Sign of the Apocalypse

This is my version of SI's "Sign of the Apocalypse." Consider:



Alonso's two-year deal reportedly to pay him $51.3M per season


MADRID, Spain -- Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso is heading back to Renault.

Fernando Alonso

Alonso

The 26-year-old Spaniard announced his return to the French team Monday after a turbulent season at McLaren.

At Renault in 2005, Alonso became the youngest driver in F1 history to win the title. He repeated in 2006.

"I am delighted to be returning to Renault," Alonso said in a statement. "This is the team where I grew up as a driver in Formula One. Now it is time for us to begin a new chapter together."

Renault said that Alonso, who agreed to a two-year contract, would drive along with Nelson Piquet Jr. The duo will make their debut testing the new R28 car at Valencia from Jan. 22-24.

"Fernando and Nelsinho will form one of the most exciting driver lineups of 2008," Renault managing director Flavio Briatore said. "We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success. His abilities as a driver and a team leader are well known, and we look forward to forging another strong partnership."

Spanish media reported that Alonso would earn $51.3 million per season, though Renault would not confirm the figure.

Alonso had been linked with a return to Renault ever since he was released from his three-year contract with McLaren in November. A move to the French team gained momentum Friday when FIA decided against penalizing Renault for possessing confidential information about rival team McLaren.

"To be honest, the first three weeks of November, I was on a much needed vacation and during which I disconnected from Formula One," Alonso said. "The decision to choose a team did not take more than a week, as me and the people close to me were clear about what we wanted."

Alonso dismissed talk that he could have taken a year off, preferring patience while analyzing all of the possible options.

"It would have never come to me not having a drive for next season," Alonso said. "We are talking about a very important decision and since I could not get back at the wheel of a car until January or February, there was no rush."

Alonso finished third in the 2007 drivers' standings with 109 points, though his season is better remembered by rocky relations with rookie driving partner Lewis Hamilton and a spy scandal that cost McLaren $100 million and all of its constructors' championship points.

Renault finished third in the constructors' championship in 2007 with 51 points, 153 behind champion Ferrari.

Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001 with Minardi and spent three years at Renault from 2003-06. In 105 races, he won 19 and finished on the podium 49 times.

Giancarlo Fisichella and Heiki Kovalainen drove for Renault in 2007.

"Renault had a difficult year in 2007, but I know that the team has real strength in depth," Alonso said. "I am confident they can produce a fast and competitive car and be back at the top in 2008."

ACC vs. Do You Still Play Basketball

This is a belated post, but I most post it anyway. I yearned to write about the ACC-Big Ten Challenge this year because it's a debacle.

The ACC rolls on each year with competition with the Big East for the best conference and sometimes the SEC for a few of the best teams. But the Big Ten seems to spiral further and further downward each year. Thank the lord for Eric Gordon, or I might not watch a Big Ten game this year. Ok, maybe I'll tune in to see MSU just to see the "Izzone."

But really, Big Ten basketball can only compete for worst downswing with itself - Big Ten football. Alright, Big Ten football will survive and probably thrive again.

But honestly, I'm not sure Big Ten basketball will. It's become cool to play basketball for Southern Cal and to an extent, Gonzaga. One-year-and-done college ballers find it cool to to play in Manhattan, Kansas now.

If that's the case, the ACC, Big East and PAC 10 schools will have to take in lower recruiting classes just because of these outliers. Where does that leave the Big Ten?

The answer is I'm still not sure, and I don't think the Big Ten knows either.






Watch out for Tubby Smith, he'll find a way to make Minnesota dominate this conference.... in a year or two.

The blog lives on

The blog returns after a brief...err...four-month hiatus. I apologize to the dedicated loyal followers who might number in the double digits at this point.

I've started things up again because I've finally found time. I stopped working a couple weeks ago, and I've found that I have time to spend productively - if I chose - when I don't work. I can legitimize this as "productive" work to myself and whether it is doesn't really matter.

I also concede that this is probably my favorite time of the sports year. I love watching basketball more than any other sport - at the college and NBA level. Also, the college football bowl season gives me a chance to watch football on any given....Tuesday? But that's the case all year in college football now.

I don't have a definitive position on the BCS. But, I do know that when LSU's at their best, they're phenomenal. When they have time to prepare, they're phenomenal.

Remember last year? The national media projected that LSU would blow out the high-powered Notre Dame offense led by a few big-time NFL prospects. Could Notre Dame and the maestro Charlie Weis wield magic?

Yes, to the tune of a 41-14 LSU blowout victory. Stat line? Brady Quinn: 15/35 for 148 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs. Stellar.

Who knows if that will hold true this year, though.

Just a few random, entangled thoughts to appease you thirsting readers.

But for now, to balance this poor argument. Here's a clip to show you why you see "LSU - 10 Penalties for 150 yards" each game.




Glad to be back.