Saturday, November 15, 2008
A new low for Michigan
Over the weekend, the Michigan sank to a new low in losing its eight game of the season to Northwestern on a day who's weather was as ugly as their season has been so far. Yes, you read that right. Michigan lost to the Big Ten's doormat team. Near the end of the 4th quarter the stadium was almost empty. "It was tough to stay," coach Rich Rodriguez said. "It's our job to put a team out there that everybody is proud of." So far this season, Michigan has struggled to do just that. With the loss today, the Wolverines have lost eight games for the first time in their illustrious history. You can say what you want about the lack of talent on Michigan's roster but, in the weak Big Ten this year, they should be preforming better than this. Rich Rodriquez is one of the most overrated coaches in college sports. West Virginia was lucky to lose him to Michigan.
The Florida Gators showed that they a force to be reckoned with in the national title race as they pounded Steve Spurrier's No. 25-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks by a score of 56-6. Quarterback Tim Tebow ran for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass, and then got to relax on the bench for the majority of the fourth quarter. One has to consider the Florida Gators as one of the best team in college football. At this points it is hard to think of any team can stop them from winning the national championship this year including Alabama and USC. And if Tim Tebow returns next year, they will have an incredible shot at repeating.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Longhorns Longshot - Texas Attempts to
Texas Tech's Mike Leach should be feeling a bit proud of his team going into this weekend's game. But overconfident he is not.
Perhaps the biggest game for Tech in it's 84-season history, fans are already lining up around the stadium, pitching tents, and preparing for Saturday when they take on #1 ranked Texas.
With Leach's interesting passing offense has even caught the eye of Donald Trump.
But Leach has much to prove on the turf this weekend. A win would give the Raiders a bit of an edge in their schedule, especially in games against Oklahoma and OK State.
Getting the guys physically prepared, with players like Graham Harrell, completing 78 of 11o passed with 985 yards in 2 games alone is proof that the talent is there. But those stunning stats weren't enough for the Raiders and they'll need to step up even more this Saturday.
A win would be huge for the Raiders and devastating to the Longhorns. As first place has been a bump about every week this season, it won't be difficult for Texas to take a fall to #4 in the rankings. Ouch, indeed.
"I hope we have enough depth," Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill said. "Texas does such a great job. Our kids aren't worried about who they are playing next. And they'll be ready to play."
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Ole Miss Rebels prepare for their home game against the Alabama Crimson Tide next week.
It should be an easy wash over the Rebels for the Crimson Tide. Ole Miss will put forth a good effort with senior leaders BenJarvus Green Ellis and Seth Adams. But neither are a match. But it's still no match for University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban's Crimson Tide men.
Recently heralded for their performances, junior running back Glen Coffee earned his fourth offensive award of the season from the coaching staff after rushing for 218 yards with a 78-yard burst in the first quarter of their recent game.
Senior center Antoine Caldwell was also honored after leading the way for 282 yards on the ground. He had the key block on Coffee’s long TD run.
The Southeastern Conference announced that CBS will televise this run fest game to a national audience beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CDT) from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, October 18.
Alabama and Mississippi will be meeting for the 56th time with Alabama holding a 44-9-2 lead in the series that began in 1894. Alabama has won the last four meetings, including a 27-24 victory last year in Oxford. The two teams have met every year since 1992.
It should be an easy wash over the Rebels for the Crimson Tide. Ole Miss will put forth a good effort with senior leaders BenJarvus Green Ellis and Seth Adams. But neither are a match. But it's still no match for University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban's Crimson Tide men.
Recently heralded for their performances, junior running back Glen Coffee earned his fourth offensive award of the season from the coaching staff after rushing for 218 yards with a 78-yard burst in the first quarter of their recent game.
Senior center Antoine Caldwell was also honored after leading the way for 282 yards on the ground. He had the key block on Coffee’s long TD run.
The Southeastern Conference announced that CBS will televise this run fest game to a national audience beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CDT) from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, October 18.
Alabama and Mississippi will be meeting for the 56th time with Alabama holding a 44-9-2 lead in the series that began in 1894. Alabama has won the last four meetings, including a 27-24 victory last year in Oxford. The two teams have met every year since 1992.
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Creeping Lion: Penn State Crawling up the Ranks
Even with Paterno off the sidelines with a hip injury, the Nittany Lions were still able to clinch their win easily against Purdue.
Evan Royster ran for 141 yards, one touchdown, and tallied 53 yards on 4 catches in Penn State's (ranked #6) win.
Daryll Clark completed 18 out of 26 passes for 226 yards and ran for a score for Penn State (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten), which outgained Purdue 422 yards to 241.
Penn State ran out the clock to finish the game and Paterno earned his 378th career win.
Penn State receiver Derrick Williams said though the other coaches communicate well on the field, Paterno's presence is irreplaceable. "It was very difficult," he said. "With Joe there, you're always alert about what's going on." (complete story)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sooners Soon on Top Again
The Sooners are back on top after the first upset-filled weekend of the season shook the ranking tree hard.
Not far behind the Sooners, the Crimson Tide is rising, with a newly appointed No. 2 seating after a whomping 41-30 beating of Georgia. Georgia, after starting the season with a #1 ranking, was down 31 points at halftime to Alabama and simply never recovered.
USC, as time tradition continues, lost pitifully to Oregon State, just weeks after debunking Ohio State.
Two more top-5 teams fell this weekend. Florida was beaten in a push-out at home by Mississippi, 31-30.
Overall, 9 ranked teams lost, 6 of these to unranked teams. Ouch.
The upcoming week is going to be another wild ride, with a continued downward spiral for some debunked teams and a test of brute force for the teams climbing the polls back to their seats.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Is West Virginia getting the recognition they deserve?
West Virginia coach, Bill Stewart, is bringing a throw-down season in his first year with the Mountaineers. He said WV would throw more this season, and he wasn't kidding.
The Mountaineers are setting career-high passes and completions in the first game alone. Pat White, the senior quarterback, threw 5 touchdown passes and set personal marks for attempts and completions.
With only two losses last year based on the fact that the Mountaineers weren't getting room to run the ball, Stewart is bringing a helluva statement in this season by saying that's not going to work this time to Villanova's attempts at cutting off running like Pittsburgh did in 2007.
White finished the game with 25 for 33, giving him a better prospective look from the NFL.
With all said and done, West Virginia had a tougher first round than most of the ranked teams playing "scrimmages." While other teams were getting first game jitters out, West Virginia was doing some harder hitting and better passing. Look for the Mountaineers to throw a few upsets this season.
The Mountaineers are setting career-high passes and completions in the first game alone. Pat White, the senior quarterback, threw 5 touchdown passes and set personal marks for attempts and completions.
With only two losses last year based on the fact that the Mountaineers weren't getting room to run the ball, Stewart is bringing a helluva statement in this season by saying that's not going to work this time to Villanova's attempts at cutting off running like Pittsburgh did in 2007.
White finished the game with 25 for 33, giving him a better prospective look from the NFL.
With all said and done, West Virginia had a tougher first round than most of the ranked teams playing "scrimmages." While other teams were getting first game jitters out, West Virginia was doing some harder hitting and better passing. Look for the Mountaineers to throw a few upsets this season.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Ohio State's Devastating Win
A scrimmage against Youngstown State that should've ended with celebration ended in solemnity as Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State's Heisman Trophy prospect, went down with a foot injury in the 3rd quarter.
The game itself was a blow-out, with a 43-0 final score. But the tension rides over all of Ohio State as it's threatened to lose its #2 position to #3 ranked Southern California in two weeks.
Southern California, meanwhile, mowed down UVA, leaving Al Groh, the head coach of the Cavaliers to say of the Trojans, that they may be the most physically fit team he has ever seen in his professional career.
Mark Sanchez, back 100%, is completely ready and preparing for the USC game. Peter Lalich, the Cavaliers quarterback said, "Their speed was pretty unbelievable the whole game. It's something they have across the board, at every position, and they really were able to use it to their advantage."
With Pete Carroll at the helm since 2001, the program has won 11 national championships and is maybe the best program in the country. Ohio State will be a useful indicator into the success Carroll will lead this year.
The game itself was a blow-out, with a 43-0 final score. But the tension rides over all of Ohio State as it's threatened to lose its #2 position to #3 ranked Southern California in two weeks.
Southern California, meanwhile, mowed down UVA, leaving Al Groh, the head coach of the Cavaliers to say of the Trojans, that they may be the most physically fit team he has ever seen in his professional career.
Mark Sanchez, back 100%, is completely ready and preparing for the USC game. Peter Lalich, the Cavaliers quarterback said, "Their speed was pretty unbelievable the whole game. It's something they have across the board, at every position, and they really were able to use it to their advantage."
With Pete Carroll at the helm since 2001, the program has won 11 national championships and is maybe the best program in the country. Ohio State will be a useful indicator into the success Carroll will lead this year.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Southern Cal Trojans: Charlottesville Game will Prove Much
Another well coached team, Pete Carroll will prove much in the first out this coming weekend in Charlottesville, VA. With 8 years at USC and a 76-14 record, Carroll knows that the first opening at UVA better show a lot and provide a release for first game jitters before the bigger game with Ohio State on September 13.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to step up immediately and be able to make many big plays at key moments. With a great offensive line, the quarterback doesn't have to be a rainmaker playmaker, but he does need to avoid any turnovers or bad decisions at all costs.
"The players respond to him," Carroll said of Sanchez. "They know he's a terrific athlete, and they have confidence in him at this position."
"He doesn't have anything to prove to me, that he's unique or special or whatever. He just needs to go play the game the way we designed his position to play it." -- USC coach Pete Carroll, in the Orange County Register, on quarterback Mark Sanchez.
I look for the UVA game to be a blowout with the Trojans standing tall and mentally prepared for the game with Ohio State in 2 weeks, who is fighting for #2 spot.
Read more about USC:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/uub
Quarterback Mark Sanchez needs to step up immediately and be able to make many big plays at key moments. With a great offensive line, the quarterback doesn't have to be a rainmaker playmaker, but he does need to avoid any turnovers or bad decisions at all costs.
"The players respond to him," Carroll said of Sanchez. "They know he's a terrific athlete, and they have confidence in him at this position."
"He doesn't have anything to prove to me, that he's unique or special or whatever. He just needs to go play the game the way we designed his position to play it." -- USC coach Pete Carroll, in the Orange County Register, on quarterback Mark Sanchez.
I look for the UVA game to be a blowout with the Trojans standing tall and mentally prepared for the game with Ohio State in 2 weeks, who is fighting for #2 spot.
Read more about USC:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/uub
The Dog Days of Summer: Georgia Ranked #1
The dog days of summer are here, bringing in a howling vote of confidence for Georgia Bulldogs.
With Mark Richt on the sidelines of his 8th year standing in front of an amazing 72-18 record, it's easy to see why Georgia's holding down a firm #1 ranking going into the 2008 NCAA Football Season.
WR Michael Moore, the junior coming off of an unsatisfactory sophomore year will undoubtedly be geared up to rip through the green to stave off scoffs of last year's disappointing drops.
Knowshon Moreno will be missed, leaving a pair of cleats that Just Anderson won't be able to fill, but may be able to tie the laces up extra tight.
What does Coach Mark Richt think of the ranking?
"I told the players that this preseason hype could be a blessing or a curse. It's a curse if you think it gives you a sense of entitlement to where you think you don't have to prepare. It could be a blessing if you look at it as one of the greatest opportunities of your life and you put the work in to even be in position to have a chance." -- Coach Mark Richt on the national championship hype surrounding his team.
Find out what CBSSports.com is saying about Georgia.
http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/GA
With Mark Richt on the sidelines of his 8th year standing in front of an amazing 72-18 record, it's easy to see why Georgia's holding down a firm #1 ranking going into the 2008 NCAA Football Season.
WR Michael Moore, the junior coming off of an unsatisfactory sophomore year will undoubtedly be geared up to rip through the green to stave off scoffs of last year's disappointing drops.
Knowshon Moreno will be missed, leaving a pair of cleats that Just Anderson won't be able to fill, but may be able to tie the laces up extra tight.
What does Coach Mark Richt think of the ranking?
"I told the players that this preseason hype could be a blessing or a curse. It's a curse if you think it gives you a sense of entitlement to where you think you don't have to prepare. It could be a blessing if you look at it as one of the greatest opportunities of your life and you put the work in to even be in position to have a chance." -- Coach Mark Richt on the national championship hype surrounding his team.
Find out what CBSSports.com is saying about Georgia.
http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/GA
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Top 2009 NCAA Football Recruiting Battles - #3
#3 Georgia
Georgia is living up to its expectations of winning the SEC and competing for the national title this year by recruiting hard.
Two quarterbacks Aaron Murray from Tampa, Fla./Plant Senior and Zach Mettenberger from Watkinsville, Ga./Oconee County are outstanding.
RB Washaun Ealey from Twin City, Ga./Emanuel County Institute isn't well sought-after, but Georgia sees the potential in him that is greatly overlooked. Ealey's teammate Dexter Moody is a huge addition to any defense.
Chris Burnette from LaGrange, Ga./Troupe County Institute would add the depth and talent to the offensive line as one of the best guards in this class.
Georgia is living up to its expectations of winning the SEC and competing for the national title this year by recruiting hard.
Two quarterbacks Aaron Murray from Tampa, Fla./Plant Senior and Zach Mettenberger from Watkinsville, Ga./Oconee County are outstanding.
RB Washaun Ealey from Twin City, Ga./Emanuel County Institute isn't well sought-after, but Georgia sees the potential in him that is greatly overlooked. Ealey's teammate Dexter Moody is a huge addition to any defense.
Chris Burnette from LaGrange, Ga./Troupe County Institute would add the depth and talent to the offensive line as one of the best guards in this class.
Top 2009 NCAA Football Recruiting Battles - #2
#2. LSU
Winning the national title can always tip the scales in the weight for any recruiting class, and it holds true with LSU's committed Russell Shepard, in the new quarterback position. Arguably the best all-around athlete in ATH/QB, Shepard from Houston / Cy-Ridge can crush anyone's dreams when the ball is in his hands.
Janzen Jackson from Lake Cahrles, LA / Barbe, is a monster tackler in the cornerback position.
John Downs from Bastrop, Lousiana brings talent and speed, even though his height is subprime.
Top 2009 NCAA Football Recruiting Battles - #1
Of course the first school to make the list is the University of Texas.
Mack Brown's Longhorn program is first up to be open for early recruiting. With league bests such as quarterback in Garrett Gilbert (Austin, Texas/Lake Travis). A great addition on the offensive line.
The physical talent of cornerback Marcus Davis (League City, Texas/Cleer Creek) cannot be ignored.
Underrated TE Barrett Matthews (Houston/North Shore) will be getting some limelight this pre-season.
Mack Brown's Longhorn program is first up to be open for early recruiting. With league bests such as quarterback in Garrett Gilbert (Austin, Texas/Lake Travis). A great addition on the offensive line.
The physical talent of cornerback Marcus Davis (League City, Texas/Cleer Creek) cannot be ignored.
Underrated TE Barrett Matthews (Houston/North Shore) will be getting some limelight this pre-season.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
A First in the Final Four
All Four #1 Seeds have made their way to the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. In doing so, history has been made as this is the first time all four #1's have made it.
North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, and UCLA will be one of the most talented collections of teams to reach the Final Four in years. ESPN analyst, Dick Vitale, has all four of these powerhouses in his pre-season top 5. The combined record of these four teams is an amazing 143 wins and 9 losses.
It will be such an intriguing match up when the Tarheels face the Jayhawks. After all, Kansas still hasn't forgiven Roy Williams for leaving to coach at his alma mater. Tyler Hansborough and company have trailed for only four minutes 35 seconds out of 160 tournament minutes, but for the first time this Saturday, when facing Kansas, will have a hard time holding the lead over a team which can match them in athleticism.
n the other match up future NBA lottery pick Kevin Love and the Bruins will face future lottery pick Derrick Rose and the Tigers in what should be an entertaining, high-flying affair.
As for my picks, I have the Kansas Jayhawks vs. the UCLA Bruins for the title on Monday night. This is one Final Four that would be awesome to see in person.
North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, and UCLA will be one of the most talented collections of teams to reach the Final Four in years. ESPN analyst, Dick Vitale, has all four of these powerhouses in his pre-season top 5. The combined record of these four teams is an amazing 143 wins and 9 losses.
It will be such an intriguing match up when the Tarheels face the Jayhawks. After all, Kansas still hasn't forgiven Roy Williams for leaving to coach at his alma mater. Tyler Hansborough and company have trailed for only four minutes 35 seconds out of 160 tournament minutes, but for the first time this Saturday, when facing Kansas, will have a hard time holding the lead over a team which can match them in athleticism.
n the other match up future NBA lottery pick Kevin Love and the Bruins will face future lottery pick Derrick Rose and the Tigers in what should be an entertaining, high-flying affair.
As for my picks, I have the Kansas Jayhawks vs. the UCLA Bruins for the title on Monday night. This is one Final Four that would be awesome to see in person.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Pitino - One of the Best
Louisville's suffocating defense has Coach Rick Pitino one step away from a 6th trip to the Final Four.
Pitino, who has won 2 NCAA titles and has taken 3 different universities to the Final Four, has Louisville playing its best basketball of the season when it counts the most.
Pitino's signature pressure zone defense limited the high scoring Tennessee Volunteers to 34% shooting. Coach Pitino moved to 8-0 in the Regional Semi-Finals and secured a date with the top seeded North Carolina Tarheels on Saturday night.
On a side note, UCLA freshman Kevin Love, put on another show last night with a career high 29 points and 14 rebounds in leading the Bruins to an 88-78 win vs. Western Kentucky.
In my eyes, Love is the most advanced big man to hit the college basketball scene in a decade.
Pitino, who has won 2 NCAA titles and has taken 3 different universities to the Final Four, has Louisville playing its best basketball of the season when it counts the most.
Pitino's signature pressure zone defense limited the high scoring Tennessee Volunteers to 34% shooting. Coach Pitino moved to 8-0 in the Regional Semi-Finals and secured a date with the top seeded North Carolina Tarheels on Saturday night.
On a side note, UCLA freshman Kevin Love, put on another show last night with a career high 29 points and 14 rebounds in leading the Bruins to an 88-78 win vs. Western Kentucky.
In my eyes, Love is the most advanced big man to hit the college basketball scene in a decade.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Welcome to the Sweet Sixteen
North Carolina and Kansas look dominant. UCLA and Memphis survived, and Davidson, Western Kentucky and West Virginia are wearing magic slippers. These are just some of the stories of teams making it to the Sweet Sixteen.
Individually, Kevin Love of UCLA is as advanced for a big man as I've seen in many years. Not only is he a special talent, he's simply fun to watch. The 7-foot Lopez twins from Stanford are also very talented and play with such passion. However, the biggest show stopper has been Stephan Currry, son of former NBA-er Dell Curry, as he has skillfully scored 70 points in carrying Davidson to Detroit, host of the MidWest Regional.
Whether you're cheering for a number one seed or a Cinderella, every basketball fan has to be enjoying this. UCLA Bruins coach Ben Howland says it best. "That's why this is the greatest sporting event in all of American sports, because anybody can beat anybody."
Individually, Kevin Love of UCLA is as advanced for a big man as I've seen in many years. Not only is he a special talent, he's simply fun to watch. The 7-foot Lopez twins from Stanford are also very talented and play with such passion. However, the biggest show stopper has been Stephan Currry, son of former NBA-er Dell Curry, as he has skillfully scored 70 points in carrying Davidson to Detroit, host of the MidWest Regional.
Whether you're cheering for a number one seed or a Cinderella, every basketball fan has to be enjoying this. UCLA Bruins coach Ben Howland says it best. "That's why this is the greatest sporting event in all of American sports, because anybody can beat anybody."
Congratulations, Belmont.
In the first round of the men's NCAA tournament, tiny Belmont's enrollment of 4700, almost pulled off a miracle. Losing by 1 point, 70-71 to the "powerhouse" Duke. The Bruins really did themselves proud.
Personally, the first day went very well for me, as I correctly picked 15 of 16 games. The one mistake was the UNLV Runnin' Rebels win over Kent State.
I think that the Friday games will be more competitve and that a couple will most likely come down to last second shots.
Isn't that what makes this tournament so special? Like when last night's 40 foot shot at the buzzer bounced off the rim and mighty Duke survived to play another day.
I've coached in 89 of these games now," Mike Krzyzewski said of his long and storied NCAA road.
"I told the guys as far as game pressure goes, this game has to rank in the top 3 or 4. Hopefully the people at Belmont take that as a real compliment."
Congratulations to Belmont in their outstanding performance on a national stage.
Personally, the first day went very well for me, as I correctly picked 15 of 16 games. The one mistake was the UNLV Runnin' Rebels win over Kent State.
I think that the Friday games will be more competitve and that a couple will most likely come down to last second shots.
Isn't that what makes this tournament so special? Like when last night's 40 foot shot at the buzzer bounced off the rim and mighty Duke survived to play another day.
I've coached in 89 of these games now," Mike Krzyzewski said of his long and storied NCAA road.
"I told the guys as far as game pressure goes, this game has to rank in the top 3 or 4. Hopefully the people at Belmont take that as a real compliment."
Congratulations to Belmont in their outstanding performance on a national stage.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Cinderella: Does the slipper fit?
Teams that are seeded at a #5 or lower with a shot at making the Sweet Sixteen.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish's inside-outside combination of Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney, are a dangerous duo to make it to Charlotte in the East regional.
Southern Cal: The Trojans Freshman, O.J. Mayo, and company will run their way to Detroit in the Midwest Regional.
West Virginia: Joe Alexander and the Mountaineers have a shot to make it to Phoenix in the West Regional. Alexander averaged over 25 points in his last 6 games.
All three of these teams have the talent to reach the Sweet 16. However, that's as far as any of them are going to go. Because midnight will then strike and Cinderella will then have to leave the dance with or without her shoes.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish's inside-outside combination of Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney, are a dangerous duo to make it to Charlotte in the East regional.
Southern Cal: The Trojans Freshman, O.J. Mayo, and company will run their way to Detroit in the Midwest Regional.
West Virginia: Joe Alexander and the Mountaineers have a shot to make it to Phoenix in the West Regional. Alexander averaged over 25 points in his last 6 games.
All three of these teams have the talent to reach the Sweet 16. However, that's as far as any of them are going to go. Because midnight will then strike and Cinderella will then have to leave the dance with or without her shoes.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
March Madness: My Final Four Predictions
Today, I'm going to give my predictions for who I feel will make it to the Final Four in San Antonio. In the East Rigional, North Carolina will have little trouble advancing. In the South Regional, Memphis vs. Texas will be an intriguing match-up if it develops, but I give the edge to Texas playing so close to home.
In the Midwest, Kansas has too much natural athletic talent to be knocked off by anyone else in that region. And in the West, UCLA is everyone's favorite; I almost agree with that but feel the Duke Blue Devils will pull off the upset.
So there you have it. This year's Final Four will have the Tarheels from Carolina, the Jayhawks from Kansas, the Longhorns from Texas, and the Blue Devils from Duke.
In the Midwest, Kansas has too much natural athletic talent to be knocked off by anyone else in that region. And in the West, UCLA is everyone's favorite; I almost agree with that but feel the Duke Blue Devils will pull off the upset.
So there you have it. This year's Final Four will have the Tarheels from Carolina, the Jayhawks from Kansas, the Longhorns from Texas, and the Blue Devils from Duke.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Go Mountaineers!
One of the country's best players and also best kept secrets, was on display yesterday. On the grand stage of Madison Square Garden, Joe Alexander and his West Virginia teammates, knocked out the 15th rated Connecticut Huskies in the Big East tournament.
Coming into the tournament, the Huskies were one of the hottest teams in the country. But Alexander put on a performance the kind of which legends are made. Scoring 34 points in a variety of ways from high flying dunks to slashing drives, his most impressive was the beautiful turn-around jumpers which were silky smooth.
Retired coach and current ESPN analyst Bob Knight said "in the last three weeks, Alexander has been the most valuable player to his team in the entire country."
Congratulations, Joe Alexander and West Virginia. Go Mountaineers!
Coming into the tournament, the Huskies were one of the hottest teams in the country. But Alexander put on a performance the kind of which legends are made. Scoring 34 points in a variety of ways from high flying dunks to slashing drives, his most impressive was the beautiful turn-around jumpers which were silky smooth.
Retired coach and current ESPN analyst Bob Knight said "in the last three weeks, Alexander has been the most valuable player to his team in the entire country."
Congratulations, Joe Alexander and West Virginia. Go Mountaineers!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
My Favorite Time of Year
One of my favorite times of the year is almost here.
For anyone who enjoys sports, college basketball in March is an awesome time. Whether you are cheering for your favorite team or for a Cinderella team, college basketball at this time of the year is everything that sports is supposed to be about.
Here is my prediction for the four number one seeds in March Madness 2008.
1. North Carolina Tarheels (boo)
2. Memphis Tigers
3. Kansas Jayhawks
4. UCLA Bruins
The two teams with an outside shot at squeezing into a number one seed are the Tennessee Volunteers and the Duke Blue Devils. Right now, it's being argued that Tennessee deserves Kansas' seed. But Kansas has played a tougher schedule and rightly deserve the spot. If Duke is able to beat Carolina in the ACC tournament, I don't think it will knock Carolina from being the number 1 seed, but I do believe it will give Duke enough ammunition to obtain one of the other number 1 seeds.
The Tarheels look to be the most talented team in the country right now. Memphis, with their athleticism and their up-tempo style has been too much for teams to handle this year. And it's a foregone conclusion with the season that UCLA has put together that they will be the number one seed in the West bracket.
So, Basketball Fans, get ready because spring is almost here. Let the madness begin.
State Championship Coach Kenny
(and all-around great guy)
For anyone who enjoys sports, college basketball in March is an awesome time. Whether you are cheering for your favorite team or for a Cinderella team, college basketball at this time of the year is everything that sports is supposed to be about.
Here is my prediction for the four number one seeds in March Madness 2008.
1. North Carolina Tarheels (boo)
2. Memphis Tigers
3. Kansas Jayhawks
4. UCLA Bruins
The two teams with an outside shot at squeezing into a number one seed are the Tennessee Volunteers and the Duke Blue Devils. Right now, it's being argued that Tennessee deserves Kansas' seed. But Kansas has played a tougher schedule and rightly deserve the spot. If Duke is able to beat Carolina in the ACC tournament, I don't think it will knock Carolina from being the number 1 seed, but I do believe it will give Duke enough ammunition to obtain one of the other number 1 seeds.
The Tarheels look to be the most talented team in the country right now. Memphis, with their athleticism and their up-tempo style has been too much for teams to handle this year. And it's a foregone conclusion with the season that UCLA has put together that they will be the number one seed in the West bracket.
So, Basketball Fans, get ready because spring is almost here. Let the madness begin.
State Championship Coach Kenny
(and all-around great guy)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Sweeping out Cameron
What an outstanding job schedule makers did in setting up the showdown at Cameron tomorrow night. Number 1 North Carolina vs. #5 Duke. Not only is the winner going to claim the ACC championship, but also a # 1 Seed in the Field of 64.
Some say there is no way that Duke can shoot the 3-ball as well as they did in Chapel Hill. Others say that with the Tarheels point guard, Lawson, back on the court from his ankle injury, that North Carolina is a lock to win this time.
I say that Duke will make it a clean sweep and that everyone who supports baby blue will have to swallow their pride.
Coach K who is the best in the business will collect win #802 as he has his team poised for a run to the Final Four.
Some say there is no way that Duke can shoot the 3-ball as well as they did in Chapel Hill. Others say that with the Tarheels point guard, Lawson, back on the court from his ankle injury, that North Carolina is a lock to win this time.
I say that Duke will make it a clean sweep and that everyone who supports baby blue will have to swallow their pride.
Coach K who is the best in the business will collect win #802 as he has his team poised for a run to the Final Four.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
There's only one thing preventing North Carolina from possibly having a perfect road record, a Saturday showdown for the ACC regular-season championship at No. 6 Duke.
The Tar Heels are 12-0 on the road, but the Blue Devils are 15-0 at home. North Carolina has won two straight in Durham and will make history if it can extend that streak.
This will be the Tar Heels' fifth undefeated road record in school history and the first since 1983-84. They have never finished 8-0 on the road in ACC play since the league schedule expanded to 16 games in 1991-92.
Duke will have their go at North Carolina, tumbling them from their Number 1 spot and breaking their beautiful record.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Bruins Brewha-ha
The UCLA Bruins took another step to a #1 seed come tournament time with an impressive win on the road over Arizona State last night.
While the Bruins offense remains solid, it is their defense that will carry them in their run to the Final Four.
Freshman Kevin Love, with his 17th double-double of the season and company, are the best in the West.
While the Bruins offense remains solid, it is their defense that will carry them in their run to the Final Four.
Freshman Kevin Love, with his 17th double-double of the season and company, are the best in the West.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tennesee's Tears
Tennesee’s ride to the top of men’s basketball for the first time in their history will be short-lived as they drop in the polls because of their loss to Vanderbilt.
Look for North Carolina to assume the number one spot next week which they’ll hold until they visit Duke on the 8th of March. The Blue Devils will then knock off Carolina for the second time this season.
Even if point guard Lawson is able to return for Carolina, they will not be able to overcome the mystique of Cameron .
Somebody hand Tennessee a kleenex.
Look for North Carolina to assume the number one spot next week which they’ll hold until they visit Duke on the 8th of March. The Blue Devils will then knock off Carolina for the second time this season.
Even if point guard Lawson is able to return for Carolina, they will not be able to overcome the mystique of Cameron .
Somebody hand Tennessee a kleenex.
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