The college football bowl season is one of the most exciting times of every year, and it provides us with games and moments that make players' careers and help rise their draft stock.
TOP 10 BOWL GAMES OF THE DECADE
10. 2005 Hawai'i Bowl: Nevada 49, UCF 48 (OT)
In a shootout that went to overtime, Knights kicker Matt Prater missed the PAT in overtime to give the Wolfpack a win and to send the Knights home on a even longer flight back to Orlando.
9. 2006 Orange Bowl: Penn State 26, Florida State 23 (3OT)
In a matchup of coaching legends, Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden, the two teams played a game for the ages won by a Kevin Kelly field goal.
8. 2009 New Mexico Bowl: Wyoming 35, Fresno State 28 (OT)
The most recent game on the list opened the 2009-10 bowl season with a bang. Austyn Carta-Samuels led the Cowboys to a 14 point fourth quarter and with two goalline stands by the defense, Wyoming upset the Bulldogs.
7. 2000 Independence Bowl: Mississippi State 43, Texas A&M 41 (OT)
Snow in Shreveport in December helped make this game memorable. A blocked PAT returned for a safety and a 7-yard Wayne Madkin run gave the Bulldogs the overtime win.
6. 2006 Sugar Bowl: West Virginia 38, Georgia 35
Led by Pat White and Steve Slaton, the Mountaineers gave the Big East their biggest win in conference history. After losing Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College to the ACC, West Virginia raised the Big East's profile to where it is now.
5. 2006 Insight Bowl: Texas Tech 44, Minnesota 41(OT)
In the biggest comeback in bowl history, the Red Raiders led by Graham Harrell, were down by 28 points at halftime and came back to tie the game at 38 and force overtime. In overtime, after a Gophers' field-goal, Shannon Woods ran in to the endzone from 7 yards out and solidified the biggest comeback in college bowl history.
4. 2001 GMAC Bowl: Marshall 64, East Carolina 61 (2OT)
The game featured two future NFL quarterbacks in Byron Leftwich for Marshall and the Pirates' David Garrard. The game in Mobile became the highest scoring bowl game in college football history. Down 38-8 at halftime, the Herd fought back behind Leftwich and won.
3. 2003 Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State 31 Miami 24 (2OT)
Ohio State won the national championship on a Maurice Clarett touchdown run that ended the Hurricanes' dominance in college football. The tide of the game changed when Willis McGahee injured his knee in the fourth quarter and took with it the chances of Miami winning.
2. 2006 Rose Bowl: Texas 41, USC 38
Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White, Steve Smith, Jamaal Charles, Michael Huff. All of these players that are currently in the NFL played in this historic game that gave the Longhorns a national championship, marked by Vince Young's touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
1. 2007 Fiesta Bowl: Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42 (OT)
Hook and ladder for a touchdown, a wide receiver throwing a touchdown pass, statue of liberty on a two-point conversion to win the game and a marraige proposal. Those all happened in the last minute of the fourth quarter and in overtime that cemented the Broncos' place among college football's elite.
TOP 10 BOWL MOMENTS OF THE DECADE
10. Nebraska beats Northwestern 66-17 in 2000 Alamo
9. Utah beats Pitt for first Mt. West win in BCS Game
8. Joe Paterno v. Bobby Bowden in 2006 Orange
7. Austyn Carta-Samuels leads Wyoming to comeback win.
6. Tebow wins second title with Urban Meyer.
5. Utah beats Alabama in Sugar Bowl.
4. Maurice Clarett's winning touchdown.
3. Boise State "Statue of Liberty" on 2-point conversion.
2. Vince Young's TD run against USC.
1. Boise State Hook and Ladder Touchdown.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Best of Decade- World Series
As with my post about the Super Bowl, the World Series has only had ten series but there have been many moments worthy of talking about.
TOP 10 WORLD SERIES OF THE DECADE
10. 2005: White Sox 4, Astros 0
The White Sox came out of nowhere and the Astros did not come out to play in this lackluster World Series that solidified Ozzie Guillen's hold on the White Sox managerial position.
9. 2006: Cardinals 4, Tigers 1
In another battle of Central Division teams, the Cardinals easily won the World Series behind Chris Carpenter, Albert Pujols and MVP David Eckstein.
8. 2007: Red Sox 4, Rockies 0
The Rockies' magical march to the World Series was halted by the complete domination of the Red Sox, one of only two teams to win two titles this decade.
7. 2003: Marlins 4, Yankees 2
This series was marked by Josh Beckett's Game 6 shutout to clinch in Yankee Stadium. This gave the Marlins their second championship in six years after coming into existence ten years before their second title. After this, as is tradition for the Marlins, the fire sale began, again.
6. 2004: Red Sox 4, Cardinals 0
The Red Sox's curse was broken in dominating fashion. After coming back from 3-0 down to beat the Yankees in the ALCS, this series was way too easy for the Sox to win.
5. 2000: Yankees 4, Mets 1
The Subway Series provided lots of intrigue with the cross-town rivals going at it but the Yankees proved to be the better side and brought their 26th title to the Bronx.
4. 2008: Phillies 4, Rays 1
The whole city of Philadelphia rejoiced when Brad Lidge got the final out in the three day Game 5 that finally ended on a strikeout by the perfect Lidge.
3. 2009: Yankees 4, Phillies 2
Title #27 was won by the Yankees in a series that was well worth the hype and it lived up to it with the bats of both teams being predicted to be the deciding factor, but C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, A.J. Burnett, and Mariano Rivera proved to be the headliners in this series.
2. 2002: Angels 4, Giants 3
In one of the two seven-game series of the decade, many stories were headlining the hype going in, Barry Bonds chance to win a title, the hard-throwing phenom known as K-Rod, and of course the Rally Monkey. After being blown out 16-4 in Game 5, the Angels won the two following games to clinch the title.
1. 2001: Diamondbacks 4, Yankees 3
In the first World Series since September 11th, the series was filled with emotion. Byung-Hyun Kim blew two saves at Yankee Stadium in Games 4 and 5. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling earned co-MVPs going 4-0 with a 1.40 ERA combined but this series will be forever remembered by Luis Gonzalez's walk-off single in Game 7.
TOP 10 WORLD SERIES MOMENTS OF THE DECADE
10. Boston's sweep in 2007 to win 2nd title in 4 years.
9. Anaheim winning in 2002, popularity of Rally Monkey.
8. Byung-Hyun Kim's collapse in Yankee Stadium twice.
7. Yankees open new stadium with 27th title.
6. Geoff Blum HR in 14th inning of Game 3.
5. Roger Clemens/Mike Piazza bat incident.
4. Beckett shutout to clinch WS in Yankee Stadium
3. Red Sox curse broken.
2. 3-day Game 5 ends with Phillies championship.
1. Luis Gonzalez walk-off single in Game 7 in 2001.
TOP 10 WORLD SERIES OF THE DECADE
10. 2005: White Sox 4, Astros 0
The White Sox came out of nowhere and the Astros did not come out to play in this lackluster World Series that solidified Ozzie Guillen's hold on the White Sox managerial position.
9. 2006: Cardinals 4, Tigers 1
In another battle of Central Division teams, the Cardinals easily won the World Series behind Chris Carpenter, Albert Pujols and MVP David Eckstein.
8. 2007: Red Sox 4, Rockies 0
The Rockies' magical march to the World Series was halted by the complete domination of the Red Sox, one of only two teams to win two titles this decade.
7. 2003: Marlins 4, Yankees 2
This series was marked by Josh Beckett's Game 6 shutout to clinch in Yankee Stadium. This gave the Marlins their second championship in six years after coming into existence ten years before their second title. After this, as is tradition for the Marlins, the fire sale began, again.
6. 2004: Red Sox 4, Cardinals 0
The Red Sox's curse was broken in dominating fashion. After coming back from 3-0 down to beat the Yankees in the ALCS, this series was way too easy for the Sox to win.
5. 2000: Yankees 4, Mets 1
The Subway Series provided lots of intrigue with the cross-town rivals going at it but the Yankees proved to be the better side and brought their 26th title to the Bronx.
4. 2008: Phillies 4, Rays 1
The whole city of Philadelphia rejoiced when Brad Lidge got the final out in the three day Game 5 that finally ended on a strikeout by the perfect Lidge.
3. 2009: Yankees 4, Phillies 2
Title #27 was won by the Yankees in a series that was well worth the hype and it lived up to it with the bats of both teams being predicted to be the deciding factor, but C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, A.J. Burnett, and Mariano Rivera proved to be the headliners in this series.
2. 2002: Angels 4, Giants 3
In one of the two seven-game series of the decade, many stories were headlining the hype going in, Barry Bonds chance to win a title, the hard-throwing phenom known as K-Rod, and of course the Rally Monkey. After being blown out 16-4 in Game 5, the Angels won the two following games to clinch the title.
1. 2001: Diamondbacks 4, Yankees 3
In the first World Series since September 11th, the series was filled with emotion. Byung-Hyun Kim blew two saves at Yankee Stadium in Games 4 and 5. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling earned co-MVPs going 4-0 with a 1.40 ERA combined but this series will be forever remembered by Luis Gonzalez's walk-off single in Game 7.
TOP 10 WORLD SERIES MOMENTS OF THE DECADE
10. Boston's sweep in 2007 to win 2nd title in 4 years.
9. Anaheim winning in 2002, popularity of Rally Monkey.
8. Byung-Hyun Kim's collapse in Yankee Stadium twice.
7. Yankees open new stadium with 27th title.
6. Geoff Blum HR in 14th inning of Game 3.
5. Roger Clemens/Mike Piazza bat incident.
4. Beckett shutout to clinch WS in Yankee Stadium
3. Red Sox curse broken.
2. 3-day Game 5 ends with Phillies championship.
1. Luis Gonzalez walk-off single in Game 7 in 2001.
Best of Decade- Super Bowl
After having my face inside of ESPN Almanacs from 2000-2009, I have come up with many best of decade lists. Today, I will start with the Super Bowl.
TOP 10 SUPER BOWLS
There have only been 10 Super Bowls but that is enough to make a list. So here it is.
10. SB XXXV Ravens 34, Giants 7
The Giants simply did not show up and the Ravens led by their defense and Trent Dilfer won easily in the worst Super Bowl of the decade.
9. SB XXXVII Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21
The Bucs played an amazing game with Dexter Jackson winning the MVP with 2 interceptions in the game in which Jon Gruden got revenge on his old team, which was literally old led by Rich Gannon.
8. SB XLI Colts 29, Bears 17
Like the game above at number nine, the Colts were the dominant team in this game and the Bears had no shot from the beginning. This also gave Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy a ring to validate their domination in the AFC.
7. SB XL Steelers 21, Seahawks 10
In a game that was marred by officiating catastophe, if you were rooting for Seattle day. Pittsburgh got one for the thumb and for Jerome Bettis who returned to his hometown of Detroit and won his only ring.
6. SB XXXIX Patriots 24, Eagles 21
Philadelphia finally made it to the Super Bowl and got a superb performance from Terrell Owens but the Patriots dynasty continued with their last of three titles in four years.
5. SB XXXVIII Patriots 32, Panthers 29
This game will always be known for its halftime show (Janet Jackson) more than the game. The game was a contest throughout with the game ending in a familiar scene, Adam Vinatieri with a game-winning field goal.
4. SB XXXVI Patriots 20, Rams 17
In the first Super Bowl after September 11th, it was fitting that the Patriots would win the game. Mostly of all of the nation that was neutral was rooting for New England. The game ended with an Adam Vinatieri game-winning field goal that became a familiar sight throughout the next few years.
3. SB XXXIV Rams 23, Titans 16
In the first Super Bowl of the decade, The Greatest Show on Turf faced a team that needed a Music City Miracle to help them get to the Georgia Dome. The high-powered offense of the Rams did not provide the lasting moment of the game, LB Mike Jones did by tackling Kevin Dyson at the one yard line with time expiring.
2. SB XLII Giants 17, Patriots 14
The Patriots rolled into this game at 18-0, the Giants were by far the underdogs but that did not matter. Eli Manning drove the Giants down the field and hit David Tyree to set up a Lawrence Tynes field goal to win the game.
1. SB XLIII Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
Kurt Warner returned to the Super Bowl on a surprise Arizona team that gave Pittsburgh a good fight but Santonio Holmes stole the show with catch in the back right corner of the endzone scoring the game winning touchdown.
TOP 10 SUPER BOWL MOMENTS
10. Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy win their 1st Super Bowl
9. Jerome Bettis wins SB XL in hometown, Detroit
8. Vinatieri GW FG against Panthers
7. Antwaan Randle El to Hines Ward TD pass.
6. Dexter Jackson's 2 INT, one for a TD
5. Vinatieri's GW FG against Rams
4. James Harrison INT return
3. David Tyree's catch
2. Mike Jones stops Kevin Dyson at goal line.
1. Santonio Holmes' GW TD catch.
TOP 10 SUPER BOWLS
There have only been 10 Super Bowls but that is enough to make a list. So here it is.
10. SB XXXV Ravens 34, Giants 7
The Giants simply did not show up and the Ravens led by their defense and Trent Dilfer won easily in the worst Super Bowl of the decade.
9. SB XXXVII Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21
The Bucs played an amazing game with Dexter Jackson winning the MVP with 2 interceptions in the game in which Jon Gruden got revenge on his old team, which was literally old led by Rich Gannon.
8. SB XLI Colts 29, Bears 17
Like the game above at number nine, the Colts were the dominant team in this game and the Bears had no shot from the beginning. This also gave Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy a ring to validate their domination in the AFC.
7. SB XL Steelers 21, Seahawks 10
In a game that was marred by officiating catastophe, if you were rooting for Seattle day. Pittsburgh got one for the thumb and for Jerome Bettis who returned to his hometown of Detroit and won his only ring.
6. SB XXXIX Patriots 24, Eagles 21
Philadelphia finally made it to the Super Bowl and got a superb performance from Terrell Owens but the Patriots dynasty continued with their last of three titles in four years.
5. SB XXXVIII Patriots 32, Panthers 29
This game will always be known for its halftime show (Janet Jackson) more than the game. The game was a contest throughout with the game ending in a familiar scene, Adam Vinatieri with a game-winning field goal.
4. SB XXXVI Patriots 20, Rams 17
In the first Super Bowl after September 11th, it was fitting that the Patriots would win the game. Mostly of all of the nation that was neutral was rooting for New England. The game ended with an Adam Vinatieri game-winning field goal that became a familiar sight throughout the next few years.
3. SB XXXIV Rams 23, Titans 16
In the first Super Bowl of the decade, The Greatest Show on Turf faced a team that needed a Music City Miracle to help them get to the Georgia Dome. The high-powered offense of the Rams did not provide the lasting moment of the game, LB Mike Jones did by tackling Kevin Dyson at the one yard line with time expiring.
2. SB XLII Giants 17, Patriots 14
The Patriots rolled into this game at 18-0, the Giants were by far the underdogs but that did not matter. Eli Manning drove the Giants down the field and hit David Tyree to set up a Lawrence Tynes field goal to win the game.
1. SB XLIII Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
Kurt Warner returned to the Super Bowl on a surprise Arizona team that gave Pittsburgh a good fight but Santonio Holmes stole the show with catch in the back right corner of the endzone scoring the game winning touchdown.
TOP 10 SUPER BOWL MOMENTS
10. Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy win their 1st Super Bowl
9. Jerome Bettis wins SB XL in hometown, Detroit
8. Vinatieri GW FG against Panthers
7. Antwaan Randle El to Hines Ward TD pass.
6. Dexter Jackson's 2 INT, one for a TD
5. Vinatieri's GW FG against Rams
4. James Harrison INT return
3. David Tyree's catch
2. Mike Jones stops Kevin Dyson at goal line.
1. Santonio Holmes' GW TD catch.
College Bowl Preview (December 28-30)
With six bowl games being played in the next three days from Shreveport to Boise, the next three days will provide college football fans with plenty of excitement. Two bowls (Holiday, Champs Sports) boast games between ranked opponents. Other games will showcase great talents like Case Keenum and Freddie Barnes who are not familiar names to the casual fan but will be at the end of their respective bowl games. So, here are the predictions:
Tuesday, December 28
Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA, 5:00, ESPN2)
Texas A&M v. Georgia
Mark Richt's Bulldogs have struggled this season and were relegated to a trip to Shreveport instead of Tampa or Atlanta. The Bulldogs do have some momentum going into Shreveport after beating Georgia Tech in their final game of the regular season, 30-24. The Aggies are lead by an exciting playmaker in QB Jerrod Johnson, who threw for 342 yards and ran for 97 more in the almost upset of Texas on Thanksgiving.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M
PREDICTION: Texas A&M 34, Georgia 16
Wednesday, December 29
EagleBank Bowl (Washington, DC, 4:30, ESPN)
UCLA v. Temple
Temple is in its first bowl game since the 1979 Garden State Bowl. UCLA got into this bowl by an Army loss to Navy. Temple will have tons more motivation to win than the Bruins. Al Golden has done a tremendous job with the Owls football program and Rick Neuheisel is getting there with the Bruins. But, the Bruins are making their first East Coast trip since 1998 and will not be motivated to play in a game that they should not deserve to be in.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
PREDICTION: Temple 20, UCLA 6
Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando, 8:00, ESPN)
(15) Miami v. (25) Wisconsin
In the first of two ranked matchups to end the decade, the Hurricanes should have no problem sending the Badgers back to Madison with a loss as long as their run defense stops RB John Clay,who has run for 16 touchdowns this season. Hurricanes' QB Jacory Harris will look to this game to be a springboard into the offseason and into next year in which he could be a Heisman contender.
PLAYER TO WATCH: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
PREDICTION: Miami 26-23
Wednesday, December 30
Humanitarian Bowl (Boise, 4:30, ESPN)
Bowling Green v. Idaho
The Vandals have the home state advantage and will travel well with a little above 300 miles to travel. To win the game for the home fans from Moscow, the Vandals need travel well against WR Freddie Barnes, who is third in the nation in receiving. QB Tyler Sheehan will have connect with Barnes just like the first 138 times they have this season for the Falcons to pull off the win.
Player to Watch: Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green
Prediction: Bowling Green 45, Idaho 35
Holiday Bowl (San Diego, 8:00, ESPN)
(20) Arizona v. (22) Nebraska
Both teams almost won their respective conferences but losses to Oregon and Texas put them in San Diego in what should be the best matchup before the new year begins. Mike Stoops has probably tapped into his brother Bob's gameplan on how to try and stop Ndamukong Suh from dominating the game. The Arizona coach should not focus on that but the inability of the Huskers' offense to score. If Arizona's offense is able to score 20 points they should beat the Huskers but Nebraska has had almost a month to gameplan against the spread offense of the Wildcats and this game should be a defensive struggle.
Player to Watch: Alex Henery, K/P, Nebraska
Prediction: Nebraska 17, Arizona 13
Tuesday, December 28
Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA, 5:00, ESPN2)
Texas A&M v. Georgia
Mark Richt's Bulldogs have struggled this season and were relegated to a trip to Shreveport instead of Tampa or Atlanta. The Bulldogs do have some momentum going into Shreveport after beating Georgia Tech in their final game of the regular season, 30-24. The Aggies are lead by an exciting playmaker in QB Jerrod Johnson, who threw for 342 yards and ran for 97 more in the almost upset of Texas on Thanksgiving.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M
PREDICTION: Texas A&M 34, Georgia 16
Wednesday, December 29
EagleBank Bowl (Washington, DC, 4:30, ESPN)
UCLA v. Temple
Temple is in its first bowl game since the 1979 Garden State Bowl. UCLA got into this bowl by an Army loss to Navy. Temple will have tons more motivation to win than the Bruins. Al Golden has done a tremendous job with the Owls football program and Rick Neuheisel is getting there with the Bruins. But, the Bruins are making their first East Coast trip since 1998 and will not be motivated to play in a game that they should not deserve to be in.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
PREDICTION: Temple 20, UCLA 6
Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando, 8:00, ESPN)
(15) Miami v. (25) Wisconsin
In the first of two ranked matchups to end the decade, the Hurricanes should have no problem sending the Badgers back to Madison with a loss as long as their run defense stops RB John Clay,who has run for 16 touchdowns this season. Hurricanes' QB Jacory Harris will look to this game to be a springboard into the offseason and into next year in which he could be a Heisman contender.
PLAYER TO WATCH: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
PREDICTION: Miami 26-23
Wednesday, December 30
Humanitarian Bowl (Boise, 4:30, ESPN)
Bowling Green v. Idaho
The Vandals have the home state advantage and will travel well with a little above 300 miles to travel. To win the game for the home fans from Moscow, the Vandals need travel well against WR Freddie Barnes, who is third in the nation in receiving. QB Tyler Sheehan will have connect with Barnes just like the first 138 times they have this season for the Falcons to pull off the win.
Player to Watch: Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green
Prediction: Bowling Green 45, Idaho 35
Holiday Bowl (San Diego, 8:00, ESPN)
(20) Arizona v. (22) Nebraska
Both teams almost won their respective conferences but losses to Oregon and Texas put them in San Diego in what should be the best matchup before the new year begins. Mike Stoops has probably tapped into his brother Bob's gameplan on how to try and stop Ndamukong Suh from dominating the game. The Arizona coach should not focus on that but the inability of the Huskers' offense to score. If Arizona's offense is able to score 20 points they should beat the Huskers but Nebraska has had almost a month to gameplan against the spread offense of the Wildcats and this game should be a defensive struggle.
Player to Watch: Alex Henery, K/P, Nebraska
Prediction: Nebraska 17, Arizona 13
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Upsets Galore in College Hoops
Florida State, USC, Old Dominion, Richmond, and Wichita State. When you think of those five schools you do not really think of a basketball tradition. Well, this weekend those five teams upset teams that have come to be traditional contenders for the NCAA Tournament. But these upsets were not the most exciting thing to watch this weekend in college hoops, one man was and he deserves player of the week honors.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Gordon Hayward, Butler
Hayward's work ethic, not his talent, proved to be his most valued asset on Saturday against Xavier. In a game that had many ups and downs, Hayward stole the show in the last 37 seconds. First, he forced a jump ball on the an in bounds pass which gave Butler possession, then he chased down two offensive rebounds and scored the controversial last basket of the game on a layup. With his performance this weekend, Hayward should be put on the list of Naismith Award nominees, not the stats but for the work ethic that won the 17th ranked Bulldogs the victory.
GAME OF THE WEEK:
(17) Butler 69, Xavier 68
This clash of mid-major teams provided fans at Hinkle Fieldhouse with a thriller that came to an unfortunate ending. The excitement started in the second half with the Musketeers coming out of the half on an 11-0 run. Then, with less a minute left and the game having lead changes on every possession Hayward took over the game. With his steal on the in-bounds pass and two offensive rebounds in the last thrity seconds and scoring the game-winning layup, Hayward showed why he means so much to Brad Stevens' 17th ranked Bulldogs. Xavier should have had a chance to attempt a shot at the buzzer but clock difficulties and an almost ten minute long discussion over the clock ended in a Butler win ruling that had the clock kept running the it would have hit 0.0 and Xavier would not have a chance at attempting a shot.
STAT OF THE WEEK:
Texas- 26 offensive rebounds
In their complete domination of the Tar Heels on Saturday in Cowboys Stadium, Texas' big men combined for these 26 offensive rebounds. Led by Dexter Pittman's 12 boards on the offensive end, the domination of the frontcourt by the Longhorns should worry the rest of the nation, even top ranked Kansas.
UPSET OF THE WEEK:
Old Dominion 61, (11) Georgetown 57
The Monarchs took advantage of the Hoyas' slow start and played all around good defense in the second win over Georgetown in the past four years. Survivng two missed three pointers by Austin Freeman in waning moments of the game, Old Dominion went to 7-4 on the season with their CAA schedule looming in the next week or two.
Games To Watch Next Week:
(12) Michigan State @ (2) Texas, Tues. 7, ESPN2
After the Longhorns' big win in Dallas on Saturday they face another tough opponent in Tom Izzo's Spartans whose only loss came to North Carolina.
(25) Mississippi @ (6)West Virginia,Wed, 7:30, ESPN2
The first of two big games this week for the undefeated Mountaineers comes at home to the Rebels on Wednesday. Bob Huggins' squad should not take this game lighlty while looking ahead to their next game.
(6) West Virginia @ Seton Hall, Sat. 3:30, CBS
If the Mountaineers beat Ole Miss on Wednesday, this game will be tough test for the unbeaten Mountaineers team who face a Seton Hall team that just lost their first game on Saturday to Temple and will look to bounce back with a huge conference win if they can pull it off.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Gordon Hayward, Butler
Hayward's work ethic, not his talent, proved to be his most valued asset on Saturday against Xavier. In a game that had many ups and downs, Hayward stole the show in the last 37 seconds. First, he forced a jump ball on the an in bounds pass which gave Butler possession, then he chased down two offensive rebounds and scored the controversial last basket of the game on a layup. With his performance this weekend, Hayward should be put on the list of Naismith Award nominees, not the stats but for the work ethic that won the 17th ranked Bulldogs the victory.
GAME OF THE WEEK:
(17) Butler 69, Xavier 68
This clash of mid-major teams provided fans at Hinkle Fieldhouse with a thriller that came to an unfortunate ending. The excitement started in the second half with the Musketeers coming out of the half on an 11-0 run. Then, with less a minute left and the game having lead changes on every possession Hayward took over the game. With his steal on the in-bounds pass and two offensive rebounds in the last thrity seconds and scoring the game-winning layup, Hayward showed why he means so much to Brad Stevens' 17th ranked Bulldogs. Xavier should have had a chance to attempt a shot at the buzzer but clock difficulties and an almost ten minute long discussion over the clock ended in a Butler win ruling that had the clock kept running the it would have hit 0.0 and Xavier would not have a chance at attempting a shot.
STAT OF THE WEEK:
Texas- 26 offensive rebounds
In their complete domination of the Tar Heels on Saturday in Cowboys Stadium, Texas' big men combined for these 26 offensive rebounds. Led by Dexter Pittman's 12 boards on the offensive end, the domination of the frontcourt by the Longhorns should worry the rest of the nation, even top ranked Kansas.
UPSET OF THE WEEK:
Old Dominion 61, (11) Georgetown 57
The Monarchs took advantage of the Hoyas' slow start and played all around good defense in the second win over Georgetown in the past four years. Survivng two missed three pointers by Austin Freeman in waning moments of the game, Old Dominion went to 7-4 on the season with their CAA schedule looming in the next week or two.
Games To Watch Next Week:
(12) Michigan State @ (2) Texas, Tues. 7, ESPN2
After the Longhorns' big win in Dallas on Saturday they face another tough opponent in Tom Izzo's Spartans whose only loss came to North Carolina.
(25) Mississippi @ (6)West Virginia,Wed, 7:30, ESPN2
The first of two big games this week for the undefeated Mountaineers comes at home to the Rebels on Wednesday. Bob Huggins' squad should not take this game lighlty while looking ahead to their next game.
(6) West Virginia @ Seton Hall, Sat. 3:30, CBS
If the Mountaineers beat Ole Miss on Wednesday, this game will be tough test for the unbeaten Mountaineers team who face a Seton Hall team that just lost their first game on Saturday to Temple and will look to bounce back with a huge conference win if they can pull it off.
Friday, December 18, 2009
College Hoops Weekend Preview
The regular season for college basketball is beginning to heat up with conference play right around the corner, the major programs are getting in a few more games before the new year starts against tough non-conference opponents. This weekend boasts big games in New York City, Los Angeles and Cowboys Stadium.
3 GAMES TO WATCH:
(7) Duke v. (15) Gonzaga 4:00, CBS
Game played @ Madison Square Garden
The Blue Devils make their annual trip to Madison Square Garden for a big non-conference game in their home away from home in New York City. The Blue Devils are 8-1 with their only loss to Wisconsin. Led by the guard play of Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith, both who are averaging over 16 points a game, Coach K's team have consistency in the backcourt to feed Kyle Singler, Brian Zoubek, and Mason Plumlee. On the other bench, coach Mark Few has the Zags poised for another March run which is being led this season by G Matt Bouldin. If the Zags come to play, which they should, expect this to be a great showcase of guard play.
Prediction: Duke 78, Gonzaga 71
(22) Kansas State @ Alabama
Frank Martin's Wildcats have been the surprise team in the nation this season and they face a crucial road test in Tuscaloosa Saturday night. At 9-1, the Wildcats have played a fairly easy schedule with their only loss coming to the Tide's SEC West rival, Ole Miss. The Tide are rolling even after a loss to Purdue last weekend and will look to use their home court advantage. Mikhail Torrance and JaMychal Green will both have to step up to lead the home side to victory.
Prediction: Alabama 62, K-State 49
(10) North Carolina v. (2) Texas 2:00, ESPN
Game played at Cowboys Stadium
Since every other football stadium hosts at least one big game in its bid to host a final four, Jerry Jones has brought a great game to be the first basketball game at the $1 billion stadium. After a heartbreaking loss to John Wall and Kentucky two weeks ago, the Tar Heels rebounded with an easy win over Presbyterian 103-64 in their last game. The Longhorns are rolling through teams but they have not played the caliber of opponents that UNC has. The key to this game will be the depth of each team off the bench. Texas has five players that average ten points a game and the Tar Heels boast only three. For North Carolina to win they must get production from players like Tyler Zeller, Larry Drew II and Will Graves to have a chance at challenging Texas' depth.
Prediction: Texas 71, UNC 65
UPSET ALERT:
(20) Texas Tech @ Wichita State, 8:05
The Red Raiders are off to an undefeated start and will face the first big test of the perfect record in Wichita. The Shockers are 8-1 with their only loss coming to Pitt in November. Wichita State is now one of the mid-majors that teams do not want to schedule because of the great results they have got out of the MVC so give credit to Texas Tech for scheduling this game the home crowd will be too much.
Prediction: Wichita St. 81, Texas Tech 60
As the season draws closer to conference play, we will see who is prepared the most this weekend through these tough non-conference games.
3 GAMES TO WATCH:
(7) Duke v. (15) Gonzaga 4:00, CBS
Game played @ Madison Square Garden
The Blue Devils make their annual trip to Madison Square Garden for a big non-conference game in their home away from home in New York City. The Blue Devils are 8-1 with their only loss to Wisconsin. Led by the guard play of Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith, both who are averaging over 16 points a game, Coach K's team have consistency in the backcourt to feed Kyle Singler, Brian Zoubek, and Mason Plumlee. On the other bench, coach Mark Few has the Zags poised for another March run which is being led this season by G Matt Bouldin. If the Zags come to play, which they should, expect this to be a great showcase of guard play.
Prediction: Duke 78, Gonzaga 71
(22) Kansas State @ Alabama
Frank Martin's Wildcats have been the surprise team in the nation this season and they face a crucial road test in Tuscaloosa Saturday night. At 9-1, the Wildcats have played a fairly easy schedule with their only loss coming to the Tide's SEC West rival, Ole Miss. The Tide are rolling even after a loss to Purdue last weekend and will look to use their home court advantage. Mikhail Torrance and JaMychal Green will both have to step up to lead the home side to victory.
Prediction: Alabama 62, K-State 49
(10) North Carolina v. (2) Texas 2:00, ESPN
Game played at Cowboys Stadium
Since every other football stadium hosts at least one big game in its bid to host a final four, Jerry Jones has brought a great game to be the first basketball game at the $1 billion stadium. After a heartbreaking loss to John Wall and Kentucky two weeks ago, the Tar Heels rebounded with an easy win over Presbyterian 103-64 in their last game. The Longhorns are rolling through teams but they have not played the caliber of opponents that UNC has. The key to this game will be the depth of each team off the bench. Texas has five players that average ten points a game and the Tar Heels boast only three. For North Carolina to win they must get production from players like Tyler Zeller, Larry Drew II and Will Graves to have a chance at challenging Texas' depth.
Prediction: Texas 71, UNC 65
UPSET ALERT:
(20) Texas Tech @ Wichita State, 8:05
The Red Raiders are off to an undefeated start and will face the first big test of the perfect record in Wichita. The Shockers are 8-1 with their only loss coming to Pitt in November. Wichita State is now one of the mid-majors that teams do not want to schedule because of the great results they have got out of the MVC so give credit to Texas Tech for scheduling this game the home crowd will be too much.
Prediction: Wichita St. 81, Texas Tech 60
As the season draws closer to conference play, we will see who is prepared the most this weekend through these tough non-conference games.
Weekend Bowl Preview
December is always an exciting month for college sports and this weekend is only the start to what will be a great last 12 days of 2009. With college football bowl games starting Saturday, 6 teams have a chance to bring home an early Christmas present by winning their respective bowl games.
College Bowl Preview
The three bowls this weekend(New Mexico, St. Petersburg, and New Orleans) that feature five non-BCS conference and Rutgers from the Big East. Although the matchups might not be as interesting as the bowls after this weekend, some players you might not have heard of have the possibility to shine on a national stage.
Players to Watch:
RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
Matthews was one of the many early contenders for the Heisman this season and fell off the radar due to the Bulldogs' 8-4 record and the fact that Boise State stole all the nation's attention that was focused on the WAC.
DE Bruce Miller, UCF
Miller finished fifth in sacks this season in the NCAA and was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Year. Look for Miller to have a tough assignment against the Rutgers' O-Line but he should be able to breakthrough for at least two sacks.
WR Tim Brown, Rutgers
The senior receiver will be QB Tom Savage's main target on Saturday night in St. Petersburg against UCF. If Savage and Brown are able to hook up like they did in the regular season(Brown caught 51 passes for 1,051 yards) then the Scarlet Knights should put an end to their disappointing season with a win.
Predictions:
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State 45, Wyoming 23
St. Petersburg Bowl: Rutgers 26, UCF 20
New Orleans Bowl:Middle Tenn. State 13, Southern Miss 10
College Bowl Preview
The three bowls this weekend(New Mexico, St. Petersburg, and New Orleans) that feature five non-BCS conference and Rutgers from the Big East. Although the matchups might not be as interesting as the bowls after this weekend, some players you might not have heard of have the possibility to shine on a national stage.
Players to Watch:
RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
Matthews was one of the many early contenders for the Heisman this season and fell off the radar due to the Bulldogs' 8-4 record and the fact that Boise State stole all the nation's attention that was focused on the WAC.
DE Bruce Miller, UCF
Miller finished fifth in sacks this season in the NCAA and was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Year. Look for Miller to have a tough assignment against the Rutgers' O-Line but he should be able to breakthrough for at least two sacks.
WR Tim Brown, Rutgers
The senior receiver will be QB Tom Savage's main target on Saturday night in St. Petersburg against UCF. If Savage and Brown are able to hook up like they did in the regular season(Brown caught 51 passes for 1,051 yards) then the Scarlet Knights should put an end to their disappointing season with a win.
Predictions:
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State 45, Wyoming 23
St. Petersburg Bowl: Rutgers 26, UCF 20
New Orleans Bowl:Middle Tenn. State 13, Southern Miss 10
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