The race to create at least some competition for ESPN juggernaut "SportsCenter" heated up this week as it appears the best chance to do so yet, an entry from the debuting Fox Sports One, is coming into place.

Popular Canadian anchor duo Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole are leaving TSN's "SportsCentre," and it only makes sense their new opportunity in the United States would be Fox Sports One. Former Fox Sports host and current "SportsNation" host Charissa Thompson also appears headed to Fox Sports One, Awful Announcing reports.

If you haven't seen Onrait and O'Toole at work on YouTube, these clips should help the argument that they could carry a flagship national show:




The problem right now with U.S. sports highlights shows is a monopoly creates complacency. That's why "SportsCenter" can get away with a LeBronathon or Tebowaganza during a live hour of television supposedly dedicated to highlights, and while some segments of the audience will complain it will continue to happen.

With its household clearances, when Fox Sports One debuts later this year it will have the best chance in sports television history to create a viable alternative to the Worldwide Leader with a highlights show. If that could happen, it would naturally cause ESPN to have to up its game for its signature show and beyond its wonderful work with properties such as "30 for 30" and "Outside the Lines."

For the sake of the viewer, here's to hoping a little competition can create an improved experience when all they want is highlights and analysis, not improvised extended debate.

- Chris Lillstrung | @CLillstrungNH