By Matthew Johnson, Sports Editor

Published in print Nov. 5, 2014

Now that we have completed what I believe is the best month in American sports, I have been truly prepared for the greatest, upcoming feature of this month. Last month’s Game 7’s, returns of former MVPs (Lebron James,  Kobe Bryant), and historical performances are so insignificant compared to what is happening on November 20. Hunger Games: Mockingjay comes out! Kidding aside, and despite my disdain for movies separated in parts, November will be a tough act to follow as we look back on the first month of autumn.

1. Peyton Manning is the best quarterback I have ever seen

The “Sheriff” broke Brett Favre’s all time touchdown mark last month, cementing his place in NFL lore. Though some will criticize the five time MVP for winning only one championship in fifteen completed seasons, I take titles in little consideration when comparing players in the ultimate TEAM game. As much as a control freak the son of former MVP Archie Manning is, he has little control in how his defenses and special teams have performed in the past. With a football intellect which could be matched with Nikola Tesla’s mind for electric currents, after returning from four neck surgeries to break the passing records he now holds, in my opinion, I am fortunate to tell my future children I watched the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

2. San Francisco Giants usher in new dynasty

Winning the World Series exactly one week ago, the San Francisco Giants, with three titles in five seasons have planted themselves among the greatest teams in baseball history. No team since the Joe Torre Yankees from 1996 through 2003 have had such an impressive run in the national pastime. Spearheaded by a collection of starts and a lone relief appearance by starter Madison Bumgarner, the pitcher from Hickory, North Carolina on the mound recalled memories of legendary October performances by Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax. The Giants, with their ace have stamped their name in the history books of the baseball.

3. The Cavaliers will take time to adjust, will be playing in June

Upset on their opening night against the Triangle offense adjusting, stagnant Carmelo Anthony-isolationist New York Knicks, the Cleveland bandwagon seemed to empty a little last week. Looking back to Lebron James’s first season in Miami, that team began the year 9-8 and still made the NBA finals. For all his undeserved criticisms, at times to his fault, the four time MVP has been one of the most unselfish superstars in league history. He and veteran All Stars Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving will gel it together and in an improving, but weak conference where they biggest threat is a Chicago team with only one scorer, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals this year. 

4. Volleyball likely to have deep run in SoCon Tournament

Five victories in their last seven matches has UNCG’s volleyball steadily climbing the Southern Conference standings as the team’s season is inching closer to the conference tournament in the third week of November. With a mix of young players Jessica Brezwyn and Ashley Muench as well as strong veteran play from Vicky Harley and Kelsey Sidney, the volleyball team has excelled this season under first year head coach Corey Carlin. A key win against conference  elite Furman has sparked the team in their recent run. With the team’s string of strong play, a deep conference run should be in sights for the Spartans.

5. UNCG Basketball has nowhere but up to go

Both the men’s and women’s teams had disappointing seasons a year ago. Early exits in the SoCon tournaments had both teams looking to rebound from their performances a year ago. For men’s basketball, their 14-18 record may had been a misleading figure. Outside a handful games versus opponents such as Davidson, coach Wes Miller had his squad prepared in nearly each game and were a. For coach Wendy Palmer however, with a record of 15-46 these past two seasons, women’s basketball, though Lucy Mason has been a stud for the team in her two seasons, UNCG has struggled mightily in recent years and may still be a few seasons away from legitimately contending in the SoCon.