RIDDLE ME THIS

What’s going on at the ACC Network … which produced yet another version of Amateur Night in Dixie with coverage of the University of Virginia -- Miami football game?

OK, so analyst Orlando Franklin is new to the business but that’s no excuse for ignoring the obvious. Had the former NFL offensive lineman been working the game on radio, perhaps he could have gotten way with such comments as: “Both these teams have played outstanding.” What game was he watching? 

As a followup, Franklin said U.Va., quarterback Tony Muskett “has been playing lights-out.” Welcome to the wonderful world of broadcasting, Orlando. On the next snap, with time running out in regulation and the score tied, Muskett was sacked for the sixth time, losing eight yards on third down and keeping the Wahoos from kicking a potential game-winning field goal. 

 Then, after Miami won in overtime on an 11-yard run that began with an ill-timed blitz, leaving the right flank wide open for RB Mark Fletcher, and ending because of poor tackling by two Virginia defenders, Franklin said, “If I’m [Hoo coach Tony] Elliott, I’m feeling pretty good this team.” Say what? 

The only thing that has saved the … uh, INTENSE Elliott from a nervous breakdown (or worse) on the sidelines -- so far -- this season was a major upset of ranked, unbeaten North Carolina. Except for Malik Washington, a speedy WR from Northwestern, and few others, the Cavaliers have under-performed … even if Franklin didn’t know it. 

 HOW SURPRISED were you … I mean really … that the country’s top-rated basketball recruit chose Duke … over UConn … or anyone else, for that matter? He’s Cooper Flagg from Maine … who plays for a private-school powerhouse in Florida. Second-year coach Jon Scheyer already has the top 2024 class. And the beat goes on. Wonder if Coach K played a role? Also, how much money did this “amateur” wunderkind get under the NIL sham (name, image and likeness)? 

 ISN’T IT ABOUT TIME for New York Rangers’ coach Peter Laviolette to be predictable and say something about Richmonder Zac Jones’ attitude remaining good despite being a healthy scratch in eight of the team’s nine games? The heck with that. Let the kid play, OK? 

 I know, I know … it’s difficult to make lineup changes when you have won five in a row – all on the road -- to lead the Metropolitan Division. But, didn’t Laviolette, in his first season with the Broadway Blueshirts, say he was against keeping any player on the sidelines for more than a game or two especially this early in an 82-game campaign? 

 And, didn’t the Rangers reward Jones for another first-rate season with AHL Hartford by giving him a one-way, two-year contract worth $812,500 annually? The just-turned 23 year old defenseman can’t be sent down again without first clearing waivers – which no one thinks would happen. The 5-10, 185 pounder figured to man the left side on the third pairing … that is, until New York signed veteran Erik Gustafsson, a free agent who played for Laviolette last year in Washington. 

He’s appeared in eight games for the 7-2 Rangers and, frankly, hasn’t been nearly as good as the Big Apple media has portrayed him. In Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime victory in Winnipeg, Gustafsson was on for both Jets’ goals. Also, he failed to keep the puck in the NY end … and had to take a holding-the-stick minor to prevent a breakaway and potential goal.

 The Rangers return to Madison Square Garden Thursday night (Nov. 2) to meet the Carolina Hurricanes. It will be interesting to see what Laviolette does – keep a struggling Gustafsson in the lineup or give Jones a chance. At the current rate, he’ll become another Libor Hajek waiting to happen.

Until next time ...