Big Bear Nolan's Blog

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  • Carson Hocevar

    The man that is named in this title has been once again featured on the headlines in the NASCAR world again. And this time it is because he had his first taste on what happens when you don’t care that you’re making enemies.

    After another run in, this time where he got it back to him by the 38 of Zane Smith at Chicagoland. Both Smith and Hocevar were talking about each other before Sunday’s race at Atlanta. Smith had strong words where Hocevar was just talking like hmph whatever. The No. 77 of Hocevar has had too many run ins before this but as I said he once again had his first taste on how others treat him back.

    First at the race at Naval Base Coronado, Hocevar was racing at the front with the 67 of Corey Heim. The 67 ended up giving the 77 a taste of his own medicine by bumping and spinning him. Then on Sunday, the same day where he said he doesn’t care how people think. He was involved in a three wide battle for the win between him, Ryan Blaney and Bubba Wallace. The two cars behind in Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell pushed both Bubba and Blaney and left Hocevar out to dry coming to the finish. Bell, who pushed Blaney to the win was wrecked from the front row by the 77 in the race at Atlanta in February.

    Hocevar’s persona with how he races and how he is on social media has won him a lot of fans. I mean I can’t lie his celebration at Talladega when he won his first race was cool. But it’s where he gets the comparison to Dale Sr. that I draw the line. He gets the comparisons because Dale himself was also aggressive and not afraid to rub fenders on the track. But as many in the sport say, the difference between the two is that Dale not only has the accolades, he doesn’t do this for social media. I remember Jeff Burton during the delay on Sunday’s race said that and how after incidents Dale would apologize the next week and act like your buddies. Carson on the other hand, I remember after a race at Iowa Speedway last year he posted on his socials a pic of one of those machines where you take a number. And it’s that right there of why the field doesn’t look at him the same as the fans.

    It’s great when you have a huge following, but “your not racing the fans” as Denny Hamlin said on podcast Actions Detrimental. He is not the only driver that was crazy in his youth. Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski went through the same. Especially Logano’s incidents with Matt Kenseth at Kansas and Martinsville in 2015. One difference I think though between those three and drivers like Hocevar now is those three had competitors that wouldn’t give a damn of how they thought. Again like 2015, when Logano wrecked Kenseth at Kansas and costed Kenseth’s championship chances. Since Kenseth didn’t like Logano’s lack of an apology when he had nothing to lose at M’ville, Kenseth took out Logano and ended Joey’s championship chances too. The guys today they talk all this mess of how someone like Carson will get it back and then all of a sudden nothing happens. And honestly, the way Hocevar won his first win at Talladega, I know it’s a drafting track but I am shocked that he was pushed to the win. I thought for sure if he was ever at the front of these races, what happened at Atlanta would happen more.

    I do want to tell 77 fans that I am sure will have 0 clue that this article exists. Do not try to act confused when things like Coronado or Atlanta happen. As a Chase Elliott fan who was unfortunately grouped with the toxic parts of the Elliott fanbase. Not all of you are bad, but when you are blind to why something like what Heim did. It might be a couple years later, but racers don’t forget they just wait for when the right time is. Go support your boy but when something bad happens, you gotta stick with him. It is fine if you don’t really want to exile him, like when Elliott got suspended after intentionally wrecking Hamlin in the 2023 Coke 600, I hated to see it cause It was tough to see your favorite do something stupid while knowing that you won’t be able to see him the next week. When your guy messes up, just admitting that he made an aggressive move is enough but that doesn’t mean can’t defend him.

    Until my favorite drivers in Elliott and William Byron get Hocevar’d, I will continue to not mind him and like it when he does unique things like his win celebration. But I hope he can grow up and become good and respected by his peers someday.

  • The five teams sitting pretty and not IMO at the All-Star break.

    Now that the 2026 MLB season has entered the All-Star week, I want to take a look at what teams I think are currently sitting pretty and who’s not. Because this season especially, there’s a lot of parody even with the teams that are at the top of the standings.

    Who is sitting pretty

    1. Los Angeles Dodgers (61-36, first in NL West, NL and MLB)

    Obviously everything mentioned from their name and the position they’re in is why I put LA first. Yes they got swept against Arizona at home to end the first half, but that doesn’t change the fact that the back to back world series champs still hold a sizable lead in the division along with the best record in MLB.

    2. Tampa Bay Rays (56-38, first in AL East and AL)

    After hitting a little lull, Tampa has looked to get back on track recently. With the help of the Yankees having an abysmal end to June along with the beginning of July, the Rays reclaimed the top spot in the wide open AL and right now hold a 3 game lead over the Yankees for that spot. Tampa also currently holds the tiebreaker with one more series to go. Could the Rays at the end of this thing be hosting playoff games at the Trop in its first year back since 2024?

    3. Chicago White Sox (50-45, first in AL Central)

    The Sox for most of this recent month and 1/2 stretch have been in a dead heat with the Guardians for the top of the AL Central. They are now feeling a bit of heat with the overperforming Twins and the favorites in the Tigers now too. But right now they hold the tiebreakers over the Guardians and Twins. Unless they fall in the upcoming series against both, that could be huge when this drag race ends.

    4. Minnesota Twins (48-49, 3rd AL Central)

    As a Twins fan I will give my unbiased take. At the start of this year, they weren’t even predicted to be 48-49 this time of the year. Now they are well in contention due to the AL being so weak but that doesn’t make what they are doing any less impressive. Since the June series vs St. Louis Cardinals, the Twins are 8-1 in series records with the only blemish coming in a sweep vs the Dodgers. This has allowed the Twins to be tied for the last Wildcard spot while only being 3 back in a highly winnable AL Central. Now they were in a similar spot last year and a rough start out of the break caused the firesafe, but unlike last years team that was underperforming, this one is overperforming. So we will just have to see how they do. And I will say, the 2023 Twins were also below .500 at the All-Star Break.

    5. Chicago Cubs (54-42, 2nd NL Central)

    Outside of a blemish vs the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubbies have looked like who everyone has thought they would be. And now they not only sit just 5 back of the Brewers. In the June 26-28 series at Milwaukee, the Cubs played much better than when they got swept at Wrigley to take the series. Also with some things happening in the Milwaukee camp, depending on how long the Brewers internal fractures take to heal this could be the perfect time for Craig Counsell’s crew to catch the Brewers.

    The five teams i’m not hot about

    1. Milwaukee Brewers (59-37, first NL Central)

    While i’m sure this is just another rough stretch that the Brewers will get out of, there is some concerning things that I think they need to address. Milwaukee lost Brandon Woodruff to the 60-day IL and Kyle Harrison to the 15-day IL, All-Star Ace in Jacob Misiorowski missed his start vs Pittsburgh with fatigue and that was after his two previous starts vs Cincinnati and St. Louis ,despite a despite high strike out number, he looked like he was human. This Brewers bullpen outside of Megill and Uribe isn’t totally lock down like a usual Brewers pen is either plus Milwaukee has had trouble with leaving runners in scoring position. While Miz and Harrison should be back soon, I don’t know what exactly they’d look like. Milwaukee does have a fairly easy schedule coming out of the break but Miami is really hot right now, and some of the easier opponents like San Francisco and Colorado gave the Brewers hard times in their first series. The good thing about this break is they get to rest and reload and hopefully get back to normal but we will see, cause they are still very much in World Series contention.

    2. New York Yankees (54-42, 2nd AL East)

    The Yankees are on a four game winning streak now after losing 11 of its previous 13 games. But that little four game shouldn’t undermine the 2-11 skid. While the streak does help them not lose too much ground, now the Yankees get a homestand vs the Dodgers and Pirates. With a road trip at Philly and both Chicago teams. New York needs to make sure that stretch is who they truly are cause it could real ugly again coming out of this break.

    3. Cleveland Guardians (51-46, tied for first in AL Central)

    Despite still being well in a very winnable AL Central and the AL race. I’m not too hot on what I have seen from Cleveland recently. Compiled with one of the worst offenses in the league, Cleveland’s D which is supposed to be a strength has looked anything but compitent especially in the series loss to the Twins. The Guards can’t get past the Sox, while they continue to feel the pressure from the Twins behind them. Now they did just sweep the Marlins at Miami but that doesn’t excuse how rough their offense is.

    4. Atlanta Braves (55-40, first NL East)

    At the beginning of 2026, I and I think a lot of others were thinking that we were watching a repeat of 2023 where the Braves are the best team in the regular season. Since the calendar turned to June, the Braves have not only fell to third in the NL Standings. But they now got pressure from the Phillies who are just 2 back. The Marlins aren’t that far back either with just 4 behind. All of a sudden, it is anything but smooth sailing for the Braves

    5. the rest of the NL West.

    The D-Backs did sweep the Dodgers to go into the break. But that doesn’t change that they’re still in 2nd and 11.5 back in the division. Arizona and San Diego are still in the Wildcard hunt, but they are 2.5 and 3.5 back of the cutline. While the Giants have been a disappointing 41-55 and the Rockies are 39-59 and last in the NL. They’re not the roughest division in the league, but San Diego quite frankly has felt like a disappointment and the Giants I thought would be closer to where the D-Backs and Padres are. Despite being in last, Colorado has looked better offensively but pitching and defense are still very much an issue. Arizona is about where I expected them to be.

    (You can find the complete standings for yourself here at MLB.com)

  • My five intriguing series for the last weekend before the All-Star break in MLB

    1. Houston Astros (46-49) at Texas Rangers (47-46)

    In the wild wild AL West, the finale for the Golden Boot series could be for the AL West championship. Houston just needs one more win to clinch the Golden Boot while a Rangers sweep would tie the season series overall. Obviously in this division there is a LOT of season left but this series is a way to win it when the season comes to an end in September.

    2. Seattle Mariners (47-47) at Tampa Bay Rays (54-37)

    One of my favorite matchups of the year, the west coast Mariners and the east coast Rays always seem to have big postseason implications on the line and this season isn’t different. One is in first in the AL East trying to pull away in the most wide open league in the MLB while the other is well in the thick of the most wide open division in the most wide open league.

    3. Cleveland Guardians (48-46) at Miami Marlins (52-42)

    This series shows the difference between the NL and the AL. The Guardians are only 2 over .500 and just lost another series to an AL Central opponent in the Twins. Yet they sit 2 games above the AL Wildcard and still are leveled in the AL Central with the White Sox (CHW holds the No. 1 spot because they hold the lead in the season series). The Guards need to get it going because they travel to Loan Depot Park which is home to a Marlins team that continues to be red hot. 3 games up on the NL Wildcard cutline, the 52-42 Marlins are beginning to cut into the Braves lead in the NL East. As of right now, Miami sits in third and is tied for second with Philadelphia at just 3 back of the Braves. A big inter league series to end the first half will happen at Miami this weekend.

    4. Milwaukee Brewers (59-34) at Pittsburgh Pirates (47-47)

    If you are a Brewers fan, you are massive D-Backs fans this weekend. Because if the Brewers can beat the Pirates and Arizona beats the Dodgers. The lead for the overall No. 1 record in the MLB could shrink to just a .5 game lead for LA or the Brewers could claim it going into the All-Star Break. Either way just that little bit of added pressure on the Dodgers could be huge for Milwaukee as this race looks to be real interesting heading into the second half. Pittsburgh on the other hand who has really lost it from a hot start to the season is 5 below the Wildcard. The Pirates need to just stay alive or else in the loaded NL the sun could start to set on the Buccos’ season.

    5. Philadelphia Phillies (52-42) at Detroit Tigers (43-50)

    Despite what the records say, these two teams have rebounded nicely after rough starts to the year for teams that are expected to be playoff teams. Philadelphia is locked into two three-team races right now. The NL East race between them, Miami, and Atlanta. And the Wildcard race between them, Miami, and Chicago. In the Wildcard race, Chicago sits just a half a game up on both. So a lot to play for in Philly. On the other hand, despite that 43-50 record, the Tigers are just 3.5 back from a Wildcard spot and 4.5 back in the AL Central. While that is multiple games, as they showed in the wrong way last year after losing a massive lead in the ALC, it is never over until it’s over. Detroit is 8-1 in its last nine and could be on more fire with a win over the Phillies heading into the All-Star break.

    (Note: These standings are how they sit at 4:31 pm on July 10th. For up to date standings check here.)

  • My five intriguing MLB series the week of July 6-9 in 2026

    1. Seattle Mariners (47-44) at Miami Marlins (49-42)

    The Mariners go deep in the ocean to visit the home of the fish. Really bad attempt at a pun, the AL West leading Mariners travel across the country for an interleague battle at Miami. The Marlins have been on a roll after a really good June and just swept the Athletics on the road. Now they get the leaders from the same division in Seattle. Both teams are right on the fringe of being right above and right below a playoff spot so this is one they could both afford.

    2. New York Yankees (49-40) at Tampa Bay Rays (52-35)

    Well when you break a seven game losing streak last weekend, that always nice news. That is until you lose 11-4 and 6-1 in back to back games at home to the Minnesota Twins to lose your first series to them at Yankee Stadium since 2014. To make matters worse, the Yankees now get to go to Tropicana Field to play against the now division leading Rays. When both teams played their back in April, Tampa swept the series. On the bright side for New York, they didn’t lose too much ground as Tampa lost their series to Houston to put the gap in the division at 4 games. Both teams need this one cause New York cannot afford to lose ground where on the other hand, Tampa Bay can definitely open up an even larger gap.

    3. Cleveland Guardians (47-44) at Minnesota Twins (44-47)

    As I stated in the series above, congratulations to the Minnesota Twins who won their first ever series at Yankee Stadium since 2014. That series also capped off another winning road trip for Minnesota as the Twins now head into a huge homestand just 4 back in the division and 1.5 back in the AL Wildcard. To start this homestand is the Cleveland Guardians, the last time that Minnesota beat Cleveland at home was the week of May 15-17 in 2022. Minnesota did get the Guardians at Progressive Field earlier this season for their first series win there since 2023. If the Twins really want to be there during the trade deadline and a Division/AL that’s wide open, taking this series against their divisional rivals is a start.

    4. Milwaukee Brewers (55-33) at St. Louis Cardinals (47-40)

    Cardinals, you had a winning road trip at Atlanta and Chicago and with the series win over the Cubs you gave Milwaukee a 6 game lead in the division. Unfortunately you’re next on the schedule for the Brewers. After a game was postponed in their series at Busch Stadium in May. Both of these teams will play in five games this week including a doubleheader on Tuesday. If the Brewers take 3 or more this series, it can really strengthen their lead in the division or if the Cardinals can use their home field to take this series all of a sudden not only would they probably gain a lot of games above the Wildcard standings. But could make things interesting in the NL central as they sit 7 back.

    5. Arizona Diamondbacks (44-45) at San Diego Padres (44-45)

    After tough series losses to the two teams with the top two records in the Dodgers and Brewers. The D-Backs and Padres find each other facing each other in a four game series this week. Both sit 4 back from the last wildcard spot in the NL and 14 back from the Dodgers in the NL West. While the West looks out of reach, both still are not in a massive hole yet with the Wildcard but need to get going fast cause the All-Star break is coming up along with the trade deadline. While I don’t think both of these teams are dead, it is getting late and it’s getting late fast. Especially with teams like the Marlins and Cardinals finding some fire recently.

    (Note: These standings are how they sit at 6:27 pm on July 6th. For up to date standings check here.)

  • My five intriguing series for the weekend of July 4th in MLB

    (some of these games are four game series so since their first games on Thursday are considered to be part of the weekday series’ I don’t include them until now)

    1. San Diego Padres (43-43) at Los Angeles Dodgers

    After finding some heat, the Padres have been cooled down by their rivals in LA at home and then got swept at Wrigley. After losing last night while seeing a 6-0 lead go to waste, the Padres are now at 43-43 and 3 games down in the Wildcard chase. The Dodgers on the other hand continue to strengthen the lead on the NL west by 13 games now and also hold a 2.5 lead in the NL and MLB standings over the Brewers for the No. 1 seed. LA could use this one if they want to wrap up a big lead going into the All star Break and the Padres desperately could use this one too just to not lose ground in their season.

    2. Tampa Bay Rays (51-33) at Houston Astros (43-46)

    When you’re hot and your main rival is not, that is what the Tampa Bay Rays are going through right now. TB is on a 7 game win streak and at the same time, the Yankees are on a 7 game losing streak and that has allowed the Rays to retake control of the AL East and the AL’s No. 1 seed. With a great June, the Astros have got themselves back in the race for the AL West and the AL Wildcard even with being 3 games below .500. But they ended June and started July by losing their first series since the first week of June against the Minnesota Twins. Now Houston gets the red hot Rays at Daikin Park. Can the Astros cool off the Rays and not lose ground, or can the Rays pull away from New York and take control of the relatively weak American League.

    3. Toronto Blue Jays (41-46) at Seattle Mariners (45-43)

    I’m not shocked that both of these teams are in Postseason contention as they literally competed in a 7-game ALCS series last year. But what I am shocked about is both of these teams are literally sleepwalking in this position. I know injuries have played effect especially with the Jays, but both them and Seattle have been lackluster to the say the least and only are alive because the AL is so weak. Maybe if either one of these teams can find heat they will get back to where they should be, but that starts with winning this series.

    4. Minnesota Twins (42-46) at New York Yankees (48-38)

    Here we go again, the Yankees are on a slump and they get the Twins as their next opportunity to try and break it. Minnesota after getting swept against LA found some rhythm back with a second straight series win this time at Houston to win the season series over the Astros. And while they’re only 3 back in the Wildcard and only 4 in the division, they’re just trying to hold hope that they can sneak into a spot. To do that, they got to take care of a battered Yankee team that has lost its last seven games and albeit against not great competition too. New York while they are injured is just trying to snap out of it and not let the Rays pull away in the East. These are the spots where the Yankees have taken advantage of the Twins and will it happen again or will the Twins not fall for the same NYY tricks and actually take one at Yankee Stadium.

    5. Chicago White Sox (45-41) at Cleveland Guardians (46-42)

    Series No. 2 between the two AL Central leaders started last night with Cleveland taking it. For a better portion of the last few weeks now, these two have been tied in the standings with Chicago having the upper hand. If Cleveland wants the upper hand, taking a four game series at home vs a White Sox team that has not been great on the road is definitely a great way to do it. But if Chicago can take this one, that’s a statement right there.

    (Note: These standings are how they sit at 2:20 pm on July 3rd. For up to date standings check here.)

  • Is this the U.S.’ year in the World Cup?

    The team begins the knockout rounds vs Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight.

    I can’t lie I’m not as big into Soccer as say some of my other friends are, but one thing that you know i’m always doing every four years is watching the World Cup. And this year with it being in North America and FOX doing it, the network’s advertisement with Mike Eruzione who was on the 1980’s US Men’s Hockey “Miracle on Ice” team spoke the question “What, you don’t believe in miracles?” and he could possibly be right.

    It could possibly end tonight but this has been one of the most fun times I have had watching the Men’s soccer team play in the tournament. Not only is it because we are the host, but the team themselves the crowds that have shown up, the support from around this country and doing this in a decently tough group has made it fun.

    Obviously the main man to this team is Christian Pulisic who is the captain of this team. But players like Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, and Gio Reyna are some of the big names of this team. As a Green Bay Packers fan, it also is fun to see Alex Freeman who is the son of Packer legend Antonio Freeman play, especially when he got his goal in the game against Australia two weeks ago.

    One of the most notable things I have noticed with this team is the effect that new coach Mauricio Pochettino. The team has had more fire in their games especially after missing the dang thing in 2018 and only getting one win in group play in 2022. And this year, their wins in the group stage this year were not against weak competition either in Paraguay and Australia.

    I was at the St. Louis Cardinals/Minnesota Twins game during the US match vs Paraguay, and when a rain storm delayed the Twins game Target Field turned on the match. Every goal that was scored Target Field erupted and I got to say that was the most united I have ever heard Target Field, especially when a team that draws like the Cardinals come to town. I did watch the match at Lumen Field (or Seattle Stadium as it is Fifa’s temporary name) against Australia and that Seattle crowd which has haunted my Packers for NFL games it was nice to be with their same team. If you are an NFL fan, you know that Lumen Field can get pretty loud, and as loud as it was from my TV I can only imagine being there.

    Although tonight should be considered easy for the team, it does start to get tougher throughout the tournament for the U.S. If they win, Senegal/Belgium would be waiting in the round of 16 and if the U.S can advance to their first quarterfinals since 2002 that is when they will start to see the big boys that are known in the soccer world. My head says that unfortunately this run will probably end soon, but my heart says you just never know! With how fun it’s been being united with everyone in this run and how the boys on the field have been. Hopefully they make this country proud when the 2026 World Cup reaches its conclusion.

  • My two wishes I have for my favorite college football team this season. The Wisconsin Badgers.

    As a lifelong Badgers fan, I always thought 2013-2015 was the roughest part of my fandom that I could remember. But if anything that these last four seasons have proved are that I’d much rather be a low top-25 team that made new years day bowls with great defense and great running back play like those Badgers teams instead of these ones especially the last two years with awful QB play and a 5-7 and 4-8 record. While last season ended with some promise, I have just a couple wishes for this program this season to hopefully at least make it somewhat fun.

    Have this be the year the transfer we bring in is healthy for a full season.

    In Luke Fickell’s time, we can talk about how his Offensive Coordinator hires in Phil Longo and Jeff Grimes have been disasters. But something that in their defense has been a problem is that the big QB’s that have been brought in every year since 2023 has had injury issues. Tanner Mordecai was brought in from SMU and did miss a couple games with an injury, however he came back to end the season and was actually pretty good just unfortunately it was too late to get anything meaningful outside of a 7-5 record. The same cannot be said for 2024 and 2025 transfers in Tyler Van Dyke and Billy Edwards. Van Dyke got injured early in the 2024 game against Alabama and left with a torn ACL handing the starting role to Braedyn Locke, despite the first couple games which were blowout wins it ended up being a disaster as Wisconsin missed a bowl for the first time since 2001. Then Edwards got hurt right away in game one last year, bringing in Danny O’Neil who he then got hurt. So it became a battle between Southern Illinois transfer, Hunter Simmons and freshman Carter Smith. To say the least, this disaster in the QB position led to an even bigger disaster with the season as Wisconsin finished the year 4-8 with a lot of games where they scored 14 or less.

    However, Wisconsin under Smith did find something as they were able to upset both No. 23 Washington and No. 21 Illinois to give Fickell his first two wins against top 25 teams. This season, Bucky brings in Old Dominion transfer QB in Colton Joseph. The former QB for the Monarchs in two season posted a career 306/512 passes with a 59.8 completion percentage. He can also run the ball, having a total of 1,654 yards on 272 carries. While Wisconsin has a lot of things to fix, if he can be as advertised this season, with the schedule Wisconsin has I do not see why this team can’t be a 7-5 or 8-4 team.

    STOP HIRING DUDES THAT ARE ONLY KNOWN FOR THEIR NAME AND NOT RESULTS

    Under Fickell, one of the biggest things that has caveated them is who they have hired. Fickell did bring in a lot of his supporting staff he had at Cincinnati, but he also has tinkered with some big names. Longo was the OC in 2023 and 2024, while QB injuries did affect them it was not as advertised either way. The supposed air raid offense was a total dud, especially in 2024 when the big teams like Alabama, Penn State, Oregon and Iowa exposed it. Grimes was brought in as the OC in 2025, while again QB injuries killed the season there were flashes of that this could work. Obviously it showed in the 13-10 Washington win and the 27-10 Illinois win. But Wisconsin had a game in October at No. 20 Michigan and went down the field on their first drive and scored an opening TD, for some reason the rest of the game was not like that. But if Bucky can continue to do that this season that would be huge.

    Now the other thing that I want to talk about is I did see a report who the program is targeting to be their next AD after seeing Chris McIntosh leave. ESPN insider Pete Thamel put out a post on Twitter that the Badgers are targeting Nebraska AD Shawn Eichorst to be next Athletic Director. Eichorst is currently working at Texas as the deputy AD, but his time at Nebraska only saw the fall of the Huskers football team and a bad stretch for Nebraska athletics as a whole. If this does happen, maybe Eichorst did learn something from his time as a Husker but otherwise it could be another big name that will hurt the school. We are yet to see what Wisconsin does with this news.

    I remember after hearing the news of Phil Longo’s hiring that it was talked about the players he had on Ole Miss and North Carolina. But fans of both schools said how with those players he was mediocre and sure enough not only were they correct, he was also bad with us. Now Kansas fans who watched Jeff Grimes be their OC said that he won’t be the next savior either and while 2025 definitely had its issues he had promise. So hopefully he lives up to what he was supposed to be or he will be the next Phil Longo.

  • My five intriguing MLB series for the week of June 29-July 2 in 2026

    1. Texas Rangers (42-42) at Cleveland Guardians (44-40)

    Two teams that had really good weeks face off at Progressive Field. The Rangers who still have been hot recently just swept the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto and now with the help of their next opponent in Cleveland taking the series against Seattle the Rangers now lead the AL West. Texas will start its second three-game series vs the Guardians this season, Rangers took the first one 2-1 in Arlington earlier this month.

    2. St. Louis Cardinals (43-38) at Atlanta Braves (49-33)

    All of a sudden, the Atlanta Braves who were holding the best record in baseball just put up a week going (1-6). The Braves who now has seen a division lead shrink to just 3 games welcomes in a Cardinals team that has been playing the whole season along the border of the Wildcard cutline.

    3. San Diego Padres (43-39) at Chicago Cubs (46-38)

    What a week for the Cubs, a 6-1 roadtrip that included a big series win at Milwaukee where they saw the Brewers three best pitchers has the Cubs sitting 1.5 up in the Wildcard race and five back in the division race. The Padres on the other hand got a reality check from their big brothers in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both begin a road trip and a homestand this week so both hope to begin it with a win.

    4. Minnesota Twins (40-45) at Houston Astros (42-44)

    Well things took a turn, the Twins kinda fell back to earth over the past week with a 2-4 homestand. The offense couldn’t get much in a sweep against the Dodgers and despite still taking two against the Rockies, it was an abysmal series for the bullpen who helped give up a 7-0 lead in the top of the 8th to a 8-7 deficit going into the bottom of the ninth (Twins still won behind a Royce Lewis walkoff) then they got 8 runs put up again on Saturday. Most came behind 3 home runs from Hunter Goodman. Despite all of this, the Twins still have lost little to no ground just 4.5 back in the AL Central and 2 back in the Wildcard. Houston on the other hand after a rough start has rebounded nicely and sits just 1 back in the wide open AL West and 0.5 back in the Wildcard. An interesting series for both teams at Daikin Park that could either keep both hopes alive to potentially build or decide if the loser should sell will happen.

    5. Los Angeles Dodgers (54-30) at Athletics (40-44)

    I will be honest, not many series this week really catch my eye but this one not only does have Postseason implications, where it is at is kinda interesting. The Dodgers big 6-1 week so far in the homestand over the Twins and Padres have allowed them to take a 10 game lead in the NL west and 2.5 lead over the Brewers for the best record in the MLB. The A’s however still are hanging around in the wild AL west just 2 behind despite being four below .500. This series could honestly go either way, at the minor league park in Sacramento. It could either be a Dodgers easy blowout or an A’s upset. Going from Target Field which had its biggest 3 crowds of the season to a huge divisional matchup at Petco now to this, it will be interesting to see what fire the Dodgers come out with.

    (Note: These standings are how they sit at 4:06 pm on June 29th. For up to date standings check here.)

    *my apologies, when I first made this I accidentally misread the schedule and thought the SD/CHC series was at Petco. So that has been corrected now

  • My five intriguing series the weekend of June 26-28 in MLB

    1. Chicago Cubs (44-37) at Milwaukee Brewers (49-29)

    The I-94 Rivalry makes its first stop at American Family Field this season. It is the first time that the NL Central rivals will play at Milwaukee since the Brewers clinched the NLDS over the Cubs in game 5 last season. Although the Brewers swept the Cubs last time at Wrigley, and are coming in hot with a sweep over Cincinnati. The Cubs and star CF Pete Crow-Armstrong have found their footing recently and are also coming with a 7-3 record in the last 10 games. Cubs are trying to catch the Brewers in the NL Central while Milwaukee is trying to run away with it so this is my biggest series of the weekend.

    2. Los Angeles Dodgers (52-29) at San Diego Padres (42-37)

    I was wondering how LA would do with an inter-league series right before this Padres matchup. There was adversity that the Dodgers had to face in the sweep of the Twins but their star power got them through it. Now the Dodgers face the Padres at Petco Park for one final time in the regular season. San Diego is coming in with a sweep against the Braves, and are in a very tight race for the NL Wild Card. The Dodgers are trying to keep a commanding 9 game lead in the division and also the fight between the Braves and Brewers for the best record in baseball where the Padres are just trying to stay in it. One of these rivals could spoil it for the other.

    3. Texas Rangers (39-42) at Toronto Blue Jays (39-42)

    If the 2023 World Champions and the 2025 Runner ups were in the National League, both teams would be in massive trouble. But even with their struggles, right now both are part of a four-way tie with the Houston Astros and Athletics for the final AL Wildcard spot. With the struggles that both have had, they could potentially find themselves holding a postseason spot when this weekend is done.

    4. Houston Astros (40-43) at Detroit Tigers (34-47)

    Two teams that have been really disappointing and involved in a lot of trade talks are all of a sudden beginning to get hot now. Houston currently holds the final AL WC spot where the Tigers only sit five below them. With still a lot of time left to go in the season, if both teams want to be potential buyers and not sellers in a wide open AL race the time that the trade deadline comes around. Winning this series would be step no. 1.

    5. Seattle Mariners (41-41) at Cleveland Guardians (42-39)

    Right now as it stands, the Mariners would be in the Postseason as the AL West champion and the Guardians would be the No. 5 seed. But two teams in wide open divisions that have had commanding leads are feeling the pressure now, Cleveland already succumbed to the Pope Leo backed White Sox as both are currently tied and the Mariners are seeing a certain team that has an orange star with an H on it as its logo over the *Objects In The Mirror are Closer Then They Appear* sign. That’s right, the Astros are only 1.5 back in the AL West.

    (Note: These records are how they stand right now at 12:22 PM on June 26. For up to date standings check here)

  • Predictions: Where FOX’s Big Noon Saturday game will be every week in 2026

    As a big CFB fan, over the offseason I love to watch the videos of people predicting where each network’s flagship pregame show and big game will be. So I want to try to predict where I think FOX will have their Big Noon Saturday game at every week

    (Unfortunately FOX ruined the fun for me and revealed the first three matchups 😦 )

    Week 1: North Texas at Indiana (already confirmed)

    To begin the 2026 season, FOX will head to Bloomington to welcome back the defending champs in their first game back since winning the national championship back in January.

    Week 2: Oklahoma at Michigan (already confirmed)

    Michigan will take on OU in the second half of a home and home series for both teams. OU won the first game last year at Oklahoma with a 24-13 score.

    Week 3: Kent State at Ohio State (already confirmed)

    Big noons first game at the horseshoe this season

    Week 4: Iowa at Michigan

    It will be Michigan’s first Big ten game with head coach Kyle Wittingham. And for Mr. Wittingham, his first experience in the Big Ten gets to be against Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa last season went a respectable 8-4 and despite losing some key players, they usually always are sleepers in the Big Ten so this is my pick.

    Honorable mentions: Wisconsin at Penn State, K-State at Cincinnati, Illinois at Ohio State

    Week 5: Texas Tech at Colorado

    Despite a really tough season last year, coach Deion Sanders and QB Julian Lewis welcome in coach Joey McGuire and the defending Big 12 champs to Folsom Field. Should be a nice little test for both teams early in the wide open Big 12. Plus Big Noon has loved Deion in the past so this is my pick.

    Honorable mentions: BYU at TCU, Michigan at Minnesota,

    Week 6: Indiana at Nebraska

    This is a really interesting game, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule who needs a signature win potentially gets his first shot at one of the season as Cignetti’s Hoosiers go to Lincoln. If Indiana is at least keeping up where they left off from last year and Nebraska who has an easy schedule before this can be 4-0 heading into this game. There is a good chance this could be two undefeated teams playing. Plus a unique matchup like this is why I think FOX will chose this one.

    Honorable mentions: Maryland at Ohio State, USC at Penn State

    Week 7: Ohio State at Indiana

    I was thinking first this would be NBC’s Saturday Night game, but then I remembered FOX has first dibs at Big Ten games. So what better than picking the rematch of last years B10 championship and the two teams favored to be back there this season. Major Implications for Big Ten AND College Football Playoff are on the line here.

    Honorable Mentions: Notre Dame at BYU, Penn State at Michigan, TCU at Baylor

    Week 8: USC at Wisconsin

    I would have picked Oregon at Illinois, but that one has the feel of the Saturday Night game so I’m taking a risk here and going to Camp Randall Stadium. Luke Fickell is under pressure heading into year No. 4 under the helm for Wisconsin. However, he did finally get his first two wins over top 25 opponents last season and gets a decent schedule with this being one of his tests this year. Lincoln Riley and his USC Trojans travel to Madison after just missing the CFP last year and will hope to make it this year.

    Honorable Mentions: Oregon at Illinois, Indiana at Michigan

    Week 9: Arizona State at BYU

    In the wide open Big 12, this one is between two of its best teams and could be for a trip to the Championship game in December. ASU won the title in 2024 and BYU fell to Texas Tech last season so both know how to get there. The only other good matchup that FOX could take is Ohio State at USC but that will be a at LA and they won’t do a 9 am local time kickoff.

    Honorable Mention: Ohio State at USC

    Week 10: Oregon at Ohio State

    I think this one is easily FOX’s. NBC had the rights to when both teams were at Autzen Stadium in 2024 and now that they’re at Columbus Ohio I think FOX wants it. Plus a lot to advertise here, Big 10 contenders, Natty Contenders AND potential heisman contenders between QB’s Dante Moore and Julian Sayin.

    Honorable Mentions: Lol really no one else

    Week 11: Minnesota at Penn State

    This season, PSU doesn’t see either one of Ohio State, Michigan or Indiana come to Beaver Stadium. And this would be Big Noon’s opportunity at going there. I think that PSU who ended last season hot and hired former Iowa State’s head coach Matt Campbell going against Minnesota and Coach PJ Fleck is one of those sleeper matchups they like to do. PSU is trying to get back to the Playoff and Minnesota who has had a lot of what ifs is trying to potentially sneak their way into a spot this season.

    Honorable mention: USC at Indiana

    Week 12: either Ohio State at Nebraska or UCLA at Michigan

    Im just going to go on a limb and pick one of these two games. The week before THE GAME for both Ohio State and Michigan has been known to be a trap week for both teams and both of these games are trap material. While UCLA is going to the cold of Ann Arbor, they have enough talent to trip up the Wolverines if they’re not careful. Ohio State on the other hand, going to Lincoln is a huge trap, but maybe if Nebraska is actually playing for something decently meaningful they would know it’s a big game. But either way FOX will go to one of these games

    Week 13: Michigan at Ohio State (Confirmed)

    I wish I could call myself a genius because it was obviously going to be THE GAME as FOX has done this game every year since 2019. But it was already confirmed with the three non-conference matchups earlier before I wrote this.

    (If you want to full the full College Football schedule, I got it from here at ESPN.com)