Committee got it right
Let’s try another opinions column in the old Twitter-style, 140 characters at a time...
• Just go ahead and give Alvin Kamara NFL Rookie of the Year. Guy is insanely terrific. #somuchfuntowatch
• Initially I had mixed emotions moving the MHSAA title games out of Jackson. Not now. Amazing success.
• I cast my Heisman ballot for Lamar Jackson, because I think he’s the best college player in the country.
• So yes, State’s defense has its hands full and then some in the Taxslayer Bowl.
• Louisiana Lafayette is looking for new coach. They’re crazy if they don’t call Steve Campbell at Central Arkansas.
• C Spire Conerly voting was tough. AJ Brown and Nick Fitzgerald were terrific. I voted for the senior, Ito Smith.
• Fact: Ito Smith is one of the 10 most productive running backs in NCAA FBS history.
• Thanks to the Ole Miss sports info crew who handled MHSAA press box operation. First class all the way.
• If I were oddsmaker: FSU by 10 over USM; Louisville by 6 over MSU in bowl games.
• Can’t understand why nobody has offered East Central’s Tony Brown. Kid can play.
• Committee got it right: 1. Clemson, 2. Oklahoma, 3. Georgia, 4. Alabama. Still, eight teams would be better.
• There may be a bigger mess than Tennessee’s coach search. I haven’t seen it. #Orangemuck
• Glad Tiger Woods is back. Golf is more fun when he’s playing.
• Gut feeling: Tiger’s oft-injured body won’t hold up to the torque of his swing. #matter of time.
• Ben Howland may have something going at State. Lot of talent, guys who can score.
• Queen Victoria Vivians has raised the level of her game at least a notch. #Whatacareer!
• Not nearly ready to say these MSU Lady Bulldogs are better than last year’s. Not close. Not now.
• Is Drew Brees ageless? No, but he is a mighty young 38. Playing as well as ever. #SaintDrew.
• After another year of bowl ban, Ole Miss hiring of Matt Luke looks especially good. #Playersdighim.
• Miss. Sportsperson of the Year? My vote goes to Ole Miss golfer Braden Thornberry, state’s best ever.
• My favorite weekend of the year? The high school football championships weekend. #6passionplays
• Clemson beats Bama. Georgia beats Oklahoma. Clemson beats Georgia. #youreaditherefirst
• Philadelphia Eagles are NFL’s best team currently.
• Current Vegas odds on 2019 Masters: Spieth 7 to 1, Tiger 28 to 1.
• I’d make 5A champ West Point a 3-point pick over 6A champ Pearl. #twodynamiteteams.
• FSU’s Cam Akers of Clinton will need 70 yards against USM to go over 1,000 for season.
• State’s new coach Joe Moorhead is a former sports writer. Should be good in two-minute drill. #deadlines
• Eli Manning started 210 straight games for the NY Giants. Think about it.
• Two Super Bowl MVPs aside, most impressive about Eli: How he has handled NY media zoo for 14 seasons.
• William Carey puts MS Sports Hall of Famer Steve Knight’s name on basketball court. He deserves it.
• JMO, Twitter should have stayed at 140 words. #brevityalwaysbest
Rick Cleveland is a Jackson-based syndicated columnist. His email address is rcleveland@mississippitoday.org.