These are a few of my favorite teams...

I have a confession to make: I cannot be a casual observer of a sporting event. It doesn't matter if it's my favorite team playing a championship game or whatever re-run they're showing on The Big 10 Network, I have to take a side.

That said, here are a few of my favorite teams that I'll go out of my way to watch, cheer for, research, and bemoan.

Hockey

-Detroit Red Wings. Hockey has always been my favorite sport to watch and the Red Wings have always been my favorite team. This is mostly because I'm a homer like you wouldn't even believe. Also, since TV coverage of the NHL sucks, they're the only team I see on a regular basis. And I idolized Steve Yzerman as a child. Yes, I'm aware that a lot of people hate them; just don't hate me for loving them.

-University of Notre Dame. You can blame my brother for this one. There's no real logic behind it, I just like them.

-Saginaw Spirit (OHL). They're my home team, I have too!

-Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). I've never actually seen any of their games, but they're the Red Wings developement team and I really like some of our prospects. Plus they have a cool name.

Football

-Detroit Lions. I know, it makes me cringe too. But it's not Thanksgiving without the Lions, and now that Millen's gone we may actually do something with that first overall pick.

-Ohio State University. My mom's side of the family are the variety of Buckeye fans that think Bo Schembechler died on purpose. I don't take it that far, but family loyalty demands that I worship the Horseshoe.

Basketball

-Detroit Pistons. Seeing a theme here? But I'm still angry at them for trading Chauncey Billups away and will admit to watching very few games this season.

-Michigan State University. My mom went to MSU. I wanted to go there for a long time. I don't know.

Baseball

-Detroit Tigers. I actually hate baseball; I find it boring and slow. But tradition demands that I cheer for the Tigers anyway.

Soccer

-I don't actually follow soccer, but I played for 10 years and love watching it on the rare occasion that it's actually televised, so it's on here.

Internationally

I cheer for Team USA in all forms and variations, from the Olympics all the way down to Can-Amera. It's that blatant homerism thing again.

And thus, a blanket disclaimer for Michigan Sports Central: while I will (usually) attempt to keep my writing unbiased, I obviously like some teams more than others. I hope you'll forgive me.

--lauren