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Magnolia Tribune

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 |  Magnolia Tribune  • 
June 5, 2008

Big Brown draws No. 1 post for Belmont

http://msn.foxsports.com/horseracing/story/8208832/Big-Brown-draws-No.-1-post-for-Belmont NEW YORK (AP) - Big Brown is No. 1 again before he even stampedes out of the gate at the Belmont Stakes. Big Brown will take his shot at Triple Crown history from the inside, drawing the No. 1 post for Saturday's race. The post could be a lucky one for an undefeated colt that really doesn't need any extra edge: It's produced the most Belmont winners (23) since 1905. Big Brown was installed as the early 2-5 favorite against nine rivals Wednesday for the grueling 1 1/2-mile race. Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby from the outside and he dominated the Preakness starting in the middle of the pack. Now, the colt has a shot at winning from the rail. Jockey Kent Desormeaux, whose flawless handling of the horse has Big Brown in position for the first Triple Crown in 30 years, said the inside was a better spot. "Absolutely, because it's an easier trip," he said. "I would be able to just guide and glide. Now, I'm going to have to jockey for position. He's so fast away from the gate, though, the race might be over in 40 yards." FoxSPorts.net 6/4/08
Culture  |  Magnolia Tribune  • 
June 5, 2008

Trap games could ruin season for these contenders

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/8202692/Trap-games-could-ruin-season-for-these-contenders Trap games. They happen when a good team finds itself in way more of a competitive game than should be expected against a lesser opponent. They come before, after, or between big games, when a superior team thinks it could rest easy. During them, the most common refrain for these teams' fans is, "This can't be happening..." Everyone hates them, because you usually can't see them coming until you're in them. After going through the schedules of the six BCS conferences, I now give you a potential trap game for each league. If you see your team here, beware. ACC The victim: Virginia Tech. The game: Virginia Tech at UNC, September 20. The setup: vs. Georgia Tech the week before, at Nebraska the week after. Why It Will Be a Trap Game: While no one expects Georgia Tech to compete for the ACC title this year, Virginia Tech will need all the time it can get to prepare for Paul Johnson's unconventional offense. The Hokies also will probably be looking forward to making a statement against Nebraska, since when they went on the road to a BCS school last year, they were sent home from Baton Rouge with a 48-7 loss. They will want to show they can win big road games out of conference, even if these Huskers aren't as good as last year's champs were. In the middle of those contests sits UNC, in year two of the Butch Davis era. The Tar Heels were a mostly harmless 4-8 in 2007, and their recruiting and player development have not progressed far enough in to turn them into a conference title contender just yet. Still, UNC lost by just seven in Blacksburg last year, and could very well pull the upset if the Hokies are distracted. Why It May Not Matter: Virginia Tech has Furman the week before playing Georgia Tech, so the Jackets may not be much of a factor. Plus, UNC has received a lot of preseason love already, so it might be difficult for the Heels to truly sneak up on the Hokies. FoxSports.net 6/3/08