Thursday Grab Bag:

I got another reminder of how precious life can be this week when Jim Griffin, a fifth-year senior on the Samford basketball team, died in his sleep.

Jim wasn't a close friend, but he was a friend and a popular guy. A competitive Chicago South Sider that loved the White Sox. He wasn't the most athletic guy in the world, but he was an excellent passer that coach Jimmy Tillette trusted implicitly against ranked opponents and in clutch situations.

I'll always remember playing soccer against Jim during the equivalent of our college P.E. course, a track guy and a basketball guy trying to use our athleticism to beat each other at a game neither of us played perfect.

The autopsy isn't due to be released for a while, but early indications are that Jim had an undetected heart condition. He complained about chest tightness Monday night before he went to sleep and never woke up.

Just a reminder, even during hard times, to appreciate what you have, and that it's a good idea to get an EKG at some point even if you are young and healthy.

Football Power Poll: Farmington moves up a spot to No. 4, leapfrogging Kirtland Central.

Week 3 Rankings

1. Aztec -- The Tigers remain the area's best team despite a surprising loss to Belen at home. I imagine they'll be eager to prove themselves this week. (Previous: 1)
2. Bloomfield -- The Bobcats had a bye week to prepare for Kirtland Central. It's still a tossup between them and Piedra Vista for the No. 2 spot in my power rankings, but Bloomfield has a chance to make a statement against the staggering Broncos. (Previous: 2)
3. Piedra Vista -- The Panthers looked better against Montrose (Colo.) last week, but still got blown out. PV's tough early schedule continues, this time in state with Goddard, who's lost two games by a combined five points. (Previous: 3)
4. Farmington -- The Scorpions have played with guts the first two weeks, winning the opener and coming close against West Mesa last week. FHS will try to make it three for three against Del Norte this week. (Previous: 5)
5. Kirtland Central -- The Broncos are frustrating some fans, who aren't happy with the team's mistakes in early losses. KC fans will have to be patient, though, as the young team is going to take it's lumps this year. It's hard to blame first year coach Tom Adair. (Previous: 4)
6. Shiprock -- The Chieftains are the feel-good story of the season behind coach Richard Ballard, and the only area team without a loss. (Previous: 6)
7. Navajo Prep -- The Eagles are two weeks away from hosting their first game at the new stadium. (Previous: 7)

*****

NFL starts: We are officially into the football season. All three.

The NFL kicked off tonight with the Super Bowl champion Steelers edging the Tennessee Titans, who finished with the best record in the league last year at 13-3.

I worked for the Titans last year and covered their home games in Nashville, so I watched most of the game. The Titans no longer have Albert Haynesworth in the middle of their defensive line, the best DT in the NFL when he is healthy and motivated.

Second-year DT Jason Jones missed a lot of the preseason, so I expect him to get better as the year goes on, and Tony Brown is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in football, not to mention an All-Star interview.

Still, the Titans love to get pressure by rushing just four, and Haynesworth commanded double teams that opened things up for Brown, Jones, and ends like Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch. As long as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger holds the football, the Titans should've gotten more pressure on him in the second half.

One of the reasons Michael Griffin, Cortland Finnegan and the secondary performed so well last year was the pressure the team generated up front with four guys. The Steelers did well throwing past Nick Harper, using the tight end to exploit the middle, and setting up blocks on the diminutive Finnegan to attack the secondary.

The Titans' offense should improve, with LenDale White in better shape and an upgrade at receiver in Nate Washington, once his hamstring gets healthy. Plus, with Kerry Collins starting the year instead of Vince Young, the team has more stability.

Everyone pencils in the Colts as AFC South champions, but they've gone through a lot of changes. Plus, their defensive catalyst, Bob Sanders, is out early. Houston is too inconsistent, although RB Steve Slaton and WR Andre Johnson are the best tandem in the NFL in my mind.

I still think the division is Tennessee's to lose despite the 0-1 start. They've lost depth in the secondary and at linebacker as well, and their defense isn't as strong, but they've added some to the offense and their line is strong. It's hard to discount their solid tight ends and Ahmard Hall at fullback, one of the best.

Still, I pick the Chargers in the Super Bowl over the Green Bay Packers.

*****

Oudin no star: Lots of tennis stars began their careers with big runs in major tournaments.

The 17-year-old Melanie Oudin from Marietta, Ga., made a "magical run" to the U.S. Open quarterfinals.

But I don't think she's the next tennis star. She crumbled under the pressure against Caroline Wozniacki with 43 unforced errors, losing 6-2, 6-2.

That's understandable for a teenager. But she's 5-foot-6, doesn't have a hammer serve, and makes too many errors. It will be tough for her to contend with the strong players that dominate the women's game today on a consistent basis.

I don't think she would have a chance against the Williams sisters or even Kim Clijsters in this tournament.

Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher