Several Bruin basketball players left UCLA early at the end of the season, among them standout Tyger Campbell, who is now playing for a team in Europe. With a year of eligibility remaining and NIL opportunities for Campbell, was the UCLA basketball culture under Mick Cronin’s coaching a reason for him not to finish his education and turn away from the possibility of bringing in some lucrative endorsement deals?

Can USC football coach Lincoln Riley find a defensive coordinator who will inspire the Trojans to play with passion and successfully prepare the defense to face the tough teams in the Pac-12 this season and the powerhouses they will be up against when they move to the Big Ten next year?

Marcus Freeman has put together a strong team at Notre Dame after taking over for Brian Kelly, who is currently coaching at LSU. Are their leadership styles and personalities completely different? Which coach brings out the best in the players, and who do fans prefer?

Eight teams are left to battle it out in the MLB postseason NL and AL Division Series: National League – (1) Atlanta Braves, (2) LA Dodgers, (4) Philadelphia Phillies, and (6) Arizona Diamondbacks. American League – (1) Baltimore Orioles, (2) Houston Astros, (3) Minnesota Twins, and (5) Texas Rangers. Will the Dodgers have a chance with rookie pitchers against the Diamondbacks’ strong defense? Have the Rangers been underestimated, with several former Dodgers on their roster? Pitching injuries are plaguing the Braves, and the Orioles have a lot of young players, which could present some unforeseen challenges. Could Baltimore do well in their first appearance in the playoffs with Dean Kremer on the mound? The Phillies have an outside chance to win it all after a commendable performance last year. Is the winning field wide open?

Email Fred, Art, and Mark with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com