Each Wednesday I share links to good articles/columns from recent happenings from around the sporting world. If you come across good articles, videos, etc. – please pass them along, I’d love to take a look.

College Football:

Oklahoma is considered by many to be the pre-season #1 team in the country. As a result, Sooner Nation is counting on Josh Heupel to deliver another BCS National Championship.

Ten burning questions about the ACC from Tony Barnhart – aka Mr. College Football – including Florida State’s chances at winning the conference and re-joining the national title discussion.

ESPN.com posted their Non-AQ post-spring overview focusing on Kellen Moore’s supporting cast, what was learned, and the best of the spring.  For Bronco fans – here’s the Boise State post-spring wrap.

I guess it isn’t just the fans anymore that are left wondering why college football doesn’t have a playoff – the U.S. Department of Justice asked the same thing last week.

Gus Johnson was named as Fox’s voice of college football and will reportedly work with Charles Davis as the analyst.  I’m not a huge fan of Davis – perhaps because he never knows what he’s talking about – but the pairing with Gus has potential. Just make sure Davis knows it’s college football, not the NFL.

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly invited members of our country’s armed forces into the team’s locker room after their spring game and gave a pretty cool speech:

Soccer:

Since we all know FIFA is a clean, honest, well-run organization… it’s shocking that 6 FIFA members have accused of wrongdoing in the World Cup bidding process.  Oh wait, that’s right – FIFA is a damn joke that unfortunately governs the World’s game.

Speaking of the World Cup, you have to read this excellent piece titled “Deadly Games” from ESPN OTL.  Wright Thompson explores the problems of gang violence and drug wars in the favelas that are as much of a part of Rio as the beautiful beaches portrayed in the brochures. Anyone planning on going to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup or 2016 Olympics should probably read this.

Manchester United took care of business last week defeating Chelsea 2-1 and all but securing the EPL Title. I hate to say I agree but, Sir Alex Ferguson should take a bow for his accomplishments at Manchester United.

Ever wonder how much MLS player earn? Wonder no more, here is MLS salary information for all the players.

National Hockey League:

Photo via zimbio.com

Pavel Datsyuk lead the Red Wings to a victory in game 6 after falling behind the Sharks 3-0 in the series. With game 7 set, can the Sharks possibly stop the Red Wings’ rally? I don’t particularly like the Red Wings but can’t stand the Sharks and hope they blow game 7 at home.

Surfing:

Surfer Magazine has a gallery of the 10 most photogenic surfers. As one of the commenters pointed out – perhaps the title should be the “10 most photogenic historical surfers” but it’s a pretty cool gallery.

Sunny Garcia talked about his fine and suspension from the ASP. Garcia sounded like his usual outspoken self in the interview – gotta respect someone who openly speaks their mind and lives with the consequences.

Surfer Magazine posted a photo blog with the photographers explaining the stories behind the shots – some of them are pretty cool.

Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning shot from the water on the Gold Coast:

College Basketball:

Legendary Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams announced his retirement after 22 seasons at his Alma mater. Williams’ career coaching record is 668-380 in 33 seasons.

Lacrosse:

Lacrosse All Stars posted the 2011 College Lacrosse Bracket Challenge for Division 1, MCLA Division 1, and MCLA Division 2 with the winners receiving free LAS swag.  Anyone with an email address can participate – good luck!

This was on hotclicks and SportsCenter but I had to put this crazy 80 yard lacrosse goal to help seal a high school conference championship for Gonzaga College High School:

Dogs:

There’s a decent chance you’ve seen these links by now but I have share them anyway.  Apparently the Navy SEALs that raided Osama’s compound had a little K-9 helper on their mission which lead to me finding and reading more about these war dogs.  Meet the war dogs who went after Bin Laden and enjoy this War Dog photo gallery.

Any good articles or videos I missed? Happy Humpday Everyone!