Smith: Monken to the Browns

With the flurry of hiring young guns in the National Football League over the last half dozen years, it is interesting that there was an opportunity last week for one geezer who has never been an NFL head coach — Todd Monken with the Cleveland Browns. He is not without credentials, however.

Smith: Raisin’ Cain at ‘The Steg’

Christopher Blue Lonergan Cain, Georgia’s 6-foot-5 guard, functions with cagey stealth, cunning defensive acumen, touch from the three-point line, and competitive embers that seem to burn more intensely as the game goes on.

Smith: The coach

Kirby Smart entered the Sugar Bowl with an 85 percent winning percentage, meaning his teams are likely to win many games and championships. But as everyone understands, you can’t win ‘em all.

Smith: N’awlins

One of the most pleasant features of a sojourn to this extraordinary river city is landing at the Louis Armstrong Airport and hearing the comforting sounds of the jazz impresario, wafting leisurely in the atmosphere. You just feel good when you disembark.

Smith: Sports reflections

I know that arrogance in our society has reached its highest level in history, and we have now come to that juncture where boatswain mates could be allowed to teach Sunday School.Then, when foul language is coupled with arrogance, you don’t have to be a minister to be offended.

Smith: Holidays in New York

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center came to life in New York last week, an image that was brought to life in dens and family rooms across the country — one of the highlights of the holiday season.

Smith: Eight over Tech

Hail Mary passes don’t work very often, but when they do, it is jubilation for the throwers and catchers. However, success most often lies with the defenders, and that was the case last weekend at the Mercedes Dome in Atlanta.

Smith: I’m Thankful

I’m constantly reminded at Thanksgiving that we should first be thankful for Thanksgiving itself, because it gets us in the mood for Christmas.

Smith: Fall scenes

With a fortnight remaining in November and the thermometer readings in decline, a sense of appreciation is building as the transition to indoor living takes place, but only when daylight segues into darkness.

Smith: Mister B

While I have never drafted or organized a bucket list, I have in mind completing a drive along U.S. Highway 1 from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Florida.I have traversed much of this historic highway already, but there remain several miles virginal to me. And, of course, a challenge.