2015 U.S. Open Preview and Predictions

Predictions:
Men's Champion: (1) Novak Djokovic
Women's Champion: (1) Serena Williams
Men's Dark Horse: (19) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Women's Dark Horse: (17) Elina Svitolina and (20) Victoria Azarenka
Men's Toughest Road: (4) Kei Nishikori
Women's Toughest Road: (3) Maria Sharapova and (11) Angelique Kerber

Men and Women's Dark Horses:
If Tsonga gets past fellow countryman, (16) Gael Monfils, in the third round. He could possibly face Nishikori and (7) David Ferrer respectively in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. The good news for Tsonga is that both Nishikori and Ferrer have slight frames and don't really have the weapons to hurt him when he brings his 'A' game. The bad news is: (1) Tsonga is inconsistent, (2) Tsonga has losing records against both men (2-4 vs. Nishikori, 1-3 vs. Ferrer), and (3) Tsonga has never been past the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.

It's not a guarantee that Sharapova will make it to the round of 16. Even if she does, Svitolina does have the game to pull off the upset. She might also need to beat (7) Ivanovic in the quarterfinals. Two wins against two top ten players and former major winners would give her confidence in her first ever major semifinal.

Azarenka is still trying to work her way back into form that won her two career major titles and two runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open (2012, 2013). If she can rediscover her game pre-2014 injuries, she will be a very tough out at the U.S. Open.

Men and Women's Toughest Roads:
Nishikori could potentially face Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round, either Monfils or Tsonga in the round of 16, Ferrer in the quarterfinals, Djokovic in the semifinals, and (2) Roger Federer in the championship.

Sharapova could face Daria Gavrilova in the first roun,d (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova in the third round, Svitolina in the round of 16, Ivanovic in the quarterfinals, Serena Williams in the semifinals, and (2) Simona Halep in the final.

Kerber could face Azarenka in the third round, Safarova in the round of 16, Halep in the quarterfinals, (5) Petra Kvitova in the semifinals, and (1) Serena Williams in the final.

Women's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Coco Vandeweghe vs. (29) Sloane Stephens

(3) Maria Sharapova vs. Daria Gavrilova

Kristina Mladenovic vs. (30) Svetlana Kuznetsova

(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Alison Riske

Dominika Cibulkova vs. (7) Ana Ivanovic
Injuries kept Cibulkova out for a few months. As a result, her ranking plummeted. This is a nightmare matchup that should be at least a round of 16 matchup. As a result, we'll see two top ten talents duke it out in the opening round. This could be the highlight of the first round.

Julia Goerges vs. (32) Anna Karolina Schmeildlova

(18) Andrea Petkovic vs. Caroline Garcia

Timea Babos vs. (22) Samantha Stosur

Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Karin Knapp

(27) Alize Cornet vs. Kurumi Nara

Men's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Vasek Pospisil vs. Andreas Haider-Maurer

Fernando Verdasco vs. (PR) Tommy Haas

(Q) Nikolos Basilashvili vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This will be a rematch from Wimbledon in which Basiliashvil stunned Lopez in five sets the second round. Can lightening strike twice?

(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Steve Johnson
Fognini is one of most talented players on the ATP tour, but is too inconsistent. If "good" Fabio shows up, Johnson won't win. If "bad" Fabio who doesn't really care shows up, Johnson wins.

Borna Coric vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Last year, Coric stunned Nadal in the quarterfinals in Basel in their lone match-up. Nadal is having the worst season of his professional career is ripe for the picking. Coric is ascending while Nadal is descending. Can Coric beat "the King of Clay" for a second time?

(4) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire

Nick Kyrgios vs. (3) Andy Murray
This is the must see matchup of all the first round matches. Kyrgios has already notched wins over Nadal and Federer in his young career. Murray has rebounded nicely after a tough 2014 season. He briefly reached the number two ranking for a week before Federer reclaimed it with his win in Cincinnati. Can Kyrgios record another win over the "Big Four"?

Denis Kudla vs. (Q) Jurgen Melzer

Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. (12) Richard Gasquet

(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (Q) Alexander Zverev

2015-16 College Football Bowl Predictions

(*)-denotes the spot is taken by a team from a conference not allotted for bowl game

Autonation Cure Bowl
Louisiana (8-4) vs. Ohio (6-6)*
winner: Louisiana

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
* Illinois (6-6) vs. Texas State (6-6)*
winner: Illinois

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
BYU (9-3) vs. California (6-6)
winner: BYU

Raycom Media Camelia Bowl
Akron (9-3) vs. Arkansas State (8-4)
winner: Akron

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana Tech (9-4) vs. Appalachian State (11-1)
winner: Appalachian State

Miami Beach Bowl
Florida Atlantic (7-5) vs. Central Florida (9-4)
winner: Central Florida

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Colorado State (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4)
winner: Northern Illinois

Boca Raton Bowl
Western Michigan (8-4) vs. South Alabama (6-6)*
winner: Western Michigan

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State (10-2) vs. Navy (9-3)
winner: Boise State

GoDaddy Bowl
Toledo (11-2) vs. Georgia Southern (9-3)
winner: Georgia Southern

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Marshall (10-2) vs. Bowling Green (8-5)
winner: Marshall

Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
Western Kentucky (11-2) vs. Utah State (11-2)
winner: Utah State

St. Petersburg Bowl
Cincinnati (8-4) vs. Southern Miss (6-6)
winner: Cincinnati

Hyundai Sun Bowl
NC State (8-4) vs. Utah (8-4)
winner: NC State

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Rice (8-4) vs. Arkansas (6-6)*
winner: Arkansas

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Notre Dame (8-4) vs. Michigan (8-4)
winner: Notre Dame

Duck Commander Independence Bowl
Mississippi State (8-4) vs. North Carolina (6-6)
winner: Mississippi State

Foster Farms Bowl
UCLA (7-5) vs. Iowa (7-5)
winner: UCLA

Military Bowl
Virginia Tech (7-5) vs. Houston (9-3)
winner: Houston

Quick Lane Bowl
Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5)
winner: Pittsburgh

Arizona Bowl
Nevada (8-4) vs. Middle Tennessee State (7-5)
winner: Middle Tennessee State

Lockhead Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force (8-4) vs. Nebraska (6-6)
winner: Air Force

Russell Athletic Bowl
Louisville (10-3) vs. Missouri (7-5)*
winner: Louisville

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M (7-5) vs. Texas (9-3)
winner: Texas A&M

Birmingham Bowl
Kentucky (6-6) vs. Temple (8-4)
winner: Kentucky

Belk Bowl
Florida (8-4) vs. Miami-FL (9-3)
winner: Florida

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Georgia (8-4) vs. Duke (9-3)
winner: Georgia

National University Holiday Bowl
Washington (8-4) vs. Minnesota (9-3)
winner: Washington

Outback Bowl
Penn State (10-2) vs. Mississippi (9-3)
winner: Penn State

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
South Carolina (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
winner: Wisconsin

TaxSlayer Bowl
Florida State (9-3) vs. LSU (8-4)
winner: Florida State

Autozone Liberty Bowl
Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-5)
winner: Tennessee

Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Stanford (10-2)
winner: Oklahoma

Cactus Bowl
Arizona State (6-6) vs. Kansas State (7-5)
winner: Arizona State

New Year's Day Six
Fiesta Bowl
Arizona (10-2) vs. Clemson (10-2)
winner: Clemson

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Memphis (12-1) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2)
winner: Memphis

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Alabama (11-1) vs. Baylor (11-1)
winner: Alabama

Rose Bowl
Oregon (11-2) vs. Michigan State (10-2)
winner: Oregon

College Football Playoff
National Semifinal #1:
Goodyear Cotton Bowl
TCU (11-1) vs. Auburn (12-1)
winner: TCU

National Semifinal #2:
Capital One Orange Bowl
USC (12-1) vs. Ohio State (13-0)
winner: Ohio State

National Championship
TCU (12-1) vs. Ohio State (14-0)
winner: Ohio State

2015 College Football Conference Champion Predictions

(*)- denotes conference champion
(**)-ineligible for bowl game because of two wins against FCS opponents

American (East)
1. Central Florida (9-4, 7-1)
2. Cincinnati (8-4, 6-2)
Temple (8-4, 6-2)
4. East Carolina (5-7, 4-4)
5. South Florida (4-8, 2-6)
6. Connecticut (1-11, 0-8)

American (West)
1. Memphis (12-1, 8-0)*
2. Houston (9-3, 6-2)
Navy (9-3, 6-2)
4. SMU (4-8, 2-6)
Tulane (4-8, 2-6)
6. Tulsa (2-10, 0-8)

ACC (Atlantic)
1. Louisville (10-3, 7-1)
Clemson (10-2, 7-1)
3. Florida State (9-3, 5-3)
4. NC State (8-4, 4-4)
5. Boston College (6-6, 3-5)
6. Wake Forest (3-9, 1-7)
7. Syracuse (1-11, 0-8)

ACC (Coastal)
1. Georgia Tech (11-2,6-2)*
2. Miami-FL (9-3, 5-3)
Duke (9-3, 5-3)
4. Virginia Tech (7-5, 4-4)
5. North Carolina (6-6, 3-5)
Pittsburgh (6-6, 3-5)
7. Virginia (3-9, 2-6)

Big 10 (East)
1. Ohio State (13-0, 8-0)*
2. Penn State (10-2, 6-2)
Michigan State (10-2, 6-2)
4. Michigan (8-4, 5-3)
5. Rutgers (7-5, 3-5)
6. Maryland (6-6, 2-6)
7. Indiana (5-7, 1-7)

Big 10 (West)
1. Wisconsin (10-3, 7-1)
2. Minnesota (9-3, 6-2)
3. Iowa (7-5, 4-4)
4. Illinois (6-6, 3-5)
Nebraska (6-6, 3-5)
6. Northwestern (4-8, 2-6)
7. Purdue (1-11, 0-8)

Big 12
1. TCU (11-1, 8-1)*
Baylor (11-1, 8-1)
3. Texas (9-3, 7-2)
Oklahoma (10-2, 7-2)
5. Oklahoma State (8-4, 5-4)
6. Kansas State (7-5, 4-5)
7. West Virginia (5-7, 3-6)
8. Texas Tech (4-8, 2-7)
9. Iowa State (2-10, 1-8)
10. Kansas (1-11, 0-9)

C-USA (East)
1. Western Kentucky (11-2, 8-0)*
2. Marshall (10-2, 6-2)
3. Florida Atlantic (7-5, 5-3)
Middle Tennessee State (7-5, 5-3)
5. Florida International (5-7, 3-5)
Old Dominion (5-7, 3-5)
7. Charlotte (1-11, 0-8)

C-USA (West)
1. Louisiana Tech (9-4, 7-1)
2. Rice (8-4, 6-2)
3. Southern Miss (6-6, 5-3)
4. UTEP (4-8, 2-6)
5. North Texas (2-10, 1-7)
6. Texas San Antonio (1-11, 0-8)

Independents
Army (6-6)**
BYU (9-3)
Notre Dame (8-4)

MAC (East)
1. Bowling Green (8-5, 7-1)
Akron (9-3, 7-1)
3. Ohio (6-6, 4-4)
4. Buffalo (4-8, 3-5)
Massachusetts (4-8, 3-5)
6. Kent State (2-10, 1-7)
7. Miami-OH (1-11, 0-8)

MAC (West)
1. Toledo (11-2, 7-1)*
Western Kentucky (8-4, 7-1)
3. Northern Illinois (8-4, 6-2)
4. Ball State (5-7, 3-5)
Central Michigan (4-8, 3-5)
6. Eastern Michigan (0-12, 0-8)

Mountain West (Mountain)
1. Utah State (11-2, 7-1)*
Boise State (10-2, 7-1)
3. Air Force (8-4, 6-2)
4. Colorado State (7-5, 4-4)
5. Wyoming (4-8, 2-6)
6. New Mexico (2-10, 0-8)

Mountain West (West)
1. San Diego State (10-3, 8-0)
2. Nevada (8-4, 6-2)
3. Hawai'i (6-7, 4-4)
4. San Jose State (4-8, 3-5)
5. Fresno State (2-10, 1-7)
6. UNLV (1-11, 0-8)

Pac-12 (North)
1. Oregon (11-2, 8-1)
2. Stanford (10-2, 7-2)
3. Washington (8-4, 5-4)
4. California (6-6, 3-6)
5. Washington State (4-8, 2-7)
6. Oregon State (2-10, 0-9)

Pac-12 (South)
1. USC (12-1, 8-1)*
2. Arizona (10-2, 7-2)
3. Utah (8-4, 5-4)
4. UCLA (7-5, 4-5)
Arizona State (6-6, 4-5)
6. Colorado (5-8, 1-8)

SEC (East)
1. Tennessee (8-5, 5-3)
South Carolina (9-3, 5-3)
3. Florida (8-4, 4-4)
Georgia (8-4, 4-4)
5. Missouri (7-5, 3-5)
6. Kentucky (6-6, 2-6)
7. Vanderbilt (1-11, 0-8)

SEC (West)
1. Auburn (12-1, 7-1)*
Alabama (11-1, 7-1)
3. Mississippi (9-3, 5-3)
4. LSU (8-4, 4-4)
Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4)
6. Texas A&M (7-5, 3-5)
7. Arkansas (6-6, 2-6)

Sun Belt
1. Appalachian State (11-1, 8-0)*
2. Georgia Southern (9-3, 7-1)
Arkansas State (8-4, 7-1)
4. Louisiana (8-4, 6-2)
5. South Alabama (6-6, 5-3)
6. Texas State (6-6, 4-4)
Troy (5-7, 4-4)
8. Louisiana Monroe (3-10, 2-6)
9. Georgia State (3-9, 1-7)
New Mexico State (1-11, 1-7)
11. Idaho (1-11, 0-8)

Top 25 Rule Changes That Should Be Made to Collegiate Athletics

It's obvious the power lies with the schools and the coaches. Paying players is not the answer, but neither is paying coaches five, six, or seven million dollars per year. Thus, the money paid to coaches should be re-directed to the student-athletes. Using the money unnecessarily spent for bloated salaries and ridiculous changes to facilities will be in a fund for student-athletes. For example, schools will be on the hook for paying for post-career operations related to a former student-athlete's old injuries while playing. Perhaps the pool of money could include any likeness fees for video games, if any company wishes to make a game in the future.

This list reflects all of the changes that needs to happen with college athletics.

1. The salary of a head coach must not exceed $2,000,000.00 per year. This salary can be paid by the schools/universities and endorsements. The coach and company who's product is being endorsed must notify the NCAA of a contract/agreement between both parties.
-Any coach who violates this rule will be:
(a.) suspended from coaching activities for one full calendar year
(b.) will not be allowed to recruit off-campus for one full calendar year
(c.) lose a number of scholarships to be determined
(d.) must forfeit his/her salary for one full suspended year to a charity approved by the NCAA
-Any coach who violates this rule a second time will be permanently banned from coaching in any NCAA sanctioned sport.

2. Head coaches are allowed to appear in commercials and have their likenesses used for products, but compensation must not exceed $2,000,000.00 per year, assuming he/she is making $2 million in salary at their institution. In addition, head coaches are allowed to appear in as many public service announcements and other commercials related to various charities as long as they are not paid or reimbursed in any way.
-For example, Coach A signs a contract at School A for $750,000.00. He/She will be allowed to endorse products and receive up to $1,250,000.00.

3. Head coaches are not permitted to accept gifts from boosters or any group affiliated with a school/university.However, he/she will be allowed to accept gifts from the school as a part of their salary that shall be deducted from his/her annual salary, assuming the annual salary is at $2,000,000.00.
-For example, if a coach is getting paid $2,000,000.00 per year, the school/company gives two cars to the coach that costs $60,000.00. The coach is only permitted to be paid $1,940,000.00 for that year.

4. All head and assistant coaches (including strength and conditioning coaches, graduate assistants, etc.) will be required to take various ethics classes. If he/she scores less than a B, he/she will be suspended from coaching duties until they pass the required course. The classes will co-inside within the system (quarter or semester) currently used at the university.

5. The salary of an assistant coach must not exceed $500,000.00 per year. In football, position coaches will be paid no more than $200,000.00. Unlike head coaches, the salary for assistants must be paid only by the school. This will prevent the upper-echelon power schools from paying $1 million plus for an assistant coach. Some assistants are currently making more than head coaches at other schools.
-For a first offense, he/she:
(a.) will be suspended 50% of games without pay
(b.) not allowed to recruit off-campus for twelve (12) weeks during the season (this also includes every coach, including head coach, on staff)
(c.) fined up to $250,000.00
-For a second offense, he/she will be:
(a.) suspended from all coaching activities and not allowed to have any contact with anyone (including coaches) for a full year
(b.) forced to forfeit his/her entire salary (which includes the suspension without pay and fine) for the year to a charity approved by the NCAA
(c.) along with the current coaching staff, banned from recruiting off-campus for 24 weeks
-For a third offense:
the coach will be permanently banned from coaching in any NCAA sanctioned sports

6. Scholarships will no longer be issued on a yearly basis. Now, scholarships will be issued for four (4) or five (5) years (depending if the student-athlete redshirted).
-Student-athletes will permanently lose their scholarships for repeat offender status for the following: bad grades, arrest(s), failed drug tests, underage drinking, and other illegal activities.

7. Head coaches who attempt to revoke a student-athlete's scholarship without provocation (i.e. bad grades, failed drug tests, arrests, etc.) will be:
-For a first offense:
(a.) fined roughly one-half of their yearly pay (up to $1,000,000.00)
(b.) suspended for 50% of regular season games the following season
(c.) have no contact (including assistants as well) with recruits for six (6) weeks, excluding dead periods in recruiting
(d.) will not be allowed to host recruits for campus or visits during the summer
-i.e. Coach B realizes Player B is not a great fit for his system for college football. So, after the season, the coach tries to revoke Player B's scholarship without proper cause. Player B informs the NCAA, who thoroughly investigates the situation. The NCAA has ruled in favor of the player and Coach B will be suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season and the coach nor his staff will be able to recruit (on or off-campus) during this time. Also, the coaching staff loses the right to host camps for high school players during the summer
-For a second offense:
If it's been determined the head coach has revoked another scholarship without provocation, the following shall occur:
(a.) head coach will be suspended for an entire season
(b.) must not have any interaction with any student-athletes during this time
(c.) forfeit his/her salary for the season
-For a third offense:
If the coach violates this rule a third time, this will result in a major infraction which includes, but is not limited to:
(a.) a show cause penalty on the head coach (which will result in a five year coaching ban, head coach or otherwise)
(b.) a ban on post-season play
(c.) reduction of scholarships
(d.) zero recruiting visits for two years
(e.) the ban of hosting recruits during camps during the summer
-For a fourth offense:
the repeating offender will be permanently ineligible to coach or work, in any capacity, in any NCAA sanctioned sport

8. All incoming student-athletes from high school will be required to have maintained at least a 2.7 high school, score a 20 on the ACT or at least a 940 on the SAT, and pass an entrance exam by the NCAA.

9. All student-athletes will be required to maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA to retain eligibility. If he/she doesn't maintain a 2.7 GPA, he/she  will be ineligible to play for one season, and will lose his/her scholarship for one full school year. In this case, the student-athlete will not be allowed to use a redshirt for the lost year of eligibility. This includes players who've transferred schools.
-i.e. Player C, who is a rising junior, failed to maintain a 2.7 GPA. Player C will be ineligible to play until his/her senior year. Even if Player C elects to transfer or is dismissed from the team because of poor grades, Player C will be required to lose one year of eligibility, and pay for school out of pocket for one year.

10. All incoming student-athletes will be required to take an entrance exam in addition to ACT/SAT scores to gain eligibility for NCAA sanctioned sports. If he/she fails, he/she won't be eligible to play until they pass. A passing grade will be getting at least a 'C' on each section.

The test, which will last roughly four (4) hours, shall cover material each student-athlete should've learned in high school. The entrance test, which will be administered in sections, will cover the following:
(1.) Mathematics covering algebras 1 and 2, geometry, and a higher level of match such as pre-calculus, trigonometry, etc.
(2.) English and identifying nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
(3.) Literature and writing a two page essay on a short story that measures writing ability and reading comprehension
(4.) U.S. History 1 and 2 (international students may substitute U.S. History for a history from his/her history from his/her native country)
(5.) Geography (including state capitals)
(6.) U.S. Government/Civics (like history, this course may be substituted for a test in civics in his/her native country)
(7.) Science includes questions from courses such as physical science, biology, anatomy/physiology, and chemistry or physics
(8.) Elective courses that includes, but is not limited to: art, music, drama, psychology, sociology, and health.

11. Schools will be allowed to offer free tuition and books for children and spouses of all coaches and staff (including assistants and trainers). This offer is only good at the school the coach is currently coaching. A waiver can be applied in the event of a coach leaving for a new job or is fired. This waiver is for a child or spouse who's no more than 15 hours (5 classes) short of graduation. This will be the lone exception to the salary cap for coaches.

12. Student-athletes who obtain one DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) will automatically be suspended for 50% of the team's regular season games and will be required to work with either Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) for one calendar year.

13. Student-athletes will be permanently ineligible for athletic competition and scholarship by:
(a.) accumulating two DUIs or DWIs. In this case, the scholarship must be vacated for the remaining time available on the scholarship.
-i.e. Player A is a rising sophomore who has been dismissed from the team. The scholarship will be lost for three years before it can be reissued to another player. So, in football, for example, the total scholarship total will be 84 instead of 85.
(b.) accumulating two failed drug tests ( and the like the DUI/DWI, the scholarship must be vacated for the remaining time available on the scholarship)
(c.) any student-athlete who has taken either the ACT, SAT, or entrance exam under false pretenses
(d.) any student-athlete who has become academically ineligible twice
(e.) any student-athlete convicted once of any violent crimes
(f.) any student-athlete convicted of a felony
(g.) any student-athlete convicted of two misdemeanors
(h.) being convicted twice of academic misconduct (ie. plagiarism and cheating on exams)

14. Student-athletes who are dismissed from a team (for issues pertaining to bad grades or unlawful behavior) will permanently lose one year's worth of eligibility that can't be retained with a redshirt and must pay the school out of pocket for tuition, books, room, and board for one full year. For schools who dismiss players because of bad grades or unlawful behavior, the scholarship must not be used for remaining time available on the scholarship.
-i.e. Player A is a rising junior and has been dismissed from the team because of bad grades, he/she will become ineligible to play the upcoming season, but will be eligible to return to play as a senior.

15. Student-athletes will receive $50.00 per month stipends for each month his/her team plays.
-i.e. If a student-athlete plays football ,and the team's final game's in January, the student-athlete will receive a stipend for the month of January.

16. Student-athletes will be required to submit pay stubs to the NCAA in the event he/she is hired for employment. The following jobs are not permitted for student-athletes (excluding those on medical hardship):
(a.) positions in which tips are given, but not limited to waiter/waitress and valet
(b.) employment at casinos
(c.) working a job in which the student-athlete is underage

17. For players who accept medical hardships, their scholarships must be awarded to walk-ons, who have been on the team for at least two years, for the duration of the original recipient's (the player on medical hardship) athletic career.
-i.e. Player A accepts a medical hardship prior to the start of his/her sophomore season. This means the scholarship has three years remaining. This scholarship can either be given to a:
(a.) different senior walk-on for three consecutive years
(b.) a junior walk-on for two years and a senior walk-on for one year
(c.) a sophomore walk-on for three consecutive years

18. Student-athletes who fail one drug test will be banned from competition for one season and will automatically lose one year's eligibility and his/her scholarship for one year without the possibility of a redshirt. The student-athlete must pay the school out of pocket for tuition, books, room, and board. He/She will be required to attend a rehabilitation facility, paid for by the university the student-athlete attends, for a full year. Before returning, the attending physician at the facility must attest to the fact he/she has been sober for a full year.

19. Any student-athlete caught cheating on a test or plagiarizing a paper will automatically lose one year's worth of eligibility permanently, which can't be used via redshirt or withdrawing from school, in addition to any sanctions by the school. A second offense will result in permanent revocation of eligibility.

20. Teams are allotted a maximum practice time of 10 hours per week during the season and off-season. The practice includes: practicing with or without pads and watching film with coaches, and workouts.
- Coaches who violate the new practice rules will be suspended 25% of the games without pay and fined up to 50% (up to $1,000,000.00) of his/her yearly salary.

21. The length between end zones and the crowd in college football must be separated by at least 25 yards.

22. In college football, injured players on defense who leave the game will be required to miss the remainder of the possession.

23. Increasing college baseball's scholarship total to 25 from 11.7.

24. Decreasing the number of football scholarships from 85 to 70.

25. A committee needs to be formed to address the needs and welfare of student-athletes. A representative of this committee needs to interview student-athletes in men's and women's sports on each level of the NCAA. Each team would, in turn, select a captain or representative to talk with this person about things the NCAA could do to assist student-athletes. A few things that should be done for student-athletes are as follows:
(a.) free Chromebooks for student-athletes on scholarship that cost no more than $250.00
(b.) free business suits, dresses, shoes, and attire (that total no more than $350.00 excluding sales tax) for graduating student-athletes for job interviews
(c.) free suits or dresses for student-athletes who appear at conference media days or award shows (for each event) that total no more than $350.00
(d.) free selection of school supplies that includes, but is not limited to: backpack, index cards, dividers, scientific calculators, rulers, protractors, mechanical pencils, lead, pens, loose leaf, graphing, or printer paper, folders, notebooks, binders, or any supplies listed on a class syllabus.

-Student-athletes must pay out of pocket for suits, or dresses they like if it exceeds the allotted amount.
(ie. If a student-athlete likes a suit and a pair of shoes that costs $400.00. The student-athlete must pay the $50.00 difference.)

Honorable Mention
26. Schools should pay for plane or bus tickets for trips home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, family emergencies, spring, and summer breaks.

27. Locker rooms and facilities are prohibited from having anything that's not necessary for student-athlete's athletic well-being that includes, but not limited to:
(a.) video game consoles
(b.) Jacuzzis
(c.) waterfalls
(d.) pool tables
(e.) cable television

2015 Wimbledon Men's Final Review

(1) Novak Djokovic defeated (2) Roger Federer 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3 for his third Wimbledon trophy, and ninth major title.

Federer was able to do some positive things with his serve, but it wasn't anywhere near as effective as it was in the semifinal win against Andy Murray. For the match, Federer had 14 aces and only three double faults. He landed 67 percent of his first serves in and won 74 percent of his points on the first serve.

Federer did a good job of trying to attack the net during the match. He won 42/58 points (72%) at the net. However, he was only 1/7 on break opportunities while Djokovic broke him 4/10 times.

The biggest shocker was Djokovic's serving. Federer not only struggled to break, but he nearly cancelled out Federer's ace total with 13 of his own.

Federer ultimately made a few too many unforced errors that helped seal his fate. He had 48 winners, but 35 unforced errors. That total would beat anyone on tour except for Djokovic.

Djokovic played an aggresive game, but had 46 winners, and only 16 unforced errors.

With today's win, Djokovic surpasses Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, and Jimmy Connors for a spot alone as the fifth most major titles in the Open era.

2015 Wimbledon Women's Final Review

(1) Serena Williams defeated (20) Garbine Muguruza 6-4, 6-4 for her sixth Wimbledon title and 21st title overall.

It wasn't an easy path for Serena. She defeated the likes of (16) Venus Williams, (23) Victoria Azarenka, and (4) Maria Sharapova en route to the final.

Serena displayed early nerves by losing her serve in the opening service game. However, she was able to break back to level the match 4-4 before cementing another break to take the first set 6-4.

In the second set, it was all Serena. At one point, Serena won eight of nine games to take a 5-1 lead, serving for the match. This is where things got interesting. Muguruza displayed a great fighting spirit and would not go away quietly.

Serena had her worst service game of the tournament as she double faulted and had two unforced errors. Muguruza held at 5-3 before breaking again to even the match 5-4. However, Serena broke back at love to win the second set 6-4.

Serena didn't play her best tennis. She did have 29 winners and 15 unforced errors. However, she had 12 aces, but had eight double faults. At the French Open, she got tight against Lucie Safarova, and was forced into a deciding third set. Today, she choked a 5-1, two break lead, but overcame it with a break in the end.

Where will Muguruza go from here? We've seen it from the likes of Sloane Stephens, Eugenie Bouchard, and to some degree, Simona Halep.

Stephens hasn't achieved anything noteworthy since upsetting Serena in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Australian Open.

Bouchard hasn't been the same since getting steamrolled by Petra Kvitova in last year's Wimbledon final. Plus, Bouchard hasn't done anything outside of the slams. She has only won one singles title (in Nuremberg) in her career.

It may be a little premature to group Halep in this category because she has won singles titles in her career. Nevertheless, Halep has been plagued by two disappointing performances at the French Open and Wimbledon along with a first round exit in Madrid.

If Muguruza develops the consistency, she is definitely capable of winning multiple majors.

Moving forward, Serena will be chasing more history this year. She will now be looking to win the Calendar Grand Slam at the U.S. Open in September. Steffi Graf was the last person to achieve this accomplishment in 1988. Also, she is one major title away from tying Steffi Graf's 22 for the most wins in the open era.

2015 Wimbledon Men's Final Preview

Men's Semifinal Scores:
(1) Novak Djokovic d. (21) Richard Gasquet 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4
(2) Roger Federer d. (3) Andy Murray 7-5, 7-5, 6-4

Men's Final Preview:
Djokovic and Federer will meet for the 40th time on Sunday, with Federer holding a slim 20-19 lead all-time. They've met three times this year. Federer scored a victory in the finals in Dubai. Djokovic scored wins in the finals in Rome and Indian Wells.

This is their third career meeting at Wimbledon. They split their previous two meetings. "FedEx" won the 2012 semifinal 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic avenged that defeat in a thrilling 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-4 win.

Djokovic is a two time champion (2011, 2014). Federer is a seven time champion (2003-2007, 09, 12)

Djokovic has an opportunity to wipe the sour taste from his mouth from last month's French Open final loss with a win over Federer. In last year's matchup, the key was winning the third set. Although he got a bit tight in the fourth set, he was able to regroup on a fatiguing Federer in the fifth set. On Sunday, he will need to repeat this performance again.

He needs to make the match as physical as he can and make the rallies as long as possible. His next tournament won't probably be until the Rogers Cup next month, so he'll have a good four weeks to rest.

Djokovic will want to keep playing an aggressive and attacking style of tennis and will approach the net to keep Federer off-balance.

If Federer is on with his serve, will Djokovic try to give Federer different looks with the return? This was something Murray didn't seem to do enough of throughout the match.

For Federer, he's playing outstanding tennis and has only dropped one set en route to the final. He's clicking on all cylinders at this point. His serving against Murray was incredible. Federer, who had 20 aces in the semifinal win, used the serve to get cheap points. Murray only had one break opportunity during the match.

Can Federer continue the hot serving against arguably the best returner in history of tennis?

Along with the serve, he needs to avoid the long rallies with Djokovic and try to shorten the points as quickly as possible. However, with Boris Becker as coach, who was a serve and volleying whiz, Djokovic will practice executing the passing shots.

He also needs to do a better job on the return and get to Federer's serve. Djokovic's serve is solid, but not great. You can expect to see Federer attack his second serve and to come in on approach shots.