Last weekend wasn't exactly relaxing, what with the Badgers and Packers losing (for the first time this season) to teams from The Land of Lincoln.
Will this weekend be better?
It might be: with chilly weather upon us, we're looking forward to hunkering down in front of the TV for some football games and baseball playoffs. Of course, we can make it to the Bradley Center for the Admirals home opener and the Bucks-Jazz exhibition.
FRIDAY
THE PUCK DROPS HERE
The boys of winter, also known as the Admirals, make their home debut with a game against Quad City. Faceoff is at 7 p.m. and all fans attending new coach Lane Lambert's first game as head coach will receive a schedule magnet.
DOUBLEHEADER
Baseball's League Championship Series dominate the TV tonight, with Cleveland facing Boston in the American League opener on Fox (Channel 6) and the Diamondbacks and Rockies playing Game 2 of the NLCS on TBS.
SATURDAY
WILL IT REALLY BE "HAPPY" VALLEY?
After losing their first game of the season last week at Illinois, the Badgers plummeted from fifth to 19th in the national rankings. A loss at Penn State may drop them out of the Top 25 and make it tough to qualify for a Jan. 1 bowl game.
With a victory this weekend and winnable home games against Northern Illinois and Indiana looming on the schedule, the Badgers could be in good shape heading into their final three games: at Ohio State, vs. Michigan and at Minnesota.
While the Badgers are dealing with injuries to starting receivers Luke Swan and Paul Hubbard, Penn State has had some issues, too.
Senior running back Austin Scott is suspended after breaking an undisclosed team rule. Some members may have been involved in a bar fight and two freshman reserves were cited for underage drinking. And, coach Joe Paterno is being investigated for his role in a traffic mishap that led to a confrontation.
This game, which will be broadcast at 2:30 p.m. by ABC (Channel 12), is pivotal for both teams and should be a thriller.
ALL THAT JAZZ
The Bucks are 2-0 after their first two exhibition games and will play host to Utah at 7:30 at the Bradley Center. Fans will get their first look at Yi Jianlian, who joined his teammates for a surprise appearance Thursday evening at Metro Market.
BEANTOWN BATTLE
The Red Sox play host to Cleveland in Game 2 of the ALCS, live from Fenway at 7 p.m. on Fox (Channel 6).
SUNDAY
MARCH ON WASHINGTON?
After dumping a disheartening game Sunday night against the Bears, the Packers shouldn't be lacking motivation when they take on the Redskins.
The game will be broadcast at noon on Fox (Channel 6).
Kenny Albert, subbing in with the top team while Joe Buck works the ALCS, will call the action with Troy Aikman.
MILE HIGH CLUB
The NLCS shifts to Coors Field in Denver and that raises a question: given the new alliance between Miller and Coors, should Brewers fans be cheering for the Rockies?
