Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

I’m writing this column just a few hours before gametime, when Albert Lea will battle Belle Plaine in the final game of the regular season. Although the game could go either way, I’m optimistic the Tigers will pull out their first victory of the season and head to the postseason with that great feeling of a win.

Most of the volleyball sections have been released. Glenville-Emmons and United South Central will play on the road Monday night, while NRHEG earned a home match. Alden-Conger received a bye in the first round and will host the winner of the first-round match next Thursday. The Albert Lea team hasn’t had its schedule released yet, but they will likely be on the road on Wednesday.

The Gophers look like they might be able to get their first Big Ten win of the season this weekend, but I could probably say the same thing about their opponents, the Cornhuskers. I picked the Gophers to win in the Prognosticators, but at some point Scott Frost has got to start turning the corner with that program, and Saturday might be his best shot.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the Iowa State victory over West Virginia last weekend. That game was a thing of beauty. I wish we could start the season over with current quarterback Brock Purdy. At least they’d have a chance at beating the Hawkeyes.

Last week I said I’d like to see Notre Dame win the national title, but after they got exposed by Pittsburgh, I’m a little nervous about that. They moved up into the top four, but they’ve got a few tough games coming up and now I’m looking for other possibilities. My dream scenario is Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State completely missing the playoffs altogether, but that’s probably not realistic. But doesn’t a matchup between teams like LSU and Michigan sound much better than something we’ve all seen already?

I’m usually not a big NBA fan, but this season has me the most excited I think I’ve ever been for one. I think it’s LeBron’s move to Los Angeles that has me feeling that way. In my view, LeBron is to basketball what Tiger Woods is to golf. Both of them could do just about anything and I would still be in their corner. It’s also a lot of fun rooting for the best players to ever play their respective sports.

Tyler Julson is the Tribune’s sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.