Inside The Locker: A Look At All Of The Things We Love Moving Into September

Smell that? That’s the smell of one of the best times of the year. That’s the smell of blood, sweat and tears -- it's a face-slapping good time.

Photo by Mark J. Terrill/AP

Baseball season is wrapping up with amazing pennant races. “Shockingly,” the AL West is going down to the wire; I’m pulling for the Rangers in that one. They may be missing Nelson Cruz, but they still have Yu Darvish. ESPN has the Dodgers ranked no. 1 on their Power Rankings, again. They're finally playing like the team Las Vegas had planned on. There have been some surprises for me, though. The Pirates young talent, mixed with some legitimate veterans, have been looking, and playing like they've started to figure it out. Meanwhile, “Crush” Davis really blossomed last year and since he was given the chance, and he's been knocking the cover off baseballs ever since, keeping Miguel Cabrera on his triple-crown toes. With these final pushes for the remaining playoff spots being as exciting as they are, it almost makes you forget about both A-Rod's and Braun’s, each covered by ESPN, cries of conspiracy to anyone that will listen. Or that's in law school, whomever.

Jameis Winston Photo by Keith Srakocic/AP

College football finally kicked off with top-ten worthy plays, like the amazing, one-handed grab by Spartan Defensive Back, Kurtis Drummond. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you crawl out from under your rock and watch the video here, covered by CBS's Tom Fornelli. It was one of the best FOOTBALL plays I've seen that actually made me yell out, "Wow! Did you see that?!" If that catch is foreshadowing what the rest of the season has in store, then we're in for a real treat. Jameis Winston of Florida State had quite the coming-out party. He was in complete control throughout the entire night. His scorecard read like a video games': 24-27 for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown for good measure, all against a very good Pittsburgh defense. You think he's ready for an encore? And, if you're up for a good read, stop by David Hale's article on ESPN. It's powerful stuff. As for Ryan Lea-- I mean, Johnny Manziel, he played a great game -- until he was penalized for taunting and then yanked. There's no denying his ability, or immaturity. How do you coach someone that thinks he's above your word? Maybe that's something Coach Kevin Sumlin has been asking himself, as well. He's a hell of a ball player, though.

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

The NFL is officially underway with Payton Manning and the Broncos completely destroying the Ravens, and Manning having another career game, going 27-42 with 462 yards, 7 touchdowns and a big ol' goose egg in the interceptions column; what a start to the 2013 season. Other notable stories -- more or less -- include the Titans' GM Mike Munchak possibly entering the season on a seat so hot, it'd burn a hole right through the $6,000 pants of Jose Baez. After a free agency spending spree, Owner Bud Adams has already made it clear that he, "didn't spend that money for nothing." The Eagles' Riley Cooper has made headlines, once again, only this time for a tussle with Defensive Back Cary Williams. It didn't seem to have anything to do with Coopers' use of a racial slur at a Kenny Chesney concert over the summer, more or less just a heat-of-the-moment scuffle; it is football, after all. Trying to play peacemaker was Michael Vick, but was also in need of some restrain after a heated exchange with Williams, as well. Vick was quoted in the locker room, after the dust had settled, stating, "these young dudes don't respect me." These kids, nowadays. Last, but not least, we have Ron Jaworski, who has argued his case, reported here by the Associated Press, for Colin Kaepernick being one of the best players -- EVER! What?! Someone that hasn't played a full year yet will be, apparently, in the same class as Tom Brady and Joe Montana, when he hangs up his cleats -- yeah... I'm going to disagree with you there, Jaws. Let him play a few FULL seasons before making a bold prediction like that.

Finally, we sign off with Max Papis' dislocated jaw. Look, I understand his embarrassment of being hit like that by a woman on national television. However, you don't say things like, "Well, I guess we know who wears the pants in that relationship, a-hyuk." Even if it's true, that makes you look like a pretentious douche bag. Instead, admit that, when you were slapped, it hurt like hell, then make light of the situation, and move on. There's no shame in that. Any man would love to have a woman, that was that ballsy, by his side. But don't try and act like a big shot, tough guy. After all, you did claim you had your jaw dislocated with a slap to the face. Not a punch to the face, or a pile driver to the face.

Comment below on what else, you feel, I should've covered. And, above all, have a little fun.