Ups, downs, homeruns & fumbles for Columbus sports fans

Jan. 1 (+6)

OSU prepares for its second straight BCS Championship game. LSU is favored, but Buckeye nation feels the ninth time against an SEC opponent will be the charm.

Jan. 7 (-10)

Buckeyes lose to the Tigers 38-24, despite jumping to a 10-0 lead. OSU falls to 0-9 in bowl games against foes from the hated conference south of the Mason-Dixon.

Jan. 29 (-9)

Columbus Blue Jackets trade beloved enforcer Jody Shelley to the San Jose Sharks.

March 19 (+7)

High school superstar QB Terrelle Pryor signs with Ohio State over rivals Penn State and Michigan, giving the Buckeyes a top-five national recruiting class.

March 31 (+4)

It's opening day! Could the Indians win the AL pennant after collapsing in the playoffs last fall? Could the Reds be competitive in the NL Central?

April 3 (+5)

OSU men's basketball wins the NIT, proving they're the best of the rest. At least it's some kind of title for the Buckeyes.

April 6 (-6)

The Blue Jackets finish another disappointing season with a 34-36-12 record and fail to make the playoffs ... again. You know it's bad when Detroit is laughing at you.

May 18 (-2)

Despite an all-world performance by LeBron James, the Cavs lose an epic game seven battle to the Boston Celtics, who go on to win the NBA championship.

July 14 (-4)

At the All-Star break, the Indians are last in their division (13 games back) and the Reds are fourth (11 games back). There's always next year.

Sept. 1 (0)

Cooper Stadium closes it doors for the final time. We'll miss the Coop, but the promise of Huntington Park helps ease the pain.

Sept. 13 (-8)

Blowing a chance to redeem their national reputation, the Buckeyes are manhandled by USC, 35-3.

Nov. 22 (+8)

OSU 42, Michigan 7. Buckeyes clinch share of Big Ten title.

Nov. 23 (+10)

The Columbus Crew beats the NY Red Bulls 3-1 to win the MLS Cup. Nordecke fans rejoice!

Dec. 15 (-8)

The Arena Football League cancels the 2009 season. Destroyers fans lose the chance to watch their team rebound from a 3-13 performance last season.

Dec. 21 (-7)

Bungles 14, Clowns 0.

Dec. 31 (+6)

OSU prepares for its fourth straight BCS game, against Big 12 foe Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. Maybe 2009 will be our year.