With the beginning of the season now underway it is the ideal time to get your favorite team gear. From team hats to jerseys and warm ups to car flags, there are many different ways to show your pride and support for your favorite team.

Here are three great deals courtesy of Eastbay, GameTime USA, and the College Basketball Store to help get you started with your shopping. They all feature amazing sale items and have cool clothes and accessories from a wide variety of colleges and universities.

This Team Edition Pedigree Hoodie from Eastbay.com is available in many different teams and comes with an embroidered logo on the front. The colored hoodies are 60% cotton/40% polyester and the grey hoodies are made of 70% cotton/30% polyester and come in sizes small through quadruple-extra large. It is currently on sale for $29.99 and is eligible for free shipping on orders of $75 or more.

This Zephyr Duke Blue Devils Charcoal Mystic Fitted Hat from the CollegeBasketballStore.com is currently on sale for $14.99. Sizes range from 6 3/4 to 8 and all orders are eligible for $4.99 three day shipping.

This Georgetown Hoyas 2008-09 Blue Screen Printed Replica Basketball Shorts by Nike Team Sports from GameTimeUSA.com is made from 100% polyester fabric and is officially licensed by the NCAA. It is currently on sale for $29.99 and is available in sizes small through double-extra large.

Shop for more NCAA Basketball gear at Smarter.com.

College Football: The top three teams in college football — Florida, Alabama and Texas — made it through the weekend unscathed and remain control of their destiny. If they win out, they will be in the BCS National Championship game. The emerging story, though, is the rise of TCU. Another lopsided victory at the expense of San Diego State has them No. 4 in the latest BCS poll and a potential BCS buster come bowl time. They are joined by No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 6 Boise State, who are both 9-0 along with TCU, as teams that could potentially cause controversy when it comes time to crown a national college football champion.

NBA: In what comes as no surprise to anyone outside of the Memphis Grizzlies management team, newly signed Allen Iverson is already disgruntled with his role on the team. He was allowed to return home over the weekend to attend to a personal matter, but many with insight into the NBA are predicting that we may have already seen Iverson in a Grizzlies’ jersey for the last time. ESPN’s Chad Ford summed it up best when he quoted an unnamed NBA general manager: “He’s finished in the NBA. He can go hang out with Stephon Marbury.”

NFL: While it is still much too early to start dreaming about the perfect season, there are still two teams that have an unblemished record. The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts both won on Sunday in games that were much closer than anyone expected and moved to 8-0 for the season. Perhaps the most interesting news of weekend, however, came from former Colts coach Tony Dungy. He said that Michael Vick, whom he has mentored since Vick’s incarceration, could end up quarterbacking for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills reportedly had interest in Vick prior to him signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and are currently struggling with the injured Trent Edwards and underwhelming Ryan Fitzpatrick.

WSOP: If it seems like the WSOP has been on hiatus for eternity, that is because it has. On break since the end of summer, the November Nine resumed action on Friday and played until the wee hours of the morning. The field has been whittled down to the final two players, who will square off for the WSOP Main Event bracelet tonight at 10pm PT. I won’t say who the final two are out of consideration for those waiting to catch action Tuesday night on ESPN, but you can get a full recap here on ESPN’s Poker Blog.

MLS: The Chicago Fire, Los Angeles Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, and Real Salt Lake are Major League Soccer’s final four teams following an intense weekend of play. The Western Conference finals kick off on Friday at the Home Depot Center at 8pm PT and can be seen on ESPN 2. The Eastern Conference finals will take place in Chicago on Saturday at 5pm PT and can be seen on the Fox Soccer Channel.

Image Source: TCU Athletics

This was a great weekend for college football! The weekend was full of great upsets and match-ups and it’s weekends like these that remind us why we miss football during the off-season. It seems like every week now top 10 teams are just taking turns losing to unranked teams. This weekend four teams in the Top 10 went down creating some chaos in the rankings. The first team to go down was Ole Miss. Ranked #4 for the first time in a while the Rebels couldn’t live up to the hype and pressure. They were shut down by a good South Carolina defense in a sloppy 16-10 loss. This brought talk of why they were even ranked that high in the first place, which was mainly because of other Top 10 teams losing. The next victim to fall was Cal. Cal had a tough game on the road against an inspired Oregon team wearing some interesting throwback. Let’s just say Oregon is living up to it’s reputation for having the craziest jerseys every week. I mean they have a ton of different combinations. Well back too the game where I guess the unies did work cause they absolutely demolished Cal 42-3. This was a complete turn around form the opening season loss and it looks like they are now a team on the rise.

At the same time Cal was getting killed another Top 10 team was also no faring as well. There was a lot of hype surrounding the Miami program after two straight wins over teams in the Top 25. Everyone was saying The U was back. Well they got a rude awakening for Virginia Tech getting smashed 31-7. It is a disappointing loss that they will have to get over quickly cause the have to play Oklahoma next week. After all of this happened during the day the final Top 10 team lost at night. # 5 Penn St. was looking forward to this game since last year when Iowa beat them to end their undefeated season. Well they are going to have to wait another year cause Iowa pulled of the upset again 21-10. Next weekend should be just as good as there are some huge match-ups. Some notable games are Cal vs. USC, Miami vs. Oklahoma, LSU vs. Georgia

Ever been so disappointed in your team’s performance that you felt ripped off and wanted your money back for attending the game? I know I have, but I have never thought to send a letter to the head coach about it. Well a fan from Oregon did so after a disappointing loss to open the season at Boise St., in where the now infamous punch from star running back LeGarrette Blount got him suspended for the season, and received a check in the mail signed by the coach. Tony Seminary, an Oregon Alumnus from the Portland area, made the trip to Boise and was so unhappy that after the game he sent an email to coach Chip Kelly, with an attached invoice for $439 in travel expenses.

According to the website everydayshouldbesaturday.com the email message was this,” The product on the field Thursday night is not something I was at all proud of, and I feel as though I’m entitled to my money back for the trip.” Chip Kelly then responded to the email with “What’s your address?” A couple days later after giving his address Seminary received a check for $439 in the mail signed by Kelly. He was so impressed by this gesture that he returned the check with a thank you note, instead of cashing it. Seminary said he was speechless when he saw the check and had this to say about the coach, “I think of Coach Kelly as a totally different person now. I have a different bond with him now. … Let’s just say he lost every game as an Oregon coach. You would never hear me calling for his head. It just wouldn’t happen. The guy showed an incredible amount of class.” This is a very cool story I just have to wonder how many fans are now going to try this after a loss now? And if they do get a check would they cash it, instead of sending it back?

UCLA Bruins Ulti Indoor / Outdoor Rug (5×8) - $134.99 was $149.99

Michigan Wolverines Ulti Indoor / Outdoor Rug (5×8) -$134.99

Oregon Ducks Ulti Indoor / Outdoor Rug (5×8) - $134.99

Arizona State Sun Devils Tailgater Indoor / Outdoor Rug (5×6) - $112.49 was $124.99

Georgia Bulldogs Tailgater Indoor / Outdoor Rug (5×6) - $112.49

More NCAA floor mats available in both sizes at Smarter.com!

adidas Notre Dame Fighting Irish #34 White Replica Football Jersey - $54.95

Nike Florida Gators #15 White Replica Football Jersey - $60.00

Nike USC Trojans #4 Cardinal Replica Football Jersey - $60.00

adidas UCLA Bruins #4 True Blue Replica Football Jersey - $54.95

Nike Texas Longhorns #12 Burnt Orange Replica Football Jersey - $60.00

Nike Ohio State Buckeyes #2 White Replica Football Jersey - $60.00

Find coupons for FootballFanatics.com here.

Find more football college team jerseys at Smarter.com.

9. Alabama vs. Virginia Tech, Sept. 5
After the Thursday night opener there are some big games on the opening Saturday. Alabama vs. Virginia Tech is one of the best that day. It pits two teams in the top 10 with National Championship aspirations. A loss on opening week could all but ruin that. But a win could jump start a good season. Alabama did that last year with a win against Top 10 Clemson to start the season, and went undefended till they meet Florida in the SEC Championship game. It was still a very successful season.

8. Tennessee vs. Florida, Sept 19
This game will be good just to see how new coach Lane Kiffin fares in his first game against Florida. He didn’t waste anytime making enimies in the SEC but especially with Florida, who he said he couldn’t wait to beat this season. That is going to be a very tough task and this game could get out of hand in the second half. It will be a good rivalry to watch in the future.

7. Georgia vs. Oklahoma St., Sept 5
Another big game to start the season, this one could be the most entertaining of all. It’s going to be good offense (Okla St) vs. good defense (Georgia). It should be a great game with both teams thinking National Championship this season.

6. USC vs. Cal, Oct. 3
Cal is looking to take USC’s crown this season and it looks like there best shot in years. USC has a lot of new players in key positions to break in but you know the guys are still talented. Can they survive a road game at Cal. We will see.

5. USC vs. Notre Dame, Oct. 17
Another team looking to knock USC off when they appear weaker, Notre Dame is looking for a good season and a win against USC will be perfect. The schedule is a lot easier for Norte Dame so a win could make them a Top 10 season by the end of the season.

4. Ohio St. vs. Penn St., Nov 7
This Big Ten rivalry will have National Championship and Conference Championship hopes on the line. Penn St and Ohio St are the class of the Big Ten so this game will be huge. Winner will probably go to the Rose Bowl.

3. LSU vs. Florida, Oct. 10
This is probably the best chance for Florida to lose this season. There schedule is really easy but a slip up here could ruin their repeat hopes.

2. USC vs. Ohio St., Sept 13
Last year everyone picked this game as the game of the year, the only problem is that only one team showed up, USC. It was a huge blow out with USC winning 35-3. Ohio St. to say the least will be looking for some big revenge. It should be a very good game with Ohio St. being home and both being in the Top 10. Will USC’s inexperience hurt them this year? We will see. This starts the brutal road schedule off.

1. Oklahoma vs. Texas, Oct 17
Possibly the game of the year last year will be even bigger for these two hated rivals. This game will have everything Two ultra-star heisman candidate quarterbacks and a place in the National Championship possibly on the line. This game will be super hyped and possibly one of the most hyped games of the decade. I think it will live up to the hype.

1. Florida , SEC
Returning Starters: Off: 6, Def: 11
Star: Tim Tebow, QB
With former Heisman Tim Tebow back for his senior season and a full 11 starters returning on defense it’s no wonder that defending champ Florida is ranked #1 to start the season. Some people believe that this could be one of the best teams in college football history, and it’s tough to argue with a team with so much speed on both sides of the ball. Like most SEC teams, Florida does not play a very tough out of conference schedule. They also don’t have to play Alabama or Mississippi in the regular season making their back-to-back championship dream a real possibility.

2. Texas, Big 12
Returning Starters: Off: 7, Def: 7
Star: Colt McCoy, QB
Last years Heisman runner-up Colt McCoy and Texas have a lot to prove this year. Last year Texas was left out of the National Championship to Oklahoma even though they beat them earlier in the year. Even Worse is McCoy lost out to Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford in the Heisman race making Texas fans even more mad. It’s safe to say that this years game is going to be very entertaining. Texas plays an easy non-conference schedule, so their main challenges come in conference play. They have to play fellow top 10 Oklahoma and Oklahoma St., two games that could determine the National Title.

3. Oklahoma, Big 12
Returning Starters: Off: 5, Def: 8
Star: Sam Bradford, QB
While Texas wants revenge on them, Sam Bradford and Oklahoma want another chance at Florida. They have the talent to get back there, but have a lot tougher schedule. Their non-conference schedule includes BYU and @ Miami. That just adds to the tough games they will play in conference.

4. USC, PAC 10
Returning Starters: Off: 9, Def: 3
Star: Taylor Mays, S
Every year USC can play for the National Title, it seems, if they would stop losing to conference opponents. They are always very talented, but this year they have to replace a lot at linebacker and QB. They also have a very tough schedule playing @ Ohio St., @ Notre Dame, @ Cal, @ Oregon. That might be to hard for them to overcome with a first year starter at QB.

5. Alabama, SEC
Returning Starters: Off: 4, Def: 8
Star: Julio Jones, WR
Alabama had a dream season going till the finish took all the steam out. Back-to back loses to Florida the Utah will do that to you. Alabama wants to be in the SEC championship facing Florida and they have the conference schedule to do it. The only conference game that have to worry about is winning @ Ole Miss. They open up with Virginia Tech so that will be a good one.

The Rest of the top 10 follows:

6. Ohio St., Big 10
Returning Starters: Off: 4, Def: 7
Star: Terrelle Pryor, QB
Key Games: USC, @ Penn St., @ Michigan

7. Virginia Tech, ACC
Returning Starters: Off: 8, Def: 7
Star: Tyrod Taylor, QB
Key Games: Alabama, Nebraska, Miami, @ Georgia Tech

8. Mississippi, SEC
Returning Starters: Off: 6, Def:8
Star: Jevan Snead, QB
Key Games: @ South Carolina, Alabama, LSU

9. Penn. St., Big 10
Returning Starters: Off: 5, Def: 4
Star: Daryll Clark, QB
Key Games: @ Michigan, Ohio St.

10. Oklahoma St., Big 12
Returning Starters: Off: 7, Def: 6
Star: Dez Bryant, WR
Key Games: Georgia, Texas, @ Oklahoma

According to a story on Yahoo! Sports, Mayo and his handler Rodney Guillory received cash and other incentives from USC coach Tim Floyd in an effort to land the high school basketball star at USC.  The story also alleges Guillory received money for influencing Mayo to sign with the Bill Duffy Associates (BDA) sports agency upon declaring for the NBA draft.

The source of the latest USC recruiting scandal is Louis Johnson, who according to Yahoo! is a “former member of Mayo’s inner circle.”  If this all sounds familiar it’s because this isn’t exactly the first time USC has been caught up in a recruiting scandal.

USC is already undergoing a three year investigation by the NCAA for alleged misconduct in both their basketball and football programs.  Some of the programs biggest stars, such as current New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush, have come under scrutiny for possibly accepting money in violation of NCAA recruiting rules.

And, of course, no one involved in the current situation has anything to say.  Not the federal authorities.  Not BDA.  Not USC. Not even O.J. Mayo.  When the story broke yesterday you would have expected Mayo to come out and deny any wrong doing by the 6 p.m. Sportscenter, but he didn’t and one has to wonder why.

Regardless of Mayo’s innocence, the situation leads us to one question: should college athletes be compensated for their work?  Many college sports purist say no, but the increasing lure of playing professionally elsewhere may soon change their minds.  Just last year high school basketball prodigy Brandon Jennings bypassed college and instead decided to play overseas in preparation for the NBA.

He took a lot heat from the media, a lot of which was undeserved.  For players whose only desire is to go to the NBA, why shouldn’t they be compensated for their time?  Why should coaches and universities earn millions of dollars while the players who provide the product get nothing but a pat on the back?

The answer used to be twofold; education and a chance to get to the NBA.  But for top players who plan on playing one year and declaring for the draft, the education is a largely useless form of payment.  And as for a chance to get to the big leagues, well, lets just say that NCAA basketball is no longer the only game in town.

If the NCAA is smart (which it isn’t) it will figure out a way to end penalties for compensating players.  People argue that if you do only the big schools will be able to compete, but the last time I checked that was already the case.

Image Source: news-herald.com

Greg Paulus hasn’t felt this much love…well…since high school.

Paulus, who came off the bench last year for the Duke Blue Devils basketball team, has been drawing interest from the Green Bay Packers and apparently now, a college team is gaining some interest in him.

We all know how “great” the Michigan football team did last year under new coach Rich Rodriguez and they’re looking for any spark to help revive their program. They’ve now contacted Paulus to see if he’d be willing to play one season under center for the Wolverines. With their quarterback situation uncertain at the moment, this experiment might actually work.

Michigan’s current QB options include two freshman and Nick Sheridan, who is recovering from a fracture in his lower left leg. If Paulus does choose to go to Michigan, this could either help or hurt his status in the eyes of the pros. One good season and he’ll be highly touted, but one bad season could also have people saying “I told you he couldn’t hang.”

If I were Paulus, I’d give it a shot. What does he have to lose? It’s not everyday you get to revive a career you gave up.

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