A World Series to remember, and Tebow performance to forget

Over the weekend, a new team was crowned World Series Champions. People will continue the debate of whether or not the St. Louis Cardinals were the best team in baseball, but to be honest there should be no debate at all. The Cardinals earned the right to be called the best team in baseball, their record during the regular season may say otherwise, but when it came down to it, they were the best and hottest team at the right time. Not only did the Cardinals fend off a loaded Texas Rangers team, but don't forget that they also took down the Philadelphia Phillies(everyone's favorite to win it all) in the first round of the playoffs and the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round. The Cardinals took advantage of their opportunity. A team that during mid August was 13 games out of the wild card race, fought back into the playoffs, over came two favorites in the National league, and took down the best team of the American league to finish out one of the most improbable runs in Major League baseball history. From their win streak to make the playoffs, to their come from behind, 11th inning game 6 thriller, no other team deserved to be crowned World Series champs than the St. Louis Cardinals.
And now an abrupt transition to one of the most talked about topics in sports, Tim Tebow. Those of you who had the unfortunate privilege of watching one of the worst performances in the NFL this year would agree with me when I say Tebow has more to work on than just mechanical issues. The Denver Broncos lost to the Detroit Lions 45 to 10. I have said this since day one, Tebow is a great story. Proved all the naysayers wrong in college as he won a heisman trophy and 2 national titles and became one of the best college football players of all time. Despite all of his accomplishments, the guy has way to much to work on to be an NFL quarterback, and I finally got my proof this past sunday. Granted his coaches didn't give him many chances to have success on sunday by not calling plays to help his style, but under throwing his wide outs by 5 yards, the slow release and lack of accuracy was enough for me to say, this guy isn't the solution. Not to mention he had a quarterback rating of 27 at the end of the 3rd quarter. I will end my rant with this, I know a lot of you out there love Tim Tebow, and what isn't there to love about the guy, but you have be truthful to yourselves, you are all in love with this idea of him. The idea that this guy can bring a franchise back because he knows how to win. I'm sorry folks, this is the NFL, no longer is he playing college ball. Tebow is not the answer.

Notre Dame vs. USC

the rivalry continues, as So Cal travels to South Bend this weekend to take on the Fighting Irish. This is a game highlighted every year by both of these programs, but this year the game seems to be more special than years past. This saturday when the teams face off, it will be in the first night game at Notre Dame Stadium since 1990. This means a few things: first of all the stadium will be more electrifying than usual, secondly the tailgating will still begin at the same time, therefore the celebrating will reach a new level, and lastly it adds a new chapter to one of the oldest and greatest college football rivalries of all time. This isn't your typical blood bash rivalry, though these teams obviously don't like one another, this game has a sense of honor to it. Sure fans are going to exchange words as both have the right to do so, but on the field, those players and coaches don't get caught up in all that BS. Both of these teams have suffered heart break and moments of glory in the rivalry. The "Reggie Bush Push" in 2005 was not only one of the best games between these two teams, but one of the best games ever played in college football. History is in the making every time these schools face each other. Can Notre Dame finally prove all the critics wrong and show that they belong with the elite of college football? Will USC be able avenge their loss from last year against Notre Dame? Can Lane Kiffin's defensive mind stop Brian Kelly's spread offense? Also, will Notre Dame bring out the "Green Jerseys"? (i sure hope so)

These are all questions surrounding the biggest game of the weekend. Now to the part where I show off the Notre Dame fan inside of me. This year has been a roller coaster ride. High expectations, lots of talent, turnovers, big wins, terrible losses. This season has had it all, but I will say this...Notre Dame hasn't been beat by another team yet...they have only beat themselves. USF played well, but it was the Irish turnovers that killed them. The Michigan game is the same story, only in that game, they gave up a 3 score lead to lose in the final minute. I know I know, many of you probably think I'm biased and wrong with that statement, but look at what Notre Dame has accomplished in their 4 wins. We are finally starting to see this team click and find their groove. This is a scary team going ahead, and if they win saturday against USC, they will have all the confidence in the world going forward. Prediction is ND 31 USC 17. USC has yet to face a defense as good as Notre Dame's and their defense hasn't seen a no huddle spread offense like the Irish have. Michael Flloyd, Cierre Wood, and Tommy Reese will be able to put up enough points against an inexperienced defense. Again it's just a prediction...but hey, who am I kidding. Going to South Bend for the game!!! Go Irish!!!

-Sink

DJ's Dugout, the Prime Time Spot

Now for my final sports bar, I chose DJ's Dugout. This sports bar has the total package but what I enjoyed most was the college football environment and atmosphere. For all you Nebraska Huskers fans out there, this is the place for you to watch your team. Each saturday, the place fills with red and white, and whether its an afternoon game or night game, the fans remain there to show their team spirit. They pass out raffle tickets while the game is going on and hand out free Nebraska gear during commercial breaks. This was the first thing that caught my eye in the bar. Being a Notre Dame fan, my friends and I went up into the upper loft part of the restaurant to watch the Irish game. Since DJ's is so big and has so many tvs, college football fans have the opportunity to watch a variety of different games. Now to the important part, the food. Like the Moon, the food at DJ's is like most bar food...greasy, fried, and perfect with a cold beer while watching your team play. As you guys know from my other two posts, I love wings and DJ's wings hit the spot for me. With the option to pick from 13 different flavors, one has the opportunity to try a few different sauces. I went with the Jamaican Jerk, and Buffalo Style hot, and both had just the right kick and flavor to satisfy my taste buds. Their wings are a little pricy compared to other places, but to me it was worth it. Did I mention, that you also have to choice to get either regular or boneless wings? For me its all about the classic wing, but for others who don't like trying to eat around the chicken bone, boneless wings are the perfect solution. The menu has a lot of variety to it, but for the most part, its like most classic sports bars. You got your burgers, chicken sandwiches, appetizers, and drink specials. One recommendation I suggest is to go with a group of your friends, probably sometime during the weekend when you have time to sit down and watch a game on the big screen, and instead of making all separate orders, choose a 3 or 4 appetizers to share as a group. I would go with the nachos, chicken strips, quesadillas, and of course the hot wings. A great combination that should make everyone happy in your group. DJ's Dugout is located in Downtown Omaha at 10th and Capitol. A few specials to keep in mind are mondays where it's burger-mania, buy one burger get one free. Also 40 cent wing Wednesdays and specials on Rib Tip meals and 5 dollar bloody marys on saturdays.

-Sink

#2 at the Moon

My second favorite sports bar, is a little more low key than Buffalo Wild Wings, and to be quite honest, it's not really a sports bar, but they do have their fair share of tv's and what really gets you is their food, especially their amazing wings. Number 2 on my list is the Crescent Moon Ale House. The Moon is located at the Northeast corner of 36 and Farnam, just west of Midtown Crossing. Many people tend to forget about this little hole in wall, but the locals here in Omaha love this place. Known for its German beer, the Moon to my surprise has some of the best bar food I have had in Omaha. They have a full menu that includes appetizers like homemade onion rings and Wisconsin Cheese curds, all the way to soups and salads like the Buffalo Chicken salad (which is my favorite), as well as delicious 1/2 pound burgers that are to die for. The burger I recommend, that is if you like spicy things, is the South of the boarder burger which has fresh sliced jalapenos, peperjack cheese, and a spicy ranch dressing. All their sandwiches are pretty big so don't worry about not getting enough food, plus they include a pretty hefty order of fries along with burgers and other sandwiches. But for me, the wings are to die for. They have inferno, thai peanut, garlic parmesan, honey bbq, and chipotle sauces to choose from. My favorite is the chipotle, but I usually switch back and forth between that and the inferno. The best time to experience the amazing wings at the Moon is on Thursdays which they have what they call their Wing Fling. With this deal, one can order as many of their famous wings that they want for just 40 cents a piece, as long as you purchase a drink. They also have $3 Boulevard pint beer specials. This is quite deal, but friday is also a great day to go to Omaha's Original Ale House, as they roll out their Free Food Happy Hour from 4-7pm plus happy hour prices on drafts, wine, and premium well drinks. Good Service, great food, friendly environment, and that's how The Crescent Moon, Omaha's Original Ale House makes it into my top three.

-Sink

My top three sports bars for food and watching the big game

For these next three blog posts, I will be sharing with you my absolute favorite sports bars in the Omaha area to get great food and have a great time while watching the big game.


So you are at home, its a Saturday afternoon, college football games are on TV and all you want to do go sit down with your buddies, have a cold one, and share some delicious chicken wings. This is usually the dilemma I face, and where do my buddies and I go?
#3 on my list goes to Buffalo Wild Wings. A great place to relax and watch some football while also enjoying a great atmosphere, that welcomes people old and young. The Omaha location is off of 76th and Dodge. I assume many of you out there have either been to or at least heard of Buffalo Wild Wings, or BWWs as I like to call it. If you are a person who loves the idea of having tons of sauce options for your wings, then this is place for you. They have 16 different sauces to choose from, and 4 seasonings as well. Wings are the primary choice when you are at BWWs but they also have a full menu that includes other appetizers, combo meals, sandwiches, and even ribs. I usually split an appetizer with my friends when we are there. I recommend either the potato wedges, the buffalo chips or a the sampler platter. The food is decent, to be honest I have had a lot better wings for half the price but what this place has that other sports bars don't is the fun environment. TVs are everywhere, so chances are they will have have your team on TV. They also have game controllers where you have the option to play texas hold-em and trivia games against other people in the bar. It makes for an awesome place to catch the game with your buddies, or even on a week night to kick back and relax after a hard day at work. Again, food is average, but when you go to BWWs you get lots of choices, a friendly environment, and plenty of TVs. Also keep in mind if you are a UFC (mix martial arts fan) Buffalo Wild Wings has all the big name fights because of their subscription to Direct TV.

-Sink