An MLB Collaborative TL: Piece of Cake: The Cubs win Game 6 in '03

[Looper]

November 15, 2003: A rivalry is renewed between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs in a big SEC battle. The first three quarters are an uneventful, rugged slugfest that results in a 10-10 score entering quarter 4. That is where things got fun. On the first play of the 4th, Cadillac Williams would explode through the Bulldog line for a 45-yard Touchdown. On the next drive, Fred Gibson would turn a WR screen into a 22-yard TD. Auburn would respond with a field goal to nab the lead again. Georgia would punt, but then held the Tigers to no points and a punt from their own 49 with 1:13 left, so Georgia still would have to most likely move at least 65 yards for a field goal. Then, sophomore Thomas Davis blocked his second punt of the season, before jumping on it at the 43. UGA kicker Billy Bennett drilled a 27-yard field goal as time expired. Then, the 'Dawgs would win the OT coin toss, and gave Auburn the ball first. On third down, Jason Campbell would make a Houdini-like escape before hitting Jeris McIntyre for a big Touchdown. Georgia would have Michael Cooper run six straight times, and the sixth would be the one that gave the Bulldogs the score. OT2, it's 27 all. Georgia would again use Cooper, with four straight carries before David Greene hit Benjamin Watson for the touchdown. Auburn now knew they needed a touchdown of their own. They would get that, as Cadillac scored for the third time, running over Sean Jones in the process. That was where Tommy Tuberville got gutsy. He kept the offense out, and what happened next would go down in Auburn lore.

"Here we go, Auburn going for two. It's either elation or exasperation for the Tigers here.
Campbell takes the snap, he'll look to throw. Georgia brings the heat, Campbell steps back.
Campbell is still rolling, he's back at the 17. Campbell almost brought down by Thurman.
Now he's stepping up, looking. Now he throws, it is... CAUGHT! CAUGHT BY ANTHONY MIX! AUBURN HAS STUNNED #3 GEORGIA 35-34! WHAT A GAME!"
-Verne Lundquist, on the CBS TV broadcast
​

The final nail in the coffin for Georgia's BCS hopes, as, barring a wild series of upsets, it all but guarantees a variation of Oklahoma, Ohio State, LSU, and USC enter the National Championship. Meanwhile, the party on the Auburn campus would last until the early hours of Monday morning.

​

 

[Looper]

BCS top 10 Rankings from Nov. 17, 2003 (records in parentheses):

1. Oklahoma (11-0)
2. USC (9-1)
3. LSU (9-1)
4. Ohio State (10-1)
5. Texas (9-2)
6. Tennessee (8-2)
7. TCU (10-0)
8. Michigan (9-2)
9. Georgia (8-2)
10. Washington State (9-2)

Auburn would also enter the rankings at #24 following the win. Important and notable matchups next week (Italics indicate College Gameday host): (4) Ohio State @ (8) Michigan, (3) LSU @ (14) Ole Miss, (7) TCU @ Southern Miss, (10) Washington State @ Washington, (1) Oklahoma @ Texas Tech, (19) Northern Illinois @ Eastern Michigan, UCLA @ (2) USC, Alabama @ (24) Auburn, Vanderbilt @ (6) Tennessee, Kentucky @ (9) Georgia, and (12) Miami (Ohio) @ Ohio.

 

[NyQuil]

A NEW ERA IN THE SOUTH SIDE
NOVEMBER 6th 2003
SPORTSCENTER BROADCAST

Dan Patrick:Of course the big news in the sports world today is that the Chicago White Sox are hiring former 10 year MLB veteran turned former MLB manager for the Phillies and recently a bench coach for the Athletics Terry Francona to be the team’s new manager.

The White Sox the other Sox team now of course trying to reverse a near century long drought of a World Series title hire a man who was well respect on the previous season’s As team.

Francona hopes for a fresh brand new start as a manager after 285-363 in his 4 seasons from 1997-2000 with the Phillies.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf reportedly had been keen on Francona and it was only a matter of time.

 

[WB18]

November 19, 2003: More Expos news as a couple more groups interested in purchasing the team emerge. One group is headed by San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt and includes former Major League pitcher Nolan Ryan as the group would move the team to the Alamo City. Another group is led by shipping magnate and Seaspan owner Dennis Washington, who would keep the team in Canada, albeit by moving the team to Vancouver, BC. So far, no buyers have emerged to keep the team in Montreal. Rumors also begin to circulate that both Seattle, WA and Portland, OR could be interested in luring an NHL franchise to their city. So far, no owners have shown interest in selling their team, let alone moving it to a different city.

 

[ILPD45]

November 19, 2003: More Expos news as a couple more groups interested in purchasing the team emerge. One group is headed by San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt and includes former Major League pitcher Nolan Ryan as the group would move the team to the Alamo City. Another group is led by shipping magnate and Seaspan owner Dennis Washington, who would keep the team in Canada, albeit by moving the team to Vancouver, BC. So far, no buyers have emerged to keep the team in Montreal. Rumors also begin to circulate that both Seattle, WA and Portland, OR could be interested in luring an NHL franchise to their city. So far, no owners have shown interest in selling their team, let alone moving it to a different city.

So, what would the Expos’ new name (if any) be if they relocate to San Antonio or Vancouver? Shall we do a poll for both cities? I say yes.

 

[NyQuil]

The Heisman Moment of Eli Manning

CBS BROADCAST OF THE OLE MISS LSU GAME NOVEMBER 22nd 2003
“One last chance for the Rebels right here 4th and 10 on their own 32 yard line. Manning set up takes the snap looks and throws it up in the air and it’s CAUGHT by Turner wow and he is gonna end up at midfield! 1 time out left but still plenty of time left.”
(A few plays later)

“We are now under a minute it’s 3rd and 5 on LSU’s 38 yard line with Ole Miss driving down hoping for a miracle here. Eli set back to throw looks like he is about to get sack NO wait he gets out of it and he is gonna heave it up to the Chris Collins and it’s caught and down at the LSU 20 and they still aren’t gonna take a time out they are gonna wind it up to 30 seconds!”

(2 players later)

“2nd and 6 with 16 seconds left to go Ole Miss on the 16th yard line the Rebels have taken their final timeout they are gonna give it another shot for a touchdown before setting for a field goal! Here’s the snap Manning back looks throws to the end zone and it CAUGHT BARELY IN BOUNDS TOUCHDOWN OLE MISS!! Eli Manning finds Chris Collins in the end zone for quite possibly the game winning touchdown and his shining moment in the Heisman Trophy race! 21-17 pending the extra point!”

 

[Looper]

November 22, 2003: Michigan is the “gracious” hosts of their rivals, Ohio State. What occurred on this fall day would be fondly remembered by Buckeye fans. Michigan won the toss and deferred, so OSU would get the ball first. They would March down the field, when they scored their first points of the day.

“Krenzel gonna throw from the 17, looking for anyone, now he throws. Caught by Santonio Holmes, touchdown Buckeyes!” - Ohio State radio broadcast.​

The Buckeyes would hit a field goal in the first quarter as well, then would start Q2 with a bang.

“Krenzel turns, gives to Ross to start the quarter. Ross makes a cut, and he’s off to the races! Lydell Ross is going to score! Touchdown Ohio State, it’s 17-0!” - Ohio State radio cast​

Following a Michigan punt, another big play occurred.

“First play of the new drive, Krenzel under center. Krenzel drops back, looking, looking. Now he throws, and it’s caught by Michael Jenkins and he is wide open! They’re not gonna catch him, another OSU touchdown!”​

Ohio State, as you can guess, ran away with it, winning by a stunning score line, 49-7, over their hated rivals. Combined with the LSU loss, Ohio State might get their chance to repeat as National Champions with an Oklahoma loss in the Big 12 Championship against Kansas State.

​

 

[WB18]

November 22, 2003: UCLA and USC face off in a cross-town derby. For USC, a trip to the National Championship is on the line while UCLA enters on a 3-game losing streak. While everything might be pointing in USC's direction, this game would prove the saying "that's why they play the game" is true.

The game opened with the Trojans kicking to the Bruins. After a UCLA three and out, the Trojans got the ball, marched down the field, but had to settle for a field goal after a touchdown pass to Keary Colbert was called back due to a holding penalty. UCLA would have another three and out, but on the ensuing USC possession, Matt Leinart threw a pick right into the hands of Matt Clark, who proceeded to run it back for a pick six to give the Bruins the lead. In the second quarter, UCLA would extend that lead, as Drew Olson hit Mercedes Lewis for a 13-yard touchdown to make it 14-3. The Trojans would get back into it when just before halftime, when Matt Leinart threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Colbert, but the Trojans missed the extra point to make the score at halftime 14-9 in favor of UCLA. The second half would see USC pick up right where they left off, as the Trojans took the lead on a LenDale White run from the 1 to cap off a drive that took 8:47 and 16 plays. USC also added a field goal while holding UCLA scoreless as the Trojans led 19-14 USC going into the 4th quarter.

The fourth quarter would see UCLA drive down to the USC 8-yard line before Olson threw a pick right to Lofa Tatupa, who ran all the way back to the UCLA 28 yard line before stepping out of bounds. USC would be forced to settle for a field goal however, as the Bruin defense stopped LenDale White on 3rd and 1. Both teams would not do much before UCLA got the ball with just 57 seconds showing on the clock and trailing by 8. On UCLA's first play, Olson hit Blane Kezirian for 8 yards, second down saw Maurice Drew run for 4 yards and a first down as UCLA called it's timeout. Then, Olson took a deep shot to Ryan Smith. The pass was incomplete, but a flag for DPI put UCLA at the USC 38 and a fresh set of downs. On the next play, Olson scrambled for 11 yards before getting out of bounds with 34 ticks left. What happened next is UCLA lore.

"Olson back to throw, he's flushed, he looks toward the end zone, and it is CAUGHT! Touchdown Bruins Marcedes Lewis! They're a two-point conversion away from tying this game at 22!"
- UCLA radio call of the game tying touchdown.

"Here's the two-point try, they give to Drew, he runs, and is he in? He is! The Bruins have tied it, with 26 seconds to play!"
- UCLA radio call of the two point conversion.

USC would take a knee on their ensuing possession, forcing overtime. The extra period would see UCLA get the ball to start, but USC would hold the Bruins to just 3 yards on as many plays, forcing a field goal attempt from Justin Medlock. Medlock would do his job, nailing a 39 yard field goal to give UCLA a 25-22 lead. Now USC had a chance, a chance to either go to the National Championship or, well, you know. On first down, White would rush 7 yards. Second and 3 would see White get stopped for no gain. Third down. Leinert threw a pass to Whitney Lewis for a first down. On first down from the UCLA 11 yard line, White would run for 6 to get to the Bruin 5. On second down, White got the ball again, but actually lost a yard. Third down. White got the ball again, but only gained 1 yard.

It all came down to this. One play. One play for USC to punch it's ticket to the National Championship. One play for UCLA to spoil those plans. On 4th and 3, the Trojans went for it rather than kick a chip shot field goal. Then, the unthinkable happened.

"Handoff, up the middle to LenDale White. White going and he FUMBLES!!! White fumbles the ball!!! Who has it?? (Pause for a second to see who has the ball) IT'S UCLA BALL!!!! IT'S UCLA BALL!!!! The Bruins have done it! The Bruins have beaten USC!!! Unbelievable!!!"
- UCLA radio call of the final play

In a snap of a finger, UCLA had done what many said they couldn't dream of doing, coming into the LA Coliseum and beating the number 2 team in the country. And now, baring chaos in the Big XII championship game, we would Oklahoma vs Ohio State in the BCS championship game.

 

[WB18]

November 23, 2003: The NFL season rolls on as the Vikings continue to stay hot, beating the Lions, the Bills upset the Colts 28-27 in a game that saw Peyton Manning briefly exit the game with a broken leg, Tom Brady continues to struggle as the Patriots lose to the Texans in Houston 24-17, the Ravens beat the Seahawks 31-17 as Shawn Alexander goes down with an broken ACL, presumably ending his season, Steve McNair and Michael Vick have a quarterback duel for the ages at the Titans outlast the Falcons in overtime 48-45 and on Sunday Night, the Dolphins blow out Washington at home 38-7.

November 24, 2003: As the Buccaneers beat the Giants on Monday Night Football 34-10, news brakes about a blockbuster trade in the NBA, as the lowly Orlando Magic, who have lost their last 16 games, have agreed to trade star Tracy McGrady to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the Suns 2004 second-round pick, both 2005 draft picks and a 2006-first-round pick. The Suns currently sit at a mediocre 7-10, but the hope is with McGrady, Phoenix's chances of being a contender in the stacked Western Conference grow.

 

[kinnikuniverse]

December 31st, 2003: as colombian Juan Pablo Montoya celebrated the holidays with his freshly won F1 World title, the first title for Williams since Jacques Villeneuve in 1997, Pride Fighting Championships hosted their traditional new year's eve show at the Saitama Super Arena. It was a great night for the local Japanese fighters, with Ikuhisa Minowa stealing the show by submitting Quinton Rampage Jackson with a surprise guillotine choke counter to Rampage's signature powerbomb, while Yuki Kondo beat Mario Sperry by unanimous decision after almost beating him via doctor stoppage due to a nasty cut on Sperry. Kazushi Sakuraba wasn't as lucky, however, for he lost to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a valiant, but vain effort by unanimous decision. Pride CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara has announced that, for 2004, Pride will host both a welterweight and lightweight grand prix to crown the promotions's inaugural champions in those weight classes, while Rogerio will face Wanderlei Silva for the middleweight title during golden week in April.

In other news in the fighting world, K-1 Kickboxing has announced that it will focus less on annual grand prixs and more on having weight classes and champions in the future to for the long term sustainability of the promotion and the sport of Kickboxing. 2004 will see grand prixs of various weight classes, from heavyweight to featherweight, take place throughout the year to determine the inaugural champions of each weight classes.


During that same time period, for the first time since the indianapolis split of 1996, indycar racing is finally unified once again, for the IRL and Champ Car has agreed to a deal which will see the two series merge together as early as 2005, with the upcoming open wheel racing season being run in their respective series as CART and IRL will talk to each other on new rules and engine formula for the new series post-merger.

 

[Looper]

November 27, 1993: Report from SportsCenter: Breaking news tonight coming out of Seattle, as it has been reported that SuperSonics star Ray Allen suffered a bad knee injury in practice and had to be helped out of the facility. The Sonics, who are struggling already at 4-8, would be dealt a huge blow if Allen is out for a long period of time. An MRI for Allen’s knee has been scheduled for tomorrow, when the Sonics play the Utah Jazz.

 

[Nivek]

November 27, 1993: Report from SportsCenter: Breaking news tonight coming out of Seattle, as it has been reported that SuperSonics star Ray Allen suffered a bad knee injury in practice and had to be helped out of the facility. The Sonics, who are struggling already at 4-8, would be dealt a huge blow if Allen is out for a long period of time. An MRI for Allen’s knee has been scheduled for tomorrow, when the Sonics play the Utah Jazz.

Damn, the Sonics will fuck Seattle ittl too?

 

[Looper]

November 30, 2003: The bowl matchups are announced, as well as the national championship game. Here are the major ones:
Cotton Bowl: LSU-Oklahoma State
Peach Bowl: Tennessee-Maryland
Rose Bowl: USC-Iowa
Orange Bowl: Miami-Florida State
Fiesta Bowl: Kansas State-Northern Illinois
Sugar Bowl (National Championship): Ohio State-Oklahoma

 

[NyQuil]

DECEMBER 7th 2003
THE ROCKET RETURNS

This is a ESPNews I am Brian Kenny sources close to Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens has said that he will return for his 21st MLB season and will return back to the New York Yankees.

Clemens had previously said that he would retire after the 2003 season but the 9 time All Star and 6 time MVP plus former AL MVP is set to return for another year in what should be a future Hall of Fame career.

Also recently word around the Bronx is that top free agent pitcher Andy Pettitte and a 3 to 4 year deal with 30 million dollars to help him stay with the Yankees is in the works.

A big sigh of relief for the Yankees hoping to recover from a heartbreaking ALCS lost this past October.

 

[NyQuil]

2003 Heisman Trophy Broadcast
*The camera shows the finalists Oklahoma QB Jason White,Ole Miss QB Eli Manning,Michigan RB Chris Perry and Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald*

“As the President of the Downtown Athletic Club it is my honor to announce the newest member of this prestigious fraternity. And without further to do the winner of the 2003 Heisman Memorial Trophy is Eli Manning from the University of Mississippi!”
*Section of Eli’s speech*
As I come up here and accept this honor something that I finally achieve what Peyton hasnt.
*The crowd erupts with laughter as the camera shows Archie Manning laughing with them*

But seriously that you to the voters and the Heisman trust for rewarding me this. This is something you aren’t given too easily as the old saying goes you got to earn it.

*Later on in the broadcast with Chris Fowler*
As the votes come in it looks like this was one of the closest races in Heisman history. The runner up Larry Fitzgerald was only 1,000 votes behind the winner Eil Manning with Jason White and Chris Perry in a distant 3rd and 4th

 

[Don Corleone]

The Heisman Moment of Eli Manning

CBS BROADCAST OF THE OLE MISS LSU GAME NOVEMBER 22nd 2003
“One last chance for the Rebels right here 4th and 10 on their own 32 yard line. Manning set up takes the snap looks and throws it up in the air and it’s CAUGHT by Turner wow and he is gonna end up at midfield! 1 time out left but still plenty of time left.”
(A few plays later)

“We are now under a minute it’s 3rd and 5 on LSU’s 38 yard line with Ole Miss driving down hoping for a miracle here. Eli set back to throw looks like he is about to get sack NO wait he gets out of it and he is gonna heave it up to the Chris Collins and it’s caught and down at the LSU 20 and they still aren’t gonna take a time out they are gonna wind it up to 30 seconds!”

(2 players later)

“2nd and 6 with 16 seconds left to go Ole Miss on the 16th yard line the Rebels have taken their final timeout they are gonna give it another shot for a touchdown before setting for a field goal! Here’s the snap Manning back looks throws to the end zone and it CAUGHT BARELY IN BOUNDS TOUCHDOWN OLE MISS!! Eli Manning finds Chris Collins in the end zone for quite possibly the game winning touchdown and his shining moment in the Heisman Trophy race! 21-17 pending the extra point!”

BOOOOOOOUUUUX! BOOOOOOUUUUUX!

 

[WB18]

December 4, 2003: During a game between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Boston, Leafs enforcer Tie Domi viciously hits Boston captain Joe Thornton, causing a bench clearing brawl in the third period that results in over 100 combined penalty minutes and many suspensions as Toronto wins 3-1. During the fight, a group of Bruins fans attack two Maple Leaf fans, knocking a tooth out of one fan. Some other Leaf fans rush in defense of their fellow fan, but this only escalates the brawl to new hieghts. The game is called with 1:59 left in the game, causing even more rage between the two fanbases as the they continue to brawl. Finally, the Boston police break up the fight after 15 minutes of terror in the stands. The Bruins next home game, two days later against the Philadelphia Flyers will see no beer sold at all to prevent a repeat incident, as well as tighter security.

December 6, 2003: In a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Minnesota Wild, the Sedin Twins, Henrik and Daniel, become the first pair of brothers to score a hat trick in the same game as the Canucks beat the Wild 8-4.

 

[Nelroy78]

November 19, 2003: More Expos news as a couple more groups interested in purchasing the team emerge. One group is headed by San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt and includes former Major League pitcher Nolan Ryan as the group would move the team to the Alamo City. Another group is led by shipping magnate and Seaspan owner Dennis Washington, who would keep the team in Canada, albeit by moving the team to Vancouver, BC. So far, no buyers have emerged to keep the team in Montreal. Rumors also begin to circulate that both Seattle, WA and Portland, OR could be interested in luring an NHL franchise to their city. So far, no owners have shown interest in selling their team, let alone moving it to a different city.

So, what would the Expos’ new name (if any) be if they relocate to San Antonio or Vancouver? Shall we do a poll for both cities? I say yes.

What about realignment? Obviously there would be if the Expos move to Vancouver. I would move the Pirates back to the NL East, and the Rockies to the NL Central if the Expos move to Vancouver. If they move to San Antonio they would just swap with the Pirates. Or maybe if they move to San Antonio they go ahead and move to the AL West and they go 15-15 8 years early? Or maybe if the Expos move to Vancouver the Rockies move to the AL West. Or maybe the Rockies just don’t move at all and the NL West is the six-team division.

 

[WB18]

What about realignment? Obviously there would be if the Expos move to Vancouver. I would move the Pirates back to the NL East, and the Rockies to the NL Central if the Expos move to Vancouver. If they move to San Antonio they would just swap with the Pirates. Or maybe if they move to San Antonio they go ahead and move to the AL West and they go 15-15 8 years early? Or maybe if the Expos move to Vancouver the Rockies move to the AL West.

Yeah, you're right. Realignment will be tricky for sure should the 'Spos move.

 

[Looper]

What about realignment? Obviously there would be if the Expos move to Vancouver. I would move the Pirates back to the NL East, and the Rockies to the NL Central if the Expos move to Vancouver. If they move to San Antonio they would just swap with the Pirates. Or maybe if they move to San Antonio they go ahead and move to the AL West and they go 15-15 8 years early? Or maybe if the Expos move to Vancouver the Rockies move to the AL West. Or maybe the Rockies just don’t move at all and the NL West is the six-team division.

There is already the NL Central that has 6 teams, so probably Colorado to the AL would be the most logical, then move Pittsburgh to the NL East if Montreal moves to Vancouver. Then You have five teams for each division.