I would've thought Ohio State was the favorite since they've been ranked top 5 basically all year whereas the Hoyas drifted their way up there over the course of the season. But, no, the first line (over at USA Today) was straight up, the next 4 had the Hoyas as the 1-1.5 fave. Okay, I'm going dog. I picked the Buckeyes in my bracket and I guess I'll stick with them. They lucked out against Xavier, Tennessee had them and just didn't put them away, then they finally played some good ball against Memphis. I feel like Ohio State has figured out what they need to do: Conley needs to go back and forth from Oden to Lewis. If he does that, if everyone can get hot, then I think the Buckeyes are the better team and will prevail. I really think G-town's strengths are neutralized in this match-up and their inside game will struggle all night. This could be an ugly, low-scoring game. If the Buckeyes can stretch the lead a bit then maybe it becomes a free throw fest (like the Memphis game) but I suspect the Hoyas will keep it close throughout. That said, I think the game gets into the 60's late. I'll take the Buckeyes (even) and the over (110).
I thought Florida (-3.5) might've been a bigger favorite. They haven't played their best basketball since…well, since last year's Final Four to be honest. They skated by most of the season, never really challenged in the conference: Tubby floundered at Kentucky, Tennessee couldn't overcome injuries to Chris Lofton, LSU and Alabama just weren't as good as they were supposed to be and, well honestly, Vandy at their absolute very best is still no better than 3rd in the SEC. They can fall to UCLA. UCLA plays a dull game, tenacious D and a lot of prayer at the offensive end. Florida has deeper talent and although this crew seems motivated, again, they haven't been tested and tonight's game may well be more than they can handle. Florida can certainly go cold. I think Noah is the real X factor: if he can shake his way through the thick interior D of the Bruins then Florida will win. I got the sneaking suspicion he won't. I'll take the Bruins (+3.5) to win and I'll definitely take the over (110) here.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Thoughts on USA-Guatamala
Guatemala clamped down on D last night, throwing 10 back and clogging the passing lanes. They made little effort to score and concentrated instead on making it impossible for Landon Donovan to get anything going and that's the book on Donovan: if you keep him from getting the ball then he effectively disappears from the American attack. He got nothing going all night--and did you notice him exchanging grumpy words along with his jersey at the end of the game? It looked like Guatemala might open it up in the last 10 minutes or so and press the attack, which would've given USA their best oppurtunity to score but they stayed disciplined and stuck with their plan of a 0-0 draw. To the casual American soccer watcher this is frustrating stuff; but to the diehard, season-long Guatemalan fan, a draw to a quality squad on the road is a good result.
Mapp had some nice moments on the wing, thought they should've looked to his speed outside a little more. He faded in the last 15 minutes which was disappointing. But he's clearly gonna hang with this team through the Gold Cup this summer.
Simek, Bradley, DeMerit, Feilhaber, Spector all played so-so. Looks like a nice nucleus for the future but for now its hard to tell how well they push the ball forward. None of them did anything bad (though Guatemala didn't push forward much last night), but none of them really stood out either. Didn't see enough of Wade Barett to get a feel for his game.
Dempsey didn't do much last night and that's not unusual. He can hammer the ball with authority but he's also a bit of a brat (did you notice him in extra time trying to pick a fight a bunch of sweaty Guatemalans--that's the kind of player Dempsey is) and he preens, shining out for the ref instead of his teammates. Not a criticism necessarily, USA soccer needs some attitude out there, but I'm not convinced he has an all-around game.
Eddie Johnson displayed his speed coming back to the ball and dropping for some D, but the long passes over the top designed to spring him just never worked. They more or less gave up on it the 2nd half and with Guatemala allowing so little action in the middle of the field, he effectively disappeared.
Conrad was solid in the middle backfield and that's a good sign. I think Conrad and Onyewu (who didn't play last night) make for a formidable back line.
I kinda liked the big dude, Cooper. Good skill on the ball, big kid, not sure if he has any speed. He only played 20 minutes or so, he interacted with Donovan well. When Donovan gets locked out of games like last night, he gets frustrated and when he does get his minimal touches he's obsessed with making his touches crisp. Unfortunately, a well played swing pass 40 yards away from the goal to a guy that's not as good as you isn't really much of a move. I know I keep harping on Donovan but he's the man and he's got play like it.
I was surprised to see Casey Keller out there. I would've thought he would be a little long in the tooth for the 2010 squad but maybe not. Fine with me, he's probably the best pure soccer player USA has ever produced--and I haven't been impressed with Tim Howard.
I know Freddy Adu (chilling with Roy Williams?) scored for the U-20 team the other day but I'm ready to see him on the field with the big boys. I thought maybe Arena just had some nit to pick with him but apparently Bradley does as well.
I've been reasonably pleased with Bradley's performance as interim coach. Any day now we should learn whether he'll be replaced or given the post for real. I think USA is ready for a European coach, let the Americans go back to the NCAA and MLS to score their paychecks, and I thought Jurgen Klinnsman was a perfect fit. When there's big money and big pressure and big egos out there, there's always a chance to make (or break) a deal so I guess USA still has a shot at bringing Klinnsman back around. But if he's not interested than I think USA could definitely do worse than Bradley.
Goofy afterthought: You know the best potential of Bruce Arena's career from here on is being the John Madden of American soccer. His only shot in the game is to come back as USA's coach (certainly not impossible but doesn't seem likely), where else could he go? Europe ain't interested, neither is South America, I don't think the Asians would be interested in him either. Maybe he could coach within USA's conference (Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica) but I doubt they'd be interested in him nor he in them. He'd be better off going to UCLA or somewhere and trying to build a dynasty. But the one job that is his for the taking is the #1 TV commentator for USA soccer. Too bad for him he's as likable as a telephone pole and only slightly more attractive. Still it is his job as long as he wants it and he might oughta figure out how to be good at it.
Mapp had some nice moments on the wing, thought they should've looked to his speed outside a little more. He faded in the last 15 minutes which was disappointing. But he's clearly gonna hang with this team through the Gold Cup this summer.
Simek, Bradley, DeMerit, Feilhaber, Spector all played so-so. Looks like a nice nucleus for the future but for now its hard to tell how well they push the ball forward. None of them did anything bad (though Guatemala didn't push forward much last night), but none of them really stood out either. Didn't see enough of Wade Barett to get a feel for his game.
Dempsey didn't do much last night and that's not unusual. He can hammer the ball with authority but he's also a bit of a brat (did you notice him in extra time trying to pick a fight a bunch of sweaty Guatemalans--that's the kind of player Dempsey is) and he preens, shining out for the ref instead of his teammates. Not a criticism necessarily, USA soccer needs some attitude out there, but I'm not convinced he has an all-around game.
Eddie Johnson displayed his speed coming back to the ball and dropping for some D, but the long passes over the top designed to spring him just never worked. They more or less gave up on it the 2nd half and with Guatemala allowing so little action in the middle of the field, he effectively disappeared.
Conrad was solid in the middle backfield and that's a good sign. I think Conrad and Onyewu (who didn't play last night) make for a formidable back line.
I kinda liked the big dude, Cooper. Good skill on the ball, big kid, not sure if he has any speed. He only played 20 minutes or so, he interacted with Donovan well. When Donovan gets locked out of games like last night, he gets frustrated and when he does get his minimal touches he's obsessed with making his touches crisp. Unfortunately, a well played swing pass 40 yards away from the goal to a guy that's not as good as you isn't really much of a move. I know I keep harping on Donovan but he's the man and he's got play like it.
I was surprised to see Casey Keller out there. I would've thought he would be a little long in the tooth for the 2010 squad but maybe not. Fine with me, he's probably the best pure soccer player USA has ever produced--and I haven't been impressed with Tim Howard.
I know Freddy Adu (chilling with Roy Williams?) scored for the U-20 team the other day but I'm ready to see him on the field with the big boys. I thought maybe Arena just had some nit to pick with him but apparently Bradley does as well.
I've been reasonably pleased with Bradley's performance as interim coach. Any day now we should learn whether he'll be replaced or given the post for real. I think USA is ready for a European coach, let the Americans go back to the NCAA and MLS to score their paychecks, and I thought Jurgen Klinnsman was a perfect fit. When there's big money and big pressure and big egos out there, there's always a chance to make (or break) a deal so I guess USA still has a shot at bringing Klinnsman back around. But if he's not interested than I think USA could definitely do worse than Bradley.
Goofy afterthought: You know the best potential of Bruce Arena's career from here on is being the John Madden of American soccer. His only shot in the game is to come back as USA's coach (certainly not impossible but doesn't seem likely), where else could he go? Europe ain't interested, neither is South America, I don't think the Asians would be interested in him either. Maybe he could coach within USA's conference (Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica) but I doubt they'd be interested in him nor he in them. He'd be better off going to UCLA or somewhere and trying to build a dynasty. But the one job that is his for the taking is the #1 TV commentator for USA soccer. Too bad for him he's as likable as a telephone pole and only slightly more attractive. Still it is his job as long as he wants it and he might oughta figure out how to be good at it.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sports weekend look back
Sunday was a great day of sports, no? Men's b-ball, golf, hockey, NASCAR, winter sports, girl's b-ball, USA soccer. I was looking for Federer but his final will be next weekend.
Landon Donovan's hat trick (holy crap! That 3rd goal was pure nastiness!), just goes to underscore what a frustrating player he's been over the years. Donovan may be the best (non-goalie) player USA has ever produced but he just isn't enough to get USA over the hump. In friendlies and against sub-standard competition, he shines and we see what a great player he can be. I liked pairing him with Feilhaber behind him, that could be an outstanding duo in the midfield for USA. Tough to put that kind of pressure on the guy but he's the best we got and he's got to be better for USA ton win anything.
Personally the UCLA-Kansas game got on my nerves. Some made a big deal about the defense but frankly I thought it was the bullheaded offensive play that led to a lot of those steals and blocks. Both teams played wild and selfish and neither built any kind of effective attack. The Bruins survive but I wasn't impressed. It looked like Oregon was gonna give Florida a game but it just never materialized. Memphis, too, just sorta melted away under the Buckeye free throw shooting. North Carolina went ice cold at the wrong time against the Hoyas.
In hockey lately fighting has emerged as the controversy du j'our--or perhaps it's simply the only thing that will generate any interest in talking about hockey. Removing fighting from hockey would be a mistake. I'm not a fan of the fighting myself but it is part of the game and it is when the powers-that-be tamper with the unwritten rules that a game loses its character. Look at baseball: when I was a kid if a pitcher plunked a guy, then one of his teammates would get plunked back. Everyone knew how it worked and frankly it was fair. It might occasionally lead to a blood-letting but as long as everyone has equal input then a blood-letting ain't the worst thing that ever happened. But now the umpires dole out warnings and the guy who strikes first effectively gets away with unpunished violence. Hockey could not survive some arrangement like this, with the refs controlling who instigates what to whom. Let the players play the game and quit complaining about the effect on the children--jeez! American children grew up for many generations watching this stuff and the effect is they don't want anyone else to see it. Apparently watching violence makes you hate violence--is that really such a dangerous outcome?
Tiger is rolling again but 5 bogeys in the final round? Not really worthy of the red shirt. The Masters will not be the cake walk everyone's been getting ready for, I think. Vijay's back to his putter experiments, Mickelson is his usual bi-polar self, so who will step up and challenge the maestro? I'm playing the field here, I think the Masters goes to none of the above. I'm going with Nick O'hearn, he looks like he's get his act under control and I think he flies in under the radar. (Feel free to forget what you just read--if O'hearn wins, I'll remind you)
Always a pleasure to see Duke lose, even the girls--hey, I'm an equal opportunity hater. Missing the 2 winning free throws with no time on the clock--man, that's soul crushing. Especially since they'd been drubbing people all year long. Oh well, good riddance.
I was digging the half-pipe skiing free-style too. Good stuff, like to catch more winter games tour stuff.
Landon Donovan's hat trick (holy crap! That 3rd goal was pure nastiness!), just goes to underscore what a frustrating player he's been over the years. Donovan may be the best (non-goalie) player USA has ever produced but he just isn't enough to get USA over the hump. In friendlies and against sub-standard competition, he shines and we see what a great player he can be. I liked pairing him with Feilhaber behind him, that could be an outstanding duo in the midfield for USA. Tough to put that kind of pressure on the guy but he's the best we got and he's got to be better for USA ton win anything.
Personally the UCLA-Kansas game got on my nerves. Some made a big deal about the defense but frankly I thought it was the bullheaded offensive play that led to a lot of those steals and blocks. Both teams played wild and selfish and neither built any kind of effective attack. The Bruins survive but I wasn't impressed. It looked like Oregon was gonna give Florida a game but it just never materialized. Memphis, too, just sorta melted away under the Buckeye free throw shooting. North Carolina went ice cold at the wrong time against the Hoyas.
In hockey lately fighting has emerged as the controversy du j'our--or perhaps it's simply the only thing that will generate any interest in talking about hockey. Removing fighting from hockey would be a mistake. I'm not a fan of the fighting myself but it is part of the game and it is when the powers-that-be tamper with the unwritten rules that a game loses its character. Look at baseball: when I was a kid if a pitcher plunked a guy, then one of his teammates would get plunked back. Everyone knew how it worked and frankly it was fair. It might occasionally lead to a blood-letting but as long as everyone has equal input then a blood-letting ain't the worst thing that ever happened. But now the umpires dole out warnings and the guy who strikes first effectively gets away with unpunished violence. Hockey could not survive some arrangement like this, with the refs controlling who instigates what to whom. Let the players play the game and quit complaining about the effect on the children--jeez! American children grew up for many generations watching this stuff and the effect is they don't want anyone else to see it. Apparently watching violence makes you hate violence--is that really such a dangerous outcome?
Tiger is rolling again but 5 bogeys in the final round? Not really worthy of the red shirt. The Masters will not be the cake walk everyone's been getting ready for, I think. Vijay's back to his putter experiments, Mickelson is his usual bi-polar self, so who will step up and challenge the maestro? I'm playing the field here, I think the Masters goes to none of the above. I'm going with Nick O'hearn, he looks like he's get his act under control and I think he flies in under the radar. (Feel free to forget what you just read--if O'hearn wins, I'll remind you)
Always a pleasure to see Duke lose, even the girls--hey, I'm an equal opportunity hater. Missing the 2 winning free throws with no time on the clock--man, that's soul crushing. Especially since they'd been drubbing people all year long. Oh well, good riddance.
I was digging the half-pipe skiing free-style too. Good stuff, like to catch more winter games tour stuff.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Tonight's tilt
Plucky Butler is really the only Cinderella left (I know UNLV is #7 seed and they haven’t been good in years, but they have won a championship before so they're not that Cinderella-ific), but I give them little chance against Florida tonight. Yes, the Gators have been a bit sluggish lately (the last month or so really), and if they start slow tonight then Butler might see an opportunity to at least hang around. But I don't see that happening. Florida will be up big by halftime and they will roll at the end. I'll take Florida (10.5) and the over (124.5).
I have Vandy beating G-town in my bracket, my one hope of getting back into my brackets after losing Wisconsin and Pitt. Vandy has underrated guards with good basketball sense. They won't turn it over and if they're hitting, they'll score plenty of points. G-town's strength is down inside but if Vandy can keep the game on the perimeter they can win. Take Vandy (+7) to win and the under (131).
UNLV and Oregon are 2 teams I know absolutely nothing about, nor did have I either of them making it this far. I'm guessing both teams play no D and score a ton of points. I'll stick with UNLV (+2.5) to win and the over.
North Carolina is good but USC's guards actually match up pretty well outside. I like the Tarheels to pull out the win but I'll take the Trojans to keep it interesting. USC (+8.5) to cover and the under.
You've still got a coupla hours to call your bookie. Go!
I have Vandy beating G-town in my bracket, my one hope of getting back into my brackets after losing Wisconsin and Pitt. Vandy has underrated guards with good basketball sense. They won't turn it over and if they're hitting, they'll score plenty of points. G-town's strength is down inside but if Vandy can keep the game on the perimeter they can win. Take Vandy (+7) to win and the under (131).
UNLV and Oregon are 2 teams I know absolutely nothing about, nor did have I either of them making it this far. I'm guessing both teams play no D and score a ton of points. I'll stick with UNLV (+2.5) to win and the over.
North Carolina is good but USC's guards actually match up pretty well outside. I like the Tarheels to pull out the win but I'll take the Trojans to keep it interesting. USC (+8.5) to cover and the under.
You've still got a coupla hours to call your bookie. Go!
Tubby's off to Minneapolis
CBS Sports opines Tubby will be a flop in Minnesota
Totally absolutely wrong! Tubby will kick ass in Minnesota. Those that complain that he's a poor recruiter don't understand Tubby's style. He was never going for the top tier guys, he wants the second tier guys that will be around a little longer and be more responsive to his coaching. That philosophy just doesn't work at Kentucky but it'll serve him well at smaller school where the expectations are more modest. I think he'll go to Minnesota and have them competing in the Big Ten within 2 years. He'll win 20 games every year and when he goes the final eight 4 times in 10 years, he'll be a hero up there. And in 10 years or so, he'll be hovering around Adolph Rupp, Dean Smith, etc. Tubby's a good coach but his syle just didn't suit Kentucky.
But Kentucky fans think very highly of themselves. This is a good program with a good tradition and a good arena with a rabid fan base that has nothing better to do. And while Tubby has UK at a good level it ain't a great level and the writing's been on the wall for a while now. I suspect Tubby just got tired of being here, the expectations must be grinding.
There's a legend in these parts that Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart snagged Bill Parcells to be his football coach and Parcells was at the airport on his way to Lexington when Jerry Jones called and handed him the Cowboys job. There is a Bill Parcells-type basketball coach out there just waiting to be called back to service and I have yet to hear anyone mention him: Larry Brown. UK fans may be queasy about a guy that'll be gone in 3 years but if he wins a championship on his way out no one here will complain.
(Incidentally Tubby's real downfall was choosing Rajon Rondo over Chris Lofton--see the irony? He chose the NBA-ready talent over the local boy made good and that's the reason he's on his way to Minneapolis)
Totally absolutely wrong! Tubby will kick ass in Minnesota. Those that complain that he's a poor recruiter don't understand Tubby's style. He was never going for the top tier guys, he wants the second tier guys that will be around a little longer and be more responsive to his coaching. That philosophy just doesn't work at Kentucky but it'll serve him well at smaller school where the expectations are more modest. I think he'll go to Minnesota and have them competing in the Big Ten within 2 years. He'll win 20 games every year and when he goes the final eight 4 times in 10 years, he'll be a hero up there. And in 10 years or so, he'll be hovering around Adolph Rupp, Dean Smith, etc. Tubby's a good coach but his syle just didn't suit Kentucky.
But Kentucky fans think very highly of themselves. This is a good program with a good tradition and a good arena with a rabid fan base that has nothing better to do. And while Tubby has UK at a good level it ain't a great level and the writing's been on the wall for a while now. I suspect Tubby just got tired of being here, the expectations must be grinding.
There's a legend in these parts that Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart snagged Bill Parcells to be his football coach and Parcells was at the airport on his way to Lexington when Jerry Jones called and handed him the Cowboys job. There is a Bill Parcells-type basketball coach out there just waiting to be called back to service and I have yet to hear anyone mention him: Larry Brown. UK fans may be queasy about a guy that'll be gone in 3 years but if he wins a championship on his way out no one here will complain.
(Incidentally Tubby's real downfall was choosing Rajon Rondo over Chris Lofton--see the irony? He chose the NBA-ready talent over the local boy made good and that's the reason he's on his way to Minneapolis)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
I'm a dog lover
Normally I don't look at the spreads in basketball but what the heck, there's only a handful of games left, let's live a little.
Kansas (-8.5) is the big favorite tonight. The Salukis can hang with the tough competition but I do not expect the Jayhawks to lose tonight. 8.5 could be tough against a good team that can run, I think I'll take Southern Illinois to be chucking up 3's at the end keeping it close. And I believe they'll both be running, scoring lots of points, so I'll take the over (125.5). Southern Illinois (+8.5) to cover and the over (125.5).
I'm a little surprised that Texas A&M is coming off as the favorite tonight against Memphis. Memphis hasn't lost in a few months now while A&M is a good solid team that has stumbled here and there throughout the season. A&M is getting credit for a tougher conference schedule? I don't know, that doesn't wash for me. You play who you play and Memphis beat most everybody they played this year. Memphis is loaded with long, lean athletes while A&M is driven by one star. I suspect the scoring will grind to a halt at times through a combination of tired legs and increasingly intense defense. I'll take Memphis (+2.5) to win and the under (134).
Its teacher (UCLA's Ben Howland) vs. pupil (Pitt's Jamie Dixon) tonight and to me they look pretty much the same. I had Pittsburgh in the Final Four but they don't seem like a team that finishes. Neither does UCLA. They both have top tier talent and coaching but neither team strikes fear (well, maybe for gamblers but not for Kansas Jayhawks). Scoring will come in spurts and won't be slowed by a foul fest at the end. When I can't tell the teams apart, I take the dog on a neutral floor. Pitt (+2.5) to win and the over (123).
Tennessee and Ohio State played earlier this year and the Buckeyes escaped with a close win. The Buckeyes are also everybody's favorite choice to fold and while I got them winning it all, they don't seem like world beaters so far, you know? I think this is where the Buckeyes right the ship and take the opportunity to face off against a solid opponent. That point is awful high (144) especially if the scoring dries up in a hail of free throws in the last few minutes. Hate to go against Chris Lofton (a great player) but I'll take the overall talent of Ohio State (-4) to win and cover and the under (144).
Kansas (-8.5) is the big favorite tonight. The Salukis can hang with the tough competition but I do not expect the Jayhawks to lose tonight. 8.5 could be tough against a good team that can run, I think I'll take Southern Illinois to be chucking up 3's at the end keeping it close. And I believe they'll both be running, scoring lots of points, so I'll take the over (125.5). Southern Illinois (+8.5) to cover and the over (125.5).
I'm a little surprised that Texas A&M is coming off as the favorite tonight against Memphis. Memphis hasn't lost in a few months now while A&M is a good solid team that has stumbled here and there throughout the season. A&M is getting credit for a tougher conference schedule? I don't know, that doesn't wash for me. You play who you play and Memphis beat most everybody they played this year. Memphis is loaded with long, lean athletes while A&M is driven by one star. I suspect the scoring will grind to a halt at times through a combination of tired legs and increasingly intense defense. I'll take Memphis (+2.5) to win and the under (134).
Its teacher (UCLA's Ben Howland) vs. pupil (Pitt's Jamie Dixon) tonight and to me they look pretty much the same. I had Pittsburgh in the Final Four but they don't seem like a team that finishes. Neither does UCLA. They both have top tier talent and coaching but neither team strikes fear (well, maybe for gamblers but not for Kansas Jayhawks). Scoring will come in spurts and won't be slowed by a foul fest at the end. When I can't tell the teams apart, I take the dog on a neutral floor. Pitt (+2.5) to win and the over (123).
Tennessee and Ohio State played earlier this year and the Buckeyes escaped with a close win. The Buckeyes are also everybody's favorite choice to fold and while I got them winning it all, they don't seem like world beaters so far, you know? I think this is where the Buckeyes right the ship and take the opportunity to face off against a solid opponent. That point is awful high (144) especially if the scoring dries up in a hail of free throws in the last few minutes. Hate to go against Chris Lofton (a great player) but I'll take the overall talent of Ohio State (-4) to win and cover and the under (144).
Monday, March 19, 2007
Check this out
Just think: no matter how bad your day is, at least you're not Watford's Goalie. (The action is faster than you think, keep your eyes open early)
How's your bracket looking?
Wisconsin killed me in the bracket challenge I'm in over at CBS Sports. But I got 11 of the Sweet 16 and I've still got 7 of my final 8 left so I'm not a total bust. A lot of good games but no real huge upsets so far (except Wisconsin) so it feels like a subdued tourney, doesn't it?
'It just worked out my way'
Lance Mackey, 'the Dale Earnhart of dog racing' gets his mush on and wins this year's Iditarod. Local Alaska news station, quite charmingly, refers to his victory as 'Mackey attack-y'--man, who knew Alaska was hogging all the wit?
And here's Iditarod XXXV Awards and Salutations. Predictably, Lance Mackey's lead dog, Larry, wins the Golden Harness. It's your world, Larry. I hear he's heading to Vegas to 'make it rain' with Pacman Jones.
And here's Iditarod XXXV Awards and Salutations. Predictably, Lance Mackey's lead dog, Larry, wins the Golden Harness. It's your world, Larry. I hear he's heading to Vegas to 'make it rain' with Pacman Jones.
5 other nations bow to France
France and Ireland both came with beatdowns in their final matches but France holds on to take the 6 Nations Cup by virtue of greater point differential. That's right France entered their last match needing a victory by 24 points to win it all and they get the 27-point victory. 'Heartbreak' for the Irish but, man, how are the Scots feeling this morning? They didn't even need to win to be the spoiler! They just needed to not get their asses kicked too badly. Man, you suck Scotland! And England finishes their disappointing 6 Nations with a loss to Wales.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
My Final Four
Wisconsin v. Pitt
North Carolina v. Ohio State
Ohio State over Wisconsin for the big plaque.
North Carolina v. Ohio State
Ohio State over Wisconsin for the big plaque.
San Jose bracket
Teams that can win: Kansas, Southern Illinois, UCLA, Pittsburgh
Yup, I left out Gonzaga, Duke, Villanova, Kentucky (trust me: I pick Kentucky to win every year but not this year). This is the bracket of stumbling giants, wouldn't you say? Duke and Kentucky are both down, Indiana hasn't been strong in a while now, Illinois and Villanova are far from their peaks, even Gonzaga has seen its shiny reputation get all dull.
And Kansas and UCLA, everyone's expected regional finalists, seem a bit overrated to me. I know, I know, they've both got plenty of talent and good coaches and all that but I sense a softness in both of these squads. I think they both display a tendency to get complacent, self-absorbed in the middle of games, they forget their opponent and those are the teams that lose.
Southern Illinois is one of those sexy mid-majors that I know absolutely nothing about. They're probably really good, they can probably totally hang with these big boys. I have them losing to Kansas in the Sweet 16, maybe I'm way off.
Pittsburgh is a team that hasn't played its best basketball yet. They made the Big East finals again (I believe they've made 7 of the last 8) and again they failed to win (they've won only 1 time in those 7 final appearances). They're a good team, I like that big guy inside and I think their guards are ready to step up and get it done.
I have Gonzaga beating UCLA, Pitt beating Gonzaga and Kansas. We'll see.
And it's on! Good luck with your bracket(s).
Yup, I left out Gonzaga, Duke, Villanova, Kentucky (trust me: I pick Kentucky to win every year but not this year). This is the bracket of stumbling giants, wouldn't you say? Duke and Kentucky are both down, Indiana hasn't been strong in a while now, Illinois and Villanova are far from their peaks, even Gonzaga has seen its shiny reputation get all dull.
And Kansas and UCLA, everyone's expected regional finalists, seem a bit overrated to me. I know, I know, they've both got plenty of talent and good coaches and all that but I sense a softness in both of these squads. I think they both display a tendency to get complacent, self-absorbed in the middle of games, they forget their opponent and those are the teams that lose.
Southern Illinois is one of those sexy mid-majors that I know absolutely nothing about. They're probably really good, they can probably totally hang with these big boys. I have them losing to Kansas in the Sweet 16, maybe I'm way off.
Pittsburgh is a team that hasn't played its best basketball yet. They made the Big East finals again (I believe they've made 7 of the last 8) and again they failed to win (they've won only 1 time in those 7 final appearances). They're a good team, I like that big guy inside and I think their guards are ready to step up and get it done.
I have Gonzaga beating UCLA, Pitt beating Gonzaga and Kansas. We'll see.
And it's on! Good luck with your bracket(s).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
St. Louis bracket
Teams that can win: Florida, Wisconsin, Arizona.
Yup, I left out Oregon, Maryland, Butler and Notre Dame.
Florida is the defending champ with virtually all of last year's pieces intact. They're going to be tough to beat, to say the least. I saw Florida play Kentucky this year at Rupp Arena. The game was for ESPN and it’s a big rivalry so they went all out at Rupp: fireworks, loud music, booing at the opponent, all that yadda yadda yadda. Normally I don't care one way or the other about that stuff but in that particular game I thought it worked to Florida's advantage rather than Kentucky's. I kept thinking to myself, 'These guys are the champs, they're not intimidated by this shit.' Maybe the #1 team is intimidated or the road favorite or the conference rival--maybe you can pysche these opponents out. But not the defending champs, they've already won everything there is to win and they love the attention! Predictably, UK came out tight, never got their perimeter shooting going and even though they were generally better than Florida that night, they didn't score the points and didn't get the W. I blame the frickin' hype! These Florida guys have already had their glory, they won't be intimidated by anyone any more. That said, they're not flawless, they do go cold from time to time and as heralded as Joakim Noah is, he doesn't drive the offense and he can be marginalized. (Incidentally, Taurean Green is the star of that show, he's the one that keeps the ball moving and makes it happen--he's maybe the most underappreciated player in all of college basketball)
It will take a giant effort from Wisconsin but they can beat Florida. If they can dominate the boards, which they can do, then they limit Noah and Horford and put the pressure on the outside shooting, then they can drive Florida to cold spells. If Florida goes cold then they can crumble and if Wisconsin makes the most of their opportunities then they'll win--and I think they will. Of course they'll have to win three games before getting their shot at Florida and Wisconsin is certainly capable of blowing it at the wrong moment. But I'm betting they side step the land mines.
Why did I mention Arizona? Because they've got the talent, they just haven't made the most of it. Schizo teams like that can appear out of the darkness sometimes and they'll have their shot at Florida early on. If they can pull off the stunner (I'd be surprised if they did), then they can just keep rolling because they won't play another team as good as Florida for a while.
Yup, I left out Oregon, Maryland, Butler and Notre Dame.
Florida is the defending champ with virtually all of last year's pieces intact. They're going to be tough to beat, to say the least. I saw Florida play Kentucky this year at Rupp Arena. The game was for ESPN and it’s a big rivalry so they went all out at Rupp: fireworks, loud music, booing at the opponent, all that yadda yadda yadda. Normally I don't care one way or the other about that stuff but in that particular game I thought it worked to Florida's advantage rather than Kentucky's. I kept thinking to myself, 'These guys are the champs, they're not intimidated by this shit.' Maybe the #1 team is intimidated or the road favorite or the conference rival--maybe you can pysche these opponents out. But not the defending champs, they've already won everything there is to win and they love the attention! Predictably, UK came out tight, never got their perimeter shooting going and even though they were generally better than Florida that night, they didn't score the points and didn't get the W. I blame the frickin' hype! These Florida guys have already had their glory, they won't be intimidated by anyone any more. That said, they're not flawless, they do go cold from time to time and as heralded as Joakim Noah is, he doesn't drive the offense and he can be marginalized. (Incidentally, Taurean Green is the star of that show, he's the one that keeps the ball moving and makes it happen--he's maybe the most underappreciated player in all of college basketball)
It will take a giant effort from Wisconsin but they can beat Florida. If they can dominate the boards, which they can do, then they limit Noah and Horford and put the pressure on the outside shooting, then they can drive Florida to cold spells. If Florida goes cold then they can crumble and if Wisconsin makes the most of their opportunities then they'll win--and I think they will. Of course they'll have to win three games before getting their shot at Florida and Wisconsin is certainly capable of blowing it at the wrong moment. But I'm betting they side step the land mines.
Why did I mention Arizona? Because they've got the talent, they just haven't made the most of it. Schizo teams like that can appear out of the darkness sometimes and they'll have their shot at Florida early on. If they can pull off the stunner (I'd be surprised if they did), then they can just keep rolling because they won't play another team as good as Florida for a while.
NIT Picking again
I was mostly right about the NIT games last night, the home teams cruised for the most part. UMass had to go to OT to finish off 'Bama but that's not a big surprise, the Tide has some talent even if they didn't have the years they could have.
But there were two home losses that surprised me. Oklahoma State got pretty thoroughly abused at home by Marist; I thought State was going to be pretty good this year but they've stumbled badly. And Drexel couldn't handle the mighty NC State onslaught at home. Now look when the NCAA committee makes their choices and people complain, they're complaining about the intention not the consequence. It wouldn't be right to sit here and say, 'I guess Drexel didn't deserve a spot because they couldn't even beat NC State at home. How would they have handled (say) Louisville on a neutral floor?' We'll never know. Sometimes not getting in is the catalyst to a strong run through the junior league. Perhaps not getting into the tourney was so demoralizing to the Drexel players that they couldn't win even on their home floor to a so-so opponent--this does not mean they didn't deserve to go to the big tourney! But, still… thought they'd do better than one and done.
Fresno State (22-9) at Georgia (18-13), 7 p.m.
Vermont (25-7) at Kansas State (22-11), 8 p.m.
Austin Peay (21-11) at Air Force (23-8), 11 p.m.
Hofstra (22-9) at DePaul (18-13), TBA
ETSU (24-9) at Clemson (21-10), 6 p.m.
South Alabama (20-11) at Syracuse (22-10), 7 p.m.
San Diego State (21-10) at Missouri State (22-10), 10 p.m.
Appalachian State (25-7) at Mississippi (20-12), TBA
Syracuse may well be the favorite for this whole tourney but my gut tells me Kansas State, Missouri State and Appalachian State all have a shot at NIT glory.
In tonight's games I've got a coupla upsets. Fresno State has a long way to travel and I think they'll make the most of it. Georgia is scrappy but not a deep team and I think Fresno can pull off the mild upset. I'll take Austin Peay at Air Force. Air Force stumbled badly down the stretch and went from a top 10 squad to drummed out of the top 64 in a matter of weeks. Hey, those military schools must have a tough time recruiting and I imagine focus on sports waxes and wanes. Will they wax it back for one final tournament? I'm thinking not. For all the talk about Syracuse and Drexel, I thought App. State was the most deserving team that got left out of the big dance. Ol' Miss was one of those disappointing SEC West teams and I bet the Appalachian boys can take 'em. (Secretly, I've got my eyes on Hofstra and ETSU, as well, but I'm just not ballsy enough to go against the home faves)
But there were two home losses that surprised me. Oklahoma State got pretty thoroughly abused at home by Marist; I thought State was going to be pretty good this year but they've stumbled badly. And Drexel couldn't handle the mighty NC State onslaught at home. Now look when the NCAA committee makes their choices and people complain, they're complaining about the intention not the consequence. It wouldn't be right to sit here and say, 'I guess Drexel didn't deserve a spot because they couldn't even beat NC State at home. How would they have handled (say) Louisville on a neutral floor?' We'll never know. Sometimes not getting in is the catalyst to a strong run through the junior league. Perhaps not getting into the tourney was so demoralizing to the Drexel players that they couldn't win even on their home floor to a so-so opponent--this does not mean they didn't deserve to go to the big tourney! But, still… thought they'd do better than one and done.
Fresno State (22-9) at Georgia (18-13), 7 p.m.
Vermont (25-7) at Kansas State (22-11), 8 p.m.
Austin Peay (21-11) at Air Force (23-8), 11 p.m.
Hofstra (22-9) at DePaul (18-13), TBA
ETSU (24-9) at Clemson (21-10), 6 p.m.
South Alabama (20-11) at Syracuse (22-10), 7 p.m.
San Diego State (21-10) at Missouri State (22-10), 10 p.m.
Appalachian State (25-7) at Mississippi (20-12), TBA
Syracuse may well be the favorite for this whole tourney but my gut tells me Kansas State, Missouri State and Appalachian State all have a shot at NIT glory.
In tonight's games I've got a coupla upsets. Fresno State has a long way to travel and I think they'll make the most of it. Georgia is scrappy but not a deep team and I think Fresno can pull off the mild upset. I'll take Austin Peay at Air Force. Air Force stumbled badly down the stretch and went from a top 10 squad to drummed out of the top 64 in a matter of weeks. Hey, those military schools must have a tough time recruiting and I imagine focus on sports waxes and wanes. Will they wax it back for one final tournament? I'm thinking not. For all the talk about Syracuse and Drexel, I thought App. State was the most deserving team that got left out of the big dance. Ol' Miss was one of those disappointing SEC West teams and I bet the Appalachian boys can take 'em. (Secretly, I've got my eyes on Hofstra and ETSU, as well, but I'm just not ballsy enough to go against the home faves)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
NIT Picking
The NIT may be the NCAA's retarded little brother but it is still good fun. As much as everyone's bitching about who didn't make the big tourney this year (I suspect bloggers will soon attribute all these disappointments to Chuck Norris), it does leave a nice pile of squads in the junior league. Tonight's tilt:
Toledo (19-12) at Florida State (20-12), 6 p.m.
Utah State (23-11) at Michigan (21-12), 7 p.m.
MVSU (18-15) at Mississippi State (18-13), TBA
NC State (18-15) at Drexel (23-8), 8 p.m.
Alabama (20-11) at Massachusetts (23-8), 9:30 p.m.
Marist (24-8) at Oklahoma State (22-12), 10 p.m.
Delaware State (21-12) at West Virginia (22-9), TBA
West Virginia's scrappy, Drexel might be as good as everybody says, Michigan is always a team with some talent.
I like all the home faves tonight, though I'm curious to see if recently resurgent NC State can go on the road to recently ballyhooed Drexel and get a win. Can the Wolfpack ride that energy all the way to Madison Square? I suspect not.
Toledo (19-12) at Florida State (20-12), 6 p.m.
Utah State (23-11) at Michigan (21-12), 7 p.m.
MVSU (18-15) at Mississippi State (18-13), TBA
NC State (18-15) at Drexel (23-8), 8 p.m.
Alabama (20-11) at Massachusetts (23-8), 9:30 p.m.
Marist (24-8) at Oklahoma State (22-12), 10 p.m.
Delaware State (21-12) at West Virginia (22-9), TBA
West Virginia's scrappy, Drexel might be as good as everybody says, Michigan is always a team with some talent.
I like all the home faves tonight, though I'm curious to see if recently resurgent NC State can go on the road to recently ballyhooed Drexel and get a win. Can the Wolfpack ride that energy all the way to Madison Square? I suspect not.
Iditarod Update
Susan Butcher, a 4-time Iditarod champion, died last summer of leukemia. Her husband, Dave Monson, will be scattering her ashes along the trail. Monson will be joined by their 11-year old daughter, Tekla, who will be driving her own dog sled team the 700 miles to 'Old Woman Mountain', where her mother will reside. Jeez, I thought I deserved more allowance whenever I washed my dad's car.
4 time champ to be scattered on the trail
4 time champ to be scattered on the trail
San Antonio bracket
Teams that can win this region: Ohio State, Texas A&M, Memphis, Louisville
Yup, I left out Virginia (they won the ACC by a fluke of scheduling), Tennessee (Chris Lofton is a player but he won't carry them out of this region) and Creighton (scrappy team but they can't hang with those Buckeye All-Americans).
Ohio State is my pick to win it all. Oden is rounding into a beast at just the right time and the rest of the team knows what to do.
Memphis can run, Texas A&M brings a serious stud (Acie Law), and Louisville may have the savvy and the stick-to-it-tiveness to get it done, but I'm not betting on the field here.
Yup, I left out Virginia (they won the ACC by a fluke of scheduling), Tennessee (Chris Lofton is a player but he won't carry them out of this region) and Creighton (scrappy team but they can't hang with those Buckeye All-Americans).
Ohio State is my pick to win it all. Oden is rounding into a beast at just the right time and the rest of the team knows what to do.
Memphis can run, Texas A&M brings a serious stud (Acie Law), and Louisville may have the savvy and the stick-to-it-tiveness to get it done, but I'm not betting on the field here.
Monday, March 12, 2007
B-ball trivia
What is the only school from a BCS conference that has NEVER played in an NCAA Tournament? (BCS: Big East, ACC, SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10)
I'm more of bracket-onomist. The difference is in the suffix.
East Rutherford
The teams that could actually win this region: North Carolina, Georgetown, Texas, Vanderbilt, Boston College.
What's that you say? I left out Southern Cal, Washington State, Marquette and Michigan State. Hmmm, so I did.
UNC has tons of talent, the pedigree, a winning coach, yadda yadda yadda. They're the #1 seed and nobody disputes it. They're built on freshmen which is always dangerous and their big guy looks uncomfortable out there with his broken nose. But they did win an ACC Tourney, not an easy task. They're everybody's Final Four pick, including me.
Georgetown has a strong inside presence and a grinding, physical style that a lot of teams simply can't keep up with. Personally, I think the Big East was a little overrated this year so I think I'm not as impressed with G-town as I'm supposed to be. Big and imposing can equal slow-footed and easily frustrated.
Texas got a bit of a raw deal, left with facing UNC in the Sweet 16. I thought with their play down their stretch, making the Big 12 Finals (which they should've won), they deserved a #3 seed--how do you leave them behind Washington State? But hard to imagine them winning it all without playing a team better than them so perhaps its best to get the big dogs out of the way early. Unfortunately for them, I don't think they'll beat UNC.
Vanderbilt is one of my teams to keep an eye on. They've got good guards that play smart and disciplined. They don't have great depth or an imposing inside game and Vandy is not generally a repository of basketball talent. This year's squad, though, isn't bad. They can hang with tougher talent--I'm talking to you, G-town.
Boston College has one fine young star, Jared Dudley, and they're hardened by a brutal ACC schedule. They could go a long way. I have them losing to Texas Tech in the first round but I've been known to be wrong about these brackets and BC is one that I may be totally wrong about.
Tomorrow: San Antonio bracket
The teams that could actually win this region: North Carolina, Georgetown, Texas, Vanderbilt, Boston College.
What's that you say? I left out Southern Cal, Washington State, Marquette and Michigan State. Hmmm, so I did.
UNC has tons of talent, the pedigree, a winning coach, yadda yadda yadda. They're the #1 seed and nobody disputes it. They're built on freshmen which is always dangerous and their big guy looks uncomfortable out there with his broken nose. But they did win an ACC Tourney, not an easy task. They're everybody's Final Four pick, including me.
Georgetown has a strong inside presence and a grinding, physical style that a lot of teams simply can't keep up with. Personally, I think the Big East was a little overrated this year so I think I'm not as impressed with G-town as I'm supposed to be. Big and imposing can equal slow-footed and easily frustrated.
Texas got a bit of a raw deal, left with facing UNC in the Sweet 16. I thought with their play down their stretch, making the Big 12 Finals (which they should've won), they deserved a #3 seed--how do you leave them behind Washington State? But hard to imagine them winning it all without playing a team better than them so perhaps its best to get the big dogs out of the way early. Unfortunately for them, I don't think they'll beat UNC.
Vanderbilt is one of my teams to keep an eye on. They've got good guards that play smart and disciplined. They don't have great depth or an imposing inside game and Vandy is not generally a repository of basketball talent. This year's squad, though, isn't bad. They can hang with tougher talent--I'm talking to you, G-town.
Boston College has one fine young star, Jared Dudley, and they're hardened by a brutal ACC schedule. They could go a long way. I have them losing to Texas Tech in the first round but I've been known to be wrong about these brackets and BC is one that I may be totally wrong about.
Tomorrow: San Antonio bracket
My favorite headline this morning
'Niagara 'disrespected' with play-in game status'
This is rich! Niagara feels dissed? (snicker, snicker) Use that negative energy, Niagara, get your Yoda on and win it all! Savor the moment, Niagara. It won't last long. Bra-ha-haaaaa!
This is rich! Niagara feels dissed? (snicker, snicker) Use that negative energy, Niagara, get your Yoda on and win it all! Savor the moment, Niagara. It won't last long. Bra-ha-haaaaa!
6 Nations Update
Scotland 18-19 Ireland
Italy 23-20 Wales
England 26-18 France
Saturday 17th March 2007 13:30 GMT
Italy vs Ireland 15:30 GMT
France vs Scotland 17:30 GMT
Wales vs England
6 Nations Latest Standings
If France holds on against Scotland, they'll take the Cup.
Keep an eye on winless Wales: they've been getting closer and closer to a W, could be England that pays the price.
Italy-Ireland might be playing for 2nd place.
Italy 23-20 Wales
England 26-18 France
Saturday 17th March 2007 13:30 GMT
Italy vs Ireland 15:30 GMT
France vs Scotland 17:30 GMT
Wales vs England
6 Nations Latest Standings
If France holds on against Scotland, they'll take the Cup.
Keep an eye on winless Wales: they've been getting closer and closer to a W, could be England that pays the price.
Italy-Ireland might be playing for 2nd place.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Quarerfinals are set
AC Milan 1-0 Celtic Milan is one of those great teams that plays sluggish at times.
Manchester U 2-0 Lille Cristian Ronaldo to Henrik Larsson and Man U moves through. Funny: in real time I agreed with the ref's yellow card to Ronaldo but on the replay it looked like he got robbed.
'Tor in zehn Sekunden von Makay' as I recall from my high schooling means 'Real gets schooled early and often in Munich'. Dude, this one was over quick. Bayern advances on the 4-4 tie.
PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Arsenal Looked like Arsenal was on their way back but PSV gets a late goal and that's that.
Soccerway's Total Euro Recap
Manchester U 2-0 Lille Cristian Ronaldo to Henrik Larsson and Man U moves through. Funny: in real time I agreed with the ref's yellow card to Ronaldo but on the replay it looked like he got robbed.
'Tor in zehn Sekunden von Makay' as I recall from my high schooling means 'Real gets schooled early and often in Munich'. Dude, this one was over quick. Bayern advances on the 4-4 tie.
PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Arsenal Looked like Arsenal was on their way back but PSV gets a late goal and that's that.
Soccerway's Total Euro Recap
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
European Championship past the Sweet 16
Roma 2-0 Lyon highlights Roma blasts through Lyon to the quarterfinals. That 2nd goal will be on Top Plays this week, count on it, a bevy of moves. (No audio, video doesn't get going until about a minute and a half in)
Cole to Drogba to Shevchenko to Ballack. Chelsea moves on past Porto, 2-1.
Liverpool 2-2 Barcelona Highlights Ronaldinho, a post away from the quarterfinals. Gudjohnson, the Chelsea castoff strikes gold but its not enough. (Highlights from ESPN Deportes)
I was hoping to get highlights from Valencia's victory over Inter Milan, but all I could find was footage of the match turning to fisticuffs. (Commentary in Italian)
Cole to Drogba to Shevchenko to Ballack. Chelsea moves on past Porto, 2-1.
Liverpool 2-2 Barcelona Highlights Ronaldinho, a post away from the quarterfinals. Gudjohnson, the Chelsea castoff strikes gold but its not enough. (Highlights from ESPN Deportes)
I was hoping to get highlights from Valencia's victory over Inter Milan, but all I could find was footage of the match turning to fisticuffs. (Commentary in Italian)
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
European Championship Gamedays
I'll take Porto, Roma, Liverpool, Inter on Tuesday. Celtic, PSV, Man U, Bayern on Wednesday. We'll see.
Tuesday's matches
Chelsea (1) v (1) Porto
Lyon (0) v (0) Roma
Liverpool (2) v (1) Barcelona (ESPN2)
Valencia (2) v (2) Inter Milan (ESPN Deportes)
Wednesday's matches
Milan (0) v (0) Celtic
Arsenal (0) v (1) PSV
Manchester U (1) v (0) Lille (ESPN2)
Bayern Munchen (2) v (3) Real Madrid (ESPN Deportes)
Tuesday's matches
Chelsea (1) v (1) Porto
Lyon (0) v (0) Roma
Liverpool (2) v (1) Barcelona (ESPN2)
Valencia (2) v (2) Inter Milan (ESPN Deportes)
Wednesday's matches
Milan (0) v (0) Celtic
Arsenal (0) v (1) PSV
Manchester U (1) v (0) Lille (ESPN2)
Bayern Munchen (2) v (3) Real Madrid (ESPN Deportes)
Montoya takes his first checkered flag
I thought Montoya would be more of a factor in Daytona and the Cali Speedway, but he finds his first NASCAR glory in a Busch Series race in Mexico City. Oh, and he won by spinning out his teammate. ((In the voice of Mandy Patinkin): My name is Juan Pablo Montoya. I crave the NASCAR Rookie of the Year award. Now prepare to move aside.) Class dude. Nice to see the NBA isn't hogging all the thugs.
Mexico City Busch Series
Mexico City Busch Series
They're off!
The dogs are mushing for real now. This Iditarod update highlights the innovations of this year's mushers (specialized harnesses, dog shirts). The video updates require a subscription fee. Personally, I don't pay for nuthin' on the internet but it looks like good quality stuff.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Qatar Total Open Ladies Final
Justin Henin-Hardenne moves into the final at Qatar, her 9th final in her last 10 tournaments. That's kinda Tiger-rific right there.
Who ya got?
The Iditarod gets started tomorrow. This is a race for the real hardcore race fans. 27 rookies in this year's race, -13 degrees in Anchorage this morning, I look forward to keeping up with this one.
Musher Listing
(Dude, check out how many people have already dropped out--and the race doesn't start til tomorrow!)
Iditarod History Lesson
Musher Listing
(Dude, check out how many people have already dropped out--and the race doesn't start til tomorrow!)
Iditarod History Lesson
NFL free agents on the move
I love free agency. Contrary to Mr. Fitzgerald's dictum that there are no second acts in American lives, Americans love second chances and get them all the time (particularly in the NFL). People complain that they don't get to know the players any more. First off, I wasn't around in those days, don't know what I'm missing. Second off, 'nobody knows anybody, not that well' (it’s a line from a movie). Unlike the moaners (who seem to spend all day calling their local sports talk shows), I like the idea that every year there's a pile of good solid players out there that you can re-tool with. Free agency gives these players another opportunity to shine out and be a star and teams an opportunity to re-configure, re-align and make anew. We forget that a guy like Jim Plunkett was a bust, a disappointment, a washout, a has-been and then he won 2 Super Bowls.
NFL Top Free Agents
Expanded list of NFL Free Agents
NFL Top Free Agents
Expanded list of NFL Free Agents
Thursday, March 1, 2007
B-ball classic last night
Caught the end of that Texas-Texas A&M tilt last night. Wow! Kevin Durant and Acie Law going back and forth was a pleasure to watch, probably the finest bit of college b-ball I've seen in a while. Law hit all the big shots (almost even pulled off the intentionally missed free throw in double overtime), but Durant came up with the W. When these guys both go pro and become big stars (or maybe meet again in this year's Final Four), this game will linger a long while in the classic pile. Keep an eye on ESPN Classic, I believe Sunday morning is college basketball time.
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