Sports are popular for a lot of reasons. I think they are a way to connect with others, vent our frustrations in a healthy way, and argue about things that, in the end, are not all that important.

But right now, I think sports need to be something that makes us feel good in a world that seems to spin out of control. That’s why I stopped watching the Brewers; I just can’t take it at this moment in my life. I care too much.

Someone told me that this is going to be the coldest winter in history. Jack London level stuff. I don’t know if it’s true, and it probably isn’t, but it certainly didn’t make me feel good.

We are teetering on the edge of the 10/2 yield curve inverting, which could indicate a recession. It inverted last week, but bounced back to even.

Of course, there is Hurricane Dorian, and the damage is still being calculated. According to the Bahamas’ government, as reported by the BBC, the death toll will be “staggering.”

Photo by Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Oh, and No. 4 volleyball had a good night turn bad. Certainly not the worst thing in the world, but after the second set, I was hoping to include a sweep over Marquette in my five reasons.

And I know that we all are going through our personal struggles. If you’re reading this, there’s a really good chance that they last few weeks have been really hard. I hope these five reasons to feel good give you a little smile.

Reason 1: Badgers Hall of Famers

Today at 5 p.m., Wisconsin Athletics will host its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. I suspect the inductees will also be introduced at Wisconsin’s home opener tomorrow during halftime. They are:

· Donovan Bergstrom (XC, Track & Field)
· Pat Christenson (Wrestling)
· Elzie Higginbottom (Track & Field)
· Bill Howard (Men’s Hockey)
· Trent Jackson (Men’s Basketball)
· Gwen Jorgensen (XC, Track & Field, Swimming)
· Jim Kalscheur (Special Service)
· Kelly Kennedy Saurer (Volleyball)
· Otto Puls (Special Service)
· Joe Thomas (Football)
· Jessie Vetter McConnell (Women’s Hockey)
· Ben Walter (Golf)

Every year, this list gives me the feels (and makes me feel older). I love that Otto Puls is getting recognized, and Gwen Jorgensen, Jessie Vetter McConnell, Joe Thomas are all-time greats. Just let the happy memories flow!

Reason 2: Badger football home opener tomorrow

Wisconsin football returns to play at Camp Randall for the first time in a long time. If you’ve forgotten the last game Wisconsin played at home, I urge you to not look it up. It will not make you feel good.

Next, Wisconsin is on a two-game winning streak for the first time in 335 days! That’s good.

Last, the weather should be lovely at Camp Randall: light breeze, 72 degrees, mostly cloudy so you won’t have to squint.

Reason 3: Badgers host Wisconsin Upside Down

This one is from a while ago, but UW hosted Wisconsin Upside Down (WIUSD) this summer and it was great. WIUSD is an organization that offers “life-long support for people with Down syndrome by providing advocacy, education and awareness programs for them and their communities.”

This is important work not only for the people WIUSD serves, but also great for the development of UW’s student athletes.

Reason 4: Schadenfreude for Minnesota volleyball

Yeah, UW dropped a match against No. 11 Marquette, but Minnesota (1-2) is really struggling to start this season. It got swept by lowly Florida State on Saturday and proceeded to get swept by No. 3 Texas last night.

Reason 5: Packers vs Bears didn’t go to overtime

Whether you’re a Packers fan or a Bears fan or a ceiling fan, that game last night was absolutely brutal. However, the Bears had a chance to force overtime late, but Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky made a bonehead throw in the red zone and Packers DB Adrian Amos picked it off. Mercifully, the game ended. Why is Thursday night football still a thing?

Bonus Reasons:

• Former Badger football player Louis Nzegwu knows how to look on the bright side of life.

• Wisconsin jumped up to FIFTH in Bill Connelly’s SP+ rankings, jumping all the way up from 14th after crushing USF.

• Badgers are running RPOs!