This week 4-Point Play looks at four teams that are leading their respective conferences and have some hidden talent in their ranks. They are a combined 64-20 (76% winning percentage) this year and can easily win their conferences and join the 68 teams of March Madness.
Georgia State Panthers
The Panthers started their season off very poorly losing six of their first ten including losses to Vanderbilt, Alabama and Southern Miss. However, following the loss to USM, Georgia State has run through their last 11 straight winning by at least two scores in all but one of them. Georgia State is first in a competitive Sun Belt conference and are threatening to run away with the conference. The Panthers also hold a tiebreaker over the second place Western Kentucky Hilltoppers after a 77-54 road victory. That victory was the Panthers best win so far this year when they shut down the Hilltoppers already stingy offense and completely overran WKU's strong defense.
Although they rely on their top performers R.J. Hunter and Kentucky transfer Ryan Harrow to consistently put up points, the Panthers are an extremely well rounded team. Four players average double figures and a steal a game, two average six rebounds, two average four and a half assists and the team shoots 47% from the field. They score almost 80 points per game while grabbing less than 31 rebounds a game. Their pure shooting ability allows the Panthers to run away in games, scoring 75+ in seven of their last 11 and having been held to under 70 just three times this season.
Player Spotlight: Ryan Harrow, a junior transfer from Kentucky, is one of the top performers on this Panthers team. Harrow is second on the team in PPG and APG along with a 44% field goal percentage and an 81% from the line. Harrow only lacks rebounding and outside shooting ability to be a full five-tool player for the Panthers.
Toughest Game Left: versus Western Kentucky on March 8
Predicted Finish: 25-6 and first place in the Sun Belt
Green Bay Phoenix
In the middle of a 12 game winning streak, Green Bay is unquestionably one of the most impressive teams in the nation. They rank in the top 70 in the country in points, rebounds and assists per game, and top 35 in field goal percentage. Although the Phoenix haven't played the toughest schedule in their conference, they have won all but three of the games on that schedule, and as the saying goes, you can only play the teams on the schedule. The three they lost? A three point loss to then #20 Wisconsin, a 12 point loss in the Great Alaska Shootout to Harvard, and a nine point loss at Eastern Michigan. Their best game was a 66-55 win over Cleveland State in their conference opener.
As I said, Green Bay is some of the cream of the crop across the board. They average 78 points a game along with 38 rebounds and 16 assists. Oh and they shoot close to 48% from the floor. They also have a damn good defense allowing just under 65 points and 26 rebounds a game. They also block like crazy averaging almost seven and a half blocks (second in the nation) and then their quick hands let them steal the ball at least seven times a game. The Phoenix have put up 90+ on five occasions this season while being held under 70 only seven times.
Update: The Phoenix 12 game winning streak was snapped last night in a 75-60 road loss to Valparaiso
Player Spotlight: Alec Brown, a senior forward/ center, is second on the team in points and rebounds. He leads the team with over three blocks a game and shoots 50% from the field. Brown is also a solid outside threat with a 42.6% outside shot average. He nearly doubles the second best blocker on the team with 66 blocks so far this season.
Toughest Game Left: at Cleveland State on February 15
Predicted Finish: 25-4 and first in the Horizon League
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Conference USA leader Southern Miss is an extremely consistent team winning nine of their last 10 and 18 of 21 overall. In the conference, five teams are within one game of first place adding to the pressure on these Golden Eagles to perform consistently in a talented conference. A 69-38 loss at then #6 Louisville is the biggest blemish on their record and is the only game they scored less than 60. Their other losses include a three point heartbreak at Western Kentucky and a four point loss at C-USA foe Tulsa. Their best win was a nine point win over second place Louisiana Tech on January 19. That win followed a 22 point knockout of Rice.
While the Golden Eagles don't put up many points every week, averaging only 72 points a game, their defense stifles other teams allowing less than 63 points a game. This mainly comes from the transition offense they get from their average 8.2 steals a game. The team lacks any consistent threat outside with only one player hitting over 40% from beyond the arc. However, two of their top three scorers average an overall 55% or better field goal percentage.
Player Spotlight: Neil Watson, a senior guard for Southern Miss, is one of only three Golden Eagles averaging double figures. Watson also leads the team in assists (77), APG (3.9), steals (32), and SPG (1.6). He's also only missed five FTs this year and owns a deadly 94% free throw percentage.
Toughest Game Left: at Middle Tennessee on February 15
Predicted Finish: 29-4 and first place in C-USA
Stony Brook Seawolves
The Seawolves lead the America East Conference with co-leader Vermont. The Seawolves handed Vermont their first loss in conference play with a three point victory at home last week, however Stony Brook lost at second place Albany last night in a surprising 77-67 game. Stony Brook has also lost to Indiana, Toledo, St. Francis (NY), LaSalle, VCU and Columbia. Aside from that three point victory over Vermont, the best win for the Seawolves came in their conference opener at Hartford where they dismantled the Hawks in a 23 point rout.
Don't let anyone tell you the Seawolves don't play with heart and guts. They average over 37 rebounds a game, 26 of them off the defensive glass. However, their kryptonite seems to be allowing a team to reach 70 points. Stony Brook is 5-1 when they allow 70+ and that lone win came in a three-overtime 104-102 victory against Detroit. The Seawolves have four players averaging double figures, four averaging at least 4.5 rebounds and five players with at least two assists per game. Their top six players (each averaging over 24 minutes a game) shoot almost 48% from the field and 75% from the stripe.
Player Spotlight: Jameel Warney, a sophomore forward, is the young leader of this Stony Brook team. He averages over 15, 8 rebounds, two assists and a block per game. Warney is deadly accurate owning a 66% shooting percentage from the field. He's also scored 80 more points than the Seawolves second leading scorer. With 26 blocks and 17 steals on the year, Warney is a consistent threat to put on a defensive showcase but is almost always the star offensive power for first place Stony Brook.
Toughest Game Left: at Vermont on February 27
Predicted Finish: 23-7 and first place in the America East
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Top Ten Rivalries of Cincinnati
I was recently perusing Facebook and saw an article about Cincinnati and 17 fights that occur regularly between friends and even families. In fact the article was called "High school bragging rights, ice cream, chili and goetta: 17 fights you won't win in Cincinnati." As a former (and at heart) Cincinnatian each of these fights bring up many fond memories of the Queen City from my 18 years growing up there. And because I know I have many readers from the Cincinnati area I figured the city could use another opinion on the big ones, so here's my take on 10 of the 17 fights that rage in Cincinnati every day.
1. Skyline v Gold Star
If you want a really easy answer for this one just check my pantry here at school. You'll see at least one can of Skyline (I'm running low...) and absolutely no Goldstar. When I lived in Cincy the tradition was to go with my dad to Skyline pretty much anytime we went to a Reds game. Or any day I was off school. Or pretty much whenever we could. A 3-way and cheese coneys with either a Coke or Root Beer and a mint on the way out. Many fond memories of the Skylines around the city. To this day I know of one Gold Star... I can think of four Skylines off the top of my head (Loveland, Route 28, Downtown, Blue Ash)
2. Graeter's v Aglamesis Bros.
If you check my freezer I have a pint of Graeter's ice cream whereas I don't recall ever buying more than a scoop from Aglamesis. The chips are bigger, the ice cream sweeter and cooler and the locations much more convenient. Hyde Park Graeter's was a regular stop for the family, especially after Mass at Bellarmine.
3. Ohio v Kentucky
Can I cast a "neither" vote? Or how about a "both"? I really can't decide. With my dad being from Kentucky and my mom being from Ohio I have a nice even split. Of course the edge would probably go to Ohio considering Cincinnati is in Ohio and well... I love Cincinnati more than I love any other city on this great green earth. I also know for a fact that the Cincinnati skyline looks amazing from the Ohio hills.
4. High School v High School
So we want to compare high schools? The oldest debate of them all. (Okay, maybe not the oldest but the most important at least) I think I'll stick to the guys schools mostly since that's what I grew to know extremely well. The GCL schools vs the GMC schools. Moeller v Elder v St. X v LaSalle. Moeller is just a bunch of jocks and St. X is just a bunch of preppy kids and Elder is full of west siders and LaSalle is the redheaded stepchild (except that might be offensive to the redheaded stepchild...). The rivalries go deep and can get extremely personal, but at the same time it pushes each school to do better athletically, academically, financially and in the arts. But Crusader pride runs through these veins for the rest of my life, no questions asked.
5. LaRosa's v any other pizza
I don't even know of any other Cincinnati pizza and other than the sandwich place right across the street from my house on campus I doubt any other pizza would stack up to the better-ness that is LaRosa's pizza and hoagies and sandwiches and chips. Granted UNO's pizza is some damn good deep dish pizza, but that's from Chicago so it really doesn't count.
6. Opening Day v any other day (including Christmas and birthdays)
17 years straight my dad and I attended Reds Opening Day. The only one we missed? Last year, the first year we had moved to Memphis and I was in college as a freshman. We went in ice, rain, sun, clouds, wind, heartbreak and called walk-offs (the only one I have successfully called occurred on March 31, 2011 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth). One year I was caught on the televised broadcast by my 7th grade English teacher (I was sick with Red fever that day). I've spent birthdays at the ballpark and at the preceding Opening Day Farmer's Market Parade. So, without question, Opening Day is not only the best day of the year, it should easily be a city/ national holiday.
7. Good Pete v Evil Pete
Yes Pete Rose bet on baseball. Yes he violated rules. Yes he lied about it. However, he also only ever bet on his team. Which would actually be pretty much doing the exact opposite of what the rule was implemented to stop. Then we have Rose the ball player. The best pure hitter of the game. The guy with that unbreakable record. The guy with some of the biggest heart, most guts and purest desire to win. If he doesn't enter the HOF it will not only be a travesty to him but it will be a huge black spot on the sport of baseball.
8. Love the Bengals v Love the Bengals enough to give Mike Brown money
I'm no diehard Bengals fan. I've gone to one (maybe two) games my entire life for two reasons. First, the weather is almost never worth it to get beer spilled on you and a bunch of rowdy fans pushing you around. Second, who the hell decided on the prices? Even if I wanted to go, which I don't, there's no way you could get me to pay that much just to line Mike Brown's pockets and see about half of what I'd be able to see at home on my couch.
9. UC v Xavier (It'll always be known as the Crosstown Shootout no matter what people say)
Xavier answered this one this year. In quite stunning fashion too. 17 points? At a neutral court? Either the Bearcats are horrible and the AAC is really actually just a low quality conference or the Muskies are the good and the Big East is a high-intensity conference. Or, why not both? Xavier was rarely the popular choice in high school "bets" but they are truly making their voice heard over the past 10 seasons.
10. Bogart's v Riverbend
I can't even find Bogart's on a map. Riverbend? Pinpointed in less than 20 seconds. It's pretty easy to find. I've seen some quality performances there including Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Chris Young and Miranda Lambert. The pavilion is a great place to be to enjoy a good concert but, as most Cincinnatians know, the lawn is where the high school and college kids typically spend their nights on blankets with huge groups of friends.
1. Skyline v Gold Star
If you want a really easy answer for this one just check my pantry here at school. You'll see at least one can of Skyline (I'm running low...) and absolutely no Goldstar. When I lived in Cincy the tradition was to go with my dad to Skyline pretty much anytime we went to a Reds game. Or any day I was off school. Or pretty much whenever we could. A 3-way and cheese coneys with either a Coke or Root Beer and a mint on the way out. Many fond memories of the Skylines around the city. To this day I know of one Gold Star... I can think of four Skylines off the top of my head (Loveland, Route 28, Downtown, Blue Ash)
2. Graeter's v Aglamesis Bros.
If you check my freezer I have a pint of Graeter's ice cream whereas I don't recall ever buying more than a scoop from Aglamesis. The chips are bigger, the ice cream sweeter and cooler and the locations much more convenient. Hyde Park Graeter's was a regular stop for the family, especially after Mass at Bellarmine.
3. Ohio v Kentucky
Can I cast a "neither" vote? Or how about a "both"? I really can't decide. With my dad being from Kentucky and my mom being from Ohio I have a nice even split. Of course the edge would probably go to Ohio considering Cincinnati is in Ohio and well... I love Cincinnati more than I love any other city on this great green earth. I also know for a fact that the Cincinnati skyline looks amazing from the Ohio hills.
4. High School v High School
So we want to compare high schools? The oldest debate of them all. (Okay, maybe not the oldest but the most important at least) I think I'll stick to the guys schools mostly since that's what I grew to know extremely well. The GCL schools vs the GMC schools. Moeller v Elder v St. X v LaSalle. Moeller is just a bunch of jocks and St. X is just a bunch of preppy kids and Elder is full of west siders and LaSalle is the redheaded stepchild (except that might be offensive to the redheaded stepchild...). The rivalries go deep and can get extremely personal, but at the same time it pushes each school to do better athletically, academically, financially and in the arts. But Crusader pride runs through these veins for the rest of my life, no questions asked.
5. LaRosa's v any other pizza
I don't even know of any other Cincinnati pizza and other than the sandwich place right across the street from my house on campus I doubt any other pizza would stack up to the better-ness that is LaRosa's pizza and hoagies and sandwiches and chips. Granted UNO's pizza is some damn good deep dish pizza, but that's from Chicago so it really doesn't count.
6. Opening Day v any other day (including Christmas and birthdays)
17 years straight my dad and I attended Reds Opening Day. The only one we missed? Last year, the first year we had moved to Memphis and I was in college as a freshman. We went in ice, rain, sun, clouds, wind, heartbreak and called walk-offs (the only one I have successfully called occurred on March 31, 2011 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth). One year I was caught on the televised broadcast by my 7th grade English teacher (I was sick with Red fever that day). I've spent birthdays at the ballpark and at the preceding Opening Day Farmer's Market Parade. So, without question, Opening Day is not only the best day of the year, it should easily be a city/ national holiday.
7. Good Pete v Evil Pete
Yes Pete Rose bet on baseball. Yes he violated rules. Yes he lied about it. However, he also only ever bet on his team. Which would actually be pretty much doing the exact opposite of what the rule was implemented to stop. Then we have Rose the ball player. The best pure hitter of the game. The guy with that unbreakable record. The guy with some of the biggest heart, most guts and purest desire to win. If he doesn't enter the HOF it will not only be a travesty to him but it will be a huge black spot on the sport of baseball.
8. Love the Bengals v Love the Bengals enough to give Mike Brown money
I'm no diehard Bengals fan. I've gone to one (maybe two) games my entire life for two reasons. First, the weather is almost never worth it to get beer spilled on you and a bunch of rowdy fans pushing you around. Second, who the hell decided on the prices? Even if I wanted to go, which I don't, there's no way you could get me to pay that much just to line Mike Brown's pockets and see about half of what I'd be able to see at home on my couch.
9. UC v Xavier (It'll always be known as the Crosstown Shootout no matter what people say)
Xavier answered this one this year. In quite stunning fashion too. 17 points? At a neutral court? Either the Bearcats are horrible and the AAC is really actually just a low quality conference or the Muskies are the good and the Big East is a high-intensity conference. Or, why not both? Xavier was rarely the popular choice in high school "bets" but they are truly making their voice heard over the past 10 seasons.
10. Bogart's v Riverbend
I can't even find Bogart's on a map. Riverbend? Pinpointed in less than 20 seconds. It's pretty easy to find. I've seen some quality performances there including Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Chris Young and Miranda Lambert. The pavilion is a great place to be to enjoy a good concert but, as most Cincinnatians know, the lawn is where the high school and college kids typically spend their nights on blankets with huge groups of friends.
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Saturday, January 25, 2014
America Goes Pro-Choice
I think almost everyone has heard or made some form of the following argument: "I would never personally get an abortion, but that doesn't mean that we should stop women who want to get an abortion from being allowed to get one." It's a staple for so many Americans today to cheat their way out of any abortion argument. (It's second only to "no/ my uterus, no/my opinion") So, in an effort to show both the hypocrisy and the levity that is possible in politics I present to you the top 20 arguments of Pro-Choice America!
"I would never personally own a firearm, but that doesn't mean that we should stop other people who want to own a firearm from owning one."
"I would never personally be for the death penalty, but that doesn't mean we should stop lethal injection or firing squads if other people want it."
"I would never personally want to be without government control on Wall Street, but that doesn't mean we should stop the free market and capitalism from having its place too."
"I would never personally want my child to go to a private school or be enrolled in a voucher system, but that doesn't mean we should stop other parents from having that option."
"I would never personally want to use a non-green energy car, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from being allowed to own gas powered automobiles."
"I would never personally take down my windmill that powers my house one day every two weeks, but that doesn't mean that we should force everyone to have a windmill in their front lawn."
"I would never personally eat meat or any other animal product, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from having chili and hamburgers at their cookouts."
"I would never personally administer euthanasia drugs to my grandma, but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't have the option to do just that."
"I would never personally stop my crusade to stop global warming, but that doesn't mean other people should have to listen to my ravings aboutglobal warming 'climate change'."
"I would never personally want the government to stop covering my healthcare, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from getting insurance from any company they want or none at all."
"I would never personally deport or report an illegal immigrant, but that doesn't mean that we should stop other people from reporting/ deporting them."
"I would never personally use an incandescent lightbulb, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from buying and using those."
"I would never personally stop the government from taking my land for the public good, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from fighting for their private property."
"I would never personally pray to God in a courthouse, school or post office, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from doing so."
"I would never personally want to keep my money that goes to Social Security, but that doesn't mean other people should have to lose that money."
"I would never personally want my tax dollars going back into my pocket so I can spend my money, but that doesn't mean we should stop my co-workers from having control of where their money goes."
"I would never personally send any tax dollars to fund a war, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people's tax dollars from going to support the military."
"I would never personally want to be cut off from the government's teat, but that doesn't mean everyone should have to live on the government safety net."
"I would never personally be against two men getting married, but that doesn't mean we should force churches to perform that ceremony."
"I would never personally leave my union, but that doesn't mean we should force everyone to join unions and pay the dues if they don't want to be in the union."
Note: This is a work of satire and does not reflect personal views held by any specific individuals
"I would never personally own a firearm, but that doesn't mean that we should stop other people who want to own a firearm from owning one."
"I would never personally be for the death penalty, but that doesn't mean we should stop lethal injection or firing squads if other people want it."
"I would never personally want to be without government control on Wall Street, but that doesn't mean we should stop the free market and capitalism from having its place too."
"I would never personally want my child to go to a private school or be enrolled in a voucher system, but that doesn't mean we should stop other parents from having that option."
"I would never personally want to use a non-green energy car, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from being allowed to own gas powered automobiles."
"I would never personally take down my windmill that powers my house one day every two weeks, but that doesn't mean that we should force everyone to have a windmill in their front lawn."
"I would never personally eat meat or any other animal product, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from having chili and hamburgers at their cookouts."
"I would never personally administer euthanasia drugs to my grandma, but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't have the option to do just that."
"I would never personally stop my crusade to stop global warming, but that doesn't mean other people should have to listen to my ravings about
"I would never personally want the government to stop covering my healthcare, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from getting insurance from any company they want or none at all."
"I would never personally deport or report an illegal immigrant, but that doesn't mean that we should stop other people from reporting/ deporting them."
"I would never personally use an incandescent lightbulb, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from buying and using those."
"I would never personally stop the government from taking my land for the public good, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from fighting for their private property."
"I would never personally pray to God in a courthouse, school or post office, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people from doing so."
"I would never personally want to keep my money that goes to Social Security, but that doesn't mean other people should have to lose that money."
"I would never personally want my tax dollars going back into my pocket so I can spend my money, but that doesn't mean we should stop my co-workers from having control of where their money goes."
"I would never personally send any tax dollars to fund a war, but that doesn't mean we should stop other people's tax dollars from going to support the military."
"I would never personally want to be cut off from the government's teat, but that doesn't mean everyone should have to live on the government safety net."
"I would never personally be against two men getting married, but that doesn't mean we should force churches to perform that ceremony."
"I would never personally leave my union, but that doesn't mean we should force everyone to join unions and pay the dues if they don't want to be in the union."
Note: This is a work of satire and does not reflect personal views held by any specific individuals
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Week 2's 4-Point Play
This week, the 4-Point Play will look at several teams that aren't even close to winning their conference due to the domination of other conference foes. Key games ahead will decide the fate of these programs with each having amazing potential to be a dark horse in their respective conferences and give us multiple wins in conference championships and March Madness.
Connecticut Huskies
The Huskies have been an on the bubble team all year when it comes to the AP Top 25. They've had huge success against the likes of Maryland, Indiana, and Florida but then they've also had some really tough losses to Stanford, Houston, and Southern Methodist. UConn showed their real ability when they went into Memphis last week and drummed then #17 Memphis in an 83-73 victory. However, just two days later, they were on the losing end of a 76-64 game against Louisville. However, that loss doesn't shine down as a bad loss for the Huskies and is more of a statement to how good the Cardinals are this year.
There's no doubt this team is going to consistently perform at a high level, it's what we have become accustomed to out of Connecticut teams. However, they will need to get more shots to fall on their first attempt or do a much better job rebounding if they want to stay in big games against Louisville and Cincinnati in the AAC. The Huskies average over 30 rebounds a game but are not even in the top 100 in the country with defensive rebounds per game (23.0) and fall out of the top 230 teams when it comes to offensive rebounds per game (8.7) and grab just over half of the available rebounds. UConn does have one of the most effective teams in the country when it comes to field goal percentage, draining over 46% of their shots which allows them to get away with not crashing the offensive boards nearly as often as other teams.
Player Spotlight: Shabazz Napier, senior guard, is, without a doubt, the leader of this Huskies team. Napier averaging over 17 points a game, six rebounds a game and six assists per game. He's the team leader from the stripe, connecting on 87% of his free throws, and takes the crown for points with 330 points so far this year. He also leads the Huskies' defense with two steals a game.
Toughest Game Left: at Cincinnati on February 6 and at Louisville on March 8
Predicted Finish: 25-6 and third in the AAC
Indiana State Sycamores
Indiana State is a team that is really getting sidelined due to the unnatural but extraordinary success of Wichita State. The Sycamores play in an extremely top heavy Missouri Valley Conference that has started to garner respect from outsiders because of the Shockers' success over the past few years. However the Sycamores deserve respect in their own right. Indiana State had a very big statement win early on when they beat then #23 Notre Dame 83-70 in their third game of the year. The only bad loss came ten days later when they lost to Tulsa in the Great Alaska Shootout in a 63-62 battle. They've also suffered losses against Belmont, who they later beat by 12, Saint Louis, a now top 25 team, and the undefeated #5 Shockers.
With five players averaging double figures, it's no surprise that the Sycamores are one of the top teams in the country in shooting efficiency posting a 47.8 FG% and a 72.6% efficiency from the stripe. The one area that is really hindering the Sycamores is their outside shot with a team average of 39% from beyond the arc. However, they do have effective deep threats in Demetrius Moore and Jake Kitchell who are both shooting at least 50% from downtown. On the defensive side of the ball, Indiana State lacks anyone who can block shots with no players averaging even one block per game.
Player Spotlight: Dawon Cummings, a senior guard for the Sycamores, is an extremely efficient player. He averages just over 11 points per game with two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Cummings averages a 46.3 FG% and is third on the team in overall points with 211. The only thing Cummings doesn't do is crash the boards, with only 46 rebounds on the year.
Toughest Game Left: home against Wichita State on February 5
Predicted Finish: 26-5 and second in the Missouri Valley Conference
Harvard Crimson
Although the Crimson lack any real signature win which would boost their tournament stock, Harvard also lacks any home, neutral or double-digit loss that would hinder their rise in March. Harvard has only lost three times: at Colorado, at Connecticut and at Florida Atlantic, and 10 of their 14 wins have come by double digits. With only eight teams in the Ivy League, only half of the conference has a winning record right now which severely impacts the weight of any win the Crimson get in conference play, but winning the league would certainly help their case in March (along with assure them some spot in the 68 teams).
The Crimson only have eight players that play consistent minutes (over ten minutes a game). Of those eight, not one of them is averaging 40% from beyond the arc and only three average better than 35% from long range. However, the overall field goal average for these eight players is well over 47%. Only one of them shoots below 70% while two shoot above 80% from the line.
Player Spotlight: Wesley Saunders, a junior Crimson guard/ forward, easily takes the team lead in points, scoring over 15 per game and his defensive quickness shines through his team lead in steals with 35 on the year. Saunders is also in the top three of the Crimson in rebounds (76), assists (53), blocks (14) and FG% (48.2%).
Toughest Game Left: at Columbia on February 14
Predicted Finish: 27-3 and first in the Ivy League
Dayton Flyers
Dayton is the most mixed bag of the week. The Flyers have several quality wins (Gonzaga, California, Murray State, and Ole Miss) thrown into a bag with several weird losses to Illinois State and USC, a quality loss to Baylor and A-10 losses to Richmond, SLU, and VCU. Dayton dropped to 1-3 in conference play last night when they got drubbed by VCU 80-66 at home. The Flyers are seemingly in freefall right now with only one win over their last four games. They do, however, have the potential to be a great team in the A-10 if they can get back on track to the first 15 games of the season. Their schedule doesn't get much easier though, with absolutely no long home stretch the rest of the way. Head coach Archie Miller will need to get his team to perform on the road if they want to make headway in the packed A-10.
The Flyers are one of the most consistent teams out there. However, that consistency isn't always good as the Flyers average just three blocks and six steals per game as opposed to turning the ball over 13 times per game. Although their defense needs work, the Flyers are extremely consistent shooters which allows them to score 80+ when need be. Jordan Sibert provides a much needed outside shot and forwards Devin Oliver and Dyshawn Pierre crash the boards and make half of their combined shots. However, aside from those three starters, only one other player averages even nine points.
Player Spotlight: Devin Oliver, a senior forward for the Flyers, is the team leader in rebounds (133 on the year) and assists (47) and is also in the top three on the team in steals (16), points (224) and FG% (49.7%). Oliver also averages the most minutes per game and is rock solid from the stripe.
Toughest Game Left: at Saint Louis on March 5
Predicted Finish: 21-10 and fifth in the A-10
Connecticut Huskies
The Huskies have been an on the bubble team all year when it comes to the AP Top 25. They've had huge success against the likes of Maryland, Indiana, and Florida but then they've also had some really tough losses to Stanford, Houston, and Southern Methodist. UConn showed their real ability when they went into Memphis last week and drummed then #17 Memphis in an 83-73 victory. However, just two days later, they were on the losing end of a 76-64 game against Louisville. However, that loss doesn't shine down as a bad loss for the Huskies and is more of a statement to how good the Cardinals are this year.
There's no doubt this team is going to consistently perform at a high level, it's what we have become accustomed to out of Connecticut teams. However, they will need to get more shots to fall on their first attempt or do a much better job rebounding if they want to stay in big games against Louisville and Cincinnati in the AAC. The Huskies average over 30 rebounds a game but are not even in the top 100 in the country with defensive rebounds per game (23.0) and fall out of the top 230 teams when it comes to offensive rebounds per game (8.7) and grab just over half of the available rebounds. UConn does have one of the most effective teams in the country when it comes to field goal percentage, draining over 46% of their shots which allows them to get away with not crashing the offensive boards nearly as often as other teams.
Player Spotlight: Shabazz Napier, senior guard, is, without a doubt, the leader of this Huskies team. Napier averaging over 17 points a game, six rebounds a game and six assists per game. He's the team leader from the stripe, connecting on 87% of his free throws, and takes the crown for points with 330 points so far this year. He also leads the Huskies' defense with two steals a game.
Toughest Game Left: at Cincinnati on February 6 and at Louisville on March 8
Predicted Finish: 25-6 and third in the AAC
Indiana State Sycamores
Indiana State is a team that is really getting sidelined due to the unnatural but extraordinary success of Wichita State. The Sycamores play in an extremely top heavy Missouri Valley Conference that has started to garner respect from outsiders because of the Shockers' success over the past few years. However the Sycamores deserve respect in their own right. Indiana State had a very big statement win early on when they beat then #23 Notre Dame 83-70 in their third game of the year. The only bad loss came ten days later when they lost to Tulsa in the Great Alaska Shootout in a 63-62 battle. They've also suffered losses against Belmont, who they later beat by 12, Saint Louis, a now top 25 team, and the undefeated #5 Shockers.
With five players averaging double figures, it's no surprise that the Sycamores are one of the top teams in the country in shooting efficiency posting a 47.8 FG% and a 72.6% efficiency from the stripe. The one area that is really hindering the Sycamores is their outside shot with a team average of 39% from beyond the arc. However, they do have effective deep threats in Demetrius Moore and Jake Kitchell who are both shooting at least 50% from downtown. On the defensive side of the ball, Indiana State lacks anyone who can block shots with no players averaging even one block per game.
Player Spotlight: Dawon Cummings, a senior guard for the Sycamores, is an extremely efficient player. He averages just over 11 points per game with two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Cummings averages a 46.3 FG% and is third on the team in overall points with 211. The only thing Cummings doesn't do is crash the boards, with only 46 rebounds on the year.
Toughest Game Left: home against Wichita State on February 5
Predicted Finish: 26-5 and second in the Missouri Valley Conference
Harvard Crimson
Although the Crimson lack any real signature win which would boost their tournament stock, Harvard also lacks any home, neutral or double-digit loss that would hinder their rise in March. Harvard has only lost three times: at Colorado, at Connecticut and at Florida Atlantic, and 10 of their 14 wins have come by double digits. With only eight teams in the Ivy League, only half of the conference has a winning record right now which severely impacts the weight of any win the Crimson get in conference play, but winning the league would certainly help their case in March (along with assure them some spot in the 68 teams).
The Crimson only have eight players that play consistent minutes (over ten minutes a game). Of those eight, not one of them is averaging 40% from beyond the arc and only three average better than 35% from long range. However, the overall field goal average for these eight players is well over 47%. Only one of them shoots below 70% while two shoot above 80% from the line.
Player Spotlight: Wesley Saunders, a junior Crimson guard/ forward, easily takes the team lead in points, scoring over 15 per game and his defensive quickness shines through his team lead in steals with 35 on the year. Saunders is also in the top three of the Crimson in rebounds (76), assists (53), blocks (14) and FG% (48.2%).
Toughest Game Left: at Columbia on February 14
Predicted Finish: 27-3 and first in the Ivy League
Dayton Flyers
Dayton is the most mixed bag of the week. The Flyers have several quality wins (Gonzaga, California, Murray State, and Ole Miss) thrown into a bag with several weird losses to Illinois State and USC, a quality loss to Baylor and A-10 losses to Richmond, SLU, and VCU. Dayton dropped to 1-3 in conference play last night when they got drubbed by VCU 80-66 at home. The Flyers are seemingly in freefall right now with only one win over their last four games. They do, however, have the potential to be a great team in the A-10 if they can get back on track to the first 15 games of the season. Their schedule doesn't get much easier though, with absolutely no long home stretch the rest of the way. Head coach Archie Miller will need to get his team to perform on the road if they want to make headway in the packed A-10.
The Flyers are one of the most consistent teams out there. However, that consistency isn't always good as the Flyers average just three blocks and six steals per game as opposed to turning the ball over 13 times per game. Although their defense needs work, the Flyers are extremely consistent shooters which allows them to score 80+ when need be. Jordan Sibert provides a much needed outside shot and forwards Devin Oliver and Dyshawn Pierre crash the boards and make half of their combined shots. However, aside from those three starters, only one other player averages even nine points.
Player Spotlight: Devin Oliver, a senior forward for the Flyers, is the team leader in rebounds (133 on the year) and assists (47) and is also in the top three on the team in steals (16), points (224) and FG% (49.7%). Oliver also averages the most minutes per game and is rock solid from the stripe.
Toughest Game Left: at Saint Louis on March 5
Predicted Finish: 21-10 and fifth in the A-10
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
4-Point Play
Throughout the season many teams have proved they have what it takes to compete in non-conference play and have the ability to play for March no matter the outcome in their conference. Everyone knows what is going on with the top two teams in the major conferences but what do the teams just below them and mid-majors have to offer that could shake up even Joe Lunardi's bracketology? Following will be the first of a weekly series of inside looks, the 4-Point Play, at some of the under the radar March Madness contenders.
George Washington Colonials
An almost afterthought coming into the year, GW has made plenty of noise already with wins over Creighton, Maryland, Georgia and VCU. The A-10 is packed this year with talent and the Colonials are primed to make a big run after an impressive start to the year going 12-2 in non-conference play. The front runners in conference play are starting to emerge with GW among the top three to take the title and the Colonials might just have the easiest road to get there. George Washington's top performance came in a statement win over then #20 Creighton in the Wooden Legacy consolation game when they held the prolific Bluejays to 53 points. Their worst loss came when the Colonials visited Kansas State and got thrashed by the Wildcats in a 17 point loss. However, another marquee game against preseason favorite VCU on Tuesday gave GW the win they needed to push them forward through the remaining 13 games.
With a balanced attack that can put up 80+ when necessary and a devastating defense that has let up 70 points only seven times, the Colonials are poised to be a dark horse come March. The one problem that will really test GW is the Colonials' lack of a true three point threat with only three significant time players averaging over a .350% from beyond the arc.
Player Spotlight: Kethan Savage, 6'-3" 200 lb guard, is a sophomore who plays like an upperclassman. He is a smart and efficient shooter with a .516 FG% on the year. Savage is tied for the lead in steals per game (1.9) and steals overall (32) for the Colonials. He's also second in points (13.2) and assists (2.6) per game.
Toughest game left: a home visit from #16 UMass on February 15 and a visit to #24 SLU on February 22
Predicted finish: 25-5 and third in the A-10
Xavier Musketeers
The Musketeers are new to the Big East but haven't lost much of a step from their A-10 play. With wins against St. Johns, Butler, Marquette, and Georgetown the Muskies showed they can play in a big-time conference after coming over from the mid-major Atlantic 10. However their biggest win came out of conference when they played the annual Crosstown Classic (Shootout) against rival Cincinnati when they thrashed the Bearcats in a 17 point win. Their four losses have occurred away from home at Cintas but if they want to be able to compete as a March Madness team they need to get used to playing away from the home floor. Of note, the Muskies have only played two away games compared to four neutral sites and 12 home games. Xavier will finish the season with eight road games and five home games.
Xavier has been held under 70 points only five times this year but have scored at least 80 in six games. Although the team doesn't average many points, mainly due to a horrid performance against Tennessee, they were held to 49 points, the fire is there to score upwards of 80 points per game. The defense is where the Musketeers will be able to match up in March where they only let up an average of 66 points per game. Only Creighton and USC have put up over 80 points on Xavier.
Player Spotlight: Matt Stainbrook, the Muskies' 6'-10" center, is the team leader in blocks (1.5) and rebounds (8.6) per game. He's also in the team's top three for points (11.3), steals (0.9) and FG% (.555%) per game.
Toughest game left: at #6 Villanova on February 3
Projected finish: 25-6 and third in the Big East
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
The Southland Conference leaders are doing what they can to make it to March in a competitive, albeit top-heavy, conference. The Lumberjacks finished second behind Northwestern State last year but with the demons having a down year right now, they are 5-10, the Lumberjacks real competition will come from the likes of old conference foe Sam Houston State, Summit League transfer Oral Roberts, and the new D-1 addition of Incarnate Word. Stephen Austin has pushed through their non-conference openers with just two losses to Texas and East Tennessee State to lead themselves to a 15-2 start to their season.
The Lumberjacks average 75 ppg but have an offense that has potential to put up 85-90 on a consistent basis. To help boost that average SFA has one of the most prolific assisting crews in the country with five players averaging at least 1.8 assists per game and a team average of 15.4 apg.
Player Spotlight: Jacob Parker is the team's leader in points (15.2), rebounds (6.9) and steals (1.4) per game. He is their go-to 3-point shooter coming in with an almost .500 average outside the arc and a .542 average overall.
Toughest game left: at Sam Houston State on February 15
Projected finish: 28-3 and first place in the Southland
Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes are quietly making their way in the PAC 12. With the PAC 12's toughest schedule thus far, it's quite surprising what Colorado has been able to do over the course of the season. The December 7 meeting against then #6 Kansas was their biggest win as of yet when Askia Booker sunk a buzzer beater to down the Jayhawks. Another top 10 win came January 5 when the Buffaloes outshot then #10 Oregon in a 100-91 win. However, they are still hindered by two big losses against Baylor to open the season and then Oklahoma State over a month later. Both of these games were played at a neutral site while both opponents were ranked. Colorado did just suffer a devastating loss at Washington earlier this week where they didn't manage to reach 60 points for the first time this season. At 14-3, the Buffaloes are third in the PAC-12 with a huge game against UCLA tonight.
Although not one of the preliminary offenses or defenses in the country, the Buffaloes crash the board with the best in the land averaging almost 40 rebound per game which allows them to stay in almost any game.
Player Spotlight: Spencer Dinwiddie, 6'-6" 200 lb guard, is the team's most complete player with an amazing balance of inside and outside shooting ability, quick hands and a keen eye. He leads the Buffaloes with 14.7 points per game behind a .466 FG% and a .413 3PT%. He's also the team leader with 64 assists and 26 steals on the year.
Toughest game left: January 25 at #1 Arizona and February 13 at #25 UCLA
Projected finish: 25-6 and second place in the PAC 12
*If anyone has any suggestions for improvement or any ideas for further posts I am always interested in feedback. You can email me at rightofcenterfieldblog@gmail.com or you can always leave a comment here
George Washington Colonials
An almost afterthought coming into the year, GW has made plenty of noise already with wins over Creighton, Maryland, Georgia and VCU. The A-10 is packed this year with talent and the Colonials are primed to make a big run after an impressive start to the year going 12-2 in non-conference play. The front runners in conference play are starting to emerge with GW among the top three to take the title and the Colonials might just have the easiest road to get there. George Washington's top performance came in a statement win over then #20 Creighton in the Wooden Legacy consolation game when they held the prolific Bluejays to 53 points. Their worst loss came when the Colonials visited Kansas State and got thrashed by the Wildcats in a 17 point loss. However, another marquee game against preseason favorite VCU on Tuesday gave GW the win they needed to push them forward through the remaining 13 games.
With a balanced attack that can put up 80+ when necessary and a devastating defense that has let up 70 points only seven times, the Colonials are poised to be a dark horse come March. The one problem that will really test GW is the Colonials' lack of a true three point threat with only three significant time players averaging over a .350% from beyond the arc.
Player Spotlight: Kethan Savage, 6'-3" 200 lb guard, is a sophomore who plays like an upperclassman. He is a smart and efficient shooter with a .516 FG% on the year. Savage is tied for the lead in steals per game (1.9) and steals overall (32) for the Colonials. He's also second in points (13.2) and assists (2.6) per game.
Toughest game left: a home visit from #16 UMass on February 15 and a visit to #24 SLU on February 22
Predicted finish: 25-5 and third in the A-10
Xavier Musketeers
The Musketeers are new to the Big East but haven't lost much of a step from their A-10 play. With wins against St. Johns, Butler, Marquette, and Georgetown the Muskies showed they can play in a big-time conference after coming over from the mid-major Atlantic 10. However their biggest win came out of conference when they played the annual Crosstown Classic (Shootout) against rival Cincinnati when they thrashed the Bearcats in a 17 point win. Their four losses have occurred away from home at Cintas but if they want to be able to compete as a March Madness team they need to get used to playing away from the home floor. Of note, the Muskies have only played two away games compared to four neutral sites and 12 home games. Xavier will finish the season with eight road games and five home games.
Xavier has been held under 70 points only five times this year but have scored at least 80 in six games. Although the team doesn't average many points, mainly due to a horrid performance against Tennessee, they were held to 49 points, the fire is there to score upwards of 80 points per game. The defense is where the Musketeers will be able to match up in March where they only let up an average of 66 points per game. Only Creighton and USC have put up over 80 points on Xavier.
Player Spotlight: Matt Stainbrook, the Muskies' 6'-10" center, is the team leader in blocks (1.5) and rebounds (8.6) per game. He's also in the team's top three for points (11.3), steals (0.9) and FG% (.555%) per game.
Toughest game left: at #6 Villanova on February 3
Projected finish: 25-6 and third in the Big East
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
The Southland Conference leaders are doing what they can to make it to March in a competitive, albeit top-heavy, conference. The Lumberjacks finished second behind Northwestern State last year but with the demons having a down year right now, they are 5-10, the Lumberjacks real competition will come from the likes of old conference foe Sam Houston State, Summit League transfer Oral Roberts, and the new D-1 addition of Incarnate Word. Stephen Austin has pushed through their non-conference openers with just two losses to Texas and East Tennessee State to lead themselves to a 15-2 start to their season.
The Lumberjacks average 75 ppg but have an offense that has potential to put up 85-90 on a consistent basis. To help boost that average SFA has one of the most prolific assisting crews in the country with five players averaging at least 1.8 assists per game and a team average of 15.4 apg.
Player Spotlight: Jacob Parker is the team's leader in points (15.2), rebounds (6.9) and steals (1.4) per game. He is their go-to 3-point shooter coming in with an almost .500 average outside the arc and a .542 average overall.
Toughest game left: at Sam Houston State on February 15
Projected finish: 28-3 and first place in the Southland
Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes are quietly making their way in the PAC 12. With the PAC 12's toughest schedule thus far, it's quite surprising what Colorado has been able to do over the course of the season. The December 7 meeting against then #6 Kansas was their biggest win as of yet when Askia Booker sunk a buzzer beater to down the Jayhawks. Another top 10 win came January 5 when the Buffaloes outshot then #10 Oregon in a 100-91 win. However, they are still hindered by two big losses against Baylor to open the season and then Oklahoma State over a month later. Both of these games were played at a neutral site while both opponents were ranked. Colorado did just suffer a devastating loss at Washington earlier this week where they didn't manage to reach 60 points for the first time this season. At 14-3, the Buffaloes are third in the PAC-12 with a huge game against UCLA tonight.
Although not one of the preliminary offenses or defenses in the country, the Buffaloes crash the board with the best in the land averaging almost 40 rebound per game which allows them to stay in almost any game.
Player Spotlight: Spencer Dinwiddie, 6'-6" 200 lb guard, is the team's most complete player with an amazing balance of inside and outside shooting ability, quick hands and a keen eye. He leads the Buffaloes with 14.7 points per game behind a .466 FG% and a .413 3PT%. He's also the team leader with 64 assists and 26 steals on the year.
Toughest game left: January 25 at #1 Arizona and February 13 at #25 UCLA
Projected finish: 25-6 and second place in the PAC 12
*If anyone has any suggestions for improvement or any ideas for further posts I am always interested in feedback. You can email me at rightofcenterfieldblog@gmail.com or you can always leave a comment here
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Bye Bye BCS
If you were tuned to ESPN for this year's masterpiece of a national championship, you were not disappointed. No matter who you were rooting for, that was one of the best football games that has been played during the BCS era and it will always be remembered as the game that sent the BCS out on top. Tre Mason rushed for 195 yards and one touchdown, Jameis Winston went 6/7 for 77 yards on the Seminoles' go ahead scoring drive, Nick Marshall threw for 217 yards and 2 TDs. And that's just the offense. It was a beautiful game to end an era and usher in the newest national championship system, the playoffs.
Now, we all know the BCS hasn't been perfect and that the entire system seemed to favor the SEC (fairly or not) but there's been a stream of memorable moments throughout the 16 year tenure which featured 11 different champions and six different conferences with a representative. Not all of these memorable moments have been favorable towards the BCS but they are still part of the tale of college football from 1998 to 2013. So, as we prepare for 200+ days of college football drought we have the chance to look back before looking to the new age and so without further ado, I present the top 5 moments in the BCS era.
Crimson Tide SteamRoll
No other team in the last 16 years has won the national championship more often than Alabama. The Tide left their indelible mark on the crystal ball over the course of the 2009, 2011 and 2012 seasons when they rolled over competition. It honestly wasn't fair to have Nick Saban recruiting and coaching these men, but then again, the BCS doesn't go for fair they go for the best. The Tide's roll started with an undefeated season in 2009 however they would then go on a two year SEC championship drought before their shutout of SEC West foe LSU in the BCS National Championship in 2012. The Tide, once again the kings of NCAAF, were a forced to be reckoned with and had writers and fans speculating that they'd even be able to beat an NFL team on neutral ground. (Even Steve Spurrier said the Tide could matchup and beat some NFL teams) The Tide finished the BCS era 3-0 in the Championship game and 3-2 overall in BCS bowls including losses to Utah in 2008-'09 and to Oklahoma in 2013-'14 both in the Sugar Bowl.
Questionable Interference
One of the most controversial moments to come in all of college football came on the grandest stage of them all. In 2003, Miami was leading the Ohio State Buckeyes 24-17 in overtime of the Fiesta Bowl when the Bucks got the ball down to the 5 yard line on fourth down. With the game on the line and only 5 yards to go, Ohio State elected to go for a short pass to the side. OSU's Chris Gamble lined up opposite Miami cornerback Glenn Sharpe on the nearside. The pass left Craig Krenzel's hand and sailed for the end zone before escaping the outstretched fingertips of Gamble before Sharpe hit his side. The game was over and Miami had won back to back national championships. Then, after what seemed an eternity to any OSU fan, a flag fell. The celebration was halted as the call was announced, "Pass interference, defense. Ball will be placed at the one yard line. First down." The most controversial and questionable call of the BCS era was handed down before reviews and challenges were allowed in college football and resulted in a Buckeyes championship victory and stopped the Hurricanes from becoming the first back to back champs in the BCS era.
The Size of the Fight in the Dog
Boise State never got to the BCS national championship. They were good but the blue-field-Broncos were never good enough to top the power conference champions for a spot in the Championship game. However, that didn't stop them from providing one of the top moments in the entire BCS age when they played in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. With time running out on the little guys' hope to beat out the #10 Oklahoma Sooners, the Broncos were left with a 4th and 18 around midfield down 35-28 and were given little chance to convert, much less tie the game. A go big or go home attitude took over the Broncos' huddle as they knew this was their moment to shine. Always a threat to run a trick play Boise State lined up with Drisan James on the nearside and three receivers to Jared Zabransky's right. The pass sailed into the soft hands of James at the Oklahoma 35 who, almost immediately, flipped the ball to senior Jerard Rabb who was running a cross route underneath James. As soon as the ball was secured, Rabb took to the races and lept into the endzone with 7 seconds left. The extra point tied it at 35. But Bronco magic wasn't done yet. Down one after scoring a touchdown in overtime, Boise State decided it was yet again time to go all in. Zabransky's Statue of Liberty baited the entire Oklahoma defense into the right side screen allowing tailback Ian Johnson to take the ball to the left and in for the 2 point conversion and the 43-42 OT win. As the saying goes, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." This bowl game proved that mid major conferences can offer some of the most thrilling action in college football and that they can in fact play with the big boys when the time comes.
Stumbling to Victory
Cam Newton was the story of the 2010 Auburn War Eagle. Stunning numbers throughout his tenure and a sure first round pick in the NFL Draft, Newton was one of the most fun players to watch in the SEC that year. However, he's not the story that won the championship for Auburn. That role fell to Michael Dyer, who would then fell on Oregon's Eddie Pleasant. In the fourth quarter with the game knotted at 19, the War Eagle was desperate to get ahead in the final two minutes. Still in their own territory, Newton handed the ball to Dyer who rushed ahead for what looked like a simple six yard gain but the whistle never blew and no ref was raising his hand to stop the play. Under the urging of his coach and lone front blocker, Dyer took off again and turned the short six yard gain into a monster 37 yard run to set up the go ahead field goal. The Ducks were stunned thinking Dyer had been stopped when Pleasant brought him down. However, as the officiating crew knew, Dyer's knee never touched the turf and his forward progress was never stopped so much as it was slowed as he rolled over Pleasant. Auburn would go on to win 22-19 and extend the SEC's streak of crystal ball ceremonies to five.
The War Chant or the War Eagle
This year's championship might just go down as the single greatest game in the era. No controversy and no blowout, the game was played with heart and soul and sweat and blood. With Heisman winner Jameis Winston at the helm of a talented FSU offense and Chris Davis ready and waiting on the other side for Auburn, there was no doubt this was going to be a good football game. Yet, many were predicting a blowout by FSU's top offense giving little regard to Auburn's offensive (or for that matter defensive) talent. The doubters were proven wrong almost from the start when FSU's promising first drive was stuffed and they were forced to settle for a field goal. The Noles wouldn't put up points again until their final drive of the first half when Devonta Freeman ran it in from 3 yards out. The stunning half time score? 21-10, War Eagle.
However, FSU was far from done and was poised to receive the second half kickoff. On their second drive of the half, the Seminoles put together an 11 play scoring drive ending in a Roberto Aguayo field goal. The next four drives resulted in punts before the turning point of the game came. Nick Marshall made his single blunder of the night and was intercepted by P.J. Williams on a deep pass down the right side. The Noles would come back to score but were still down one. Then, after Auburn kicked a field goal to go ahead by 4, Levonte Whitfield ran his magic and returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for the go ahead score. With the clock ticking down inside two minutes, the Miracle Eagle season seemed to be heading for the brink. Then Tre Mason did what Tre Mason does best and ran the ball in for a crucial score. Hindsight would prove that the Auburn war machine scored too quickly and gave "Famous Jamies" just enough time, 1:09, to run his offense down the field for what would prove to be the winning touchdown.
Of Note
The Seminoles were in each of the first three BCS National Championship games but only came out on top once, 1999, so it's only fitting the Noles be the team to take us out of the BCS era and into the new CFP system.
Now, we all know the BCS hasn't been perfect and that the entire system seemed to favor the SEC (fairly or not) but there's been a stream of memorable moments throughout the 16 year tenure which featured 11 different champions and six different conferences with a representative. Not all of these memorable moments have been favorable towards the BCS but they are still part of the tale of college football from 1998 to 2013. So, as we prepare for 200+ days of college football drought we have the chance to look back before looking to the new age and so without further ado, I present the top 5 moments in the BCS era.
Crimson Tide SteamRoll
No other team in the last 16 years has won the national championship more often than Alabama. The Tide left their indelible mark on the crystal ball over the course of the 2009, 2011 and 2012 seasons when they rolled over competition. It honestly wasn't fair to have Nick Saban recruiting and coaching these men, but then again, the BCS doesn't go for fair they go for the best. The Tide's roll started with an undefeated season in 2009 however they would then go on a two year SEC championship drought before their shutout of SEC West foe LSU in the BCS National Championship in 2012. The Tide, once again the kings of NCAAF, were a forced to be reckoned with and had writers and fans speculating that they'd even be able to beat an NFL team on neutral ground. (Even Steve Spurrier said the Tide could matchup and beat some NFL teams) The Tide finished the BCS era 3-0 in the Championship game and 3-2 overall in BCS bowls including losses to Utah in 2008-'09 and to Oklahoma in 2013-'14 both in the Sugar Bowl.
Questionable Interference
One of the most controversial moments to come in all of college football came on the grandest stage of them all. In 2003, Miami was leading the Ohio State Buckeyes 24-17 in overtime of the Fiesta Bowl when the Bucks got the ball down to the 5 yard line on fourth down. With the game on the line and only 5 yards to go, Ohio State elected to go for a short pass to the side. OSU's Chris Gamble lined up opposite Miami cornerback Glenn Sharpe on the nearside. The pass left Craig Krenzel's hand and sailed for the end zone before escaping the outstretched fingertips of Gamble before Sharpe hit his side. The game was over and Miami had won back to back national championships. Then, after what seemed an eternity to any OSU fan, a flag fell. The celebration was halted as the call was announced, "Pass interference, defense. Ball will be placed at the one yard line. First down." The most controversial and questionable call of the BCS era was handed down before reviews and challenges were allowed in college football and resulted in a Buckeyes championship victory and stopped the Hurricanes from becoming the first back to back champs in the BCS era.
The Size of the Fight in the Dog
Boise State never got to the BCS national championship. They were good but the blue-field-Broncos were never good enough to top the power conference champions for a spot in the Championship game. However, that didn't stop them from providing one of the top moments in the entire BCS age when they played in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. With time running out on the little guys' hope to beat out the #10 Oklahoma Sooners, the Broncos were left with a 4th and 18 around midfield down 35-28 and were given little chance to convert, much less tie the game. A go big or go home attitude took over the Broncos' huddle as they knew this was their moment to shine. Always a threat to run a trick play Boise State lined up with Drisan James on the nearside and three receivers to Jared Zabransky's right. The pass sailed into the soft hands of James at the Oklahoma 35 who, almost immediately, flipped the ball to senior Jerard Rabb who was running a cross route underneath James. As soon as the ball was secured, Rabb took to the races and lept into the endzone with 7 seconds left. The extra point tied it at 35. But Bronco magic wasn't done yet. Down one after scoring a touchdown in overtime, Boise State decided it was yet again time to go all in. Zabransky's Statue of Liberty baited the entire Oklahoma defense into the right side screen allowing tailback Ian Johnson to take the ball to the left and in for the 2 point conversion and the 43-42 OT win. As the saying goes, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." This bowl game proved that mid major conferences can offer some of the most thrilling action in college football and that they can in fact play with the big boys when the time comes.
Stumbling to Victory
Cam Newton was the story of the 2010 Auburn War Eagle. Stunning numbers throughout his tenure and a sure first round pick in the NFL Draft, Newton was one of the most fun players to watch in the SEC that year. However, he's not the story that won the championship for Auburn. That role fell to Michael Dyer, who would then fell on Oregon's Eddie Pleasant. In the fourth quarter with the game knotted at 19, the War Eagle was desperate to get ahead in the final two minutes. Still in their own territory, Newton handed the ball to Dyer who rushed ahead for what looked like a simple six yard gain but the whistle never blew and no ref was raising his hand to stop the play. Under the urging of his coach and lone front blocker, Dyer took off again and turned the short six yard gain into a monster 37 yard run to set up the go ahead field goal. The Ducks were stunned thinking Dyer had been stopped when Pleasant brought him down. However, as the officiating crew knew, Dyer's knee never touched the turf and his forward progress was never stopped so much as it was slowed as he rolled over Pleasant. Auburn would go on to win 22-19 and extend the SEC's streak of crystal ball ceremonies to five.
The War Chant or the War Eagle
This year's championship might just go down as the single greatest game in the era. No controversy and no blowout, the game was played with heart and soul and sweat and blood. With Heisman winner Jameis Winston at the helm of a talented FSU offense and Chris Davis ready and waiting on the other side for Auburn, there was no doubt this was going to be a good football game. Yet, many were predicting a blowout by FSU's top offense giving little regard to Auburn's offensive (or for that matter defensive) talent. The doubters were proven wrong almost from the start when FSU's promising first drive was stuffed and they were forced to settle for a field goal. The Noles wouldn't put up points again until their final drive of the first half when Devonta Freeman ran it in from 3 yards out. The stunning half time score? 21-10, War Eagle.
However, FSU was far from done and was poised to receive the second half kickoff. On their second drive of the half, the Seminoles put together an 11 play scoring drive ending in a Roberto Aguayo field goal. The next four drives resulted in punts before the turning point of the game came. Nick Marshall made his single blunder of the night and was intercepted by P.J. Williams on a deep pass down the right side. The Noles would come back to score but were still down one. Then, after Auburn kicked a field goal to go ahead by 4, Levonte Whitfield ran his magic and returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for the go ahead score. With the clock ticking down inside two minutes, the Miracle Eagle season seemed to be heading for the brink. Then Tre Mason did what Tre Mason does best and ran the ball in for a crucial score. Hindsight would prove that the Auburn war machine scored too quickly and gave "Famous Jamies" just enough time, 1:09, to run his offense down the field for what would prove to be the winning touchdown.
Of Note
The Seminoles were in each of the first three BCS National Championship games but only came out on top once, 1999, so it's only fitting the Noles be the team to take us out of the BCS era and into the new CFP system.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Questions Cloud AFC Playoff Picture
The AFC playoff race came to a wild finish on Sunday amidst questions of a missed call or two in the Chiefs-Chargers game in San Diego that booted the Steelers from a playoff berth and welcomed in the Chargers. Although the wild card hasn't even started yet, there are two teams that, although they both have questions, are ready to meet on January 19 for the AFC Championship. One team is a Super Bowl pick from week one the other is the most complete team the AFC has to offer this year. A quarterback for the ages and a quarterback looking to make his own in the NFL. The AFC's top offense versus the AFC's top defense. It's a match made in football heaven.
Denver Broncos (13-3)
The Manning-era Broncos are making noise again. From the beginning of the year we knew this would be a special year the way the Broncos clicked on offense scoring 40+ in five of the first eight weeks and going 7-1 in that span. They've topped 50 in three games this season but for the most part came back down to earth after their bye only topping 37 in one game and losing two after the break. On the arm of Manning, Denver finished with the top passing offense in the NFL. Behind Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball, the Broncos didn't have the top running game but both backs were a sizable enough threat to keep defenses watching the line, allowing AirManning (patent pending) to go to work.
While the offense was almost a given, the defense was a sizable question mark for this team. They finished the season with a top 10 rush defense but finished in the bottom six in pass defense. How far these Broncos go rests on the shoulders of their defense. Will Shaun Phillips be able to get to the quarterback like he did in the first five games where he racked up 5.5 sacks with 14 tackles (or be a monster as in the week 11 Chiefs game) or will the trend continue from the final six weeks of the season where he collected 1 sack and 8 tackles in two losses? Is Danny Trevathan, who leads the team with 128 combined tackles, able to put up double digit tackling numbers for the eighth time this year? These are both big questions for a defense that has had an up and down year.
The good news?
Neither of their possible Divisional Round opponents (Chiefs or Colts) have a top 15 pass offense and the Broncos are 7-1 at home this year.
The news?
The Broncos' three losses have come at the hands of the Colts, the Patriots and the Chargers. All these teams are now in the playoffs. It should also be noted that Denver beat the Eagles and Chiefs. Both of them are in the playoffs. The gist: 3-3 against playoff teams.
The bad news?
If the Chiefs beat the Colts this Saturday, they will be playing the Broncos in Denver the following week. The Chiefs have already lost twice to the AFC West Champs. They are not in the mood to lose again.
Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
With arguably the most complete team in this year's AFC playoff picture the one question mark that looms over this Bengals team is the same as it was during the regular season and the past two postseasons. Will Andy Dalton play his game or continue to come up empty in the big games? Dalton has been one of the best and one of the worst quarterbacks throughout the season.
He started the season with some consistency, throwing for 16 touchdowns on 2, 249 yards opposite 6 interceptions through the first 8 games of the season. Over the second half, the consistency dropped as did his QBR (99.0 in first half, 79.5 in second half). This also correlated with three of the five losses the Bengals suffered throughout the year. However, Dalton did break the single season passing yards and passing touchdowns franchise records which hints that he is capable of consistent success, but as a third year starter, he has yet to find his rhythm for long.
Dalton had the skill to get the Bengals into the playoffs but his receiving corps has the talent to get Cincinnati deep into the playoffs. AJ Green and Marvin Jones lead the loaded corps with 11 and 10 touchdowns respectively. The depth of receivers for Cincinnati is extremely apparent when you look at the fact that six of their receivers reached at least 440 yards. New England is the only other AFC playoff team to have six receivers with at least 400 yards.
Cincinnati has a ground attack that didn't manufacture a single game 100 yard rusher throughout the season. That's because talented veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis splits the carries with outstanding rookie Giovani Bernard. The duo ended the season with 1, 451 rushing yards on 390 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and 12 trips to the endzone.
Oh, and then there's this defense. Vontaze Burfict is the undisputed heart and soul of this top 5 defense. He has unloaded on offenses all year racking up 171 total tackles, 3 sacks and 2 recovered fumbles. The Bengals have both the fifth ranked rush and fifth ranked pass defense in the NFL and the best defense in the AFC playoffs.
The good news?
Cincinnati is 4-0 against playoff teams this year. That includes wins over New England, San Diego and Indianapolis in the AFC.
The news?
The Bengals are undefeated at Paul Brown Stadium this year. They face a Chargers team that is 4-3 on the road this year.
The bad news?
Chris Crocker (S), Dre Kirkpatrick (CB), Tyler Eifert (TE), Jermaine Gresham (TE) and AJ Green (WR) are all listed as questionable this week. Although there are still two days to go before the wild card game, it's never a good feeling to have so much talent on the injury report before the playoffs.
Denver Broncos (13-3)
The Manning-era Broncos are making noise again. From the beginning of the year we knew this would be a special year the way the Broncos clicked on offense scoring 40+ in five of the first eight weeks and going 7-1 in that span. They've topped 50 in three games this season but for the most part came back down to earth after their bye only topping 37 in one game and losing two after the break. On the arm of Manning, Denver finished with the top passing offense in the NFL. Behind Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball, the Broncos didn't have the top running game but both backs were a sizable enough threat to keep defenses watching the line, allowing AirManning (patent pending) to go to work.
While the offense was almost a given, the defense was a sizable question mark for this team. They finished the season with a top 10 rush defense but finished in the bottom six in pass defense. How far these Broncos go rests on the shoulders of their defense. Will Shaun Phillips be able to get to the quarterback like he did in the first five games where he racked up 5.5 sacks with 14 tackles (or be a monster as in the week 11 Chiefs game) or will the trend continue from the final six weeks of the season where he collected 1 sack and 8 tackles in two losses? Is Danny Trevathan, who leads the team with 128 combined tackles, able to put up double digit tackling numbers for the eighth time this year? These are both big questions for a defense that has had an up and down year.
The good news?
Neither of their possible Divisional Round opponents (Chiefs or Colts) have a top 15 pass offense and the Broncos are 7-1 at home this year.
The news?
The Broncos' three losses have come at the hands of the Colts, the Patriots and the Chargers. All these teams are now in the playoffs. It should also be noted that Denver beat the Eagles and Chiefs. Both of them are in the playoffs. The gist: 3-3 against playoff teams.
The bad news?
If the Chiefs beat the Colts this Saturday, they will be playing the Broncos in Denver the following week. The Chiefs have already lost twice to the AFC West Champs. They are not in the mood to lose again.
Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
With arguably the most complete team in this year's AFC playoff picture the one question mark that looms over this Bengals team is the same as it was during the regular season and the past two postseasons. Will Andy Dalton play his game or continue to come up empty in the big games? Dalton has been one of the best and one of the worst quarterbacks throughout the season.
He started the season with some consistency, throwing for 16 touchdowns on 2, 249 yards opposite 6 interceptions through the first 8 games of the season. Over the second half, the consistency dropped as did his QBR (99.0 in first half, 79.5 in second half). This also correlated with three of the five losses the Bengals suffered throughout the year. However, Dalton did break the single season passing yards and passing touchdowns franchise records which hints that he is capable of consistent success, but as a third year starter, he has yet to find his rhythm for long.
Dalton had the skill to get the Bengals into the playoffs but his receiving corps has the talent to get Cincinnati deep into the playoffs. AJ Green and Marvin Jones lead the loaded corps with 11 and 10 touchdowns respectively. The depth of receivers for Cincinnati is extremely apparent when you look at the fact that six of their receivers reached at least 440 yards. New England is the only other AFC playoff team to have six receivers with at least 400 yards.
Cincinnati has a ground attack that didn't manufacture a single game 100 yard rusher throughout the season. That's because talented veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis splits the carries with outstanding rookie Giovani Bernard. The duo ended the season with 1, 451 rushing yards on 390 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and 12 trips to the endzone.
Oh, and then there's this defense. Vontaze Burfict is the undisputed heart and soul of this top 5 defense. He has unloaded on offenses all year racking up 171 total tackles, 3 sacks and 2 recovered fumbles. The Bengals have both the fifth ranked rush and fifth ranked pass defense in the NFL and the best defense in the AFC playoffs.
The good news?
Cincinnati is 4-0 against playoff teams this year. That includes wins over New England, San Diego and Indianapolis in the AFC.
The news?
The Bengals are undefeated at Paul Brown Stadium this year. They face a Chargers team that is 4-3 on the road this year.
The bad news?
Chris Crocker (S), Dre Kirkpatrick (CB), Tyler Eifert (TE), Jermaine Gresham (TE) and AJ Green (WR) are all listed as questionable this week. Although there are still two days to go before the wild card game, it's never a good feeling to have so much talent on the injury report before the playoffs.
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