The day is almost here

The sweet 16 is in full swing, and the Big east is dominating. Showing that their top teams are also some of the top teams in the nation, that is not surprising really to anyone. The fact doesn't change though that in the 16 team league there is still some bad teams, like at least 5 of them, plus another 4 that are not all that special. But no question the big east is the best conference, no question about it, and though I look forward to watching the games tonight, and the elite 8 games on Saturday and Sunday, there is something else that I am looking forward to. Tomorrow, is a very big day, as it is a baseball draft for a ten team league. Last year I was able to make it to the finals, what will be in store this year. I would like to add right now, I think there will be times this year, where I write in this blog articles about that fantasy league, and I will write it as if it is very important, and real, because, well, it's a lot more fun the more serious you take it. I believe I will start right now.



The 2nd draft of the CMU keeper league will be taking place tomorrow in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Due to certain things, like jobs and living out of the state, a few members will not be able to attend this live draft, and will be joining the event via the Internet, and a AOL chat room. Two teams will not be able to make it at all. One of them is The Legends, managed by Greg Morris, who in his first year in this keeper league has picks 1, 4, 5 and 9, of the first ten, but will be pulling the famous, change the draft date for me, so I can make it, oh wait I can't move. In talking with Greg he admits of his wrong doing, and swears this will never happen again, time will tell. The last team that will be drafting without them tomorrow is Cuban Raft Riders, mongered by the man simply known as Rizzo. He will be trusting the commish to draft his team. It should be noted, he did win last year. There will be a few other teams joining us via the Internet, they include Cunt Ass and Dick, witch can only be the name thought up by Phil Marrone, Off in the Woods, managed by first year manager Toph, and lastly joining us online with a guy named Matt, that we just call Brem, and his team capsize in my thighs. The teams that will be there is last years runner up, pumps me up, lead by Steve Schwanda, Party train, led by the commish Rob "party" potter, alpha kappa gangster, mongered by Dom, Arod is innocent mongered by Buddy C, and lastly Ball Bashers and their manager Chaz will be making the trip to Mt. Pleasant for the draft. This was under great debate during the week, and at first Chaz was not planing on it, but after some thought, and maybe someone trying to talk him in to it, it was first reported by the Ovid else times, and then confirmed my the Lansing state journal that Chaz will be in town. So the 10 team draft will have two men who are letting others draft for them, 5 man in person, and the other 3 joining us online. Should be a great time. Stay tuned to the Schwanda sports blog all year for continuing coverage on year two of the CMU keeper league. I'm right, you're wrong.

MLB Predictions

Well we have a little break in college basketball and with baseball's opening day almost here, it is time for my MLB predictions. With help from my old roommate of 4 years Rob Potter, better know as mr party, I have also included our "put it on the board" predictions about the baseball season. The beta version, Steve Mckay, will also be adding his predictions, once I send him the link.. Predictions first.



Mine:

AL:
East) Boston
West) LAA of LA
Central) Tribe- as much as I want to be a homer
Wild Card) Yanks

LAA of LA vs NYY- Yanks win
Bos vs Cle- Bos wins

Bos vs NYY- Bos wins in 6

NL:
East) Phills
West) LAD
Central) Cubs
Wild Card) FLA- yes they are my sleeper team

Cubs vs FL- Cubs win
LAD vs Phils-LAD win

Cubs vs LAD- LAD in 5

World Series:
Bos vs LAD- Boston in 5
WS MVP Jason Bay.
AL Cy Young: Becket
NL Cy Young: Zambrono
AL MVP: Grady Sizemore
NL MVP: Hanley Ramiez
AL Rookie of the year-Ryan Perry
NL Rookie of the year- Max S


Rob's Predictions:

AL
East) Rays
West) Sea
Central) Twins
Wild Card) LAA of LA

Min vs LAA- LAA wins
TB vs Sea- TB wins

TB vs LAA- LAA in 6

NL
East) Philis
West) LAD
Central) Brew crew
Wild Card) D Backs

Phis vs ARZ- Phili wins
LAD vs Mil- LAD wins

LAD vs PHI- LAD in 7

World Series:
LAA vs LAD. LAD wins in 6
WS MVP: Matt Kemp

AL Cy YoungL Liario
NL Cy Young: Heren
AL MVP: Manny JR
NL MVP: Manny
AL Rookie of the year: D Price
NL Rookie of the year: Cambin Maybin.

THE BETA PICKS: aka Steve Mckay

AL
East) NY Yankees
West) LA Angels of Anaheim
Central) Minnesota Twins
Wild Card) Boston Red Sox

Boston vs LAA- Boston wins
NY vs Minnesota- NY wins

NY vs Boston- NY in 7

NL
East) NY Metropolitans
West) LA Dodgers
Central) St. Louis Cardinals
Wild Card) Colorado Rockies

NY Mets vs Colorado Rockies- NY Mets win
LA Dodga's vs StL Cards- LA Dodga's win

LAD vs NYM- Mets in 6

World (Subway *Eat Fresh*) Series:
NYY vs NYM. NYY wins in 6
WS MVP: CC Sabathia

AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
NL Cy Young: Brandon Webb
AL MVP: Joe Mauer
NL MVP: Manuel Ramirez
AL Rookie of the year: Matt LaPorta, CLE Injuns
NL Rookie of the year: Colby Rasmus, StL Cards



Put it on the board Predictions: ( s-is me, r-is rob)

Over/Under- ARod's HR at 30: S-over, r-under
Higher number-Manny's RBI or Brandon Inge's strike outs: s-Inge, r-Manny
Higher number D trains ERA or Wins: s-era r-wins
Higer number granderson's walks or doubles: s-doubles, r-walks
Games dice k pitches 7+ innings: s-11, r-7
Over/Under Hanley's BA at 3.10: s-over, r-under
Over/Under Verlander's ERA at 4: s-over, r-under
More wins D Lowe or J Smoltz: s-Lowe, r-Smoltz
Over/Under BA for Ryan Howard at 2.50: s-under, r-over
How many games M Hoilliday plays for the A's before being Traded: s-94, r-98
Rocco Boldelies HR at 10+: s-no, r-yes
Josh Hamliton's RBIs: s-91, r-87
Better record KC or STL: s-STL, r-KC
KC will be 3rd in the Central-r on 3/11/09
KC will be last in the Central-s on 3/11/09
How many games will it take Gary to get one HR to get to 500: s-5, r-14
Gary will not hit his 500HR before May 1-r on 3/11/09
Gary will hit his 500HR before May 1-s on 3/11/09
Who will get signed first pedro or pudge: s-pudge, r-pedro- I already won. we did this on March 11, 2009
Barry Zito wins: s-10, r-6
1st team to fire their manager: s-Mets, r-white sox
Jason Giamni Hr in Oakland: s-22, r-17
Better 5 by 5 fantasy numbers D lee or Mark Texeria: s-d lee, r-texeria
Better 5 by 5 fantasy numbers coco or Jacoby: s-Jacoby, r-coco
Better 5 by 5 fantasy numbers Inge or Evert: s-Inge, r-Evert

* 5 by 5 numbers are: BA, R, H, RBI, and HR


I'm right, you're wrong.

Sweet 16

So a great first weekend of the big dance is over. Now we have a few days to relax. There may not have been buzzer beater after buzzer beater, but they were some close games, and a lot of very hard played games. I really enjoyed the first weekend, as I always do. Though my bracket may not be doing as well as I would have liked, I do still have all 4 of my final four teams and 7 of my elite 8, so I still has a chance. I am very impressed with a lot of things, and here are some of them;

-The way Marquette played without D James. I know they still have talent, and even though they lost a tough game today to Mizzu, and only beat Utah State by one, they played very hard this weekend. My hat goes off to them

-The big east has 5 teams in the sweet 16, which can't be too surprising since they had 3 number ones, and two 3, one of whom was playing at home. Of course the top of that league is very very good, no question about it. But the bottom of the league isn't, which makes the league has a whole not as far and away the best as big east fans would like to think it is. It is the best, no question, but after the top 3 teams I think, any of the other teams could lose to any other conferences top teams, or at least, have a good game.

-The big 12 has looked good, well at least the first round, but then having three sweet 16 teams in OK, Mizzu and Kansas is good, Then the big ten has two, with MSU and Purdue, and the ACC who has of course UNC and Duke. Then X, Gonzaga, and Memphis from non BCA conferences, and then who would have guessed the one pac 10 school is Zona, only in March.

-Almost all chalk. this is becoming a pattern. You may have a upset here or there, but clearly if you want to win your pool, keep the high seeds around. The sweet 16 is almost all chalk. Besides Zona, who is a 12 seed, the rest are all 1-4 and 2-3, except Purdue who is a 5, I mean, wow. There hasn't been too many big surprises. I guess Wake would be the only one, but again, they are so young, that if one team would fall from those top 4 seeds in each bracket it would be them. Talented yes, but they are young.

- I don't know what I am going to do till Thursday. Our basketball banquette is Tuesday, since we once again, for the 4th year in a row, lost in the regional final, but other then that, I have nothing till Thursday, when the sweet 16 starts. I do have a fantasy baseball draft on Saturday, so I will continue to get ready for that, but that's about it. Maybe I need to regroup after the weekend, watch some movies, relax, and of course, I still have to watch my daughter. So she will keep me busy. I hope everyone enjoyed this weekend as much as I have. I'm right, you're wrong.

NCAA Final Four Predictions

SO now my final four is MSU vs Uconn and Duke vs UNC, I wonder if that was done on purpose. If you don't know how I got there.. keep scrolling down to eariler post, I did my predictions for the big dance by region.


2) MSU vs 1) Uconn- Again, Uconn is the better team, but MSU will be playing in Detroit and sometimes Uconn just has bad games. MSU wins and is going to the finals

2) Duke vs 1) UNC- This should be a fun one, but UNC won at home and on the road, so why would I think they wouldn't win on a neutral court. UNC wins and gets to the finals


National title game:

2) MSU vs 1) UNC- A rematch of the big ten-acc game right where the last one was played, ford field. UNC won that game easily as it was MSU' 4th game in 7 days, and they were not even close to 100%. Not to make excuses, cause UNC is the better team, and I will still pick UNC to win it all... I will even give a score, 75-63, UNC wins another title. I'm right, you're wrong.

NCAA Predictions- South region

One more region to go, the south... so, lets do it.

1st round:

1) UNC vs 16) Radford- I liked Radford when I saw them play, they have a couple nice big guys and I liked their chances to maybe slow down a game and beat someone, then they get a 16 vs UNC, and that was out the window. No Lawson, no problem, rest him, and they will still win by 20.

8) LSU vs 9) Butler- I like Butler in this game, mainly because I am not sold on LSwho at all, and the SEC, besides I guess my Tenn pick to the elite 8, man that was dumb. Butler finds a way to win.

5) Ill vs 12) WKU- Western Ken is a good team, and without Fraser I am worried for the ILL. But I think they can find a way to win one game, I hope.

4) Gonzaga vs 13) Akron- Normally I go for MAC love, in this case it is easy not too. I have Akron number one, and number two, the only two teams I like more then the Zags are MSU, and of course my alma mater CMU. Go Zags beat the zips.

6) ASU vs 11) Temple- It is hard not to cheer for Xmas, but I like ASU, and I think they are going to win.

3) Cuse vs 14) Stone Cold SF Austin- I am not a big cuse fan at all, in fact, I hate them, but they are wining this game.

7) Clemson vs 10) UofM- Yeah, big blue is back in the dance, first time since 98, and are they going to be one and done. Of course not, one, I am not sold on Clemson at all, since they do the same thing ever year, start like 15-0 in non conference cause they play no one and then they lose once the ACC starts. At one time this year they were in the top 7 in the nation, now they are a 7 seed in their region, also, Michigan plays a different style with their 1-3-1 zone and coach B's teams normally do well in the tourney, they find a way to get this one. Michigan wins.

2) OK vs 15) Morgan State- Blake Griffen and W Warren could win by themselves. OK wins easy.

2nd round:

1) UNC vs 9) Butler- I like Butler, but not this much, UNC should win without much problem, again, with or without Lawson.

5) Ill vs 4) Gonzaga- Go Zags Go. Ill really will miss Fraser here, and the Zags will win. They are really talented this year, they have a inside and outside talent, they have size, shooters, athletes, really everything you want.

6) ASU vs 3) Cuse- Harden and ASU beats Fylnn and Cuse.. I told you, I don't like cuse.. I also really think making that run will hurt them, maybe not physically but mentally.. think back to 2006, they made a run similar, minus the 7 total OT, to win the big east tourney when they wouldn't have gotten in at all if they didn't and what happen... oh yeah they lost in the first round. ASU to the sweet 16.

10) UofM vs 2) OK- If I was going for the team I am cheering for I would pick Michigan, but OK is much better and they are going to win. Having a quick turnaround to get ready for Michigan's zone could be tough, but you know OK already has guys watching tape and breaking them down.

sweet 16:

1) UNC vs 4) Gongaga- I would love to pick Gonzaga here, I really would, but I just can't. UNC is too good, and by then Lawson should be healthy and playing. UNC wins.

6) ASU vs 2) OK- I am not sure on OK, but I do think they will win. Blake Griffen will help them make this run.

elite 8:

1) UNC vs 2) OK- I have some upset along the way but most regional finals have 1 vs 2, and all have number two in them, that is because I really feel those 8 are well ahead of everyone else. Everyone else can beat anyone else, but those top 8 are the best teams in the nation.. lets see if it holds up. UNC is too talented and experienced, this is why all those guys came back, they win and are going to the final four.


I'm right, you're wrong.

NCAA Predictions- East Region

Moving on to the east.. where I am taking another one of those big risks.. more on that later.

1st round:

1) Pit vs 16) ETSU- Pit manhandles them, that's all.

8) Ok State vs 9) Tenn- I like Tenn in this game, and I need them to win this one.

5) Free Shoe vs 12) Wisconsin- Call me a big ten homer if you want, but Wisconsin will win this game, they will slow down the game, and win, just watch it happen.

4) X vs 13) Portland State- Has the song goes... X is going to give it to you.

6) UCLA vs 11) VCU- UCLA going all the way to phili, and VCU is good, upset, but too many people will be also thinking this, and I think UCLA will get this one win.

3) Nova vs 14) American U- It is unfair for Nova to have to play the entire nation of American, so to make it more fair, lets make it a home game in phili.. Nova wins.

7) Texas vs 10) Min- You can't accuse me of being a big ten homer because I am taking Texas. I like Min but they are not ready yet... oh, and AJ Abrams is the man.

2) Duke vs Bringhamton- Duke playing in NC, lets make it a little eaiser for them next year, and just let them play in carmon. They roll.

2nd round.

1) Pitt vs 9) Tenn- Here is where I am really rolling the dice. Not all 4 ones are going to make big runs this year, so which one to pick to slip up. Pitt is so good, and they play so physical and I love Blair, Young and Fields, so why I am picking them to lose. Good question, I see this game being more up and down, Tenn will speed them up, Blair will get in foul trouble and Ten will win... or, Pit will slow it down and pound the crap out of them and win by 15. But before I talk myself out of it, Tenn wins.

12) Wisconsin vs 4) X- Again Wisconsin will slow down the game and win. X has been up and down this year, and I am not totally sold on them. I know they are good, but I don't know if they are that good. And Wisconsin has not had a great year, but they usually always do good in the big dance, because they play a different style, it's slow and is basically puts teams to sleep. Wisconsin going to the sweet 16.

6) UCLA vs 3) Nova- Nova is going to win, they are playing in Phili, it's a home game, that's all that needs to be said.

7) Texas vs 2) Duke- Again, it's a home game for Duke, they are not loosing, on to the sweet 16.

sweet 16:

9) Tenn vs 12) Wisconsin- So here I ask myself, what team would have a better chance of wining. And I go with Tenn. The one thing that could save me, if other people have fsu or X making runs and pit beats them, it doesn't hurt me as much. Tenn to the elite 8. I am a little surprised too.. I'm rolling the dice.

3) Nova vs 2) Duke- Duke will win because they are better coached, and deeper.

elite 8:

9) Tenn vs 2) Duke- Tenn run finally ends and Duke is going to the final four. If Pit is still here as long as Duke wins it could, COULD, still save my bracket.


I'm right, you're wrong.

NCAA Predictions-West region

Now lets look at the West region.

1st round:

1) Uconn vs 16) Chattanooga- um, Uconn will win, by a lot, next.

8) BYU vs 9) Texas A&M- Another game where you could literally flip a coin. I went with BYU, but I am not that confident about that.

5) Purdue vs 12) N. Iowa- N. Iowa is not bad, but Purdue is a very good team, and they are healthy now, they will be a tough out.

4) Washington vs 13) Miss State- Miss State had to win their conference tourney to get in, and now they get the pac 10 champs, and if they win that, they get the big ten tourney champs.. what a reward. Washington is wining. I like Brockman and Pointdexter.

6) Marquette vs 11) Utah State- I feel bad for Marquette playing without James, even though they still have lots of talent and enough to make a run. However, to win these things you have to take a couple of chances and hope they pay off for you. Chance one, that I am taking.. Utah State wins this game.

3) Mizzu vs 14) Cornell- Unless a quiz bowl breaks out during the game, Mizzu will win.

7) Cal vs 10) Maryland- I could see either team wining, but I like the turtles in this one.

2) Memphis vs 15) CSU Northridge- Memphis wins by 20, next.

2nd round:

1) Uconn vs 8) BYU- Uconn is still too good and too deep to lose this one.

5) Purdue vs 4) Washington- Purdue makes the sweet 16, watch out, they are good, I'm telling you.

11) Utah State vs 3) Mizzu- Back to the hole taking a chance thing. Utah State wins this game, no really. I have not been sold on Mizzu all year, and I am still not, I like Utah State to make the sweet 16, you heard it here first.

10) Maryland vs 2) Memphis- Memphis may have lost a lot from last year, but they have plenty back, at least enough to beat the turtles.

sweet 16:

1) Uconn vs 5) Purdue- I would love if Purdue would win this game, but I think Uconn still have enough talent to win. I am really worried about them slipping up and just having a bad game, because they have shown that they do that, but if they play their best Uconn is wining this game.

11) Utah State vs 2) Memphis- The run has to end, and it ends here. Memphis wins, but I must say, I am a little worried about Memphis' youth.

elite 8:

1) Uconn vs 2) Memphis- The youth would be why I am picking Uconn to win this game, and make it to the final four. Again I am worried about this, I really think a team like Purdue, or even Mizzu, because of their press could make it out of here, I am just not sold enough on either.

I'm right, you're wrong.

NCAA Predictions-Midwest region

Here we go, it's that time, I will go region by region, all in different post, just to keep them shorter and easier to follow.

1st round:

1) Louisville vs 16) Morehead State- Congrats on Morehead for beating Bama State last night, but they are not beating Louisville, no way, moving on.

8)OSU vs 9) Siena- This is a game were I really thought about flipping a coin, I could see either team wining this. Siena is a very good team, and I am going with them, but I will not be shocked at all if OSU wins.

5) Utah vs 12) Zona- Zona shouldn't have made the tournament, and they are favored as a 12 seed against a 5. Utah is a good team, but Zona does have a lot of talent, and I am picking Zona to win.

4) Wake vs 13) CSU- Wake will win, that is really all I have to say.

6) WVU vs 11) Dayton- Dayton isn't a bad team, but I like WVU to make a little run, more on that later.

3) Kansas vs 14) ND State- ND State isn't bad, they have a good guard and made a great comeback to beat Oakland in the conference finals, but they will not beat Kansas, sorry.

7) BC vs 10) USC- I like the way USC is playing right now, and even though Rice is a beast for BC and you need a great guard come march, with gibson, hackett and now dozer all playing well USC will win this game.

2) MSU vs 15) bobby Morris- MSU will win, no question about it, they are too deep and too talented and too well coached to be one and done.

2nd round:

1) Louisville vs 9) Siena- as much as I would love to have Siena win, they are not going to. Louisville is too deep, too well coached and too talented.

12) Zona vs 4) Wake- I need Wake to win this game, and they will. Wake is young, which scares me a little, but they are so talented, they will at least get to the sweet 16.

6) WVU vs 3) Kansas- It's March, so you know I can't go all chalk. I like WVU to win this game. I am not that sold on Kansas, they just lost too much from last year, they are playing better then they were in the start of the year, until their lost in the big 12 tourney, but I like WVU to make the sweet 16.

10) USC vs 2) MSU- MSU will win this game, because they are on a mission, they are deep, and they have experience. I am a little bit of a homer, more on that later, but I truly believe they are a good team, and have the right mix of talent and experience to make a run at this thing.

sweet 16:

1) Louisville vs 4) Wake- This is where Wake is just too young, and a year away yet. They have the talent to win this game, but not the experience, Louisville is on to the elite 8.

6) WVU vs 2) MSU- WVU run ends to a team that is deeper and more talented, plus wants to make the final four in Detroit.

Elite 8:

1) Louisville vs 2) MSU- Here is where my bias really comes in. I have MSU wining this game, and yes they are a good team, I would even admit Louisville may be a better team, but if they are here, and are one game away from the final four in Detroit, they will find a way to win. MSU to the final four.


I'm right, you're wrong

I wish I had time

I wish I had time to get in to it more right now, but I have a regional semi final game 3 hrs away today, so I need to shower and get ready to go, but I did want to quickly say some things about the big dance. First, I will be doing a region by region break down of every 1st round game, who I am wining and why, and then predict the rest of the field. I will be doing that tomorrow, since I will be getting back too late tonight, after the game, I am just going to bed. About the selection, for the most part the teams got in that should have, and have the seeds they should have, or at least close enough to them. The biggest problem is, as you will hear maybe people continue to say until the games start, is Zona. I have no problem with them, I like a few of their players, but they should not be in. I would argue the only reason that they are is because of their name, and the streak of consecutive tourney's that they have going. If you take their name away and place their resume next to St. Mary's or Creighton's, Zona's is not better. Of course saying that, they are now picked to beat Utah and are the favorites in that game, being a 12 against a 5. I just wish Patty Mills and Steph Curry was in the big dance, that is what people want to see. Why do we need 6 teams from a down pac 10? USC, Miss State, CSU, and Temple all wining their conference tourneys did steal bids, from I would bet, PSU, St. Mary's, Creighton, and I am sure there was a lot of teams ahead of Davidson, like Auburn, SD State, for example, but they were who I wanted to get in. But all in all, I am ok with the field. I do love how a 3 seed in Nova gets basically a home game in Phili, and the big east gets 3 number one seeds.. wow, lets try to stack the deck in their favor a little more. Another question, do UNC and Duke ever have to play their first two games outside of NC. I mean, wow, that must be great. I am really looking forward to the big dance, and full predictions will come tomorrow, I have already done them, I try to do them quick, before I talk myself in and out of games, but I just don't have the time to do it now. Up north I go. go Oilers, I'm right, you're wrong.

Too much going on

I am going to hold off on writing anything till after the brackets are out tomorrow, because after what has happened this weekend, I am at a loss. Utah won, so they are in. But X didn't win their tourney, so Temple is also getting in from the A10, plus Dayton should feel confident, that's 3 bids, that takes a bid away. Northwestern did lose to Minn, so they are out, and I think PSU might also be out based on everything that happened. Those bubble teams needed everything to go well. If Miss State beats Ten tomorrow things will really be messed up. In the other title games tomorrow, OSU and Purdue are in either way, as are Duke and FSU. The question will be who gets left out? God I love this time of year. In the big 12 Mizzu did win so Baylor's magic run ends, and so does their tourney chances, at least I think so. Cuse followed up 6 ot with one more ot to get a win over WVU before loosing to Louisville by 10. The question, how much did playing all those minutes take out of those players, they really have nothing to show for it, since they were in any way, I mean maybe they go from a 6 to a 5 seed, or a 5 to a 4, but does that matter that much, when you had to play that much basketball in 4 consecutive days. We will find out. This year it is all going to be about match ups and I can't wait to break them down.


Quickly for me, my attention is still not totally on college basketball, since Mt Pleasant High School, where I am the assistant varsity coach, just won our 4th district title in a row. We go up north to Patosky to play Marquette on Monday. Hopefully we can win that game and get back to the regional final for the 4th year in a row, and this time, unlike the last 3, hopefully our year will not end their.



So happy, can't wait for tomorrow.. it's almost time. Let the debating begin. I'm right, you're wrong.

What a bad choice I made

So it's late at night, I have to wake up early today, since my daughter doesn't like to sleep in. There is 7 minutes left in UConn-Cuse, I am thinking, I can stay up till the end of this. I want to see how it ends. What a mistake. 6 OT and about 2 more hrs after I said that later, the game finally ends. After each team had chance after chance to win, neither of them could, then finally in the 6th OT Cuse made some plays, or Uconn fouled out all their guys, besides Price and ran out of gas. Saying that it was a fun game to watch, and I enjoyed it, that is until Hailey woke up.

Lets look at the conference tourney, and what has happened so far. Pit, Uconn, OK, and Kansas all lost. UNC is in a close one now with Va Tech and may also lose, just opening the door for MSU to get a one seed.. if they win the big ten tourney. da U is out for sure with their loss, as is Texas A&M IMO. Minn is also in, and Northwestern is sadly out. PSU might need one more win today, but against Purdue that will be tough. I think they are in right now. Cinci is out for sure, ND as well, I think Providence is also out. WVU is in for sure, and getting a higher seed by the day. This is just a great time of year, I love it.. ok, back to watching games. I'm right, you're wrong

Everyone else's bubble

We talked about the 6 bcs conference and there bubble teams. Today lets look at every other conference. Now some conference are one bid no matter what, like my beloved MAC conference, and we will not talk about them. The teams that I think will come up the most in the next few days are St Mary's, Creighton, and of course Davidson. Gonzaga won their tourney so they are in, and they would have been anyway. X either way are in, Siena who may have still had a chance, won their tourney so they are in. Butler was in anyway, and loosing by 3 to Cleveland State in their conference final is big, because that takes a spot away. So if you don't make the big dance, Butler is a team to be mad at, since they did not take care of business. Memphis is also of course in no matter what. All bubble teams are cheering for them to win their conference tourney, because that could be one more spot. I really think Memphis will be the only conference usa team, and they should be. Both Tulsa and UAB do not have good enough resumes to get in. Now the Mountain west also has some good teams that are worth looking at, and we will look at them as well. Northern Iowa from the valley won the conference tourney by beat Ill State, after Ill State destroyed Creighton, which very well may keep them out... so, lets look at a few teams now, before I look at my 3 favorites that I mentioned earlier.

BYU- 25-6, 12-4, 1st in the Mountain west and ranked 25th. They will be in no matter what I would think, even though their resume is not the best. They played ASU and Wake in their non conference schedule and only lost to ASU by one, but they still lost. They don't have a good non conference win. In conference, they spilt with New Mexico and Utah, the two other teams we will be looking at now.

New Mexico- 21-10, 12-4, they were tied with BYU for 1st in the conference, I think they need to win the mountain west tourney to be in. They have no, repeat no, good non conference wins, and they have non conference losses to Creighton, UCF, VCU, Drake, Texas Tech and UTEP. Nothing really great to write home about. In conference, just like BYU they did spilt against BYU and Utah, the other two good teams. They need to win to be in.

Utah- 21-9, 12-4, yes they were also 12-4 in the Mountain west, and tied BYU and New Mexico, and yes they spilt against them, in non conference they lost to Idaho State, Cal, Ok, and Utah State, and the one that really hurts Southwest Baptist, they did however beat Gonzaga, Ole Miss, Oregon, and WGB, who finished second in the horizon to Butler in the regular season. They may be in with their Gonzaga win, but if I was them they need to do some things in the conference tourney. New Mexico needs to win it all I think to get in, Utah and BYU both need to win some games, and at least get to the semi's, if not the finals.


Now lets look at the 3 teams I said you may hear the most about these next few days.


Creighton- 26-7, 14-4. Not only did they lose in the semi's of the MVC tourney, they lost to Ill State by 24. That hurts. In conference they spilt with ILl state, and also spilt with Northern Iowa, who won the automatic bid. They had won 11 games in a row before the Ill state game, and one of those wins was against Ill State a week before they lost to them. In non conference they lost to Nebraska on the road by 2, but also lost to Ark little rock on the road by two. But they did beat New Mexico, St joe's, Dayton, Oral Roberts and Depaul. I think they need some help with some other guys loosing and X and Memphis must win their conference tourney and no one who wasn't getting in any way can win one of the bcs conference tourneys. I don't think they are in, but I think they should be.. they would be the 3rd team that I would want in though, behind these next two.

St Mary's 25-6, 10-4. 3 of their 6 losses are to Gonzaga, the others UTEP, Santa Clare, and Portland. Those last two was without their best player, and one of the best pg in the nation Pat Mills. He is someone you want in the big dance. he is a great player, and you can't really punish them that much for a injury, they got to the finals of their conference tourney and lost to Gonzaga, who is a very good team. In the first game against Gonzaga they were up and playing very well before he broke his hand. I would love to see them in. Their non conference schedule wasn't all that tough, but they did only lose once, at UTEP, and also beat Providence and Oregon from big conferences as well as beat other mid majors such as Kent state, pacific, South Ill, SD state and cal state ful. I think they have done enough to get in, and again they have a great player, who missed a lot of games, that isn't their fault, don't punish us, we want to see them, I would much rather see them then south car, or Maryland or bc, or va tech, or ken or fl... but they would be second to this team that I think everyone wishes they would get in.

Davidson- 26-7, 18-2. What hurts is unlike St Mary's and just like Creighton they didn't get to their conference final, they lost in the semi's, to a team who lost in the finals. They also lost a game to the Citadel without Steph Curry and he was banged up for a few other games. Loosing to Butler hurts, because that was a great chance for them to get a very good non conference win. Sure they played OK, Duke and Purdue, and only lost by 4 to OK, and that's great, but you have to win some of those games too. they did beat WVU, which should help, they also beat NC State from the ACC. They did beat Chattanooga twice, who beat Charleston in the conference tourney final and won the automatic bid. Really I just hope they are in, they did play some good teams, and won a few of them, really it could be argued WVU is their only good win, and then loosing to Butler, OK, Duke and Purdue, are the only other good teams they played. But lets face it, we want Steph Curry in the big dance. It is good for all of us. He is a great player and we all want to see him in the tournament. What would you rather see, him and Davidson try to make another run, like last year, when they got to the elite 8 and had a buzzer beater chance to beat Kansas.. who won it all by the way, or one of those BCS schools that have a under 500 record in conference and beat up on no bodies in November to get to 20 wins. If it comes down to WVU or Davidson, sure WVU may have a better resume and a much tougher schedule, but Davidson beat them head to head, on the road, and Davidson is what March Madness is all about. They should be in. Truthfully I don't know if they should, or will, but if they do, it will be because of Steph Curry, the run they made last year, and the fact that CBS tells the committee we need him... it's all about ratings and money. Right or wrong.. that is what people want to see... come on, do the right thing... say it with me now...... WE WANT CURRY... clap clap clap clap clap, WE WANT CURRY... I'm right, you're wrong.

Big Ten Bubble

Our 6th bubble watch is a conference that I watch a lot, thanks to the big ten network and living in Michigan. The Big ten is a very good conference IMO and is underrated nationally. Lets take a look at the big ten, where they play hard noise defense and really 9 of the 11 teams could win the big ten tourney this week.


IN: MSU, Purdue, ILL, these 3 are locks, no question about it, and not worth talking about... the big ten will get some other teams, and lets talk about them one at a time.


Bubble: OSU, Wis, Mich, Minn, PSU, Northwestern


OSU- 20-9, 10-8.They should be in, but with their best non conference wins are Butler, ND, and da U, and they also got killed by WVU. Beating Michigan twice, and splitting with Min and Purdue, they should be fine. But they may have to sweat a little. If I was them I would win at least a game in the big ten tourney to feel better, but for right now, they are in.

Wis- 19-11, 10-8, they should be fine as well, I think everyone would have them in, but I wanted to look at their resume as well. A tough non conference games with Uconn, Marq, and Texas, but they were all losses. At Va Tech is their best non conference win. In conference they did lose 6 in a row at one time, they did beat Michigan twice, and OSU. They also beat other big ten bubble teams PSU twice, and spilt with Northwestern. They also did lose to Iowa, so they may have to sweat a little, and they should get a conference tourney win as well. I think they will be in, but again, their resume is not great.

Michigan-19-12, 9-9. Beating Duke and UCLA, and playing very tough to UConn gave Michigan a great start to the season in non conference. And even though they do have some tough losses in conference, at Iowa comes to mind, beating Min on the road, and also beating Purdue should get them in. They also beat Northwestern twice if it came down to them, and spilt with PSU. I think their win at Min this weekend gave them a spot, and they are in. But I wouldn't go one and done in the big ten tourney. But unless they fall off, they are in.

Min- 21-9, 9-9, a undefeated non conference season witch was highlights by a win against Louisville, and by highlighted I mean, there only good win, got them off to a fast start, and then the start the big ten by loosing to MSU at home, which is ok, but they also have spilt with PSU, OSU, ILL and Northwestern. But they did lose to Michigan twice, but they did beat Wis twice. They play Northwestern on Thursday in the first big ten tourney, and I will put it this way, if they lose, they are out, if they win, they are in, I think.

PSU-21-10, 10-8 What hurts them their non conference schedule isn't strong at all, and they did lose to Rhode Island and Temple. But then in conference you beat MSU on the road, Ill on the road, and at home, and also beat Purdue. That should be enough to get you in, but then they lose to Iowa in their last regular season game. They did spilt with Michigan and Min, but did lose twice to Wis. I think they have a chance, and will get in, but if they lose to IU on Thursday, they are done, no question about it.

Northwestern- 17-12, 8-10 Will Northwestern make the big dance for the first time ever.. well right now they have some work to do. They have some great wins, at MSU, at Purdue and Min comes to mind. They also spilt with Wis. They also did beat FSU, which is really there only good non conference win. It would be a nice story if they got in, but lets put it this way, they play Min on Thursday in their first big ten game, they win that, and then play good against MSU on Friday, then maybe, if they lose, they are done.


I think the big ten will at least get 6, but who knows. The conference tourney is very important because besides the big 3, and the bad two, Iowa and IU, all other teams still have a chance to dance. I'm right, you're wrong.

BIg East Bubble

My 5th conference, is the best, I am saving the Big ten, just because I see them the most, so maybe I am bias.. I will let you decide for yourself. This is such a strong conference, how many teams are actually on the bubble, I think you are either in or out.. but I will make my case for some teams anyway.


IN: Uconn, Pitt, Louis, Marq, Nova, Cuse, WVU, that's 7, and I don't think you will find anyone that says those 7 are not already in. Truthfully, WVU may have to sweat, especially if they are one and down in the big east tourney. I mean they really don't have any great wins, beating OSU at OSU is their best, they lost to Davidson and Ken, and truthfully if it came down to them and Davidson on the bubble, what would the committee do, take a 8th big east team or a team that has one of the most popular players in the nation.. yeah, that's what I thought. Now Davidson doesn't have the resume to get in, but don't underestimate the power of Steph Curry, he ranks right up there with RPI, SOS, record vs the RPI top 50 and your record in the last 12. They did beat Nova in conference, which may save them, because besides Providence, who may get in.. all their other big east wins were against non tourney teams.

Bubble: Cinci, Providence... no ND and G-town are not getting in, unless they win the big east tourney. Normally beating Texas, G-town and Louisville would almost be enough by it's self to get in, but when G-town is 16-13 overall, and your record is 17-13, you don't have much chance. If Cinci makes the tourney ND's only loss to a non tourney team will be at St John's, OSU UCLA and UNC are locks from their non conference losses and of course the teams we already mentioned from the big east that are getting in, but you have to win games. Maybe they make a little run in the big east tourney and not win, but still get in because they are ND, and because of how tough their run was, but I don't think so.

Cinci- 18-13, 8-10- Let me say this... if they get in, someone should look in to it, because it would be wrong. Dead wrong. Go ahead, look at their schedule and show me a good win. Looking hard, there is one, WVU at home, that's it. Beating G-town twice and ND would normally help, not this year, not to mention they have lost 5 of their last 6, and even though Pitt, Louisville and Cuse is in that list, the other two are Seaton Hall and South FL.... ouch. They have Depaul tomorrow and of course they need to win that to have any chance.. I think they need at least one more after that. I don't see them getting in.. again, it would be a shame.

Providence- 18-12, 10-8, Yes they have the best non conference losses of Northeastern, Baylor, St Mary's, not too bad, and BC, also not too bad. But they also have a win against cuse, and Pitt, while they were number one, and they are 2 right now. If it comes down to them and Cinci, besides having a better record then them in conference there is a easy reason to why... Providence beat Cinci.... twice. So if there is a 8th big east team, which there very well could be.. how can it not be Providence. Unless they go by name alone.. then it will be ND. But it should be Providence. Though ND did beat Providence by 19, it still should be Providence. But if they don't get in, I will not be too upset, unless Cinci gets in over them. They would be helped by wining some games in the big east tourney that is for sure, at least one. But it may come down to what would people rather see, a 8th or 9th big east team or a team like St Mary's, who even though Gonzaga did kill them today, they still have one of the best, if not the best, pg in the nation, or Davidson and Steph Curry, or a talented team like Creighton... man, I am glad I am not on the committee. Wait, what am I saying.. I would love to be on the committee.


Of course the big east is very strong, by far the best conference, they have 16 teams so you do have 5 really bad teams at the bottom to get wins out of and then a middle 4, of g-town, nd, cinci and providence that are nothing to write home about, but man, those top 7 are good. Marq is in trouble now because they lost their best player, but they still could get to the sweet 16. The big east has 3 teams with a very good chance of wining it all, and all 7 of those teams could at least back the sweet 16, should be fun to watch. The big east tourney kicks off tomorrow, well technically now, later today, in about 11 hrs actually.. so let the games begin.

Congratulations to the zags, my 3rd favorite team behind cmu and msu, VCU, Siena, who is a very good team, and Chattanooga, for all punching their tickets today to the big dance.. got to love this time of year. I'm right, you're wrong.

ACC Bubble watch

Now that we have the 3 weaker conference out of the way, we have the 3 strong ones left. Lets first start with the ACC, since Duke-UNC play today, it seems fitting we talk ACC hoops today.


In: UNC, Duke, Wake, Clemson, FSU- All these teams are in, and I don't really think too much has to be said about either one. They are all ranked in the top 25, and all will not be sweating come next Sunday. FSU would be the only team that would even consider it, but assuming they beat VA Tech today to go to 23-8 and 10-6 in the ACC they are in. They did beat Fl, and loss to Pitt doesn't hurt, and this year loosing at Northwestern doesn't really hurt either. They have also beaten Clemson twice.. in other words.. 5 from the ACC are already locks to be in.


Bubble: Maryland, BC, Da U, VA Tech


Maryland- I think the Turtles are in trouble. Loosing to Virgina yesterday drops them to 7-9 in the ACC, they are also 18-12 overall. They have beaten UNC, and MSU and Michigan in non conference but they have also lost to G-town, Gonzaga, which isn't a bad loss, and the one that really hurts, Morgan State. This year I just think they haven't done enough to get in. Of course a run in the ACC tourney can help, but right now, I have to say they are out. Loosing to BC, FSU, and spiting with da U, doesn't really help too much either.

BC- 21-10, 9-7, Beating Duke and UNC should be enough for a 20+ win team who has a plus 500 record in the ACC. The problem for the Eagles would be those losses to Harvard, St Louis, and NC State. Loosing to Purdue doesn't hurt, but they have lost twice to Da U, plus splitting with Va Tech. They have beaten Maryland and FSU, so that may be enough to get them in, and kept a Maryland out. I think right now, they would get in, but they could use a win or two in the ACC tourney IMO.

Da U- 18-11, 7-9 Losses to UConn and OSU doesn't hurt, and they have beaten BC twice, and Wake once, but their loss at UGA Tech may have hurt them bad. I don't see them in right now. They are another team that could use at least one, if not two wins in the ACC tourney. I think they will get in, but that is because I think they will win some games in the ACC tourney, I don't have them in right now.

Va Tech-17-12, 7-8, I guess if they beat FSU today they still have a chance, but they need to do some work in the ACC tourney. They did spilt against Clemson and beat Wake, but losses to UGA, Seaton Hall, Wisconsin and X, which isn't a bad one, doesn't help in the non conference. Losing to BC, Maryland, and already once to FSU makes them have a lot of work to do this week. Right now, they are out for sure, and I do not see them getting in.


The ACC is a very strong conference, and they have 5 locks right now. I think they will get at least 6, and they still have a chance for 7. We shall see what happens.



Quickly congratulations to Radford, ETSU and Morehead State, as well as Cornell who are already in the big dance. I'm right, you're wrong

SEC bubble teams

In our 3rd addition of conference bubble watch we go to the powerhouse, ha, that is the SEC this year.



IN: LSU, Tenn

LSU- they are 25-5 and 13-2 in conference, so they are of course in. There non conference losses were to Texas a&m, Utah, and X, so nothing too bad. Plus they have beaten FL and tenn and ken both on the road. They may even be a 4 seed, I don't see them getting a 3. If they do, depending on the match ups watch out. They are not a bad team, but I don't really think they are all that good.

Tenn- At 19-10, 10-5 I would believe they are safe. Of course in a year like this, who knows. One thing helping them, their non conference schedule was tough, and even though they lost to gonzaga twice, Kansas and Memphis, they also beat g-town, marqu, and a good siena team. They did lose to Ken twice, but they have beaten Fl twice, and also beaten SEC bubble teams like South car, twice, and Miss state, they did lost at Auburn, but that is nothing that will keep them out of the tournament.

Bubble: South Car, Fl, Ken, Auburn, Miss state

Auburn- 20-10, 9-6. One thing helping them, they play LSU, today at home. If they win that game, they may be tough to leave out, especially if they get at least one more win in the SEC tourney. There non conference resume is bad, with losses to mercer, Dayton, northern Iowa, and then also a very good X team. They did lose to FL and Ken, but did beat Tenn. This will be an int resting one to watch, especially with a LSU win today, if they lose, I think they are out for sure, unless they make a great run in the SEC tourney. They also lost to South Car, so could become a factor. Either way, if they do get in, I don't see them doing anything

South Car- At 20-8, 9-6, with a game at UGA today, normally you would think they would be happy with their position right now. If they lose to UGA today, I think they are out, without a lot of other things happening, and of course if they made a run in the SEC tourney. Baylor is probably their best non conference win, and they also lost to Charleston and then Clemson, which isn't a bad loss. Beating Ken twice and spilt with FL, but this year, I don't think that alone is enough to get you in. They also lost to fellow bubble team Miss State, if it comes down to that. I really don't think they should get in, and again, if they do, I see them being one and done.

FL- 21-9, 8-7 They have a big game today vs Ken, it is at home, so I will call that a must win. In non conference they did beat Washington, who right now is a top the Pac 10, and Bradley isn't a bad team, and losing to Cuse will not hurt, however they also lost to Free shoe. In conference they have lost 3 in a row, to LSU, Ten, and Miss State, all teams looking to make their resume better as well. They also have already lost to Ken, and with loosing to Ten twice, and splitting with South Car, and loosing their only games to Miss State and LSU, I think today's game becomes even a bigger must win. I also think they still need to do some work in the SEC Tournament, right now, I don't have them in, and think they need some work to get in. But we shall see.

Miss State- 18-12, 8-7 They lose at ole miss today, they are done. Even with a win, I don't think they are in right now and they have some work to do. They need to make a run in the SEC tourney to get a shot, I think. They lost to WSU, Texas Tech, Charlotte, cinci, and SD which doesn't help their case. They have beaten Ken and Fl but if you ask me unless they get to the SEC final they have no chance.. in fact, they might just have to win it.

Ken- 19-11, 8-7 I also see them having to win today at FL to get in, unless they do some major work in the SEC tourney. They have beaten Ten Twice, and Fl once already, but they also have two losses to LSU, and South Car, as well as losses to UGA, Vandy and Ole Miss. They did beat WVU in non conference, and UNC, Da U, and a really close game at Louisville, but if they get in, it will be because of their name, and because they are Ken. Right now, they don't deserve it. No way. They have also lost 4 of their last 5, so they are not playing their best basketball right now.


The SEC is so down this year.. Maybe I will be proven wrong if the teams that get in make good runs, but I don't see any team in the SEC getting past the first weekend... Maybe Tenn, since they are playing a little better right now. They are the only team I see that could get to the sweet 16.. depending on match ups of course........ Can you tell I really don't like the SEC this year. I'm right, you're wrong.

Pac 10 bubble

Yesterday was the big 12, now lets look at the pac 10 teams who are dancing, and teams on the bubble, who could get in. This league is down compared to last year, but when you lose guys like mayo, love and bayless, plus basically the entire WSU team that is to be excepted.


IN: Washington, UCLA, ASU, and CAl

Wasington- at 23-7, 13-4 in conference, they are of course in for sure, right now they are the top of the conference. But looking at their schedule not a lot of things jump out that gets you pumped for this team. I like Brockman and pointdexter and they have some other nice pieces, but their best non conference win is ok state, they lost to both kansas and fl, and in conference they have lost twice to Cal, spilt with UCLA and zona, and beat ASU twice. I don't see them making much of a run

UCLA- Also at 24-7, but 12-5 in conference. They are not close to as good as they were the last few years. They lost to Michigan and Texas in non conference and have zero good non conference wins, truthfully winning at SLU might be their best. They too, are of course in, but if they get a 4 seed or something, watch out for that first round match up.. depending on who their drawn, because they do play hard and physical defense they have a chance to make a run, but I will wait until I see who they are playing before I make any strong predictions.

ASU- 21-8, 10-7, They are a good team, but try finding their good non conference win too... you may be looking for awhile. In conference they have beaten UCLA and Zona twice and they did lose at Cal, they play them at home tomorrow. They are a team that will be in, for sure, the question is, how far will they go, again, I think it depends on match ups

Cal- 22-8, 11-6, In non conference they lost to FSU and Mizzu and really don't have any good non conference wins at all either. Normally a 22 win team in the pac 10 would be a lock, but this year, really, if you look at them, I don't know if they deserve it. Like I just said, they are playing ASU tomorrow and have already beaten them once, plus Washington twice, and they beat zona the only time they played, and loosing twice to UCLA shouldn't really hurt them too much. I think they will be in, but truthfully, not sure if they deserve it. If they beat asu tomorrow on the road they are in for sure.

Bubble: zona

Zona- they are 18-12 and 8-9 in conference. What is helping them they, unlike every other pac 10 team actually has some good non conference wins, beating both gonzaga and Kansas, however losses to UAB, Texas a&m and UNLV don't help. In conference they have spilt with UCLA and Washington, and lost both to Cal and ASU. They also have lost 4 games in a row. They do have Stanford coming up tomorrow, which should be a win, but either way, I think without major and I mean major work in the pac 10 tournament, I don't see how they can make it. especially if you ask, who has a better resume zona or providence, or cuse, or even a team like Michigan or PSU.


The Pac ten is a little down, and it all comes down to match ups for them. ASU and UCLA are still good enough to beat anyone and make a elite 8 run. Washington will depend on match ups.. Cal, I think will be in, but shouldn't, and Zona, may get in, just because of their name alone, but I also don't think they have done enough. They have some nice wins, but also some bad losses... I am not a big pac ten fan this year, but time will tell how right, or wrong I am... but I think, as always.. I'm right, you're wrong.

Big 12 bubble

This will be the first part of my series on the NCAA tournement as selection sunday is a week and a half away.


In the big 12, there were some big games last night. Texas Tech beat Kansas and Mizzu beat OK. Now I am still not sold on Mizzu but they are undefeated at home, and there only two non conference losses are to X and ILL, they have also beaten kansas, OK and texas, so they may be better then I thought. I still don't think they are going to the final four or anything.. but depending on matchups they could be one of those teams that losses in the first or second round, or gets to the elite eight.


Anyway, Kansas, OK, Mizzu, and Texas are in... the question... will anyone else from the big 12 get in?

OK state is 20-9 and 9-6 in conference. But they don't really have a big win. The closest one they have is Texas at home, which is not a great win, but a good win. They also have a big chance for one on saturday when they play at OK. If they win that, they are in for sure. They may already be in, but I don't think they should be, especially this year where the Big east, ACC, and I think big ten, all have much better conferences top to bottom then the big 12 and a strong case to get more teams in. They did beat a good siena team and lost in that same tourement to msu and gonzaga and then lost at washington, which has turned in to a much better team then thought of at the time... I just don't see them as a tourement team, I think any of the big east, acc or big ten bubble teams could beat them in a nutrual site game.

Texas A&M- The other team in the big 12 that has a shot is 22-8 and 8-7, they have Mizzu at home on Saturday and I think they need to win that if they have any chance of getting in. Even if they do, I don't think they should get in, besides beating Arizona and maybe if I am feeling nice I will give them beating Bama on the road, they have no other good wins. They did spilt with texas and ok state, but only played Kansas once, and come Saturday will be there one game vs Mizzu.. If they lose, I don't see any chance, unless they win the big 12 tourement of course, which they will not do, so I say they will not be in.


Big 12- 4 locks.... maybe OK state, but they need to win at least a game or two in the big 12 tourement.. I will admit, THIS YEAR, I don't have a lot of love for the big 12, and would only put those 4 teams in.


Real quick the WBC started today, at 4:30am Japan vs China. I did not set an alarm r anything, I am not that crazy, but my daughter did wake up just after 6am, so I was able to watch a lot of it. Japan did not play as well as they would have liked, since China is by no means a power house, but they got a nice 4-0 win, and they will be throwing dice K in their next game. Also for me, CMU did win their last home game last night, by 15 against Toledo, and played the best first ten minutes I have seen from that team in a long long time, the middle twenty wasn't good, but the last ten was great again, and we got a nice team win. It is always nice to send the sr's out with a W. Just so much going on right now... trying to keep up. I'm right, you're wrong.

I'm happy

I really need to get to bed, so I will add a lot more tomorrow, but I just wanted to say I am very happy right now. First, CMU did win tonight, by 15 in their last home game which is great. I love that the Sr can go out with a win, and we played very well. especially the first and last ten minutes of the game. The twenty in between was not the best, but that's OK. Also, Manny signed, which is not a surprised, and like I said, he just doesn't like training camp, he will be a Doger, well there you go.. and also, TO has been released by the cowboys.. that is great, I hate the cowboys, but they actually did something smart, get ride of the cancer that is TO. I wonder where he will end up? He is too talented not to go somewhere.. I like the Viks, or hell the raiders like hot heads... I will say this now, if the Giants get him, I will cry, and be pissed, I would rather take Plax back, a guy who brings a gun to clubs and shoots himself, then TO, who is a "me" guy and will destroy a locker room.... bye bye TO... ha... great win chips, and thank for a lot of hard work Bford, Marcus and Ryan... I'm right, you're wrong.

What a great time of year

This is one of the best times of year for sports. The next few weeks are my favorite time of year. You have conference tournaments first, which are great, especially in the one bid leagues, because the teams play so hard, and with so much passion and emotion, since they know that is the only way they are making the big dance. That is how it is with my school, CMU, and the MAC. It really doesn't matter what you do during the season, you win, and you're in, it's as easy as that. Hopefully the Chippewas will win in their last home game tonight vs Toledo. They have had a few tough losses in a row, and need to get a W. Then they have the big rival game at western on Sunday. So hopefully they can be playing their best ball in the next two weeks. They have had a tough year, loosing two starters, and then the guy who would have been our star recruit for next season thought he should hold up a dice game in the bathroom of his high school.. with a gun.. so, no more free school for him, and we have another spot to fill. It's just sad, that a young man with that much individual talent who has a chance to get out of a bad situation, and go to school for free, play d1 basketball while getting a degree throws it away like that.. sad story.

Speaking of sad story, the coast guard has called off the search in FL for the 3 remaining football players, two who were in the NFL. It was said their families would continue the search today on their own, but you can't like their chances with how many days the three men have been missing. My thoughts and prayers are will the families of all 3 of these men, and their friends. Also a speeding recovering for the one young man that was found.

With MSU's win last night at IU they have clinched the big ten, outright, and coach Izzo will shave his head.. after the season. He promised his student section that he would if they won the big ten, and he is a man of his word... That will be funny. he is a great coach, and a wonderful man. I have had a chance to meet him, and talk to him a few times,and it is hard not to come away impressed.

There has been a few more football moves, but none that I want to talk about right now, maybe as the season gets closer I will, or as the draft gets closer I will spend more time on the NFL

The Devils won again, they are playing much better as of late.. getting a hall of fame goalie back will do that for a team.

The main reason that I have not talked about more of the NFL moves is because this time of year is all about basketball for me. So after college basketball is over, then I will start doing more NFL stuff, and draft mocks. Baseball is also coming fast, so my predictions will be coming soon as well.. but I also want to do conference by conference bubble watches. I hope to star the first one today... it's just a busy time, and I am trying to keep up, but my daughter likes attention too, as does my wonderful wife. I'm right, you're wrong.

So much to get to

Wow, a lot has been happening. I really want to touch on all of it, but it is hard to keep up, so I will just say some things now, as they come to me, and then later on finish what I don't get to now.

Cassell going to the Chiefs now makes that Verbal move make more sense, since it was both players for the 34th overall pick. Even one more reason that the Lions made a bad choice in their GM. If they hired Scott P, then they trade with NE and they get Cassell for the 33rd pick, and then they have a qb that can play right away, and then they can draft curry at number one, and get either the best OL left at 20, or another defensive player, who would most likely start. In saying all of this, I really don't think Matt Cassell is this great qb who is worthy of a top ten pick, like some people, talking heads on epsn, mainly Skip Bayless, who of course, is a idiot, but he is a better qb then KC had, so it is a upgrade. I really just think he is a product of the great system and team in NE. I really don't think he is going to do that well.. but I have been wrong before.

My Giants have been a little busy with getting Boley, Bernad and Canty to improve their defense, at both the LB and DE spots. The D line is not a spot of weakness at all, so this just makes it stronger. Boley I think will have a good chance to start and help us out a lot. Rocky Bernard just adds more depth to their D line as a big strong DT. I like what they are doing. Though it was reported that the team declined D Ward's deal, I wonder how much money he wanted, he is not necessary since Jacobs has already resigned, but I would love to still have him. A true number one wide out is still their biggest hole.

I love Shaq having this new life and playing like the Shaq of old, but as much as I love Shaq, you have to admit, it isn't going to last. It is great that he can score at will against the Clippers and Raptors, and then Paul Gasol and who ever else tried to stop him yesterday, but he isn't going to be able to do it the rest of the year. He is still a force, and with his size can help a team, but he can no longer be a teams best player, for the entire year, and have that team be a contender. They are not even in the playoffs as of today.. relax.. I do love him though, he is great.

My Pistons got another big win yesterday, without AI. This time beating the Celtics in Boston... that's the magic and celtics back to back both on the road. Yeah KG didn't play for the Celtics which means more to them then AI not playing for the Pistons, but that is a good win... The problem with that, it just gets my hopes up even more... it makes me say... see, they do have the talent, if Curry every figures out how to coach, as long as they are in the playoffs, they can still beat anyone in a 7 game series. They can get back to the eastern conference finals..... now, looking at it smartly, that is a very very big long shot, because they have the bad, well terrible, mix of a old team, with a rookie coach, who wants to start a 2nd year pg. Stuck will be a very good player someday IMO, but he should not be getting minutes with the game on the line over RIP. All this is doing with AI out is now RIP goes back to starting and everyone knows their roles. They know who is going to get the most minutes and they know who is going to be out their in the 4th.. I really think the same thing would have happened is Stuck was out. But I have heard that when AI does come back it will be on the bench, witch I am fine with, I just don't know how he will take it. I still think when everyone is 100% Stuck should be the 6th man. It isn't his time yet.

Lots have been happening in college basketball as well, as it always does around this time of year. There is a lot I want to get to, but I do need to get going and get ready to go to practice.. so for now all I will say is, congratulations to MSU for clinching the big ten reg. season title yesterday at ILL. That was a big win. They are a lot better team then people outside of the big ten give them credit for. Mainly because they play hard, good defense and they have one of the best coaches in the nation. I'm right, you're wrong.