Serving Up a Delightful Menu of Sports for the Holidays

Sports are finally back. For real.

Sure, the Packers rode a miraculous quarterback by the name of Aaron Rodgers in January and February. Connecticut and Kemba Walker ran the table in March and April. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks through April, May and June, while Tim Thomas did the same with Boston.

And finally, Albert Pujols and the Cardinals concluded the sports year (to date) with a thrilling World Series win.

So, that's enough for one year, right? Wrong.

The Sports Restaurant has a special menu for these final two months, with a lot to get to. So, hop in, buckle up, order your meal and get ready to rumble! Why?

Because sports is on. 

Appetizers: November 10, Oakland at San Diego

After watching the Chiefs against the Dolphins and the Broncos, well, all year long, I think we can conclude these two teams are battling for the AFC West crown. A test on Thursday night is the perfect appetizer.

Both teams stand at 4-4, tied with the Chiefs for first in the AFC West. Oakland lost to Kansas City and Denver at home in back-to-back games, and Carson Palmer needs to get back on track for the silver and black. Now is his chance.

NFL Network will kick off Thursday night football with a brilliant matchup. The struggling Phillip Rivers and the struggling Carson Palmer both must change their ways and get their teams going.

Whoever takes this game is in the driver's seat. And whoever is in the driver's seat, usually finishes in first place. So this game is the real deal.

Both on a short week, Palmer and Rivers both need to understand that.

Entrees: November 12, Oregon at Stanford

Andrew Luck. Andrew Luck. Oh, did I mention Andrew Luck?

I think I did. That's all people can talk about now, "Suck for Luck" and how amazing the Stanford quarterback really is. And this game is the real test, the Ducks and the Cardinal. A win books a date for the Cardinal at home against either Arizona State, UCLA or Utah for the Pac-12 Championship.

Darron Thomas and the 2-time Pac-10 champions have other hopes though, to crush Stanford's hopes. To go to Stanford Stadium and take down the Cardinal would set fire to any BCS Title hopes Stanford had, and to ascend in the polls.

This is quite obviously the conference game of year, as Luck, LaMichael James and other stars look to shine under the bright Palo Alto lights. Only one can survive, however.

A win almost certainly punches Stanford's ticket to the Rose Bowl. A loss, and the Cardinal will be treading water for an at-large BCS spot. That why this is your drink special.

Appetizers: November 13, NY Giants at San Francisco, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Just like Oakland at San Diego, Week 10 decided to serve up some big games, with two surprise contenders and two regular contenders battling in these two big games.

Alex Smith and the Niners, fresh off not one, not two, but six straight wins, head back to "The Stick" to take on the Giants, fresh off a titanic win in Foxboro against the Patriots, in a huge game for second place in the NFC.

On the other side of the country, 6-2 Cincinnati plays host to the Steelers, who are in third place at 6-3. Cincinnati has reeled off five straight wins and is on fire under rookie Andy Dalton, who looks to keep the Bengals up there at first, where they currently reside, tied with the Ravens.

Dalton, Smith, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger headline these two games, where lots is at stake, to climb into the driver's seat for an extremely tight race.

So one rookie, two Super Bowl champions, and one No. 1 draft pick take the spotlight Sunday, to try to get their teams ahead, one of your many appetizers available.

Entrees: November 15, Florida at Ohio State, Kansas at Kentucky

College basketball is back and clear on the menu.

Kansas and Kentucky, two legendary basketball programs, and Florida and Ohio State, two teams on the rise, square off Nov. 15 in the real kickoff to college basketball.

Erving Walker and Jared Sullinger lead two top 10 schools into this big tilt in Columbus, while Anthony Davis headlines a bright freshman class for second-ranked Kentucky. College hoops is back.

November usually brings some big games. But two games featuring top 13 games on one night? is Christmas here yet?

In college hoops, it is just starting.

Entrees: November 24, Green Bay at Detroit, San Francisco at Baltimore

Nobody watched the Detroit Lions fly under the radar and finish 2010 strong. Nobody thought it would lead to this kind of success.

Nonetheless, these Lions are challenging Green Bay, standing in the Wild Card spot. And while you guys are carving the turkeys and pumpkins, these Lions will hope to carve up the Packers secondary.

That's exactly what Mr. Rodgers has done in Green Bay, leading a 14-game winning streak dating back to December 2010. We've been watching, and the two teams with a combined 14-2 record will kick off Thanksgiving perfectly.

Later that night, the two Harbaugh coaches square off in Baltimore, where the 49ers and Ravens meet. Alex Smith, who has looked extremely sharp in 2011, meets Joe Flacco, who has been up-and-down, but shined against Pittsburgh in the 23-20 win.

Rookie coach Jim Harbaugh leads his 7-1 squad across the country to his brother's house, where the 6-2 look to play the role of bad host. You can serve that turkey and cranberry sauce with glee now, because Thanksgiving football is sharp.

Drink Special: November 25: Arkansas at LSU, Iowa at Nebraska

The SEC has always been the most prestigious conference in the country. And what better way to show that then to show this key tilt between LSU and Arkansas. 

On "Black Friday," No. 1 LSU tries to keep their BCS Title spot with a win over Arkansas in this rivalry, as Tyler Wilson headlines the Hogs against Jarrett Lee and the Tigers. LSU's defense has overpowered top offenses, while Jarrett Lee has put up just enough points to keep LSU on top.

While this contest headlines the action, Iowa faces Nebraska in a game that could end up deciding the Big 10 Legends champion. James Vandenberg leads an exciting Hawkeye squad that is coming off of a crucial win over Michigan.

LSU doesn't look like your typical number one team, Nebraska just lost to Northwestern and Iowa shocked Michigan. These games can go either way, and everybody knows it.

So tune in to CBS at 2:30 ET/11:30 PT for the SEC West's deciding game, as LSU tries to keep any hope of a BCS Title berth. So this Drink Special features a possible deciding game for a Big 10 division and a Top 10 tilt with BCS Title chances in mind. 

Appetizers: November 27, NY Giants at New Orleans Saints

Monday Night Football is back, keeping their fantastic season going with a clash of two first place NFC teams. Two Super Bowl champion quarterbacks in Eli Manning and Drew Brees meet on the gridiron.

In New Orleans, both teams look to pull away in a tight race, and this challenge is exactly what the two need to overcome. This game will take an extra day of preparation, and Monday Night brings that.

Brees against Manning. Champion against champion. What else could you ask for on Monday night?

Entrees come after, but this appetizer sets us up perfectly for a delightful entree. Brees and Manning. Bradshaw and Thomas. Two overpowering defense.

As New York tries to hold on against the Eagles and Cowboys, New Orleans has Tampa Bay coming up in the back of their head. Champions against champions on Monday Night Football.

Traditional holidays? I'd say so. Traditional entrees? I'd say so.

Entrees: December 2, Pac-12 Championship Game

Friday night is special again. Early December is special again.

The addition of Colorado and Utah leaves a need for a conference championship game, and that's exactly what will happen. Stanford or Oregon will play hosts on this Friday night.

Another beautiful entree, as Arizona State or UCLA will represent the Pac-12 South. Brock Osweiler leads a potent Arizona State offense, while Vontaze Burfict leads the powerful defense.

Andrew Luck or Darron Thomas will be the "welcoming" hosts in this contest, with at least a Rose Bowl bid at stake. The Oregon-Stanford game on Saturday will determine who will be playing in this game for the Pac-12 North.

No matter who plays, this is sure to be a delicious, exciting entree for everyone. ESPN Friday night. What else could you ask for, because delicious football is what you've got.  

Desserts: December 3, Conference Championship Day, Oklahoma State at Oklahoma

Following up the Pac-12 Championship, this is one of the best desserts on the menu. The SEC, ACC and Big 10 have conference championships, with Rose Bowl, BCS Title, and more at stake.

To add to that, Brandon Weeden and Landry Jones, two of the country's best passers, meet at Norman when Oklahoma State takes on Oklahoma, which could determine as much as a BCS Title berth.

If Oklahoma hadn't slipped against Texas Tech, this would most likely be a clash of two unbeaten teams deciding a sure BCS Championship spot. Still, this, plus likely LSU, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Michigan State and more in action will be huge.

This Saturday looks like the clear favorite for best Saturday of the year, with tons of top schools in action. BCS bowls and the final picture for college football is being shaped out.

This dessert compliments the Pac-12 Championship, Thursday Night Football and the upcoming NFL Sunday perfectly. If you miss this, I feel for you.

Drink Special: December 10, Ohio State at Kansas

College basketball is back. The Buckeyes are back.

Jared Sullinger, a potential top draft pick, leads his Buckeyes into Kansas to take on the Jayhawks in an early December clash. While December is football time, this day is taken over by hoops.

Sullinger and William Buford are a potent duo down low, and they will be challenged to stop Tyshawn Taylor and the Jayhawks in this clash, as two top tourney seeds square off.

Ohio State and Kansas came up short last year. Now, to get in the position they want, a win is necessary. So both have a lot at stake.

Hoops is a tasty drink special kicking off your ride. So buckle up, and get ready for basketball to start!

Drinks: December 17, Bowl Season Kicks off

Bowl games are finally back. Well, almost.

December 17 represents the day the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and R+L Carriers Bowl kick off the bowl season. While predictions show it to feature MAC and MWC and WAC teams, it still kicks off three weeks of action.

ESPN at 11:30 p.m. PT gets the action started when a Mountain West team (likely Wyoming or Fresno State) is likely to take on California, Utah, or an at-large team.

Let me get this straight first; this is not the best day of bowl action. But this is what gets the wild ride started.

Three bowls. Three trophies. One wild ride.

Entrees: December 19, Pittsburgh at San Francisco

Nothing beats a bone-chilling Monday night at "The Stick" when there's football going on.

Ben Roethlisberger leads his Steelers into San Francisco just six days before Christmas as rookie coach Jim Harbaugh leads his Niners in this crucial game for NFC and AFC seeding.

San Francisco is in sole control of first in the NFC West, but a first-round bye will be critical for San Francisco's success, as will for Pittsburgh in the AFC. This test on Monday Night will reveal the true character of these teams.

Both teams have fallen short this year and both teams have come up big at big times. Whoever can come up with the big play under the chills of the coast will prove their strength with great preparation for the postseason.

It all begins with a delicious entree at "The Stick."

Appetizers: December 22, Houston at Indianapolis, Las Vegas Bowl

I know, I know. Indianapolis is 0-9. Houston is 6-3

By now, the Texans will have likely clinched a spot in the playoffs, but like I said, seeding is important. And by now, Peyton Manning will likely be back, and this will be a big road test for Houston.

Matt Schaub is performing well, but is he as good as Peyton Manning? This game will be important for Houston to show what they're made of, and for postseason improvements.

To add to a perfect appetizer, the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl takes place, as the MWC champion (who doesn't make a BCS game), against the Pac-12's fifth team. Predictions say this game will feature TCU and either UCLA, Utah, or Cal.

Pac-12 football is getting intense, and TCU has talent, so that should compliment Thursday Night Football well to make a perfect dinner appetizer. 

Desserts: Christmas Day, Chicago at Green Bay

The quality of this game isn't that exciting. What brings this to the rockin' desert menu is the Christmas Day background.

When we miss the NBA and the quality of Christmas excitement it brings, we have the Packers and the Bears (thank God) at 5:30. So after a nice family dinner, you can get back to your normal self, slouching on the couch for football.

Aaron Rodgers showcases his talent on national TV (again), but this time with a Christmas audience watching. Jay Cutler takes the field on the other sideline, for 5-3 Chicago, desperate to stay close to Detroit and Green Bay.

If Green Bay stays undefeated, this could be the time to watch them make history. They already have 14 straight wins. Undefeated? Easily possible.

Green Bay is the best team in the NFL, right now. They will show us what dessert tastes like when we get to watch a rivalry unfold on the jolliest day of the year.

Entree Special: December 29, Vanderbilt at Marquette, Alamo Bowl

Bowl games are in full swing, and hoops is back on track. Everyone's happy with the new entree special.

Marquette is ready for action as Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder look to lead the 21st ranked Golden Eagles by Marquette in this early/midseason clash with the Commodores.

Basketball is back and in full swing for all of you colleges, and so are bowl games. The Valero Alamo Bowl is back, with likely UCLA or Arizona State and Kansas State, Baylor or Texas looking like likely participants.

The Champs Sports Bowl, ACC against Big East, is back as well, and while these other two critical contests will likely steal the show, this compliments the night games nicely. 

You have a Top 21 basketball clash, a key bowl game featuring two potent teams, and another big bowl game. This entree special would go very nicely with anything else you choose.

Entrees: Insight Bowl, Armed Forces Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Music City Bowl

Bowl games are finally here. All the mediocre games are over, and it's back to the big games, with excitement and real battles taking place on the gridiron.

Most major conferences, the C-USA, and BYU take action during these four bowl games on this fantastic Friday. The Pinstripe Bowl brings Yankee Stadium to life for football, and the Music City Bowl brings the music capital to football.

With games like last year's Music City, Insight and Pinstripe bowls in mind, we will have a lot to be excited about for this four-game slate. Bowl games are back. For real.

The Big 12 brings out their best teams, the ACC, SEC and Big 10 get going, and 6-3 Brigham Young hits the gridiron against one of C-USA's best. That's why this entree should be ordered.

Now, we're leading up to New Year's Day.

Dessert Special: UCLA at Cal, Louisville at Kentucky, Gonzaga at Xavier, 5 Bowls

This is the real deal. Eight games to get excited about.

Basketball is in full swing, with three games featuring ranked teams. Five football games, including the coveted Chick Fil-A Bowl, take place as well, leaving this as the perfect New Year's Day.

College hoops kicks off with Reeves Nelson and UCLA at Jorge Guiterrez and Cal, Mark Few and's Gonzaga against No. 15 Xavier, and John Calipari and Kentucky against Kyle Kuric and Louisville.

Plus, all the exciting conferences, from the ACC to the SEC to the Pac-12, will be in action on the most magical sports day of the year, New Year's Eve.

Everything is going well, and while 2011 ends, this is what we will remember the magical year for. How it ends. That's why you should order this dessert special for sure.

Conclusion

Your wild ride is now complete. You've seen a lot of college football and the final months of the NFL season unwind right before your eyes. You've seen the big games in college basketball.

Luckily, for everyone else, this is just stuff to look forward to. We have 18 huge sports days (as of Nov. 8) left in the 53 days of the year. Everything is coming up perfectly.

Sports has never looked this exciting. While we are missing out on NBA, this year in NFL and college sports has completely made up for the absence. Plus, how can we forget the crazy finishes to the four major sports.

All you can ask for is back, and once you finish reading, you can go back again and again and make your own list, just so you know what you really have to be excited about, starting Nov. 10 and ending, well, never. How do you describe these magical series of events? 

Sports is back.