10. NFL State Teams Success (so far): This one comes with a qualification, but as we go to press, all three state NFL squads are either leading, or tied for, their respective division leads. For the Dolphins and the Jags, this wasn’t unexpected, but for the Bucs (and a suddenly rejuvenated Baker Mayfield), it’s a nice Christmas present.
9. PGA Tour Defections: While golf in our area no longer commands the attention it once did (hello PGA Tour, how about an event in our area?), more and more top tier talent is leaving for the LIV tour – and their millions. Jon Rahm’s defection is but the latest shot across the bow, and seems to suggest some type of merger between the two tours is all but necessary.
8. Florida Football Flops: Well, you can’t say we didn’t warn you about this one. In fact, back in August we predicted Sun Belt Billy would go 5-7 – and four months later that’s exactly what they did. Will anything change? A shrinking recruiting class, combined with an underwhelming effort in the transfer portal, suggests more misery (and a new coaching search?) awaits.
7. The Florida (Final) Four: Might have undershot the target with this ranking, as it isn’t everyday not one – but two – of the local college hoops teams make it all the way to the promised land. Both FAU’s and Miami’s magical runs to the Final Four were amazing, and even though neither squad cut down the nets, it was great for both programs – and for college hoops in our state.
6. Local Champs: South Florida high school football retained its high standards by crowning not one but three champions. Kudos to all who qualified, but laurel leaves go to Miami Columbus, St. Thomas Aquinas (their fifth in a row!) and Chaminade Madonna. Well done.
5. Marlins Hook MLB Playoffs: While their finish might have disappointed some, the Marlins let it be known they will be a force in the National League East. They finished third, but still made the playoffs; NL Manager of the year Skip Schumaker and a talented young squad suggest more success to come, though the impact of the loss of GM Kim Ng remains to be seen.
4. The Cheetah is MVP: Or he should be. Tyreek Hill’s electrifying performances week after week fueled Coach Mike McDaniel’s high-flying offense. No WR has ever won the MVP, but if anyone should, it would be Hill.
3. FSU’s (almost) Magical Season: Speaking of special, earlier this year we predicted FSU to go 10-2; well, they blew those expectations away. Being undefeated and winning the ACC should have been exhilarating enough, but the injury to QB Jordan Travis robbed them of a surefire college football berth. Still, Coach Mike Norvell clearly has them on the right path.
1. (Tie) Heat and Panthers make memorable Finals Run: There was no way to separate these two accomplishments. Both teams came from the eighth seed to win their respective conferences and play for their league titles. They both came up short, but the memories each made will last lifetimes.
That’s it. May your 2024 sporting hopes be successful and joyful – and remember it’s not always about winning, but who has the best tailgate parties!
Cheers!
