Bountiful season for sports fans in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati

Our fair state is prone to all kinds of inclement weather, but autumn is the best time of the year, especially for apple picking. Kids are back in school, running cross-country, playing soccer and field hockey, and making plans for homecoming. TGIF turns into Football Friday Night and lights the way into the weekend. Big-screen TVs work over-the-top tailgates, heated patios in sports bars, cozy dens and finished basements.

College and professional football seasons run on a weekly rhythm. NBA and NHL training camps are underway. The MLB season is finally coming to an end. The MLS playoff races are heading into Decision Day at breakneck speed.

It is a treasury, and grace is abundant in this time and place. It’s been a good year for sports fans in Ohio.

First, take a look at your own backyard.

Ohio State Football (4-0) is third in the nation behind Georgia and Alabama. And we know who’s number four, right? By the time The Game comes out around his November 26th, we may have another Game of the Century.

The Buckeyes have amassed 129 total points in their previous two games and are expected to score at least 200 points in their next game against the Rutgers at Ohio Stadium on Saturday. In the background, OSU basketball coach Chris Holtmann prepares to fine-tune a roster that includes his class of recruits, who are ranked #8 in the nation.

The Blue Jackets have completed two weeks of training camp and are looking forward to the season opener in Carolina on October 12th. There’s no obvious reason to trust their defense (wait a few years), but they’ve never lost in their history. The type of elite offensive talent they currently have. far cry.

Big ticket free agent Johnny Godreau scored 115 points in 82 games with the Calgary Flames last season. Patrik Laine last season scored points per game for the Blue Jackets, where he was the producer. Training The most interesting question looming over his camp is who will be at the center of the duo. I’ll say this: I’m not sure rookie Kent Johnson can win the showdown, but he’s electric when the puck is on his stick.

The Columbus Crew sits in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, just below the playoff bars. Saturday night, the New York Red Bulls will visit his LDC in what will be his final home game of the season for the crew. Bet on a tie.

All in all, it’s been a disappointing season for the crew that is MLS’ Thomas Dewey. But they’re still in the middle of playoff contention with three games left, and coach Caleb Porter believes the entire season has been saved after a recent team meeting.

Decision Day – the last day of the regular season, with all Eastern games starting at 2:30 p.m. and all Western games starting at 5 p.m. – is Sunday, October 9. above the playoff bar. They probably need one more win to hit the ticket, and on Saturday night he won three points in his home finale against Chicago (where he was 3-9-4 away) at TQL Stadium. It’s approaching right in front of you.

Did you see the Cleveland Guardians win the American League Central title on Sunday night? As my Cleveland correspondent calls them, the Guards are the youngest team in the league. They are, on average, much younger than my 30-year-old Cleveland correspondent. Their way of playing baseball brings joy to old souls. Their first playoff game is his October 7th.

The Cavaliers held training camp this week. Playing in last season’s playoffs he made the rounds with the Cavaliers, and once again he could be the youngest team in the NBA. The starting lineup includes three All-Stars (Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and newly acquired Donovan Mitchell) and a First Team All-Rookie pick (Evan Mobley).

Top five in the East, in that order: Boston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Miami, Cleveland. discussion. The Cavaliers opener on October 19th.