.
Here are the matchups, in order of tipoff time. I've boldened my pick for the winner; to make it easy, the only first-round upsets I have are Old Diminion over Notre Dame, St. Mary's over Richmond, Northern Iowa over UNLV, and Mizzou over Clemson. All start times are Central.
Now excuse me while I wash this chalk off my fingers before MARCH MADNESS commences. -AJ
THURSDAY, Mar. 18
10 Florida vs. 7 BYU; 11:20 a.m. Oklahoma City (West regional)
Stormin' Mormons have one heck of a player in Jimmer Fredette; Gators nearly missed the NCAAs
11 Old Dominion vs. 6 Notre Dame; 11:25 a.m. New Orleans (South)
Don't trust the Fighting Irish; can't forget they were nowhere near tourney contention before hot streak
15 Robert Morris vs. 2 Villanova; 11:30 a.m. Providence (South)
Robert Morris is a hockey school. And an 18th-century financier. Looked it up on Wikipedia
13 Murray State vs. 4 Vanderbilt; 1:30 p.m. San Jose (West)
I don't pick teams to win if I have no idea where its campus is located
15 North Texas vs. 2 Kansas State; 1:40 p.m. Oklahoma City (West)
I do know where North Texas is located; Texas. North part of the state. But still
14 Sam Houston State vs. 3 Baylor; 1:45 p.m. New Orleans (South)
Gotta love those intrastate matchups. Could be start of a long run for the Waco kids
10 St. Mary’s vs. 7 Richmond; 1:50 p.m. Providence (South)
Wait, the Gaels are flying cross-country? Yuck ... this pick might have been a mistake. Whoops
12 UTEP vs. 5 Butler; 3:45 p.m. San Jose (West)
I'm not sucking the El Paso popsicle. Butler's the one used to busting brackets via wins
9 Northern Iowa vs. 8 UNLV; 6:10 p.m. Oklahoma City (Midwest)
Runnin' Rebels aren't what they used to be; Ben Jacobson's Panthers feel disrespected by their seed
16 East Tennessee State vs. 1 Kentucky; 6:15 p.m. New Orleans (East)
Take out the "East" and "State", and we've got a great rivalry! Anyone wanna bite? Anyone?
11 Washington vs. 6 Marquette; 6:20 p.m. San Jose (East)
Battle-tested Big East team versus Pac-10 dreg lucky to be dancing. Take those Golden Eagles
14 Ohio vs. 3 Georgetown; 6:25 p.m. Providence (Midwest)
Still can't believe the Hoyas were just an 8-seed in conference tournament. That league is loaded
16 Lehigh vs. 1 Kansas; 8:30 p.m. Oklahoma City (Midwest)
You're gonna make me write 16 words about this? Really? Are ya? PUNK?!?! There. 16 words
9 Wake Forest vs. 8 Texas; 8:35 p.m. New Orleans (East)
Longhorns have been in freefall for awhile. But Demon Deacons are proning to throwing in towel
14 Montana vs. 3 New Mexico; 8:40 p.m. San Jose (East)
Ya think Iowa fans are wishing Steve Alford were still around? Lobos are glad he's there
11 San Diego State vs. 6 Tennessee; 8:45 p.m. Providence (Midwest)
Aztecs are another trendy option, but I'll go with the big-conference tourney-experienced team, thanks
THURSDAY RESULTS: 12-4
************************************************
FRIDAY, Mar. 19
15 Morgan State vs. 2 West Virginia; 11:15 p.m. Buffalo (East)
Now I know why Huggins always wears jumpsuits. His team makes him sweat waaaaaaay too much
11 Minnesota vs. 6 Xavier; 11:25 p.m. Milwaukee (West)
Gophers, honestly, shouldn't be in this position. Illinois belongs in the tournament, not necessarily Tubby's crew
12 Cornell vs. 5 Temple; 11:30 p.m. Jacksonville (East)
Big Red could be a tough matchup, but Owls have played solidly from wire to wire
13 Siena vs. 4 Purdue; 1:30 p.m. Spokane (South)
Robbie Hummel does not a full team make. Moore, Johnson, Kramer, Grant, Jackson also fairly decent
10 Missouri vs. 7 Clemson; 1:35 p.m. Buffalo (East)
Clash of the Tigers; haven't picked many upsets, so I'll go with the little bro's school
14 Oakland vs. 3 Pittsburgh; 1:45 p.m. Milwaukee (West)
Big East has laid giant stinker in this tournament. Bad news for my Final Four Panthers?
13 Wofford vs. 4 Wisconsin; 1:50 p.m. Jacksonville (East)
Terriers might nip at Badger heels, but Bo Ryan rarely loses to those underdogs in March
12 Utah State vs. 5 Texas A&M; 3:45 p.m. Spokane (South)
Clash of the Aggies: USU was last team in, why so quick to undermine Big XII?
9 Florida State vs. 8 Gonzaga; 6:10 p.m. Buffalo (West)
Zags, Noles from opposite sides of the country. Part of what makes March Madness so mad
10 Georgia Tech vs. 7 Oklahoma State; 6:15 p.m. Milwaukee (Midwest)
Yellow Jackets gave da Dukies a run in ACC tournament, but Cowboys' James Anderson is legit
12 New Mexico State vs. 5 Michigan State; 6:20 p.m. Spokane (Midwest)
And so begins Izzo's quiet dominance following Big Ten tourney flameout; Sparty could make extended run
16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. 1 Duke; 6:25 p.m. Jacksonville (South)
Probably wouldn't believe me if I said I have Arkansas-Pine Bluff making Final Four, huh?
16 Vermont vs. 1 Syracuse; 8:30 p.m. Buffalo (West)
Ditto the above statement, only insert Vermont. Time for 'Cuse to get rid of inconsistent play
15 UC-Santa Barbara vs. 2 Ohio State; 8:35 p.m. Milwaukee (Midwest)
By the way, all five Big Ten teams are playing Friday. Over/under on winners: 3.5
13 Houston vs. 4 Maryland; 8:40 p.m. Spokane (Midwest)
Maryland's Greivis Vazquez, meet Houston's Aubrey Coleman. The country expects a wonderful, SportsCenter-caliber scoring duel
9 Louisville vs. 8 California; 8:45 p.m. Jacksonville (South)
Big East caps an unholy, nightmarish first round. Pac-10 caps a best-case scenario opening slate
FRIDAY RESULTS: 14-2
FIRST-ROUND RESULTS: 26-of-32; 15 of Sweet 16, entire Elite 8 in tact
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Big Ten Tournament Picks
. 
FIRST ROUND
Thursday, March 11
Game 1: No. 8 Michigan vs. No. 9 Iowa, ESPN2, 1:30 p.m.
First meeting: The Wolverines’ one-two punch of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims enjoyed some 20/20 vision, each scoring that much in a systematic 60-46 home victory.
Second meeting: The fans at Carver-Hawkeye were given a rare thriller, but went home disappointed as Sims’ 27 points lifted Michigan to a 80-78 overtime win to spoil 30 points and 13 rebounds for Iowa’s Aaron Fuller.
AB's take: This is not a vote of confidence in Michigan. This is facing the facts against an Iowa team that has kicked off March Madness with losses of 27 and 35 points. Looks like some people are ready for the season to end.
AB's Pick: Wolverines
Game 2: No. 7 Northwestern vs. No. 10 Indiana, ESPN2, 4 p.m.
First meeting: All five Northwestern starters scored in double digits, and Verdell Jones III scored 28 fruitless points in a 78-16 Wildcat win in Welsh-Ryan.
Second meeting: Indiana recorded a conference season-high in points, holding off NU in overtime 88-80 behind 24 points by Jordan Hulls. John Shurna had 31 points and 12 boards for the Wildcats.
AB's take: The ‘Cats better hope they have nine lives, because every time Northwestern seemed primed to lock up that coveted NCAA bid, it laid a giant stinker of a loss to set its chances back. Perhaps a 20th victory could help sweeten the deal for bracketologists.
AB's Pick: Wildcats
Game 3: No. 6 Minnesota vs. No. 11 Penn State, BTN, 6 p.m.
First meeting: Lawrence Westbrook went off for 29 points and the Golden Gophers opened Big Ten play with a 75-70 win at the Barn.
Second meeting: Westbrook nailed a game-winning, buzzer-beating jumper and Ralph Sampson III (13 and 10) had a double-double to help Minnesota squeak past Penn State 66-64 in State College.
AB's take: Actually, the Nittany Lions are finally starting to pick up their game. And the Gophers have been somewhat of an enigma this year. But Minnesota remains too deep to allow an undermanned team like Penn State indignify the Gophers in Thursday’s finale.
AB's Pick: Golden Gophers
QUARTERFINALS
Friday, March 12
Game 4: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 8 Michigan, ESPN, 11 a.m.
First meeting: This was part of Ohio State’s snag to open the conference season, dropping its second straight Big Ten game due to DeShawn Sims’ 28 points and nine boards. Manny Harris chipped in 24 in Michigan’s 73-64 home victory.
Second meeting: The Buckeyes turned the tables back at Value City Arena, getting by 66-55 on another stellar Evan Turner night (18 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists) and William Buford scoring 24 of his own.
AB's take: Let’s not waste too much time on this one. ESPN is getting a dud to kick off its Friday coverage, whether Iowa or Michigan wins the tournament opener Thursday.
AB's Pick: Buckeyes
Game 5: No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 5 Illinois, ESPN, 1:30 p.m.
First meeting: Wisconsin fans, cover your ears. Bruce Weber continued to wave a magic wand in the Kohl Center and the Illini became the only team to beat the Badgers on their home floor, winning 63-56 behind Demetri McCamey’s 27 points and seven helpers.
Second meeting: The Badgers garnered a measure of revenge, crippling Illinois’ NCAA tournament hopes and receiving 20 points a piece from Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor in a 72-57 victory.
AB's take: If the Illini needed Sunday’s regular season finale, they desperate need Friday’s rematch. Problem is, their trusty and vociferous Orange Krush won’t be behind them in Indianapolis. If Trevon Hughes’ ankle is a serious injury, the Badgers could be trouble; but he wasn’t terribly effective Sunday anyway when UW got by just fine.
AB's Pick: Badgers
Game 6: No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 7 Northwestern, BTN, 5:30 p.m.
Only meeting: Would you believe the only Big Ten team Purdue didn’t beat this year is … Northwestern? That’s right, in the teams’ lone date this year, the Wildcats did their upset thang at Welsh-Ryan, taking 20 points from Michael Thompson and a double-double from Luka Mirkovic – that’s right, Luka Mirkovic – to stun the Boilers 72-64.
AB's take: Purdue’s loss of Robbie Hummel is crippling to its home-state title hopes. In fact, it’s not good for any Big Ten Tournament desires they’re after. Call this my upset special of the weekend, as the hot-and-cold Wildcats decide to reach for the left-hand nozzle and turn up the heat on undermanned Purdue.
AB's Pick: Wildcats
Game 7: No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 6 Minnesota, BTN, 8 p.m.
First meeting: Durrell Summers provided 13 big points off the bench to complement Kalin Lucas’ 14 points, and the 36-percent-shooting Spartans came up with one of those ugly-but-effective Breslin Center wins, 60-53.
Second meeting: Minnesota was in control early, but Lucas (22 points) was just good enough down the stretch to lead the Spartans to a nail-biting 65-64 win at the Barn.
AB's take: MSU hasn’t always made it look pretty this year, but now it’s March, which is when Tom Izzo-coached teams tend to turn on the afterburners. It’s not like the Gophers are the type to haul in big fish like the defending national runners-up in primetime.
AB's Pick: Spartans
SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 13
Game 8: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Wisconsin, CBS, 12:40 p.m.
First meeting: This was one of those games when Evan Turner looked fly on the Kohl Center bench in street clothes and Ohio State looked fried without him. Trevon Hughes recorded team-highs with 16 points and seven boards to help UW cruise 65-43.
Second meeting: Yeah, that fellow wearing No. 21 in scarlet makes a difference. Turner scored 15 as he was still shaking off the rust, but David Lighty led the way with 18 points and the Buckeyes shot 52 percent en route to a 60-51 win at Value City Arena.
AB's take: Ohio State dismissed Wisconsin in last year’s 4-versus-5 BTT quarterfinals, when the Badgers couldn’t hold on to a 7-point lead in the final six minutes. This year’s UW team is much wiser and arguably more talented. But alas, so is Ohio State’s 2010 version.
AB's Pick: Buckeyes
Game 9: No. 7 Northwestern vs. No. 3 Michigan State, CBS, 3:10 p.m.
First meeting: MSU opened Big Ten play with its most explosive road offensive game of the year, enjoying 40 bench points and soaring past host Northwestern 91-70.
Second meeting: Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas combined for 47 points on 15-of-24 shooting, and NU’s John Shurna saw a 31-point outburst go for naught when Michigan State prevailed 79-70.
AB's take: This is where the fairy tale ends for NU. Michigan State has scored 50 and 49 second-half points in its two games against Northwestern, which tells you a little bit about how its superior athleticism wears down the plucky-but-overmatched Wildcats.
AB's Pick: Spartans
CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 14
Game 10: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Michigan State, CBS, 2:30 p.m.
Only meeting: The schedule was in Michigan State’s favor as the Spartans did not have to travel to Columbus. But the Buckeyes quite enjoyed themselves up in East Lansing, as Evan Turner set aside a head cold to drop 20 points (16 in the second half), 10 rebounds and six assists on the Spartans in a pivotal 74-67 victory just three weeks ago. Turner, William Buford, Jon Diebler and David Lighty played the entire game.
AB's take: There has to be somewhat of a confidence boost gained by that win in Breslin for the Buckeyes – especially since it was won by a veteran group of just six players that checked into the game. Don’t be surprised to see MSU come out firing with all intents of roaring into the NCAA tournament with a bang. But Evan Turner knows this is the time to show NBA scouts why he should be the No. 1 pick – not to mention his last chance to satisfy his beloved OSU fans with some March heroics.
AB's Pick: Buckeyes
-AB
FIRST ROUNDThursday, March 11
Game 1: No. 8 Michigan vs. No. 9 Iowa, ESPN2, 1:30 p.m.
First meeting: The Wolverines’ one-two punch of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims enjoyed some 20/20 vision, each scoring that much in a systematic 60-46 home victory.
Second meeting: The fans at Carver-Hawkeye were given a rare thriller, but went home disappointed as Sims’ 27 points lifted Michigan to a 80-78 overtime win to spoil 30 points and 13 rebounds for Iowa’s Aaron Fuller.
AB's take: This is not a vote of confidence in Michigan. This is facing the facts against an Iowa team that has kicked off March Madness with losses of 27 and 35 points. Looks like some people are ready for the season to end.
AB's Pick: Wolverines
Game 2: No. 7 Northwestern vs. No. 10 Indiana, ESPN2, 4 p.m.
First meeting: All five Northwestern starters scored in double digits, and Verdell Jones III scored 28 fruitless points in a 78-16 Wildcat win in Welsh-Ryan.
Second meeting: Indiana recorded a conference season-high in points, holding off NU in overtime 88-80 behind 24 points by Jordan Hulls. John Shurna had 31 points and 12 boards for the Wildcats.
AB's take: The ‘Cats better hope they have nine lives, because every time Northwestern seemed primed to lock up that coveted NCAA bid, it laid a giant stinker of a loss to set its chances back. Perhaps a 20th victory could help sweeten the deal for bracketologists.
AB's Pick: Wildcats
Game 3: No. 6 Minnesota vs. No. 11 Penn State, BTN, 6 p.m.
First meeting: Lawrence Westbrook went off for 29 points and the Golden Gophers opened Big Ten play with a 75-70 win at the Barn.
Second meeting: Westbrook nailed a game-winning, buzzer-beating jumper and Ralph Sampson III (13 and 10) had a double-double to help Minnesota squeak past Penn State 66-64 in State College.
AB's take: Actually, the Nittany Lions are finally starting to pick up their game. And the Gophers have been somewhat of an enigma this year. But Minnesota remains too deep to allow an undermanned team like Penn State indignify the Gophers in Thursday’s finale.
AB's Pick: Golden Gophers
QUARTERFINALS
Friday, March 12
Game 4: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 8 Michigan, ESPN, 11 a.m.
First meeting: This was part of Ohio State’s snag to open the conference season, dropping its second straight Big Ten game due to DeShawn Sims’ 28 points and nine boards. Manny Harris chipped in 24 in Michigan’s 73-64 home victory.
Second meeting: The Buckeyes turned the tables back at Value City Arena, getting by 66-55 on another stellar Evan Turner night (18 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists) and William Buford scoring 24 of his own.
AB's take: Let’s not waste too much time on this one. ESPN is getting a dud to kick off its Friday coverage, whether Iowa or Michigan wins the tournament opener Thursday.
AB's Pick: Buckeyes
Game 5: No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 5 Illinois, ESPN, 1:30 p.m.
First meeting: Wisconsin fans, cover your ears. Bruce Weber continued to wave a magic wand in the Kohl Center and the Illini became the only team to beat the Badgers on their home floor, winning 63-56 behind Demetri McCamey’s 27 points and seven helpers.
Second meeting: The Badgers garnered a measure of revenge, crippling Illinois’ NCAA tournament hopes and receiving 20 points a piece from Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor in a 72-57 victory.
AB's take: If the Illini needed Sunday’s regular season finale, they desperate need Friday’s rematch. Problem is, their trusty and vociferous Orange Krush won’t be behind them in Indianapolis. If Trevon Hughes’ ankle is a serious injury, the Badgers could be trouble; but he wasn’t terribly effective Sunday anyway when UW got by just fine.
AB's Pick: Badgers
Game 6: No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 7 Northwestern, BTN, 5:30 p.m.
Only meeting: Would you believe the only Big Ten team Purdue didn’t beat this year is … Northwestern? That’s right, in the teams’ lone date this year, the Wildcats did their upset thang at Welsh-Ryan, taking 20 points from Michael Thompson and a double-double from Luka Mirkovic – that’s right, Luka Mirkovic – to stun the Boilers 72-64.
AB's take: Purdue’s loss of Robbie Hummel is crippling to its home-state title hopes. In fact, it’s not good for any Big Ten Tournament desires they’re after. Call this my upset special of the weekend, as the hot-and-cold Wildcats decide to reach for the left-hand nozzle and turn up the heat on undermanned Purdue.
AB's Pick: Wildcats
Game 7: No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 6 Minnesota, BTN, 8 p.m.
First meeting: Durrell Summers provided 13 big points off the bench to complement Kalin Lucas’ 14 points, and the 36-percent-shooting Spartans came up with one of those ugly-but-effective Breslin Center wins, 60-53.
Second meeting: Minnesota was in control early, but Lucas (22 points) was just good enough down the stretch to lead the Spartans to a nail-biting 65-64 win at the Barn.
AB's take: MSU hasn’t always made it look pretty this year, but now it’s March, which is when Tom Izzo-coached teams tend to turn on the afterburners. It’s not like the Gophers are the type to haul in big fish like the defending national runners-up in primetime.
AB's Pick: Spartans
SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 13
Game 8: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Wisconsin, CBS, 12:40 p.m.
First meeting: This was one of those games when Evan Turner looked fly on the Kohl Center bench in street clothes and Ohio State looked fried without him. Trevon Hughes recorded team-highs with 16 points and seven boards to help UW cruise 65-43.Second meeting: Yeah, that fellow wearing No. 21 in scarlet makes a difference. Turner scored 15 as he was still shaking off the rust, but David Lighty led the way with 18 points and the Buckeyes shot 52 percent en route to a 60-51 win at Value City Arena.
AB's take: Ohio State dismissed Wisconsin in last year’s 4-versus-5 BTT quarterfinals, when the Badgers couldn’t hold on to a 7-point lead in the final six minutes. This year’s UW team is much wiser and arguably more talented. But alas, so is Ohio State’s 2010 version.
AB's Pick: Buckeyes
Game 9: No. 7 Northwestern vs. No. 3 Michigan State, CBS, 3:10 p.m.
First meeting: MSU opened Big Ten play with its most explosive road offensive game of the year, enjoying 40 bench points and soaring past host Northwestern 91-70.
Second meeting: Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas combined for 47 points on 15-of-24 shooting, and NU’s John Shurna saw a 31-point outburst go for naught when Michigan State prevailed 79-70.
AB's take: This is where the fairy tale ends for NU. Michigan State has scored 50 and 49 second-half points in its two games against Northwestern, which tells you a little bit about how its superior athleticism wears down the plucky-but-overmatched Wildcats.
AB's Pick: Spartans
CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 14
Game 10: No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Michigan State, CBS, 2:30 p.m.
Only meeting: The schedule was in Michigan State’s favor as the Spartans did not have to travel to Columbus. But the Buckeyes quite enjoyed themselves up in East Lansing, as Evan Turner set aside a head cold to drop 20 points (16 in the second half), 10 rebounds and six assists on the Spartans in a pivotal 74-67 victory just three weeks ago. Turner, William Buford, Jon Diebler and David Lighty played the entire game.
AB's take: There has to be somewhat of a confidence boost gained by that win in Breslin for the Buckeyes – especially since it was won by a veteran group of just six players that checked into the game. Don’t be surprised to see MSU come out firing with all intents of roaring into the NCAA tournament with a bang. But Evan Turner knows this is the time to show NBA scouts why he should be the No. 1 pick – not to mention his last chance to satisfy his beloved OSU fans with some March heroics.
AB's Pick: Buckeyes
-AB
Friday, February 12, 2010
THE OTHER B-DUBS DOES IT AGAIN
.
So one of my friends from Wisconsin, name of Justin Fielkow (some of you may know him). Without a doubt, 2010 is a year he's going to remember. It's the year that he's getting married (congrats to you and Sarah again, bud), the year he's starting law school and the year his beloved Saints won the Super Bowl.
(Seriously. If I had a Top 5 list for "People I Know Who Love Their Team More Than Other People Love Their Team", Justin and his Saints would easily crack the list.)
So this year's going to be pretty incredible for Justin, right? It's hard to come up with a better year than he'll have.
Until you consider this year for another individual. A guy I like to call Benjamin Worgull.
Not only is this the year HE is getting married too (and a hearty congrats to you and Kim), but he gets to continue cover sports for a living. And while his teams aren't particularly distinguished right now, he earned an individual accomplishment that might outrank a team famous for fans placing paper bags over their heads winning the Super Bowl.
That accomplishment? Well, what's better than winning one Pick 'em Championship?
HOW ABOUT WINNING TWO?
Clearly, Ben's not only in shock over the victory, but he knows how to party in celebration of this great feat.
Second place goes to first-year player DJ Jarvis, our youngest competitor in the field. Just as Peyton Manning will be haunted all year by nightmares of Tracy Porter, DJ will be haunted all summer by nightmares of ... well, Peyton Manning getting pick-sixed by Tracy Porter. And by his fatal decision to follow the advice of some other guy in his league who kept pushing him to make his choice quickly and go with the Colts. Of course, said other guy nearly finished in last this year. What the hell does he know.
Third place and the bronze medal are awarded to Wyatt Tyler, whose Championship Sunday-losing Vikings went to overtime with the ultimate Super Bowl champs. Jordan Chomko takes home fourth.
Thanks to everyone for a fantastic season, and see you all in the fall of 2010! Before we go, our photographers snapped a victory photo of Mr. Worgull on his way home from the arena:
So one of my friends from Wisconsin, name of Justin Fielkow (some of you may know him). Without a doubt, 2010 is a year he's going to remember. It's the year that he's getting married (congrats to you and Sarah again, bud), the year he's starting law school and the year his beloved Saints won the Super Bowl.
(Seriously. If I had a Top 5 list for "People I Know Who Love Their Team More Than Other People Love Their Team", Justin and his Saints would easily crack the list.)
So this year's going to be pretty incredible for Justin, right? It's hard to come up with a better year than he'll have.
Until you consider this year for another individual. A guy I like to call Benjamin Worgull.
Not only is this the year HE is getting married too (and a hearty congrats to you and Kim), but he gets to continue cover sports for a living. And while his teams aren't particularly distinguished right now, he earned an individual accomplishment that might outrank a team famous for fans placing paper bags over their heads winning the Super Bowl.
That accomplishment? Well, what's better than winning one Pick 'em Championship?
HOW ABOUT WINNING TWO?
IN A ROW????
That's right. THIS GUY you see pictured below won back-to-back Pick 'em titles.
Clearly, Ben's not only in shock over the victory, but he knows how to party in celebration of this great feat.
Second place goes to first-year player DJ Jarvis, our youngest competitor in the field. Just as Peyton Manning will be haunted all year by nightmares of Tracy Porter, DJ will be haunted all summer by nightmares of ... well, Peyton Manning getting pick-sixed by Tracy Porter. And by his fatal decision to follow the advice of some other guy in his league who kept pushing him to make his choice quickly and go with the Colts. Of course, said other guy nearly finished in last this year. What the hell does he know.
Third place and the bronze medal are awarded to Wyatt Tyler, whose Championship Sunday-losing Vikings went to overtime with the ultimate Super Bowl champs. Jordan Chomko takes home fourth.
Thanks to everyone for a fantastic season, and see you all in the fall of 2010! Before we go, our photographers snapped a victory photo of Mr. Worgull on his way home from the arena:
Thank goodness our photographer wasn't paying attention when Worgull used a different finger to tell us all who's number one.
-AJ
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV picks
.
The big game is on, and the picks are in. First, the championship game of the 2nd Annual Jump Around Remix Pick 'Em League Brought To You By Silk Gentlemen's Club:
Sunday, 5 p.m. CST, CBS
(3) Deej Jarvis vs. (4) Ben Worgull
Indianapolis Colts (16-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (15-3)
And for your consideration, here are a guest star list of picks. It's fairly tight right now...
Michael Bleach (Madison, Wisc.): Colts 41-35
Aaron Brenner (Davenport, Iowa): Colts 35-24
David Brenner (Littleton, Colo.): Colts 34-31
Matt Brenner (New Zealand): Saints 35-21
Stewart Brenner (Boynton Beach, Fla.): Saints 35-28
Sue Brenner (Littleton, Colo.): Colts 38-24
Brett Crawford (Bettendorf, Iowa): Saints 35-31
Mark Feeney (Davenport, Iowa): Colts 37-31
Dean Graves (Littleton, Colo.): Colts 38-34
Mason Harris (Boulder, Colo.): Saints 31-24
Rob Hernandez (Madison, Wisc.): Saints 31-27
Justin Petek (Brookfield, Wisc.): Colts 27-24
Andrew Petersen (Davenport, Iowa): Colts 42-34
Margaret Rabida (Corinth, N.Y.): Colts 28-21
Barry Riddle (Parker, Colo.): Saints 24-17
Joseph Rower (Aurora, Colo.): Saints 38-31
Kim Ryerson (Madison, Wisc.): Saints 37-31
Jordan Schelling (Madison, Wisc.): Colts 31-28
Len Shapiro (Boca Raton, Fla.): Colts 38-27
Gerald Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo.): Colts 31-24
Zach Sundelius (Oregon, Wisc.): Colts 34-27
Ben Walnick (Wichita Falls, Texas): Saints 31-27
Paul Walnick (Dallas, Texas): Saints 31-24
Ben Worgull (Madison, Wisc.): Saints 31-27
The big game is on, and the picks are in. First, the championship game of the 2nd Annual Jump Around Remix Pick 'Em League Brought To You By Silk Gentlemen's Club:
Sunday, 5 p.m. CST, CBS
(3) Deej Jarvis vs. (4) Ben Worgull
Indianapolis Colts (16-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (15-3)
And for your consideration, here are a guest star list of picks. It's fairly tight right now...
Michael Bleach (Madison, Wisc.): Colts 41-35
Aaron Brenner (Davenport, Iowa): Colts 35-24
David Brenner (Littleton, Colo.): Colts 34-31
Matt Brenner (New Zealand): Saints 35-21
Stewart Brenner (Boynton Beach, Fla.): Saints 35-28
Sue Brenner (Littleton, Colo.): Colts 38-24
Brett Crawford (Bettendorf, Iowa): Saints 35-31
Mark Feeney (Davenport, Iowa): Colts 37-31
Dean Graves (Littleton, Colo.): Colts 38-34
Mason Harris (Boulder, Colo.): Saints 31-24
Rob Hernandez (Madison, Wisc.): Saints 31-27
Justin Petek (Brookfield, Wisc.): Colts 27-24
Andrew Petersen (Davenport, Iowa): Colts 42-34
Margaret Rabida (Corinth, N.Y.): Colts 28-21
Barry Riddle (Parker, Colo.): Saints 24-17
Joseph Rower (Aurora, Colo.): Saints 38-31
Kim Ryerson (Madison, Wisc.): Saints 37-31
Jordan Schelling (Madison, Wisc.): Colts 31-28
Len Shapiro (Boca Raton, Fla.): Colts 38-27
Gerald Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo.): Colts 31-24
Zach Sundelius (Oregon, Wisc.): Colts 34-27
Ben Walnick (Wichita Falls, Texas): Saints 31-27
Paul Walnick (Dallas, Texas): Saints 31-24
Ben Worgull (Madison, Wisc.): Saints 31-27
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Championship Sunday Picks
.
Some interesting decisions went down this week. Here's the bracket (remember, selections were made in order of seeding)
Sunday, 2 p.m. CST, CBS
(2) Wyatt Tyler vs. (4) Ben Worgull
Minnesota Vikings (13-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (14-3)
Saturday, 5:40 p.m., FOX
(8) Jordan Chomko vs. (3) DJ Jarvis
New York Jets (11-7) vs. Indianapolis Colts (15-2)
Here's how I would have picked 'em:
1st PICK
Wyatt picks: Vikings
Though I understand Wyatt's feelings toward the old man playing quarterback, I would have gone Colts here. I have told anybody who'll listen that Indianapolis is going to win that game by three touchdowns. It's like we just forgot about how Peyton Manning hasn't lost a game this year, and how Mark Sanchez went 6-7 in the regular season where the other team was actively trying to beat him. That's right: the 9-7 Jets won the last two against JV opponents, and Sanchez didn't even travel for a win over the lowly Bucs. It's like we just forgot how the Colts have potentially the best quarterback of all-time on their side, and found ways to win games even when they weren't playing their best. Newsflash: Darrelle Revis cannot cover the entire field. Besides, all this fawning over the Jets' running game and defense; if they were so good, how come they lost to Buffalo - Buffalo, for chrissakes! - Miami, Jacksonville and Atlanta AT HOME? And we have the gall to think the Jets are just gonna waltz into the deafening RCA Dome and beat the undefeated Colts' varsity? Can you say EAST-COAST BIAS????????
Apologies to Bill Simmons, but the VP of Common Sense (in training) is coming through. This game won't be close. Brenner picks: Colts 34-13
2nd PICK
DJ picks: Colts
Can't blame DJ here. Smart pick. The only pick. Welcome to the Pick 'em Super Bowl, buddy. (By the way, DJ is our youngest competitor this year.)
3rd PICK
Worgull picks: Saints
Obviously, the only reasonable decision for Worgull here. Last week, I predicted that the Saints would win 28-27. I mean, Drew Brees and the Saints are making offensive football look like a very, very, very easy game right now. Like a kid playing Madden 2010 on Preschool mode. But they haven't seen a defense as aggressive as Minnesota's in a long time. And I can't forget my prediction during Divisional week, which was that New Orleans would shake off that rust for one last great performance at home before faltering. It's time to admit that Brett Favre is playing his best football, perhaps of his career. (Sorry, Green Bay fans. It sucks, I know.) Adrian Peterson is just about overdue for a monster game against the questionable New Orleans run defense, and those receivers are going to have a field day against New Orleans' secondary. Then again, so will the Saint pass-catchers against Minnesota's just-ok defensive backs. I think if Reggie Bush plays like the USC Reggie Bush again, like he did last weekend, then the Saints could ride that home-field advantage to a victory. But I'm going to go with Wyatt and his old man. Brenner picks: Vikings 28, Saints 27
4th PICK
Jordan gets: Jets
Well, it worked out last weekend, buddy. Maybe you'll get another big-time miracle.
Brenner's playoff pick 'em record: 3-5
What a great duo of games ... and just two weeks until Super Bowl weekend. Exciting times, indeed.
-AB
Some interesting decisions went down this week. Here's the bracket (remember, selections were made in order of seeding)
Sunday, 2 p.m. CST, CBS
(2) Wyatt Tyler vs. (4) Ben Worgull
Minnesota Vikings (13-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (14-3)
Saturday, 5:40 p.m., FOX
(8) Jordan Chomko vs. (3) DJ Jarvis
New York Jets (11-7) vs. Indianapolis Colts (15-2)
Here's how I would have picked 'em:
1st PICK
Wyatt picks: Vikings
Though I understand Wyatt's feelings toward the old man playing quarterback, I would have gone Colts here. I have told anybody who'll listen that Indianapolis is going to win that game by three touchdowns. It's like we just forgot about how Peyton Manning hasn't lost a game this year, and how Mark Sanchez went 6-7 in the regular season where the other team was actively trying to beat him. That's right: the 9-7 Jets won the last two against JV opponents, and Sanchez didn't even travel for a win over the lowly Bucs. It's like we just forgot how the Colts have potentially the best quarterback of all-time on their side, and found ways to win games even when they weren't playing their best. Newsflash: Darrelle Revis cannot cover the entire field. Besides, all this fawning over the Jets' running game and defense; if they were so good, how come they lost to Buffalo - Buffalo, for chrissakes! - Miami, Jacksonville and Atlanta AT HOME? And we have the gall to think the Jets are just gonna waltz into the deafening RCA Dome and beat the undefeated Colts' varsity? Can you say EAST-COAST BIAS????????
Apologies to Bill Simmons, but the VP of Common Sense (in training) is coming through. This game won't be close. Brenner picks: Colts 34-13
2nd PICK
DJ picks: Colts
Can't blame DJ here. Smart pick. The only pick. Welcome to the Pick 'em Super Bowl, buddy. (By the way, DJ is our youngest competitor this year.)
3rd PICK
Worgull picks: Saints
Obviously, the only reasonable decision for Worgull here. Last week, I predicted that the Saints would win 28-27. I mean, Drew Brees and the Saints are making offensive football look like a very, very, very easy game right now. Like a kid playing Madden 2010 on Preschool mode. But they haven't seen a defense as aggressive as Minnesota's in a long time. And I can't forget my prediction during Divisional week, which was that New Orleans would shake off that rust for one last great performance at home before faltering. It's time to admit that Brett Favre is playing his best football, perhaps of his career. (Sorry, Green Bay fans. It sucks, I know.) Adrian Peterson is just about overdue for a monster game against the questionable New Orleans run defense, and those receivers are going to have a field day against New Orleans' secondary. Then again, so will the Saint pass-catchers against Minnesota's just-ok defensive backs. I think if Reggie Bush plays like the USC Reggie Bush again, like he did last weekend, then the Saints could ride that home-field advantage to a victory. But I'm going to go with Wyatt and his old man. Brenner picks: Vikings 28, Saints 27
4th PICK
Jordan gets: Jets
Well, it worked out last weekend, buddy. Maybe you'll get another big-time miracle.
Brenner's playoff pick 'em record: 3-5
What a great duo of games ... and just two weeks until Super Bowl weekend. Exciting times, indeed.
-AB
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My Picks For The Weekend (Part Belated, Part Not)
.
Honestly, guys? Honestly? I picked the Colts and Saints. I wouldn't lie to you.
Wish I would have put that up yesterday, but I was cautiously optimistic on New Orleans and fiercely optimistic on Indy. I'm not really surprised by yesterday's results, and I won't be surprised when Minnesota and San Diego take care of business today.
That's right: I'm taking all chalk in the Divisional round. Why's that? Well, I'll explain in a different fashion. In our pick 'em league, I recently adopted a new system where the eight remaining players each have to "draft" a playoff team, in order of their seeding based on the regular season standings. The four players whose teams win move on. Here's how the picks shook out:
1) Ben Voelkel ~ San Diego Chargers
2) Wyatt Tyler ~ Minnesota Vikings
3) DJ Jarvis ~ Indianapolis Colts
4) Ben Worgull ~ New Orleans Saints
5) TJ Clayton ~ Dallas Cowboys
6) Jon Cohen ~ Baltimore Ravens
7) Zach Sundelius ~ Arizona Cardinals
8) Jordan Chomko ~ New York Jets
And here's how I would have selected them for the weekend, in order.
1) Indianapolis Colts ~ Did we forget the Colts went 14-0 before quitting on their fans ... er, stepping off the accelerator? Peyton Manning was 14-0 when he finished games this year. He DIDN'T LOSE. But yeah, sure, Joe Flacco is definitely up to the task of going into Manning's comfort zone and destroying everything the NFL's best quarterback built. Sure. Uh huh. Brenner picked: Colts 28, Ravens 10
(Isn't hindsight great? I swear I said all this before last night.)
2) New Orleans Saints ~ Same philosophy, different circumstances in the Big Easy. We didn't just forget how Brees and Co. got here, did we? Arizona has zero defense. Kurt Warner's great, a Hall of Famer, but just not capable of putting back-to-back unbelievable performances together. Brenner picked: Saints 38, Cardinals 24
I guess it's kudos to the Colts and Saints for putting all that rest-isn't-good talk to, well, rest. But then again, ask the Patriots, Bengals and Eagles how they feel on the subject. Instead of over-analyzing how much rest a team needs, I think it's safer to say that Indy and N'awlins aren't playing on Championship Sunday because their players took a pleasure cruise for a month. They're still playing because they're just better. Their quarterbacks are just better. That's all.
3) Minnesota Vikings ~ I know, I know, Dallas is a trendy upset pick. The Cowboys are playing great. But I'm going to employ my "Did we forget?" strategy one more time. Did we forget that the Vikings have Adrian Peterson and an unbelievable defense? Did we forget that the Metrodome is insanely tough to play in when it's rowdy? And despite a fine performance against rival Philly, did we forget that Dallas has still won ONE playoff game since the Reagan administration? Let's use common sense here, people. Brenner picks: Vikings 31, Cowboys 21
4) San Diego Chargers ~ Now, this game stinks a little, tiny bit of upset to me. And I'm not saying that because I hate the Chargers. Really, I know how good Philip Rivers is. But all the stuff the experts are saying about why the Jets can beat the Chargers? Nothing to do with rest or rust, and only a little to do with how well the Jets are playing and feeling ... more of it has to do with because the things the Jets do well are what could beat the Chargers. Well, it's true. If San Diego can't slow down Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, if Mark Sanchez can play marginally well without making one or two monumental screw-ups, and if Philip Rivers is standing on the sideline with that douchebaggery look on his face for 40 minutes of gametime ... well, then, yes, of course New York can pull this off. That being said ... Brenner picks: Chargers 27, Jets 24
5) Dallas Cowboys ~ slight nod over the Jets, since that pick is more a hunch than logic. The Cowboys are the most likeable road pick.
6) New York Jets ~ because they're hot and do things well that could beat the Chargers.
7) Arizona Cardinals ~ let's just hope this wasn't Kurt Warner's final game. He's a pleasure to watch and a gas to own in fantasy football.
8) Baltimore Ravens ~ nice demolition of the Patriots, Baltimore. This is the end of the 2009-10 road for you. Oh, and who can't wait to draft Ray Rice in the top 5 next year? (Ooooooooh, me! me!)
-AJ
Honestly, guys? Honestly? I picked the Colts and Saints. I wouldn't lie to you.
Wish I would have put that up yesterday, but I was cautiously optimistic on New Orleans and fiercely optimistic on Indy. I'm not really surprised by yesterday's results, and I won't be surprised when Minnesota and San Diego take care of business today.
That's right: I'm taking all chalk in the Divisional round. Why's that? Well, I'll explain in a different fashion. In our pick 'em league, I recently adopted a new system where the eight remaining players each have to "draft" a playoff team, in order of their seeding based on the regular season standings. The four players whose teams win move on. Here's how the picks shook out:
1) Ben Voelkel ~ San Diego Chargers
2) Wyatt Tyler ~ Minnesota Vikings
3) DJ Jarvis ~ Indianapolis Colts
4) Ben Worgull ~ New Orleans Saints
5) TJ Clayton ~ Dallas Cowboys
6) Jon Cohen ~ Baltimore Ravens
7) Zach Sundelius ~ Arizona Cardinals
8) Jordan Chomko ~ New York Jets
And here's how I would have selected them for the weekend, in order.
1) Indianapolis Colts ~ Did we forget the Colts went 14-0 before quitting on their fans ... er, stepping off the accelerator? Peyton Manning was 14-0 when he finished games this year. He DIDN'T LOSE. But yeah, sure, Joe Flacco is definitely up to the task of going into Manning's comfort zone and destroying everything the NFL's best quarterback built. Sure. Uh huh. Brenner picked: Colts 28, Ravens 10
(Isn't hindsight great? I swear I said all this before last night.)
2) New Orleans Saints ~ Same philosophy, different circumstances in the Big Easy. We didn't just forget how Brees and Co. got here, did we? Arizona has zero defense. Kurt Warner's great, a Hall of Famer, but just not capable of putting back-to-back unbelievable performances together. Brenner picked: Saints 38, Cardinals 24
I guess it's kudos to the Colts and Saints for putting all that rest-isn't-good talk to, well, rest. But then again, ask the Patriots, Bengals and Eagles how they feel on the subject. Instead of over-analyzing how much rest a team needs, I think it's safer to say that Indy and N'awlins aren't playing on Championship Sunday because their players took a pleasure cruise for a month. They're still playing because they're just better. Their quarterbacks are just better. That's all.
3) Minnesota Vikings ~ I know, I know, Dallas is a trendy upset pick. The Cowboys are playing great. But I'm going to employ my "Did we forget?" strategy one more time. Did we forget that the Vikings have Adrian Peterson and an unbelievable defense? Did we forget that the Metrodome is insanely tough to play in when it's rowdy? And despite a fine performance against rival Philly, did we forget that Dallas has still won ONE playoff game since the Reagan administration? Let's use common sense here, people. Brenner picks: Vikings 31, Cowboys 21
4) San Diego Chargers ~ Now, this game stinks a little, tiny bit of upset to me. And I'm not saying that because I hate the Chargers. Really, I know how good Philip Rivers is. But all the stuff the experts are saying about why the Jets can beat the Chargers? Nothing to do with rest or rust, and only a little to do with how well the Jets are playing and feeling ... more of it has to do with because the things the Jets do well are what could beat the Chargers. Well, it's true. If San Diego can't slow down Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, if Mark Sanchez can play marginally well without making one or two monumental screw-ups, and if Philip Rivers is standing on the sideline with that douchebaggery look on his face for 40 minutes of gametime ... well, then, yes, of course New York can pull this off. That being said ... Brenner picks: Chargers 27, Jets 24
5) Dallas Cowboys ~ slight nod over the Jets, since that pick is more a hunch than logic. The Cowboys are the most likeable road pick.
6) New York Jets ~ because they're hot and do things well that could beat the Chargers.
7) Arizona Cardinals ~ let's just hope this wasn't Kurt Warner's final game. He's a pleasure to watch and a gas to own in fantasy football.
8) Baltimore Ravens ~ nice demolition of the Patriots, Baltimore. This is the end of the 2009-10 road for you. Oh, and who can't wait to draft Ray Rice in the top 5 next year? (Ooooooooh, me! me!)
-AJ
Saturday, January 9, 2010
NFL Wild-Card Round Picks
.
No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals
C'mon, Mark Sanchez is a rookie! Yeah, I know, Joe Flacco did okay as a rookie quarterback since he had a great running game and awesome defense. In fact, the Jets have an awesome running game and a great defense. But still ... the Bengals have got to win one for Chris, right?
The pick: Cincinnati 20, New York Jets 14
No. 6 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 3 Dallas Cowboys
They say you can't beat a team three times in a season. How about beating them three times in a season, AND twice in two weeks when you just tipped your cards to win the division? JerryWorld isn't that frightening, anyway. The December chokers become the January chokers.
The pick: Philadelphia 38, Dallas 31
No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 New England Patriots
Ray Rice is a fricking stud. No doubt about that. I'm super-excited to pick him in the top five in next year's fantasy draft. But Tom Brady hasn't lost a home playoff game in his life. I don't think the 2009 Ravens quite fit the profile of breaking that streak.
The pick: New England 27, Baltimore 17
No. 5 Green Bay Packers at No. 4 Arizona Cardinals
Easiest pick of the weekend. And it's quite a bandwagon pick, too. The Pack are firing on all cylinders, and sometimes, you have to remember that the Cardinals are still the Cardinals ... NFC champs or not.
The pick: Green Bay 41, Arizona 21
-AJ
No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals
C'mon, Mark Sanchez is a rookie! Yeah, I know, Joe Flacco did okay as a rookie quarterback since he had a great running game and awesome defense. In fact, the Jets have an awesome running game and a great defense. But still ... the Bengals have got to win one for Chris, right?
The pick: Cincinnati 20, New York Jets 14
No. 6 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 3 Dallas Cowboys
They say you can't beat a team three times in a season. How about beating them three times in a season, AND twice in two weeks when you just tipped your cards to win the division? JerryWorld isn't that frightening, anyway. The December chokers become the January chokers.
The pick: Philadelphia 38, Dallas 31
No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 New England Patriots
Ray Rice is a fricking stud. No doubt about that. I'm super-excited to pick him in the top five in next year's fantasy draft. But Tom Brady hasn't lost a home playoff game in his life. I don't think the 2009 Ravens quite fit the profile of breaking that streak.
The pick: New England 27, Baltimore 17
No. 5 Green Bay Packers at No. 4 Arizona Cardinals
Easiest pick of the weekend. And it's quite a bandwagon pick, too. The Pack are firing on all cylinders, and sometimes, you have to remember that the Cardinals are still the Cardinals ... NFC champs or not.
The pick: Green Bay 41, Arizona 21
-AJ
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Big Ten Power Poll (Happy New Decade Edition)
.
1) No. 4 Purdue (13-0, 1-0 Big Ten); Last week’s rank, 1
Last week: won at Iowa 67-56, won vs. then-No. 4 West Virginia 77-62
Full steam ahead for the Boilermakers, who made a very big statement on New Year’s Day that any discussion regarding the possible Final Four favorites can and will include a Big Ten team that doesn’t have a single one-and-done product on the roster. Weird as that may sound, in this day and age.
Next up: Tuesday vs. Minnesota
2) No. 17 Wisconsin (12-2, 2-0); LW, 3
Last week: won vs. then-No. 15 Ohio State 65-43, won at Penn State 63-46
Looks like a certain loss in a certain football-happy outpost in Wisconsin lit a fire under the Badgers. They’re on a six-game winning streak, and have won each of those contests by at least nine points. More importantly – and more to Bo Ryan’s liking – four of those losing opponents haven’t reached 50 against the UW defense. No time to pat backs, though. Three of the next four are on the road, and they’re all quality teams.
Next up: Wednesday at No. 10 Michigan State; Saturday vs. No. 4 Purdue
3) Minnesota (11-3, 2-0); LW, 5
Last week: won vs. Penn State 75-70, won at Iowa 86-74
Ah, so the Gophers are finding Big Ten competition to put up a little more of a fight than those stallions at Morgan State and South Dakota State, eh? No matter. Minnesota took Penn State’s best punch and then went to Iowa, ensuring no bitter upset against the conference’s bottom-feeders to start things off. Like Wisconsin, the road ahead is much more treacherous.
Next up: Tuesday at No. 4 Purdue
4) No. 10 Michigan State (11-3, 1-0); LW, 7
Last week: won vs. Texas-Arlington 87-68, won at Northwestern 91-70
Say what you want about the Spartans’ soft schedule and disappointing results against top-tier adversaries. (I believe, ahem, I’ve done more than my fair share of that so far.) But this team is the definition of balance, even with as many stars as Tom Izzo has to choose from; five Spartans are averaging double figures (Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Draymond Green, Raymar Morgan and Chris Allen). Only Villanova can say that among the fraternity of top ten-ranked teams. However, Tom Izzo’s recent benching of Lucas for lack of leadership is something to keep an eye on.
Next up: Wednesday vs. No. 17 Wisconsin
5) Ohio State (10-4, 0-2); LW, 2
Last week: lost at Wisconsin 65-43, lost at Michigan 73-64
I kind of wish I had made the trek to Madison last week for the game. Not because it was another exciting victory for the Kohl Center’s primary inhabitants. No, I wish I could have been there for the postgame press conference, so I could say to Thad Matta, “You know, Evan Turner looks awfully good in street clothes on the bench, doesn’t he?” Here’s guessing Matta would have wrinkled his nose and replied, “I couldn’t disagree more with that statement.” Translation: THE Ohio State University misses Turner, uh, just a tad.
Next up: Wednesday vs. Indiana
6) Illinois (9-5, 1-0); LW, 6
Last week: won vs. Northwestern 89-83 (OT), lost vs. Gonzaga 85-83 (OT)
You Illini players sure aren’t very nice to your coach. Bruce Weber’s voice is strained as it is after regulation games. Now you’ve got to put him through back-to-back overtime affairs? How is Weber’s larynx doing this morning? He probably wasn’t doing too much shouting at the television during the Bears-Lions game Sunday … not that there was much to yell about anyhow.
Next up: Tuesday vs. Iowa
7) Northwestern (10-3, 0-2); LW, 4
Last week: lost at Illinois 89-83 (OT), lost vs. then-No. 11 Michigan State 91-70
The Wildcats were – and still are – a feel-good story by surprising people with their early success. But defensive shortcomings like allowing Mike Tisdale to drop 31 on you are going to make this a long season for depth-challenged NU.
Next up: Thursday vs. Texas-Pan American
8) Indiana (7-6, 1-0); LW, 9
Last week: won vs. Michigan 71-65
Jeremiah Rivers, the Hoosiers’ third scoring option at guard, is the son of Doc Rivers, the Celtics’ championship-winning coach. ESPN made that abundantly clear when young Rivers had to make a couple of critical free throws against Michigan Thursday, and continued to show Doc’s immediate reactions on replay about 18 times. Rivers missed both (although the Hoosiers still won). Way to put a little pressure on the poor kid, ESPN. You big bullies, you.
Next up: Wednesday at Ohio State
9) Michigan (7-6, 1-1); LW, 10
Last week: lost at Indiana 71-65, won vs. then-No. 15 Ohio State 73-64
The Wolverines continue to be “that” team; that head-scratcher of a team you should never, ever, ever bet on or against (not that gambling, you know, is legal or anything.) They’ve now lost five – five! – games that could have and should have been victories with this roster. But then they go out and knock off Ohio State to send the Bucks to official “reeling” status. Ho hum.
Next up: Thursday at Penn State
10) Penn State (8-6, 0-2); LW, 8
Last week: lost at Minnesota 75-70, lost vs. Wisconsin 63-46
If there’s anything we’ll learn this season from Penn State, it’s that Talor Battle is something of a special player. Granted, it’s not a talented group around him. But he’s leading the Nittany Lions in scoring by a giant margin (his 19.1 points are nearly 2.5 times more than No. 2 man Jeff Brooks), while also topping the team in rebounding and assists. How many players can say that? It’s probably not much consolation to Battle, however.
Next up: Thursday vs. Michigan
11) Iowa (5-9, 0-2); LW, 11
Last week: lost vs. No. 4 Purdue 67-56, lost vs. Minnesota 86-74
Ah, if only games lasted 20 minutes. The Hawkeyes have played a pair of top-five teams this year, and stuck with both for a half (tied at 38 against Texas, leading 27-26 against Purdue.) The book on Iowa seems to be that in the early goings; they’ll play hard enough to keep things interesting for a while, but keep plugging for 40 minutes and the better team should eventually prosper.
Next up: Tuesday at Illinois
1) No. 4 Purdue (13-0, 1-0 Big Ten); Last week’s rank, 1
Last week: won at Iowa 67-56, won vs. then-No. 4 West Virginia 77-62
Full steam ahead for the Boilermakers, who made a very big statement on New Year’s Day that any discussion regarding the possible Final Four favorites can and will include a Big Ten team that doesn’t have a single one-and-done product on the roster. Weird as that may sound, in this day and age.
Next up: Tuesday vs. Minnesota
2) No. 17 Wisconsin (12-2, 2-0); LW, 3
Last week: won vs. then-No. 15 Ohio State 65-43, won at Penn State 63-46
Looks like a certain loss in a certain football-happy outpost in Wisconsin lit a fire under the Badgers. They’re on a six-game winning streak, and have won each of those contests by at least nine points. More importantly – and more to Bo Ryan’s liking – four of those losing opponents haven’t reached 50 against the UW defense. No time to pat backs, though. Three of the next four are on the road, and they’re all quality teams.
Next up: Wednesday at No. 10 Michigan State; Saturday vs. No. 4 Purdue
3) Minnesota (11-3, 2-0); LW, 5
Last week: won vs. Penn State 75-70, won at Iowa 86-74
Ah, so the Gophers are finding Big Ten competition to put up a little more of a fight than those stallions at Morgan State and South Dakota State, eh? No matter. Minnesota took Penn State’s best punch and then went to Iowa, ensuring no bitter upset against the conference’s bottom-feeders to start things off. Like Wisconsin, the road ahead is much more treacherous.
Next up: Tuesday at No. 4 Purdue
4) No. 10 Michigan State (11-3, 1-0); LW, 7
Last week: won vs. Texas-Arlington 87-68, won at Northwestern 91-70
Say what you want about the Spartans’ soft schedule and disappointing results against top-tier adversaries. (I believe, ahem, I’ve done more than my fair share of that so far.) But this team is the definition of balance, even with as many stars as Tom Izzo has to choose from; five Spartans are averaging double figures (Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Draymond Green, Raymar Morgan and Chris Allen). Only Villanova can say that among the fraternity of top ten-ranked teams. However, Tom Izzo’s recent benching of Lucas for lack of leadership is something to keep an eye on.
Next up: Wednesday vs. No. 17 Wisconsin
5) Ohio State (10-4, 0-2); LW, 2
Last week: lost at Wisconsin 65-43, lost at Michigan 73-64
I kind of wish I had made the trek to Madison last week for the game. Not because it was another exciting victory for the Kohl Center’s primary inhabitants. No, I wish I could have been there for the postgame press conference, so I could say to Thad Matta, “You know, Evan Turner looks awfully good in street clothes on the bench, doesn’t he?” Here’s guessing Matta would have wrinkled his nose and replied, “I couldn’t disagree more with that statement.” Translation: THE Ohio State University misses Turner, uh, just a tad.
Next up: Wednesday vs. Indiana
6) Illinois (9-5, 1-0); LW, 6
Last week: won vs. Northwestern 89-83 (OT), lost vs. Gonzaga 85-83 (OT)
You Illini players sure aren’t very nice to your coach. Bruce Weber’s voice is strained as it is after regulation games. Now you’ve got to put him through back-to-back overtime affairs? How is Weber’s larynx doing this morning? He probably wasn’t doing too much shouting at the television during the Bears-Lions game Sunday … not that there was much to yell about anyhow.
Next up: Tuesday vs. Iowa
7) Northwestern (10-3, 0-2); LW, 4
Last week: lost at Illinois 89-83 (OT), lost vs. then-No. 11 Michigan State 91-70
The Wildcats were – and still are – a feel-good story by surprising people with their early success. But defensive shortcomings like allowing Mike Tisdale to drop 31 on you are going to make this a long season for depth-challenged NU.
Next up: Thursday vs. Texas-Pan American
8) Indiana (7-6, 1-0); LW, 9
Last week: won vs. Michigan 71-65
Jeremiah Rivers, the Hoosiers’ third scoring option at guard, is the son of Doc Rivers, the Celtics’ championship-winning coach. ESPN made that abundantly clear when young Rivers had to make a couple of critical free throws against Michigan Thursday, and continued to show Doc’s immediate reactions on replay about 18 times. Rivers missed both (although the Hoosiers still won). Way to put a little pressure on the poor kid, ESPN. You big bullies, you.
Next up: Wednesday at Ohio State
9) Michigan (7-6, 1-1); LW, 10
Last week: lost at Indiana 71-65, won vs. then-No. 15 Ohio State 73-64
The Wolverines continue to be “that” team; that head-scratcher of a team you should never, ever, ever bet on or against (not that gambling, you know, is legal or anything.) They’ve now lost five – five! – games that could have and should have been victories with this roster. But then they go out and knock off Ohio State to send the Bucks to official “reeling” status. Ho hum.
Next up: Thursday at Penn State
10) Penn State (8-6, 0-2); LW, 8
Last week: lost at Minnesota 75-70, lost vs. Wisconsin 63-46
If there’s anything we’ll learn this season from Penn State, it’s that Talor Battle is something of a special player. Granted, it’s not a talented group around him. But he’s leading the Nittany Lions in scoring by a giant margin (his 19.1 points are nearly 2.5 times more than No. 2 man Jeff Brooks), while also topping the team in rebounding and assists. How many players can say that? It’s probably not much consolation to Battle, however.
Next up: Thursday vs. Michigan
11) Iowa (5-9, 0-2); LW, 11
Last week: lost vs. No. 4 Purdue 67-56, lost vs. Minnesota 86-74
Ah, if only games lasted 20 minutes. The Hawkeyes have played a pair of top-five teams this year, and stuck with both for a half (tied at 38 against Texas, leading 27-26 against Purdue.) The book on Iowa seems to be that in the early goings; they’ll play hard enough to keep things interesting for a while, but keep plugging for 40 minutes and the better team should eventually prosper.
Next up: Tuesday at Illinois
Friday, January 1, 2010
Colorado Professional Sports All-Decade Teams
.
COLORADO AVALANCHE All-Decade Team
COLORADO AVALANCHE All-Decade Team
G - Patrick Roy Some legal troubles after retirement, but St. Patrick brought pair of cups
D - Adam Foote Such a loyal Av, he couldn't stay away when resigning last year
D - Rob Blake The trade to bring "The Butt" to Denver was the difference in 2001
F - Milan Hejduk Consistent over time; will have scored 20+ goals every season since 1999
F - Alex Tanguay Two stints with the Avalanche; his two goals won Game 7 of Cup Finals
C - Joe Sakic Stats speak for themselves: his hand-the-Cup-to-Ray moment is top-five classiest in sports history
DENVER BRONCOS All-Decade Team
WR - Rod Smith A Bronco through and through, for the ages - and with two rings, too
TE - Shannon Sharpe Believe it or not, Shannon's last two bucket list years (2002-03) were both better than anything Putzier, Carswell or Scheffler put up
OL - Ryan Clady What a find this guy was, when he was a Bronc
o of Boise State
OL - Matt Lepsis Was incredible left tackle even before we got Clady
OL - Tom Nalen An absolute rock and the leader of the NFL's best line for years
OL - Ben Hamilton Great draft pick lasted just about entire decade
OL - Cooper Carlisle Makes the list despite signing with Raiders in 2007
WR - Brandon Marshall For all his crybabyness, he's the most talented player Denver's ever had this side of No. 7
QB - Jake Plummer Similar stats to John Elway's successor, but Brian Griese never made an AFC title game
RB - Clinton Portis Never forget that heavyweight belt he donned against Indianapolis
RB - Mike Anderson You'd be surprised to know Mikey had 700 more yards and 7 more TDs than Portis as a Bronco
K - Jason Elam Still a little bitter we gave him away. Mr. 63-yarder deserved better
DE - Trevor Pryce At least 7.0 sacks in six straight seasons, four in this decade
DT - Ebenezer Ekuban Anchored the middle during 2005 playoff run
DE - Reggie Hayward Was a force opposite Pryce for a couple of years
OLB - Elvis Dumervil "Doom" is main reason for defensive 3-4 turnaround in '09
ILB - Al Wilson Look up "heart of a team" in Broncos encyclopedia, see his face
ILB - D.J. Williams 590 tackles in six years; has handled defensive changes supremely
OLB - Ian Gold Old-time Bronco, like Williams, succeeded inside and out
CB - Champ Bailey What's this Revis Island crap? Ain't no messin' with the CHAMP
SS - John Lynch The NFL should regret fining this guy for just hittin' the hell out of people
FS - Nick Ferguson Excellent complement to Lynch in the secondary
CB - Vacant Champ. Is. THAT. Good. Nobody else is worthy of this spot.
P - Micah Knorr Wouldn't mind giving it to Tom Rouen, even though he too was the 90s
DENVER NUGGETS All-Decade Team
G - Chauncey Billups Instant impact on the community. Finally made 2nd round with him
G - Allen Iverson His stint was short but sweet. SO fun to watch (nod to third guard Andre Miller)
F - Carmelo Anthony LeBron's better, but Melo being drafted had greater impact on team
F - Kenyon Martin Tight edge over Nene; K-Mart's slightly more durable, much better defender
C - Marcus Camby You wonder if Denver could've won 2009 title with Marcus in the middle
COLORADO ROCKIES All-Decade Team
C - Yorvit Torrealba Iannetta's got better stats, but Yorvi's been more clutch in October.
1B - Todd Helton Ummmmm ... duh. This one's not quite as close as Yorvi-Netta.
2B - Kazuo Matsui If you're wondering, "RockTober '07'" brownie points being handed out.
3B - Garrett Atkins Was a terrific hitter for four years, before giving way to Ian Stewart
SS - Troy Tulowitzki Bum bum ... bum bum bum ... bum bum bum bum ... TULO!!!
LF - Matt Holliday "The Slide" will be replayed to my grandkids in 2080
CF - Willy Tavares His two big years were more valuable than Juan Pierre's two big seasons.
RF - Larry Walker Won the 1997 MVP, and then continued to dominate in early part of aughts
Util - Clint Barmes Has never really lived up to potential, but still solid middle infielder
Util - Jamey Carroll Why? Fast-forward to the four-hour, 46-minute segment of this clip
SP - Aaron Cook Franchise's all-time wins leader, and the rock of this staff
SP - Jason Jennings Dominant three-year stretch edges Pedro Astacio's in late 90s
SP - Jeff Francis Hopefully he'll be back in 2010 better than ever after empty 2009
SP - Josh Fogg Astacio? Too 90s. Jamey Wright? Meh. Let's go with The Dragon Slayer.
SP - Ubaldo Jimenez It says something that 4/5ths this rotation were Rockies in 2009
RP - Jose Jimenez Crapped out after fantastic three, four-year period as Rox closer
Closer - Brian Fuentes Menacing look helped him to all-time franchise lead with 115 saves
TOP FIVE ALL-COLORADO PLAYERS OF THE DECADE:
5) Marcus Camby, Nuggets.
4) Joe Sakic, Avalanche.
3) Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets.
2) Todd Helton, Rockies.
ALL-COLORADO PLAYER OF THE DECADE: Champ Bailey, Broncos.
ALL-COLORADO COACH OF THE DECADE: George Karl, Nuggets.
NUMBER THREE COLORADO SPORTS MOMENT OF THE DECADE
June 26, 2003: Carmelo Anthony drafted by Nuggets
NUMBER TWO COLORADO SPORTS MOMENT OF THE DECADE
October 2007: The Month of Rocktober
BEST COLORADO SPORTS MOMENT OF THE DECADE
June 9, 2001: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Ray Bourque wins first, Avalanche win second Stanley Cup
COLORADO SPORTS TEAM OF THE DECADE
COLORADO ROCKIES
2007 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, 2009 WILD CARD CHAMPS
-AJ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
