There are quite a few things I was never sure I'd live to see. I missed seeing the Tigers win a world series by almost two years, since I was born in December 1985. I think they're on a nice pace, but don't want to jinx things. I doubt I'll see another time without some type of war being fought. Not that I'm a fan, but I doubt I'll see the Cubs winning it in October. I doubt I'll see the Browns win anything which sucks even more considering my dad probably won't either and he's been a fan for since he was a kid.

I generally believe I won't get to see a playoff system in the Bowl divisions. There's way too much money involved. I'm sure you all know what I mean and can chime in. Still, there's a slight glimmer of hope on the horizon. The commissioners of the major bowl divisions, and Notre Dame's athletic director, are meeting in Hollywood, Fla with other BCS executives and TV network execs to discuss the possibility of a four team playoff to determine the National Championship. While it's not the playoffs we might want, it could be a start if they actually reach an agreement.

The changes, when and if they can be agreed upon, wouldn't be put into effect until 2014. The original plans of having the two highest seeded teams host the semifinals is all but dead. The new plan calls for the semifinals to be hosted at current BCS sites or be open for bidding. Sources say the National Championship game will be opened up for bidding. Sources have also stated that a previous idea that only conference champions could participate was also struck down. This, of course, opens the door to similar LSU-Alabama type games. 

While this plan is a start, it's far from perfect. There is no established format for choosing the four teams to participate. I imagine it will be done in the traditional fashion, no mid-majors or little guys allowed. It will still come down to money. I don't think i want to know how much the winning bids will be, not to mention what ticket prices will be set at. Tickets for regular season games are becoming ridiculous as it is. Single game tickets to see a game at the Big House in Ann Arbor, MI were around $70 last season. Big Ten or rivalry games sold for $85. Ticket prices are expected to rise again for 2012. Like most sports organizations, the NCAA doesn't get it and almost look like they're trying to price fans out. 

Still, part of me hopes that there is a positive. We could have a playoff, a limited playoff, but still a playoff. Maybe I will live to see it. I can only hope it could lead to the real thing.

As we all know by now, the NFL draft will begin this Thursday. Hope renews. Well, except for B.O.B.'s Miami Dolphins maybe. Still, this is the biggest draft in sports and one of the few that I can think of that draws people inside to watch what is an otherwise tedious and boring affair.

I know exactly who I'm rooting for too. I'm happy to say that Albion College, where I took my undergrad classes, will have a player in the draft. Division 3 All-American CB Chris Greenwood participated in the UofM's pro day and impressed a number of scouts. He ran a 4.34 40, jumped 43 inches in the vertical and 11'2" in the standing long jump. Both the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys brought him in for private workouts. Since March, Greenwood has also visited the Jaguars, Lions, Titans, Cardinals, and Giants. Junior Clinton Orr, who is now Albion's official career rushing leader, is looking to enter the draft next season. I wish Chris Greenwood the best of luck and hope to see him come off the boards, though I imagine it may not be until Saturday. 

I've also found out Albion has installed stadium lights. Hopefully that means I might be able to get my ol man and IHM out to see a night game this season.

Eli Manning has joked that he's the third most talked about QB in New York. I wish he wasn't right, but he's got a point. Eli throws circles around both of the Jets QBs and doesn't always get a lot of respect. It's a good sign that ELi is putting himself out there. Besides, anything is better than this.

I already shared this on Facebook, but here's a little something for any Tigers fans that are tired of Brandon Inge. 

I have to admit that even though his bat is gone and his glove is fading, I still liked the majority of the years Inge gave us. He does great things in the community too. He strikes me as a rare kinda guy who fought and clawed his way into a starting spot. He changed positions and did everything the Tigers asked him. Still, i have to admit that I am a bit puzzled that Leyland believes in him so much now.

One final thought that I'm sure my partner in blogging Jeff will also touch on, I'd like to thank Ivan Pudge Rodriguez for all the years I was able to watch him, wherever he might've been. Pudge was a huge shot in the arm for the Tigers. Inge was gracious enough to step out from behind the plate for Pudge and the tigers were far better off for it. Pudge was the first big free agent we could sign here. Thanks for all the good times and helping restore the roar.

Thanks as always for reading. Feel free to comment and let me know what you hope your team will do tomorrow. I'll leave you with your word of the week.

drafterglow, noun