Fall 2014

Football in Southern California has been going through a dry spell recently.

At the NFL level the Chargers started well but have faded lately & are in danger of missing the post season.

The major college teams have been disappointing - SDSU needs a win this week to attract a Bowl Invitation; USC has demonstrated a frustrating ability to choke when it matters most: after a big win vs. Stanford they lost to an unranked Boston College, followed by a last minute collapse vs. Arizona State, an uninspired last minute loss to Utah & a dreary effort vs. rival UCLA; the Bruins also have managed to disappoint with 2 mid season unexpected losses to inferior opponents followed by an unfathomable effort vs. Stanford that results in them losing the Pac12 South Championship after having it firmly in their grasp.

All that's left is a redemption opportunity for USC vs. Notre Dame followed by meaningless Bowl appearances by all in second tier games.  

The balance of the winter sports season in the NHL & NBA looks better - both the Ducks & Kings should compete for the Stanley Cup; the Clippers are for real with exciting prospects; leaving the Lakers with Kobe & residing at the bottom of the West with no playoff hopes.

MLB Hot Stove is just starting to warm up with the Winter Meetings on the horizon. The Dodgers are populating their bullpen with a multitude of potential candidates to bridge the gap between their excellent starting pitching & their closer Kenley Jansen - addressing the 7th & 8th innings is critical to end the World Series drought that has existed since 1988. The Angels seem content to stand pat - the young AL MVP Trout affords them that luxury.  

Then again unlike other parts of the country that only have their professional & collegiate sports teams to create any form of optimism or enjoyment during the dreary months ahead we always have our perfect weather.