tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33578110681131626952024-02-19T03:57:31.962-06:00I Am SportacusAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-89699747566854577422013-04-03T13:58:00.003-05:002013-04-03T13:58:22.330-05:00Final Four preview: Louisville is favorite but not a guarantee for title
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Midwest No. 1
Louisville vs. West No. 9 Wichita State</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakdown: </b>Louisville
has outscored opponents by an average of 21.75 points this tournament and
hasn’t lost since Feb. 9, a 104-101 loss to Notre Dame in five overtimes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Besides winning the Big East tournament with a win over East
No. 4 Syracuse, which is in the other Final Four matchup, Louisville has also
taken down Michigan State and Duke in the NCAA tournament. Both Duke and
Michigan were ranked in the top 10 this year, with Duke being No. 1 at a few
points this year. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louisville, led by junior guard Russ Smith (26 points per
tournament game), has a variety of weapons and has shot 57 percent from the
field (119-for-207) in four games, justifying its No. 1 overall seed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But despite showing no signs of slowing down, Wichita State
has been no slouch. It upset Pittsburgh by 18 points, took down No. 1 Gonzaga
and No. 2 Ohio State and made the Final Four. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But for the Shockers to defeat Louisville, it needs to hit
its 3-pointers. After an opening 2-for-10 performance against Pittsburgh from
beyond the arc, Wichita State went 14-for-28 against Gonzaga, 5-for-12 against
La Salle and 8-for-20 against Ohio State. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And the defense has held teams to 34 percent from the field
in the tournament (79-for-230). But still it will need to have to play beyond
its talent to defeat Louisville.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prediction:
Lousiville 73, Wichita State 59</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I just don’t see Wichita State winning this game. Lousiville
will take away the 3-pointer, and it will take advantage of mismatches inside
to build a big lead. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wichita State will play tough, but it won’t be enough.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">South No. 4 Michigan
vs. East No. 4 Syracuse</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakdown: </b>Michigan
was as impressive as any team with its win over No. 3 Florida in the Elite
Eight. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament was a top-five
ranked team for much of the season and have arguably one of the best point
guards with sophomore Trey Burke. So the performance was hardly surprising. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Michigan shot xx percent from the 3-point line (10-for-19) against
Florida and held it to 20 percent (2-for-10). And it also had one of the best
comebacks of the tournament against No. 1 Kansas, erasing a 14-point deficit,
in the Sweet 16 and obliterated VCU in the round of 32. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Wolverines played in one of the best conferences all
year and are tournament tested, which makes them very dangerous. However,
Syracuse has one of the best defenses remaining, which it will need.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Syracuse has been in the top 10 in opponent’s field-goal
percentage all year, and that has transferred over to its four tournament games
– Montana State (11-for-54, 20 percent), California (22-for-56, 39 percent),
Indiana (16-for-47, 34 percent) and Marquette (12-for-53, 22 percent). </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that is nothing compared to its perimeter defense in the
tournament. Opponents are shooting only 15 percent (14-for-92).</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Orange zone has been impressive and is the perfect
defense to force Burke out of the paint and the Michigan bigs from establishing
itself on the glass. </div>
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<br /></div>
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However, Michigan can shoot, and if it knocks down a couple
of 3-pointers or if freshman guard Nik Stauskas gets hot like the Florida game
(6-for-6 from beyond the arc), Syracuse’s zone will have to switch to a
man-to-man to contest the shots. That leaves the game open for Burke in the
second half. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prediction: Michigan
66, Syracuse 63</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I think Michigan has the strengths to finally solve the
Syracuse zone, but it won’t be easy. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This game should go down to the wire, but I just think
Michigan is the better team overall. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But whichever team wins, I feel that Louisville/Wichita
State will have some trouble in the title game. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seeding Final Four: </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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1) Louisville – The favorite to win the title, but it will
have its hands full against either the versatile Wolverines or the defense of
the Orange. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Syracuse – I don’t think it has enough to get by
Michigan, but the defense has been impressive enough to earn them this spot. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) Michigan – An impressive run to the Final Four, but it
should have lost against Kansas. Michigan cannot afford those types of lapses
if it expects to win. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) Wichita State – Sorry Shockers, but if you win, it will
be two of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament. I just don’t
feel they have enough to make the final. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-39122925858825508082013-03-31T18:44:00.000-05:002013-03-31T18:44:16.862-05:00Grading the Elite Eight: An upset goes a long way
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not count a No. 4 over a No. 3 to be an upset, but it
technically counts. However, the West No. 9 Wichita State win over No. 2 Ohio
State is definitely an upset and the best game of the Elite Eight.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Overall, there were a few great performances and moments but
the games were quite average from the fan’s perspective. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t the best, wasn’t the worst and the Wichita State
upset was good enough to make it memorable for the average fan. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in terms of brackets, the winner is the West. That
bracket had upsets, good matchups, buzzer beaters and it has the lowest seed in
the Final Four with Wichita State. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And although the Elite Eight was average, the tournament as
a whole has been very good. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are my Elite Eight and final bracket grades:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST </b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Louisville vs. No.
2 Duke – B -</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game was back-and-forth until 12 minutes to go in the
game. That is when Louisville took over and never looked back. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the game was very exciting until that point, and the
Louisville takeover was very impressive, especially with the loss of sophomore
guard Kevin Ware to a horrific broken-bone injury. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ware was not a huge contributor, but a loss like that could
have caused minds o not be in the game. That didn’t happen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Duke just couldn’t solve the defense, only hitting eight of
24 shots in the second half. That ultimately did them in and took away any
possibility of an exciting finish. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The game wasn’t horrible, and it could have very easily have
been a National Championship game. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louisville just lived up to its overall No. 1 seeding, the
only seed higher than No. 4 left in the tournament. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST overall grade
– C</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The matchups had potential, but none of them really lived up
to it. This bracket only had two upsets, and with Oregon being the No. 12 to
make the Sweet 16, I would hardly even count those games as upsets.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oregon should have been a No. 4 seed at least, and that
makes this bracket the one where teams that were supposed to win did. There
were a few good ones, but overall, this bracket was the most boring to watch. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Florida vs. No.
4 Michigan (W) – C+</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan sophomore guard Trey Burke starts strong, and
Florida switches to a zone. That is when the 3-pointers rained down – Michigan
was 10-for-19 – and when the game had its moments until a 21-point lead for
the Wolverines. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Florida cut into the lead a little at the end of the first
half, and it definitely stole the momentum at the start of the second,
switching to a man-to-man defense and contesting every shot. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it was too late as Michigan freshman guard Nick
Stauskas’ 6-for-6 performance from beyond the arc and 22 overall points was one
of key differences in the game.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the Michigan lead was too much to overcome, and the game
was over with 12 minutes to go, especially with the horrendous perimeter shooting
of the Gators (2-for-10, 20 percent). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must brag that I did choose this exact Elite Eight matchup
and winner at the start of the tournament. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH grade – B</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were some great upsets and storylines, and the No. 1
and No. 2 seeds didn’t make it the Elite Eight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This bracket was only slightly better than the East, but it
still didn’t have enough to beat the West. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there was the first ever No. 15 seed to make the Sweet
16, and that is something no one will forget when filling out their brackets
next year. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Marquette vs.
No. 4 Syracuse (W) – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Syracuse zone gave Marquette fits in the first few
minutes, allowing Syracuse to grab an early 11-point lead, a lead it never lost
despite a few runs by the Golden Eagles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marquette’s run at the end of the first half that brought it
to within three points and one in the second that made it a four-point deficit
breathed a little life into this game, but it never really became the Big East
thriller some expected. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poor shooting by both teams also slowed down the pace, but
Marquette’s was terrible (12-for-53, 22 percent). This wasn’t the exclamation
point the bracket needed to be one of the best of the tournament.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST final grade – B
–</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They say the final games in a bracket are remembered, but
there were too many good games early on to pull the grade down too much from
the Elite Eight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The East might not have been the best, but it had its
moments. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Ohio State vs.
No. 9 Wichita State (W) – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wouldn’t have been the West bracket if there weren’t an
upset in the Elite Eight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all the talk about South No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast,
Wichita State seemed to be under the radar, and it now had knocked off both the
No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the West bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what is crazy is that both teams were similar in every
stat except 3-pointers. Wichita State knocked down eight of 20 (40 percent),
while Ohio State only hit five of 25 (20 percent). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Shockers jumped out to a 20-point lead, but Ohio State
wasn’t going down without a fight, clawing back to trail by only four with two
minutes to play. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The upset coupled with the late-game excitement made this
game one of the better ones of the Elite Eight. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">West overall grade –
A – </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was what was dubbed as the weakest bracket of the four,
but it had the best matchups and best games of any other bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 7 seeds do not
make the round of 32 and there is a No. 2 vs. No. 9 matchup in the Elite Eight,
it just screams excitement. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was fitting that Wichita State was the team to come out
of this bracket, and it deserved it with wins over the best seeds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NCAA Tournament grade
(through Elite Eight) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Midwest bracket definitely kept this grade from an A,
but there were some very good games and even better moments in this tournament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There weren’t tons of overtime games or lots of buzzer
beaters. This isn’t the best tournament. But it has been very good so far, and
now we have an interesting Final Four. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louisville/Wichita State and Michigan/Syracuse are games
that have potential. I just hope it is true potential. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Next up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Final Four preview,
Weds, April 3</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Final Four grades,
Sun, April 7</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">National Championship
preview, Mon, April 8</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">National Championship
grade, Tues, April 9</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-15355515971252720692013-03-29T23:54:00.000-05:002013-03-29T23:54:05.182-05:00Grading the Sweet 16 (second day/overall): Instant classic with a side of interesting matchup
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<br />
The first half of the night had me on my feet, but it caught
me off guard.
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
South No. 4 Michigan looked to be down for the count against
No. 1 Kansas, and I was hanging with some friends, half-paying attention. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I noticed a few plays and realized Michigan was cutting
into the lead a little bit. Then I watched as it made one of the better
comebacks of the season and forced the first overtime of the entire tournament.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That game was fun to watch, and it sets the tone for what I
think will be a great weekend of games in the Elite Eight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also can’t forget the South No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast
story. It ended, but it still had a chance late into the game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, it was an average Sweet 16 with a great game and
sets up a great round of games Saturday and Sunday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are my grades for the day:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">South</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Kansas vs. No.
4 Michigan – A+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first overtime game of the tournament looked to be over
with four minutes left in the second half. That was before sophomore guard Trey
Burke took over late to lead No. 4 Michigan to an 87-85 win over No. 1 Kansas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Burke not only hit the a game-tying 3-pointer from 30 feet
with four seconds left, but he also shot the lights out in overtime, finishing
with 23 points and 10 assists. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan came back from an 11-point deficit in the final
minutes, and it kept the momentum in the overtime, forcing turnovers and
hitting four of seven shots from the field. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But still, Kansas still had a chance to win in the waning
seconds. They just didn’t execute in the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chaos and switch at the end, and the drama of the lower
seed making an improbable comeback and upset made this game an instant classic.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Florida (W) vs.
No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast – C+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Florida Gulf Coast burst out and grabbed a quick 11-point
lead, knocking down 3-pointers and alley-oops in the process. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then Florida settled down, played its game and took
advantage of its superior rebounding and ball handling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The game started and looked like a shocker, but in the end,
it was all Florida. Florida Gulf Coast stopped making shots, and Florida was
getting second-, third- and fourth-chance opportunities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t the best game in terms of excitement, but it
deserves a nod for that brief time six minutes into the game that probably had
everyone who isn’t an Eagles fan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>saying,
“Is this really happening?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Florida Gulf Coast also made a little run at the end that
still had me believing they could pull off another big upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Eagles just fell a little short.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH grade – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The opener in this bracket was a great one, and the latter
had its moments. Now there is a Florida/Michigan battle awaiting in the Elite
Eight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH overall grade (through
Sweet 16) – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been huge upsets, good games and a variety of
matchups we wouldn’t normally see. This bracket is with the West bracket in
terms of the best of the tournament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Louisville (W)
vs. No. 12 Oregon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louisville shows why it is the overall No. 1 seed with a
77-69 win over No. 12 Oregon, and it never really was in trouble in this game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I expected Oregon’s speed to present a problem, but
Louisville equalized that with 28-for-52 shooting (53 percent) from the field,
led by junior guard Russ Smith’s 31 points.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oregon really didn’t play bad (27-for-61, 44 percent), but
its speed wasn’t an advantage on defense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ducks made a nice run in the second half, but this game
was not all that riveting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Duke (W) vs.
No. 3 Michigan State<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What started as a really close game turned out to be a Duke
defensive show in a 71-61 loss. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both teams were seven for their first 13 shots, and both
teams finished with a 40-percent scoring average. However, Duke forced Michigan
State into foul trouble and lit them up on the free-throw line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan State had four players with three fouls and two
more with four, and Duke was 24-for-26 from the charity stripe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That slowed the end of the game, and allowed a brief
advantage for Duke to remain, making a seven-point deficit seem like 15. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, it was a game that had potential, but Duke was able
to force Michigan State to play its game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST grade – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again we had average games in this bracket. But A No. 1
Louisville/No. 2 Duke matchup is one that should be good. The coaches are
experienced and always come up with great game plans, while the teams’ are both
high skilled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, that is how the Duke/Michigan State game was
supposed to be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST overall grade
(through Sweet 16) – C -</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In terms of brackets, this one is filled with average games.
It definitely was the easiest for the higher seeds. It is the only bracket with
a No. 1 vs. No. 2 Elite Eight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SWEET 16 Day 2 grade
–</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a much better day than the first part of the Sweet
16, and there were some incredible moments in the Michigan/Kansas game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plus, we had the interesting matchup of Florida/Florida Gulf
Coast with a few moments. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SWEET 16 overall
grade – B -</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The second half of the round helped this grade,
but I am not complaining. The Elite-Eight matchups created after this group of
games looks to be memorable. </span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-63481460053413149652013-03-29T00:32:00.000-05:002013-03-29T00:32:39.079-05:00Grading the Sweet 16 (first day): The day of the shellacking
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There I was barely sitting on the couch with my gaze pulled into the television picture, wandering back to the computer, dragged back to the television. I was riveted, never
blinking, laughing at how awesome the games were. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I woke up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was one of the more boring days of the NCAA Division 1
mens basketball tournament, and the latter half of the night was forgettable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, we did get a really good game with East No. 2 Ohio
State and No. 6 Arizona. And that is the one real highlight. But still, please give me a better night of games tomorrow. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are my grades for the first day of the Sweet 16. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Ohio State (W)
vs. No. 6 Arizona – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ohio State is becoming the 3-point, last-second darlings the
last few games. Another game-winner with time winding down as LaQuinton Ross
capped his 8-minute, 14-point finish from NBA range. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ross finished with 17 points (14 of Ohio State’s final 17
points), and the Buckeyes needed that performance to get by a very skilled
Arizona team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Wildcats had an early lead made possible with defense
before some turnovers led to an Ohio State run. But just when we thought it was
going to be over, Arizona makes a run that included a basket and a foul by Mark
Lyons to tie the game before falling 73-70. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game is everything you would expect in a Sweet 16. Ohio
State is now a favorite to make the Final Four. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 9 Wichita State
(W) vs. No. 13 La Salle – F</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In one of the more unlikely matchups, it was one of the more
forgettable games. Wichita State dominated this game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Up 17-3, it kept abusing the paint and grabbing the boards.
The Shockers had a 44-to-23 advantage on the glass. And that was only half the
way they showed that they were the stronger team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at this point, I think Wichita State/Ohio State is
primed to be a good one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST grade – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ohio State/Arizona game was good enough to keep me
really liking this bracket. And don’t be surprised if Wichita State pushes the
Buckeyes Saturday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST overall grade (through
Sweet 16) – A-</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One bad game isn’t about to hurt the grade on this bracket’s
games this year, and it has a chance to finish great with the next game. But I
hope the Elite 8 brings better things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Miami (Fla.)
vs. No. 3 Marquette (W) – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The injury of Miami senior center Reggie Johnson was a big
factor into why this game was never really a game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a shame too, because I wanted to see what Johnson
could do. And his loss hurt the chance of an exciting game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marquette was able to get easy looks inside, and it was able
to edge Miami on the boards, something that is much harder to do with Johnson
in the lineup. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marquette won by 10, but it led by 21 at one point. A couple
of late 3-pointers made the score closer than it seemed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Indiana<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vs. No. 4 Syracuse (W) – C+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game had potential in the middle, but Syracuse’s zone
was a wall for Indiana. Syracuse had 11 blocks and stifled the Hoosiers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Syracuse hit some early shots to grab a big lead,
finishing 21-for-48 (43 percent) from the field to Indiana’s 16-for-37 (34). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indiana made a run and got to within six but didn’t have
enough. The performance of Syracuse’s zone and the prowess of its defense was
impressive, but this game was just a little better than average. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST grade – C-</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I expected more from these games and was letdown. But the
Marquette/Syracuse match is destined to be a really good one. I definitely see
a possibility of an overtime game, which hasn’t happened yet during this
tournament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST overall grade
(through Sweet 16) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What saves this bracket grade is the potential the Elite
Eight is bringing. I expect this grade will go up Saturday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SWEET 16 Day 1 grade
– </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was one game out of four that was close into the last
five minutes, and that game was won on a game-winning 3-pointer with two
seconds left. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That moment saved a below-average grade. I found myself
shooting a rubber basketball into a hoop, doing set plays against pretend
opponents, feeling like a lunatic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The television was just in the background. I kind of want to
sit on the couch tomorrow and say, “Oh!,” play-after-play. Here’s to good
basketball. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-67126342124613134112013-03-24T23:03:00.001-05:002013-03-24T23:03:21.164-05:00Grading Sunday’s games: Tough to catch my breath during best day so far
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From buzzer beaters to record-breaking upsets to
back-and-forth games. Sunday had it all.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day starts with a 3-pointer with time winding down for
West No. 2 Ohio State as it survived No. 10 Iowa State. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It continued with the No. 1 matchups. And although both No.
1 seeds moved on, it wasn’t easy for South No. 1 Kansas or East No. 1 Indiana.
Both teams had to battle until the end to make the Sweet 16. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we have West No. 13 La Salle winning with a layup with
five seconds remaining, and then we had East No. 2 Miami (Fla.) and No. 7
Illinois battle until the final minutes. Great stuff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I couldn’t catch my breath. I would say that six of the
eight games were a B- or higher, with South No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast becoming
the lowest seed to make the Sweet 16. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was not only madness, it was a dream for basketball fans.
Surprisingly, I also went 6-2 with picks making me 11-5 in the third round
(35-13 overall). I am happy with those predictions this season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are the grades for Sunday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Duke (W) vs.
No. 7 Creighton – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the game was close, I thought this could finally be a
nice ending to a day of games – which hasn’t been the case all weekend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Creighton’s poor 3-point shooting ultimately took the
fun out of this game. Duke didn’t even necessarily play well, but it is hard to
lose when your opponent’s strength is outside shooting and it goes 2-for-18 (11
percent). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST grade – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only game was close for much of the way, but the ending
left little drama and little excitement. It was another letdown in a bracket of
mismatches. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST weekend grade
– C-</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was by far the worst bracket of games, but there were
some nice storylines with No. 12 Oregon proving they should be a higher seed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, I found myself not really watching this bracket as
intently as the others. But I think No. 1 Louisville/No. 12 Oregon and No. 2
Duke/No. 3 Michigan State will redeem this bracket next week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Kansas (W) vs.
No. 8 North Carolina – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
North Carolina looked like it had Kansas on the ropes, and
then senior center Jeff Withey went beast mode on the Tar Heels. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He not only had electrifying blocks, but he had dunks that
shook the arena. Withey single-handedly stole the momentum, and the upset
potential became the distant memory.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Withey had 16 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks. That
great performance was worth watching. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Florida (W) vs.
No. 11 Minnesota – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Florida led for most of this game, and it was apparent
Minnesota was overmatched a bit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Minnesota battled, and it made a late run to give hope
for Gophers fans. Unfortunately, a scoring drought of over five minutes ended
that hope. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game wasn’t very good in terms of excitement, and it
was by far the worst of the group of games Sunday. However, it still wasn’t a
blowout and was OK to watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 7 San Diego State
vs. No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast (W) – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only did Florida Gulf Coast become the first No. 15 seed
to make the Sweet 16, but it also made a name for itself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This team is legit, and it was great to see their execution
and passion as they made shots, battled for 50-50 balls and halted San Diego
State enough on defense to pull away in the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will be really interesting to see the matchup against No.
3 Florida next week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH grade – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a set of games from this bracket Sunday. After the
terrible Michigan/VCU game Saturday, this bracket came alive with close games
and history from Florida Gulf Coast. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH weekend grade –
B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, this was a great bracket of matchups with great
storylines shaping up. I am very excited for Kansas/Michigan and
Florida/Florida Gulf Coast next week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Indiana (W) vs.
No. 9 Temple – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another No. 1 seed that moved on with a battle on its hands.
Temple was close to the upset here, but Indiana didn’t back down at the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hoosiers played a skilled, athletic game on defense at
the end and just willed their way to a win. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The back-and-forth contest was fun to watch, and this was
just the beginning of a great day of games.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Miami (Fla) (W)
vs. No. 7 Illinois – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Syracuse jumped ahead early, and it controlled the entire
game. It seemed like a blowout in the making, but California kept fighting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And a couple of late runs, including back-to-back 3-pointers
and a forced turnover, made this game fun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t the best, but compared to the first games, this
was a B. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST grade – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I definitely enjoyed these games, despite no upsets. We could
have very easily had two upsets Sunday, and that is all you can ask for. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST weekend grade
– B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were some really good games in this bracket, but there
were a few really bad ones too. Plus, this is the only bracket with the No. 1
through No. 4 seeds moving on. Still, I am excited for Indiana/Syracuse and
Miami (Fla.)/Marquette next week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Ohio State (W)
vs. No. 10 Iowa State – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was craving good basketball after the one-sided games that
began Saturday, and that craving was fulfilled with the opening game of Sunday.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iowa State is a fast team with skilled players that can make
plays happen even when there is nothing there, and Ohio State is a team out of
the Big 10 with athleticism and methodical play. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way this game went back-and-forth was good enough. But
to have it end with a 3-pointer with 0.2 seconds set the tone for a crazy day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 12 Ole
Mississippi vs. No. 13 La Salle (W) – A<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a nice story with La Salle. This game was not only fun
with both teams making runs and hitting key shots down the stretch, but it also
had another upset with the Atlantic 10’s La Salle moving to the Sweet 16.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to have it done with a running layup through a tough
zone with two seconds left just put an exclamation point on this one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
La Salle has not had success like this since 1955.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST grade – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This bracket was again one of the better ones to see. The
madness has hit this side more than the rest of the bracket with a No. 2, No.
6, No. 9 and a No. 13 in the Sweet 16.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST weekend grade –
A-</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were some bad moments, but this was by far the best
bracket to watch. And it has a guaranteed seed of No. 9 or lower that will make
the Elite 8. I am interested in No. 9 Wichita State and No. 13 La Salle. No. 2
Ohio State and No. 6 Arizona should be a good one too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OVERALL Sunday grade
– A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was the best day of the tournament since Thursday, and
it might have been the best because I kept watching all the games. I definitely
hope this trend continues next week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OVERALL weekend grade
– B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were a few moments that I wondered why I was even
watching these games, but there were so many great storylines and so many great
moments, that I would call the first weekend of the NCAA mens basketball
tournament a success for fans and for parity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some really interesting matchups came out of the first
weekend, and the rest of the tournament is shaping up to be something special. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-79488119176662424482013-03-23T23:31:00.001-05:002013-03-23T23:31:26.542-05:00Grading Saturday’s games: Yawn fest alleviated with final three games
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forget the lack of true upsets, as Oregon shouldn’t be a No.
12 seed, but the first five games made me nearly take a nap.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five games. Five blowouts. Boring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get me wrong. There were some great plays. There were
some good performances by teams or certain players, but a blowout is a blowout.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No drama and one team playing awful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then came East No. 3 Marquette’s squeaker over No. 6
Butler and then came West No. 1 Gonzaga getting upended by the sharp shooting
of No. 9 Wichita State. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even South No. 4 Syracuse and No. 12 California had its
moments. And I finally started to have fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although, I did only go 5-3 in my bracket today, making me
29-11 so far but only 14-10 since Thursday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are the grades for Saturday’s games. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Michigan State
(W) vs. No. 6 Memphis – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why does this game get an average grade? Because there were
some good plays but more importantly, there were no other games to turn to. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Louisville (W)
vs. No. 8 Colorado State – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game had no doubt. Louisville was bigger, stronger,
more athletic and more aggressive. Plus, Colorado State didn’t hit their
3-pointers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a big first half, Louisville ran away with the game in
the second half. And I turned the game off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least I picked Louisville in this game in my bracket.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Saint Louis vs.
No. 12 Oregon (W) – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While this is an upset by seed, it is actually a game Oregon
should have won. What a bad matchup for Saint Louis. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game was fast which made it not drag so much, but Saint
Louis fell behind and never recovered and essentially gave up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It looked like Oregon was playing by itself on rebounds, and
it shot as if no defenders were present. Oregon got whatever shot it wanted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The selection committee definitely got it wrong with Oregon.
They should have been a No. 6 seed like Arizona. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST grade – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope the No. 2 Duke vs. No. 7 Creighton is better or this
bracket is in danger of a D for the round of 32. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Michigan (W)
vs. No. 5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>VCU – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was expecting this to be a game. I was wrong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan not only broke VCU’s pressure, it cut a hole in it,
ran through and singed it back together to keep VCU behind a wall while they
scored at will. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan shot 51 percent from the field (31-for-60) and won
the battle on the boards, 36-21. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game was over in the first half, and I was forced to
watch it because it was the first game of the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH grade – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only game ion this region was pretty terrible, but a
Florida Gulf Coast upset could lead this bracket all the way back to a B, maybe
an A if the other games are respectable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Marquette (W)
vs. No. 6 Butler – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was the game I was waiting for all day. Both teams hit
shots, made plays and it came down to a final shot. What more can you ask for? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a point it looked like Butler had the control, but
it never happened. The teams were too similar, and it was fitting it came down
to a final missed 3-pointer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both teams deserved to win, but Marquette won with the
strength of Madison Memorial graduate Vander Blue. He nailed a huge 3-pointer
to tie the game late, and the Golden Eagles never looked back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Syracuse (W)
vs. No. 12 California – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Syracuse jumped ahead early, and it controlled the entire
game. It seemed like a blowout in the making, but California kept fighting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And a couple of late runs, including back-to-back 3-pointers
and a forced turnover, made this game fun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t the best, but compared to the first games, this
was a B. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST grade – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday was much better in the East, but overall, this was
a good bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 6 Arizona (W) vs.
No. 11 Harvard – F</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arizona destroyed Harvard, and not just because Harvard
missed its first 12 shots. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Harvard could not contain Arizona senior guard Mark Lyons,
who transferred from Xavier for graduate school after three seasons. Lyons
scored 27 points, and Harvard’s Cinderella story ended in the first four
minutes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No.
9 Wichita State (W) – A<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we have another big upset. What a game. Wichita State
had a small edge for most of the game, but Gonzaga came roaring back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was then that the 3-point barrage started. Wichita State
was 14-for-28 from beyond the arc and Gonzaga made a couple of huge errors,
including a lane violation late in the game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is up there with Northern Iowa’s win over Kansas a few
years ago. It is one we will remember when all is said and done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST second-round
grade – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Gonzaga upset made this bracket decent today, and the
West is absolutely crazy. The highest seed left is No. 2 Ohio State. The next
highest? No. 6 Arizona. I feel like an underdog is making the Final Four this
year out of this bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OVERALL Saturday
grade – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The final few games saved the day. I was ready to mark an F
down, but I had lots of fun watching the end of the night. Hopefully, Sunday
is better. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-82534716181589861312013-03-23T12:53:00.001-05:002013-03-23T12:59:27.167-05:00Grading Friday’s games: Upsets show seed don’t matter<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Minutes after South No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast upset No. 2
Georgetown, the effects could be felt throughout the college basketball world.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It really doesn’t matter what seed you are anymore. It is about
matchups and whether you make your shots. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Georgetown was flat, and the reason for that is nervousness.
Florida Gulf Coast played loose, with nothing to lose. And with a skilled,
athletic team, Florida Gulf Coast was able to punch Georgetown with a quick
barrage and by the time Georgetown realized it needed to fight for its life, it
was too late. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Games like that has become the staple of the tournament.
Parity is alive, and as reporters, bloggers or fans, we all love it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was 9-7 with my picks on Friday after going 15-1 on
Thursday. Yeah, I love the madness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are my grades for that game and the rest of the games
on Friday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Duke (W) vs.
No. 15 Albany – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s be honest. The matchup was not in the advantage of
Albany, and it showed early when Duke was able to assert itself on defense and
pick up points on transition. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Senior guard Seth Curry was on fire, picking up 26 points,
and senior forward Mason Plumlee dominated, with 24 points and nine rebounds,
which was fun to see for fans of good performances. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Albany didn’t just rollover in the second half, which is
also nice to see. But overall, this was a game to switch off early on with a
lack of drama. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 7 Creighton (W)
vs. No. 10 Cincinnati– B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It looked as though Cincinnati was going to secure an upset
until the end, but overall this was a close matchup in a game that teetered
back and forth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creighton might have come out as the winner, but the fans
did too. Junior forward Doug McDermott scored 27 points for the Bluejays, which
shows he might be a presence against Duke Sunday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one aspect that took away from the game was the poor
3-point shooting of Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
overall, this was a good game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST second-round grade
– C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were a couple of good games these last two days, but
overall, this was the worst bracket to watch so far. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Georgetown vs.
No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast (W) – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although this game was never really a game with Florida Gulf
Coast running away in the second half, this is a story we all crave during
March Madness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an upset that busts brackets but garners fans,
because I bet many casual fans or fans of other schools that aren’t San Diego
State will be rooting for the Eagles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Georgetown was only down two points at halftime and made
a late run, but this game felt like Florida Gulf Coast’s the whole way and
should be ranked with the top upsets of all time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 8 North Carolina
(W) vs. No. 9 Villanova – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What started as a one-sided game ended with a little bit of
uncertainty because of North Carolina’s terrible play. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Villanova was beaten early but didn’t give up, and North
Carolina made this a game with turnovers and poor shooting at the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the game was really never that entertaining because
of the bad play. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Florida (W) vs.
No. 14 Northwestern State – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Florida easily won this game, and although Northwestern
State had an early lead, it was overmatched against the Gators. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Florida had four players in double figures, while
Northwestern State had just one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 7 San Diego State
(W) vs. No. 10 Oklahoma – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
San Diego State was able to knock down its shots at the end
while Oklahoma was not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, I really enjoyed this game because it was back and
forth for most of the game until the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And even then, it seemed like San Diego State was the
underdog, and the energy from the team as they pulled away was fun to watch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 11
Minnesota (W) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A No. 11 seed over a No. 6 is not that big of an upset,
especially when it is two major conferences, but still, UCLA came out of a very
impressive Pac-10 conference and Minnesota faltered late in the Big 10. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was out the window here though as Minnesota led by
double figures most of the way and held UCLA off when it made its one run in
the second half to run away with the win. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I was entertained, possibly because my managing editor
at my job loves the Pac-10. Take that Jim! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Kansas (W) vs.
No. 16 Western Kentucky – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much like the Gonzaga game Thursday, Western Kentucky was
looking primed for the biggest upset in tournament history. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kansas played timid, and Western Kentucky kept the Jayhawks
off balance on offense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, in the end, the talent of Kansas was just too much, and
senior center Jeff Withey was insane with 17 points, seven blocks and six
rebounds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was fun to watch because of the potential upset and
Withey’s performance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH second-round
grade – B </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were a few bad matchups, but Friday’s games made this
bracket one of the better ones to watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 8 NC State vs.
No. 9 Temple (W) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A game of runs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Temple looked like it was going to run away as NC State
looked like they were going to go home instead of coming out in the second
half. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That not only changed but nearly never changed back as NC
State stormed back on offense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in the end, the lack of defense on both sides was a pain
in my side to watch, keeping this game from an A. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Miami (Fla.)
(W) vs. No. 15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pacific– D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was not a matchup to see. Pacific could not contain
Miami at the glass, and with the one-and-dones came transition baskets. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miami lit Pacific up on the 3-point line and really made
this a game to turn off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Indiana (W) vs.
No. 16 James Madison – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indiana ran away with this game with the better team and
more talent on the roster, but James Madison didn’t give up at the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is something that should be commended. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 7 Illinois (W)
vs. No. 10 Colorado – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A game that many thought would be an upset went one-sided
very quickly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illinois showed why the Big 10 is so tough with good defense
and execution on the other end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Colorado made a second-half run, but it was too late to
create drama.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST second-round
grade – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday was much better in the East, but overall, this was
a good bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 5 Wisconsin vs.
No. 12 Ole Mississippi (W) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ending was great for everyone that isn’t a Wisconsin
fan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a Wisconsin fan, I give this game an F, but as a
basketball fan, the ending and upset was fun to see. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shooting was horrible on both sides, and Wisconsin gave
this game away. But it would seem that Ole Mississippi might be the darkhorse
that people dubbed Wisconsin to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Kansas State
vs. No. 13 La Salle <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(W) – A<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How crazy is the West bracket? We now have a No. 12 and No.
13 matchup for round three. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game was crazy. La Salle was dominating, and then
Kansas State stormed back to grab a lead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But La Salle never flinched and battled its way to edge
Kansas State and win its second game of the tournament, the first since 1956. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 2 Ohio State (W)
vs. No. 15 Iona – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was by far, the worst game in the bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ohio State easily handled an overmatched Iona team, and it
was one I never really wanted to go back and watch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 7 Notre Dame vs.
No. 10 Iowa State (W) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing people may have overlooked in this game was how
well Iowa State uses its speed to catch teams off guard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iowa State was not the matchup Notre Dame wanted. The
Fighting Irish are a methodical team that was never allowed to play their game.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I was really impressed with Iowa State, and I enjoyed
watching its fast tempo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST second-round
grade – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the No. 3, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 7 seeds are all
eliminated, it is always a fun and crazy bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OVERALL Friday grade
– A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The upsets were a plenty, and the matchups created for round
three were fantastic. I am very excited for the round of 32.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OVERALL second-round
grade – B+</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot give an A because of all the blowouts and because
of some teams that should have played well choking games away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, it was a great couple of days, and it sets up a
great weekend as we fill in the Sweet 16. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-2206062512563512322013-03-22T13:39:00.001-05:002013-03-22T13:39:28.966-05:00Grading Thursday’s games: Madness lives on despite mix of blowouts
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although there were only four upsets, there were plenty of
scares to higher seeds including West No. 1 Gonzaga and East No. 3 Marquette
Thursday during the NCAA Division I mens basketball tournament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And although some of the lower seeds – such as Midwest
No. 12 Oregon and East No. 12 California – might have been seeded lower than
what they deserved, but the matchups meant only a few blowouts, and that is
always good for the tournament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How many people must have turned the television off after
West No. 14 Harvard took down No. 3 New Mexico? Who wants to see East No. 4
Syracuse destroy No. 13 Montana by 50 points? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that was one of the only points Thursday that didn’t
have fans on their feet, intently watching until the final buzzer sounded. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so here are my grades for the first round of games,
which I was 15-1 with my predictions in my main bracket. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Michigan State (W)
vs. No. 14 Valparaiso – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michigan State dominated this game from start to finish, and
there wasn’t much drama. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, a 23-point, 15-rebound performance by senior
center Derrick Nix was fun to see. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stepping up in the tournament is different then stepping up
in the regular season, and even against one-sided matchups, it was nice to see
good basketball by Nix and company. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s not forget senior guard Ben Boggs for Valparaiso
either. He finished with 15 points and was 3-for-4 from downtown. He gave his
team some life with those nice shots. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Saint Louis (W)
vs. No. 13 New Mexico State – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was another blowout that was only bad because of poor
shooting. The game should have been much closer than it was, with New Mexico
State finishing with 41 rebounds to Saint Louis’ 30. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the Aggies went 17-for-61 from the field and 2-for-16
from downtown that ultimately clinched their doom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Junior forward Dewayne Evans was impressive for Saint Louis
with 24 points, but this game was a letdown because of what it could have been.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 6 Memphis (W) vs.
No. 11 St. Mary’s (Calif.) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is when the madness began in the Midwest region, and
this was my only pick I missed on the first day. But it was close. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both teams were back-and-forth for most of the way, but it
was the wild ending that really got my blood flowing. Memphis had the game
wrapped up with a seven-point lead in the final minute, but a barrage of
3-pointers brought St. Mary’s to within two. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Memphis turns the ball over with 2.2 seconds to give
St. Mary’s a chance to win or tie. St. Mary’s went for the win and missed the
shot, sending Memphis on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this game still doesn’t get an A, because St. Mary’s
played horribly in the last part of the second half that put them in that tough
position to begin with. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plus, Memphis played horribly in the final two minutes that
made this game close to begin with. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, this was the game that got me excited for the rest of
the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 5 Oklahoma State
vs. No. 12 Oregon (W) – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first upset of the day wasn’t really close, but Oregon
had something to prove after being shunned by the selection committee and put
in the tournament as a 12-seed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oregon outplayed Oklahoma State all game, and the energy
made this game really fun to watch. It also sets up an interesting matchup in
the second round against St. Louis that should be close. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, in the end, Oregon played a game to remember with a
44-30 advantage on the boards and eight 3-pointers. Oklahoma State didn’t play
incredibly poorly, but it just never got into an offensive rhythm, thanks to
great defense by Oregon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Louisville (W)
vs. No. 16 North Carolina A&T – F</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was one of the worst games all day. North Carolina
A&T had no chance to win, and it showed early. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louisville dominated on all sides of the ball, and I found
myself switching to the other games more often than the rest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 8 Colorado State
(W) vs. No. 9 Missouri – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Usually, these matchups are the closest, but the selection
committee got it wrong here. Missouri was severely overmatched all game and
looked like it was out of the game before the tip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Colorado State also lit them up on the 3-point line with
seven of 14 makes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MIDWEST grade – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was one of the worst brackets in terms of matchups, but
it wasn’t too bad. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Michigan (W) vs.
No. 13 San Diego State – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first half was very good in this game that made thoughts
of upsets prevalent, but that soon subsided when Michigan showed why the Big 10
is one of the best conferences by putting on a clinic with defense and
inside-outside offense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The game wasn’t bad, but the endings are what is remembered.
This ending was far from great. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 5 VCU (W) vs. No.
12 Akron – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game was completely awful from start to finish unless
you are a VCU fan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was never a chance for Akron, and it was made apparent
early with Shaka Smart’s gameplan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
VCU pressures teams into turnovers and scores on transition.
While VCU did play really well, which was fun to see. The lack of drama hurt
this grade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SOUTH grade – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of these games are on Friday, but the first two were
nothing to brag about. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 6 Butler (W) vs.
No. 11 Bucknell – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a fun game, despite Butler having an advantage most
of the way through. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bucknell made a nice run late to make the game close, but
both teams played well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Butler was just the better team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the lack of real drama knocks the game from an A,
it was still quality basketball. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 Marquette (W)
vs. No. 14 Davidson – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started thinking of Stephen Curry with how well Davidson
played in what would have been an immense upset. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Marquette was saved from a debacle with Davidson’s
inexperience in the tournament. Davidson had this game won, because Marquette
played awful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, this game had everything fans of the tournament
want – a potential upset, a game decided in the final seconds and drama from
start to finish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 5 UNLV vs. No. 12
California (W) – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second upset of the day was a battle. California didn’t
have this won until the end, and even then, it had to make free throws to keep
UNLV back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both teams were incredibly talented, and it showed in this
close game. California also had something to prove like Oregon after being
seeded low out of the Pac-10. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 4 Syracuse (W)
vs. No. 13 Montana – F</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only reason this game was watched was because it was the
last game on, but there was nothing about it that screamed good basketball. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Syracuse shellacked Montana in every facet of the game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EAST grade – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the horrible Syracuse game, these were all quality
contests and had madness written all over it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 8 Pittsburgh vs.
No. 9 Wichita State (W) – D</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another No. 8 vs. No. 9 that was nothing special. The teams
combined for three 3-points out of 37 attempts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shooting was awful, and the rest of the stats were
similar. However, Wichita State grabbed a lead, and Pittsburgh could never come
back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 1 Gonzaga (W) vs.
No. 16 Southern – A<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is rare that a No. 1 vs. a No. 16 gets an A, but this
game was one of the close ones that had fans cheering for Southern even if they
never heard of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Southern played well enough to hang in there with some late
3-pointers, but in the end, it was hurt by taking too many deep shots. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gonzaga’s junior forward <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kelly Olynyk (21
points, 10 rebounds) saved his team from becoming the No. 1 seed ever to fall
with a great assertion in the paint in the second half. This was a good game. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 6 Arizona (W) vs.
No. 11 Belmont – C</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a game that many had an upset with, and despite
Belmont’s run early in the second half, Arizona was too much for Belmont all
game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t a bad game, and Arizona was impressive. However,
there wasn’t much to this game. Arizona was just that much better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No. 3 New Mexico vs.
No. 14 Harvard (W) – A</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I might be the only person besides Harvard fans that picked
them to win, but I had a hunch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Harvard is talented, and the Ivy League has a recent history
of doing well in the tournament. And all of those aspects showed again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Mexico didn’t lose this game. Harvard won it with timely
shots and really good defense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, the game had to be won at the free-throw line, and
Harvard did just enough to survive and score its first tournament win in school
history. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All around great storyline for a good game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WEST grade – B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a mix of OK games and really good games, but
overall, this was a nice bracket to watch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OVERALL Thursday grade
– B</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is really hard to get an A, especially with so many bad
matchups, but don’t be fooled. The good games were worth their weight, and
there was always something to watch, even when there was a blowout going on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Friday is like Thursday, we are in for great tournament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-18197829625772237482013-02-11T10:57:00.000-06:002013-02-11T10:57:08.766-06:00Snedeker Scorching Tour<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<style type="text/css"><!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in </style>In just a few short weeks, the PGA has
already had a number of great story lines.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anytime Tiger wins, it's obviously
news. And then Phil Mickelson turned in one of the more impressive
four-round efforts in recent memory at the Phoenix Open.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But lost in that mix was Brandt
Snedeker, who might be the best story of all so far this season.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snedeker, last year's FedEx Cup
champion, is red-hot and finally got a win to show for it this
weekend at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am when he topped Chris Kirk
by two strokes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snedeker finished runner-up to Tiger at
Torrey Pines two weeks ago and was the runner-up in Phoenix when
Mickelson went off. But in five starts this season, Snedeker has a
victory, his pair of second place finishes and a one third place
showing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Snedeker isn't exactly a new name
— he was Rookie of the Year in 2007 — he should be included in
conversations about today's top golfers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He's on fire right now, earning six top
three finishes in his last nine outings dating back to next year. And
there's no reason to think that momentum is going to stop anytime
soon.</div>
Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-38624681131422064512012-12-27T12:23:00.000-06:002012-12-27T12:23:09.700-06:00WIAC basketball - What we know so far<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As the New Year approaches, the college basketball season will heat up. Let's take a look at what we know about the WIAC as the season is set to resume after the holidays.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />No. 1 — UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater are national caliber teams.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is not earth-shattering news, but both programs have signature performances early in the season to emphasize they standout among the rest of the WIAC.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stevens Point won the first meeting between these teams, pulling away from the defending NCAA Division III national champs in the second half. More impressively, the Pointers won without the help of leading scorer Tyler Tillema as an injury sidelined him for the entire second half.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stevens Point also played No. 4 ranked St. Thomas down to the wire in a Dec. 21 matchup. The 68-63 win by the Tommies marks the Pointers' only loss of the season.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The loss to Stevens Point is UW-Whitewater's only loss of the season. Prior that matchup, the Warhawks won their first seven contest — including a 71-65 win over Illinois Wesleyan (a Final Four team who was ranked in the top 10).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Both teams have earned their top 10 national rankings (UW-SP is No. 5 and UW-W is No. 6) early on.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />No. 2 — UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater have deep rosters</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />Both team's have demonstrated excellent team depth.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Point showed it in the win over Whitewater without Tillema, and the Warhawks have shown it with break out performances from newcomers Darnell Harris and K.J. Evans.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having players to bolster the roster is a luxury most teams in the conference do not have.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This should be the difference that elevates the Pointers and Warhawks over UW-Stout, UW-Platteville and UW-La Crosse, who also are off to quick starts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />No. 3 — Good teams play well on the road</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stevens Point, Whitewater and La Crosse are all mentioned in the latest <a avglschecked="1" href="http://d3hoops.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">D3hoops</span></a> Top 25 poll. Expect to see those teams in the rankings throughout the season because of their ability to travel and play well outside of their home gyms.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stevens Point is 6-1 on the road —the road loss coming at St. Thomas. Whitewater is 5-0 away from Kachel Gym — claiming a win at Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage. UW-La Crosse is 4-1 when traveling, and has earned votes in the latest poll.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The team's who have not played well on the road during their non-conference schedules and beginning stretch of the WIAC season already seem irrelevant — those being Oshkosh, Superior, River Falls and Eau Claire.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No. 4 — There is a lot of season to be played</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
UW-Stevens Point has the inside track early following their victory over Whitewater. As the only undefeated team in league play, the Pointers will be the team to beat. But head coach Bob Semling was quick to point out that his team beat the Warhawks twice last season before UW-W went on to win the DIII national title.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Semling said the league championship will be decided at the end of February, and that's what we really know for sure.</div>
Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-53873956469773908072012-12-08T14:22:00.000-06:002012-12-08T14:22:36.207-06:00Eliminating kickoffs makes no sense<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/21290963/roger-goodell-open-to-eliminating-kickoffs-entirely">Roger Goodell</a> recently said he is open to eliminating kickoffs in a <i><span id="goog_1051409002"></span>Time magazine</i> interview<span id="goog_1051409003"></span> that hits shelves this week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">While it can be said that the move is a measure to promote safety of players, his replacement for the kickoff is sure to cause a stir with diehard football fans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Goodell said, via an article by Sports Illustrated, he is considering adding another offensive chance for the team that scored. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What this means is that if the Green Bay Packers scored, the offense would get the ball back on their own 30-yard line and have one shot to gain 15 yards or to punt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If the team makes it, it gets a new set of downs, and the other team's defense remains on the field. If it fails, there is no explanation to what happens, but I would guess that the other team gets the ball where you are stopped.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This might bode well for teams like the Packers with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers who makes 15-yard completions in his sleep, but most teams would punt to avoid giving the other team a chance to score.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But does eliminating kickoffs really help with safety? What about the defenses? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If a team finally scores on the Baltimore Ravens, makes it a 10-7 game and then gets the ball back, the Ravens defense now has to be on the field even longer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And what happens to defenses when they are on the field too long? Injuries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Eliminating kickoffs might limit athletes colliding at high speeds but it adds more chances on the defensive side. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And the added insult to defenders is just one aspect of this that doesn't make any sense. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The move would also eliminate onside kicks and, while the added offensive opportunity is like an onside kick, teams would actually be in a tougher position to comeback with only one shot to gain 15 yards. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not to mention that teams that employ several special team players would need to overhaul their rosters, with kickoff specialists a thing of the past and the need for a Devin Hester-type player lower on the list. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Despite the oddity of the change, Goodell backed up his claims in the interview. He said he doesn't do anything just for the press time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"I don't do things for public relations," Goodell said in the interview. "I do things because they're the right thing to do because I love the game."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Well, Mr. Goodell, if </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24.649999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 24.649999618530273px; margin-bottom: 0.6em;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"I don't do things for public relations," Goodell said in the interview. "I do things because they're the right thing to do, because I love the game."</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24.649999618530273px;">Well Mr. Goodell, if you really loved the game, you would realize that this isn't the right thing to do.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 24.649999618530273px;"> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-8914930145260577462012-11-29T16:10:00.000-06:002012-11-29T16:11:02.865-06:00Alex Smith deserves better fate<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Jim Harbaugh’s decision to start
Colin Kaepernick over Alex Smith is a controversial decision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Not controversial in the sense of
QB controversy, but rather setting a tone that could lead injured players to
make poor decisions in the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Smith lost his job to Kaepernick
after suffering a concussion. Smith followed the NFL’s protocol and was unable
to get cleared medically prior to the 49ers’ Monday Night Football game versus
the Chicago Bears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Kaepernick used his opportunity
to showcase his abilities, and he ultimately won the starting QB job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Now, this has happened many times
before. Brett Favre began his record of 297 consecutive regular season starts
after replacing an injured Don Majkowski. And in baseball, a guy named Lou
Gehrig played every game for 14 years after replacing an ailing Wally Pipp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
I have no problem with Kapernick
replacing Smith if he is the better option at quarterback.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
I take issue with the fact that
the NFL wants you to believe they have the players’ best interest in mind when
it comes to concussions and other head injuries.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
But when a player loses his
starting job due to a head injury, it could prompt other players to mislead
medical staff when taking concussion tests.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
If Smith never takes another snap
in San Francisco, don’t be surprised if players intentionally score poorly on
their preseason concussion evaluations. This could give concussed players a
better chance of passing their tests later in the season in order to get back
on the field quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Smith – who completed 25 of his
last 27 passes before being injured and only lost once this season – did things
the right way, and finds himself on the sideline holding a clipboard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Don’t be surprised if other
players risk their long-term health in order to avoid the same fate. Sure, it’s
not a prudent move when looking to the future. But losing a starting in position
in the NFL can mean the loss of millions of dollars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
If Kaepernick outperforms Smith
in practice on a regular basis, he should get a chance to play. But Smith
should not be punished for sustaining an injury.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
Smith did the responsible thing
and should be rewarded for doing so.</div>
Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-13432744358371659812010-10-27T16:00:00.002-05:002010-10-27T16:01:04.239-05:00Trophy leans toward Rangers offensive burst<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">World Series</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Texas Rangers vs. San Francisco Giants</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The first game will give us some insight into what to expect in the series. Tim Lincecum against Cliff Lee in a battle for a 1-0 lead. Lee is 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA in 24 innings so far in the postseason. He also has 34 strikeouts and one walk.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Lincecum had a great first start against the Atlanta Braves, but he didn’t look unhittable against the Phillies. Regardless, he has 30 strikeouts, 14 in his first start, and only five walks in 23 1/3 innings pitched. He has a 1.93 ERA and is 2-1.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Rangers will throw Chris Wilson, Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter out with Lee going in games one and five. The Giants have Matt Cain, Jonathan Sancez and Madison Bumgarner with Lincecum. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The teams’ ERAs are actually fairly similar. The Rangers have a 2.76 ERA, while the Giants have a 2.47 ERA. It would seem pitching will be a factor, but the winner will need to score runs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Rangers have score 29 more runs, have 30 more hits and have a home run advantage of 17-6. Texas has a .281 average and the Ginats are at .231. The offense that comes through in the end will be holding the trophy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Prediction: Rangers in 6</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Rangers are having a great postseason with an offense blowing away any staff they play. The Giants have pitching and stopped a hot Philadelphia team with clutch hitting and deep starts to rest the bullpen, but the Rangers are at another level.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Phillies only batter .215 in the postseason. They just weren’t seeing the ball as good as the Rangers, and while some may say it was the Giants staff that did this, Philadelphia only batted .212 against the Cincinnati Reds. That means the Phillies actually hit better against the Giants.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">In the end, the Giants are a good team, and they won’t be beaten easily. However, the Rangers are hitting the ball way too well. It doesn’t hurt that they have a postseason legend forming before our eyes in Lee.</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-23051387651841631422010-10-13T13:23:00.001-05:002010-10-13T13:23:59.877-05:00Lee has Yanks number, but Wilson is the key<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL Championship series</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">I am not going to take the easy way out here. The defending champions are here, and they beat a Minnesota Twins team that I really believed could win.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The problem is that teams believe all the hype and become intimidated, especially with the playoff-losing streak suffered by the Twins.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">But, I see the Texas Rangers as a team with confidence and a pitcher that they know has beaten the Yankees in the postseason before. Cliff Lee, who already has 21 strikeouts in 16 innings, is becoming one of the greatest big game pitchers in MLB history.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">He has only allowed two runs, and he has only allowed 11 hits while walking none. The Yankees will have to play Lee twice, maybe three times. But, Lee actually isn’t the key in the series.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Both lineups are stacked. You have Mark Texiera, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez on one side and Jorge Cantu, Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler and Vladimir Guerrero on the other.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The key will be C.J. Lewis against C.C. Sabathia. If the Rangers can sneak a win in game one, the Yankees will need to rely on Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte against a much stronger lineup than the Minnesota Twins. Plus, they have already said A.J. Burnett will be pitching.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">We will see if that is true if the Yankees lose game one.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Prediction: Rangers in 7</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">I am thinking the Rangers may be too young and naïve to realize that they are playing the defending champions. With Lee’s leadership, the intimidation will be non-existent. Plus, home-field advantage does help a little, despite the Rangers pulling a 180 from the regular season and going 0-2 at home and 3-0 on the road.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Yankees rotation will finally hurt them against a team that hits and hits just like they do.</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-88650113711352437112010-10-07T13:39:00.002-05:002010-10-07T13:40:25.715-05:00Ben Cipriano is back on courseJosh wrote a feature article on Whitewater High School cross country runner Ben Cipriano for the Daily Union.<br /><br /><a href="http://dailyunion.com/main.asp?SectionID=37&SubSectionID=111&ArticleID=6630">Click here to check it out</a>.Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-35444548037142466302010-10-07T13:37:00.000-05:002010-10-07T13:38:00.613-05:00NL Division Series Preview<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here come some NL Division series predictions. Yes they’re a day late, and after a Roy Halladay no-hitter, but maybe I would have predicted a no-no … probably not though.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Philadelphia (1-0) vs. Cincinnati (0-1)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">OK, so as stated Halladay made an impressive playoff debut by throwing the first no-hitter in the playoff since Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">A five-game series favors the team with the best pitching, and the Phillies have it. Roy Oswalt will take the hill Friday and Cole Hamels is up Sunday. That’s a tough first three games for Joey Votto and the Cincinnati Reds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bronson Arroyo has the tall task of taking the mound for the Reds in an attempt to pitch his team back into this series. Arroyo has playoff experience, but so does the heart of Philadelphia’s lineup.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The combination of big playmakers up and down the lineup and the impressive starting rotation should end this series quickly in favor of Philadelphia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Phillies in three<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Atlanta (0-0) vs. San Francisco (0-0)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Braves were the best team at home this season. However, as the Wild Card winner, they will have to play two games at San Francisco to start the series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Giants boast a strong group of pitching led by Tim Lincecum. Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Baumgarner will join Lincecum in taking on the Braves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Atlanta will send Derek Lowe to the mound in Game 1 followed by Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson. The Braves are a slightly better hitting team, holding a .258 team batting average. The Giants batted .257.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">This should be a tight series all the way through. If the Braves can take one of three in San Francisco, they could take control of the series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Atlanta in five<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-29286700340979783472010-10-06T13:33:00.001-05:002010-10-06T13:33:53.785-05:00Rays and Twins look to make ALCS<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL Division series</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The matchup should be a good one. You have Cliff Lee against David Price. You have Josh Hamilton against Evan Longoria. You have the underdog against the underdog.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">But the truth is that the Rays have been here before, while the Rangers are new to the October experience. Lee can easily drive a team to the World Series, but the Rays have the home-field advantage. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Texas was 0-12 on the road against the three other teams in the postseason, and Lee can only pitch twice. If B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria get hot, the Rangers will need to outslug the Rays. But, the Rays have a 3.78 ERA from the regular season, which is the best among any contender.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Rays in four</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Yankees are the defending World Series champions. They have one of the best pitchers in the American League with C.C. Sabathia. They have one of the best closers ever in Mariano Rivera. They have a lineup stacked with All-stars and players with postseason and championship experience.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Twins were one of the hottest teams in September, and they hold home-field advantage. They don’t beat themselves, but the Yankees committed fewer errors. So, how can the Twins pull off the series win?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Minnesota finds ways to win, and they are facing a Yankees team that limped into the playoffs. If you were going to have a chance to dethrone the champs, this is it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">With Jim Thome’s left-handed power and a home crowd behind them, I think the Twins pull off the upset. The Yankees have rotation troubles after Sabathia, and Phil Hughes or Andy Pettite will have to pitch twice with Sabathia.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Twins in five</span></u></b></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-6783791577312181212010-10-03T14:49:00.000-05:002010-10-03T14:50:04.011-05:00McNabb's return will fall short<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Donovan McNabb is going to be back in Philadelphia, but he will be wearing the opponent’s jersey and trying to beat the Eagles.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">On the other side is Michael Vick, the prison deadbeat turned overnight sensation with two very good games.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">McNabb will be trying to prove he still can play, and Vick is trying to prove he is back to being a superstar. Vick will be doing so against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. The Redskins have allowed 977 yards through the air already.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Prediction: Philadelphia 34, Washington 28</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">McNabb will have a good game, but the Redskins defense will ultimately be the problem. Vick should pass and run at will, and the Eagles will survive a shootout. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Other NFL action:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Atlanta </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> San<i style=""> Francisco</i> 24-13</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New Orleans </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Carolina 34-13</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Cincinnati </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> Cleveland 27-23</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Green Bay </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Detroit 31-13</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">N.Y. Jets </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Buffalo 17-10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Pittsburgh </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Baltimore 14-13</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Tennessee </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Denver 24-17</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Seattle </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">St. Louis 24-14 </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Indianapolis </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Jacksonville 38-13</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Houston </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Oakland 28-17</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Arizona </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">San Diego 20-14 (<b style="">UPSET</b>) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Chicago </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">N.Y. Giants 27-20</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New England </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Miami 30-27</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-58857631295160213382010-09-29T09:47:00.000-05:002010-09-29T09:48:38.218-05:00Teams are set; seeds are not<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL CENTRAL</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Home-field advantage can be an important commodity with the competition as close as it is. More home games doesn’t make a team a favorite, but it does what it says, giving a small advantage.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Minnesota Twins have not exactly run away with the notion. Instead of trying to earn the top spot, they are resting players. Instead of staying hot, they are losing. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">No one wants to go to New York or Tampa Bay. The Twins will need to get their heads back in the game as if their playoff berth is finalized yet.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL EAST</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The race is one of the best in recent years. The Yankees have four games left, all on the road. They are at Toronto and Boston.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Rays have five games left. They have their last home game tonight against Baltimore, and they have four at Kansas City. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">They are in the playoffs already, but the division winner gets a home series against Texas. The loser goes to Minnesota. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">On paper, the Rays have the advantage with the schedule, but as a White Sox fan, I know Kansas City is not a welcoming place in September.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL WEST</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">No wins on the road against the other teams in postseason. I repeat. The Texas Rangers have no wins on the road against the other teams in postseason.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">So, why are fans still excited? The Rangers are first in the American League with a .276 average. They are fourth with 766 runs, fifth with 159 homeruns and fifth with a 3.94 ERA.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The ERA is even more important, since the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics are ahead of them. In terms of the postseason, they are ahead of the Yankees, a potential first-round opponent. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">TOP FIVE AL TEAMS September 29:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">1.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Tampa Bay Rays -<span style=""> </span>It could be the best thing to have to win until the last day. They may be the hottest team if they pull out the division. </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">2.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Minnesota Twins –<span style=""> </span>Even if they can’t get home-field advantage, they are guaranteed three home games to two in the ALDS. <span style=""> </span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">3.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New York Yankees –<span style=""> </span>They don’t want to go to Minnesota to start the playoffs.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">4.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Texas Rangers –<span style=""> </span>The critics will be answered in Tampa Bay or New York.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">5.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Boston Red Sox –<span style=""> </span>The Red Sox have clinched the best team not in the playoffs.</span></b></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-14840138549120604222010-09-28T17:03:00.000-05:002010-09-28T17:04:04.021-05:00Phillies are in, Reds will be soon<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Central<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">As of Tuesday, the Reds’ magic number was one, all but locking up the team’s first NL Central championship since 1995. The Reds have a three-game series with the Astros to wrap up the week. If Cincinnati wins one of those games they will be in the post-season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Reds lost two-of-three to the Padres over the weekend and the Cardinals have won four-of-five to keep their slim chances alive. The Red-birds need to win out in addition to the Reds losing their last six.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">It appears Albert Pujols’ 42 home runs and 117 RBIs (both NL best marks) will not be enough to get his team into the post-season. Matt Holliday has come on strong down the stretch. He is currently batting .313 with 103 RBIs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">In Cincinnati, Joey Votto is tied for second with 37 home runs and third with 111 RBIs. Bronson Arroyo (16 wins) and Francisco Cordero (38 saves) are among the league’s pitching leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 186.65pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">West<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The West Division is the only one legitimately up for grabs. The Padres, who have lost two straight games, are one game back of the Giants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">San Francisco took two-of-three from both the Padres and Cubs last week to give their playoff hopes a boost. Meanwhile, San Diego also took two-of-three in their last two series, but were shut-out by the Cubs Monday night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">San Francisco wraps up the week with three games with Arizona while San Diego, who is a half game back of Atlanta for the wild card, will play Chicago three more times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The two teams face each other for a three-game, (likely) winner takes all series in San Francisco to finish out the regular season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Rockies were red-hot two weeks ago. However, Colorado has lost seven of its last 10 to fall far from playoff contention. The Rockies are now five games back from the Division lead. Carlos Gonzalez is leading the NL with a .340 batting average. He also has 34 home runs and 115 RBIs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">East<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 61.3pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Phillies locked up the NL East crown with a victory Monday. It is Philadelphia’s fourth straight Division title, which was capped by a Roy Halladay two-hitter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 61.3pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Halladay has a Major League best 21 wins on the season to go with a 2.44 ERA and 219 strikeouts. The Phillies will be tough to beat in the playoffs with Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton in the rotation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 61.3pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Braves are clinging to a slim half-game lead in the Wild Card hunt. Atlanta has played .500 baseball over the last week and a half.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 61.3pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tim Hudson (16-9, .280 ERA) is pitching tonight against Florida. The team’s ace will need to come up big as the Braves have two games against the Marlins before wrapping up the season with three against Philadelphia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 61.3pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Weekly Top-5<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Philadelphia – Has a spot in the post-season and can relax<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cincinnati – Congrats Reds, barring a catastrophe, you’re in!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">Atlanta – Needs to finish strong, but they’re in the driver seat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">San Francisco – Has a favorable matchup with Arizona to build a lead<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="TEXT-INDENT: 13.7pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><span style="font-size:85%;">San Diego – Thinking NL West showdown this weekend<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-37525306558275130492010-09-25T11:43:00.002-05:002010-09-26T11:44:54.872-05:00NFC North showdown is Game of the Week<p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">A strong start by the Packers and a surprising start by the Bears sets up this week’s game of the week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">The rivals face off in a Monday Night Football match up with first place in the NFL North up for grabs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Green Bay enters the week following a nail-biter win over Philadelphia and a no-nonsense blowout against the over-matched Bills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chicago has flexed some muscle in the passing game with quarterback Jay Cutler throwing for five touchdowns and one interception through two weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cutler and the Bears’ offense will meet their toughest challenge to date as the Packers are ranked third in total defense and is the No. 3 team defending the pass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Through two weeks, Green Bay has limited teams to an average of 116.5 yards through the air. Meanwhile, the Chicago offense is averaging 316 yards via the pass. Whichever team can assert their authority in this aspect of the game should have the upper-hand in the contest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Aaron Rodgers passed for 255 yards and two TDs last week. He has four touchdowns and two interceptions on the season. His numbers could go up with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley as targets. Charles Tillman has played well at cornerback for the Bears, but Zach Bowman has the potential to be a liability. Whoever lines up against Bowman could have a big night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">The passing game for each team is crucial considering each team’s running game is a little less certain. The Bears have only rushed for 139 yards this season, but running back Matt Forte has been more effective catching the ball in screens and swing passes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Green Bay is without Ryan Grant, who rushed for 1,200 yards the last two seasons, after a season-ending injury. Brandon Jackson rushed 11 times for 29 yards and a touchdown in his first start in the wake of Grant’s injury. Chicago has allowed an average of 28 yards rushing a game, which is the top mark in the league.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">The game could be boiled down to the Packers pass defense versus the Bears run defense. Because Chicago will rely more on the pass than Green Bay will on the run, the scales may tip in the Pack’s favor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’m calling for the shoot-out with the last score likely being the winning score. In a rivalry game, nothing is for certain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Prediction: Green Bay 35, Chicago 34.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><o:p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;">Other NFL action:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: <span style="font-weight: bold;">N.Y. Giants</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Tennessee, 31-30</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tennessee </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>N.Y. Giants, 31-17</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Buffalo, 35-7</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Buffalo, 27-10</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Cleveland, 17-6</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Cleveland, 17-3</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tampa Bay</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Pittsburgh, 14-10</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pittsburgh </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Tampa Bay 17-14<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cincinnati</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Carolina, 24-17</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cincinnati </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Carolina, 27-14</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Atlanta, 34-17</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlanta</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>New Orleans, 27-24<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>UPSET</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Francisco</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Kansas City, 14-13</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Francisco </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Kansas City, 21-17</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Detroit, 21-20</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Detroit, 21-3</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Dallas, 31-28</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">over </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Dallas, 31-21</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> St. Louis, 28-3</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>St. Louis, 24-14</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Philadelphia</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Jacksonville, 31-28</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Philadelphia</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">over </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Jacksonville, 38-14</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indianapolis</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Denver, 28-27</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Indianapolis </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Denver, 31-13</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Diego</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Seattle, 35-14</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Diego </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Seattle, 28-17</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oakland</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Arizona, 17-14 UPSET</span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arizona </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Oakland, 21-9</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh: </span></span><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">N.Y. Jets</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> Miami, 24-21</span></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 13.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Anthony: <span style="font-weight: bold;">N.Y. Jets </span><span style="font-style: italic;">over </span>Miami, 23-20<br /></span></span></span></p>Josh Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16760785217134231780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-26706260217549717422010-09-23T20:07:00.002-05:002010-09-23T20:17:03.203-05:00Badger South and Big Eight girls golf videos<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Anthony was at Evansville Country Club for the Badger South and Big Eight girls golf meet. Check out the links for videos at the event.</span></span><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Verona at the Big Eight meet</span><br /><a href="http://www.connectverona.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&ArticleID=2977"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Wildcats</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;">Oregon at the Badger South meet</span><br /><a href="http://www.connectoregonwi.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&ArticleID=2350"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Panthers</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;">Stoughton at the Badger South meet</span><br /><a href="http://www.connectstoughton.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&ArticleID=2762"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Vikings</span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-29043913868630668972010-09-22T21:50:00.001-05:002010-09-22T21:51:46.450-05:00Twins are looking like the new favorites<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL CENTRAL</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">With the division wrapped up, the Twins are now looking to win and gain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. How did they suddenly become the hottest team in the Central Division?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">They are fourth in runs scored in the American League with 734; They are second in hits with 1425; They are third in doubles with 299; They are first in triples with 37; They are tied for first with a .277 average; They are fourth in slugging percentage at .427.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Pitching-wise is another story. They are first in ERA at 3.76, and they have walked the least amount batters (348). On defense, they are second with only 68 errors and have only allowed 75 stolen bases, the third fewest mark in the American League.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">If that isn’t a complete team contending for a championship, then no one is. The Twins have everything, and they don’t beat themselves.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL EAST</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Yankees are playing the Rays now in a four-game series, but the outcome of the division will not be decided until the end.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">With the Rays easier schedule, they still have the edge, especially if they salvage at least a split in the series now.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Both teams are going to be in the playoffs, so the teams are fighting for a home series at the moment and maybe home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL WEST</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Texas Rangers should begin preparing for a road playoff series, and they need to gain confidence on the road.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">They are still a threat with Cliff Lee going twice in a short series, but they need to make it to a fifth game for that to happen.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">TOP FIVE AL TEAMS September 22:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">1.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Minnesota Twins -<span style=""> </span>They have everything – pitching, defense, and offense. If they earn home-field advantage, they should be the favorite for a World Series. </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">2.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New York Yankees –<span style=""> </span>With the division and home-field on the line, they are playing good ball. <span style=""> </span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">3.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Tampa Bay Rays –<span style=""> </span>They cannot afford to drop too far behind the Yankees.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">4.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Texas Rangers –<span style=""> </span>They need to get rested for a playoff road trip.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">5.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Boston Red Sox –<span style=""> </span>The question of What if plagues this team.</span></b></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-1581744275205366922010-09-19T12:37:00.000-05:002010-09-19T12:39:10.461-05:00Battle of Mannings should be fun to watch<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The big game for week two is The Manning showdown in Indianapolis. It is Peyton Manning against Eli Manning; it is the Indianapolis Colts against the New York Giants. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The reason the game is big isn’t because of the brothers, however. The Giants’ defense and the Colts’ defense are the storylines here.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Last week, the Giants played well on defense. They only gave up 237 total yards, and they forced five turnovers. The Colts were the opposite, allowing 257 yards just on the ground.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">This is the true test for the Giants defense, with Peyton throwing for 433 yards with three touchdowns against Houston. This is a must needed game for the Colts, with a 0-2 start being unfamiliar territory.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Prediction: Colts 34, Giants 24</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Giants defense played well last week, but they didn’t play Peyton. The big story for Eli was three interceptions. Peyton will make the Giants pay after turnovers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Other NFL action:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Atlanta </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Arizona 24-14</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Tampa Bay </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Carolina 17-14</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Kansas City </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> Cleveland 14-10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Philadelphia </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Detroit 31-10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Tennessee </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Pittsburgh 21-17</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Minnesota </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Miami 31-14</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Baltimore </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Cincinnati 24-21</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Dallas </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Chicago 24-14 </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Green Bay </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Buffalo 31-7</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">St. Louis </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Oakland 17-10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Seattle </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Denver 24-10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Jacksonville </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">San Diego 20-14 (<b style="">UPSET</b>) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New England </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">N.Y. Jets 24-9</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Houston </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Washington 24-17</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New Orleans </span></b><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">over </span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">San Francisco 30-13</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357811068113162695.post-84663676064153750412010-09-15T22:11:00.001-05:002010-09-15T22:13:44.754-05:00Yankees and Rays continue to battle for the East<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL CENTRAL</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Minnesota Twins should begin to worry about playoff position and how they matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays and The New York Yankees. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Twins are eight games in first place after a win tonight, and they are five games in front of Texas for the second seed in the American League.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The bottom-line is the divisional record. The Twins are 41-20, while the Chicago White Sox are 30-34. You cannot win the division without winning within it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL EAST</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The only division with a September race is heating up. The Rays take two out of three at home from the Yankees, and they are a half game in first place. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The winner of the division will most likely get a Texas Ranger club that is 0-12 on the road against the other playoff teams. The loser gets a fundamentally sound Twins team that is getting hot at the right time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The race should go down to the final weekend of the year, and it looks as though the Rays have the edge with strength of schedule.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">AL WEST</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">The Texas Rangers will win the West, but they are in danger of travelling to New York or Tampa Bay in a short series. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Cliff Lee is more effective in a longer series, because he could go three times if needed. In a short series, the Rays and Yankees have deeper staffs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Not to mention, the Rangers are winless on the road in both stadiums. They will need to get hot down the stretch.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">TOP FIVE AL TEAMS September 15:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 13.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">1.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Tampa Bay Rays -<span style=""> </span>When you take two of three from the Yankees to jump into first place, you are taking the correct strides to become a serious contender. </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">2.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">New York Yankees –<span style=""> </span>They have the honor of hosting four games with the Rays to show try and show they are the better team. <span style=""> </span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">3.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Minnesota Twins –<span style=""> </span>The team that gets the Twins in the playoffs better watch out. They are playing the best baseball right now.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">4.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Texas Rangers –<span style=""> </span>Can they win on the road in postseason?.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.7pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 37.7pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">5.)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Courier New";">Boston Red Sox –<span style=""> </span>They have a better record than Texas, and they aren’t going to be in the playoffs.</span></b></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664490680719621794noreply@blogger.com0