Sports RoundTable Week 1

The Sports Roundtable consists of four sports driven students that watch sports 24/7. Some of the biggest sports topics will be discussed by seniors Stephen Cosentino, Aidan Segal, Nick Smith, and Bub Volz in this epic roundtable discussion.

Q: Bub- “So, we are halfway through this wild College Football season. Is anyone confident with their Final Four predictions?”

Stephen A- “I think a team that will definitely be there in the end is Alabama. Ohio State still has a tough schedule ahead but they went into Oklahoma and dominated them so I can very easily see OSU making their way in. I believe we may see 2 team have 1 loss and be in the playoff. Michigan and Ohio State still have to play each other and both teams could very easily be in the top 4. A team to keep your eye on is Washington. They have a huge win over Stanford under their belt. They have a long road ahead of them having to playing against team who have won in their past or are having a good year so far. That includes Oregon, USC, Utah and Oklahoma State. I don’t see a team from the ACC sneaking their way into the playoff this year. Clemson has had too many close games so far this year and I believe they are bound to slip up. Louisville  and Houston are two highly ranked teams that still have to play each other. I think the winner of OSU and Michigan will be in the playoff along with the winner of Louisville and Houston. My Final Four teams are: Alabama, Ohio State, Louisville and Michigan. Any of these teams would end the year out of the top 25 but that’s my very bold prediction.”

Segal– “It’s still too early for me. Like, Stephen said, Alabama is definitely a safe bet to win the National Championship. I think Nick Saban could coach just about any team to success. On the other hand, Louisville is led by their star quarterback and possible Heisman Trophy candidate, Lamar Jackson. I could see them snagging a spot a spot in the title game. Ohio State is always in the conversation as well. And you cannot forget about Clemson who took down Louisville. I do hope I’m wrong because I would like to see my Pitt Panthers get a huge upset on the Tigers.”

Smith– “Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Louisville.  These are my four picks for the final four.  You know that Alabama and Ohio State have what it takes to win national championships as they have taken 5 out of the last 7 between them and Alabama has four by themselves.  In my opinion, Alabama will take it home but I think Ohio State can give them a run for their money led by Wpial Star Malik Hooker.  Michigan has been impressive so far, but scare me because they have no one that has experience playing in these big games.  And Louisville is my sleeper even with one loss, they have the best player in the nation in Lamar Jackson and I think they can sneak in and make some noise.” 

Q: Stephen A- “There were some big offseason moves in the NBA this summer. And the preseason just started. Golden State acquired all-star Kevin Durant, who as we know, formerly played for the Thunder. Do you guys think KD will be a good fit with the new look Warriors?”

Bub– ”Personally, I don’t blame Kevin Durant for going to Golden State. He earned the right to be a free agent and sign whenever he wants. Some people say it is not fair to stack 1 team but he wants to win a NBA championship. The best chance to win would be Golden State so I support it.”  

Segal– “The Warriors blew a 3-1 lead to the Cavs in the Finals. They had the greatest regular season in the history of the league. 73-9! KD is going to be the one to put them over the top. With Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Steph Curry, how can they be stopped? I expect this to be an interesting season.”

Smith– “KD is nothing but a coward in my eyes.  He leaves a team that blew a 3-1 series lead to the team he lost too…  The Warriors have been to the finals each of the last two years and won it all 2 years ago.  Not to mention what Segal said, they won 73 games without him.  KD is a supposed to be all-star and one of the best players in the league.  He is ring chasing with an already great team.  He can win 6 rings in Oakland with the Warriors but a more impressive feat would have been him winning one or two with the Thunder.”

Q: Smith- “The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off a Stanley Cup championship season. Which Pittsburgh team has had the most success in their respected sports?”

Bub- “The Pens I believe has had the most success recently. Overall, the Steelers obviously has had the most success in Pittsburgh but the Pens would be my choice. My rankings are 1. Steelers 2. Penguins 3. Pirates 4. Pittsburgh Power.”

Stephen A– “What the Pittsburgh Steelers have done is second to none. They have the most Super Bowls in the NFL. Sure most of their success was in 70’s but they have been solid in recent memory. The Pens have been successful with 2 Stanley Cups in the past decade. In my opinion they should have more with their stacked line up but they have been impressive and keep fans coming back every year. The Pirates have had some success with 2 playoff appearances in the last 3 years. They also broke the losing record streak of 20 years. I rank it Steelers, Pens, Pirates. Shaler football isn’t too far behind.”

Segal– “Steelers. No question. Six Lombardi Trophies, the most of any NFL team. The organization has produced many Hall of Famers They have stayed relatively consistent since their golden era in the 70’s. A seventh Super Bowl trophy could very well happen this season.”   

Smith– “Yes for sure the Steelers, nobody has more Superbowls in the NFL.  When people think Pittsburgh they think tough and they think football.  It’s a football city for a reason.  Credit to the penguins though for bringing great success in the past 10 years. But this is a no doubt pick for me.”

Q: Segal- “I remember last year when I went to the Cleveland Cavaliers game. I had the privilege of watching arguably one of the best basketball players of all-time in LeBron James. What is the best live sporting event you have attended and why?”

Stephen A.– Being behind the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen during the 2013 Wild Card game. By far the best event I ever attended for $65. This was the first playoff game in 21 years and they won it. This game is remembered by many because of the “Cueto” chant and Russell Martin’s 2 homeruns. This game will forever be cemented in my head.

Smith–  “I was also at that Wild Card game and I don’t think that in the rest of my lifetime I will ever have an experience as great as that.  Like Stephen said, Cueto dropping the ball, Martin hitting the homer, it had to be one of the best if not the best Wild Card game of all time.”  

Bub- “In my opinion, The best event I’ve gone to was Game 5 against the New York Rangers last year. We had awesome seats we won the game 5-2 and the crowd was something like I’ve never seen before. This game also eliminated the Rangers from the playoffs and was one of the turning points in winning the Stanley Cup last year.”