Marlins reliever Valerio de los Santos was a 92 mph fastball that struck him square in the head.

Greenberg has suffered from post-concussion symptoms, vertigo and blurred vision ever since. After playing in three other club's minor league systems, he never returned to the majors. Greenberg spent the last three seasons playing for the independent league Bridgeport Bluefish. Recently, he has been invited to play on Team Israel's qualifying team that is seeking their inaugural entry into the World Baseball Classic.

Greenberg still has the desire to return the majors. Many people have caught word of his aspirations and are looking to support him in any way possible. Chicago-born filmmaker Matt Liston has started a film-based campaign called "One At-Bat" to tell Greenberg's story and to present their plan to give him one major league at-bat.

Liston's campaign is seeking to convince the Cubs to give Greenberg one major league at-bat during their October 1-3 series against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. The series has no bearing upon any of the postseason drama. The now 31-year-old Greenberg is in excellent shape for his age. His recent experience in minor league baseball will only help his chances.

While Greenberg's comeback is unlikely to be fulfilled, Liston and other supporters have started an online petition to help convince the Cubs to let him play once more. I have signed the petition to support Greenberg's return to the majors. Seven years after the accident, he deserves the opportunity to do what was freakishly taken away from him. The commitment that Greenberg has shown to keep playing baseball and to persevere through the pain deserves to be commended. If you agree with that, I encourage you to sign the petition and to help spread the word about it.