Monday, February 27, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Buried Alive
Unfortunately, the avalanche that has been teetering over my head has finally come crashing down and buried me (I've got to get Joe Sakic off my legs...his skates are really sharp!). That, coupled with the fact that all next week I will be holed up in committee meetings, means that Random Thoughts will be on hiatus until Monday, February 27. At least this way I cannot put the curse on any unfortunate teams for a while.
Please come back and see what I have to say on the 27th...
Prediction: Illinois 67, Indiana 62
Please come back and see what I have to say on the 27th...
Prediction: Illinois 67, Indiana 62
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Salute to Sammy
Adios Sammy! As most of you are likely aware, it appears as though Sammy Sosa has rejected the one and only contract that was offered to him, a low-base, non-guaranteed, incentive-laden offer from the Washington Montreal National Expos. Can you really blame him? An incentive-based deal usually requires that you make contact at the plate, run the bases and play defense with some semblance of intelligence. I've yet to see a contract where the money increases based on the number of men you leave in scoring position, the number of cut-off men overthrown and the total amount of muscle lost from one's physique in a 6-month period of time. I'll tell you what Sammy...feel free to report late to spring training this year. In fact, why not just hang out and let your mama care for you all summer?
Now that it appears as though Sosa's career has come to a close, it is time to consider his historical significance. To do so, let me take you back through the mists of time to last summer. There I was sitting at a table in Sluggers waiting for the Cubs-Red Sox game with Tom and Joe Chervin, trying to answer the following question: who are the greatest three Chicago Cubs of all time?
Ernie Banks was an immediate and unanimous answer. Billy Williams got a lot of support for the #2 slot. But who is #3? Ryne Sandberg got some love? A couple of hot girls at the next table immediately suggested Mark Grace (I don't think that they realized that we were talking about on-field performance). A smart-ass White Sox fan said Matt Karchner. Ron Santo, Hack Wilson, and Fergie Jenkins were all mentioned. Alas, nobody nominated Damon Berryhill.
My response to who is clearly #3? Sammy Sosa. Yes, his last season was undeniably tumultuous. Yes, his divorce with the Cubs has been bitter. Yes, he was a terrible teammate and a likely steroid abuser.
But look at the production. I know that most Cubs fans no longer like Sammy a whole lot, but one needs to focus on the fact that for a large stretch of the mid-90's, he was the only reason to watch the Cubs (unless you enjoyed the Micah Bowie experiment). Further, his numbers are not just good, they are downright sensational. He remains he only player in the history of the game to have three 60+ home run seasons. He has 588 career home runs and more than 1575 RBIs (I'm conveniently overlooking the six or seven premature hops). Bottom line? In his prime he was one of the most feared baseball players in the game.
Look, I criticized Sammy more than anyone. He hit more meaningless home runs when the Cubs were down 8-2 in the 8th inning than anyone I have ever seen (some may argue that all home runs hit for the Cubs after the month of June were technically meaningless and in some months as early as mid-May). But the Cubs do not exactly have a stable of all-time greats. Lance Johnson and Glenallen Hill simply do not qualify.
I believe that once the dust settles and Sammy's inauspicious departure is to an extent, forgotten, Cubs fans will recognize his greatness and place him at the top of the all-time Cubs greats list. It is where he belongs.
What is your opinion of Sammy? Should he be on the list? Let me know!!
Spring training is now 24-hours old for the Northsiders and Mark Prior amazingly has not reported an injury yet (although it has been 22 minutes since I last checked Cubs.com). Good for him. That said, I'm listing elbow problem at 3-2, shoulder problem at 3-1, pulled groin at 6-1, dropfoot at 20-1, and achy-breaky pelvis at 100-1.
It appears as though the Vikings are shopping Daunte Culpepper around the league. Now I do not imagine that the Vikings would made an intra-division trade in a million years, but even so, let's be completely clear...the Bears should not be interested. They desperately need to concentrate their efforts on making sure that they get the punt returner of their choice (snicker).
Tonight (actually today) is the finals of the men's figure skating competition in Torino. If Clay Aiken and Sean Hayes' character from Will and Grace had a baby, it would be Johnny Weir.
Finally, I suppose I cannot pass up an opportunity to toot my own horn. Not only was my Monday column about Coach-two-feet-out-the-door horribly prophetic, but I also almost nailed the score of last night's game featuring IU and lowly Penn State (where are you Illini fans? A chance to fire back at me after my teasing about Illinois' loss to lowly Penn State and you are going to let it go by? Chervin? Dorfman? You out there?) missing by two measly points. How did I react? Well, I certainly was not wang-chunging last night, but I really was not that upset. Look, the season is over. I say let the Norman Dale* era begin!
*For those of you who are prepared to let this reference get past you TWICE, Norman Dale is the head coach of Hickory High in the all-time classic "Hoosiers"
Now that it appears as though Sosa's career has come to a close, it is time to consider his historical significance. To do so, let me take you back through the mists of time to last summer. There I was sitting at a table in Sluggers waiting for the Cubs-Red Sox game with Tom and Joe Chervin, trying to answer the following question: who are the greatest three Chicago Cubs of all time?
Ernie Banks was an immediate and unanimous answer. Billy Williams got a lot of support for the #2 slot. But who is #3? Ryne Sandberg got some love? A couple of hot girls at the next table immediately suggested Mark Grace (I don't think that they realized that we were talking about on-field performance). A smart-ass White Sox fan said Matt Karchner. Ron Santo, Hack Wilson, and Fergie Jenkins were all mentioned. Alas, nobody nominated Damon Berryhill.
My response to who is clearly #3? Sammy Sosa. Yes, his last season was undeniably tumultuous. Yes, his divorce with the Cubs has been bitter. Yes, he was a terrible teammate and a likely steroid abuser.
But look at the production. I know that most Cubs fans no longer like Sammy a whole lot, but one needs to focus on the fact that for a large stretch of the mid-90's, he was the only reason to watch the Cubs (unless you enjoyed the Micah Bowie experiment). Further, his numbers are not just good, they are downright sensational. He remains he only player in the history of the game to have three 60+ home run seasons. He has 588 career home runs and more than 1575 RBIs (I'm conveniently overlooking the six or seven premature hops). Bottom line? In his prime he was one of the most feared baseball players in the game.
Look, I criticized Sammy more than anyone. He hit more meaningless home runs when the Cubs were down 8-2 in the 8th inning than anyone I have ever seen (some may argue that all home runs hit for the Cubs after the month of June were technically meaningless and in some months as early as mid-May). But the Cubs do not exactly have a stable of all-time greats. Lance Johnson and Glenallen Hill simply do not qualify.
I believe that once the dust settles and Sammy's inauspicious departure is to an extent, forgotten, Cubs fans will recognize his greatness and place him at the top of the all-time Cubs greats list. It is where he belongs.
What is your opinion of Sammy? Should he be on the list? Let me know!!
Spring training is now 24-hours old for the Northsiders and Mark Prior amazingly has not reported an injury yet (although it has been 22 minutes since I last checked Cubs.com). Good for him. That said, I'm listing elbow problem at 3-2, shoulder problem at 3-1, pulled groin at 6-1, dropfoot at 20-1, and achy-breaky pelvis at 100-1.
It appears as though the Vikings are shopping Daunte Culpepper around the league. Now I do not imagine that the Vikings would made an intra-division trade in a million years, but even so, let's be completely clear...the Bears should not be interested. They desperately need to concentrate their efforts on making sure that they get the punt returner of their choice (snicker).
Tonight (actually today) is the finals of the men's figure skating competition in Torino. If Clay Aiken and Sean Hayes' character from Will and Grace had a baby, it would be Johnny Weir.
Finally, I suppose I cannot pass up an opportunity to toot my own horn. Not only was my Monday column about Coach-two-feet-out-the-door horribly prophetic, but I also almost nailed the score of last night's game featuring IU and lowly Penn State (where are you Illini fans? A chance to fire back at me after my teasing about Illinois' loss to lowly Penn State and you are going to let it go by? Chervin? Dorfman? You out there?) missing by two measly points. How did I react? Well, I certainly was not wang-chunging last night, but I really was not that upset. Look, the season is over. I say let the Norman Dale* era begin!
*For those of you who are prepared to let this reference get past you TWICE, Norman Dale is the head coach of Hickory High in the all-time classic "Hoosiers"
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Oh good. My Sanity Has Returned
Now I know why I have never gotten deeply involved in illegal drugs. Besides, of course, the whole brain damage and death thing, I realize that if I ever got started I would not be able to stop. I'll admit it -- I couldn't handle the withdrawal. Heck, after yesterday's college-basketball free post, I found myself cowering in the corner of our laundry room, sweating profusely and counting the cracks in the floor tile. Today...the sun has once again risen to its rightful place in the sky (although it is covered by ugly clouds).
When I last visited the wonderful world of college basketball, I wrote morosely about the Mike Davis saga at Indiana. Boy, I'm happy I got that post up before the media began reporting on Davis' comments at his weekly teleconference (during which Davis essentially walked out the door). I've been arguing since the beginning of the season to anyone who would listen (read: my cat Boris and Baby Ryan -- okay so he is not actually listening) that Davis would not return next year to IU regardless of his performance this year. Now at least I have saved myself the opportunity to say "I told you so" (admittedly by only a couple of hours).
So who is going to be the next coach? On Monday, I mentioned a few names and now I have a few more. First of all, let's remove West Virginia's John Beilein from the equation (that's just my dream...I've also dreamed that Kerry Wood stayed healthy for an entire season and that the Blackhawks returned and played hockey this year. Wait, they have?). Let's also discount the Jay Wright possibility. I just threw that on the wall and Villanova responded yesterday by giving Wright a 7-year extension (my timing is becoming a little scary -- self-pat on the back).
There are the names that I have already mentioned...Mark Few (no thanks), Northern Iowa's Greg McDermott (who proved last night that he might be a perfect fit at IU as he also lead his team to a loss at Indiana State), Wichita State's Mark Turgeon (a future star), Rick Majerus (reservations are now being accepted at the Red Roof Inn!) and my dark-horse John Calipari. And then there are the following...Steve Alford (No, no, no, no, no, no, no. To put it another way...no, but I have to recognize that it is a possibility), Vanderbilt's Kevin Stallings (he was hired at Illinois State by current-IU athletic director Rick Greenspan), and Pitt's Jamie Dixon (just throwing this one on the wall. I think he is a great coach and would love to see him at IU. If not, he seems like a good guy so maybe Pitt will respond to this post by giving him a fat, new contract).
Then, of course, there are the guys that are "one of Indiana's own" (quoting Coach two feet out of the door). Where in the heck are we going here? Damon Bailey? Keith Smart? Dane Fife? Lynn Washington?
I have finally come to the ultimate conclusion. We need a coach that has unforgettable ties to Indiana, will institute a disciplined system that focuses on the TEAM and that knows how to get a drunk off the wagon. Enter Norman Dale. The perfect candidate.
A side note is that Davisgate is likely to benefit the "team that must not be named" (or suffer the wrath of the Simon clan). Top-20 recruit Darrell Arthur remains the top rated recruit still uncommitted. Arthur is a done-deal for IU, but only if Davis is the coach (like D.J. White and Robert Vaden, he could apparently care less about the fact that it is Indiana and would only be in Bloomington to play for Davis --assumedly he enjoys standing around for 30 seconds on offense and then hoisting up an unbalanced three-pointer...and he sees no need to play defense). With Davis gone, Arthur's likely destination is to play for Bill Self at the "team that must not be named."
Now that I have rambled on for six paragraphs about IU and Davis, I am sure that I have completely lost Bob Knight as a reader (ask Dana Jacobsen of ESPN 2's Cold Pizza if Knight likes talking or reading about Indiana) and it is too bad. I would love to ask Coach Knight a question. Why is it inappropriate for a young man to call you "Knight," but it is okay for you to call a professional journalist, Dana Jacobsen, "Dear?" Just wondering...
Mike Davis? Not a good coach. Bob Knight? No longer a good coach. Joey Meyer. Never a good coach. You know who is a good coach? Bruce Weber. You simply cannot deny that he is one of the best coaches in the country. But Bruce, please close your mouth during the game. Do you walk around like that outside with your mouth slightly ajar? I can only imagine what may be flying around in the Champaign-Urbana skies (cow manure drfit, horse manure drift, sheep manure drift, the stench of your football team). It is a good thing that ex-Illini Marcus Griffin did not walk around like that during his tenure patrolling the lane for Illinois. He may have swallowed an opposing player whole (and if the game is at the fake Assembly Hall there would not even be a foul called).
Now I am calling a foul on Arizona coach Lute Olson and his win-at-all-costs approach to the game. An under-reported Monday night news item was Arizona's reinstatement of Chris Rogers. For those of you who are not familiar with the Chris Rogers situation, let me bring you up to speed (as I see it).
-- Last summer, coming off of a mediocre season, Rogers declared for the NBA draft. Olson and the rest of the Wildcat players basically said "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out." Rogers was told that his penchance for acting like Sammy Sosa may not make him welcome in Tucson in 2005-2006.
-- Rogers realizes he sucks and pulls out of the draft. Olson realizes that his team may suck and lets Rogers return to UA.
-- Expected starting 2-guard Jawaan McClellan becomes academically ineligible. Rogers is treated as a hero despite his continued Sosa-ish behavior.
-- McClellan gets the necessary "help" with his studies and prepares to return to the team. Olson decides the Rogers is too great of a lockerroom cancer and kicks him off the team. Rogers leaves the University, verbal barbs are traded, gauntlets are thrown down, the whole situation reeks of Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens. Olson states that Rogers will never return to Arizona.
-- McClellan suffers a season ending injury. Arizona loses to both Oregon schools and falls onto the tournament bubble. You know the rest...
Does anyone else have a problem with this? Is this what we want college basketball to be? Now, I am not an Arizona fan to begin with, but I will be cheering my butt off for whoever plays them in the first round of the tournament. Look, I am all for giving kids a second chance if they deserve one, but please make sure that you are giving the kid a second chance and not just trying to save a season that is spiraling out of control.
Just thought you might like to know what type of a shyster you are cheering for when you pick 'Zona to go far in your brackets.
Well, its official. I have put the curse on West Virginia. A loss last night to Seton Hall has sealed the deal. I imagine that the Mountaineers are not sure what to be more upset about...the fact that the Big East schedule makers forced them to play three road games in under a week or the fact that I adopted them as a second team.
Look, I am not giving up on either Indiana or West Virginia, but it may be time for me to save a little face a choose a third team. That said, I'd like to officially announce my allegiance to whatever team is playing Coach Win-At-All-Costs and his players.
Now watch Arizona rip off eight straight wins...
Have a nice Wednesday.
P.S.: I predict Penn State 71, Indiana 70
When I last visited the wonderful world of college basketball, I wrote morosely about the Mike Davis saga at Indiana. Boy, I'm happy I got that post up before the media began reporting on Davis' comments at his weekly teleconference (during which Davis essentially walked out the door). I've been arguing since the beginning of the season to anyone who would listen (read: my cat Boris and Baby Ryan -- okay so he is not actually listening) that Davis would not return next year to IU regardless of his performance this year. Now at least I have saved myself the opportunity to say "I told you so" (admittedly by only a couple of hours).
So who is going to be the next coach? On Monday, I mentioned a few names and now I have a few more. First of all, let's remove West Virginia's John Beilein from the equation (that's just my dream...I've also dreamed that Kerry Wood stayed healthy for an entire season and that the Blackhawks returned and played hockey this year. Wait, they have?). Let's also discount the Jay Wright possibility. I just threw that on the wall and Villanova responded yesterday by giving Wright a 7-year extension (my timing is becoming a little scary -- self-pat on the back).
There are the names that I have already mentioned...Mark Few (no thanks), Northern Iowa's Greg McDermott (who proved last night that he might be a perfect fit at IU as he also lead his team to a loss at Indiana State), Wichita State's Mark Turgeon (a future star), Rick Majerus (reservations are now being accepted at the Red Roof Inn!) and my dark-horse John Calipari. And then there are the following...Steve Alford (No, no, no, no, no, no, no. To put it another way...no, but I have to recognize that it is a possibility), Vanderbilt's Kevin Stallings (he was hired at Illinois State by current-IU athletic director Rick Greenspan), and Pitt's Jamie Dixon (just throwing this one on the wall. I think he is a great coach and would love to see him at IU. If not, he seems like a good guy so maybe Pitt will respond to this post by giving him a fat, new contract).
Then, of course, there are the guys that are "one of Indiana's own" (quoting Coach two feet out of the door). Where in the heck are we going here? Damon Bailey? Keith Smart? Dane Fife? Lynn Washington?
I have finally come to the ultimate conclusion. We need a coach that has unforgettable ties to Indiana, will institute a disciplined system that focuses on the TEAM and that knows how to get a drunk off the wagon. Enter Norman Dale. The perfect candidate.
A side note is that Davisgate is likely to benefit the "team that must not be named" (or suffer the wrath of the Simon clan). Top-20 recruit Darrell Arthur remains the top rated recruit still uncommitted. Arthur is a done-deal for IU, but only if Davis is the coach (like D.J. White and Robert Vaden, he could apparently care less about the fact that it is Indiana and would only be in Bloomington to play for Davis --assumedly he enjoys standing around for 30 seconds on offense and then hoisting up an unbalanced three-pointer...and he sees no need to play defense). With Davis gone, Arthur's likely destination is to play for Bill Self at the "team that must not be named."
Now that I have rambled on for six paragraphs about IU and Davis, I am sure that I have completely lost Bob Knight as a reader (ask Dana Jacobsen of ESPN 2's Cold Pizza if Knight likes talking or reading about Indiana) and it is too bad. I would love to ask Coach Knight a question. Why is it inappropriate for a young man to call you "Knight," but it is okay for you to call a professional journalist, Dana Jacobsen, "Dear?" Just wondering...
Mike Davis? Not a good coach. Bob Knight? No longer a good coach. Joey Meyer. Never a good coach. You know who is a good coach? Bruce Weber. You simply cannot deny that he is one of the best coaches in the country. But Bruce, please close your mouth during the game. Do you walk around like that outside with your mouth slightly ajar? I can only imagine what may be flying around in the Champaign-Urbana skies (cow manure drfit, horse manure drift, sheep manure drift, the stench of your football team). It is a good thing that ex-Illini Marcus Griffin did not walk around like that during his tenure patrolling the lane for Illinois. He may have swallowed an opposing player whole (and if the game is at the fake Assembly Hall there would not even be a foul called).
Now I am calling a foul on Arizona coach Lute Olson and his win-at-all-costs approach to the game. An under-reported Monday night news item was Arizona's reinstatement of Chris Rogers. For those of you who are not familiar with the Chris Rogers situation, let me bring you up to speed (as I see it).
-- Last summer, coming off of a mediocre season, Rogers declared for the NBA draft. Olson and the rest of the Wildcat players basically said "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out." Rogers was told that his penchance for acting like Sammy Sosa may not make him welcome in Tucson in 2005-2006.
-- Rogers realizes he sucks and pulls out of the draft. Olson realizes that his team may suck and lets Rogers return to UA.
-- Expected starting 2-guard Jawaan McClellan becomes academically ineligible. Rogers is treated as a hero despite his continued Sosa-ish behavior.
-- McClellan gets the necessary "help" with his studies and prepares to return to the team. Olson decides the Rogers is too great of a lockerroom cancer and kicks him off the team. Rogers leaves the University, verbal barbs are traded, gauntlets are thrown down, the whole situation reeks of Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens. Olson states that Rogers will never return to Arizona.
-- McClellan suffers a season ending injury. Arizona loses to both Oregon schools and falls onto the tournament bubble. You know the rest...
Does anyone else have a problem with this? Is this what we want college basketball to be? Now, I am not an Arizona fan to begin with, but I will be cheering my butt off for whoever plays them in the first round of the tournament. Look, I am all for giving kids a second chance if they deserve one, but please make sure that you are giving the kid a second chance and not just trying to save a season that is spiraling out of control.
Just thought you might like to know what type of a shyster you are cheering for when you pick 'Zona to go far in your brackets.
Well, its official. I have put the curse on West Virginia. A loss last night to Seton Hall has sealed the deal. I imagine that the Mountaineers are not sure what to be more upset about...the fact that the Big East schedule makers forced them to play three road games in under a week or the fact that I adopted them as a second team.
Look, I am not giving up on either Indiana or West Virginia, but it may be time for me to save a little face a choose a third team. That said, I'd like to officially announce my allegiance to whatever team is playing Coach Win-At-All-Costs and his players.
Now watch Arizona rip off eight straight wins...
Have a nice Wednesday.
P.S.: I predict Penn State 71, Indiana 70
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
No College Basketball? Ahhhhhh....
Oh, I want to talk about Coach two-feet-out-the-door's comments during his weekly teleconference (made coincidentally right after yesterday's post...hmmm) so bad! Not to mention, Arizona's reinstatement of Chris Rogers, UConn's loss to 'Nova, and (won't mention their name out of love and respect for the Simon family)'s win over Eddie Suttonless Oklahoma State but I promised. Today Random Thoughts will be a college basketball free society.
Now everyone knows that the Bears are desparate for a playmaker and that finding one is their #1 option in free agency. The name that is most often mentioned and that seems to have sports talk radio hosts and most Bears fans buzzing is Antwaan Randle El. Look, I like Antwaan. He seems like a really nice guy and is an IU alum. Further, there is no doubt that he is an athletic freak and comes complete with a wonderful array of skills. But is he really the guy that we want to see the Bears throw sackloads of money at?
Quick, somebody tell me what the following three players have in common...Brian Finneran, Kevin Curtis and Randle El's teammate Cedrick Wilson. And what do the following three players have in common...Shaun McDonald, Jabar Gaffney, and Scott Vines? Finally, how about the following three...D.J. Hackett, Devery Henderson and, yes, Justin Gage.
The answers? The first group had more receiving yards last year than Antwaan's 558. The second had more catches than Antwaan's 35. And the third had more TDs than Randle El's one (cue Harry Doyle..."That's all he had is one goddamn touchdown!")
Look sign Antwaan Randle El as a fine third receiver and terrific punt returner if you would like, but sign him as your playmaker and it may be another long season for the passing offense...
Of course as long as the Bears' QB options remain Rex the Wonder Dog and Kyle the Bearded Lady, it likely does not matter whether it is Steve Smith, Antwaan Randle El or Cornelius McNary catching passes.
Anyone see that the 'Bows lost on the road at Fresno St last night effectively ending their at large hop....dang it!!! Stupid promise!
Hey, not sure if you know that but there seems to be some kind of an international sports competition going on in Italy these days. Turns out that NBC is televising it and everything (boy, are the folks at the Peacock going to take a bath on this one). For some reason the Olympics seem to be getting criticized left and right. Well, I'll come out and say it...I love the Olympics and always have ever since I received a Misha Bear as a gift (major, major props to anyone who understands this reference without looking it up). A few observations from Torino...
* Apolo Anton Oh No!!!!!
* We have all heard of the Sports Illustrated Curse, we recognize how Cat Fancy derailed Warrick Dunn's career for a couple of months, and there is a growing belief in the "Dan's Random Thoughts Why-oh-Why Did He Have to Mention My Favorite Team Curse," (Next up...the Kansaw Jayhacks, the Kanzaz Jaehax, the Cansass Jayhowkz...I can't do it to poor Emily!), but is it possible that there is a "Curse of the McDonald's Cup?" Sunday night my large Sprite featured the following athletes on the cup...Ohno, skier Lindsay Kildow and luge star Samantha Retrosi. My what an Olympics they have had...
* Any chance we can get Albert Pujols on a McDonald's cup? A season-ending shoulder injury sounds about right.
* Anyone else get the feeling that Michelle Kwan just wanted a free trip to Italy?
* Isn't it time that the Olympics just give in and officially amend the motto to read "Higher, Faster, Stronger, More Marketable."
* You have got to feel bad for the U.S. skeleton rider who has been banned from the Olympics for testing positive for a steroid masking agent. Zach Lund admits that he has ingested the substance as it is an active ingredient in the hair restoration product Propecia but claims that he was unware that the substance had been banned. Doesn't this seem to run counter to the goal and purpose of the drug testing policies? Weren't they put in place to prevent Olga, Berlin's finest, from throwing a shot put 730 yards? The International Court of Arbitration for Sport concluded that Lund was not a cheat and believed his testimony that he did not know that the drug had been banned, but rules are rules, and they suspended him anyway. In Lund's case the Olympic motto should have been "Higher, Faster, Stronger, Balder."
* I love the fact that the U.S. has lobbied for inclusion of all the new freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. Apparently, the USOC finally realized that we suck at the traditional winter sports. But, oh man, do we shred when performing a fakie, canadia, swithc alley-oop backside rodeo on the Halfpipe. Let's face it, such sports only exist to increase the U.S. medal total and I say good. The good ol' USA pays for 99% of the games, we might as well get a little in return.
* My wife and I (her name is Patty for those of you in cyberspace who have stumbled upon my brillant and insightful writing) always joke during the summer games that all of the track and field stars actually train and are educated in the U.S. (and in lane 5 from the Ivory Coast is Mukbak Mutah-Havati. He runs for the Longhorns of Texas!). Now comes word that the Russian Pair Figure Skating duo trains, no, not in Moscow, Kiev or St. Petersburg, but rather at the Edge in Bensenville.
* Finally, I caught word that the International Olympic Committee has officially cancelled Baseball and Softball. Perhaps they need to make room for Billiards, lawn darts and midget throwing. And why isn't competitive eating in the Olympics? Think about it. It would be great for our economy. "Next up in the hot wings eating competition is Jens Swensen of Norway who trains at the Hooters in Lombard." Eliminating baseball is a mistake. What in the hell else are Roger Clemens and Tommy LaSorda going to do with their time? Whatever you do, don't get rid of beach volleyball. Misty May and that 6'10 chick. Now that's entertainment!
Enjoy the games!
Now everyone knows that the Bears are desparate for a playmaker and that finding one is their #1 option in free agency. The name that is most often mentioned and that seems to have sports talk radio hosts and most Bears fans buzzing is Antwaan Randle El. Look, I like Antwaan. He seems like a really nice guy and is an IU alum. Further, there is no doubt that he is an athletic freak and comes complete with a wonderful array of skills. But is he really the guy that we want to see the Bears throw sackloads of money at?
Quick, somebody tell me what the following three players have in common...Brian Finneran, Kevin Curtis and Randle El's teammate Cedrick Wilson. And what do the following three players have in common...Shaun McDonald, Jabar Gaffney, and Scott Vines? Finally, how about the following three...D.J. Hackett, Devery Henderson and, yes, Justin Gage.
The answers? The first group had more receiving yards last year than Antwaan's 558. The second had more catches than Antwaan's 35. And the third had more TDs than Randle El's one (cue Harry Doyle..."That's all he had is one goddamn touchdown!")
Look sign Antwaan Randle El as a fine third receiver and terrific punt returner if you would like, but sign him as your playmaker and it may be another long season for the passing offense...
Of course as long as the Bears' QB options remain Rex the Wonder Dog and Kyle the Bearded Lady, it likely does not matter whether it is Steve Smith, Antwaan Randle El or Cornelius McNary catching passes.
Anyone see that the 'Bows lost on the road at Fresno St last night effectively ending their at large hop....dang it!!! Stupid promise!
Hey, not sure if you know that but there seems to be some kind of an international sports competition going on in Italy these days. Turns out that NBC is televising it and everything (boy, are the folks at the Peacock going to take a bath on this one). For some reason the Olympics seem to be getting criticized left and right. Well, I'll come out and say it...I love the Olympics and always have ever since I received a Misha Bear as a gift (major, major props to anyone who understands this reference without looking it up). A few observations from Torino...
* Apolo Anton Oh No!!!!!
* We have all heard of the Sports Illustrated Curse, we recognize how Cat Fancy derailed Warrick Dunn's career for a couple of months, and there is a growing belief in the "Dan's Random Thoughts Why-oh-Why Did He Have to Mention My Favorite Team Curse," (Next up...the Kansaw Jayhacks, the Kanzaz Jaehax, the Cansass Jayhowkz...I can't do it to poor Emily!), but is it possible that there is a "Curse of the McDonald's Cup?" Sunday night my large Sprite featured the following athletes on the cup...Ohno, skier Lindsay Kildow and luge star Samantha Retrosi. My what an Olympics they have had...
* Any chance we can get Albert Pujols on a McDonald's cup? A season-ending shoulder injury sounds about right.
* Anyone else get the feeling that Michelle Kwan just wanted a free trip to Italy?
* Isn't it time that the Olympics just give in and officially amend the motto to read "Higher, Faster, Stronger, More Marketable."
* You have got to feel bad for the U.S. skeleton rider who has been banned from the Olympics for testing positive for a steroid masking agent. Zach Lund admits that he has ingested the substance as it is an active ingredient in the hair restoration product Propecia but claims that he was unware that the substance had been banned. Doesn't this seem to run counter to the goal and purpose of the drug testing policies? Weren't they put in place to prevent Olga, Berlin's finest, from throwing a shot put 730 yards? The International Court of Arbitration for Sport concluded that Lund was not a cheat and believed his testimony that he did not know that the drug had been banned, but rules are rules, and they suspended him anyway. In Lund's case the Olympic motto should have been "Higher, Faster, Stronger, Balder."
* I love the fact that the U.S. has lobbied for inclusion of all the new freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. Apparently, the USOC finally realized that we suck at the traditional winter sports. But, oh man, do we shred when performing a fakie, canadia, swithc alley-oop backside rodeo on the Halfpipe. Let's face it, such sports only exist to increase the U.S. medal total and I say good. The good ol' USA pays for 99% of the games, we might as well get a little in return.
* My wife and I (her name is Patty for those of you in cyberspace who have stumbled upon my brillant and insightful writing) always joke during the summer games that all of the track and field stars actually train and are educated in the U.S. (and in lane 5 from the Ivory Coast is Mukbak Mutah-Havati. He runs for the Longhorns of Texas!). Now comes word that the Russian Pair Figure Skating duo trains, no, not in Moscow, Kiev or St. Petersburg, but rather at the Edge in Bensenville.
* Finally, I caught word that the International Olympic Committee has officially cancelled Baseball and Softball. Perhaps they need to make room for Billiards, lawn darts and midget throwing. And why isn't competitive eating in the Olympics? Think about it. It would be great for our economy. "Next up in the hot wings eating competition is Jens Swensen of Norway who trains at the Hooters in Lombard." Eliminating baseball is a mistake. What in the hell else are Roger Clemens and Tommy LaSorda going to do with their time? Whatever you do, don't get rid of beach volleyball. Misty May and that 6'10 chick. Now that's entertainment!
Enjoy the games!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Davis-tation
Two days. All I had to do is wait two lousy days and I could have avoided the embarrassment of having picked Xavier to go on a late season run and make the tournament. How did Xavier respond to my trust? With a double-digit loss at home to a mediocre LaSalle team.
And how about that national television performance by my #65 team? IU was facing a monumental week and lost twice, effectively ending any chance they had of winning the Big Ten and putting their tournament hopes on seiously shaky ground. Of greater concern is the way they are playing and if they do not get out of their funk soon, they will finish the season with only one more victory (home against Penn State). One has to wonder whether the atmosphere surrounding the team has finally gotten to the players.
The truth is that it really doesn't matter how the Hoosiers finish the season. As I mentioned in passing last week, no matter what happens from here on out, Mike Davis will not be back to coach IU, a reality that could very well send Indiana into a 3-5 year tailspin (and we're talking bottom of the Big Ten here people. Possibly Penn State bad...). One of two things happens. Either IU continues to play like crap and Davis is let go for lack of performance (the more likely scenario) or the team rallies around Davis and actually turns the season around. Should the latter happen (about as likely as Duke losing in the first round to the MEAC champ) and IU Athletic Director Rick Greenspan decides that Davis is the man for the job, it is my contention that Davis tells Hoosier Nation to stick the job up their ass and leaves for another job. And you know what? I would not blame him one little bit.
You cannot believe the situation that Davis finds himself in simply because he is (1) black; (2) not Bob Knight; and (3) not having the success that IU is used to having (and please do not underestimate the significance of the first two factors). For the past five years, Davis has been subject to racial bashing, threats, and continuous speculation about his job. He is blamed for everything. One of my favorite quotes was posted on an message board and really sums things up: "if a tree falls in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, can we still blame it on Mike Davis?" Things have gotten so bad in Bloomington, that a group of students tried to organize a "black out" protest during last Saturday's game. Fortunately, it never materialized, but it sure gives one a sense of the atmosphere at IU.
Davis, as many of you are likely aware, had to be told that the protest never materialized as he missed the game Saturday because he was (in his own words) "sick as a dog." Was he really sick or simply unable to take the pressure any more? Does it really matter?
So the bottom line is that IU will have a new coach next year, regardless of what happens the rest of the year. Either the adminsitration lets Mike walk away or Davis tells IU to go to he-double-hockey-sticks.
So where does that leave the state of Indiana basketball? Well, two weeks ago, I was willing to tell anyone who would listen that IU would be at the bottom of the barrell next year if Davis left. Most Hoosier fans recognize that many of the players came to Bloomington specifically to play for Davis and most experts agreed that D.J. White, Robert Vaden and Ben Allen would immediately leave town if Davis was no longer the coach. You will note that in this post, however, I remarked that the loss of Davis "could very well" send the Hoosiers into a tailspin. The change in my attitude has resulted from a careful look at the present circumstances.
D.J. White really holds the key and his injuries this season could turn out to be a blessing for the 2006-2007 Hoosiers. If Davis leaves, D.J. will be left with three options: (1) turn pro, (2) transfer, or (3) stay at IU. Before the injury, it was conceded that he would go with either option # 1 or option #2, but is the NBA really going draft a kid who is coming off of two major foot injuries in the same year and whose game still needs to develop in the first round? I doubt it. What about the transfer option? Would White really want to sit out what would essentially be two years in a row? Returning to IU would seem to be the only option. And should White return it is not hard to imagine that his best friend Robert Vaden would also spend one more year as a Hoosier.
That said, my gut tells me that White will declare for the draft and will leave Indiana. Young basketball players have not exactly proven to be the sharpest knives in the drawer when it comes to making decisions about their future. White leaves, Vaden leaves, Allen leaves and the Big Ten cellar dweller likely resides in southern Indiana.
So who will be the next coach? Hmmm...well isn't it ironic that Rick Majerus was the ESPN color commentator for last Saturday's game. At least the Hampton Inn is clean, usually has available rooms, and the muffins on the continential breakfast aren't stale. And if Rick was able to survive four or so long years in Salt Lake City, I'm sure that his appetite would be able to make do with the Italian offerings in the Hoosier state.
Mark Few? No thanks...have you seen Gonzaga play defense? Mark Turgeon? Now there is an idea. John Beilein? Unlikely, but I can dream. Northern Iowa's Greg McDermott? Not a bad selection. Bruce Pearl? Crap, he is already in Tennessee. Jay Wright? Is IU still considered a step up from Villanova?
My long-shot candidate....John Calipari. I'm sure that he likes Memphis but there is no way that he wants to remain in Conference USA. Indiana and Calipari..a perfect fit...
Tomorrow this blog will be a college basketball free society. And we will try to step away from the seriousness that pervaded this post and have a little fun.
Until tomorrow...
And how about that national television performance by my #65 team? IU was facing a monumental week and lost twice, effectively ending any chance they had of winning the Big Ten and putting their tournament hopes on seiously shaky ground. Of greater concern is the way they are playing and if they do not get out of their funk soon, they will finish the season with only one more victory (home against Penn State). One has to wonder whether the atmosphere surrounding the team has finally gotten to the players.
The truth is that it really doesn't matter how the Hoosiers finish the season. As I mentioned in passing last week, no matter what happens from here on out, Mike Davis will not be back to coach IU, a reality that could very well send Indiana into a 3-5 year tailspin (and we're talking bottom of the Big Ten here people. Possibly Penn State bad...). One of two things happens. Either IU continues to play like crap and Davis is let go for lack of performance (the more likely scenario) or the team rallies around Davis and actually turns the season around. Should the latter happen (about as likely as Duke losing in the first round to the MEAC champ) and IU Athletic Director Rick Greenspan decides that Davis is the man for the job, it is my contention that Davis tells Hoosier Nation to stick the job up their ass and leaves for another job. And you know what? I would not blame him one little bit.
You cannot believe the situation that Davis finds himself in simply because he is (1) black; (2) not Bob Knight; and (3) not having the success that IU is used to having (and please do not underestimate the significance of the first two factors). For the past five years, Davis has been subject to racial bashing, threats, and continuous speculation about his job. He is blamed for everything. One of my favorite quotes was posted on an message board and really sums things up: "if a tree falls in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, can we still blame it on Mike Davis?" Things have gotten so bad in Bloomington, that a group of students tried to organize a "black out" protest during last Saturday's game. Fortunately, it never materialized, but it sure gives one a sense of the atmosphere at IU.
Davis, as many of you are likely aware, had to be told that the protest never materialized as he missed the game Saturday because he was (in his own words) "sick as a dog." Was he really sick or simply unable to take the pressure any more? Does it really matter?
So the bottom line is that IU will have a new coach next year, regardless of what happens the rest of the year. Either the adminsitration lets Mike walk away or Davis tells IU to go to he-double-hockey-sticks.
So where does that leave the state of Indiana basketball? Well, two weeks ago, I was willing to tell anyone who would listen that IU would be at the bottom of the barrell next year if Davis left. Most Hoosier fans recognize that many of the players came to Bloomington specifically to play for Davis and most experts agreed that D.J. White, Robert Vaden and Ben Allen would immediately leave town if Davis was no longer the coach. You will note that in this post, however, I remarked that the loss of Davis "could very well" send the Hoosiers into a tailspin. The change in my attitude has resulted from a careful look at the present circumstances.
D.J. White really holds the key and his injuries this season could turn out to be a blessing for the 2006-2007 Hoosiers. If Davis leaves, D.J. will be left with three options: (1) turn pro, (2) transfer, or (3) stay at IU. Before the injury, it was conceded that he would go with either option # 1 or option #2, but is the NBA really going draft a kid who is coming off of two major foot injuries in the same year and whose game still needs to develop in the first round? I doubt it. What about the transfer option? Would White really want to sit out what would essentially be two years in a row? Returning to IU would seem to be the only option. And should White return it is not hard to imagine that his best friend Robert Vaden would also spend one more year as a Hoosier.
That said, my gut tells me that White will declare for the draft and will leave Indiana. Young basketball players have not exactly proven to be the sharpest knives in the drawer when it comes to making decisions about their future. White leaves, Vaden leaves, Allen leaves and the Big Ten cellar dweller likely resides in southern Indiana.
So who will be the next coach? Hmmm...well isn't it ironic that Rick Majerus was the ESPN color commentator for last Saturday's game. At least the Hampton Inn is clean, usually has available rooms, and the muffins on the continential breakfast aren't stale. And if Rick was able to survive four or so long years in Salt Lake City, I'm sure that his appetite would be able to make do with the Italian offerings in the Hoosier state.
Mark Few? No thanks...have you seen Gonzaga play defense? Mark Turgeon? Now there is an idea. John Beilein? Unlikely, but I can dream. Northern Iowa's Greg McDermott? Not a bad selection. Bruce Pearl? Crap, he is already in Tennessee. Jay Wright? Is IU still considered a step up from Villanova?
My long-shot candidate....John Calipari. I'm sure that he likes Memphis but there is no way that he wants to remain in Conference USA. Indiana and Calipari..a perfect fit...
Tomorrow this blog will be a college basketball free society. And we will try to step away from the seriousness that pervaded this post and have a little fun.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, February 10, 2006
Who's the Missing Team?
Oh my goodness, I forgot #52!!!! Ummm...how about Northwestern to shock the world and win the Big Ten Tournament. Nah...better go with Miami (Fla).
Kind of ruins my little Miami-Maryland bit, doesn't it?
Kind of ruins my little Miami-Maryland bit, doesn't it?
I've Been "Pittsnogled!"
Why, oh why, do the sports gods dislike me so much? It apparently is not enough that I have to suffer through IU's current struggles -- now, only hours after my official pronouncement that I have adopted West Virginia as my second team, I have to suffer through watching the Moutaineers shoot 6-27 from behind the arc in a 57-53 loss to Pittsburgh. Baby Kwynsie must have kept Papa Pittsnogle up all night, as Kevin failed to make a single shot in 12 attempts and fouled out with 0 points and 4 turnovers. Who in the heck does he think he is? Will Perdue?
Now that I have single-handedly ruined the Mountaineers' season by electing to cheer for them, I can only hope that the state of West Virginia does not hunt me down. There has got to be nothing worse than getting beaten over the head with a bottle of Old Harper by a bunch of men in coonskin caps. Such an activity actually rates #42,388 on my list of things to do this weekend, just after watching the Pro Bowl, and just before cleaning the bathrooms of all DuPage County McDonalds with my tongue. Pure agony.
Well, I promised you that I would step out on a limb and try and project the 65 teams that will make the NCAA Tournament and I shall live up to my word. So, here goes. This ought to be good for a laugh...
Conference Champs (from one-bid conferences)
1. Albany
2. Florida Atlantic
3. Northern Arizona (I so want to pick Montana)
4. Winthrop
5. Pacific
6. Wisconsin- Milwaukee
7. Penn
8. Manhattan (in a close battle with I-O-N-A)
9. Akron
10. Oral Roberts (sorry, Ooey-pooey)
11. Delaware St
12. Farleigh Dickinson
13. Samford
14. Bucknell
15. Davidson
16. Northwestern State
17. Western Kentucky
18. Southern
19. Gonzaga
BTW, out of the above list, Gonzaga will make it regardless of whether they win their conference tournament, Bucknell has an excellent shot, and Grimace has a decent shot should the Toppers win the remainder of their games and lose in the Sun Belt tournament final.
Teams that will have to have the majority of their players come down with Asian Bird Flu to be left home:
20. Duke
21. North Carolina State
22. George Washington
23. Texas
24. Connecticut
25. Villanova
26. Pittsburgh (maybe they can get a first and second round game in Detroit...Jerome Bettis is..oh, never mind)
27. West Virginia
28. Illinois
29. Michigan State
30. Ohio State
31. Iowa
32. Memphis
33. Northern Iowa
34. UCLA
35. Tennessee
36. LSU
37. Florida
Teams that are in real good shape and could probably survive one key player coming down with bird flu
38. North Carolina
39. Boston College
40. Kansas
41. Oklahoma
42. Georgetown
43. Michigan
Teams that will want to stay out of all aviaries until mid-March, but should be in when all is said and done (aka: Bubble teams that get lucky because everyone else stinks)
44. Seton Hall
45. Xavier (I predict that they get hot down the stretch)
46. Iowa State
47. Missouri State
48. Marquette
49. Wisconsin
50. George Mason (should win CAA tournament)
51. Creighton
52. Arkansas
53. Wichita State
54. Air Force (winner of Mountain West)
55. Washington
56. Arizona
57. California
58. Nevada (WCC winner)
The bottom of the barrel:
59. A team from the ACC...Miami (Fla), Maryland, Miami (Fla), Maryland, Miami (Fla), Maryland...they play on March 1...the game is in College Park...everyone knows how I feel about teams playing at home and the refs...Maryland it is
60. Syracuse (ugh...)
Oh boy, I am down to five spots for 11 teams. Time to start picking out of a hat...
61. Alabama
62. Kentucky (hey, its a pro-SEC hat!)
63. UAB
64. Southern Illinois (although, they will NOT deserve it!)
And that leaves us with one spot left....
65. The Indiana University Hoosiers. Why not?
By the way, the disappointed teams will include: Colorado, Jailbird University, Miami (Fla), San Diego State (who may actually win the Mountain West relegating Air Force to the NIT), Stanford, and Utah State (see San Diego State, fill WAC and Nevada in the blanks).
In putting together this list, it is quite clear that anything can happen during the last four weeks of the season. The conference tournaments are going to have a huge impact on the selections (they always do). Quite frankly, I'll be suprised if I get more than 35 correct.
Am I nuts? Let me know...
Now that I have single-handedly ruined the Mountaineers' season by electing to cheer for them, I can only hope that the state of West Virginia does not hunt me down. There has got to be nothing worse than getting beaten over the head with a bottle of Old Harper by a bunch of men in coonskin caps. Such an activity actually rates #42,388 on my list of things to do this weekend, just after watching the Pro Bowl, and just before cleaning the bathrooms of all DuPage County McDonalds with my tongue. Pure agony.
Well, I promised you that I would step out on a limb and try and project the 65 teams that will make the NCAA Tournament and I shall live up to my word. So, here goes. This ought to be good for a laugh...
Conference Champs (from one-bid conferences)
1. Albany
2. Florida Atlantic
3. Northern Arizona (I so want to pick Montana)
4. Winthrop
5. Pacific
6. Wisconsin- Milwaukee
7. Penn
8. Manhattan (in a close battle with I-O-N-A)
9. Akron
10. Oral Roberts (sorry, Ooey-pooey)
11. Delaware St
12. Farleigh Dickinson
13. Samford
14. Bucknell
15. Davidson
16. Northwestern State
17. Western Kentucky
18. Southern
19. Gonzaga
BTW, out of the above list, Gonzaga will make it regardless of whether they win their conference tournament, Bucknell has an excellent shot, and Grimace has a decent shot should the Toppers win the remainder of their games and lose in the Sun Belt tournament final.
Teams that will have to have the majority of their players come down with Asian Bird Flu to be left home:
20. Duke
21. North Carolina State
22. George Washington
23. Texas
24. Connecticut
25. Villanova
26. Pittsburgh (maybe they can get a first and second round game in Detroit...Jerome Bettis is..oh, never mind)
27. West Virginia
28. Illinois
29. Michigan State
30. Ohio State
31. Iowa
32. Memphis
33. Northern Iowa
34. UCLA
35. Tennessee
36. LSU
37. Florida
Teams that are in real good shape and could probably survive one key player coming down with bird flu
38. North Carolina
39. Boston College
40. Kansas
41. Oklahoma
42. Georgetown
43. Michigan
Teams that will want to stay out of all aviaries until mid-March, but should be in when all is said and done (aka: Bubble teams that get lucky because everyone else stinks)
44. Seton Hall
45. Xavier (I predict that they get hot down the stretch)
46. Iowa State
47. Missouri State
48. Marquette
49. Wisconsin
50. George Mason (should win CAA tournament)
51. Creighton
52. Arkansas
53. Wichita State
54. Air Force (winner of Mountain West)
55. Washington
56. Arizona
57. California
58. Nevada (WCC winner)
The bottom of the barrel:
59. A team from the ACC...Miami (Fla), Maryland, Miami (Fla), Maryland, Miami (Fla), Maryland...they play on March 1...the game is in College Park...everyone knows how I feel about teams playing at home and the refs...Maryland it is
60. Syracuse (ugh...)
Oh boy, I am down to five spots for 11 teams. Time to start picking out of a hat...
61. Alabama
62. Kentucky (hey, its a pro-SEC hat!)
63. UAB
64. Southern Illinois (although, they will NOT deserve it!)
And that leaves us with one spot left....
65. The Indiana University Hoosiers. Why not?
By the way, the disappointed teams will include: Colorado, Jailbird University, Miami (Fla), San Diego State (who may actually win the Mountain West relegating Air Force to the NIT), Stanford, and Utah State (see San Diego State, fill WAC and Nevada in the blanks).
In putting together this list, it is quite clear that anything can happen during the last four weeks of the season. The conference tournaments are going to have a huge impact on the selections (they always do). Quite frankly, I'll be suprised if I get more than 35 correct.
Am I nuts? Let me know...
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Great...Now They Are Pissed!
First of all, let me assure you that this post will NOT be exclusively about the embarrassment that currently is the Indiana University men's basketball team (so feel free to keep reading even if your name is not Tiffany, Liz or Lori). It just so happens that the circumstances faced by IU this season help me make a point. Second, this post is not solely about college basketball -- i've thrown in a nugget about football, as well as a few comments about the current scandal that will likely plague hockey for years to come (it's a pretty neat sport that is played on ice by a bunch of men who either grew up in a farm town in Western Canada with a population of 41 who now show their "independence" by sporting unkempt, long hair, men who spent their formative years in Boston or Minnesota and failed in their attempts to play baseball, football and basketball, or men who became legends in an eastern European/ Russian industrial nightmare because they could skate really, really fast. Oh yeah, it is also played with a puck and curved sticks). Anyway, on we go...
No, Wisconsin still does not belong on my "teams that I am impressed with" list even after drubbing IU last night. Indiana is simply a miserable basketball team right now that can't shoot and doesn't play defense. They now face an absolute must-win against Iowa on Saturday, unless they want a return appearance in the "not quite good enough" tournament (aka NIT). Of course, at this point it really does not matter what happens during the rest of the season as Hoosier fans are encouraged to prepare for a hard fall into the Big Ten basement in the next couple of years after the assured departure of Mike Davis (I'll explain next week why Davis will not be back to coach IU next year regardless of whether he loses every game the rest of the way or whether he pulls off a March stunner and wins the title).
While the Hoosiers have played like garbage recently, they have certainly been victim of, what in my mind, is terrible scheduling luck. The basic question that must be answered is as follows: would you rather play a team that is coming off a win or a loss? Sounds simple, right? Most experts argue that you would rather play a team that is coming off a loss (or two, or three) because such a team is "struggling." The team that has won its last game, on the other hand, is presumably "hot" and not a team that you want to face. I completely disagree.
In most cases, the team that is coming off of a loss is usually (a) supremely motivated; (b) angry; and (c) out to prove something. Now, of course, it really does not matter if your opponent is simply not very good, but talented teams present a different scenario. What's the old saying about a wounded animal? No, Todd, it has nothing to do with your neighbor's dog.
Thus far this year, IU has had to play at Michigan State when the Spartans were 0-2 in the Big Ten and "desparate" for a conference win; at Iowa when the Hawkeyes were coming off of a 30-point loss to MSU; and at Wisconsin following the Badgers' suprising loss to Purdue. Next up? The Iowa Hawkeyes, who naturally suffered a disappointing 51-48 setback in Evanston last night. Sigh...
So who would you rather see your favorite team play? Please feel free to comment below.
With Indiana playing like crud and the possibility arising that they may face a third-straight season of failing to see their name read on Selection Sunday, it may be time for me to adopt a new team. Yesterday, I wrote about the West Virginia Mountaineers and how, in my opinion, they are an example of how good college basketball can be. Well, the more I read about West Virginia, the more I like them. A couple of interesting tidbits...
- Guard Mike Gansey wears numerous baggy shirts under his jersey at the same time, shaves his legs and sleeps with a stuffed Scooby Doo
- Coach John Beilein spent 24 years coaching at basketball hotspots Erie Community College, LeMoyne and Nazareth before catching his big break with W.Va
- Center Kevin Pittsnogle rivals Dennis Rodman in number of tatoos, grew up in a trailer park, got married at the high school auditorium (the menu consisted of corn dogs, macaroni and Domino's pizza) and named his first-born son Kwynsie...Kwynsie?)
IU is certainly still number one in my heart, but I'd officially like to claim West Virginia as my second choice. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Mountaineers are 16-4 and undefeated in the Big East.
(By the way, is someone forwarding this blog to the West Virginia AD? It was no more than 2 hours after I posted my coaching carousel scenario that the AD announced that Coach Beilein was not going anywhere. I recognize and admitted in my post that this is a commonly reported scenario, but the timing...oh, the timing!)
Moving on, I would like to thank commenter Jeff for graciously reminding me that the Football season is NOT officially over despite my statement on Monday. This weekend is the annual "Who Gives a Crap" game, officially marketed by ESPN as the Pro Bowl. Word is that Steve McNair has been selected to replace Jake Plummer as an AFC reserve at QB. Excuse me. Steve McNair is in the Pro Bowl? What, did David Carr and Jay Fielder turn it down?
Sure, I'll be watching the Pro Bowl, if the 42,386 other things that I would rather be doing don't wind up as options. Let's see..I've trimmed the cat's nails, read Moby Dick cover-to-cover, watched the DVD extra features for Revenge of the Nerds 8, and bought all my holiday presents for 2006 through 2011...guess I'll watch the Pro Bowl!
Not included in the 42,386 options is helping Bonnie Bernstein set up her new company -- Velvet Hammer Media. It turns out that Ms. Bernstein has left CBS Sports to start her own media consulting firm. Is she sick of the travel? Is there someone who is pressuring her to settle down? Does Joe Chervin know something we don't know? Will I be able to get a babysitter on the day of the wedding?
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, I encourage you to review the comments that were posted in response to my blog last Friday. Talk about perfect timing for this announcement!
Finally, as a sports fan who enjoys all sports, I feel compelled to comment on the Rick Tocchet- Wayne Gretzky- Janet Jones gambling scandal. I understand the arguments both ways -- those who claim that wagering on other sports is not a big deal versus those who argue that allowing intrasports wagering can lead to all kinds of nasty problems -- and am struggling with my own feelings on the matter. I suppose the more interesting part of the story deals with whether Gretzky knew that his wife was gambling so much money. First of all, can you imagine having do much money that you wouldn't realize that your spouse won or lost $75,000? My gut tells me that Wayne knew and likely supported Tocchet's ring. Whether he actually made any wagers...now, that's another story.
I know that is a pretty pathetic "anaylsis" of the scandal, but, for some reason, I just don't care (and I cannot seem to pinpoint precisely why).
Fins up all!!!
No, Wisconsin still does not belong on my "teams that I am impressed with" list even after drubbing IU last night. Indiana is simply a miserable basketball team right now that can't shoot and doesn't play defense. They now face an absolute must-win against Iowa on Saturday, unless they want a return appearance in the "not quite good enough" tournament (aka NIT). Of course, at this point it really does not matter what happens during the rest of the season as Hoosier fans are encouraged to prepare for a hard fall into the Big Ten basement in the next couple of years after the assured departure of Mike Davis (I'll explain next week why Davis will not be back to coach IU next year regardless of whether he loses every game the rest of the way or whether he pulls off a March stunner and wins the title).
While the Hoosiers have played like garbage recently, they have certainly been victim of, what in my mind, is terrible scheduling luck. The basic question that must be answered is as follows: would you rather play a team that is coming off a win or a loss? Sounds simple, right? Most experts argue that you would rather play a team that is coming off a loss (or two, or three) because such a team is "struggling." The team that has won its last game, on the other hand, is presumably "hot" and not a team that you want to face. I completely disagree.
In most cases, the team that is coming off of a loss is usually (a) supremely motivated; (b) angry; and (c) out to prove something. Now, of course, it really does not matter if your opponent is simply not very good, but talented teams present a different scenario. What's the old saying about a wounded animal? No, Todd, it has nothing to do with your neighbor's dog.
Thus far this year, IU has had to play at Michigan State when the Spartans were 0-2 in the Big Ten and "desparate" for a conference win; at Iowa when the Hawkeyes were coming off of a 30-point loss to MSU; and at Wisconsin following the Badgers' suprising loss to Purdue. Next up? The Iowa Hawkeyes, who naturally suffered a disappointing 51-48 setback in Evanston last night. Sigh...
So who would you rather see your favorite team play? Please feel free to comment below.
With Indiana playing like crud and the possibility arising that they may face a third-straight season of failing to see their name read on Selection Sunday, it may be time for me to adopt a new team. Yesterday, I wrote about the West Virginia Mountaineers and how, in my opinion, they are an example of how good college basketball can be. Well, the more I read about West Virginia, the more I like them. A couple of interesting tidbits...
- Guard Mike Gansey wears numerous baggy shirts under his jersey at the same time, shaves his legs and sleeps with a stuffed Scooby Doo
- Coach John Beilein spent 24 years coaching at basketball hotspots Erie Community College, LeMoyne and Nazareth before catching his big break with W.Va
- Center Kevin Pittsnogle rivals Dennis Rodman in number of tatoos, grew up in a trailer park, got married at the high school auditorium (the menu consisted of corn dogs, macaroni and Domino's pizza) and named his first-born son Kwynsie...Kwynsie?)
IU is certainly still number one in my heart, but I'd officially like to claim West Virginia as my second choice. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Mountaineers are 16-4 and undefeated in the Big East.
(By the way, is someone forwarding this blog to the West Virginia AD? It was no more than 2 hours after I posted my coaching carousel scenario that the AD announced that Coach Beilein was not going anywhere. I recognize and admitted in my post that this is a commonly reported scenario, but the timing...oh, the timing!)
Moving on, I would like to thank commenter Jeff for graciously reminding me that the Football season is NOT officially over despite my statement on Monday. This weekend is the annual "Who Gives a Crap" game, officially marketed by ESPN as the Pro Bowl. Word is that Steve McNair has been selected to replace Jake Plummer as an AFC reserve at QB. Excuse me. Steve McNair is in the Pro Bowl? What, did David Carr and Jay Fielder turn it down?
Sure, I'll be watching the Pro Bowl, if the 42,386 other things that I would rather be doing don't wind up as options. Let's see..I've trimmed the cat's nails, read Moby Dick cover-to-cover, watched the DVD extra features for Revenge of the Nerds 8, and bought all my holiday presents for 2006 through 2011...guess I'll watch the Pro Bowl!
Not included in the 42,386 options is helping Bonnie Bernstein set up her new company -- Velvet Hammer Media. It turns out that Ms. Bernstein has left CBS Sports to start her own media consulting firm. Is she sick of the travel? Is there someone who is pressuring her to settle down? Does Joe Chervin know something we don't know? Will I be able to get a babysitter on the day of the wedding?
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, I encourage you to review the comments that were posted in response to my blog last Friday. Talk about perfect timing for this announcement!
Finally, as a sports fan who enjoys all sports, I feel compelled to comment on the Rick Tocchet- Wayne Gretzky- Janet Jones gambling scandal. I understand the arguments both ways -- those who claim that wagering on other sports is not a big deal versus those who argue that allowing intrasports wagering can lead to all kinds of nasty problems -- and am struggling with my own feelings on the matter. I suppose the more interesting part of the story deals with whether Gretzky knew that his wife was gambling so much money. First of all, can you imagine having do much money that you wouldn't realize that your spouse won or lost $75,000? My gut tells me that Wayne knew and likely supported Tocchet's ring. Whether he actually made any wagers...now, that's another story.
I know that is a pretty pathetic "anaylsis" of the scandal, but, for some reason, I just don't care (and I cannot seem to pinpoint precisely why).
Fins up all!!!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Duke,Carolina,Duke,Carolina,Duke,Carolina.Duke...
It's College Basketball Wednesday!!!
First of all, I would like to introduce the official "Random Thoughts Rankings." Never mind...
I fully understand that Dick Vitale University and the University of Michael Jordan are two of the most-storied programs in the history of college basketball and fully deserve their place in the spotlight, but ESPN's obsession with the two schools is really getting a little scary. First, the network builds an entire "week" around yesterday's game, artificially deciding that this week shall be henceforth known as "Rivalry Week." Rivalry Week, eh? Preach the truth, my network friends! I, for one, could not be more pumped up. I mean, tonight we have an opportunity to watch the renewal of the famous Boston College- Wake Forest rivalry. Boy, you sure have to throw out the records when those to meet and prepare for raw intensity. After all, the two teams have met a grand total of three times in their history and have not squared off since 1985. Boy, I had better sit down. All this excitement making me lightheaded.
As if the creation of a novelty week is not enough, word is now leaking that the March 4 Duke-Carolina game will be shown on ESPN (duh!), ESPN 2 (huh?) and ESPN U (double huh?). You read that correctly...the game will be shown on all three channels, with the deuce providing up-to-the-second stats and the U focusing exclusively on the Cameron Crazies. That's right, some of the nation's finest minds are going to have the cameras focused on them for an entire two-plus hours. I suppose it is not all bad though. At least they will have something pleasant to look back on during those long, lonely years spent hunkered over a microscope in a lab somewhere or huddled in a solitary cabin somewhere in Big Sky country.
Is it just me or is this a clear indication that ESPN is taking this Vitale-Jordan rivalry just a bit too far? After all, it will never compare with the always bloody Indiana - Wisconsin rivalry. What do you mean IU and Wisconsin are not really rivals? I checked and double-checked my ESPN schedule and it turn out that they are playing each other tonight during rivalry week. I suppose I will have to let so of all my distaste of Purdue, Illinois and Kentucky and focus on my new-found hatred of the Badgers. Thanks ESPN for setting me straight!
The game last night actually was pretty good. Duke sprinted out to a 17-point lead before Carolina fought back and took the lead. Ultimately, J.J. Redick saved the Blue Devils with two late three-pointers and 35 points overall. Speaking of Redick. I know that Adam Morrison is a terrific player, has the funky hair and sports a mustache that is reminiscent of the fake 'stache worn by "Phil" on his double date with Greg, but if Redick does not win the player-of-the-year award, then there is something seriously wrong with the voters. Redick is a fantastic college player and saves his best for those spots in the game when Duke needs points the most. (And if you even mention Dee Brown in the POY conversation, I invite you to stop drinking the orange and blue kool-aid and get a clue).
There is no doubt that Duke is a favorite to in the title, but one team to really watch out for is West Virginia (see how good I am getting at including transitions?). It is going to be really interesting to see how they fare in the Madness. On one hand, they have one of the toughest offensive systems to prepare for, which makes them almost impossible to beat on the weekend when a team has less than 48 hours to prepare. On the other hand, they lack a true post presence and rely heavily on the three-point shot. My guess is that they go quite far, perhaps all the way to the Final Four.
West Virginia is also a team that seems to like to have a lot of fun while on the court. It turns out that they name their plays. "Boiled sweet potato" is a favorite, but the best has got to be "Best Play in the World." Imagine sitting back on defense and hearing Mountaineer point guard J.D. Collins (who has got to be Jameer Nelson's long lost twin) call out "best play in the world." In my opinion, West Virginia is an example of what is right about college basketball.
By the way, West Virginia looks to be a strong program in years to come. An often reported coaching carousel scenario features Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser moving on to coach Jailbird University (aka Cincinnati) (Prosser must be emotionally spent from all the ultra-intense rivalry games with Boston College), current West Virginia coach John Beilein taking over at Wake (and replacing Johnny Damon as the most hated man in Beantown) and former Jailbird University coach Bob Huggins assuming the coaching duties at W Va. The key...wherever Huggy-bear goes, he is expected to bring along #1 ranked HS player O.J. Mayo, who will bring along top-10 recruit Bill Walker, who will be accompanied by top-15 recruit Keenan Ellis. Viva West Virginia!!
Is anyone else absolutely delighted with the struggles of Bob Knight and the Texas Tech Red Raiders this season? At 12-11, Texas Tech is NIT-caliber at best and things may be about to get even more interesting in Lubbock. Besides the upcoming premiere of "Knight School," an unauthorized biography of Knight is about to be released by Simon & Schuster. Apparently, the book paints a not-too-appealing picture of an out-of-touch coach who on occasion has toted a shutgun to practice. All this at a time, when Bob (ahhh...I called him Bob...he's coming to get me!) is apparently losing his luster at Tech. Two years ago, you could not get a ticket to a Red Raider men's game. Now the team is being outdrawn by the women's team by a considerable margin. Looks like the locals have rediscovered the joys of souping up muscle cars and playing chicken on matching tractors. What fun hillbilly Texas must be!
Teams I am currently impressed with: Wisconsin, LSU (still), UConn, Tennessee, Miami (Fla)
Teams who are overrated: Washington, Southern Illinois, Oklahoma, Seton Hall
Okay, so I am not really impressed with Wisconsin, but given the downright pathetic performance of my "impressive" teams last week, I figured that I would throw them in there given that they host the Hoosiers tonight in the can't miss, rivalry game of the week...
Every year at this time, I like to try and predict the 65 teams that will make the tournament. In the next couple of days I will try to post my predictions for everyone's amusement and conversation. Further, I will hopefully post a message with my attempts at breaking down the Big Ten race.
Finally, as you all know I am an Indiana fan and those of you who also reside in Hoosier Nation will agree that the two games that IU will play this week will likely define the rest of their season (at Wisc, Iowa at home). Sweep the two games and IU will be positioned as a favorite to win the conference and get a protected seed in the Madness. Split and IU will maintain the status quo (as a 5-8 seed in the tournament). Get swept and a matchup with Notre Dame in the NIT is likely. This week is that important.
First of all, I would like to introduce the official "Random Thoughts Rankings." Never mind...
I fully understand that Dick Vitale University and the University of Michael Jordan are two of the most-storied programs in the history of college basketball and fully deserve their place in the spotlight, but ESPN's obsession with the two schools is really getting a little scary. First, the network builds an entire "week" around yesterday's game, artificially deciding that this week shall be henceforth known as "Rivalry Week." Rivalry Week, eh? Preach the truth, my network friends! I, for one, could not be more pumped up. I mean, tonight we have an opportunity to watch the renewal of the famous Boston College- Wake Forest rivalry. Boy, you sure have to throw out the records when those to meet and prepare for raw intensity. After all, the two teams have met a grand total of three times in their history and have not squared off since 1985. Boy, I had better sit down. All this excitement making me lightheaded.
As if the creation of a novelty week is not enough, word is now leaking that the March 4 Duke-Carolina game will be shown on ESPN (duh!), ESPN 2 (huh?) and ESPN U (double huh?). You read that correctly...the game will be shown on all three channels, with the deuce providing up-to-the-second stats and the U focusing exclusively on the Cameron Crazies. That's right, some of the nation's finest minds are going to have the cameras focused on them for an entire two-plus hours. I suppose it is not all bad though. At least they will have something pleasant to look back on during those long, lonely years spent hunkered over a microscope in a lab somewhere or huddled in a solitary cabin somewhere in Big Sky country.
Is it just me or is this a clear indication that ESPN is taking this Vitale-Jordan rivalry just a bit too far? After all, it will never compare with the always bloody Indiana - Wisconsin rivalry. What do you mean IU and Wisconsin are not really rivals? I checked and double-checked my ESPN schedule and it turn out that they are playing each other tonight during rivalry week. I suppose I will have to let so of all my distaste of Purdue, Illinois and Kentucky and focus on my new-found hatred of the Badgers. Thanks ESPN for setting me straight!
The game last night actually was pretty good. Duke sprinted out to a 17-point lead before Carolina fought back and took the lead. Ultimately, J.J. Redick saved the Blue Devils with two late three-pointers and 35 points overall. Speaking of Redick. I know that Adam Morrison is a terrific player, has the funky hair and sports a mustache that is reminiscent of the fake 'stache worn by "Phil" on his double date with Greg, but if Redick does not win the player-of-the-year award, then there is something seriously wrong with the voters. Redick is a fantastic college player and saves his best for those spots in the game when Duke needs points the most. (And if you even mention Dee Brown in the POY conversation, I invite you to stop drinking the orange and blue kool-aid and get a clue).
There is no doubt that Duke is a favorite to in the title, but one team to really watch out for is West Virginia (see how good I am getting at including transitions?). It is going to be really interesting to see how they fare in the Madness. On one hand, they have one of the toughest offensive systems to prepare for, which makes them almost impossible to beat on the weekend when a team has less than 48 hours to prepare. On the other hand, they lack a true post presence and rely heavily on the three-point shot. My guess is that they go quite far, perhaps all the way to the Final Four.
West Virginia is also a team that seems to like to have a lot of fun while on the court. It turns out that they name their plays. "Boiled sweet potato" is a favorite, but the best has got to be "Best Play in the World." Imagine sitting back on defense and hearing Mountaineer point guard J.D. Collins (who has got to be Jameer Nelson's long lost twin) call out "best play in the world." In my opinion, West Virginia is an example of what is right about college basketball.
By the way, West Virginia looks to be a strong program in years to come. An often reported coaching carousel scenario features Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser moving on to coach Jailbird University (aka Cincinnati) (Prosser must be emotionally spent from all the ultra-intense rivalry games with Boston College), current West Virginia coach John Beilein taking over at Wake (and replacing Johnny Damon as the most hated man in Beantown) and former Jailbird University coach Bob Huggins assuming the coaching duties at W Va. The key...wherever Huggy-bear goes, he is expected to bring along #1 ranked HS player O.J. Mayo, who will bring along top-10 recruit Bill Walker, who will be accompanied by top-15 recruit Keenan Ellis. Viva West Virginia!!
Is anyone else absolutely delighted with the struggles of Bob Knight and the Texas Tech Red Raiders this season? At 12-11, Texas Tech is NIT-caliber at best and things may be about to get even more interesting in Lubbock. Besides the upcoming premiere of "Knight School," an unauthorized biography of Knight is about to be released by Simon & Schuster. Apparently, the book paints a not-too-appealing picture of an out-of-touch coach who on occasion has toted a shutgun to practice. All this at a time, when Bob (ahhh...I called him Bob...he's coming to get me!) is apparently losing his luster at Tech. Two years ago, you could not get a ticket to a Red Raider men's game. Now the team is being outdrawn by the women's team by a considerable margin. Looks like the locals have rediscovered the joys of souping up muscle cars and playing chicken on matching tractors. What fun hillbilly Texas must be!
Teams I am currently impressed with: Wisconsin, LSU (still), UConn, Tennessee, Miami (Fla)
Teams who are overrated: Washington, Southern Illinois, Oklahoma, Seton Hall
Okay, so I am not really impressed with Wisconsin, but given the downright pathetic performance of my "impressive" teams last week, I figured that I would throw them in there given that they host the Hoosiers tonight in the can't miss, rivalry game of the week...
Every year at this time, I like to try and predict the 65 teams that will make the tournament. In the next couple of days I will try to post my predictions for everyone's amusement and conversation. Further, I will hopefully post a message with my attempts at breaking down the Big Ten race.
Finally, as you all know I am an Indiana fan and those of you who also reside in Hoosier Nation will agree that the two games that IU will play this week will likely define the rest of their season (at Wisc, Iowa at home). Sweep the two games and IU will be positioned as a favorite to win the conference and get a protected seed in the Madness. Split and IU will maintain the status quo (as a 5-8 seed in the tournament). Get swept and a matchup with Notre Dame in the NIT is likely. This week is that important.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
A Lot of Bull Sh*t
Illinois fell in the polls after their loss to lowly Penn State (oh boy, let's not go down that road again) and Illini fans expressed dismay. Michigan tumbled after getting mauled at Iowa and the Maize Rage expressed concern. Washington slid from the mid-teens into the twenties and Huskies fans expressed anger over their slide -- strike that --Washington slid in the polls and Huskies fans continued complaining about the refs in the Superbowl. All three teams had poor weeks and all three teams paid for their performances in the national rankings. And you know what? Who cares?
Do you know what the AP and ESPN/US Today polls really mean? Absolutely nothing. Over the next five weeks, I am going to spend a lot of time writing about the upcoming Madness and the tournament selection process. One of the first truisms that one has to understand to annoint oneself an ameteur bracketologist is that the polls are irrelevant. I encourage all of you to treat them as you would treat American Idol or post-Wedding Singer Adam Sandler movies...pay them absolutely no attention. Given our upcoming bracketology discussions, I just figured that I would get that out of the way so we can move forward. Okay?
By the way, anyone interested in seconding my nomination of "Maize Rage" as the single dumbest student section moniker in the nation?
Simply stated, the polls are bull sh*t (hey Journalism School taught me the power of a good transition!).
Speaking of bull sh*t (see how nicely that works?), I caught the end of the Bulls game last night and have come to the conclusion that the Bulls are not going to the playoffs this year. I know, I know...there is nothing like stating the obvious. The reasons that the Bulls have taken a step back are pretty clear...lack of post presence, no commitment to defense, inability to get runners home from third with under two outs (hey, pitchers and catchers report in a little over a week...I'm engaging in my own spring training in preparation for a summer's worth of writing that). Unfortunately, last night, pure stupidity entered the equation.
Let's see. Bulls down two with 0.7 seconds remaining. What are our options? Michael Sweetney? Nah. James Thomas. Uh-uh. Ben Gordon? Now why in the heck would we want a guy who has 35 points and is the best shooter on the team taking the shot? I know let's have Gordon in-bound the ball. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
Further, someone please ask Andres Nocioni if time works differently in Argentina. Hey Andres, welcome to the U.S.. I don't know how things work in South America, but here in the States, one cannot catch the ball, pump fake, and shoot in 0.7 seconds. Ask Rich McBride. Unless of course he plays for Charlotte and the timekeeper is a southern Indiana schmoke. In that case, he can even throw in a dribble.
What can I say? Some things just stick with you.
Finally, good for the ACC! I applaud their decision to suspend the three officials that made a bogus technical foul call on Florida State center Alexander Johnson when Johnson was backing away from an angry Shelden Williams. Johnson a key cog in the post for the 'Noles fouled out of the game as a result of the call and was relegated to the bench for the final minutes of FSU's one-point overtime loss to Dick Vitale University (aka Duke). I usually don't like to steal other's material, but Tom's line was too perfect to go without a mention. The Johnson technical foul call is now featured, along with the pathetic no-call on Williams at the end of the Dick Vitale University-Boston College nail-biter earlier last week, on www.dukereplaysofbeneficialcalls.com. Actually, I recently heard that they had to move to a bigger server...too much content.
Illinois. Check. Duke. Check. Purdue. Always. Who will be next?
Do you know what the AP and ESPN/US Today polls really mean? Absolutely nothing. Over the next five weeks, I am going to spend a lot of time writing about the upcoming Madness and the tournament selection process. One of the first truisms that one has to understand to annoint oneself an ameteur bracketologist is that the polls are irrelevant. I encourage all of you to treat them as you would treat American Idol or post-Wedding Singer Adam Sandler movies...pay them absolutely no attention. Given our upcoming bracketology discussions, I just figured that I would get that out of the way so we can move forward. Okay?
By the way, anyone interested in seconding my nomination of "Maize Rage" as the single dumbest student section moniker in the nation?
Simply stated, the polls are bull sh*t (hey Journalism School taught me the power of a good transition!).
Speaking of bull sh*t (see how nicely that works?), I caught the end of the Bulls game last night and have come to the conclusion that the Bulls are not going to the playoffs this year. I know, I know...there is nothing like stating the obvious. The reasons that the Bulls have taken a step back are pretty clear...lack of post presence, no commitment to defense, inability to get runners home from third with under two outs (hey, pitchers and catchers report in a little over a week...I'm engaging in my own spring training in preparation for a summer's worth of writing that). Unfortunately, last night, pure stupidity entered the equation.
Let's see. Bulls down two with 0.7 seconds remaining. What are our options? Michael Sweetney? Nah. James Thomas. Uh-uh. Ben Gordon? Now why in the heck would we want a guy who has 35 points and is the best shooter on the team taking the shot? I know let's have Gordon in-bound the ball. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
Further, someone please ask Andres Nocioni if time works differently in Argentina. Hey Andres, welcome to the U.S.. I don't know how things work in South America, but here in the States, one cannot catch the ball, pump fake, and shoot in 0.7 seconds. Ask Rich McBride. Unless of course he plays for Charlotte and the timekeeper is a southern Indiana schmoke. In that case, he can even throw in a dribble.
What can I say? Some things just stick with you.
Finally, good for the ACC! I applaud their decision to suspend the three officials that made a bogus technical foul call on Florida State center Alexander Johnson when Johnson was backing away from an angry Shelden Williams. Johnson a key cog in the post for the 'Noles fouled out of the game as a result of the call and was relegated to the bench for the final minutes of FSU's one-point overtime loss to Dick Vitale University (aka Duke). I usually don't like to steal other's material, but Tom's line was too perfect to go without a mention. The Johnson technical foul call is now featured, along with the pathetic no-call on Williams at the end of the Dick Vitale University-Boston College nail-biter earlier last week, on www.dukereplaysofbeneficialcalls.com. Actually, I recently heard that they had to move to a bigger server...too much content.
Illinois. Check. Duke. Check. Purdue. Always. Who will be next?
Monday, February 06, 2006
"Steeling" the Big One
I suppose it makes the most sense to just jump right in and begin discussing the event that every sports fan is no doubt talking about today. No, not the Superbowl...the Chicago Cubs momentous signing of pitcher Jason Simontacchi. Whoo-frickin'-hoo.
At least now I finally have an understanding of the Cubs offseason goal. While other teams (read: White Sox) are actually signing baseball players who are physically able to, you know, play baseball, the Cubs are content with trying to stockpile as many pitchers who are coming off of major arm surgery as possible. Perhaps Wade Miller and Simontacchi can share rehab tips with the perpertually injured Kerry Wood...
Hey, I think I read somewhere that Paul Kilgus just had an elbow ligament replaced and that Mike Morgan had his shoulder operated on. Quick, somebody tell Jim Hendry to have some contracts drafted! Stat!!
Anyway, in case you didn't know, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 to win the Superbowl and, yes, it was I who predicted that the Seahawks would win the game. Well, I was wrong. You see, it seems as though I forgot to read my own past "Random Thoughts" posts about the Big Ten. The formula is really quite simple: Pittsburgh + "homegame" + pathetic "feel good" story about Jerome Bettis playing in his hometown that is supposed to make me feel like all my dreams can come true = Seattle loss.
Now, I am not crying foul as many Seahawks fans are. Do I honestly believe that the Seahawks lost the game as a result of poor, one-sided officiating? No. But, hey, let's call a zebra a zebra. The officiating in that game was terrible.
Should DJax have been called for pass interference for his push-off? Hard to say, but it is notable that the call went to the Steelers. Did Big Ben truly get in the end-zone on his scramble? Once again, tough call that went in favor of the Steelers. What angered me most about that play was the fact that replays show that the Line Judge originally called it no-TD (check the replay for his arm going into the air). I agree that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the call made on the field, which made the official's change of heart that much more agonizing for Seattle's 12th man (whoops, I better not say that lest be sued by Texas A & M).
What about the phantom holding call on Seattle that erased a play that would have given Seattle first-and-goal from the 2-yard line? At least, after watching that play and call, I now know where Stevie Wonder went after he finished signing during the pre-game show.
There are many other poor calls that I could mention (i.e.: the Steelers got away with blatant holds on two third down conversions), but a special mention must go to the officials' personal foul call on Bald Matt for "blocking below the waist." What in the heck was that? The guy was making a tackle!
You know, TiVo is going to end up costing a lot of referees, umpires and curling officials their jobs (wait, has TiVo hit Canada yet?). Suddenly Questec doesn't seem like such a big deal...
So, ultimately, did the officiating cost Seattle? Well, I picked them, so, sure, i'll grasp the easy excuse.
Anyway, thank goodness that Jerramy Stevens made his infamous comments and "motivated" Joey Porter. Three tackles, zero sacks, zero meaningful plays. I'd hate to see what Porter would have done if Stevens had not rattled his cage. He may have turned into Todd Johnson.
Unanswered question...what is more suprising, that so many NFL coaches are clueless when it comes to strategy when down by two scores with under two minutes to play or that Al Michaels and John Madden made an insighful comment about the cluelessness. Look, it is real simple. Don't waste valuable time in a (most often) fruitless attempt to get the TD first. Kick the dang field goal!!! Mike Holmgren's idiocy will forever me immortalized since it occured during the big game that is played in between series of increasingly-unmemorable commercials (although I loved the one where the hot chick gets creamed...ooh, probably a bad choice of words there), but such stupidity has run roughshod over the NFL.
Okay, the truly most suprising part of the whole thing was the fact that Madden was able to get through a full two-minutes of game time without mentioning Brett Favre or tough-acting Tinactin.
Did I mention that I had Pittsburgh 1, Seattle 3 in my office Superbowl Squares pool? KICK THE DANG FIELD GOAL!!!
So, let's sum up the whole game as succiently as we possibly can...Jerome Bettis is from Detroit. The end.
With the football season officially over, I suppose that it is time to focus the majority of our energy on the upcoming Madness. If you do not like college basketball, (a) what in the heck is wrong with you...I mean, at least watch the Big Ten games for the all-too-infrequent Erin Andrews sightings; and (b) you are in the wrong place (but continue to read, of course...you never know when a witty Jody Davis reference will be made and you certainly do not want to miss that).
Rushing the court has become a hot button issue in college basketball with the students' seeming need to storm the court after every game. I know that many have a problem with it, but I really do not. The students are just having fun and, as long, as they do not pose a threat to the players or officials (who, given that it is a home game, they would be more likely to lavish with gifts), I say let em' rush. Look, just give the officials time to grab their canes, or seeing eye dogs or whatever and then challenge your friends to a little game of who can look like a bigger idiot.
With all the talk of rushing the court, however, an important question has arisen. What is the proper protocol for de-rushing the court? Anyone see the Illinois loss to lowly Penn State on Saturday night? The aftermath of Illinois' loss to lowly Penn State had to be one of the funniest things that I have seen in a while. After the Illinois loss to lowly Penn State, the fans, thinking that Rich McBride had sunk a game-winning three-pointer, rushed the court. Well, it turns out that Illinois did lose to lowly Penn State and the fans were forced to de-rush the court. Rule of thumb: you should never rush the court if you are an Illini fan and your team lost to lowly Penn State. Especially when the loss to lowly Penn State occured at home. I mean, why would you rush the court after losing to lowly Penn State.? I think you will agree that rushing the court after losing to lowly Penn State makes no sense. Illinois students: you just lost (to lowly Penn State), get back in your seats, or go study, or go count your NCAA Championships, or something. On second thought, strike that last option...
Have a great day.
At least now I finally have an understanding of the Cubs offseason goal. While other teams (read: White Sox) are actually signing baseball players who are physically able to, you know, play baseball, the Cubs are content with trying to stockpile as many pitchers who are coming off of major arm surgery as possible. Perhaps Wade Miller and Simontacchi can share rehab tips with the perpertually injured Kerry Wood...
Hey, I think I read somewhere that Paul Kilgus just had an elbow ligament replaced and that Mike Morgan had his shoulder operated on. Quick, somebody tell Jim Hendry to have some contracts drafted! Stat!!
Anyway, in case you didn't know, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 to win the Superbowl and, yes, it was I who predicted that the Seahawks would win the game. Well, I was wrong. You see, it seems as though I forgot to read my own past "Random Thoughts" posts about the Big Ten. The formula is really quite simple: Pittsburgh + "homegame" + pathetic "feel good" story about Jerome Bettis playing in his hometown that is supposed to make me feel like all my dreams can come true = Seattle loss.
Now, I am not crying foul as many Seahawks fans are. Do I honestly believe that the Seahawks lost the game as a result of poor, one-sided officiating? No. But, hey, let's call a zebra a zebra. The officiating in that game was terrible.
Should DJax have been called for pass interference for his push-off? Hard to say, but it is notable that the call went to the Steelers. Did Big Ben truly get in the end-zone on his scramble? Once again, tough call that went in favor of the Steelers. What angered me most about that play was the fact that replays show that the Line Judge originally called it no-TD (check the replay for his arm going into the air). I agree that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the call made on the field, which made the official's change of heart that much more agonizing for Seattle's 12th man (whoops, I better not say that lest be sued by Texas A & M).
What about the phantom holding call on Seattle that erased a play that would have given Seattle first-and-goal from the 2-yard line? At least, after watching that play and call, I now know where Stevie Wonder went after he finished signing during the pre-game show.
There are many other poor calls that I could mention (i.e.: the Steelers got away with blatant holds on two third down conversions), but a special mention must go to the officials' personal foul call on Bald Matt for "blocking below the waist." What in the heck was that? The guy was making a tackle!
You know, TiVo is going to end up costing a lot of referees, umpires and curling officials their jobs (wait, has TiVo hit Canada yet?). Suddenly Questec doesn't seem like such a big deal...
So, ultimately, did the officiating cost Seattle? Well, I picked them, so, sure, i'll grasp the easy excuse.
Anyway, thank goodness that Jerramy Stevens made his infamous comments and "motivated" Joey Porter. Three tackles, zero sacks, zero meaningful plays. I'd hate to see what Porter would have done if Stevens had not rattled his cage. He may have turned into Todd Johnson.
Unanswered question...what is more suprising, that so many NFL coaches are clueless when it comes to strategy when down by two scores with under two minutes to play or that Al Michaels and John Madden made an insighful comment about the cluelessness. Look, it is real simple. Don't waste valuable time in a (most often) fruitless attempt to get the TD first. Kick the dang field goal!!! Mike Holmgren's idiocy will forever me immortalized since it occured during the big game that is played in between series of increasingly-unmemorable commercials (although I loved the one where the hot chick gets creamed...ooh, probably a bad choice of words there), but such stupidity has run roughshod over the NFL.
Okay, the truly most suprising part of the whole thing was the fact that Madden was able to get through a full two-minutes of game time without mentioning Brett Favre or tough-acting Tinactin.
Did I mention that I had Pittsburgh 1, Seattle 3 in my office Superbowl Squares pool? KICK THE DANG FIELD GOAL!!!
So, let's sum up the whole game as succiently as we possibly can...Jerome Bettis is from Detroit. The end.
With the football season officially over, I suppose that it is time to focus the majority of our energy on the upcoming Madness. If you do not like college basketball, (a) what in the heck is wrong with you...I mean, at least watch the Big Ten games for the all-too-infrequent Erin Andrews sightings; and (b) you are in the wrong place (but continue to read, of course...you never know when a witty Jody Davis reference will be made and you certainly do not want to miss that).
Rushing the court has become a hot button issue in college basketball with the students' seeming need to storm the court after every game. I know that many have a problem with it, but I really do not. The students are just having fun and, as long, as they do not pose a threat to the players or officials (who, given that it is a home game, they would be more likely to lavish with gifts), I say let em' rush. Look, just give the officials time to grab their canes, or seeing eye dogs or whatever and then challenge your friends to a little game of who can look like a bigger idiot.
With all the talk of rushing the court, however, an important question has arisen. What is the proper protocol for de-rushing the court? Anyone see the Illinois loss to lowly Penn State on Saturday night? The aftermath of Illinois' loss to lowly Penn State had to be one of the funniest things that I have seen in a while. After the Illinois loss to lowly Penn State, the fans, thinking that Rich McBride had sunk a game-winning three-pointer, rushed the court. Well, it turns out that Illinois did lose to lowly Penn State and the fans were forced to de-rush the court. Rule of thumb: you should never rush the court if you are an Illini fan and your team lost to lowly Penn State. Especially when the loss to lowly Penn State occured at home. I mean, why would you rush the court after losing to lowly Penn State.? I think you will agree that rushing the court after losing to lowly Penn State makes no sense. Illinois students: you just lost (to lowly Penn State), get back in your seats, or go study, or go count your NCAA Championships, or something. On second thought, strike that last option...
Have a great day.
Friday, February 03, 2006
And the Winner Is...
Well, I'm back from our nation's capital and getting ready for Sunday's big game! After an eternity of waiting, there are now only two more days to go. So, who is going to win, you ask? Well, I suppose I have got to go with the major upset and pick the Jacksonville Dolphins. I know that they have struggled this year and currently sit at 1-19, but they will be at home against a struggling Kennesaw St team that seems to have lost its way the past couple of weeks and has lost three straight since opening the Atlantic Sun slate with a 9-1 record. Call me crazy, but I just have a feeling that 6'4 Antonio Cool (who is actually from Bloom Township and Chicago Heights) is going to light up the scoreboard and big-man...what do you mean "what in the heck am I talking about?" Oh yeah...there is a little football game to be played on Sunday as well, isn't there?
Anyway, before I jump into a discussion of the Superbowl, I want to make sure that everybody knows that Chicago is likely to lose one of its true sports icons in the very near future. As many of you likely know, former DePaul coach Ray Meyer is currently in Northwest Community Hospital with what appears to be a life-ending illness. Through my family's support of Blue Demon basketball and my own attendance at Coach Meyer's basketball camp, I have personally known Ray since I was 8 or 9 years old and, although I have not spoken to him in probably 15 years, I can guarantee you that Ray remains one of the nicest and most genuine men that I have ever met. Whether Ray passes on in one day, one month or ten years (he is currently 92 years old), on the day that he passes, the world will have one-less gentleman.
Okay, back to the Superbowl... I have given this a fair amount of thought and, ultimately, I have got to go with the Steelers to win in an absolute rout. After all, the ill-advised comments of Seahawk tight end Jerramy Stevens have provided Pittsburgh with the necessary motivation and as a result of Jeramey's stupidity, I expect that the Steelers are going to come out and play absolutely the best game in the history of football. They will be intent on shutting Jerameqy's big mouth and will be focused on making sure that Jearamxqhzy never "guarantees" a victory again for as long as he plays in the NFL. Boy, good old Jerrrrrrammmmmy sure screwed Seattle this time...
C'mon people, this is the freakin' Superbowl. If the Steelers needed Stevens' comments to get fired up, then there is something seriously wrong with sports today. Do you really think that Seattle Head Coach Mike Holmgren told his players "now guys, please make sure to keep your mouths shut so we can ensure that the Steelers don't care about the game?" ESPN's Mark Schlereth noted that you can be sure that the Steelers will put this on the bulletin board and that Stevens had made a huge mistake. Please... Thank goodness for Michael Irvin and Steve Young who both provided the voice of reason (what a minute did I just put the words "Michael Irvin" and "reason" in the same sentence?) and noted that the comments will not make any difference. They won't..
That said, would somebody please tell Joey Porter to shut up! This guy is beginning to make Freddie Mitchell sound like a deaf-mute.
So who do I really think will come out victorious? Well, the majority of the media and the majority of the people that I have spoken to seem to think that Pittsburgh will win (even without the added Stevens motivation). In fact, the Steelers are still favored by Vegas. Why, I ask, are the Seahawks getting little credit for their accomplishments? Seattle has been crying "disrespect" all week and I really do not blame them. Let's look at the matchups...
Quarterback: The Steelers have Big Ben. The Seahawks have bald Matt. The media constantly reminds us of how well Big Ben is playing. Well, what about Elizabeth from Survivor's brother-in-law? In the last six games that Matt has played he has thrown 12 TDs and 1 interception. Big Ben is a future star but I'll take Hasselbeck.
Running Back: Pittsburgh has Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker (anyone checked to see if Duce Staley is still alive?) while Seattle has the league MVP. Jerome Bettis is big. The league MVP is the league MVP. Jerome Bettis is from Detroit (did any of you actually realize this? Did you also know that Brady Quinn's sister is also A.J. Hawk's girlfriend and was at the Fiesta Bowl in person? Or that Kerry Wood's wife was at game 5 of the 202 NLDS? You get the idea...). The league MVP is the league MVP. Willie Parker is fast. The league MVP is the league MVP. Guess where I am going with this. Although it is tough to ignore the fact that Jerome Bettis was born and raised in Detroit.
Wide Receivers: Hines Ward is a stud, Antwaan Randle El is fast and Heath Miller is a nice tight end. On the other side, Darrell Jackson is excellent, Joe please-don't-make-me-spell-his-last-name-I-am-too-lazy-to-look-it-up is a terrific possession receiver and some guy whose name I can't remember because he is quiet and does not make headlines of any sort plays tight end and has four TDs in his last six games. I'll give a slight advantage to Pittsburgh because Hines Ward will be the best WR on the field, although the ex-Bear factor favors Seattle with Bobby Engram.
Offensive Line: Both teams reportedly have an excellent o-line but I must admit that I am ill-equipped to break down a position that I, in truth, no very little about, so I will just call it a draw. I will, however, try and show how smart I am, by doing a little name-dropping. Walter Jones. Steve Hutchinson. Alan Faneca. Aren't you impressed.
Defense: Both teams have been excellent in the postseason. Pittsburgh held down Cincy's high powered attack and for all intents and purposes shut down Peyton Manning and the Colts. Seattle had a great game plan to take away Michael Vick, er Steve Smith. I'll go with Pittsburgh and give the Steelers an advantage because the 'Hawks do not have a lot of experience playing against a base 3-4 alignment and were not particularily effective when they did (13-10 win versus Dallas). See how smart I am?
Special Teams. I've got to go with Seattle. After all, according to Joey Porter, the Seahawks' Special Teams features Jerramy Stevens.
Coaches: For the past two weeks, I have heard people talk about how great a coach Bill Cowher is because he has played in numerous AFC championships and a Superbowl. Yes, Cowher has taken Pittsburgh to the Superbowl. Well, guess what? Mike Holmgren has also taken a team to the Superbowl...and he actually won. Holmgren did it with the Packers, however, and, therefore, got to "get the kinks" out during two wins over the Bears during his Superbowl season. Cowher looks angrier and more threatening and...I'll pick him by the slightest of margins.
Bottom line: I agree with Jerramy. Watching Jerome Bettis win a Superbowl in his home city would be a nice story. Ain't going to happen, though. Seattle 24, Pittsburgh 20.
Finally, Mike and Mike are broadcasting this week from Detroit, a city teeming with hundreds, if not thousands, of current and former NFL players. So who does there production staff elect to put on the radio this morning? Torry Holt, who starts his interview by saying "I'm sorry. I do not have any voice." Excuse me...this is radio people (yes, I know that it is also on ESPN 2, but the prospect of seeing Torry's smiling face on TV is simply not enough...if you have a desperate fix to see Torry on TV, just turn on ESPN News for 10 minutes and you are sure to see a Fathead Commercial -- ooooh, two weeks, two Fathead references). Somebody sure dropped the ball on this one...and, this time, there were not undet two minutes to play and it wasn't Detroit's own Jerome Bettis .
Enjoy the game!!!
BTW, I'll also go with Jacksonville 72, Kennesaw St 69
Anyway, before I jump into a discussion of the Superbowl, I want to make sure that everybody knows that Chicago is likely to lose one of its true sports icons in the very near future. As many of you likely know, former DePaul coach Ray Meyer is currently in Northwest Community Hospital with what appears to be a life-ending illness. Through my family's support of Blue Demon basketball and my own attendance at Coach Meyer's basketball camp, I have personally known Ray since I was 8 or 9 years old and, although I have not spoken to him in probably 15 years, I can guarantee you that Ray remains one of the nicest and most genuine men that I have ever met. Whether Ray passes on in one day, one month or ten years (he is currently 92 years old), on the day that he passes, the world will have one-less gentleman.
Okay, back to the Superbowl... I have given this a fair amount of thought and, ultimately, I have got to go with the Steelers to win in an absolute rout. After all, the ill-advised comments of Seahawk tight end Jerramy Stevens have provided Pittsburgh with the necessary motivation and as a result of Jeramey's stupidity, I expect that the Steelers are going to come out and play absolutely the best game in the history of football. They will be intent on shutting Jerameqy's big mouth and will be focused on making sure that Jearamxqhzy never "guarantees" a victory again for as long as he plays in the NFL. Boy, good old Jerrrrrrammmmmy sure screwed Seattle this time...
C'mon people, this is the freakin' Superbowl. If the Steelers needed Stevens' comments to get fired up, then there is something seriously wrong with sports today. Do you really think that Seattle Head Coach Mike Holmgren told his players "now guys, please make sure to keep your mouths shut so we can ensure that the Steelers don't care about the game?" ESPN's Mark Schlereth noted that you can be sure that the Steelers will put this on the bulletin board and that Stevens had made a huge mistake. Please... Thank goodness for Michael Irvin and Steve Young who both provided the voice of reason (what a minute did I just put the words "Michael Irvin" and "reason" in the same sentence?) and noted that the comments will not make any difference. They won't..
That said, would somebody please tell Joey Porter to shut up! This guy is beginning to make Freddie Mitchell sound like a deaf-mute.
So who do I really think will come out victorious? Well, the majority of the media and the majority of the people that I have spoken to seem to think that Pittsburgh will win (even without the added Stevens motivation). In fact, the Steelers are still favored by Vegas. Why, I ask, are the Seahawks getting little credit for their accomplishments? Seattle has been crying "disrespect" all week and I really do not blame them. Let's look at the matchups...
Quarterback: The Steelers have Big Ben. The Seahawks have bald Matt. The media constantly reminds us of how well Big Ben is playing. Well, what about Elizabeth from Survivor's brother-in-law? In the last six games that Matt has played he has thrown 12 TDs and 1 interception. Big Ben is a future star but I'll take Hasselbeck.
Running Back: Pittsburgh has Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker (anyone checked to see if Duce Staley is still alive?) while Seattle has the league MVP. Jerome Bettis is big. The league MVP is the league MVP. Jerome Bettis is from Detroit (did any of you actually realize this? Did you also know that Brady Quinn's sister is also A.J. Hawk's girlfriend and was at the Fiesta Bowl in person? Or that Kerry Wood's wife was at game 5 of the 202 NLDS? You get the idea...). The league MVP is the league MVP. Willie Parker is fast. The league MVP is the league MVP. Guess where I am going with this. Although it is tough to ignore the fact that Jerome Bettis was born and raised in Detroit.
Wide Receivers: Hines Ward is a stud, Antwaan Randle El is fast and Heath Miller is a nice tight end. On the other side, Darrell Jackson is excellent, Joe please-don't-make-me-spell-his-last-name-I-am-too-lazy-to-look-it-up is a terrific possession receiver and some guy whose name I can't remember because he is quiet and does not make headlines of any sort plays tight end and has four TDs in his last six games. I'll give a slight advantage to Pittsburgh because Hines Ward will be the best WR on the field, although the ex-Bear factor favors Seattle with Bobby Engram.
Offensive Line: Both teams reportedly have an excellent o-line but I must admit that I am ill-equipped to break down a position that I, in truth, no very little about, so I will just call it a draw. I will, however, try and show how smart I am, by doing a little name-dropping. Walter Jones. Steve Hutchinson. Alan Faneca. Aren't you impressed.
Defense: Both teams have been excellent in the postseason. Pittsburgh held down Cincy's high powered attack and for all intents and purposes shut down Peyton Manning and the Colts. Seattle had a great game plan to take away Michael Vick, er Steve Smith. I'll go with Pittsburgh and give the Steelers an advantage because the 'Hawks do not have a lot of experience playing against a base 3-4 alignment and were not particularily effective when they did (13-10 win versus Dallas). See how smart I am?
Special Teams. I've got to go with Seattle. After all, according to Joey Porter, the Seahawks' Special Teams features Jerramy Stevens.
Coaches: For the past two weeks, I have heard people talk about how great a coach Bill Cowher is because he has played in numerous AFC championships and a Superbowl. Yes, Cowher has taken Pittsburgh to the Superbowl. Well, guess what? Mike Holmgren has also taken a team to the Superbowl...and he actually won. Holmgren did it with the Packers, however, and, therefore, got to "get the kinks" out during two wins over the Bears during his Superbowl season. Cowher looks angrier and more threatening and...I'll pick him by the slightest of margins.
Bottom line: I agree with Jerramy. Watching Jerome Bettis win a Superbowl in his home city would be a nice story. Ain't going to happen, though. Seattle 24, Pittsburgh 20.
Finally, Mike and Mike are broadcasting this week from Detroit, a city teeming with hundreds, if not thousands, of current and former NFL players. So who does there production staff elect to put on the radio this morning? Torry Holt, who starts his interview by saying "I'm sorry. I do not have any voice." Excuse me...this is radio people (yes, I know that it is also on ESPN 2, but the prospect of seeing Torry's smiling face on TV is simply not enough...if you have a desperate fix to see Torry on TV, just turn on ESPN News for 10 minutes and you are sure to see a Fathead Commercial -- ooooh, two weeks, two Fathead references). Somebody sure dropped the ball on this one...and, this time, there were not undet two minutes to play and it wasn't Detroit's own Jerome Bettis .
Enjoy the game!!!
BTW, I'll also go with Jacksonville 72, Kennesaw St 69
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