12 Predictions for 2012

What lies ahead for the world of sports in 2012?  Well, the London Olympics immediately jump to the forefront.  But there's obviously going to be a ton of stuff that happens in the next 12 months.  Here are 12 sports predictions for 2012.  Some are things I actually think are possible, while others would just be really cool if they did:

• Once again, Andy Murray won't win Wimbledon.  But a month later, he'll win Olympic gold for Great Britain on Centre Court.
• After a major star is deprived the chance to run for Olympic gold in London because of track & field's ridiculous false start rule (one false start and you're disqualified), the IAAF will announce after the Olympics that it's going back to the old rule (the first false start is charged to the field, then you're disqualifed after the next one) in 2013.
• For once, we'll actually go an entire calendar year without any BCS schools deciding to leave their current conference.  And the Big East signs a significant multi-year TV contract with CBS and ESPN that finally brings some stability to that whole situation.
• Unlike the Phillies and their "Dream Team" pitching staff, who famously flamed out in 2011, Albert and C.J. Wilson will lead the Angels to a World Series title.
• Even though golf isn't a sport, I think Tiger Woods will win a major (let's say the British Open).  And he'll be part of the winning American Ryder Cup team.
• The Colts won't need to worry about the Manning vs. Luck decision, because the Vikings are going to make them an offer they can't refuse for the No. 1 pick.  Then, with the franchise quarterback and Jared Allen, Minnesota contends for a playoff spot before coming up just short.  (In reality, they'll keep the pick, draft Luck, and he'll serve as Peyton's backup.)
• The Phoenix Coyotes are sold and move to Quebec City.  As a result, they're moved to the Adams Conference, the NHL realizes that its four "conferences" are actually divisions, and they decide that the league should be divided East/West.
• Even with the stupid second wild card team, the Red Sux will still miss the playoffs.  The inaugural AL wild card game will be between the Rays and Rangers, while the Yankees, Tigers and Angels win the divisions.  In the National League, with the Marlins and Nationals actually attempting to be good now, the Mets will finish last in the NL East.  As for the Marlins, they'll just miss the playoffs in their first season in the new stadium.
• Roger Federer will end his Grand Slam drought and win Wimbledon.  On the women's side, Caroline Wozniacki finally realizes her potential and proves her No. 1 ranking isn't a fluke by capturing her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
• With David Beckham deciding to return, the L.A. Galaxy win the MLS Cup for the second year in a row, and, with the extensive marketing of MLS on the NBC Sports Network, soccer finally completes its foray into the mainstream.
• Jessica Simpson calls off her engagement to Eric Johnson and gets back together with Tony Romo.  The newly "inspired" Romo leads the Cowboys to a 12-4 record and the NFC East title.  In other athlete/celebrity couple news, Khloe Kardashian hates Houston and divorces Lamar Odom, Mark Sanchez settles down with one of those nice girls who came to visit him at his apartment last month, and Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher announce that they're having a baby.
• Floyd Mayweather, Jr., finally agrees to fight Manny Pacquiao.  The most-hyped boxing match in years features HBO "24/7" cameras, a record number of pay-per-view buys and a sold out MGM Grand.  The fight itself is a complete dud, as Pacquiao completely dominates Mayweather.