Last week in this space, I braced for two major returns—which did indeed happen when Kristaps Porzingis returned the floor and Dak Prescott took his customary place under center for the Cowboys. I also wondered whether the Stars would get some momentum going. Two out of three ain’t bad, right?
So let’s double down on the hockey team and their quest to achieve a perfectly ordinary NHL win, while also seeing whether brighter days are in the offing this football weekend.
Wednesday, 11/10: Stars versus Predators—7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southwest+
Amazing but true: nearly one month into the NHL season, the Stars have yet to win a game in regulation. Three of Dallas’ four victories thus far have come in overtime, while their fourth—at Pittsburgh on October 19—came via shootout, making them the last team in hockey searching for the sport’s most basic victory. Will Wednesday be the long-awaited breakthrough?
Saturday, 11/13: SMU versus UCF—11:00 a.m., ESPNU
Two weeks ago, the Mustangs were undefeated, ranked, and positioning themselves as Cincinnati’s biggest threat in the AAC. Now they’re 7-2 and fourth place in the conference—two and a half games behind Houston’s perfect 6-0 mark. Life came at SMU fast, indeed, and they badly need a win this weekend to maintain any hope of reaching the conference game. It won’t come easy: UCF comes into Dallas riding a three-game winning streak and sits a half game ahead of the Mustangs in the conference.
Sunday, 11/14: Cowboys versus Falcons—Noon, FOX
Normally, I listed a particular matchup to watch for in Cowboys games in lieu of listing the game itself. Chances are you don’t need me to tell you to tune in, so hopefully, I’m giving you something fun to latch onto during the action.
But we’re getting back to basics this week because [gestures at the entire Broncos game]. Who or what can be taken for granted after a meltdown like Sunday’s? Both Dan and I are on record saying the Broncos game is an aberration, and the Falcons provide a great opportunity to prove as much. Atlanta did score an upset win at New Orleans yesterday, but the Falcons are much closer to pesky than threatening in the winter of Matt Ryan’s career, and that was true before star receiver Calvin Ridley took a leave of absence to address undisclosed personal issues.
Dallas should roll here, and roll comfortably … but will they? I’m tuning in with a close eye on the Cowboys’ psyche and how well they’re able to avoid hangover from Week 9.
