Sept. 24
Each week I will post my "Dick's Dow Jones" report on whose stock is up and whose is down from across the world of sports.
Stock up: Bengals, Chargers, UNC
Who would have thought the Bengals and Chargers would both be 2-0 entering their matchup this week? Chargers QB Doug Flutie has done a great job for San Diego, throwing for over 350 yards in a win over Dallas.
Dick LeBeau's Bengals have been a big surprise, especially beating the defending champion Baltimore Ravens. Jon Kitna is 2-0 as a starter and the Cincinnati defense was fired up as Elvis Grbac left the building with an L.
A salute to North Carolina's football team. After opening 0-3, the Tar Heels scored a big-time W over Florida State. That was John Bunting's first win and there was a celebration in Chapel Hill. Two former hoopsters, Julius Peppers and Ronald Curry, helped secure the victory.
Barry Bonds is up to 66 homers and Sammy Sosa hit three on Sunday. Then there is Alex Rodriguez, who set a major-league record for homers by a shortstop with 48.
The Athletics sent a message by sweeping the Mariners. With pitchers Mark Mulder, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson and company, Oakland will be a factor come playoff time.
Stock down: Seminoles, Irish
Florida State has now lost just three ACC games. The Seminoles have had injury problems and Bobby Bowden has a young team, though it was Shock City hearing the score announced while I was at the Notre Dame-Michigan State game. The Irish are a bit down after falling to 0-2 with a loss to Michigan State.
The Vikings are off to a slow start, with Randy Moss and Cris Carter struggling a bit. The Ravens couldn't get it going against the Bengals.
Then there is Carl Everett. I don't know why anyone would want him in their clubhouse, since he is a cancer. Just look at his track record.