Hiatus comes early

The past two years, I took a hiatus from Weekend Watchdog after the completion of The Masters.
The shutdown comes early this year due to Coronavirus.
I plan to resume in July with the start of the Summer Olympics.
Hopefully the sports world will be back to normal sooner.

And the field is…

It’s bracket time – where hope rises Sunday evening and crashes by midnight Friday.
CBS announces the 68-team NCAA tournament bracket Sunday at 6 p.m., after a weekend where the major conference teams try to boost their seedings.
ESPN has the ACC quarterfinals Thursday, starting at 12:30 p.m. with Florida State-Clemson. Duke tangles with North Carolina State at 3 p.m., with second-seeded Virginia meeting Notre Dame at 7 p.m. and Louisville against Syracuse at 9:30 p.m.
The semifinals are Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m.,with the championship on ESPN Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
The Big 12 quarterfinals are on ESPN2 Thursday, starting at 1 p.m.
The Big East quarterfinals are Thursday on FoxSports1, with afternoon session games at noon and 2:30 p.m. Quarterfinal play continues at 7 and 9:30 p.m., and there’s a quarterfinal contest from the Pac-12 at 11:30 p.m.
VCU faces Massachusetts Thursday at noon to start the day of action in the Atlantic 10 tournament on NBC Sports network. St. Bonaventure plays at 2:30 p.m., with LaSalle-Davidson at 6 p.m. and Duquesne’s contest at 8:30 p.m.
There’s two games from the SEC tournament on ESPN Friday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. and ESPN2 offers quarterfinals from the American tournament Friday at 1 and 3:30 p.m.
FoxSports1 has Big East semifinals Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., with the second PAC-12 semifinal at 11:30 p.m.
The top four teams in the Atlantic 10 take the court Friday on NBC Sports network, starting with Dayton’s contest at noon. Richmond’s game starts the evening session at 6 p.m.
The Big Ten semifinals are on CBS Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m.
The Big East championship will be onFox Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and the PAC-12 finale goes at 10:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
ESPN has SEC semifinals Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., then the Big 12 title game gets coverage at 6 p.m.
Hartford takes on Vermont in the American East finale on ESPN2 at 11 a.m., followed by the MEAC at 1 p.m. There’s a pair of games from the American Conference at 3 and 5:30 p.m., with the MAC at 7:30 p.m. The Southland Conference championship is at 9:30 p.m. and Big West goes at 11:30 p.m.
Selection Sunday starts for CBS at 1 p.m. with the Atlantic 10 championship game, followed by the Big Ten at 3:30 p.m.
ESPN offers the SEC championship at 1 p.m. and American title game at 3:15 p.m.
The Sun Belt crowns its champion on ESPN2 Sunday at 2 p.m.
MASN2 has the quarterfinals of the Big 12 women’s tournament Friday, starting at noon. the final is on ESPN2 Sunday at 4 p.m.
The famous island green at 17 gets coverage this weekend, with The Players Championship on NBC Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
NASCAR heads east to Atlanta, with the Cup Series Sunday at 2 p.m. on Fox. The Xfinity Series is on FoxSports1 Saturday at 4 p.m. after the Truck Series race at 1:30 p.m.
The IndyCar season starts with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Australian Grand Prix rides on ESPN Sunday at 1:05 a.m.
The Capitals host the Red Wings Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and meet the Blackhawks Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Predators take on the Wild Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Exhibition baseball continues Thursday at 1 p.m. on MASN as the Nationals face the Yankees. The Orioles battle the Blue Jays Friday at 1 p.m.
On the college diamond, Virginia Tech hosts Miami Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at noon on NBC Sports Washington.
ABC has XFL action between Houston and New York Saturday at 2 p.m. Dallas duels with D.C. Sunday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1 followed by the west coast battle between Seattle and L.A. at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
MLS expansion team Inter Miami meets the LA Galaxy on Fox Saturday at 3 p.m. It’s Minnesota against the Red Bulls Sunday at 7 p.m. on FoxSports1.
Watford faces Leicester City on NBC Sports network Saturday at 8:25 a.m., followed by Manchester City-Burnley and Aston Villa clashes with Chelsea at 1:25 p.m.
Sunday’s play begins at 9:55 a.m. with West Ham United against Wolverhampton. Tottenham Hotspur meets Manchester United at 12:25 p.m.
In the Bundesliga, Eintracht Fran faces M’gladbach Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on FoxSports1.
Old Glory D.C. tangles with Colorado in rugby Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
NBC Sports network has motocross racing from Indianapolis Saturday at 7 p.m.

Conference championship time

Who’s going to Dayton?
Usually Dayton is known as the host the First Four, where four conference champions from lower ranked leagues start their NCAA tournament experience.
This year, the hometown Flyers ranked among the best in the country, and ESPN’s College GameDay will be there Saturday morning before the Flyers’ regular season finale.
The first bids for the 68-team NCAA tournament will be issued this weekend.
The Mountain West holds its championship game on CBS Saturday at 5:30 p.m., with the Missouri Valley title contest Sunday at 2 p.m.
ESPN2 has the Ohio Valley championship game Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Big South championship will be Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN, followed by the Atlantic Sun.
There’s a West Coast Conference quarterfinal game Saturday at 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on ESPN2
As the regular season winds down in other conferences, Ohio State hosts Illinois Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN. It’s Wichita State against Memphis at 9 p.m.
It’s Washington-Arizona State Thursday at 9 p.m. on ESPN2 followed by California-Oregon.
Nebraska meets Michigan Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on FoxSports1 and Washington State meets Arizona at 10:30 p.m.
Georgia Tech clashes with Clemson on ESPN2 Friday at 7 p.m. and VCU meets Davidson at 9 p.m.
SEC regular season champion Kentucky faces Florida on CBS Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by UCLA-USC.
Villanova visits Georgetown on Fox Saturday at noon and Creighton clashes with Seton Hall at 2:30 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Wisconsin facing Indiana and Kansas tangles with Texas Tech at 2 p.m. Virginia hosts Louisville at 4 p.m. before Duke and North Carolina battle at 6 p.m. It’s Washington-Arizona at 10 p.m.
Auburn takes on Tennessee at noon on ESPN2, then it’s Georgia-LSU and Texas’ contest with Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Oklahoma faces TCU at 6 p.m.
FoxSports1 has DePaul-Providence Saturday at 6:30 p.m., then Butler meets Xavier at 8:30 p.m. before Stanford-Oregon at 11 p.m.
Marquette battles St. John’s on MASN2 Saturday at noon.
Memphis meets Houston Sunday at noon on CBS and it’s Ohio State against Michigan State at 4 p.m.
Michigan battles Maryland on Fox Sunday at noon.
TNT has Clippers-Rockets Thursday at 8 p.m. with Raptors against the Warriors in the nightcap.
The Wizards meet the Hawks on NBC Sports Washington Friday at 7 p.m. and host the Heat Sunday at 7 p.m.
The Heat take on the Pelicans on Friday at 8:15 p.m. followed by the Bucks against the Lakers.
The Warriors host the 76ers Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on ABC and it’s Lakers-Clippers Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
The ACC women’s tournament continues Thursday with games at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington. Action moves over to NBC Sports Washington-plus at 6 and 8 p.m.
There’s quarterfinal play Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington, then games at 6 and 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington-plus.
Baylor battles Texas on FoxSports1 Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
Texas Tech tangles with Oklahoma on MASN2 Saturday at 2 p.m. and Baylor battles Iowa State Sunday at 1 p.m.
ESPN2 has five women’s conference games Sunday, starting with the ACC at noon. The best of the SEC battle at 2 p.m., then it’s American Conference at 4 p.m., Big Ten at 6 and PAC-12 at 8 p.m.
The Big East semifinals are on FoxSports1 Sunday at 6 and 8:30 p.m.
The Nationals meet the Cardinals on MASN Thursday at 6 p.m. and it’s Yankees-Orioles Sunday at 1 p.m.
ESPN has Red Sox-Braves Friday at 1 p.m.
The Capitals visit the Rangers Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington, then battle the Penguins Saturday at 1 p.m. NBC Sports Washington also has Ottawa-San Jose Saturday at 7 p.m.
NBC Sports network offers Hurricanes-Flyers Thursday at 7 p.m. The Blues face the Blackhawks Sunday at 7:30 p.m. followed by Colorado-San Jose.
NBC has the PGA tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The XFL season reaches its halfway mark this weekend, starting Saturday at 2 p.m. with Seattle’s visit to Houston on ABC. New York takes on Dallas at 5 p.m. on Fox.
St. Louis tangles with Washington Sunday at 3 p.m. on FoxSports1, with Tampa Bay-Los Angeles on ESPN at 9 p.m.
NASCAR visits Phoenix, with the Cup Series on Fox Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and the Xfinity Series goes Saturday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The United States faces England in men’s soccer on ESPN2 Thursday at 7 p.m. and meets Spain on ESPN Sunday at 5 p.m.
In the MLS, Portland tangles with Nashville Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Premier League play begins Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network when Liverpool faces Bournemouth. It’s Arsenal against West Ham United at 9:55 a.m. and Burnley battles Tottenham Hotspur at 12:25 p.m.
Chelsea clashes with Everton Sunday at 9:55 a.m. on NBC Sports network and NBC has Manchester City-Manchester United at 12:30 p.m.
In the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg meets Leipzig Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1.
Florentina faces Brescia in Italian Serie A Sunday at 7:25 a.m. on ESPN2.
There’s Pro Series swimming on NBC Sports network Friday at 7:30 p.m.
MASN has the Tampa Bay Derby Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and it’s the Santa Anita Handicap at 8 p.m.
The Big 12 men’s wrestling championships are on MASN Sunday at 7 p.m.
The American Cup gymnastic meet is on NBC Sports network Saturday at 5 p.m.
Daytona hosts motocross racing Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

Leaping on leap day

February 29 only comes around once every four years.
This time it’s on a Saturday, with a full slate of basketball on TV.
CBS has a Big 12 battle between Kansas and Kansas State at 1:30 p.m., with Auburn against Kentucky at 3:45 p.m.
Providence tangles with Villanova on Fox at noon and Seton Hall meets Marquette at 2:30 p.m.
The College GameDay crew visits Maryland for the 8 p.m. contest with Michigan State on ESPN. The today’s schedule begins in the Big 12 with Texas-Texas Tech at noon and Baylor tangles with TCU at 2 p.m.
It’s off to the ACC at 4 p.m. for North Carolina’s contest with Syracuse and Virginia hosts Duke at 6 p.m. Arizona faces UCLA in the nightcap at 10 p.m.
Texas A&M takes on LSU at noon, followed by Florida facing Tennessee and West Virginia-Oklahoma at 4 p.m. Northern Iowa duels with Drake at 6 p.m., then it’s San Diego State against Nevada and Saint Mary’s meets Gonzaga at 10 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington has a pair ACC contests, with Florida State-Clemson at 2 p.m. and Wake Forest tangles with Notre Dame at 4 p.m. Massachusetts meets Richmond at 6 p.m.
Butler battles DePaul on FoxSports1 at 6:30 p.m.
In the NBA, the Rockets visit the Celtics on ABC at 8:30 p.m.
There’s women’s basketball between Mt. St. Mary’s and St. Francis at 2 p.m. on MASN.
Saturday’s XFL slate brings Los Angeles’ contest with New York on ABC at 2 p.m. and Seattle-St. Louis on Fox at 5 p.m.
It’s NFL combine week, with coverage on ABC at 5 p.m.
The MLS regular season starts on Fox at 8:30 p.m. with Nashville against Atlanta.
NASCAR’s Xfinity Series takes the track on FoxSports1 at 4 p.m.
NBC Sports network has three contests from the Premier League, starting with Crystal Palace’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at 7:25 a.m. Bournemouth battles Chelsea at 9:55 a.m. and it’s Watford-Liverpool at 12:25 p.m.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich battles Hoffenheim at 9:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The World Rugby Seven Series starts on NBC Sports network at 8 p.m.
There’ll be plenty of leaping as NBC Sports network covers motocross racing from Atlanta at 5 p.m.
Earlier in the weekend, TNT has the Trail Blazers against the Pacers Thursday at 8 p.m. with Lakers-Warriors in the nightcap.
The Thunder battle the Bucks on ESPN Friday at 8:15 p.m. and it’s Nuggets-Clippers in the nightcap.
The Wizards visit the Jazz Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and meet the Warriors Sunday at 8 p.m.
The Clippers host the 76ers on ABC Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and ESPN has Lakers-Pelicans Sunday at 8 p.m.
Temple takes on Wichita State on ESPN Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by Arizona-Southern Cal.
The Big Ten takes the stage on ESPN2 Thursday, with Wisconsin-Michigan at 7 p.m. and Ohio State meeting Nebraska at 9 p.m. Oregon and Oregon State battle at 11 p.m.
Indiana tangles with Purdue on FoxSports1 Thursday at 7 p.m.
Davidson and Dayton duel on ESPN2 Friday at 7 p.m. and Texas State takes on UT-Arlington at 9 p.m.
FoxSports1 has Washington-Washington State Friday at 9 p.m.
Xavier tangles with Georgetown Sunday at 2 p.m. on CBS, followed by Michigan-Ohio State.
Cincinnati clashes with Houston on ESPN Sunday at 1 p.m.
It’s Creighton-St. John’s on FoxSports1 Sunday at noon.
On the women’s court, Villanova visits Creighton on FoxSports1 Friday at 7 p.m. and James Madison hosts Drexel at 9 p.m. on MASN.
There’s three contests on ESPN2 Sunday, with Texas A&M-South Carolina at noon followed by Duke against North Carolina and Maryland’s meeting with Minnesota at 4 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington offers Virginia against North Carolina State Sunday at 2 p.m. and Boston College takes on Syracuse at 4 p.m.
Fox has the NASCAR race from Fontana Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
The Capitals take on Winnipeg Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
NBC Sports network has Bruins-Stars Thursday at 7:30 p.m. There’s a pair of contests Sunday, with Capitals-Wild at 8 p.m. and the Kings’ contest with the Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m.
The Flyers face the Rangers on NBC Sunday at noon.
On the college ice, Notre Dame hosts Michigan State Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Nationals have a spring training game with the Rays Friday at 1 p.m. on MASN.
NBC has the Honda Classic Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Houston visits Dallas on FoxSports1 Sunday at 4 p.m. in XFL action, and the Defenders visit the Vipers on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.
MLS opening weekend continues with two matches on ESPN – Seattle against Chicago at 3 p.m. followed by Los Angeles FC against Inter Miami. FoxSports1 offers Portland meeting Minnesota at 7:30 p.m.
Norwich City battles Leicester City on NBC Sports network Friday at 2:55 p.m. Everton meets Manchester United Sunday at 8:55 a.m.
Union Berlin meets Wolfsburg at 7:30 a.m. Sunday on FoxSports1 and it’s Leipzig-Leverkusen at 9:30 a.m.
NBC Sports network has the second day of the rugby Seven Series from Los Angeles at 11:30 a.m.

Play ball

The 2020 baseball season starts early – March 26.
So spring training games – and TV coverage – starts this weekend.
The first games are set for Friday, and MASN starts its slate Saturday as the World Champion Nationals meet the Astros at 6:05 p.m.
The Orioles make their spring debut Sunday, taking on the Red Sox at 1 p.m.
NASCAR begins a west coast swing this weekend, with Las Vegas hosting the race Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on Fox. Ross Chastain will take the place of Ryan Newman, who will be recovering from his last lap crash at Daytona.
The Xfinity Series hits the track Saturday at 4 p.m. and the Truck Series goes Friday at 9 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The XFL’s third week gets going Saturday at 2 p.m. on ABC with Tampa Bay’s home opener against Houston. Fox has Dallas-Seattle at 5 p.m.
New York visits St. Louis Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN and FoxSports1 offers D.C. against Los Angeles at 6 p.m.
TNT has the Nets’ visit to Philadelphia Thursday at 8 p.m., with Rockets-Warriors as the nightcap.
The Wizards host the Cavaliers on NBC Sports Washington Friday at 7 p.m.
The Nuggets meet the Thunder Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN and the Pelicans play Portland at 10:30 p.m.
The Bucks host the 76ers Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on ABC, with the Celtics taking on the Lakers Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Ohio State faces Iowa on ESPN Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by Oregon-Arizona State.
Connecticut clashes with Temple Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. It’s Southern Cal against Colorado at 9 p.m. and San Francisco meets Gonzaga at 11 p.m.
Michigan State meets Nebraska Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on FoxSports1, then UCLA faces Utah at 10:30 p.m.
James Madison hosts Elon on MASN Thursday at 7 p.m.
Buffalo battles Kent State Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 with VCU-Saint Louis in the nightcap.
There’s three games on CBS Saturday, starting at noon with Tennessee-Auburn. Texas tangles with Kansas State at 2 p.m. followed by UCLA against Colorado.
Marquette meets Providence on Fox Saturday at noon before Xavier faces Villanova.
ESPN begins its day at noon with Kansas-Baylor. Michigan meets Purdue at 2 p.m. then North Carolina takes on Louisville and Florida faces Kentucky at 6 p.m. It’s Oregon-Arizona at 9 p.m.
Virginia tangles with Pittsburgh on ESPN2 at noon, followed by Houston-Memphis and Oklahoma against Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Virginia Tech battles Duke at 8 p.m. and Gonzaga meets BYU at 10 p.m.
George Mason meets St. Joseph’s on NBC Sports network Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Richmond faces St. Bonaventure at 6:30 p.m.
It’s Georgetown-DePaul Saturday at 9 p.m. on FoxSports1.
St. John’s meets Seton Hall Sunday at 2 p.m. on CBS with Maryland’s contest with Ohio State at 4 p.m.
Wichita State clashes with Cincinnati on ESPN Sunday at 1 p.m.
Indiana hosts Penn State Sunday at noon on FoxSports1. Butler battles with Creighton at 4 p.m.
On the women’s court, ESPN2 has three SEC contests Sunday. Tennessee tangles with Vanderbilt at noon, then it’s South Carolina-Kentucky and Auburn against Texas A&M.
The Capitals host the Canadiens Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and visit the Devils Saturday at 1 p.m.
NBC has the Capitals’ contest with the Penguins Sunday at noon.
There’s a pair of games on NBC Sports network Sunday, with Blues-Wild at 7:30 p.m. and the Golden Knights tangling with the Ducks at 10 p.m.
The PGA tour heads to Mexico City for the World Championship of Golf, with coverage on NBC.
Chelsea clashes with Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network and Sheffield United faces Brighton at 9:30 a.m. NBC has Leicester City against Manchester City at 12:30 p.m.
Manchester United meets Watford Sunday at 8:55 a.m. on NBC Sports network and Arsenal battles Everton at 11 a.m.
In the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen meets Dortmund Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1. Leverkusen tangles with Augsburg Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Genoa faces Lazio in Italian Serie A Sunday at 6:25 a.m. on ESPN2.
There’s women’s gymnastics between Utah and UCLA on ESPN2 Sunday at 6 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington has rugby between D.C. and Houston Saturday at 8 p.m.
There’s motocross racing from Arlington Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

NASCAR without DW

Fox carries the Daytona 500 for the 20th time Sunday, but the first time without Darrell Waltrip in the broadcast booth.
Jeff Gordon takes over as the lone color commentator as Fox covers the first half of the NASCAR season. Mike Joy handles the lead announcing role for the 20th year – his 44th as part of Daytona coverage.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. claimed the pole during Sunday’s qualifying, with Alex Bowman on the outside.
Coverage starts Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The field – behind the front row – will be set after Thursday’s Duel 125 races on FoxSports1 at 7 p.m.
The Xfinity Series opener will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on FoxSports1 and the Truck Series starts its year Friday at 7:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
It’s NBA All-Star weekend, with the game Sunday at 8 p.m. on TNT.
The 3-point contest and other skills events take place Saturday at 8 p.m. on TNT, after Friday’s celebrity game on ESPN at 7 p.m. The rising stars take the court on TNT Friday at 9 p.m.
Before the break, the Clippers visit the Celtics Thursday at 8 p.m. on TNT.
It’s an outdoor weekend for the NHL, with the Avalanche facing the Kings from the Air Force Academy Saturday at 8 p.m.
There’s a pair of contests on NBC Sunday, with Red Wings meeting the Penguins at 12:30 p.m. followed by Bruins-Rangers.
The Capitals clash with Colorado on NBC Sports Washington Thursday at 9:30 p.m. and visit Arizona Saturday at 10 p.m.
The Flyers take on the Panthers Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports network. The Predators host the Blues Sunday at 6 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington offers San Jose-Winnipeg Friday at 7 p.m.
In the second week of the XFL, New York visits D.C. at 2 p.m. on ABC and Fox has Tampa Bay at Seattle Saturday at 5 p.m.
ABC has Dallas’ contest with Los Angeles at 3 p.m. and St. Louis faces Houston at 6 p.m. on FoxSports1.
ESPN brings Cincinnati’s contest with Memphis Thursday at 7 p.m. followed by Colorado-Oregon.
Wichita State faces Central Florida on ESPN2 Thursday at 7 p.m., with Washington against Southern Cal at 9 p.m. and Arizona State meeting Stanford at 11 p.m.
Arizona clashes with California Thursday at 10:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
Davidson tangles with St. Bonaventure Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, and Illinois State meets Wright State at 9 p.m.
Texas Tech takes on Oklahoma on CBS Saturday at 1 p.m., with Indiana-Michigan Sunday at 1 p.m.
Ohio State hosts Purdue on Fox Saturday at noon followed by Georgetown-Butler.
The day on ESPN starts at noon with Oklahoma-Kansas. Mississippi meets Kentucky at 2 p.m., then Notre Dame battles Duke and Maryland tangles with Michigan State at 6 p.m. It’s Virginia against North Carolina at 8 p.m. and Gonzaga against Pepperdine at 10 p.m.
Syracuse faces Florida State on ESPN2 at noon and Texas takes on Iowa State at 2 p.m. LSU meets Alabama at 4 p.m., followed by Auburn-Missouri and Northern Iowa against Illinois-Chicago at 8 p.m. Hawaii hosts UC-Irvine at midnight.
Miami meets Wake Forest on NBC Sports Washington Saturday at 2 p.m.
There’s three Atlantic 10 games on NBC Sports network Saturday, starting at noon with Dayton-Massachusetts. LaSalle takes on St. Louis at 2 p.m. followed by George Washington-George Mason.
FoxSports1 offers DePaul-Creighton Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before Colorado takes on Oregon State.
It’s Iowa-Minnesota Sunday at 1 p.m. on FoxSports1. Utah tangles with Oregon at 9 p.m.
On the women’s court, Villanova faces Temple at 1 p.m. and Memphis meets Connecticut at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
ESPN2 has three contests Sunday, starting with Duke-Florida State at 1 p.m.
Kansas State meets Oklahoma on FoxSports1 Sunday at 3 p.m.
On the college ice, Notre Dame tangles with Minnesota Friday on NBC Sports network at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
CBS has the PGA tour’s Genesis Invitational Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
It’s Wolverhampton against Leicester City Friday at 2:55 p.m. on NBC Sports network. Southampton battles Burnley Saturday at 7:25 a.m. and NBC has Norwich City-Liverpool at 12:30 p.m.
Aston Villa tangles with Tottenham Hotspur Sunday at 9 a.m. on NBC Sports network and Arsenal meets Newcastle United at 11:30 a.m.
Washington faces Alabama in college softball Thursday at 4 p.m. on ESPN2. UCLA battles Florida State Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
NBC Sports network has the USA Indoor Track and Field championships Friday at 9:30 p.m.
There’s motocross racing from Tampa Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

XFL, take two

Last spring, a new pro football league tried to fill the void after the Super Bowl.
It failed.
This weekend, the XFL tries again – 19 years after its’ first attempt.
Games will be broadcast on either the ABC or Fox family of sports networks, starting Saturday at 2 p.m. on ABC when Seattle visits Washington at Audi Field (home of D.C. United).
Fox has a 5 p.m. Saturday game between Los Angeles and Houston, with Tampa Bay-New York Sunday at 2 p.m. It’s Dallas against St. Louis on ESPN Sunday at 5 p.m.
The XFL plans a 10-game regular season, with four teams making the playoffs. The AAF planned 10 games last year and didn’t get that far.
NASCAR season starts Sunday at noon with qualifying for the Daytona 500 on Fox. The Busch Clash follows at 3 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The PGA tour visits Pebble Beach on CBS Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
TNT has the 76ers against the Bucks Thursday at 8 p.m., with Rockets-Lakers in the nightcap.
The Wizards host the Mavericks Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and meet the Grizzlies Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Raptors meet the Pacers on ESPN Friday at 8:15 p.m. with Portland-Utah at 10:35 p.m.
The Lakers visit the Warriors on ABC Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Cincinnati clashes with Wichita State on ESPN Thursday at 7 p.m.
Connecticut tangles with Tulsa Thursday at 9 p.m. on ESPN2, followed by Southern Cal against Arizona and UCLA-Arizona State in the nightcap.
James Madison visits Drexel on NBC Sports Washington Thursday at 7 p.m.
Davidson visits VCU Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 and South Alabama takes on Troy at 9 p.m.
Maryland heads to Illinois on FoxSports1 Friday at 8 p.m.
Tennessee takes on Kentucky on CBS Saturday at 1 p.m. and it’s Ohio State-Wisconsin Sunday at 1 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with LSU-Auburn. Purdue faces Indiana at 2 p.m. followed by Virginia-Louisville and Duke’s contest with North Carolina at 6 p.m. Gonzaga meets Saint Mary’s in the nightcap at 10 p.m.
There’s six contests on ESPN2 Saturday, beginning at noon as Kansas takes on TCU. Florida faces Mississippi at 2 p.m. and Texas Tech takes on Texas at 4 p.m. It’s top-ranked Baylor against Oklahoma State at 6 p.m., with Iowa State-Kansas State at 8 p.m. and UCLA’s contest with Arizona at 10 p.m.
Boston College battles Virginia Tech Saturday at noon on NBC Sports Washington, followed by Georgia Tech-Pittsburgh.
NBC Sports network offers St. Bonaventure-Duquesne at 3 p.m. and there’s the Philadelphia battle between Saint Joseph’s and LaSalle at 5 p.m.
It’s Providence against Xavier Saturday at 8 p.m. on FoxSports1 and Southern Cal visits Arizona State at 10 p.m.
Wichita State battles Houston Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
Butler battles Marquette on FoxSports1 Sunday at noon.
On the women’s court, Texas A&M takes on Mississippi State Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
Louisville faces Syracuse on ESPN2 Sunday at 2 p.m. followed by Kentucky-Arkansas.
NBC Sports Washington has a doubleheader Sunday, with Boston College-Clemson at noon before Virginia Tech meets North Carolina.
There’s two NHL games on NBC Sports network on Thursday, as the Red Wings take on the Sabres at 7 p.m. followed by Sharks-Oilers. Colorado clashes with Minnesota Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
The Capitals tangle with the Flyers Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
The Bruins meet the Red Wings on NBC Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Everton clashes with Crystal Palace Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network. NBC has Brighton & Hove Albion’s battle with Watford at 12:30 p.m.
It’s Sheffield United against Bournemouth Sunday at 9 a.m. on NBC Sports network followed by Manchester City-West Ham United.
In the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg duels with Dusseldorf on FoxSports1 Saturday at 9:30 a.m. It’s M’gladbach against Koln Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Napolia faces Lecce in Italian Serie A Sunday at 8:55 a.m. on ESPN2.
There’s rugby between NOLA and Old Glory DC Saturday at 4 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
NBC Sports network has freestyle skiing from Utah Friday at 9:30 p.m.
There’s motocross racing from San Diego Saturday at 10 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

LIV

Get ready for a weekend hearing about Joe Montana and 65 toss power trap.
Super Bowl LIV matches the team that won four championships with Montana – the San Francisco 49ers – against the team that won Super Bowl IV – Kansas City. Fox has coverage, with kickoff around 6:30 p.m.
The Chiefs won three AFL titles during the league’s ten years, capped by the win over the Vikings in Super Bowl IV. The Chiefs used their run play 65 toss power trap to claim the championship.
The 49ers began seeing more success in the 70s, and claiming their first Super Bowl championship in 1981. Montana won three more rings before he finished his career with Kansas City with a pair of postseason appearances.
Fox has the NFL honors ceremony Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Australian Open closes with the men’s final Sunday at 3:30 a.m. on ESPN and the women’s final is Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The second men’s semifinal will be Friday at 3:30 a.m.
TNT offers the Warriors against the Celtics Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by Jazz-Nuggets.
The Wizards host the Hornets Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and the Nets come to town Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Mavericks meet the Rockets on ESPN Friday at 8:15 p.m., with Trail Blazers facing the Lakers in the nightcap.
The Celtics host the 76ers on ABC Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Before the big game, the Rockets take on the Pelicans Sunday at 2 p.m.
ESPN2 has a pair of PAC 12 contests Thursday, with Arizona against Washington at 9 p.m. and Colorado’s contest with UCLA at 11 p.m.
Minnesota tangles with Illinois on FoxSports1 Thursday at 7:30 p.m., followed by Utah-Southern Cal.
VCU tangles with Rhode Island Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Memphis meets Connecticut on CBS Saturday at 1 p.m., and it’s Georgetown-St. John’s Sunday at 1 p.m.
Xavier takes on Seton Hall at 11 a.m. on Fox, followed by Michigan State-Wisconsin at 1 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Indiana against Ohio State. Louisville faces North Carolina State at 2 p.m., then Texas Tech tangles with Kansas. The College GameDay crew catches Kentucky-Auburn at 6 p.m., with Duke meeting Syracuse at 8 p.m.
Georgia Tech visits Notre Dame on NBC Sports Washington Saturday at noon, followed by Drexel-Delaware and Virginia Tech’s contest with Florida State at 7 p.m.
Creighton clashes with Villanova on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon and Providence battles Butler at 2 p.m. It’s Colorado-Southern Cal at 10:30 p.m.
George Mason meets St. Bonaventure on MASN Saturday at 4 p.m.
It’s DePaul-Marquette Saturday at 2 p.m. on MASN2 before James Madison tangles with UNC-Wilmington.
Fordham faces Dayton Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network and St. Louis takes on Saint Joseph’s at 6:30 p.m.
It’s Illinois against Iowa on FoxSports1 Sunday at 1 p.m followed by Utah-UCLA.
On the women’s court, Notre Dame takes on Louisville Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Baylor battles Texas on FoxSports1 Friday at 7 p.m.
Oklahoma clashes with Kansas on MASN2 Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Capitals tangle with the Senators on NBC Sports Washington Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Predators visit the Devils Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
NBC has the Capitals’ traditional Super Bowl day game, with the Penguins in town at 12:30 p.m.
The PGA tour visits Phoenix, with coverage on CBS Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Leicester City clashes with Chelsea on NBC Sports network Saturday at 7:25 a.m. followed by Liverpool-Southampton. Manchester United takes on the Wolves Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Burnley battles Arsenal Sunday at 8:55 a.m. on NBC Sports network before Tottenham Hotspur takes on Manchester City.
In the Bundesliga, Mainz meets Bayern Munich Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1. Koln faces Freiburg Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
ESPN2 has women’s gymnastics between Michigan and Nebraska Thursday at 7 p.m.
There’s snowboarding on NBC Sports network Friday at 12:30 p.m. and World Cup halfpipe at 4:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network has motocross racing from Oakland Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Let the stars shine

The football season has one big game left.
The ice hockey season has reached the halfway mark.
This weekend, both groups bring their best together.
The best of the NFL – minus the Chiefs and 49ers – gather in Orlando for the Pro Bowl. ESPN has coverage Sunday at 3 p.m.
ESPN offers the Pro Bowl Skills competition Thursday at 9 p.m.
St. Louis hosts the NHL All-Stars, with NBC carrying the contest Saturday at 8 p.m. NBC Sports network has the skills competition Friday at 8 p.m.
TNT has the Lakers’ contest with the Nets Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by Mavericks-Trail Blazers.
The Wizards visit Cleveland Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and head to Atlanta Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Clippers tangle with the Heat Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN, and it’s Celtics-Pelicans Sunday at 6 p.m.
ABC carries the Lakers against the 76ers Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota takes on Ohio State on FoxSports1 Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and Michigan State tangles with Indiana at 8:30 p.m., then it’s off to the west coast for UCLA against Oregon State at 11 p.m.
Belmont meets Murray State on ESPN2 Thursday at 7 p.m.
Wisconsin faces Purdue Friday at 7 p.m. on FoxSports1 followed by Marquette-Butler.

Villanova battles Providence on CBS Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday it’s Maryland-Indiana at 1 p.m.
Missouri meets West Virginia on ESPN Saturday at noon, followed by LSU-Texas. Tennessee takes on Kansas at 4 p.m., with Kentucky against Texas Tech at 6 p.m. and top-ranked Baylor battling Florida at 8 p.m.
ESPN2 has four games Saturday, starting at noon with Miami-North Carolina. Mississippi State meets Oklahoma at 2 p.m. followed by TCU-Arkansas and Kansas State’s clash with Alabama at 6 p.m.
It’s Illinois-Michigan Saturday at noon on FoxSports1, followed by St. John’s-DePaul. Washington clashes with Colorado at 9 p.m.
There’s a pair of ACC contests on NBC Sports Washington Saturday, with Clemson’s contest with Louisville at 2 p.m. followed by North Carolina State-Georgia Tech. Dayton duels with Richmond at 6 p.m.
VCU faces LaSalle on NBC Sports networkSaturday at noon.
Fox has a doubleheader Sunday, with Michigan State-Minnesota at 3 p.m. before UCLA battles Oregon at 5 p.m.
Xavier clashes with Creighton Sunday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1.
On the women’s court, Connecticut clashes with Tennessee Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
MASN offers Mt. St. Mary’s against Bryant Saturday at 2 p.m.
Texas takes on Oklahoma State on MASN2 Saturday at 2 p.m.
Virginia Tech hosts Clemson Sunday at 1 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
ESPN2 has a top 10 battle between Oregon and Oregon State at 4 p.m.
St. John’s takes on Seton Hall on FoxSports1 Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network has coverage of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Saturday at 8 p.m. Earlier action will be Thursday at 5 and 9 p.m., and Friday at 5 p.m.
The Australian Open continues, with third round coverage on ESPN2 Thursday at 9 p.m. Play continues Friday at 9 p.m. and there’s round of 16 matches Saturday at 9 p.m.
The PGA tour visits Torrey Pines Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on CBS.
Wolverhampton faces Liverpool in the Premier League Thursday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
In the Bundesliga, Eintracht faces Leipzig Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1. Werder Bremen meets Hoffenheim Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Leverkusen tangles with Dusseldorf at noon.
There’s Italian Serie A between Roma and Lazio Sunday at 11:55 a.m.
The 24 hours of Daytona gets coverage on NBC Sports network Saturday at 2 p.m. and 11 p.m., continuing Sunday at 6 a.m. NBC finishes the race from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
It’s X Games weekend in Aspen, starting Thursday at 10 p.m. on ESPN. Action continues on ESPN Friday at 10:35 p.m., Saturday at 10 p.m., moving to ESPN2 Sunday at 2 p.m. The event concludes Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.
NBC Sports network has rugby between Bristol and Gloucester Saturday at 10 a.m.
There’s indoor track from Boston Saturday at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

Who’s going to Super Bowl LIV?

The Kansas City Chiefs ended the NFL’s 50th season by winning the Super Bowl.
Sunday, they’ll try to advance to the final game of the NFL’s 100th season.
The Chiefs take on the Titans on CBS at 3 p.m. in the AFC championship game.
Kansas City survived an early surge by Houston last Sunday, overcoming a 24-0 deficit before posting a 51-31 win. Tennessee rumbled past the top-seeded Ravens 28-12 to advance to the championship as a sixth-seed.
On the NFC side, San Francisco hosts Green Bay on Fox at 6:30 p.m. The 49ers won the November matchup 37-8, but the Packers won their final five regular season games while San Francisco dropped contests to Baltimore and Atlanta.
The 49ers rolled past Minnesota 27-10 while the Packers advanced with a 28-23 victory over Seattle.
The two winners advance to Miami for the big game on February 2.
The Australian Open begins its’ two-week run Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Celtics battle the Bucks on TNT Thursday at 8 p.m., with Nuggets-Warriors in the nightcap.
The Bulls meet the 76ers Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN, followed by Portland’s visit to Dallas.
ABC has the Clippers’ contest with the Pelicans Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and the Lakers visit the Rockets at 8:30 p.m.
The Wizards visit the Raptors Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
Cincinnati clashes with Memphis on ESPN Thursday at 7 p.m.
ESPN2 brings Colorado against Arizona State Thursday at 9 p.m., followed by Santa Clara-Gonzaga.
It’s Oregon taking on Washington State Thursday at 9 p.m. on FoxSports1 before Oregon State meets Washington.
Dayton faces Saint Louis on ESPN2 Friday at 7 p.m.
Wisconsin meets Michigan State Friday at 7 p.m on FoxSports1 and Michigan tangles with Iowa at 9 p.m.
CBS has Auburn-Florida Saturday at 1:30 p.m. followed by Oregon against Washington.
Seton Hall takes on St. John’s Saturday at noon on Fox. It’s Arizona-Colorado at 2:30 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with North Carolina-Pittsburgh. Kansas tangles with Texas at 2 p.m, then Kentucky meets Arkansas at 4 p.m. Duke battles Louisville at 6 p.m.
Baylor battles Oklahoma State on ESPN2 at noon, with Purdue-Maryland at 2 p.m. Houston takes on Wichita State at 4 p.m., followed by Northern Iowa-Bradley and LSU faces Mississippi at 8 p.m. It’s BYU-Gonzaga in the nightcap.
Connecticut clashes with Villanova Saturday at noon on FoxSports1, then Georgetown meets Marquette at 2 p.m. and Providence clashes with Creighton at 4:30 p.m.
There’s three Atlantic 10 contests on NBC Sports network. LaSalle visits Rhode Island at 12:30 p.m., then Richmond faces George Mason at 2:30 p.m. and it’s George Washington-Massachusetts at 4:30 p.m.
On the women’s court, ESPN offers Stanford-Oregon Thursday at 9 p.m.
West Virginia visits Baylor Saturday at 8 p.m. on FoxSports1.
Louisville faces North Carolina at 1 p.m. Sunday followed by Central Florida-South Florida.
St. Bonaventure meets LaSalle Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
ESPN has high school basketball between IMG Academy and Montverde Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
The Capitals host the Devils Thursday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington
NBC Sports network has the Lightning’s trip to Minnesota Thursday at 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh takes on Boston on NBC Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Watford takes on Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network.
Burnley battles Leicester City Sunday at 8:55 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Liverpool-Manchester United.
In the Bundesliga, Augsburg faces Dortmund Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1. Bayern Munich battles Hertha Berlin Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
AC Milan meets Udinese in Italian Serie A on ESPN2 Sunday at 6:25 a.m.
Rutgers tangles with Penn State in wrestling Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.
There’s Pro Series swimming on NBC Sports network Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Penn State takes on Nebraska in women’s gymnastics Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 and it’s Oklahoma-Alabama Friday at 9 p.m.
NBC Sports network offers motorcycle racing in Anaheim Saturday at 10 p.m.