It’s only the first weekend of 2008, but our panel already is in midseason form. They blame it on all those holiday sweets. Sign up for the fun at redeyechicago.com/fiveonfive.
TOPIC 1: HAS BOWL SEASON LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS SO FAR?
Phil Thompson: The Gators lost. That means Tracy saw her shadow, and we’ll get six more weeks of silence.
Tracy Swartz: “I’ll have a bowl of Cheerios, not too much milk.”
Scott Kleinberg: It’s OK. My favorite was last night’s Cocoa Puffs. … Milk was extra chocolaty.
Brian Moore: Absolutely. My Hoosiers lost in their first bowl since 1993. Oh well, there’s always 2031.
Stick Figure: Everything has been super-beautiful, especially the Rose parade. Balloons!!
TOPIC 2: WHAT 2007 SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST FONDLY?
Phil Thompson: Me turning my head for one second as Rich Hill gives up a first-pitch HR in Game 3.
Tracy Swartz: “I could read the sports section if my hair was on fire.”
Scott Kleinberg: The George Mitchell Report.
Brian Moore: The Sox meltdown was particularly sweet. It’s not like they were cocky or anything.
Stick Figure: It was nice to see a unicorn, unfortunately missing his horn, win the Kentucky Derby.
TOPIC 3: WHO ARE YOU ROOTING FOR OR AGAINST IN THE NFL PLAYOFFS?
Phil Thompson: I’m hoping T.O. gets healthy … so he can destroy the Cowboys’ morale.
Tracy Swartz: “The players are always changing, the team can move to another city, you’re … rooting for the clothes.”
Scott Kleinberg: I have more faith in the Steelers than the whole panel.
Brian Moore: It would be nice to see Tom Brady and the Patriots lose. Imagine the looks on their faces.
Stick Figure: I want the guys in black-and-white to win. They don’t wear helmets!
TOPIC 4: HOW COULD 2008 BE ANY WORSE FOR THE BULLS?
Phil Thompson: When attendance drops to WNBA levels, expect widespread panic.
Tracy Swartz: “Ahh, high finance: Bulls … Bears … people from Connecticut.”
Scott Kleinberg: They lose 16 straight and announce new coach Dennis Rodman.
Brian Moore: It’s already worse. There’s no way they’ll make the playoffs this time.
Stick Figure: No more postgame ice cream! Nooooooo!!!
TOPIC 5: HOW EXCITED ARE YOU ABOUT THE START OF BIG TEN BASKETBALL?
Phil Thompson: That’s a myth, like the Yeti.
Tracy Swartz: “I broke ’em playing basketball. (He was running from a bee.)”
Scott Kleinberg: I’m so pumped up that I can’t even finish this answer without laughing.
Brian Moore: With Eric Gordon on board, Indiana should walk away with it. Illinois fans will be inconsolable.
Stick Figure: Hip-hip hooray — as long as they don’t try to use my head as the ball again.
