Took a hit from the last predictions. This thing is anything but easy, you can sift through every statistic and piece of insider info you want, but sometimes a coin flip is just as effective. As it stands through 14 games, the Courtesy Wave is 7-7. Which is better than a lot of experts at SI and ESPN. Below are the next 8 bowl games for today and tomorrow, sit back and enjoy as the days are now filled with college football.
Thursday, December 30th
ARMED FORCES BOWL - Southern Methodist (7-6) vs Army (6-6) 11a in Dallas
Tune in for: Army in a bowl game for the first time in 14 years. Taking a break from Iraq & Afghanistan for a little gridiron action. Also check out the Mustangs 1,000 yard combo WR's Aldrick Robinson (8th) and Cole Beasley (23rd), as well as running back Zach Line and his 1,391 yards (11th), and not to mention Kyle Padron's 3,500 passing yards (11th). This Mustang offense is primed to score.
Shortest Drive: SMU - Located in Dallas in normally would be a short drive anyways, but since TCU (the host stadium) is renovated their park, SMU will host the Armed Forces Bowl this year and the next. Meaning its a home game for the Mustangs. Which doesn't immediately mean game over (see Hawaii), but is none-the-less a HUGE advantage for SMU.
Local Connections: Army - Robert Speidel CB, So. out of Saint Paul.
Courtesy Pick: Army does one thing really good, run the ball, fitting for our country's ground defense arm. At 256 yards/game that's good for 10th in the country. That's about all the good things I can say about Army football. They are dead last in passing at just 82 yards a game. They have beaten no one of significance, with their "best" victory on the road against Kent State (5-7). SMU can't shake its stick much more than Army, but they do hold 2 wins against bowl teams Tulsa & East Carolina. Playing at home with that offense, it'll be a tough day for our nation's defender's on the ground.
SOUTHERN METHODIST 27-14
PINSTRIPE BOWL - Syracuse (7-5) vs Kansas State (7-5) 2:20p in New York City
Tune in for: Football at Yankee Stadium. It's been done before, but worth checking out, if not for the novelty, than for 2 top tier backs in Kansas State's Daniel Thomas, 1,495 yards (10th) and Syracuse's Delone Carter, 1,035 yards (37th).
Shortest Drive: Syracuse. Now K-State is located in Manhattan, but not the big Apple one. Too bad, they would just have a short cab ride north. The Orange will take a 4 hour bus ride south to the Bronx and hope to enjoy a little home state cookin.
Local Connections: Kansas State - Ben Kall FB, So. out of Rochester.
Courtesy Pick: For the Wildcats, aside from a win over C-USA's UCF (10-3), Kansas State has no other wins of note, finishing 2-4 including a squeaker of a win against lowly North Texas (49-41). Syracuse can't say much more finishing 1-3, with a close win against a bad Rutgers team. Kansas State had a much tougher schedule, but one thing Syracuse did well was win on the road, never an easy task, going 5-1 away from Syracuse.
SYRACUSE 21-17
MUSIC CITY BOWL - North Carolina (7-5) vs Tennessee (6-6) 5:40p in Nashville
Tune in for: The game that should've been played earlier this season, but Tennessee paid North Carolina NOT to play them. Also tune in to catch two teams that not only border each other's states, but also carry pastel uniform colors orange and powder blue.
Shortest Drive: Tennessee - Vols fans will have a short 3 hour trip west on I-40. UNC will be coming via I-40 as well, but at 8 hours, more than double Tennessee's bus ride.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: Tennessee was 2-6 on November 5th, all but out of any bowl game before finishing with a 4 game win streak. A nice effort, but only 1 of those wins came against a bowl team and that was at home vs Kentucky (6-6). North Carolina won't have the home state advantage, but 4 of their 7 wins came on the road, including at a 24th ranked Florida State on November 6th.
NORTH CAROLINA 27-24
HOLIDAY BOWL - #18 Nebraska (10-3) vs Washington (6-6) 9p in San Diego
Tune in for: Huskies vs Huskers....A potential beatdown or an inspired revenge game. This is the 2nd meeting between the 2 teams this year. The first game, at Washington September 18th turned into a Huskie nightmare losing 56-21. Also try to keep your eyes on Nebraska's QB/RB rushing tandem of Roy Helu Jr. and Taylor Martinez who are averaging 6.8 and 6.4 yards per attempt respectively.
Shortest Drive: Washington, but consider the ozone first. If you're looking to travel by car, it'll be a 21 hour jaunt from Seattle. Slightly better than the 24 hour endeavor from Lincoln, NE.
Local Connections: Nebraska - Tobi Okuyemi DE, FR out of Maple Grove.
Courtesy Pick: You might be wondering how a 6-6 team gets matched up with a 10-3 foe. But if you look at Washington's schedule you'll see why. The Huskies played the 2nd toughest schedule in the country this year, their 6 losses coming to teams combined with a 53-21 record including top 5 teams Stanford & Oregon. But Nebraska is a formidable foe. Nebraska's 3 losses come via Texas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma, all by 7 points or less. A top 10 rushing offense and top 10 overall defense should provide enough to get past the Huskies twice this year.
NEBRASKA 32-22
Friday, December 31st
MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL - South Florida (7-5) vs Clemson (6-6) 11a in Charlotte
Tune in for: The best pass rusher in the nation, Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers, who leads the nation is sacks with 15.5 and is naturally tops in yards lossed with -112. Bowers leads a top 10 defense which is why Clemson stays in games since they have nothing to write home about on their offense.
Shortest Drive: Clemson. Just a quick 2 hour drive to Charlotte for Tigers fans, should give an edge, that is, unless 6-6 doesn't warrant a road trip.
Local Connections: Clemson - Bryce McNeal FR, WR out of Breck in Minneapolis. McNeal has played in 11 games and is used sparingly as a wideout, with 19 receptions, he's 6th on the team.
Courtesy Pick: Clemson is marred by inconsistency. They played a tough schedule and we're not able to pull out the big win they desperately needed. A win against then #25 NC State at home 14-13 on Nov. 6th was the biggest of the season. Needless to say, their defense only carries them so far. The Bulls of South Florida have played a little more consistently, that is to say that they've played close games and won a few too finishing 4-2 on the season. However, they have no wins against top 25 teams and their signature victories come over 7 win teams, Louisville & Miami. The Bulls lack a big offensive weapon, which should play into Bowers and the Tigers hands.
CLEMSON 24-23
SUN BOWL - Notre Dame (7-5) vs Miami (7-5) 1p in El Paso
Tune in for: Historical matchup of the Bowl season. These programs are two of the most decorated in all of college football. Combined these teams hold 30 National Championships (consensus and retroactive). Nostalgia aside, these two teams represent the underachieving division. Loads of talent garnered by the name on the jersey, but lack of direction and leadership keep these teams from higher glory.
Shortest Drive: Notre Dame. But neither team will be taking the bus. In fact, this is the only bowl game where both teams have more than a 24 hour trip by car. Notre Dame comes in at 26, Miami at 31. Might want to check flights first. I wouldn't leave Miami for El Paso, but Indiana in the winter could use an El Paso break (just don't cross over the border).
Local Connections: These teams have taken 2 of the best players to come out of Minnesota High School Football. Notre Dame - Michael Floyd WR, Jr Cretin Derham Hall. Floyd spurned the Gophers and headed to South Bend, where he's become the next Larry Fitzgerald, an NFL star in waiting. His numbers aren't staggering, but his size and athletic ability have scouts drooling, enough so that he's considering skipping his senior season for the cash. Miami - Seantrel Henderson. Not only was Henderson the MN player of the year in 2009, he was the USA Today player of the year and consensus #1 player in the nation. He's been compared to as a combination of Jonathon Ogden and Orland Pace. I can see why the Gophers couldn't get him.
Courtesy Pick: Of the Hurricanes 5 losses, 4 came to bowl teams, including Ohio State, Florida State, and Virginia Tech. They also have a 4-2 record away from home. The Fighting Irish have won 3 in a row to salvage a lost season, all against teams with .500 or better records (Utah, Army, & USC). The Hurricanes are also in the middle of a coaching change, whereas Notre Dame might be figuring things out.
NOTRE DAME 27-21
LIBERTY BOWL - #25 Central Florida (10-3) vs Georgia (6-6) 2:30p in Memphis
Tune in for: A battle. Take the records out of the picture, Georgia's strength of schedule this year was 35th, compared to UCF's 108th. Switch schedules and Georgia could easily be 10-3 or better. But here they are and they'll make the best of it. The Bulldogs are in a bowl game, but if they lose it'll be the first time in 14 years that Georgia would have a losing record. Also take note on Jeffrey Godfrey, UCF's QB who can run it in just as much as pass it. Godfrey has at least 2 touchdowns a game rushing or passing in 6 of the last 7.
Shortest Drive: Georgia. A 7 hour trip west is much more doable than the 14 hour jaunt from Orlando.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: A quick glance at UCF's schedule and its easy to see one thing, nothing. They have no wins of note, and have only 1 win on the season versus a team with a winning record and that's 7-6 Southern Methodist (who could lose and finish at .500). Georgia, however, has finished the season nicely after starting 1-4. Their 2 losses in the last 5, an OT loss to Florida at a neutral site and a loss on the road against National Championship contender Auburn. Put the records aside, and look at the guts, it's not always a cut and dry story.
GEORGIA 34-27
CHICK-FIL-A BOWL - #20 South Carolina (9-4) vs #23 Florida State (9-4)
6:30p Atlanta
Tune in for: Steve Spurrier taking on Florida State in a flashback to his Florida days. Spurrier has super wideout Alshon Jeffrey and his 1,387 yards at his disposal too (good for 4th in the nation). Not to mention Marcus Lattimore's 1,198 yards rushing (22nd). A good old fashioned southern brawl is worth tuning in for regardless.
Shortest Drive: South Carolina. Slight edge to the gamecocks who have a 4 hour trip, just a 1 hour difference from Florida State's 5 hour ride.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: South Carolina is one of the few teams ever to face two #1 ranked teams in the same season. Beating Alabama on Oct. 9th 35-21 and getting crushed by Auburn 56-17 in their last game (Dec. 4th). The Gamecocks have had a tough schedule and rose to the occasion several times, picking up 7 of their 9 wins against bowl teams. Florida State is hoping the 3rd time's a charm in beating a Carolina team. The Seminoles lost consecutive games to North Carolina and North Carolina State before picking up 3 wins (all against bowl teams) in their last 4. This figures to be a battle and a tough call to make.
SOUTH CAROLINA 32-31
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Going Bowling December 28th & 29th
9 down, 26 to go. As it stands, the Courtesy Wave is 5-4 on Bowl predictions, just enough to keep me going! Get ready for the whirlwind...the first 10 days of the bowl season brought 9 games, the next 5 days will have 19 bowl games! We'll keep the same format here to give you a different flavor than the rest of the sports world. Short and concise with enough info to be dangerous.
Tuesday, December 28th
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL - #22 West Virginia (9-3) vs North Carolina State (8-4) 5:30p Orlando
Tune in for: The Big East's best non-BCS team versus the best QB in the nation under 6 feet tall (NC State's Russell Wilson). Wilson is 16th in the nation in passing yards and averages 307 yards per game in overall offense (yeah he's mobile). He'll be facing one of the nation's best defenses in West Virginia, who are 3rd in yards allowed and 2nd in points allowed.
Shortest Drive: NC State. Another one of those long hauls by both fans. However, the drive from Raleigh is about 5 hours shorter at 10 hours for the trip.
Local Connections: None.
Courtesy Pick: The Mountaineers are on a 4 game winning streak against decent Big East competition, albeit not tough, they did win those 4 games decidedly. The Wolfpack are coming off a tough close loss at Maryland but they can claim something West Virginia cannot, a win against a ranked team this year. NC State beat then #16 Florida State on October 28th, whereas West Virginia's greatest victory comes against that same Maryland team, who finished 8-4. It's a tough call and should be a close game, if West Virginia's defense lives up to there calling, that could be the difference.
WEST VIRGINIA 27-21
INSIGHT BOWL - #12 Missouri (10-2) vs Iowa (7-5) 9p in Tempe, AZ
Tune in For: The crushed dreams bowl. Both teams are very talented and both have suffered heartbreaking losses that defined their season. Don't be fooled by Iowa's record, after 6 weeks, they were 5-1 and very much in the Rose Bowl discussion. They finished 2-4 and put a stamp on their disappointing, underachieving season by losing to the lowly Minnesota Golden Gophers, a team that had lost to nearly everyone including South Dakota earlier in the year (sorry, had to bring it up). Missouri, on the other hand, was 7-0 and fresh off a victory against then #1 Oklahoma when they marched into Nebraska and fell flat on their face against the Cornhuskers. With a chance to redeem themselves the next week against Texas Tech, they again failed to rise to the occasion. The Tigers finished off the season with 3 straight wins, but the damage was already done and a BCS game out of the picture.
Shortest Drive: Long trips on either end, the slight edge goes to Missouri who's fans only have to travel 23 hours, as opposed to Iowa's 26 hour plight.
Local Connections: Iowa - Broderick Binns DE, Junior, Cretin Derham Hall. Binns is one of the top DE's in the Big Ten, no surprise coming out of CDH. Karl Klug DT, Senior, Caledonia. Klug will be watched heavily by NFL scouts as he is widely considered a 1st or 2nd round draft pick.
Courtesy Pick: If you go by records, its an easy pick, however if we look at Iowa closer, you'll see that all 5 losses are by 7 points of less. They were in every game until the final tick. However, Missouri's 2 losses weren't blowouts either (lost by 14 & 7), and they beat 6 bowl teams to Iowa's 3. Winning close games is more crucial.
MISSOURI 30-29
Wednesday, December 29th
MILITARY BOWL - Maryland (8-4) vs East Carolina (6-6) 1:30p in Washington DC
Tune in for: Dominique Davis, the QB from East Carolina. Davis finished 4th in the nation in passing and tied for 1st in passing TDs (36). He's going to have to pass like a madman again as the Pirates rank 2nd to last in points allowed at 43/game.
Shortest Drive: Maryland. East Carolina fans can rejoice in a doable 5 hour trip to DC, but Maryland wins hands down with a 10 mile skip and a jump to RFK stadium. The Terrapins will easily have the home-field crowd advantage.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: Maryland is coming into the game after a 4-2 push to finish the season, including a big win over then #22 North Carolina State. The Pirates, however, are limping in on their wooden leg having finish 2-4 after their promising start. In their last 5 games, East Carolina has given up an average of 55 points. Only a win over 4-8 UAB saved them from a 5 game losing streak.
MARYLAND 43-38
TEXAS BOWL - Baylor (7-5) vs Illinois (6-6) 5p in Houston
Tune in for: The first Bowl game for Baylor in 16 years. Plus two 1,000 yard rushers and top 30 backs in the country in Mikel Leshoure, Illinois (9th) and Jay Finley, Baylor (29th).
Shortest Drive: Baylor. Another hands down win, although still a little jaunt, but only a 4 hour drive for the Baylor Bears, whereas Illini fans will have to take a 16 hour trip.
Local Connections: Illinois - Fritz Rock (awesome name), Fr. CB from Wayzata.
Courtesy Pick: When you think about the 2 teams, think Baylor = Balance and Illinois = Inconsistency. Baylor is not only solid in the run, they have a remarkable QB in Robert Griffin III, the 17th best passer in the nation. So if the running game is stopped, they have options. Whereas Illinois has the 13th best rushing game (242 yards/game), but the 5th worst passing (143 yards/game). Baylor may be limping, losing their last 3, but those came against Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma, all ranked teams. Illinois finished 1-3, not much better and they lost at home to Minnesota, a notably horrendous team this year.
BAYLOR 32-21
ALAMO BOWL - #14 Oklahoma State (10-2) vs Arizona (7-5) 8:15p in San Antonio
Tune in for: Oklahoma State's 3 headed offensive monster. The Cowboys are led by gunslinger Brandon Weeden's 4,037 passing yards (3rd in the nation), Kendall Hunter's 1,516 rushing yards (7th), and Justin Blackmon's 1,665 receiving yards (2nd). If that's not enough, their kicker, Dan Bailey leads the nation in scoring with 137 points.
Shortest Drive: Oklahoma State. A 9 hour trip down I35 doesn't sound very fun, but a 16 hour jaunt awaits Arizona fans.
Local Connections: Arizona - Derek Earls LB, Jr. from Waconia. Earls is a JuCo transfer from NDSU, who's done fairly well for the Wildcats. Willie Mobley DT, So. from Eden Prairie. Another JuCo transfer, Mobley has brought depth and raw power to the the D-Line.
Courtesy Pick: Oklahoma state scored 41 points in each of their 2 tough losses against #16 Nebraska (51-41) and #13 Oklahoma (47-41). That's what separates the Cowboys from a BCS bowl. Arizona on the other hand, lost their last 4 games after starting the season 7-1. Their defense will have to show up in a very big way to reverse there current trend.
OKLAHOMA STATE 45-22
Happy watching and look for my previews of the 8 Bowl games on the 30th & 31st coming soon!
bsv
the Courtesy Wave
Tuesday, December 28th
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL - #22 West Virginia (9-3) vs North Carolina State (8-4) 5:30p Orlando
Tune in for: The Big East's best non-BCS team versus the best QB in the nation under 6 feet tall (NC State's Russell Wilson). Wilson is 16th in the nation in passing yards and averages 307 yards per game in overall offense (yeah he's mobile). He'll be facing one of the nation's best defenses in West Virginia, who are 3rd in yards allowed and 2nd in points allowed.
Shortest Drive: NC State. Another one of those long hauls by both fans. However, the drive from Raleigh is about 5 hours shorter at 10 hours for the trip.
Local Connections: None.
Courtesy Pick: The Mountaineers are on a 4 game winning streak against decent Big East competition, albeit not tough, they did win those 4 games decidedly. The Wolfpack are coming off a tough close loss at Maryland but they can claim something West Virginia cannot, a win against a ranked team this year. NC State beat then #16 Florida State on October 28th, whereas West Virginia's greatest victory comes against that same Maryland team, who finished 8-4. It's a tough call and should be a close game, if West Virginia's defense lives up to there calling, that could be the difference.
WEST VIRGINIA 27-21
INSIGHT BOWL - #12 Missouri (10-2) vs Iowa (7-5) 9p in Tempe, AZ
Tune in For: The crushed dreams bowl. Both teams are very talented and both have suffered heartbreaking losses that defined their season. Don't be fooled by Iowa's record, after 6 weeks, they were 5-1 and very much in the Rose Bowl discussion. They finished 2-4 and put a stamp on their disappointing, underachieving season by losing to the lowly Minnesota Golden Gophers, a team that had lost to nearly everyone including South Dakota earlier in the year (sorry, had to bring it up). Missouri, on the other hand, was 7-0 and fresh off a victory against then #1 Oklahoma when they marched into Nebraska and fell flat on their face against the Cornhuskers. With a chance to redeem themselves the next week against Texas Tech, they again failed to rise to the occasion. The Tigers finished off the season with 3 straight wins, but the damage was already done and a BCS game out of the picture.
Shortest Drive: Long trips on either end, the slight edge goes to Missouri who's fans only have to travel 23 hours, as opposed to Iowa's 26 hour plight.
Local Connections: Iowa - Broderick Binns DE, Junior, Cretin Derham Hall. Binns is one of the top DE's in the Big Ten, no surprise coming out of CDH. Karl Klug DT, Senior, Caledonia. Klug will be watched heavily by NFL scouts as he is widely considered a 1st or 2nd round draft pick.
Courtesy Pick: If you go by records, its an easy pick, however if we look at Iowa closer, you'll see that all 5 losses are by 7 points of less. They were in every game until the final tick. However, Missouri's 2 losses weren't blowouts either (lost by 14 & 7), and they beat 6 bowl teams to Iowa's 3. Winning close games is more crucial.
MISSOURI 30-29
Wednesday, December 29th
MILITARY BOWL - Maryland (8-4) vs East Carolina (6-6) 1:30p in Washington DC
Tune in for: Dominique Davis, the QB from East Carolina. Davis finished 4th in the nation in passing and tied for 1st in passing TDs (36). He's going to have to pass like a madman again as the Pirates rank 2nd to last in points allowed at 43/game.
Shortest Drive: Maryland. East Carolina fans can rejoice in a doable 5 hour trip to DC, but Maryland wins hands down with a 10 mile skip and a jump to RFK stadium. The Terrapins will easily have the home-field crowd advantage.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: Maryland is coming into the game after a 4-2 push to finish the season, including a big win over then #22 North Carolina State. The Pirates, however, are limping in on their wooden leg having finish 2-4 after their promising start. In their last 5 games, East Carolina has given up an average of 55 points. Only a win over 4-8 UAB saved them from a 5 game losing streak.
MARYLAND 43-38
TEXAS BOWL - Baylor (7-5) vs Illinois (6-6) 5p in Houston
Tune in for: The first Bowl game for Baylor in 16 years. Plus two 1,000 yard rushers and top 30 backs in the country in Mikel Leshoure, Illinois (9th) and Jay Finley, Baylor (29th).
Shortest Drive: Baylor. Another hands down win, although still a little jaunt, but only a 4 hour drive for the Baylor Bears, whereas Illini fans will have to take a 16 hour trip.
Local Connections: Illinois - Fritz Rock (awesome name), Fr. CB from Wayzata.
Courtesy Pick: When you think about the 2 teams, think Baylor = Balance and Illinois = Inconsistency. Baylor is not only solid in the run, they have a remarkable QB in Robert Griffin III, the 17th best passer in the nation. So if the running game is stopped, they have options. Whereas Illinois has the 13th best rushing game (242 yards/game), but the 5th worst passing (143 yards/game). Baylor may be limping, losing their last 3, but those came against Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma, all ranked teams. Illinois finished 1-3, not much better and they lost at home to Minnesota, a notably horrendous team this year.
BAYLOR 32-21
ALAMO BOWL - #14 Oklahoma State (10-2) vs Arizona (7-5) 8:15p in San Antonio
Tune in for: Oklahoma State's 3 headed offensive monster. The Cowboys are led by gunslinger Brandon Weeden's 4,037 passing yards (3rd in the nation), Kendall Hunter's 1,516 rushing yards (7th), and Justin Blackmon's 1,665 receiving yards (2nd). If that's not enough, their kicker, Dan Bailey leads the nation in scoring with 137 points.
Shortest Drive: Oklahoma State. A 9 hour trip down I35 doesn't sound very fun, but a 16 hour jaunt awaits Arizona fans.
Local Connections: Arizona - Derek Earls LB, Jr. from Waconia. Earls is a JuCo transfer from NDSU, who's done fairly well for the Wildcats. Willie Mobley DT, So. from Eden Prairie. Another JuCo transfer, Mobley has brought depth and raw power to the the D-Line.
Courtesy Pick: Oklahoma state scored 41 points in each of their 2 tough losses against #16 Nebraska (51-41) and #13 Oklahoma (47-41). That's what separates the Cowboys from a BCS bowl. Arizona on the other hand, lost their last 4 games after starting the season 7-1. Their defense will have to show up in a very big way to reverse there current trend.
OKLAHOMA STATE 45-22
Happy watching and look for my previews of the 8 Bowl games on the 30th & 31st coming soon!
bsv
the Courtesy Wave
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Going Bowling December 22nd - 27th
Its all even steven at the Courtesy Wave after the first 4 bowls as my picks garnered a 2-2 record. It's early and there are several bowls to go and if the end result is a .500 record, well then I'd take it, just enough to stay afloat and maintain my "expert commentary" status.
Without further ado, lets keep bowling with today's game.
Wednesday, December 22nd
LAS VEGAS BOWL - 10 Boise State (11-1) vs. 19 Utah (10-2) 7p in Las Vegas
Tune in for: Quite possibly the best non-BCS matchup. These two teams represent the class of the WAC and MWC for the past decade. Both teams have fought vigourously for respect among the nation's elite programs despite playing in non-power conferences. However with the Big East crumbling and more parity in college football, these 2 teams likely could hold a candle in any power conference. This will be a swan song for each team as Boise State heads to the MWC and Utah to the PAC 10 next year.
Shortest Drive: Utah - Neither team is really close, but the drive from Salt Lake City is 4 hours less than from Boise (7 over 11 hours). However, it's likely Utah has a bunch of fans all over the state as the de facto state team and it's only a 2 hour drive to the Vegas from the border.
Local Connections: Boise State - Matt Slater is a senior Offensive Tackle and starter out of Cretin Derham Hall. At 290 he's not huge by offensive line standards, but he's quick and agile, a big plus for an offense like Boise State's.
Courtesy Pick: Boise State is a 3 point overtime loss on the road against #15 Nevada away from being in TCU's position and a BCS bowl game. Their 31 points in that game was the lowest scored on the season for an offense ranked 2nd in the country in points scored. Utah was 8-0 heading into their highly anticipated matchup with fellow undefeated TCU. They were utterly destroyed in that game 47-7, then embarrased the following week to a weak Notre Dame team 28-3. They rebounded, albeit not impressively with close wins over San Diego State (38-34) and BYU (17-16). Boise State rebounded much better demolishing Utah State 50-14. That and Heisman candidate Kellen Moore and not to mention a top 5 defense should push the Broncos past the Utes.
BOISE STATE 42-21
Thursday, December 23rd
POINSETTIA BOWL - Navy (9-3) vs San Diego State (8-4) 7p in San Diego
Tune in for: A great battle between 2 evenly matched teams as they were only .12 away from each other in the Sagarin ratings, SDSU 44th and Navy 46th. Furthermore both teams have huge area ties as the Naval Base Point Loma holds 22,000 Navy and civilian personal, giving Navy a home away from home (Annapolis, MD).
Shortest Drive: San Diego State. Naval Base aside, this is the Aztec's backyard, almost literally, San Diego State will have a 3 mile bus ride to the stadium. Fans can take a nice leisurely walk if they want. If Navy didn't have their base, this would be a huge advantage, but as it is, it's still a big swing for SDSU.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: It's a matchup of two teams who score nearly the same amount of points each game (31-35), but go about it 2 very different ways. Navy's 289 yards/game rushing attack easily double's their pass offense (118 yards/game). Whereas San Diego State's passing game (297 yards/game) nearly doubles their ground game (152 yards/game). The Aztec's WR's Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson are 8th and 10th in the country in receiving yards, which actually ranks them 2nd behind Hawaii's amazing 1st and 6th best WR in the nation. (I'll touch on that below)
SAN DIEGO STATE: 35-31
Friday, December 24th
HAWAII BOWL - 24 Hawaii (10-3) vs Tulsa (9-3) 7p in Honolulu
Tune in for: A passing frenzy! The Warriors of Hawaii are #1 in all of college football with a whopping 388 yards/game. QB Bryant Moniz leads the nation with 4,629 yards, just another great passer from Hawaii, following in the recent footsteps of Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan. The Warriors don't run a lot, but they do have a 1,000 yard rusher in Alex Green (26th in nation).
Shortest Drive: Hawaii - And you thought San Diego had a short trip. The Warriors actually have no trip, they will play on campus because of the Hawaii guarantee. If Hawaii is bowl eligible and not BCS eligible, they are guaranteed one of the 2 bowl spots. The Golden Hurricane will have a much longer trip. Actually if you Google map the trip between Tulsa and Honolulu, it'll only take you 16 days, that includes Kayaking for 2,750 miles. No really, try it yourself.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: Tulsa may not be as flashy as Hawaii, but they are consistent. They like to spread the ball around and have a top 20 offense in both the air and on the ground. Neither team has had a daunting schedule, but Hawaii can claim Nevada's only loss this season and since starting the season 1-2, the Warriors have gone 9-1. That and the obvious home field advantage play well into the hands of Hawaii.
HAWAII 42-31
Sunday, December 26th
LITTLE CAESAR'S BOWL-Toledo (8-4) vs. Florida International (6-6) 7:30p Detroit
Tune in for: The only bowl game on the 26th! It's Sunday and if you want a break from the NFL because your team (Vikings) are completely out of it, tune in to watch 2 teams fight for it in the Pizza Bowl. Actually, for these 2 teams, any Bowl game is special and a chance to win a trophy will be huge motivation for teams that get little to no attention or press all year (especially FIU).
Shortest Drive: Toledo. Figuratively by a mile. The Rockets will have a huge home advantage being only an hour away from their campus, whereas the Golden Panthers of FIU will be traveling by plane unless they want to sit in a bus for 23 hours.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: The MAC may not be a power conference, but when compared to the Sun Belt, it might as well be. The Sun Belt is by far the worst conference in FBS College Football, so winning it, as FIU did, isn't necessarily a big feat. However, it is for FIU which is playing in its first ever Bowl game. They should also get some credit for playing their first 4 games (all losses) against Rutgers, Texas A&M, Maryland, and Pittsburgh. Toledo did win on the road against Purdue, a tough thing to do regardless of Purdue's 4-8 record. The numbers aren't as far off as you think, but its tough to put a Sun Belt team on top.
TOLEDO 28-27
Monday, December 27th
INDEPENDENCE BOWL - Air Force (8-4) vs Georgia Tech (6-6) 4p in Shreveport, LA
Tune in for: AKA the Rushing/Ground Game Bowl! The #1 and #2 rushing attacks in the country face off in this game. Georgia Tech covers 327 yards/game on the ground and Air Force goes for 318/game. Usually when teams are so heavy in one facet they don't carry a tune in the other. Such is the case here too as these teams *combine* to average 207 yards per game and Georgia Tech is a pitiful 88 yards of that. The Yellow Jackets QB Josh Nesbitt actually ran for more yards than he passed this year (737 rush, 674 pass).
Shortest Drive: Georgia Tech - Neither team has much of an advantage. Air Force is out of Colorado Springs, but really they have bases all over the place and its hard rooting against the military (or is it?). The Yellow Jackets fans have a 10 hour plight from Atlanta, more doable (16 hrs from CO) but it'll take a lot of coffee and gumbo.
Local Connections: Air Force - Alex Means LB, Sophomore, Mankato. Wally Wykstrom (awesome name) DT, Senior, Saint Paul. Eric Soderberg WR, Junior, Eden Prairie.
Courtesy Pick: Georgia Tech is reeling having lost 4 of 5 with the one win against lowly Duke. In fact the Yellow Jackets cannot claim one of their wins against a team going to a bowl game. Air Force, however, can claim victories over bowl teams BYU, Navy, and Army. If they beat Air Force, they can pull off the military trifecta, beating all 3 military service teams (the Coast Guard and Salvation Army don't have teams).
AIR FORCE 32-28
Without further ado, lets keep bowling with today's game.
Wednesday, December 22nd
LAS VEGAS BOWL - 10 Boise State (11-1) vs. 19 Utah (10-2) 7p in Las Vegas
Tune in for: Quite possibly the best non-BCS matchup. These two teams represent the class of the WAC and MWC for the past decade. Both teams have fought vigourously for respect among the nation's elite programs despite playing in non-power conferences. However with the Big East crumbling and more parity in college football, these 2 teams likely could hold a candle in any power conference. This will be a swan song for each team as Boise State heads to the MWC and Utah to the PAC 10 next year.
Shortest Drive: Utah - Neither team is really close, but the drive from Salt Lake City is 4 hours less than from Boise (7 over 11 hours). However, it's likely Utah has a bunch of fans all over the state as the de facto state team and it's only a 2 hour drive to the Vegas from the border.
Local Connections: Boise State - Matt Slater is a senior Offensive Tackle and starter out of Cretin Derham Hall. At 290 he's not huge by offensive line standards, but he's quick and agile, a big plus for an offense like Boise State's.
Courtesy Pick: Boise State is a 3 point overtime loss on the road against #15 Nevada away from being in TCU's position and a BCS bowl game. Their 31 points in that game was the lowest scored on the season for an offense ranked 2nd in the country in points scored. Utah was 8-0 heading into their highly anticipated matchup with fellow undefeated TCU. They were utterly destroyed in that game 47-7, then embarrased the following week to a weak Notre Dame team 28-3. They rebounded, albeit not impressively with close wins over San Diego State (38-34) and BYU (17-16). Boise State rebounded much better demolishing Utah State 50-14. That and Heisman candidate Kellen Moore and not to mention a top 5 defense should push the Broncos past the Utes.
BOISE STATE 42-21
Thursday, December 23rd
POINSETTIA BOWL - Navy (9-3) vs San Diego State (8-4) 7p in San Diego
Tune in for: A great battle between 2 evenly matched teams as they were only .12 away from each other in the Sagarin ratings, SDSU 44th and Navy 46th. Furthermore both teams have huge area ties as the Naval Base Point Loma holds 22,000 Navy and civilian personal, giving Navy a home away from home (Annapolis, MD).
Shortest Drive: San Diego State. Naval Base aside, this is the Aztec's backyard, almost literally, San Diego State will have a 3 mile bus ride to the stadium. Fans can take a nice leisurely walk if they want. If Navy didn't have their base, this would be a huge advantage, but as it is, it's still a big swing for SDSU.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: It's a matchup of two teams who score nearly the same amount of points each game (31-35), but go about it 2 very different ways. Navy's 289 yards/game rushing attack easily double's their pass offense (118 yards/game). Whereas San Diego State's passing game (297 yards/game) nearly doubles their ground game (152 yards/game). The Aztec's WR's Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson are 8th and 10th in the country in receiving yards, which actually ranks them 2nd behind Hawaii's amazing 1st and 6th best WR in the nation. (I'll touch on that below)
SAN DIEGO STATE: 35-31
Friday, December 24th
HAWAII BOWL - 24 Hawaii (10-3) vs Tulsa (9-3) 7p in Honolulu
Tune in for: A passing frenzy! The Warriors of Hawaii are #1 in all of college football with a whopping 388 yards/game. QB Bryant Moniz leads the nation with 4,629 yards, just another great passer from Hawaii, following in the recent footsteps of Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan. The Warriors don't run a lot, but they do have a 1,000 yard rusher in Alex Green (26th in nation).
Shortest Drive: Hawaii - And you thought San Diego had a short trip. The Warriors actually have no trip, they will play on campus because of the Hawaii guarantee. If Hawaii is bowl eligible and not BCS eligible, they are guaranteed one of the 2 bowl spots. The Golden Hurricane will have a much longer trip. Actually if you Google map the trip between Tulsa and Honolulu, it'll only take you 16 days, that includes Kayaking for 2,750 miles. No really, try it yourself.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: Tulsa may not be as flashy as Hawaii, but they are consistent. They like to spread the ball around and have a top 20 offense in both the air and on the ground. Neither team has had a daunting schedule, but Hawaii can claim Nevada's only loss this season and since starting the season 1-2, the Warriors have gone 9-1. That and the obvious home field advantage play well into the hands of Hawaii.
HAWAII 42-31
Sunday, December 26th
LITTLE CAESAR'S BOWL-Toledo (8-4) vs. Florida International (6-6) 7:30p Detroit
Tune in for: The only bowl game on the 26th! It's Sunday and if you want a break from the NFL because your team (Vikings) are completely out of it, tune in to watch 2 teams fight for it in the Pizza Bowl. Actually, for these 2 teams, any Bowl game is special and a chance to win a trophy will be huge motivation for teams that get little to no attention or press all year (especially FIU).
Shortest Drive: Toledo. Figuratively by a mile. The Rockets will have a huge home advantage being only an hour away from their campus, whereas the Golden Panthers of FIU will be traveling by plane unless they want to sit in a bus for 23 hours.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: The MAC may not be a power conference, but when compared to the Sun Belt, it might as well be. The Sun Belt is by far the worst conference in FBS College Football, so winning it, as FIU did, isn't necessarily a big feat. However, it is for FIU which is playing in its first ever Bowl game. They should also get some credit for playing their first 4 games (all losses) against Rutgers, Texas A&M, Maryland, and Pittsburgh. Toledo did win on the road against Purdue, a tough thing to do regardless of Purdue's 4-8 record. The numbers aren't as far off as you think, but its tough to put a Sun Belt team on top.
TOLEDO 28-27
Monday, December 27th
INDEPENDENCE BOWL - Air Force (8-4) vs Georgia Tech (6-6) 4p in Shreveport, LA
Tune in for: AKA the Rushing/Ground Game Bowl! The #1 and #2 rushing attacks in the country face off in this game. Georgia Tech covers 327 yards/game on the ground and Air Force goes for 318/game. Usually when teams are so heavy in one facet they don't carry a tune in the other. Such is the case here too as these teams *combine* to average 207 yards per game and Georgia Tech is a pitiful 88 yards of that. The Yellow Jackets QB Josh Nesbitt actually ran for more yards than he passed this year (737 rush, 674 pass).
Shortest Drive: Georgia Tech - Neither team has much of an advantage. Air Force is out of Colorado Springs, but really they have bases all over the place and its hard rooting against the military (or is it?). The Yellow Jackets fans have a 10 hour plight from Atlanta, more doable (16 hrs from CO) but it'll take a lot of coffee and gumbo.
Local Connections: Air Force - Alex Means LB, Sophomore, Mankato. Wally Wykstrom (awesome name) DT, Senior, Saint Paul. Eric Soderberg WR, Junior, Eden Prairie.
Courtesy Pick: Georgia Tech is reeling having lost 4 of 5 with the one win against lowly Duke. In fact the Yellow Jackets cannot claim one of their wins against a team going to a bowl game. Air Force, however, can claim victories over bowl teams BYU, Navy, and Army. If they beat Air Force, they can pull off the military trifecta, beating all 3 military service teams (the Coast Guard and Salvation Army don't have teams).
AIR FORCE 32-28
Friday, December 17, 2010
Going Bowling December 18th - 21st
Today marks the start of the College Football Bowl season. The Courtesy Wave has followed, previewed, and picked our way through the College season. Therefore its only fitting to continue on with the Bowl season in hopes that you put all of your faith in our picks. Because there are so many bowls they'll be broken down and picked apart every few days in order to give each their respective spot in the limelight.
Saturday, December 18th
NEW MEXICO BOWL- UTEP (6-6) vs BYU (6-6) 1p in Albuquerque
Tune in for: A battle of .500 teams from smaller conferences won't excite a lot of people, especially a UTEP team losing 5 of their last 6. Unless your a UTEP or BYU alum, this one might be hard to watch, I would tune in just because its the first game of the Bowl season.
Who to watch:
Fan Advantage: UTEP - Only a 4 hour drive away, compared to BYU's 10 hours.
Local Connection: BYU -Reed Hornung, Anoka. Reed is a sophomore and you can find him on the field every time the Cougars are in punt formation, he's the long snapper.
Courtesy Pick: When you compare the two schedules of these teams side by side, there's no question BYU has played a tougher schedule and their 6-6 record is a lot better than the Miners 6-6 who could only muster a 3-5 record in Conference USA. BYU 27-24
HUMANITARIAN BOWL - Northern Illinois (10-3) vs Fresno State (8-4) 4:30p in Boise
Tune in for: A dogfight, literally. The Huskies of UNI face the Bulldogs of Fresno. The Bulldogs definitely had the tougher schedule, but came up short in every big game matchup. The Huskies are coming off a tough MAC championship game loss to Miami (OH) and will be playing without most of its coaches, as Jerry Kill and his staff are already in place at Minnesota.
Fan Advantage: Fresno State - Not really though, by car it'll take you 13 hours still from Fresno (25 hours from DeKalb). Can't imagine flying into Boise will be cheap, so its more of a toss up.
Local Connections: Northern Illinois - Dan Edem, LB Apple Valley & Trevor Olson, OT Richfield.
Courtesy Pick: Northern Illinois is the hotter team coming in, but its tough to pick them knowing the head of the snake and most of its scales are cut off. The Bulldogs have faced a tougher schedule which at least gives them experience. Plus they have a head coach in this game too. FRESNO STATE 38-30
NEW ORLEANS BOWL - Ohio (8-4) vs Troy (7-5) 8p in New Orleans
Tune in for: The Trojans QB, Corey Robinson is 11th in the nation in passing yards. He's got a wildcat player to toss the rock to in Jerrel Jernigan, who has scored touchdowns this season rushing, receiving, passing and on punt and kickoff returns.
Fan Advantage: Troy - A doable 5.5 hour trip from Troy, AL. If you're headed from Athens, OH, then pack a bunch of snacks for your 16 hour trip.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: These 2 teams have beaten virtually no one worthy of noting. Troy seems to take annual trips to New Orleans for this bowl which represents the Sun Belt victor. Experience and a shorter drive might be in their favor. TROY 33-28
Tuesday, December 21st
ST. PETERSBURG BOWL - Southern Miss (8-4) vs Louisville (6-6)
Tune in for: A high powered offense clashing against a high powered defense. Southern Miss is 15th in the nation is scoring, whereas Louisville is 15th in the nation is scoring defense.
Shortest Drive: Southern Miss - But neither fan base has a short drive. Golden Eagle fans still have a 11 hour trek to St. Petersburg as opposed to Cardinal fans 15 hour jaunt.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: These teams are pretty equally matched. Louisville comes from a tougher conference, although the Big East was way down this year and it could be said that Conference USA was just as good. The Golden Eagles are just a few points away from an 11-1 record, having 3 of their 4 losses by less than 7 points. A more established quarterback is also key. SOUTHERN MISS 38-26
Next 4 Bowl previews: Las Vegas, Poinsietta, Hawaii, Little Caesars...
until then, hedge your bets!
bsv
the courtesy wave
Saturday, December 18th
NEW MEXICO BOWL- UTEP (6-6) vs BYU (6-6) 1p in Albuquerque
Tune in for: A battle of .500 teams from smaller conferences won't excite a lot of people, especially a UTEP team losing 5 of their last 6. Unless your a UTEP or BYU alum, this one might be hard to watch, I would tune in just because its the first game of the Bowl season.
Who to watch:
Fan Advantage: UTEP - Only a 4 hour drive away, compared to BYU's 10 hours.
Local Connection: BYU -Reed Hornung, Anoka. Reed is a sophomore and you can find him on the field every time the Cougars are in punt formation, he's the long snapper.
Courtesy Pick: When you compare the two schedules of these teams side by side, there's no question BYU has played a tougher schedule and their 6-6 record is a lot better than the Miners 6-6 who could only muster a 3-5 record in Conference USA. BYU 27-24
HUMANITARIAN BOWL - Northern Illinois (10-3) vs Fresno State (8-4) 4:30p in Boise
Tune in for: A dogfight, literally. The Huskies of UNI face the Bulldogs of Fresno. The Bulldogs definitely had the tougher schedule, but came up short in every big game matchup. The Huskies are coming off a tough MAC championship game loss to Miami (OH) and will be playing without most of its coaches, as Jerry Kill and his staff are already in place at Minnesota.
Fan Advantage: Fresno State - Not really though, by car it'll take you 13 hours still from Fresno (25 hours from DeKalb). Can't imagine flying into Boise will be cheap, so its more of a toss up.
Local Connections: Northern Illinois - Dan Edem, LB Apple Valley & Trevor Olson, OT Richfield.
Courtesy Pick: Northern Illinois is the hotter team coming in, but its tough to pick them knowing the head of the snake and most of its scales are cut off. The Bulldogs have faced a tougher schedule which at least gives them experience. Plus they have a head coach in this game too. FRESNO STATE 38-30
NEW ORLEANS BOWL - Ohio (8-4) vs Troy (7-5) 8p in New Orleans
Tune in for: The Trojans QB, Corey Robinson is 11th in the nation in passing yards. He's got a wildcat player to toss the rock to in Jerrel Jernigan, who has scored touchdowns this season rushing, receiving, passing and on punt and kickoff returns.
Fan Advantage: Troy - A doable 5.5 hour trip from Troy, AL. If you're headed from Athens, OH, then pack a bunch of snacks for your 16 hour trip.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: These 2 teams have beaten virtually no one worthy of noting. Troy seems to take annual trips to New Orleans for this bowl which represents the Sun Belt victor. Experience and a shorter drive might be in their favor. TROY 33-28
Tuesday, December 21st
ST. PETERSBURG BOWL - Southern Miss (8-4) vs Louisville (6-6)
Tune in for: A high powered offense clashing against a high powered defense. Southern Miss is 15th in the nation is scoring, whereas Louisville is 15th in the nation is scoring defense.
Shortest Drive: Southern Miss - But neither fan base has a short drive. Golden Eagle fans still have a 11 hour trek to St. Petersburg as opposed to Cardinal fans 15 hour jaunt.
Local Connections: None
Courtesy Pick: These teams are pretty equally matched. Louisville comes from a tougher conference, although the Big East was way down this year and it could be said that Conference USA was just as good. The Golden Eagles are just a few points away from an 11-1 record, having 3 of their 4 losses by less than 7 points. A more established quarterback is also key. SOUTHERN MISS 38-26
Next 4 Bowl previews: Las Vegas, Poinsietta, Hawaii, Little Caesars...
until then, hedge your bets!
bsv
the courtesy wave
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings - December edition
The ground is covered in white and the air is seen clearly on the breaths of Minnesotans, it can only mean one thing, winter is here. Welcome to December in Minnesota, the start of guaranteed cold air for the next 100 days and beyond. It is now we really look to our sports teams to provide us the warmth and good feelings we desperately need to get us through.
This month's edition features each team's ranking with a song reference that's relevant. Since it's December, I'll take a page out of the Counting Crow's and you can decide if it'll really be a LONG DECEMBER, with reason to believe that maybe next year will be better than the last. So without further ado, here are the 7 local sports teams starting with the most Optimistic to the most Miserable.
GOPHERS BASKETBALL - "You're the Inspiration" - Chicago
Record: 9-1
Rankings: 20th ESPN/USA Today, 21st AP
The Gophers are off to one of their best records in years and with the lack of entertaining teams in the area, all eyes are aimed at the Barn where the Gophers hope to bring some glory back to the frozen north. They are THE best team in Minnesota that's currently in-season and for that are the inspiration that Minnesota sports fans desperately need. The team packs the most talented roster Tubby Smith has produced thus far. The starting 5 of Nolen, Joseph, Hoffarber, Mbakwe, and Sampson III have proved their worth in the non-conference and are poised to show the Big Ten what they're really made of. That's the hope at least. The Nolen injury (out 6 weeks) could be a big problem and we'll continue to monitor that.
HIGHLIGHTS: The Puerto Rico Tip-Off was an early test against high profile teams and the Gophers were expected to do well, but not favored to win it all, which is exactly what they did. Wins over North Carolina and West Virginia, two big time programs, solidified the Gophers as contenders for the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament, not just participants.
LOWLIGHTS: On November 29th, the Gophers reminded us all what the definition of humble is. Their home loss to Virginia, an ACC foe, but a regular ACC bottom feeder, was a wake up call that nothing is going to be easy and no team should be taken for granted.
OUTLOOK: The Gophers finish their non-conference slate at home against Akron and neighboring South Dakota State. Neither team should be taken lightly. Akron nearly made the NCAA's last year after an OT loss to Ohio in their Championship game. South Dakota State is 7-2 on the season and have already won on the road against a Big Ten team this year, at Iowa November 14th. Big Ten season starts on the road against Wisconsin on December 28th, then the madness really begins!
MINNESOTA TWINS - "Waiting in Vain" -Bob Marley
Record (2010): 94-68 AL Central Champs, Lost in ALDS to Yankees 0-3
Rankings (Hot Stove): 6th FoxSports.com
The Twins have been relatively quiet this offseason so far. The biggest noise made so far is the trade of JJ Hardy to the Baltimore Orioles (not too mention the dumping of Brendon Harris) for right handed Minor League pitchers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson. Getting rid of Hardy seemed to be a foregone conclusion when it was announced the Twins won the exclusive rights to strike up a contract with 26-year old Japanese shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
HIGHLIGHTS: The trade of Hardy and impending signing (hopefully) o
f Nishioka rids the Twins of a player that underperformed and was riddled with injuries in his only season in Minnesota. Ron Gardenhire finally won the coveted AL Manager of the year award for a brilliant season directing the Twins to another postseason with a banged up roster. This award is for the regular season only, otherwise Ron Washington would have picked it up. Our Ron gives us a chance to win every year, whether you think he's the right man for the job or not. If his playoff struggles continue, that could cost him a job, but for 162 games, I'm not sure how many really great managers there are out there, and we have a good one right here, and the Twins have elected to keep Gardenhire on for another 3 years at least.
LOWLIGHTS: Today's news was a little somber as a long time Twin has departed and is heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Matt Guerrier signed a 3 year contract with the boys in blue and has spent his entire 7 year career with the Twins. A durable workhorse out of the bullpen, and a great character guy in the clubhouse, the Twins will definitely miss his contributions.
OUTLOOK: It's only December, meaning there's still another 3 months until spring training, but the Twins have a lot of work to do. The biggest of which is deciding on whether to re-sign Carl Pavano and Jim Thome, 2 veterans that proved that each has a lot left in the tank and is worthy of their place on the roster. Pavano is openly shopping and may be more interested in the highest bidder. In just 1 and half seasons though, he's created a loyal mustache following unlike anyone else in the league and would be a sad sight not to have the Stache at Target Field next year. Jim Thome did everything but upset Twins fans last year. I challenge you to find a Twins fan that has bad things to say about Thome. Despite the fact he turned 40 this year, and had about half his normal at bats, Thome still led the Twins with 25 homeruns. He's got a lot left in the tank and has the enthusiasm and energy that ballclubs love to have in the clubhouse and on the field. He's also earned a big raise from last year. The question is whether the Twins want to pay that raise or let Thome get it from someone else. For now, we'll take a cue and relax with Bob Marley as we wait in vain on the Minnesota Twins.
GOPHERS HOCKEY "Where are You Going?" - Dave Matthews Band
Record: 9-7-2 overall, 6-6-2 WCHA
Rankings: 17th USA Today, 19th US College Hockey Online
The Gophers find themselves in middle ground right now, not out of it by any means, but
certainly not leading the way either. And they haven't proven anything lately, since Thanksgiving, the Gophers are 2-3-1, with consecutive losses to an inferior Minnesota State team. Where are you going Gophers Hockey? We would all like to know.
HIGHLIGHTS: Their weekend series against UMD grants a little hope for a 2nd half surge. The Gophers took the first game and split the 2nd, walking away without a loss to a team ranked in the top 5 in the nation, let alone the WCHA.
LOWLIGHTS: The back to back losses to the Mavericks of Minnesota State definitely sting. To leave Mankato without even so much as a tie will keeps Minnesota from joining the upper echelon of the WCHA.
OUTLOOK: The Gophers schedule is about to get a whole lot harder. They have non-conference games versus two teams ahead of them in the rankings in Ferris State and Union, followed by amatchup with the USA under 18 team. Then they're back in WCHA action, but on the road against conference juggernaut North Dakota for a pair. Will the team that showed its grit against UMD show up in the near future, or will the team that showed its weaknesses against Mankato come to play. Gopher Fans hope for the latter.
MINNESOTA WILD "Pass Me By" - Frank Sinatra
Record: 13-12-4, 3rd Northwest Division, 13th in Western Conference
Power Rankings: 22nd ESPN, 22nd Sports Illustrated
The Wild can be crooning with Franky lately as everyone near them, including anyone close to Nickolas Backstrom, has passed on by without much of a problem. On November 19th, the Wild were 10-6-2 and outperforming their expectations, giving the #1 hockey fans a lot of hope that the Wild were more than we thought they were. Since the 19th, the Wild are 3-6-2 and have fallen back to where many predicted they would be.
HIGHLIGHTS: The Wild have are coming off a 4 game road trip where they went 2-1-1. The two wins came against Los Angeles and Phoenix, both of whom are ahead of the Wild and in the thick of the playoff race.
LOWLIGHTS: Unable to keep momentum going from the 2
wins above, the Wild finished their road trip by getting blown out by Anaheim, a good team, but comparable to Los Angeles and Phoenix. The legs could have been weary from the long trip, it'll be interesting to see if the wins were a fluke or something they can build on.
OUTLOOK: Pierre Marc-Bouchard is back after missing over 100 games because of a concussion. This is a good sign for a team hoping to fight for a bottom playoff spot. The Wild's next 3 games are against losing teams, at Ottawa and a home and away with Calgary. This will be a great time to take advantage of the schedule, as the end of December brings in power playoff teams Colorado, Detroit, Columbus, and San Jose.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS - "Till I Collapse" - Eminem
Record: 5-8, 3rd in NFC North, 10th in NFC Conference
Power Rankings: 21st Sports Illustrated, 26th ESPN
The chorus of Eminem's song begins like this: Till, the roof comes off, till the lights go out, till my legs give out, can't shut my mouth...Well I'm hear to say that all of these things have come to pass in the last month for our Vikings and we can all save our voices for next year. The roof literally came down during the huge blizzard last weekend, forcing the Vikings to play a "home game" in Detroit of all places. The team's playoff lights went out with there loss to the Giants, and BrettFavre's legs finally gave out.
HIGHLIGHTS: For the 1st time all year, the Vikings won consecutive games, albeit to two non-playoff teams, the Redskins and Bills. But we need to find a silver lining in what might come down as the most disappointing season in recent memory, if not the Vikings entire history.
LOWLIGHTS: Too many. The team has 8 losses, meaning the best finish will only end up at .500. The "home loss" to the NY Giants was deflating, because a 9-7 record would have at least kept things interesting, even though it's likely a team needs to be 10-6 to make the NFC playoffs sans the eventual and pitiful NFC West Champ. The pressing need for a QB was highlighted after T-Jack failed to perform anything worthy of an NFL starter.
OUTLOOK: 3 games remain for this lame duck team. The next game is Monday night (Dec. 20th) at another new home for the Vikings, the University of Minnesota TCF Bank Stadium. The Metrodome roof collapse could actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With the Vikings out of the playoffs and Favre's streak over, the team doesn't have a lot to be press worthy of, until the roof collapsed! Media coverage from around the world have focused on Minneapolis and the first outdoor NFL game here in 29 years. The logistics of moving the Vikings toTCF Bank stadium in less than a week are amazing. What normally would take months to schedule and organize, must be done in 6 days, including clearing multiple feet of snow and preparing a stadium built for Fall weather. Green Bay might have the frozen tundra, but the Vikings will have their own frozen ground, playing on a non-heated surface. Regardless, there is still buzz in this town about the game and the Vikings, just the recipe needed for a team desperate to keep their fans (and the legislature) interested in Vikings football beyond 2010.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Rolling Stones
Record: 6-19 5th Northwest, 13th in Western Conference
Power Rankings: 23rd Sports Illustrated, 25th ESPN
If Mick Jagger was talking about the 2010-11 Minnesota Timberwolves, he'd be dead on singing to the tune of this classic hit. If an NBA game only lasted 3 quarters, the Timberwolves would be in the conversation of a playoff spot. The Timberwolves have had no problem getting double digit leads, but they've had all the pain in the world, keeping those leads and finding a way to the W column in the box score. On November 17th, the T-Wolves were 4-9, not great, but at least enough to keep people interested. Since then, the Wolves have gone 2-10 and have reminded everyone that there is still a long way to go.
HIGH
LIGHTS: Since wins are hard to come by, let's highlight a couple players standing out this season. Michael Beasley and Kevin Love are quickly on their way to stardom. Don't give up on Beasley just because the Miami Heat did. The Heat had to cut him with the entrance of the Big 3. Beasley is proving why any team would be glad to have his services. His 21.2 points per game are good for 15th in the league. Kevin Love on the other hand is establishing himself as the new Rebounding King in the NBA. Love posted the first 30/30 game in 28 years and hasn't let up all year, averaging 15.2 boards/game, which is far and away the best in the league (2nd place Zach Randolph 12.3).
LOWLIGHTS: There are a lot to pick from with the recent stretch of losses, however I'll highlight 2 from the same team: the San Antonio Spurs. At 20-3, the Spurs are the best team in the entire NBA, but for 6 of eight quarters the Minnesota Timberwolves were better. On November 24th, the Wolves, led by Kevin Love's 32 points and 22 rebounds had the Spurs on the ropes and led by as much as 20, and 11 to start the 4th quarter, ran out of gas. The Spurs forced an OT and held Minnesota to just 3 points for the win. Just a week later, the Timberwolves met the Spurs in San Antonio for another game. The Timberwolves hung with the Spurs in the first half and amazing spurted away in the 3rd quarter, building a 15 point lead to start the 4th. Again, if only they played 3 quarters. The 4th quarter was all Spurs, erasing the lead and taking the game by 6 points, despite a great effort and 28 points by Beasley.
OUTLOOK: The Timberwolves play 5 of their next 6 games on the road, where they can claim only 1 victory. This stretch will really test their wits and pride. The season is a loss in terms of the playoffs, but the team can win over there fans with aggressive energetic play and reasons to believe that with another high draft pick, the team can return to the playoffs sooner rather than later. Love & Beasley have done just that, now is the time for Webster, Ridnour, Darko, Johnson, and Flynn to live up and make the rest of us believers.
GOPHERS FOOTBALL "Killing Me Softly" - Roberta Flack
Record: 3-9, (2-6) - Finished 10th in Big Ten
Ranking: 86th Sagarin Football Rankings
The Gophers Football team finished off a dreadful season where they fired long time loser head coach Tim Brewster, lost to FCS foe South Dakota, and had a 9 game losing streak. The Gophers were headed toward a 1-11 record, but found strength at the end of the season to avoid double digit losses by winning the last 2 games and finishing 3-9. After the season, Gophers AD Joel Maturi promised the fans and boosters he'd be bringing in a big name coach,
just like he did with Tubby Smith in basketball. So when the news arrived the Gophers were hiring Jerry Kill, Maturi all killed us softly with his choice. Kill's Northern Illinois Huskies came in and beat the Gophers at TCF Bank stadium in what turned out to be an audition for his future. The Huskies finished 10-3, but lost in the MAC Conference championship game to Miami (OH). Maturi is a MAC guy and its no surprise he couldn't land a big name coach. That and Minnesota is just a tough place to recruit players, let alone head coaches.
HIGHLIGHTS: The biggest win on the season was saved for the last game. On November 27th, the Golden Gophers pulled off a golden upset of border rival Iowa 27-24. The Hawkeyes, ranked 24th at the time, finished their season by losing a heavily favored game, regulated Iowa to a mid-tier bowl, after early season hopes of smelling the roses. The Gophers won back the pig, Floyd of Rosedale, and did what Brewster couldn't do, win a trophy game. The loss in the least gave Gophers fans something to hold onto for the long cold, bitter winter ahead.
LOWLIGHTS: The hiring of Kill by the numbers looks good. The guy has won every where he's gone. The problem is he's gone from High School to Division 2, to a mid-major Division 1. This is by far his biggest job and he'll be seeing the best talent day in and day out come the Big Ten schedule. UNI's strength of schedule this year was 122, compared to the Gophers 38th. Kill will have to win to attract recruits, a task that has come with many difficulties at the U.
OUTLOOK: The Gophers will be starting a new era next year, not only will it be Kill time, but there will be a new QB under center for the first time in 5 years. Adam Weber graduates after setting many school records, mainly based on the fact that he played so many games to accumulate those stats. Regardless, he was a fine quarterback, not flashy, but consistent. Marquis Gray is in line for the job, he's waited more than most people would and he'll bring in a mobile style contrast to what we've been seeing with Weber. Whether that and Kill's coaching leads to more wins, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Well that's it for the 3rd installment of the Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings. I'm sorry I couldn't bring you any better news, but I hope you found the silver linings you were looking for.
Until next time, remember when shoveling, lift with your knees.
bsv
the courtesy wave
This month's edition features each team's ranking with a song reference that's relevant. Since it's December, I'll take a page out of the Counting Crow's and you can decide if it'll really be a LONG DECEMBER, with reason to believe that maybe next year will be better than the last. So without further ado, here are the 7 local sports teams starting with the most Optimistic to the most Miserable.GOPHERS BASKETBALL - "You're the Inspiration" - Chicago
Record: 9-1
Rankings: 20th ESPN/USA Today, 21st AP
The Gophers are off to one of their best records in years and with the lack of entertaining teams in the area, all eyes are aimed at the Barn where the Gophers hope to bring some glory back to the frozen north. They are THE best team in Minnesota that's currently in-season and for that are the inspiration that Minnesota sports fans desperately need. The team packs the most talented roster Tubby Smith has produced thus far. The starting 5 of Nolen, Joseph, Hoffarber, Mbakwe, and Sampson III have proved their worth in the non-conference and are poised to show the Big Ten what they're really made of. That's the hope at least. The Nolen injury (out 6 weeks) could be a big problem and we'll continue to monitor that.
HIGHLIGHTS: The Puerto Rico Tip-Off was an early test against high profile teams and the Gophers were expected to do well, but not favored to win it all, which is exactly what they did. Wins over North Carolina and West Virginia, two big time programs, solidified the Gophers as contenders for the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament, not just participants.
LOWLIGHTS: On November 29th, the Gophers reminded us all what the definition of humble is. Their home loss to Virginia, an ACC foe, but a regular ACC bottom feeder, was a wake up call that nothing is going to be easy and no team should be taken for granted.
OUTLOOK: The Gophers finish their non-conference slate at home against Akron and neighboring South Dakota State. Neither team should be taken lightly. Akron nearly made the NCAA's last year after an OT loss to Ohio in their Championship game. South Dakota State is 7-2 on the season and have already won on the road against a Big Ten team this year, at Iowa November 14th. Big Ten season starts on the road against Wisconsin on December 28th, then the madness really begins!
MINNESOTA TWINS - "Waiting in Vain" -Bob Marley
Record (2010): 94-68 AL Central Champs, Lost in ALDS to Yankees 0-3
Rankings (Hot Stove): 6th FoxSports.com
The Twins have been relatively quiet this offseason so far. The biggest noise made so far is the trade of JJ Hardy to the Baltimore Orioles (not too mention the dumping of Brendon Harris) for right handed Minor League pitchers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson. Getting rid of Hardy seemed to be a foregone conclusion when it was announced the Twins won the exclusive rights to strike up a contract with 26-year old Japanese shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
HIGHLIGHTS: The trade of Hardy and impending signing (hopefully) o
f Nishioka rids the Twins of a player that underperformed and was riddled with injuries in his only season in Minnesota. Ron Gardenhire finally won the coveted AL Manager of the year award for a brilliant season directing the Twins to another postseason with a banged up roster. This award is for the regular season only, otherwise Ron Washington would have picked it up. Our Ron gives us a chance to win every year, whether you think he's the right man for the job or not. If his playoff struggles continue, that could cost him a job, but for 162 games, I'm not sure how many really great managers there are out there, and we have a good one right here, and the Twins have elected to keep Gardenhire on for another 3 years at least.LOWLIGHTS: Today's news was a little somber as a long time Twin has departed and is heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Matt Guerrier signed a 3 year contract with the boys in blue and has spent his entire 7 year career with the Twins. A durable workhorse out of the bullpen, and a great character guy in the clubhouse, the Twins will definitely miss his contributions.
OUTLOOK: It's only December, meaning there's still another 3 months until spring training, but the Twins have a lot of work to do. The biggest of which is deciding on whether to re-sign Carl Pavano and Jim Thome, 2 veterans that proved that each has a lot left in the tank and is worthy of their place on the roster. Pavano is openly shopping and may be more interested in the highest bidder. In just 1 and half seasons though, he's created a loyal mustache following unlike anyone else in the league and would be a sad sight not to have the Stache at Target Field next year. Jim Thome did everything but upset Twins fans last year. I challenge you to find a Twins fan that has bad things to say about Thome. Despite the fact he turned 40 this year, and had about half his normal at bats, Thome still led the Twins with 25 homeruns. He's got a lot left in the tank and has the enthusiasm and energy that ballclubs love to have in the clubhouse and on the field. He's also earned a big raise from last year. The question is whether the Twins want to pay that raise or let Thome get it from someone else. For now, we'll take a cue and relax with Bob Marley as we wait in vain on the Minnesota Twins.
GOPHERS HOCKEY "Where are You Going?" - Dave Matthews Band
Record: 9-7-2 overall, 6-6-2 WCHA
Rankings: 17th USA Today, 19th US College Hockey Online
The Gophers find themselves in middle ground right now, not out of it by any means, but
certainly not leading the way either. And they haven't proven anything lately, since Thanksgiving, the Gophers are 2-3-1, with consecutive losses to an inferior Minnesota State team. Where are you going Gophers Hockey? We would all like to know.HIGHLIGHTS: Their weekend series against UMD grants a little hope for a 2nd half surge. The Gophers took the first game and split the 2nd, walking away without a loss to a team ranked in the top 5 in the nation, let alone the WCHA.
LOWLIGHTS: The back to back losses to the Mavericks of Minnesota State definitely sting. To leave Mankato without even so much as a tie will keeps Minnesota from joining the upper echelon of the WCHA.
OUTLOOK: The Gophers schedule is about to get a whole lot harder. They have non-conference games versus two teams ahead of them in the rankings in Ferris State and Union, followed by amatchup with the USA under 18 team. Then they're back in WCHA action, but on the road against conference juggernaut North Dakota for a pair. Will the team that showed its grit against UMD show up in the near future, or will the team that showed its weaknesses against Mankato come to play. Gopher Fans hope for the latter.
MINNESOTA WILD "Pass Me By" - Frank Sinatra
Record: 13-12-4, 3rd Northwest Division, 13th in Western Conference
Power Rankings: 22nd ESPN, 22nd Sports Illustrated
The Wild can be crooning with Franky lately as everyone near them, including anyone close to Nickolas Backstrom, has passed on by without much of a problem. On November 19th, the Wild were 10-6-2 and outperforming their expectations, giving the #1 hockey fans a lot of hope that the Wild were more than we thought they were. Since the 19th, the Wild are 3-6-2 and have fallen back to where many predicted they would be.
HIGHLIGHTS: The Wild have are coming off a 4 game road trip where they went 2-1-1. The two wins came against Los Angeles and Phoenix, both of whom are ahead of the Wild and in the thick of the playoff race.
LOWLIGHTS: Unable to keep momentum going from the 2
wins above, the Wild finished their road trip by getting blown out by Anaheim, a good team, but comparable to Los Angeles and Phoenix. The legs could have been weary from the long trip, it'll be interesting to see if the wins were a fluke or something they can build on.OUTLOOK: Pierre Marc-Bouchard is back after missing over 100 games because of a concussion. This is a good sign for a team hoping to fight for a bottom playoff spot. The Wild's next 3 games are against losing teams, at Ottawa and a home and away with Calgary. This will be a great time to take advantage of the schedule, as the end of December brings in power playoff teams Colorado, Detroit, Columbus, and San Jose.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS - "Till I Collapse" - Eminem
Record: 5-8, 3rd in NFC North, 10th in NFC Conference
Power Rankings: 21st Sports Illustrated, 26th ESPN
The chorus of Eminem's song begins like this: Till, the roof comes off, till the lights go out, till my legs give out, can't shut my mouth...Well I'm hear to say that all of these things have come to pass in the last month for our Vikings and we can all save our voices for next year. The roof literally came down during the huge blizzard last weekend, forcing the Vikings to play a "home game" in Detroit of all places. The team's playoff lights went out with there loss to the Giants, and BrettFavre's legs finally gave out.
HIGHLIGHTS: For the 1st time all year, the Vikings won consecutive games, albeit to two non-playoff teams, the Redskins and Bills. But we need to find a silver lining in what might come down as the most disappointing season in recent memory, if not the Vikings entire history.
LOWLIGHTS: Too many. The team has 8 losses, meaning the best finish will only end up at .500. The "home loss" to the NY Giants was deflating, because a 9-7 record would have at least kept things interesting, even though it's likely a team needs to be 10-6 to make the NFC playoffs sans the eventual and pitiful NFC West Champ. The pressing need for a QB was highlighted after T-Jack failed to perform anything worthy of an NFL starter.
OUTLOOK: 3 games remain for this lame duck team. The next game is Monday night (Dec. 20th) at another new home for the Vikings, the University of Minnesota TCF Bank Stadium. The Metrodome roof collapse could actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With the Vikings out of the playoffs and Favre's streak over, the team doesn't have a lot to be press worthy of, until the roof collapsed! Media coverage from around the world have focused on Minneapolis and the first outdoor NFL game here in 29 years. The logistics of moving the Vikings toTCF Bank stadium in less than a week are amazing. What normally would take months to schedule and organize, must be done in 6 days, including clearing multiple feet of snow and preparing a stadium built for Fall weather. Green Bay might have the frozen tundra, but the Vikings will have their own frozen ground, playing on a non-heated surface. Regardless, there is still buzz in this town about the game and the Vikings, just the recipe needed for a team desperate to keep their fans (and the legislature) interested in Vikings football beyond 2010.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Rolling Stones
Record: 6-19 5th Northwest, 13th in Western Conference
Power Rankings: 23rd Sports Illustrated, 25th ESPN
If Mick Jagger was talking about the 2010-11 Minnesota Timberwolves, he'd be dead on singing to the tune of this classic hit. If an NBA game only lasted 3 quarters, the Timberwolves would be in the conversation of a playoff spot. The Timberwolves have had no problem getting double digit leads, but they've had all the pain in the world, keeping those leads and finding a way to the W column in the box score. On November 17th, the T-Wolves were 4-9, not great, but at least enough to keep people interested. Since then, the Wolves have gone 2-10 and have reminded everyone that there is still a long way to go.
HIGH
LIGHTS: Since wins are hard to come by, let's highlight a couple players standing out this season. Michael Beasley and Kevin Love are quickly on their way to stardom. Don't give up on Beasley just because the Miami Heat did. The Heat had to cut him with the entrance of the Big 3. Beasley is proving why any team would be glad to have his services. His 21.2 points per game are good for 15th in the league. Kevin Love on the other hand is establishing himself as the new Rebounding King in the NBA. Love posted the first 30/30 game in 28 years and hasn't let up all year, averaging 15.2 boards/game, which is far and away the best in the league (2nd place Zach Randolph 12.3).LOWLIGHTS: There are a lot to pick from with the recent stretch of losses, however I'll highlight 2 from the same team: the San Antonio Spurs. At 20-3, the Spurs are the best team in the entire NBA, but for 6 of eight quarters the Minnesota Timberwolves were better. On November 24th, the Wolves, led by Kevin Love's 32 points and 22 rebounds had the Spurs on the ropes and led by as much as 20, and 11 to start the 4th quarter, ran out of gas. The Spurs forced an OT and held Minnesota to just 3 points for the win. Just a week later, the Timberwolves met the Spurs in San Antonio for another game. The Timberwolves hung with the Spurs in the first half and amazing spurted away in the 3rd quarter, building a 15 point lead to start the 4th. Again, if only they played 3 quarters. The 4th quarter was all Spurs, erasing the lead and taking the game by 6 points, despite a great effort and 28 points by Beasley.
OUTLOOK: The Timberwolves play 5 of their next 6 games on the road, where they can claim only 1 victory. This stretch will really test their wits and pride. The season is a loss in terms of the playoffs, but the team can win over there fans with aggressive energetic play and reasons to believe that with another high draft pick, the team can return to the playoffs sooner rather than later. Love & Beasley have done just that, now is the time for Webster, Ridnour, Darko, Johnson, and Flynn to live up and make the rest of us believers.
GOPHERS FOOTBALL "Killing Me Softly" - Roberta Flack
Record: 3-9, (2-6) - Finished 10th in Big Ten
Ranking: 86th Sagarin Football Rankings
The Gophers Football team finished off a dreadful season where they fired long time loser head coach Tim Brewster, lost to FCS foe South Dakota, and had a 9 game losing streak. The Gophers were headed toward a 1-11 record, but found strength at the end of the season to avoid double digit losses by winning the last 2 games and finishing 3-9. After the season, Gophers AD Joel Maturi promised the fans and boosters he'd be bringing in a big name coach,
just like he did with Tubby Smith in basketball. So when the news arrived the Gophers were hiring Jerry Kill, Maturi all killed us softly with his choice. Kill's Northern Illinois Huskies came in and beat the Gophers at TCF Bank stadium in what turned out to be an audition for his future. The Huskies finished 10-3, but lost in the MAC Conference championship game to Miami (OH). Maturi is a MAC guy and its no surprise he couldn't land a big name coach. That and Minnesota is just a tough place to recruit players, let alone head coaches.HIGHLIGHTS: The biggest win on the season was saved for the last game. On November 27th, the Golden Gophers pulled off a golden upset of border rival Iowa 27-24. The Hawkeyes, ranked 24th at the time, finished their season by losing a heavily favored game, regulated Iowa to a mid-tier bowl, after early season hopes of smelling the roses. The Gophers won back the pig, Floyd of Rosedale, and did what Brewster couldn't do, win a trophy game. The loss in the least gave Gophers fans something to hold onto for the long cold, bitter winter ahead.
LOWLIGHTS: The hiring of Kill by the numbers looks good. The guy has won every where he's gone. The problem is he's gone from High School to Division 2, to a mid-major Division 1. This is by far his biggest job and he'll be seeing the best talent day in and day out come the Big Ten schedule. UNI's strength of schedule this year was 122, compared to the Gophers 38th. Kill will have to win to attract recruits, a task that has come with many difficulties at the U.
OUTLOOK: The Gophers will be starting a new era next year, not only will it be Kill time, but there will be a new QB under center for the first time in 5 years. Adam Weber graduates after setting many school records, mainly based on the fact that he played so many games to accumulate those stats. Regardless, he was a fine quarterback, not flashy, but consistent. Marquis Gray is in line for the job, he's waited more than most people would and he'll bring in a mobile style contrast to what we've been seeing with Weber. Whether that and Kill's coaching leads to more wins, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Well that's it for the 3rd installment of the Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings. I'm sorry I couldn't bring you any better news, but I hope you found the silver linings you were looking for.
Until next time, remember when shoveling, lift with your knees.
bsv
the courtesy wave
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The land of 346 - D1 College Basketball
Of all the sports I follow in this world, nothing comes as close to NCAA Division 1 college basketball in terms of sheer numbers of teams involved in the chase for ultimate glory. All told there are 346 Division 1 Men's college basketball teams. That's an average of about 7 teams per state. By comparison, Division 1 football, officially termed the Football Bowl Championship division has 120 teams, or about 1/3 of basketball.
I consider myself a connoisseur of college basketball. I can, if given enough time, name all 346 teams and maybe name about 2/3 of their mascot names. But for the majority of casual sports fans, up to as many as half of the teams may be completely unrecognized. There are 32 conferences in college basketball and all but 7 teams lie within those, the rest are classified as independents.
The state breakdowns are remarkable, unless you live in Alaska or outside of the US, you have a team in your state that plays D1 basketball. And if you live in Alaska, you can still count on 2 things, you have D1 hockey and you can see Russia from your house. California alone has 24 teams, followed by New York (22), and Texas (21). Rounding out the Top 10 is: North Carolina (18), Pennsylvania (14), Virginia (14), Florida (13), Illinois (13), Ohio (13), Louisiana (12), South Carolina (12), Tennessee (12), and let's throw in the Hoosier State, Indiana with 10 teams.
These states that lack an NBA team have more than a couple to pick from. Alabama (9), Maryland (9), Connecticut (7), Kentucky (6), Mississippi (6), Arkansas (5), Missouri (5), Washington (5), Iowa (4), Rhode Island (4), Idaho (3), Kansas (3)
The great divide can happen in these states when deciding between only 2: Delaware or Delaware State, Montana or Montana State, Nebraska or Creighton, Nevada or UNLV, New Hampshire or Dartmouth, New Mexico or New Mexico State, North Dakota or North Dakota State, South Dakota or South Dakota State, and West Virginia or Marshall.
And if you happen to live in a state with only one D1 team (like me), you have no choice but to put all your hopes into these teams: Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Of the 346 teams, 75 of them must share their home city with at least 1 other team if not more. There are 20 cities with 2 teams and 9 with even more. The cities (city proper only, not suburbs), that carry more than 2 teams are: New York (Columbia, Fordham, Long Island, Manhattan, St. John’s, St. Francis, and Wagner), Philadelphia (Drexel, La Salle, Penn, St. Joseph's, and Temple), Washington DC (American, George Washington, Georgetown, and Howard), Chicago (Chicago State, DePaul, Loyola, and Illinois-Chicago), Nashville (Belmont, Lipscomb, Tennessee State, and Vanderbilt), Houston (Houston, Houston Baptist, Rice, and Texas Southern), Los Angeles (Cal State-Northridge, Loyola Marymount, UCLA, and USC), Baltimore (Coppin State, Loyola, and Morgan State), and Charleston (Charleston Southern, The Citadel, and College of Charleston).
Directional schools litter the landscape. I'm talking about colleges that use north, south, east, west, central, or middle in their names. There are 58 teams that use directions in their name, with North being the most prevalent at 21. Some schools go even beyond and use a combination of directions: Northeastern, Northwestern, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana, and Southeast Missouri State.
School names can get so long they are often abbreviated making for easier references. UNLV, USC, LSU, BYU and UCLA are well known and to even a casual fan needs no further explanation, but these schools might require a little interpretation: UAB - University of Alabama Birmingham, Cal Poly SLO - California Polytechnic Institute San Luis Obispo, FIU - Florida International University, UCF – University of Central Florida, SIU-Edwardsville - Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, UIC - University of Illinois – Chicago, IPFW - Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne, IPUI - Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, UMBC - University of Maryland Baltimore County, UMES -University of Maryland Eastern Shore, UMKC - University of Missouri-Kansas City, LIU - Long Island University, ETSU - Eastern Tennessee State University, TCU - Texas Christian University, UTSA – University of Texas at San Antonio, UTEP – University of Texas at El Paso, UTPA – University of Texas-Pan American, and VMI – Virginia Military Institute.
With so many teams, there are bound to be more than a few repeating mascots. In fact the 10 most common nicknames can be found on 81 (almost a quarter) of the teams in division 1. The top 10 names are, in order, Bulldogs, Tigers, Eagles, Wildcats, Bears, Panthers, Cougars, Huskies, Spartans, and Rams. The Bulldogs can be found at these schools: Alabama A&M, Bryant, Butler, The Citadel, Drake, Fresno State, Georgia, Gonzaga, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, UNC-Asheville, Samford, South Carolina State, and Yale.
Several teams are colorful, literally. Not satisfied with just a mascot, 44 schools have colors associated with their nicknames. Gold, yellow, red, black, blue, green, purple, crimson, orange, and grey all can be found in college basketball. The gold standard in colored nicknames is just that gold, with 12 teams monishing gold nicknames, they are: Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions, California Golden Bears, FIU Golden Panthers, Oakland Golden Grizzlies, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Canisius Golden Griffins, Kent State Golden Flashes, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, and Marquette Golden Eagles.
Team names and mascots aside, all of these teams have 1 thing in common that can’t be said about college football; that is every team has a shot at the national championship. Yes, some teams are horrific and probably shouldn’t belong in D1, but there is a mathematical way for these teams to reach the championship game, regardless of how much or little chance each team has. The only exceptions are those teams that are in the reclassification period, on NCAA probation, are independent, or belong to the Great West, which does not have an automatic NCAA berth for its champion. The NCAA Tournament is perhaps the biggest championship for any sport, professional or amateur in the country. Just getting an invite is said to have made a successful season for many. Only the elite, the top 10% of teams in the nation wouldn’t be satisfied with just an invite. Of the 346 teams, 294 can claim an invite at some point during their program, leaving 52 teams yet to receive the golden ticket.
Many of those 52 teams have only been around for a few years and can’t be too upset about not reaching the Big Dance. However, there are a few teams that have suffered greatly through many generations, failing to produce even 1 NCAA tournament team. The NCAA tournament has been around since 1939 and at present there are 5 teams that have been around since then and not made the tournament. Army, which spends more money fighting over seas wars, Northwestern, the only team from a “Power” conference, St. Francis of New York, not to be confused with the one in Pennsylvania, William & Mary, and The Citadel. Other schools that have yet to gain entrance to the Big Dance since I’ve been alive (initial D1 year): Denver (1948-80, 1999), Youngstown State (1948, 1982), Centenary (1960), New Hampshire (1962), Maine (1962), UT Pan-American (1969), Stetson (1972), MD-Eastern Shore (1974-76, 1982), Buffalo (1974-77, 1992), UC Irvine (1978), Bethune-Cookman (1981), and Western Illinois (1982). Centenary has one more shot this year as they will be moving to Division III next year (a wise decision).
There you have it, whether you live in Honolulu, Hawaii, or Orono, Maine, and everywhere in between, there’s sure to be a team close nearby to satisfy your college basketball needs. And if you live in Alaska, then you can just pick a name out of a hat or maybe follow one of the Wolves, Bears, or Huskies, that could be fitting.
That’s it for now, the Courtesy Wave wishes you a very happy Thanksgiving and remember to save some room for pie!
bsv
the courtesy wave
Friday, November 19, 2010
TCW College Football Guide Week 12
We're getting down to the nitty gritty of the college football season where teams are all playing for various levels of motivation. Some are in the hunt for a National Championship, others a BCS or New Years Day Bowl. A few teams are seeking Conference Championships, middle tier bowls, and some just fighting to become bowl eligible. The rest are working the pride angle, especially with several rivalry games left on the season, some teams' seasons can be vindicated if they just beat their archnemisis. Without further ado, here are 12 games to follow on college football Saturday.
TOP 25 FACEOFFS
8 NEBRASKA (9-1) at 19 TEXAS A&M (7-3) 7p
These 2 teams could potentially face each other in the Big 12 Championship game, but only if A&M emerges as the victor on Saturday. Both teams are walking in with swagger as each ride 4 game winning streaks, however the Aggies wins have come by a little easier than the Cornuskers. Nebraska relies heavily on QB Taylor Martinez, who is a run first signal caller, and will have plenty of chances against a defense that can be had on the ground. However, the Aggies are the 8th best passing team in the country, which means a lot of quick scores are possible. If Nebraska shows up in College Station like they did in Ames, they won't be walking away from this one. WARNING: UPSET SPECIAL
TEXAS A&M 35-31
9 OHIO STATE (9-1) at 20 IOWA (7-3) 2:30p
With a Big Ten Championship on the line, the Hawkeyes, will have all the motivation they need to beat Ohio State, 1 of 3 teams that stand in their way to do so, Michigan State and Wisconsin the others. This game would have been even bigger had Iowa not had a huge letdown last week at Northwestern, losing 21-17. On the other end of the spectrum, Ohio State has shutdown its last 3 opponents, Purdue, Minnesota, and Penn State by a combined 139-24. Because of what occurred last week, its hard to put a ton of faith into Iowa, but anything can happen in the Big Ten. It just rarely happens to Ohio State, especially this year, who's only blemish is a road loss against 7th ranked Wisconsin.
OHIO STATE 42-31
13 ARKANSAS (8-2) at 21 MISSISSIPPI STATE (7-3) 6p
There are 2 big similarities between Arkansas and Mississippi State and both can be found in the loss column. Each team has a loss versus Alabama and Auburn this season, failing to capitalize on strong seasons with impressive wins over those 2 behemoth programs. Each team was blown on in one game and just nipped in the other. The Razorbacks have reeled off 4 straight since their loss to Auburn, how Mississippi State will react after losing their first game in 7 contests will be interesting to watch.
ARKANSAS 38-26
16 VIRGINIA TECH (8-2) at 24 MIAMI (FL) (7-3) 2:30p
It's hard to believe we're still in the same season where Virginia Tech started 0-2 in the season's epic opener versus Boise State, followed by a monumental upset at the hands of FCS foe James Madison. Well 8 straight wins have brought the Hokies back to the national scene. And at 6-0 in the ACC Coastal division, a win against Miami would lock up their berth in the ACC Championship game. Miami's record is aided by a bunch of victories over mediocre teams, and no wins over a ranked opponent. Miami has a lot more to prove, and a 24 ranking might have been aided by the the Canes stellar reputation.
VIRGINIA TECH 35-29
RIVALRY GAMES
NORTH CAROLINA STATE (7-3) at NORTH CAROLINA (6-4) 11a - NC in-state rivalry
The Wolfpack will take the half hour bus ride west to Chapel Hill on Sunday and face off against the Tar Heels for 100th time in history. North Carolina holds a 63-60-6 edge on the series, but NC State has taken the last 3. Neither team is ranked, however each team is already bowl eligible. Both teams have average ground games, but the passing edge lies with NC State. The Tar Heels are coming off a tough home loss to Virginia Tech, see above for how they are doing. NC State will see no love in this game, but they are not far from home either.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE 33-25
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (8-2) at BALL STATE (4-7) 11a - Bronze Stalk Trophy
The 2 teams duke it out for the Bronze Stalk Trophy, the trophy depicts several cornstalks in tribute to the prevalence of maize around the respective homes of the rivals, just outside major metropolitan cities (Chicago & Indianapolis) .I probably owe Northern Illinois a little bit of credit since I incorrectly picked them to lose badly to the Gophers earlier this year. Northern Illinois should not have trouble against Ball State in a really down year overall for the MAC.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS 34-22
COLORADO STATE (3-8) at WYOMING (2-9) 1p - Bronze Boot
I know what you're thinking, why in the sam hell would I tune into a game featuring 2 teams with a combined record of 5-17. I'll tell you why. The annual Wyoming–Colorado State football is one of the most bitterly contested rivalries in college football. The teams have waged the "Border War" one hundred times since the schools began playing in 1899. The boot was worn by Cpt. Dan J. Romero, at CSU between 1967 and 1969. Each year leading up to the Wyoming–Colorado State game, the game ball is carried in a running shuttle relay by the ROTC detachment of the visiting team down to the Wyoming-Colorado state border, where the home team's ROTC detachment receives it and runs the game ball to the stadium hosting the game. Sweet.
WYOMING 21-18
6 STANFORD (9-1) at CALIFORNIA (5-5) 2:30p - Stanford Axe aka The Big Game
Cal went toe-to-toe with #1 ranked Oregon last week, losing a close game 15-13 to the Ducks. They won't be intimidated by Stanford and their #6 rankings. The first Big Game was held on March 19, 1892 in San Francisco when Stanford beat Cal 14–10. It is the tenth longest rivalry in FBS history. Stanford leads the series record at 55–46–11. Stanford also lost to Oregon, however, that's their only loss on the season, whereas Cal has questionable losses to Nevada and Oregon State. There will be no band interference in this game, but Stanford shouldn't need it.
STANFORD 40-28
ILLINOIS (5-5) at NORTHWESTERN (7-3) 2:30p in Chicago - Land of Lincoln Trophy
Move aside Cubs, football is headed to Wrigley Field on Saturday as Illinois faces in state rival Northwestern at the famed baseball stadium. The trophy derives its name from the official state nickname of Illinois and depicts a bronze replica of a stovepipe hate famously worn by Abraham Lincoln. The Fightin Illini are coming off an unspeakable home loss to Minnesota, which followed a 3 OT loss to Michigan. Meanwhile Northwestern claimed its biggest victory of the season with a win over Iowa last weekend. The Wildcats are pushing for a middle tier bowl, Illinois has 2 more chances at a bowl, and both are tough (at Fresno State next week).
NORTHWESTERN 26-24
5 LSU (9-1) vs OLE MISS (4-6) 2:30p - Magnolia Bowl
The yearly contest between these 2 long standing rivalries is called the Magnolia Bowl, named after the magnolia flower being the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi, which is also the name of the trophy awarded to the winner. LSU's lone loss came on the road against Auburn, otherwise, the Tigers own an impressive resume. The same cannot be said for Ole Miss, who have been slaughtered by SEC competition so far. This one is in Baton Rouge and has the recipe to become ugly.
LSU 38-14
MEMPHIS (1-9) at UAB (3-7) 3p - Battle for the Bones
The Blazers and the Tigers began competing in football after the Blazers football team joined Division I in 1997. UAB holds an 8-4 series edge. Four hours on Interstate 22 separate these two campuses, and each team could use the win to boost a dismal season as both teams will not be headed towards a bowl. Both these teams are bad, UAB is just less bad.
UAB 26-14
15 MISSOURI (8-2) at IOWA STATE (5-6) 6p - Telephone Trophy
Before the 1959 match-up between the two schools, field testing showed that the telephones the two schools used to communicate with their coaches in the coaches box were wired so that either school could hear what was going on on the other sideline. The problem was fixed before the game, but neither of the two coaches knew that. Northwestern Bell Telephone Company of Ames then decided to have a trophy made to commemorate the incident, and thus the Telephone Trophy was born. The Tigers faltered lately with back-to-back losses to Nebraska & Texas Tech, before righting the ship against #24 Kansas State last week. Kansas State has a great shot to finish the regular season with 10 wins. Iowa State is just a few yards shy of a good team. Their wins over Kansas, Texas, & Texas Tech all look good, but a near loss to Nebraska was followed up by a beating at the hands of Colorado. This Cyclone team is extremely hard to predict, but other than Nebraska, every other ranked team has demolished them, expect that trend to continue.
MISSOURI 32-21
GOPHER WATCH
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are on a bye, getting one more week to celebrate their improbably victory over Illinois on the road last week.
Well that's it for now, plenty of other solid college football action going on if your interested. Appalachian State at Florida could get interesting, as well as UCONN/Syracuse, Florida State/Maryland, and Utah/San Diego State all are worthy of tuning into. Enjoy your Saturday, kick up your feet, grab a beverage of your choice and get your channels lined up!
bsv
the courtesy wave
TOP 25 FACEOFFS
8 NEBRASKA (9-1) at 19 TEXAS A&M (7-3) 7p
These 2 teams could potentially face each other in the Big 12 Championship game, but only if A&M emerges as the victor on Saturday. Both teams are walking in with swagger as each ride 4 game winning streaks, however the Aggies wins have come by a little easier than the Cornuskers. Nebraska relies heavily on QB Taylor Martinez, who is a run first signal caller, and will have plenty of chances against a defense that can be had on the ground. However, the Aggies are the 8th best passing team in the country, which means a lot of quick scores are possible. If Nebraska shows up in College Station like they did in Ames, they won't be walking away from this one. WARNING: UPSET SPECIAL
TEXAS A&M 35-31
9 OHIO STATE (9-1) at 20 IOWA (7-3) 2:30p
With a Big Ten Championship on the line, the Hawkeyes, will have all the motivation they need to beat Ohio State, 1 of 3 teams that stand in their way to do so, Michigan State and Wisconsin the others. This game would have been even bigger had Iowa not had a huge letdown last week at Northwestern, losing 21-17. On the other end of the spectrum, Ohio State has shutdown its last 3 opponents, Purdue, Minnesota, and Penn State by a combined 139-24. Because of what occurred last week, its hard to put a ton of faith into Iowa, but anything can happen in the Big Ten. It just rarely happens to Ohio State, especially this year, who's only blemish is a road loss against 7th ranked Wisconsin.
OHIO STATE 42-31
13 ARKANSAS (8-2) at 21 MISSISSIPPI STATE (7-3) 6p
There are 2 big similarities between Arkansas and Mississippi State and both can be found in the loss column. Each team has a loss versus Alabama and Auburn this season, failing to capitalize on strong seasons with impressive wins over those 2 behemoth programs. Each team was blown on in one game and just nipped in the other. The Razorbacks have reeled off 4 straight since their loss to Auburn, how Mississippi State will react after losing their first game in 7 contests will be interesting to watch.
ARKANSAS 38-26
16 VIRGINIA TECH (8-2) at 24 MIAMI (FL) (7-3) 2:30p
It's hard to believe we're still in the same season where Virginia Tech started 0-2 in the season's epic opener versus Boise State, followed by a monumental upset at the hands of FCS foe James Madison. Well 8 straight wins have brought the Hokies back to the national scene. And at 6-0 in the ACC Coastal division, a win against Miami would lock up their berth in the ACC Championship game. Miami's record is aided by a bunch of victories over mediocre teams, and no wins over a ranked opponent. Miami has a lot more to prove, and a 24 ranking might have been aided by the the Canes stellar reputation.
VIRGINIA TECH 35-29
RIVALRY GAMES
NORTH CAROLINA STATE (7-3) at NORTH CAROLINA (6-4) 11a - NC in-state rivalry
The Wolfpack will take the half hour bus ride west to Chapel Hill on Sunday and face off against the Tar Heels for 100th time in history. North Carolina holds a 63-60-6 edge on the series, but NC State has taken the last 3. Neither team is ranked, however each team is already bowl eligible. Both teams have average ground games, but the passing edge lies with NC State. The Tar Heels are coming off a tough home loss to Virginia Tech, see above for how they are doing. NC State will see no love in this game, but they are not far from home either.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE 33-25
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (8-2) at BALL STATE (4-7) 11a - Bronze Stalk Trophy
The 2 teams duke it out for the Bronze Stalk Trophy, the trophy depicts several cornstalks in tribute to the prevalence of maize around the respective homes of the rivals, just outside major metropolitan cities (Chicago & Indianapolis) .I probably owe Northern Illinois a little bit of credit since I incorrectly picked them to lose badly to the Gophers earlier this year. Northern Illinois should not have trouble against Ball State in a really down year overall for the MAC.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS 34-22
COLORADO STATE (3-8) at WYOMING (2-9) 1p - Bronze Boot
I know what you're thinking, why in the sam hell would I tune into a game featuring 2 teams with a combined record of 5-17. I'll tell you why. The annual Wyoming–Colorado State football is one of the most bitterly contested rivalries in college football. The teams have waged the "Border War" one hundred times since the schools began playing in 1899. The boot was worn by Cpt. Dan J. Romero, at CSU between 1967 and 1969. Each year leading up to the Wyoming–Colorado State game, the game ball is carried in a running shuttle relay by the ROTC detachment of the visiting team down to the Wyoming-Colorado state border, where the home team's ROTC detachment receives it and runs the game ball to the stadium hosting the game. Sweet.
WYOMING 21-18
6 STANFORD (9-1) at CALIFORNIA (5-5) 2:30p - Stanford Axe aka The Big Game
Cal went toe-to-toe with #1 ranked Oregon last week, losing a close game 15-13 to the Ducks. They won't be intimidated by Stanford and their #6 rankings. The first Big Game was held on March 19, 1892 in San Francisco when Stanford beat Cal 14–10. It is the tenth longest rivalry in FBS history. Stanford leads the series record at 55–46–11. Stanford also lost to Oregon, however, that's their only loss on the season, whereas Cal has questionable losses to Nevada and Oregon State. There will be no band interference in this game, but Stanford shouldn't need it.
STANFORD 40-28
ILLINOIS (5-5) at NORTHWESTERN (7-3) 2:30p in Chicago - Land of Lincoln Trophy
Move aside Cubs, football is headed to Wrigley Field on Saturday as Illinois faces in state rival Northwestern at the famed baseball stadium. The trophy derives its name from the official state nickname of Illinois and depicts a bronze replica of a stovepipe hate famously worn by Abraham Lincoln. The Fightin Illini are coming off an unspeakable home loss to Minnesota, which followed a 3 OT loss to Michigan. Meanwhile Northwestern claimed its biggest victory of the season with a win over Iowa last weekend. The Wildcats are pushing for a middle tier bowl, Illinois has 2 more chances at a bowl, and both are tough (at Fresno State next week).
NORTHWESTERN 26-24
5 LSU (9-1) vs OLE MISS (4-6) 2:30p - Magnolia Bowl
The yearly contest between these 2 long standing rivalries is called the Magnolia Bowl, named after the magnolia flower being the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi, which is also the name of the trophy awarded to the winner. LSU's lone loss came on the road against Auburn, otherwise, the Tigers own an impressive resume. The same cannot be said for Ole Miss, who have been slaughtered by SEC competition so far. This one is in Baton Rouge and has the recipe to become ugly.
LSU 38-14
MEMPHIS (1-9) at UAB (3-7) 3p - Battle for the Bones
The Blazers and the Tigers began competing in football after the Blazers football team joined Division I in 1997. UAB holds an 8-4 series edge. Four hours on Interstate 22 separate these two campuses, and each team could use the win to boost a dismal season as both teams will not be headed towards a bowl. Both these teams are bad, UAB is just less bad.
UAB 26-14
15 MISSOURI (8-2) at IOWA STATE (5-6) 6p - Telephone Trophy
Before the 1959 match-up between the two schools, field testing showed that the telephones the two schools used to communicate with their coaches in the coaches box were wired so that either school could hear what was going on on the other sideline. The problem was fixed before the game, but neither of the two coaches knew that. Northwestern Bell Telephone Company of Ames then decided to have a trophy made to commemorate the incident, and thus the Telephone Trophy was born. The Tigers faltered lately with back-to-back losses to Nebraska & Texas Tech, before righting the ship against #24 Kansas State last week. Kansas State has a great shot to finish the regular season with 10 wins. Iowa State is just a few yards shy of a good team. Their wins over Kansas, Texas, & Texas Tech all look good, but a near loss to Nebraska was followed up by a beating at the hands of Colorado. This Cyclone team is extremely hard to predict, but other than Nebraska, every other ranked team has demolished them, expect that trend to continue.
MISSOURI 32-21
GOPHER WATCH
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are on a bye, getting one more week to celebrate their improbably victory over Illinois on the road last week.
Well that's it for now, plenty of other solid college football action going on if your interested. Appalachian State at Florida could get interesting, as well as UCONN/Syracuse, Florida State/Maryland, and Utah/San Diego State all are worthy of tuning into. Enjoy your Saturday, kick up your feet, grab a beverage of your choice and get your channels lined up!
bsv
the courtesy wave
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Jim Thome Appreciation Day
It's been a few weeks since baseball ended and now that we're officially in the hot stove season, free agents are deciding whether to stay or go, leaving teams with big decisions to make about their future. The Courtesy Wave wants to highlight one of those free agents, from which had a stellar 2010 campaign and in only 1 season, created legions of new fans.
Let me start by saying I've always been a fan of Jim Thome, despite having grown up watching him kill Twins pitching in Cleveland and Chicago. I think he's just a tough guy to hate, you can hate that he's beat your team time in and time out, but you can't hate how he goes about doing so. Thome has lived in the steroid era where nearly every other top homerun hitter has been indicated as users, ie: McGwire, Sosa, Rodriguez, Palmeiro, Ramirez, Ortiz, Sheffield, Giambi, and the list goes on. Only 2 of the great homerun hitters of this era can be described as clean, Thome and Ken Griffey Jr.
James Howard "Jim" Thome was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 13th round of the 1989 MLB draft out of Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois. He was the 333rd overall selection. 221 players drafted ahead of Thome NEVER played in the majors. To say Thome was a diamond in the rough, is a gross overstatement. Thome was drafted as a long-shot prospect, an 18 year old, who at the time was only 6'1", 180, (Thome currently stands at 6'3", 250). His rapid ascent through the minors began with bewildered everyone, including the Indians, who drafted him. They had no choice but to move him up. Thome's ascent had more to do with his hard work ethic than his pure talent, a trait that makes him even more easier to be a fan.
Thome's first major league game occurred in September 1991, against, of all teams, the Minnesota Twins. He went 2 for 4 against the eventual world series champion Twins and so his career began. However, it wasn't until the strike shortened season of 1994, that Thome became a regular everyday player, having only hit 10 home runs in 369 at bats. Thome doubled that amount (20), in 1994, starting a string of 16 out of 17 years of 20 or more homeruns. (injury shortened 2007 to 59 games) While with the Indians, Thome put up 6 seasons of 30 plus homeruns and 100 RBI's. He switched from 3rd base to 1st base in 1997, when the Indians traded for Matt Williams, which seemed to only make him better at the plate. Although its been 8 years, since Thome has played for Cleveland, he is still revered in that town and will likely don an Indians cap some day in Cooperstown.
Thome left Cleveland in 2003, deciding to jump ship to the National League, a puzzling move for a guy seemingly headed towards a DH role. But that didn't matter either as Thome put together his best season as a professional, leading the league with 47 home runs and posting a career best 131 RBI's, while finishing in the top 4 in MVP voting. He was rewarded with another trip to the all star game the following year while posting back to back 40Hr/100RBI seasons. The only statistical blemish during Thome's prime happened in 2005, when a slow start and a season ending injury eventually ended Thome's career in Philadelphia, after Ryan Howard's emergence left Thome expendable. He was traded the following offseason to the White Sox.
Thome's return to the American League turned out to be a godsend for him. In his first year with the White Sox, Thome went back to doing what he does best, smashing baseballs. He hit 42 homers and 109 RBI, gaining an all-star nod and earning himself the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. His production only slightly dipped, however in his 3.5 years with the White Sox, Thome hit 134 home runs and 369 RBI's, for an average of 38/105. Not too shabby. His time with Chicago ended when the White Sox were looking to dump salary and start building for the next year. On August 31, 2009, Thome was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with cash for minor league infielder Justin Fuller. Thome's only appearances with the Dodgers were as a pinch hitter. He had four hits in seventeen at-bats with the Dodgers.
That brings us to last year, when Thome's services, after a dismal short campaign with the Dodgers were seemingly running out of options. Thome was seen as a aging power hitter with pinch hitting abilities, useless in the field, and likely losing prowess at the plate. Despite the fact that he hit 23 homeruns the previous year, not many teams were shelling out the cash for Thome's services. The White Sox were said to have been interested, but the team didn't think they could give Thome enough at-bats to be satisfied. That's when the Twins swooped in and offered Thome an incentive laden contract offering at-bats, but no promises. The offer was good enough for Thome, who had always liked Minnesota, and was very familiar with the AL Central.
For the Twins, Thome was earning $1.5 million, less than utility man Nick Punto, who owns a career .247 batting average in 10 years. At first, Thome was used as planned, providing spot starts and pinch hitting appearances, but about mid-season, he turned things up a notch and was regularly providing big hits, so much that he was awarded the full time DH spot essentially when Morneau's injury moved Cuddyer to 1st Base, allowing Kubel to be used in the outfield, a domino effect that actually improved the Twins.
After that point, Thome became the Twins power hitting force. He hit 25 homeruns in 269 at bats, a mind boggling homerun per at bat ratio of 10.76. That put him 2nd behind the major league leader, Jose Bautista, and 1 at bat better than Babe Ruth's career ratio. Aside from hitting homeruns, Thome got on base just as effectively, his OPS (on base plus slugging percentage) came in at 1.039, just a couple ticks shy of Josh Hamilton's 1.044 mark. He also bettered his career marks in Batting Avg (.283), On-Base percentage (.412), and slugging percentage (.627).
His career accomplishments are staggering enough, Thome is 8th all time on the Home Run list with 589, likely to top 600 next season. He's in the top 30 in RBI's, Walks, Extra Base Hits, On Base percentage, and at-bats per home run. He's also as many power hitters go, prone to the strikeout, of which currently Thome is 2nd all time to hall of famer Reggie Jackson in that department.
His career statistics are remarkable, but what makes Thome more likable than say Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, or Sammy Sosa, is the fact that he's an all around good guy. In a 2007 poll of 464 Major League Baseball players, he was voted the second friendliest player in a tie with Mike Sweeney. He's putting all of his 10 nieces and nephews through college. He has been the recipient of several character and community awards including the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the MLB player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team", as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. and Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. And also receiving the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, given to players who best exemplify his character and integrity both on and off the field.
Well there, now its been said. Here's one fan who took notice to Jim Thome's incredible year with the Twins, and incredible baseball and personal career. Here's hoping that Thome continues to wear Twins pinstripes, but in case he moves on, here's saying thanks and best wishes on a hall of fame career.
Until next time, remember the pen is mightier than the sword.
bsv
the courtesy wave
Let me start by saying I've always been a fan of Jim Thome, despite having grown up watching him kill Twins pitching in Cleveland and Chicago. I think he's just a tough guy to hate, you can hate that he's beat your team time in and time out, but you can't hate how he goes about doing so. Thome has lived in the steroid era where nearly every other top homerun hitter has been indicated as users, ie: McGwire, Sosa, Rodriguez, Palmeiro, Ramirez, Ortiz, Sheffield, Giambi, and the list goes on. Only 2 of the great homerun hitters of this era can be described as clean, Thome and Ken Griffey Jr.
James Howard "Jim" Thome was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 13th round of the 1989 MLB draft out of Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois. He was the 333rd overall selection. 221 players drafted ahead of Thome NEVER played in the majors. To say Thome was a diamond in the rough, is a gross overstatement. Thome was drafted as a long-shot prospect, an 18 year old, who at the time was only 6'1", 180, (Thome currently stands at 6'3", 250). His rapid ascent through the minors began with bewildered everyone, including the Indians, who drafted him. They had no choice but to move him up. Thome's ascent had more to do with his hard work ethic than his pure talent, a trait that makes him even more easier to be a fan.
Thome's first major league game occurred in September 1991, against, of all teams, the Minnesota Twins. He went 2 for 4 against the eventual world series champion Twins and so his career began. However, it wasn't until the strike shortened season of 1994, that Thome became a regular everyday player, having only hit 10 home runs in 369 at bats. Thome doubled that amount (20), in 1994, starting a string of 16 out of 17 years of 20 or more homeruns. (injury shortened 2007 to 59 games) While with the Indians, Thome put up 6 seasons of 30 plus homeruns and 100 RBI's. He switched from 3rd base to 1st base in 1997, when the Indians traded for Matt Williams, which seemed to only make him better at the plate. Although its been 8 years, since Thome has played for Cleveland, he is still revered in that town and will likely don an Indians cap some day in Cooperstown.
Thome left Cleveland in 2003, deciding to jump ship to the National League, a puzzling move for a guy seemingly headed towards a DH role. But that didn't matter either as Thome put together his best season as a professional, leading the league with 47 home runs and posting a career best 131 RBI's, while finishing in the top 4 in MVP voting. He was rewarded with another trip to the all star game the following year while posting back to back 40Hr/100RBI seasons. The only statistical blemish during Thome's prime happened in 2005, when a slow start and a season ending injury eventually ended Thome's career in Philadelphia, after Ryan Howard's emergence left Thome expendable. He was traded the following offseason to the White Sox.
Thome's return to the American League turned out to be a godsend for him. In his first year with the White Sox, Thome went back to doing what he does best, smashing baseballs. He hit 42 homers and 109 RBI, gaining an all-star nod and earning himself the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. His production only slightly dipped, however in his 3.5 years with the White Sox, Thome hit 134 home runs and 369 RBI's, for an average of 38/105. Not too shabby. His time with Chicago ended when the White Sox were looking to dump salary and start building for the next year. On August 31, 2009, Thome was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with cash for minor league infielder Justin Fuller. Thome's only appearances with the Dodgers were as a pinch hitter. He had four hits in seventeen at-bats with the Dodgers.
That brings us to last year, when Thome's services, after a dismal short campaign with the Dodgers were seemingly running out of options. Thome was seen as a aging power hitter with pinch hitting abilities, useless in the field, and likely losing prowess at the plate. Despite the fact that he hit 23 homeruns the previous year, not many teams were shelling out the cash for Thome's services. The White Sox were said to have been interested, but the team didn't think they could give Thome enough at-bats to be satisfied. That's when the Twins swooped in and offered Thome an incentive laden contract offering at-bats, but no promises. The offer was good enough for Thome, who had always liked Minnesota, and was very familiar with the AL Central.
For the Twins, Thome was earning $1.5 million, less than utility man Nick Punto, who owns a career .247 batting average in 10 years. At first, Thome was used as planned, providing spot starts and pinch hitting appearances, but about mid-season, he turned things up a notch and was regularly providing big hits, so much that he was awarded the full time DH spot essentially when Morneau's injury moved Cuddyer to 1st Base, allowing Kubel to be used in the outfield, a domino effect that actually improved the Twins.
After that point, Thome became the Twins power hitting force. He hit 25 homeruns in 269 at bats, a mind boggling homerun per at bat ratio of 10.76. That put him 2nd behind the major league leader, Jose Bautista, and 1 at bat better than Babe Ruth's career ratio. Aside from hitting homeruns, Thome got on base just as effectively, his OPS (on base plus slugging percentage) came in at 1.039, just a couple ticks shy of Josh Hamilton's 1.044 mark. He also bettered his career marks in Batting Avg (.283), On-Base percentage (.412), and slugging percentage (.627).
His career accomplishments are staggering enough, Thome is 8th all time on the Home Run list with 589, likely to top 600 next season. He's in the top 30 in RBI's, Walks, Extra Base Hits, On Base percentage, and at-bats per home run. He's also as many power hitters go, prone to the strikeout, of which currently Thome is 2nd all time to hall of famer Reggie Jackson in that department.
His career statistics are remarkable, but what makes Thome more likable than say Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, or Sammy Sosa, is the fact that he's an all around good guy. In a 2007 poll of 464 Major League Baseball players, he was voted the second friendliest player in a tie with Mike Sweeney. He's putting all of his 10 nieces and nephews through college. He has been the recipient of several character and community awards including the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the MLB player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team", as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. and Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. And also receiving the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, given to players who best exemplify his character and integrity both on and off the field.
Well there, now its been said. Here's one fan who took notice to Jim Thome's incredible year with the Twins, and incredible baseball and personal career. Here's hoping that Thome continues to wear Twins pinstripes, but in case he moves on, here's saying thanks and best wishes on a hall of fame career.
Until next time, remember the pen is mightier than the sword.
bsv
the courtesy wave
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Amazing World of Brocks
My cousin Lori inspired today's post on the Brocks of the world. Having first hand knowledge of what it's like to be a Brock, let me lead you into the world of Brocks and teach you a thing or two about our people.
First, what is a Brock? The English Dictionary describes Brock as a noun, meaning a European Badger. Now being a Gophers fan, I suppose a Badger is not the first moniker I'd like to receive, however, a European Badger is often thought of in higher esteem then its brothers in Wisconsin. I personally like to think that my Badger brethren is more like Mr. Badger from The Wind in The Willows, who is seen as a good friend to Mole & Ratty, and is a good leader and gentleman, embodying common sense. He is also brave and a skilled fighter, and helps clear the Wild Wooders from Toad Hall.
Brock may not be in the top 100 Baby names, but has steadily increased every year, much to our chagrin. You see we Brocks are not conformers and would prefer our name to be sacred and instead of chosen, be chosen. The High Council of Brocks dates all the way back to 1982, when supposedly the first child bared the name that was previously only granted surname status. A Banker and a Nurse were given the high honor after passing a series of tests and naming their first 2 children after books of the bible, as to not bring attention to the family as a whole. The family was forced to move every time a new Brock entered the community so as to maintain uniqueness and not support uniformity.
Figures from the Council of Brocks suggest there are currently anywhere from 40 to 80 Brock's living in the world, blending in among people, eating, living, and in some cases even working among everyday citizens. The Endangered Species Association (ESA) has for years been trying to get Brock on the list, but the Council refuses, stating that "We are not endangered, just dangerously inclusive." Of the 10 most notable people named Brock on Wikipedia, 4 are dead. A 40% notable people mortality rate, figures that would only be remarkable among deep south literacy rates.
The most notable Brock, is also the largest documented Brock in history, I'm talking about wrestling superstar Brock Lesnar, who just so happens to reside in my hometown. Coincidence? I think not. Although separate and often considered dangerous in the same presence, 2 Brock's can be found in similar habitats if the right conditions exist, although like the Yetti or its North American cousin, the Sasquatch, a photograph confirming this has yet to exist.
There are 2 tiny villages in the US that use the name Brock to describe the residency of their citizens, one in Nebraska, and one in Texas. These towns pay the Council of Brocks an exclusive naming fee and must abide by the rules that if their residency spikes above 200, the name must be changed to protect the seclusion of the name.
There has been international controversy over the usage of the name between the United States Council and the Canadian Council. The Canadians have for years been leasing their name to schools, businesses, and even islands. The Canadians went all the way to congress and passed the Brock University Act of 1964, aiming to increase its influence on the Canadian way of life. This created the University that offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs that include co-op and other experiential learning opportunities to an enrollment of over 17,000 full-time students. Or at least that's the cover. There have been many conspiracy theorists over the years that have stated the Canadian Council of Brocks is actually a political and even mason-like association of top French Canadian citizens, of whom actually run the country. The Council of Brocks acts as a peace-keeping front from which the inner layers of the onion run deep and every peel tearfully opens up an inner society hell bent on Canadian domination.
But I digress, for this article is meant to shine light, not grant fuel for controversy. The Brock name has a rich history, but is often misheard, literally. A recent survey of Brock's showed that the name is often mistaken for others when introductions occur. The most common of which are: Bob, Rob, Brad, and Bert. Which is forgivable, I suppose, but these were also listed in the survey, causing mild confusion: Bork, Bock, Block, and Borg. Excuse me, I'm from Planet Earth, have we met?
In any case, the name Brock has created some influential and colorful people as well as described places and cultural groups (disputed). If you so happen to run into someone with the name, consider yourself lucky, because you are in some elite company. While all of the above is opinion and heavily biased, you should still regard mostly everything in this post as factual evidence.
No Canadians were harmed during the writing of this post.
Until next time, remember to chew with your mouth closed.
brock aka bsv,
the courtesy wave
First, what is a Brock? The English Dictionary describes Brock as a noun, meaning a European Badger. Now being a Gophers fan, I suppose a Badger is not the first moniker I'd like to receive, however, a European Badger is often thought of in higher esteem then its brothers in Wisconsin. I personally like to think that my Badger brethren is more like Mr. Badger from The Wind in The Willows, who is seen as a good friend to Mole & Ratty, and is a good leader and gentleman, embodying common sense. He is also brave and a skilled fighter, and helps clear the Wild Wooders from Toad Hall.
Brock may not be in the top 100 Baby names, but has steadily increased every year, much to our chagrin. You see we Brocks are not conformers and would prefer our name to be sacred and instead of chosen, be chosen. The High Council of Brocks dates all the way back to 1982, when supposedly the first child bared the name that was previously only granted surname status. A Banker and a Nurse were given the high honor after passing a series of tests and naming their first 2 children after books of the bible, as to not bring attention to the family as a whole. The family was forced to move every time a new Brock entered the community so as to maintain uniqueness and not support uniformity.
Figures from the Council of Brocks suggest there are currently anywhere from 40 to 80 Brock's living in the world, blending in among people, eating, living, and in some cases even working among everyday citizens. The Endangered Species Association (ESA) has for years been trying to get Brock on the list, but the Council refuses, stating that "We are not endangered, just dangerously inclusive." Of the 10 most notable people named Brock on Wikipedia, 4 are dead. A 40% notable people mortality rate, figures that would only be remarkable among deep south literacy rates.
The most notable Brock, is also the largest documented Brock in history, I'm talking about wrestling superstar Brock Lesnar, who just so happens to reside in my hometown. Coincidence? I think not. Although separate and often considered dangerous in the same presence, 2 Brock's can be found in similar habitats if the right conditions exist, although like the Yetti or its North American cousin, the Sasquatch, a photograph confirming this has yet to exist.
There are 2 tiny villages in the US that use the name Brock to describe the residency of their citizens, one in Nebraska, and one in Texas. These towns pay the Council of Brocks an exclusive naming fee and must abide by the rules that if their residency spikes above 200, the name must be changed to protect the seclusion of the name.
There has been international controversy over the usage of the name between the United States Council and the Canadian Council. The Canadians have for years been leasing their name to schools, businesses, and even islands. The Canadians went all the way to congress and passed the Brock University Act of 1964, aiming to increase its influence on the Canadian way of life. This created the University that offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs that include co-op and other experiential learning opportunities to an enrollment of over 17,000 full-time students. Or at least that's the cover. There have been many conspiracy theorists over the years that have stated the Canadian Council of Brocks is actually a political and even mason-like association of top French Canadian citizens, of whom actually run the country. The Council of Brocks acts as a peace-keeping front from which the inner layers of the onion run deep and every peel tearfully opens up an inner society hell bent on Canadian domination.
But I digress, for this article is meant to shine light, not grant fuel for controversy. The Brock name has a rich history, but is often misheard, literally. A recent survey of Brock's showed that the name is often mistaken for others when introductions occur. The most common of which are: Bob, Rob, Brad, and Bert. Which is forgivable, I suppose, but these were also listed in the survey, causing mild confusion: Bork, Bock, Block, and Borg. Excuse me, I'm from Planet Earth, have we met?
In any case, the name Brock has created some influential and colorful people as well as described places and cultural groups (disputed). If you so happen to run into someone with the name, consider yourself lucky, because you are in some elite company. While all of the above is opinion and heavily biased, you should still regard mostly everything in this post as factual evidence.
No Canadians were harmed during the writing of this post.
Until next time, remember to chew with your mouth closed.
brock aka bsv,
the courtesy wave
Saturday, November 13, 2010
College Football Saturday Preview
Been a busy week and didn't have the time for my regular in depth weekend sports preview, but in the interest of keeping it up and coming off a 11-4 record of predictions last week, I'll extend my hand on today and tomorrow's key games and give you something to watch this weekend, starting with today's college football matchups. Also take note, the College Basketball season is under way and there are literally thousands of games taking place in the upcoming week, so lets sit back and watch those games for now and see how the early season shakes out.
Quick note and thanks to Michael Rand from the Star Tribune for his article on my recent MN Sports Misery Rankings. Also a big thanks to Tom from the TheDailyGopher for their inclusion as well. I highly recommend you follow their blogs!
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
TOP 25 FACEOFFS
12 ALABAMA (7-2) vs 19 MISSISSIPPI STATE (7-2) 6:15p
The Crimson Tide are coming off a tough loss to LSU last week and the Bulldogs of MSU are flying high on a 6 game emotional win streak. It's tough to bet against Alabama at home, but Mississippi State has the energy and a stout defense to do it. That said, Alabama has the big game experience.
ALABAMA 24-21
17 MISSOURI (7-2) vs 24 KANSAS STATE (6-3) 11:30a
Missouri is reeling after 2 tough back to back losses against Nebraska and Texas Tech. Kansas State beat Texas last week in what normally would have been considered a big victory, but Texas is down this year and their recent losses to Nebraska, Baylor, and Oklahoma State suggest the Wildcats don't have enough to stay with the big boys this year.
MISSOURI 28-18
22 FLORIDA (6-3) vs 23 SOUTH CAROLINA (6-3) 6:15p
I thought this was the year of the Gamecock, but after last weeks trouncing at the hands of Arkansas, South Carolina has a little ways to go to be considered elite, and that was a home game. Now they travel to Florida and play at one of the toughest stadiums in college football. The Gators havent had the best year, but they're coming off 2 wins and momentum is in their favor.
FLORIDA 35-27
RIVALRY GAMES
2 AUBURN (10-0) vs GEORGIA (5-5) 2:30p Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
The Deep South's oldest rivalry takes place in Auburn on Saturday against 2 teams going in opposite directions. The game will be hard fought because of the rivalry, but the talent all lies with Auburn in this one that could turn into a laugher.
AUBURN 41-28
MARYLAND (6-3) at VIRGINIA (4-5) 2:30p Formerly for the Tydings Trophy
It's the 2nd oldest out of state rivalry for Virginia and the only a much bigger rivalry for Maryland, who doesn't possess a single arch rival. The series dates back to 1919, and the Terps lead 41-31-2 all time. Virginia lost to Duke last week, which negates any further discussion here.
MARYLAND 41-31
25 TEXAS A&M (6-3) at BAYLOR (7-3) 6p Battle of the Brazos
According to Wikipedia, in the early days of the rivalry, Texas A&M was an all-male college, and Baylor was the closest college that had female students. Many Aggies dated Baylor coeds causing some resentment among the male students at Baylor, who did not have a corresponding pool of young women from Texas A&M to date. So you can see why there might be some blood between the two. The Bears are a much better team this year but are coming off a bad loss to Oklahoma State, whereas the Aggies just defeated #8 Oklahoma.
TEXAS A&M 35-28
GOPHER WATCH
MINNESOTA (1-9) at ILLINOIS (5-4) 11a
One team is counting down the days till the end of the season, and the other is 1 win away from a bowl-eligible season. The Illini have the talent, motivation, and homefield advantage. The Gophers are one of the worst in college football this season. Easy pick.
ILLINOIS 38-24
That's it for today, happy watching and I'll try to get NFL previews/picks out later today.
until then, remember that when driving in snow, it's not a certainty that you'll stop when you hit the brakes...
bsv
the courtesy wave
Quick note and thanks to Michael Rand from the Star Tribune for his article on my recent MN Sports Misery Rankings. Also a big thanks to Tom from the TheDailyGopher for their inclusion as well. I highly recommend you follow their blogs!
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
TOP 25 FACEOFFS
12 ALABAMA (7-2) vs 19 MISSISSIPPI STATE (7-2) 6:15p
The Crimson Tide are coming off a tough loss to LSU last week and the Bulldogs of MSU are flying high on a 6 game emotional win streak. It's tough to bet against Alabama at home, but Mississippi State has the energy and a stout defense to do it. That said, Alabama has the big game experience.
ALABAMA 24-21
17 MISSOURI (7-2) vs 24 KANSAS STATE (6-3) 11:30a
Missouri is reeling after 2 tough back to back losses against Nebraska and Texas Tech. Kansas State beat Texas last week in what normally would have been considered a big victory, but Texas is down this year and their recent losses to Nebraska, Baylor, and Oklahoma State suggest the Wildcats don't have enough to stay with the big boys this year.
MISSOURI 28-18
22 FLORIDA (6-3) vs 23 SOUTH CAROLINA (6-3) 6:15p
I thought this was the year of the Gamecock, but after last weeks trouncing at the hands of Arkansas, South Carolina has a little ways to go to be considered elite, and that was a home game. Now they travel to Florida and play at one of the toughest stadiums in college football. The Gators havent had the best year, but they're coming off 2 wins and momentum is in their favor.
FLORIDA 35-27
RIVALRY GAMES
2 AUBURN (10-0) vs GEORGIA (5-5) 2:30p Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
The Deep South's oldest rivalry takes place in Auburn on Saturday against 2 teams going in opposite directions. The game will be hard fought because of the rivalry, but the talent all lies with Auburn in this one that could turn into a laugher.
AUBURN 41-28
MARYLAND (6-3) at VIRGINIA (4-5) 2:30p Formerly for the Tydings Trophy
It's the 2nd oldest out of state rivalry for Virginia and the only a much bigger rivalry for Maryland, who doesn't possess a single arch rival. The series dates back to 1919, and the Terps lead 41-31-2 all time. Virginia lost to Duke last week, which negates any further discussion here.
MARYLAND 41-31
25 TEXAS A&M (6-3) at BAYLOR (7-3) 6p Battle of the Brazos
According to Wikipedia, in the early days of the rivalry, Texas A&M was an all-male college, and Baylor was the closest college that had female students. Many Aggies dated Baylor coeds causing some resentment among the male students at Baylor, who did not have a corresponding pool of young women from Texas A&M to date. So you can see why there might be some blood between the two. The Bears are a much better team this year but are coming off a bad loss to Oklahoma State, whereas the Aggies just defeated #8 Oklahoma.
TEXAS A&M 35-28
GOPHER WATCH
MINNESOTA (1-9) at ILLINOIS (5-4) 11a
One team is counting down the days till the end of the season, and the other is 1 win away from a bowl-eligible season. The Illini have the talent, motivation, and homefield advantage. The Gophers are one of the worst in college football this season. Easy pick.
ILLINOIS 38-24
That's it for today, happy watching and I'll try to get NFL previews/picks out later today.
until then, remember that when driving in snow, it's not a certainty that you'll stop when you hit the brakes...
bsv
the courtesy wave
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings - November edition
If there were to be a correlation study of the weather and moods in Minnesota, it's likely you'd find a correlation coefficient close to 1. That is, as one variable goes up, the other does too, but just the same as one goes down. Such can be said about weather and sports in the state of Minnesota. The highs of the summer and the Twins glorious regular season are gone, and the lows of winter and a struggling Minnesota sports landscape is upon us. It'll only get colder and it could get much worse. But then there are days like we've had in early November, where the weather inadvertently spikes up 20 degrees and all of a sudden there's reason for hope. So as we roll into late fall, TCW presents the November edition of the Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings.
EUPHORIC BLISS
A long suffering fan base was vindicated when the San Francisco Giants won their first title since moving to the Bay area. Good for them, we can only hope for this in the land of 10,000+ lakes.
POPULOUS PRIDE
None. Teams in this category are championship contenders and not just playoff participants.
CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
The USA Today and AP pre-season NCAA Basketball rankings recently came out and the Gophers Basketball team didn't make either, but weren't too far off, coming in at 29th and 30th respectively. Joe Lunardi ESPN's bracketologist just released his first NCAA Tournament Bracket of the season and he has the Gophers slotted as an 8 seed team. This is all good news in Tubby land. This signifies that the experts believe the Gophers will be competitive and one of the best teams in the country. However this doesn't necessarily mean the Gophers will be elite and at the top of the Big Ten.
The Gophers have 10 non-conference games to start the year. Often times these non-conference schedules face mainly cream-puff teams and give only a brief indicator of how competitive a team will be in the Big 10 conference slate. That won't be the case for the Gophers though. Their schedule may seem very favorable, but an in depth look shows that of the 10 teams they face, 6 have made the NCAA tournament either last year or the year before or both; Wofford, Siena, Western Kentucky, North Dakota State, Cornell, and Akron. Of the others, Eastern Kentucky won 20 games last year, annual ACC foe Virginia is no pushover, and St. Joseph's is the only road game. That leaves South Dakota State as the one true cream puff on the schedule. Don't get me wrong here, the Gophers should be favored in every game and if they come out 8-2 or better, this could be a great Gophers Basketball season.
BANDWAGON TEAM OF THE MONTH
Something is happening that profoundly made a statement on the Minnesota sports landscape that the other 2 active Pro Teams cannot say at this time, the Minnesota Wild have more wins than losses! Pandemonium right? Ticker tape parades and riots?
Well not yet, but the Wild are providing some hope in the frozen North. After starting the year looking shaky in Finland and a so-so October, the Wild have reeled off 3 straight wins and are undefeated in November. At 7-4 and 2nd in the Northwest Division, ESPN just skyrocketed their Power Ranking to 9th in the NHL, up 11 spots from last week alone. How are they doing it? Penalty kills and power play goals, currently ranked in the top 10 in each, and with Backstrom in goal have allowed the 4th fewest goals per game. Can they keep it up? We will see as the season is still in infancy. For now they are driving a full double decker of fans hoping for a chance of glory or a snippet of hope.
WAITING ROOM OPTIMISM
Its Hot Stove season for Major League Baseball, also known as the offseason. Free agency has opened its doors and the big names are deciding where they should take their services next year. ESPN and Sports Illustrated recently released their top 50 free agents and the Minnesota Twins can find 2 of their 2010 players on the list. The most sought after Twin will be Carl Pavano, who won 17 games last year and established himself as a reliable veteran innings eater who has a lot left in the tank. The question will be whether teams are willing to throw the Yankee type contract he received from New York several years ago. Everyone knows that turned out to be a bust, injury plagued decision that cost New York millions (never mind that they can afford it). The Twins have built a good relationship with Pavano and he might just decide to stay in Minnesota where he has a loyal following and a good thing going to finish his career. Plus, his mustache has reached legendary status and has its own separate following.
The other big free agent decision is 40 year old Jim Thome and his 589 career home runs. Although he only spent 1 season in Minnesota, you can tell Thome and the Twins got a long really well and he was more than just a good character guy, he was a force at the plate, leading the team in Home Runs and providing clutch hits in about half the at bats as the regulars. If the Twins bring back these 2 veteran free agents, optimism for 2011 will grow steadily.
HANGING BY A THREAD
The team that never stays far from the headlines, whether good or bad, is producing another roller coaster season of emotions. Vikings fans are standing on the edge of the cliff. One win gets you one step closer to safety, one loss pushes you one step closer to going over the edge and landing at the bottom of the gorge where dreams are squashed and the next best thing is the NFL draft. Last Sunday's game versus the Cardinals epitomized these feelings. The Vikings eventually won the game in overtime, but not before pulling out the teeth and hair of all its fans by giving up 2 special teams touchdowns and losing by 14 points with 7 minutes to go. A win is a win, but nothing is easy this year.
The team is fighting to stay sane with a litany of negative press, mainly aimed at one man, Brad Childress. The guy who played Major Dad and Buffalo Bill (ok not really), never gained the support of the fans in Minnesota, and now has the entire fan base and according to reports, his own players against him. His fate is already likely sealed, even if the team starts winning again, its likely the Vikings will blow up and look quite different next year and a new head coach is just what a re-building team needs. Oh, did I forget something? Randy Moss. There I said it. Are you happy now?
STANDING OUTSIDE A BROKEN PHONE BOOTH WITH MONEY IN OUR HANDS
Gophers Hockey epitomizes this statement, which is actually a song by the Primitive Radio Gods and can be found on the Cable Guy soundtrack. The team is 5-4-1 on the season, including 3-4-1 in WCHA play.
The Gophers have loads of talent, but can't seem to skate their way past a WCHA conference that has caught up to the Gophers over the past couple years in terms of competition and talent. In fact, the Gophers are no longer the best team in Minnesota, at present time, that honor goes to the University of Minnesota Duluth, who's only blemish on the season comes at the hands of perennial favorites North Dakota in Grand Forks. The Gophers have a 13 day layoff between games, and will pick up action again on November 19th against Michigan Tech, maybe just the opponent they'll need to pick up some momentum as MT often occupies the cellar of the WCHA.
GLIMMERS OF HOPE AMONG SEAS OF DESPAIR
I started writing this edition a few days ago, but life got in the way and I had to shelve my thoughts for a bit. In that time, the Minnesota Timberwolves created a new category and buoyed themselves from utter despair for the time being. Last night I couldn't sleep, so I stayed up and watched the Wolves-Kings late night west coast game. I couldn't believe it, but I saw a very competitive 1-7 team play like they knew what they were doing. The T-Wolves beat the Kings last night to improve their record to 2-7 and for the time being hold a slightly better record than 3 other teams (Raptors, Rockets, Clippers).
This team likely needs to savor its victories, because they'll probably be few and far between. But I place them in this glimmer of hope category for a 2 reasons: Michael Beasley and Kevin Love. I watched Beasley toss up a career high 42 points last night and take over in the 4th quarter the way all-stars do. Beasley was dominant, albeit against the Kings, but non-the-less, he's a go-to-guy at the end of the game that this team has sorely lacked since the days of you know who. The other T-Wolf that you got to love, is coincidentally named Love. Kevin Love pulled down a whopping 24 boards and put up 23 points. Love is a rebounding machine the likes of Dennis Rodman, but with far less tattoos and a better jump shot. He's 2nd in the league in rebounds and the Timberwolves are the best rebounding team in the league. Love and Beasley are just 22 and 21 years of age respectively, so they have much developing to do, but if they can produce like this now, can you imagine what they'll be like in 2 to 3 years?
COMICAL DEPRESSION
The Gophers football team hasn't had much to hold itself up against. The team is staring at its 2nd 1-11 season in just three years. Not what Tim Brewster had in mind when he stated the Gophers would make history upon his arrival in 2007. He's now gone, but not much has changed. The Gophers have lost all 3 games since Brewster left by a combined 116-39.
You can circle November 28th on your calendar if your a Gophers Football fan, that's the day after the last game of the season, when the carnage of 2010 comes to an end and we can all ice our backs for the rest of the season. The Gophers football team does have a distinction though that the basketball team can't say yet. They have been featured in weekly rankings on ESPN.com. Unfortunately however, these aren't the rankings you want to be in. The Bottom 10 features the worst teams in College Football and out of the 11 weeks, they have found themselves on the list 5 times and on the waiting list 4 times. Ouch. The Gophers can at least thank the Zips of Akron for their winless season thus far, making the Gophers only the 2nd worst team in all of college football by record.
That's it for this Month's edition of the Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings. Yesterday was the last 60 degree day in 2010 and today is likely the last 50 degree day this year. Therefore I hope you got a cup of hope with your misery coffee today and see the bright lights in the dark cold that awaits the Minnesota landscape for the next 6 months.
Until next time, remember that guns don't kill people, but people with guns often do.
bsv
the courtesy wave
EUPHORIC BLISS
A long suffering fan base was vindicated when the San Francisco Giants won their first title since moving to the Bay area. Good for them, we can only hope for this in the land of 10,000+ lakes.
POPULOUS PRIDE
None. Teams in this category are championship contenders and not just playoff participants.
CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
The USA Today and AP pre-season NCAA Basketball rankings recently came out and the Gophers Basketball team didn't make either, but weren't too far off, coming in at 29th and 30th respectively. Joe Lunardi ESPN's bracketologist just released his first NCAA Tournament Bracket of the season and he has the Gophers slotted as an 8 seed team. This is all good news in Tubby land. This signifies that the experts believe the Gophers will be competitive and one of the best teams in the country. However this doesn't necessarily mean the Gophers will be elite and at the top of the Big Ten.
The Gophers have 10 non-conference games to start the year. Often times these non-conference schedules face mainly cream-puff teams and give only a brief indicator of how competitive a team will be in the Big 10 conference slate. That won't be the case for the Gophers though. Their schedule may seem very favorable, but an in depth look shows that of the 10 teams they face, 6 have made the NCAA tournament either last year or the year before or both; Wofford, Siena, Western Kentucky, North Dakota State, Cornell, and Akron. Of the others, Eastern Kentucky won 20 games last year, annual ACC foe Virginia is no pushover, and St. Joseph's is the only road game. That leaves South Dakota State as the one true cream puff on the schedule. Don't get me wrong here, the Gophers should be favored in every game and if they come out 8-2 or better, this could be a great Gophers Basketball season.BANDWAGON TEAM OF THE MONTH
Something is happening that profoundly made a statement on the Minnesota sports landscape that the other 2 active Pro Teams cannot say at this time, the Minnesota Wild have more wins than losses! Pandemonium right? Ticker tape parades and riots?
Well not yet, but the Wild are providing some hope in the frozen North. After starting the year looking shaky in Finland and a so-so October, the Wild have reeled off 3 straight wins and are undefeated in November. At 7-4 and 2nd in the Northwest Division, ESPN just skyrocketed their Power Ranking to 9th in the NHL, up 11 spots from last week alone. How are they doing it? Penalty kills and power play goals, currently ranked in the top 10 in each, and with Backstrom in goal have allowed the 4th fewest goals per game. Can they keep it up? We will see as the season is still in infancy. For now they are driving a full double decker of fans hoping for a chance of glory or a snippet of hope.WAITING ROOM OPTIMISM
Its Hot Stove season for Major League Baseball, also known as the offseason. Free agency has opened its doors and the big names are deciding where they should take their services next year. ESPN and Sports Illustrated recently released their top 50 free agents and the Minnesota Twins can find 2 of their 2010 players on the list. The most sought after Twin will be Carl Pavano, who won 17 games last year and established himself as a reliable veteran innings eater who has a lot left in the tank. The question will be whether teams are willing to throw the Yankee type contract he received from New York several years ago. Everyone knows that turned out to be a bust, injury plagued decision that cost New York millions (never mind that they can afford it). The Twins have built a good relationship with Pavano and he might just decide to stay in Minnesota where he has a loyal following and a good thing going to finish his career. Plus, his mustache has reached legendary status and has its own separate following.
The other big free agent decision is 40 year old Jim Thome and his 589 career home runs. Although he only spent 1 season in Minnesota, you can tell Thome and the Twins got a long really well and he was more than just a good character guy, he was a force at the plate, leading the team in Home Runs and providing clutch hits in about half the at bats as the regulars. If the Twins bring back these 2 veteran free agents, optimism for 2011 will grow steadily.HANGING BY A THREAD
The team that never stays far from the headlines, whether good or bad, is producing another roller coaster season of emotions. Vikings fans are standing on the edge of the cliff. One win gets you one step closer to safety, one loss pushes you one step closer to going over the edge and landing at the bottom of the gorge where dreams are squashed and the next best thing is the NFL draft. Last Sunday's game versus the Cardinals epitomized these feelings. The Vikings eventually won the game in overtime, but not before pulling out the teeth and hair of all its fans by giving up 2 special teams touchdowns and losing by 14 points with 7 minutes to go. A win is a win, but nothing is easy this year.
The team is fighting to stay sane with a litany of negative press, mainly aimed at one man, Brad Childress. The guy who played Major Dad and Buffalo Bill (ok not really), never gained the support of the fans in Minnesota, and now has the entire fan base and according to reports, his own players against him. His fate is already likely sealed, even if the team starts winning again, its likely the Vikings will blow up and look quite different next year and a new head coach is just what a re-building team needs. Oh, did I forget something? Randy Moss. There I said it. Are you happy now?STANDING OUTSIDE A BROKEN PHONE BOOTH WITH MONEY IN OUR HANDS
Gophers Hockey epitomizes this statement, which is actually a song by the Primitive Radio Gods and can be found on the Cable Guy soundtrack. The team is 5-4-1 on the season, including 3-4-1 in WCHA play.
The Gophers have loads of talent, but can't seem to skate their way past a WCHA conference that has caught up to the Gophers over the past couple years in terms of competition and talent. In fact, the Gophers are no longer the best team in Minnesota, at present time, that honor goes to the University of Minnesota Duluth, who's only blemish on the season comes at the hands of perennial favorites North Dakota in Grand Forks. The Gophers have a 13 day layoff between games, and will pick up action again on November 19th against Michigan Tech, maybe just the opponent they'll need to pick up some momentum as MT often occupies the cellar of the WCHA.GLIMMERS OF HOPE AMONG SEAS OF DESPAIR
I started writing this edition a few days ago, but life got in the way and I had to shelve my thoughts for a bit. In that time, the Minnesota Timberwolves created a new category and buoyed themselves from utter despair for the time being. Last night I couldn't sleep, so I stayed up and watched the Wolves-Kings late night west coast game. I couldn't believe it, but I saw a very competitive 1-7 team play like they knew what they were doing. The T-Wolves beat the Kings last night to improve their record to 2-7 and for the time being hold a slightly better record than 3 other teams (Raptors, Rockets, Clippers).
This team likely needs to savor its victories, because they'll probably be few and far between. But I place them in this glimmer of hope category for a 2 reasons: Michael Beasley and Kevin Love. I watched Beasley toss up a career high 42 points last night and take over in the 4th quarter the way all-stars do. Beasley was dominant, albeit against the Kings, but non-the-less, he's a go-to-guy at the end of the game that this team has sorely lacked since the days of you know who. The other T-Wolf that you got to love, is coincidentally named Love. Kevin Love pulled down a whopping 24 boards and put up 23 points. Love is a rebounding machine the likes of Dennis Rodman, but with far less tattoos and a better jump shot. He's 2nd in the league in rebounds and the Timberwolves are the best rebounding team in the league. Love and Beasley are just 22 and 21 years of age respectively, so they have much developing to do, but if they can produce like this now, can you imagine what they'll be like in 2 to 3 years? COMICAL DEPRESSION
The Gophers football team hasn't had much to hold itself up against. The team is staring at its 2nd 1-11 season in just three years. Not what Tim Brewster had in mind when he stated the Gophers would make history upon his arrival in 2007. He's now gone, but not much has changed. The Gophers have lost all 3 games since Brewster left by a combined 116-39.
You can circle November 28th on your calendar if your a Gophers Football fan, that's the day after the last game of the season, when the carnage of 2010 comes to an end and we can all ice our backs for the rest of the season. The Gophers football team does have a distinction though that the basketball team can't say yet. They have been featured in weekly rankings on ESPN.com. Unfortunately however, these aren't the rankings you want to be in. The Bottom 10 features the worst teams in College Football and out of the 11 weeks, they have found themselves on the list 5 times and on the waiting list 4 times. Ouch. The Gophers can at least thank the Zips of Akron for their winless season thus far, making the Gophers only the 2nd worst team in all of college football by record.That's it for this Month's edition of the Minnesota Sports Misery Rankings. Yesterday was the last 60 degree day in 2010 and today is likely the last 50 degree day this year. Therefore I hope you got a cup of hope with your misery coffee today and see the bright lights in the dark cold that awaits the Minnesota landscape for the next 6 months.
Until next time, remember that guns don't kill people, but people with guns often do.
bsv
the courtesy wave
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