This is the fourth and final installment of my preview and it's on the players that are to come in the near future, as the team is getting older and older. For the first time in what seems like years, the Cubs farm system has players that are going to be able to come up and help them either in the near future or in a couple years down the road. The system was somewhat depleted in the trade for Garza, but the cupboard isn't bare.
Brett Jackson is probably the most well-known of the Cubs prospects. He is an outfield prospect that was the Cubs first round draft pick two years ago and he might be a staple in the Cubs lineup next year, if not even the end of this year. He played in his first full season last year and split time between Single A and Double A. He isn't one to hit for power, but he hits for a decent average and has some speed, swiping 30 bags last year.
With the trade of Chris Archer, Trey McNutt is the teams' top pitching prospect. Like Jackson, McNutt went through Single and Double A last season. In 25 starts between the two levels, he went 10-1 with a 2.48 ERA and held hitters to a .2217 average. He has an impressive K/BB numbers in 132/37.
Josh Vitters has been talked about for what seems like a decade as a replacement for third baseman Aramis Ramirez. One thing that has been a knock on Vitters is his fielding, as he is known for committing errors. His power may not be there yet, but he can hit for average and drives in runs fairly easily. He is coming off of a season-ending broken finger so how he comes back from that could be key.
After McNutt, three other pitchers look like they might be ready to make an impact on the major league level soon: Chris Carpenter, Jay Jackson and Hayden Simpson. While Carpenter has been used mainly as a starter, many think his place in the majors will be in the bullpen. What's nice about Carpenter is that he has about a 2:1 K/BB ratio. Jackson struggled in his first full year at Triple-A, but he has shown that he has the stuff to pitch at a high level. Like many of the Cubs pitchers, he has an impressive K:BB ratio. Simpson was a bit of a shock when the Cubs took him in the first round last year, especially since he was an unknown while pitching at Division-II Southern Arkansas. If he can put up numbers like he did there last year (13-1, 1.81 ERA, 131 K, 35 BB), the pick might not look so bad.
The last two are a couple more outfield prospects the team drafted last season, Reggie Golden and Matt Szczur. Golden finished his high school career with 36 home runs, 156 RBIs and 146 runs. Szczur was persuaded by the Cubs to forego an NFL career and play baseball.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cubs Preview Part 3: Pitchers
Now this is where the post gets a little long. I'll of course break it up into starters and bullpen guys to make it easier for everybody. Some of the guys might be fluctuating between the two so let's do this!
Rotation
The Cubs have a solid top three in Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano. After a club-record six consecutive Opening Day starts, Zambrano is not slated to be the Opening Day starter, Dempster is. And with his performance over the last three years, he has earned it. Three years ago, the Cubs made Dempster a starting pitcher for the second time in his career. Between the 2004-2007 seasons, Dempster was used primarily as a reliever, saving over 24 games three years in a row. Despite his 15-12 record a season ago, it is easy to say that he was the most consistent pitcher the team had the entire season. His 208 strikeouts were good for seventh overall in the National League. If the Cubs can continue to get 4.8 runs or more per game in Dempster's games, that win total can climb even higher.
The Cubs are hoping that Carlos Zambrano's days of angry tirades are behind him. If that is true, that has yet to be seen, but if he resembles the player that came back from a suspension at the end of last season, he may be the 'Big Z' Cubs fans have been looking for these past couple years. Over the last month and a half of the 2010 season, Zambrano went 8-0, giving up two runs or less in all 11 starts he made. The talent has always been there with Big Z. What has driven everyone crazy though, has been Zambrano's personality. If he is able to control himself, he is capable of great things. But until he can do that for an entire season, he will just be another player who never fulfilled his potential.
Matt Garza came over in a trade with the Rays on January 8th. Garza is a player who has pitched against some of the best players in the game, while in the AL East. In fact, he earned ALCS MVP honors in 2008, a year the Rays went to the World Series. Last season saw Garza put up some of the best numbers of his career, picking up a career-best 15 wins. His 3.91 ERA was the second-lowest in his career (of starting at least 20 games). He also struck out 150 batters. What can be troubling for the Cubs is that he gave up the most home runs in his career, 28, in 2010.
Despite what the incumbent fourth and fifth starters Randy Wells and Carlos Silva may think, they are not guaranteed spots in the 2011 rotation. They are fighting at least three others, Braden Looper, Andrew Cashner and James Russell, for those last two spots. Wells regressed in his sophomore campaign by going 8-14, compared to his 12-10 record his rookie campaign. His ERA went up almost a run and a half too. The Cubs hope that a third-year bounce back is in place. Silva started out the season amazingly. Starting the season 5-0, it looked as if Silva could be a diamond in the rough. Unfortunately, he went 5-6 the rest of the season. He is another hot-head and has already had an incident in the third spring training game where he had an argument with a teammate in the dugout.
Cashner, Looper and Russell are each good enough to be used as swingmen between the lineup and the bullpen. Looper was a life-long reliever until the Cardinals converted him into a starter in 2007 and he has started at least 30 games every year since. He didn't play last season, however. Cashner made his name as a closer in college at TCU, but was drafted to be as a starter by the Cubs. However, when he made his debut with the team last season, he was sent to the bullpen. Because of his power arm, he has the ability to be a top of the rotation guy or a closer.
Bullpen
The 2011 bullpen is highlighted by Carlos Marmol and the return of Kerry Wood. In his first season as a full-time closer, Marmol racked up 38 saves in 43 opportunities. He has some of the nastiest stuff people have seen in the sport and that is something that he has used to his advantage. His 16 K/9 IP is a ridiculous stat. Last season he had 138 strikeouts and also finished with a league-high 70 games finished.
Kerry Wood returns to the Cubs two years years after leaving as a free agent. He split last season, playing with both the Yankees and Indians at some points of the year. Wood returns to a city he has loved since day one and that was highlighted by the lesser deal he took to come back. He comes back as a setup man and the role seems to suit him as he gets older. The Cubs just need him to be a stable force at the back of their bullpen and who knows, if Marmol gets injured or starts to struggle, the team knows they have a player who has excelled in the closer role in the past.
For the first three or four years of Sean Marshall's career, the Cubs saw him as a starter. Unfortunately, he never panned out in that role and has been a key member of the bullpen the last two years. Last year, he was the main setup man for Marmol and that role fit him perfectly. 2010 saw him put up the best numbers of his career, as he had career-lows in ERA (2.65), strikeouts (90), batting average against (.210) and held left-handers to a .196 average.
The rest of the bullpen will be made up of those who don't make the rotation and youngsters. So the bullpen might also include Russell, Cashner, Silva, Wells and Casey Coleman. This is essentially a make it or break it year for Jeff Samardzija, who the Cubs gave a big contract to get him from going to the NFL. He hasn't lived up to expectations thus far.
Rotation
The Cubs have a solid top three in Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano. After a club-record six consecutive Opening Day starts, Zambrano is not slated to be the Opening Day starter, Dempster is. And with his performance over the last three years, he has earned it. Three years ago, the Cubs made Dempster a starting pitcher for the second time in his career. Between the 2004-2007 seasons, Dempster was used primarily as a reliever, saving over 24 games three years in a row. Despite his 15-12 record a season ago, it is easy to say that he was the most consistent pitcher the team had the entire season. His 208 strikeouts were good for seventh overall in the National League. If the Cubs can continue to get 4.8 runs or more per game in Dempster's games, that win total can climb even higher.
The Cubs are hoping that Carlos Zambrano's days of angry tirades are behind him. If that is true, that has yet to be seen, but if he resembles the player that came back from a suspension at the end of last season, he may be the 'Big Z' Cubs fans have been looking for these past couple years. Over the last month and a half of the 2010 season, Zambrano went 8-0, giving up two runs or less in all 11 starts he made. The talent has always been there with Big Z. What has driven everyone crazy though, has been Zambrano's personality. If he is able to control himself, he is capable of great things. But until he can do that for an entire season, he will just be another player who never fulfilled his potential.
Matt Garza came over in a trade with the Rays on January 8th. Garza is a player who has pitched against some of the best players in the game, while in the AL East. In fact, he earned ALCS MVP honors in 2008, a year the Rays went to the World Series. Last season saw Garza put up some of the best numbers of his career, picking up a career-best 15 wins. His 3.91 ERA was the second-lowest in his career (of starting at least 20 games). He also struck out 150 batters. What can be troubling for the Cubs is that he gave up the most home runs in his career, 28, in 2010.
Despite what the incumbent fourth and fifth starters Randy Wells and Carlos Silva may think, they are not guaranteed spots in the 2011 rotation. They are fighting at least three others, Braden Looper, Andrew Cashner and James Russell, for those last two spots. Wells regressed in his sophomore campaign by going 8-14, compared to his 12-10 record his rookie campaign. His ERA went up almost a run and a half too. The Cubs hope that a third-year bounce back is in place. Silva started out the season amazingly. Starting the season 5-0, it looked as if Silva could be a diamond in the rough. Unfortunately, he went 5-6 the rest of the season. He is another hot-head and has already had an incident in the third spring training game where he had an argument with a teammate in the dugout.
Cashner, Looper and Russell are each good enough to be used as swingmen between the lineup and the bullpen. Looper was a life-long reliever until the Cardinals converted him into a starter in 2007 and he has started at least 30 games every year since. He didn't play last season, however. Cashner made his name as a closer in college at TCU, but was drafted to be as a starter by the Cubs. However, when he made his debut with the team last season, he was sent to the bullpen. Because of his power arm, he has the ability to be a top of the rotation guy or a closer.
Bullpen
The 2011 bullpen is highlighted by Carlos Marmol and the return of Kerry Wood. In his first season as a full-time closer, Marmol racked up 38 saves in 43 opportunities. He has some of the nastiest stuff people have seen in the sport and that is something that he has used to his advantage. His 16 K/9 IP is a ridiculous stat. Last season he had 138 strikeouts and also finished with a league-high 70 games finished.
Kerry Wood returns to the Cubs two years years after leaving as a free agent. He split last season, playing with both the Yankees and Indians at some points of the year. Wood returns to a city he has loved since day one and that was highlighted by the lesser deal he took to come back. He comes back as a setup man and the role seems to suit him as he gets older. The Cubs just need him to be a stable force at the back of their bullpen and who knows, if Marmol gets injured or starts to struggle, the team knows they have a player who has excelled in the closer role in the past.
For the first three or four years of Sean Marshall's career, the Cubs saw him as a starter. Unfortunately, he never panned out in that role and has been a key member of the bullpen the last two years. Last year, he was the main setup man for Marmol and that role fit him perfectly. 2010 saw him put up the best numbers of his career, as he had career-lows in ERA (2.65), strikeouts (90), batting average against (.210) and held left-handers to a .196 average.
The rest of the bullpen will be made up of those who don't make the rotation and youngsters. So the bullpen might also include Russell, Cashner, Silva, Wells and Casey Coleman. This is essentially a make it or break it year for Jeff Samardzija, who the Cubs gave a big contract to get him from going to the NFL. He hasn't lived up to expectations thus far.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Cubs Preview Part 2: Outfield
The Cubs bring back four outfielders from last year's squad that saw extensive playing time. The fifth outfielder spot is still up for grabs and it looks like it will be a tossup between two or three players, unless Mike Quade keeps six outfielders.
It'd be very easy to say that Alfonso Soriano hasn't lived up to the eight-year $136 million contract he signed in November of 2006. And those people would be right. It seems like he has had more struggles and more injuries than humanly possible. But unfortunately for Cubs fans, he is still around for three more years. If he is not injured and not struggling at the plate, he has the opportunity to be one of the most feared hitters in the game. Now fielding, that's another issue...The crazy part about Soriano is no matter how many home runs he hits, he struggles to put up big RBI numbers. In fact in all his seasons in the majors, he has gone over 100 RBI just once, in 2005. Not even when he hit a career-high 46 home runs did he get to 100 runs batted in. He has come close numerous times, but hasn't been able to get over the hump.
Unlike Soriano, who has not played up to his contract, Marlon Byrd, last year's big signee, arguably did more than that last year in his first season as a Cub. While his power numbers dropped slightly, his average rose 10 points. In fact, really the only big difference was the drop in power numbers. Byrd, however, is not looked upon to be one of the teams' big boppers and that will continue so even more this season with Carlos Pena's arrival. What will be interesting to see is if he can build on a year that saw him earn his first All-Star nod. How will working with Victor Conte effect him?
Kosuke Fukudome enters the fourth and final year of yet another ridiculous contract GM Jim Hendry has handed out. He has had an up-and-down three years so far and that is what has bothered Cubs fans. With such a big contract (4 yrs/$48 mil.) and a great track record in Japan, Fukudome's game suits a player well for a lead-off spot, but his .193 average in that spot has caused managers to flip flop him around. While he had the most home runs he has had a major leaguer (13), his hit, RBI and walk totals were the lowest of his career. And while he doesn't strike out TOO much, he has yet to have a season where he has walked more than he has struck out.
Fukudome better watch out tho, because if he even starts to struggle, he will lose his starting spot to youngster Tyler Colvin, who can play both corner outfield spots, as well as first base. Colvin had a heck of a rookie season last year, slugging 20 home runs and having a .500 slugging percentage in 358 at-bats. If he doesn't steal the job this year, it is easy to see Colvin grabbing the right field job for the foreseeable future and being a fixture in the Cubs lineup for years to come. He will also most likely serve as a backup to Carlos Pena at first, a position Colvin played in college at Clemson.
Reed Johnson, a former Cub and Fernando Perez, a player who came over in the Matt Garza trade, will compete for the fifth outfielder spot. This would essentially be Perez's rookie season, as he only played in 41 games with the Rays. Quade has said that Perez is the fastest player in camp. Johnson played for the Cubs in the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He was with the Dodgers last year, where he saw action in 102 games. While never a power hitter, he brings stability to the lineup and the locker room.
It'd be very easy to say that Alfonso Soriano hasn't lived up to the eight-year $136 million contract he signed in November of 2006. And those people would be right. It seems like he has had more struggles and more injuries than humanly possible. But unfortunately for Cubs fans, he is still around for three more years. If he is not injured and not struggling at the plate, he has the opportunity to be one of the most feared hitters in the game. Now fielding, that's another issue...The crazy part about Soriano is no matter how many home runs he hits, he struggles to put up big RBI numbers. In fact in all his seasons in the majors, he has gone over 100 RBI just once, in 2005. Not even when he hit a career-high 46 home runs did he get to 100 runs batted in. He has come close numerous times, but hasn't been able to get over the hump.
Unlike Soriano, who has not played up to his contract, Marlon Byrd, last year's big signee, arguably did more than that last year in his first season as a Cub. While his power numbers dropped slightly, his average rose 10 points. In fact, really the only big difference was the drop in power numbers. Byrd, however, is not looked upon to be one of the teams' big boppers and that will continue so even more this season with Carlos Pena's arrival. What will be interesting to see is if he can build on a year that saw him earn his first All-Star nod. How will working with Victor Conte effect him?
Kosuke Fukudome enters the fourth and final year of yet another ridiculous contract GM Jim Hendry has handed out. He has had an up-and-down three years so far and that is what has bothered Cubs fans. With such a big contract (4 yrs/$48 mil.) and a great track record in Japan, Fukudome's game suits a player well for a lead-off spot, but his .193 average in that spot has caused managers to flip flop him around. While he had the most home runs he has had a major leaguer (13), his hit, RBI and walk totals were the lowest of his career. And while he doesn't strike out TOO much, he has yet to have a season where he has walked more than he has struck out.
Fukudome better watch out tho, because if he even starts to struggle, he will lose his starting spot to youngster Tyler Colvin, who can play both corner outfield spots, as well as first base. Colvin had a heck of a rookie season last year, slugging 20 home runs and having a .500 slugging percentage in 358 at-bats. If he doesn't steal the job this year, it is easy to see Colvin grabbing the right field job for the foreseeable future and being a fixture in the Cubs lineup for years to come. He will also most likely serve as a backup to Carlos Pena at first, a position Colvin played in college at Clemson.
Reed Johnson, a former Cub and Fernando Perez, a player who came over in the Matt Garza trade, will compete for the fifth outfielder spot. This would essentially be Perez's rookie season, as he only played in 41 games with the Rays. Quade has said that Perez is the fastest player in camp. Johnson played for the Cubs in the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He was with the Dodgers last year, where he saw action in 102 games. While never a power hitter, he brings stability to the lineup and the locker room.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Cubs Preview Part 1: Infield
Well, it's that time of year again ladies and gentlemen. Baseball season is just around the corner and you can just feel spring coming up (well outside of the cold of course). So that means one thing...let's check out how our favorite teams are going to do! For this preview I'm going to break it up into four separate ones: infield, outfield, pitching and prospects.
Catcher: Geovany Soto broke out onto the scene three years ago, when he was named NL Rookie of the Year after having a monster first season as a major league starter. While he hasn't put up those ridiculous numbers since, last season was a step back in that direction after a tough sophomore campaign. He got his average back up to .280 last year. Although his power numbers (17 HR, 53 RBI) haven't gotten back to the levels of his rookie year, the power bats the team has put around him doesn't put the pressure on him to put up huge numbers again. The Cubs have multiple possibilities for Soto's backup, as they added Max Ramirez off waivers this winter. He is added to the already full stable of backstops including Wellington Castillo and Koyie Hill.
First Base: The Cubs signed Carlos Pena to a one-year $10 million contract in the offseason. The team is hoping that Pena has a bounce back year after hitting for only a .196 average last year. Now while Pena has never been one to hit for a great average, his power is something that intrigues teams. In the last four years he has hit 28 or more home runs, including three consecutive years between 31-46. One thing that could scare the team is the lack of a true backup. Tyler Colvin, who is now an outfielder, will be one of the backups, having played the position in college.
Second Base: Second base might be one of the weaker spots on the team, as neither of the candidates for the position (Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt) jump out at you as a star player. DeWitt looks like he will be the starter and Baker a utility guy who can play three of four infield positions. DeWitt came over in a trade-deadline deal last season and hit .250 in 184 at bats with the Cubs.
Shortstop: With the emergence of Starlin Castro, the shortstop position is set for years to come. Yes, his defense needs some work (27 errors last season), but the possibility to improve is so great, the team is willing to put up with his growing pains. It's so easy to forget that Castro turns just 21 years old this spring. In his first season, 125 games played, he hit .300 with three home runs, 41 runs batted in and 10 stolen bases, all while fluctuating between where he was slotted in the lineup. With his speed, he is more suited to be a top of the lineup type of guy, but what manager Mike Quade does with him should be interesting.
Third base: A familiar face returns to man the hot corner: Aramis Ramirez. He will be hoping to get over injuries that have bugged him in the past and use his strong second half of last season to propel him to a normal Aramis Ramirez season. When healthy, Ramirez has been a feared hitter, who can hit around 30 home runs and well over 100 runs batted in. And outside of last season, his average has hovered around .300 as a Cub. He is the perfect middle of the order player who also can provide some verteran leadership for some of the younger players. However, if the Cubs are to be successful, he is going to have to avoid injuries. If he does, watch out NL.
As you can see, there is quite a lot of talent in the infield this year. Injuries will play a big role, especially with Ramirez. If everyone can stay healthy and Castro doesn't experience a sophomore slump, could be good times.
Catcher: Geovany Soto broke out onto the scene three years ago, when he was named NL Rookie of the Year after having a monster first season as a major league starter. While he hasn't put up those ridiculous numbers since, last season was a step back in that direction after a tough sophomore campaign. He got his average back up to .280 last year. Although his power numbers (17 HR, 53 RBI) haven't gotten back to the levels of his rookie year, the power bats the team has put around him doesn't put the pressure on him to put up huge numbers again. The Cubs have multiple possibilities for Soto's backup, as they added Max Ramirez off waivers this winter. He is added to the already full stable of backstops including Wellington Castillo and Koyie Hill.
First Base: The Cubs signed Carlos Pena to a one-year $10 million contract in the offseason. The team is hoping that Pena has a bounce back year after hitting for only a .196 average last year. Now while Pena has never been one to hit for a great average, his power is something that intrigues teams. In the last four years he has hit 28 or more home runs, including three consecutive years between 31-46. One thing that could scare the team is the lack of a true backup. Tyler Colvin, who is now an outfielder, will be one of the backups, having played the position in college.
Second Base: Second base might be one of the weaker spots on the team, as neither of the candidates for the position (Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt) jump out at you as a star player. DeWitt looks like he will be the starter and Baker a utility guy who can play three of four infield positions. DeWitt came over in a trade-deadline deal last season and hit .250 in 184 at bats with the Cubs.
Shortstop: With the emergence of Starlin Castro, the shortstop position is set for years to come. Yes, his defense needs some work (27 errors last season), but the possibility to improve is so great, the team is willing to put up with his growing pains. It's so easy to forget that Castro turns just 21 years old this spring. In his first season, 125 games played, he hit .300 with three home runs, 41 runs batted in and 10 stolen bases, all while fluctuating between where he was slotted in the lineup. With his speed, he is more suited to be a top of the lineup type of guy, but what manager Mike Quade does with him should be interesting.
Third base: A familiar face returns to man the hot corner: Aramis Ramirez. He will be hoping to get over injuries that have bugged him in the past and use his strong second half of last season to propel him to a normal Aramis Ramirez season. When healthy, Ramirez has been a feared hitter, who can hit around 30 home runs and well over 100 runs batted in. And outside of last season, his average has hovered around .300 as a Cub. He is the perfect middle of the order player who also can provide some verteran leadership for some of the younger players. However, if the Cubs are to be successful, he is going to have to avoid injuries. If he does, watch out NL.
As you can see, there is quite a lot of talent in the infield this year. Injuries will play a big role, especially with Ramirez. If everyone can stay healthy and Castro doesn't experience a sophomore slump, could be good times.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Ohio State-Penn State
Ohio State at Penn State
The Buckeyes can secure at least a share of the conference crown with a 15th straight win over the Nittany Lions on Tuesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center. Although the Buckeyes have won five straight on the road over Penn State and 14 consecutive overall matchups, they have lost their last two games outside of Columbus. Penn State has also knocked off three ranked teams at home this season and if it wasn't for a Jared Sullinger three-point play with 13 seconds left, they would have defeated the Buckeyes in their first meeting.
After setting the college basketball world afire, Sullinger has slowed down in the past four games, scoring 12 or fewer points in three of the past four. Those 12 points are five below his season average of 17.4. He failed to make a field goal for the first time in his collegiate career Sunday against Indiana. Luckily for Ohio State, Sullinger is not the only big contributor on the team. William Buford (14 ppg, 4 rpg), David Lighty (13 ppg, 4 rpg), Jon Dielbler (11 ppg) and Aaron Craft (7 ppg, 4.6 apg) all play huge roles for the Buckeyes.
Penn State is looking for a way to build its NCAA Tournament resume and a win against the top-ranked team in the nation would do wonders. The team is led by sensational senior guard Talor Battle, who is putting up 20.5 ppg, 4 rpg and three apg. He has been outstanding at home recently, averaging 24.8 points and shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range in his last six at the Bryce Jordan Center.
But like Ohio State and Sullinger, Penn State has multiple options. Jeff Brooks is averaging 13.6 ppg and a team high 6.6 rpg, while David Jackson is putting up 10 ppg and nearly five rpg. Prediction: Penn State keeps it close, but Ohio State wins 70-67
The Buckeyes can secure at least a share of the conference crown with a 15th straight win over the Nittany Lions on Tuesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center. Although the Buckeyes have won five straight on the road over Penn State and 14 consecutive overall matchups, they have lost their last two games outside of Columbus. Penn State has also knocked off three ranked teams at home this season and if it wasn't for a Jared Sullinger three-point play with 13 seconds left, they would have defeated the Buckeyes in their first meeting.
After setting the college basketball world afire, Sullinger has slowed down in the past four games, scoring 12 or fewer points in three of the past four. Those 12 points are five below his season average of 17.4. He failed to make a field goal for the first time in his collegiate career Sunday against Indiana. Luckily for Ohio State, Sullinger is not the only big contributor on the team. William Buford (14 ppg, 4 rpg), David Lighty (13 ppg, 4 rpg), Jon Dielbler (11 ppg) and Aaron Craft (7 ppg, 4.6 apg) all play huge roles for the Buckeyes.
Penn State is looking for a way to build its NCAA Tournament resume and a win against the top-ranked team in the nation would do wonders. The team is led by sensational senior guard Talor Battle, who is putting up 20.5 ppg, 4 rpg and three apg. He has been outstanding at home recently, averaging 24.8 points and shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range in his last six at the Bryce Jordan Center.
But like Ohio State and Sullinger, Penn State has multiple options. Jeff Brooks is averaging 13.6 ppg and a team high 6.6 rpg, while David Jackson is putting up 10 ppg and nearly five rpg. Prediction: Penn State keeps it close, but Ohio State wins 70-67
Illinois-Purdue
Illinois at Purdue
Once again, this game could be crucial for the Illini's NCAA hopes. A win here over a team that has won six straight and is still in the Big Ten title hunt would be HUGE for Illinois' stock. After coming up with a win over lowly Iowa, Illinois (18-11, 8-8) is looking to win consecutive games for the first time since winning its first three conference games. The Illini win over Iowa on Saturday, snapped a two-game losing streak.
Demetri McCamey is finally starting to play like the player all Illini fans were envisioning at the beginning of the year. After a disappointing stretch, McCamey has been playing much better recently, averaging 16.5 points the last four games. Over the previous six games, he averaged 8.7 points while shooting 29.3 percent.
The Boilermakers, on the other hand, have been one of the nation's hottest teams. In that six-game winning streak, some of their wins have been over this Illini squad, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State.
JaJuan Johnson had 20 points, a career-high 17 rebounds and seven blocks in their win over the Spartans. Johnson's double-double was his second in four games. He's averaging 20.4 points and 8.1 rebounds this season. As he has been all season, E'Twaun Moore has been his sidekick, pouring in nearly 19 ppg.
Illinois has lost four straight to Purdue and three of its last four visits to West Lafayette. Purdue is trying to sweep the season series against the Illini for a second straight year. Prediction: Sorry Illini fans, Purdue is just too good. 80-70
Once again, this game could be crucial for the Illini's NCAA hopes. A win here over a team that has won six straight and is still in the Big Ten title hunt would be HUGE for Illinois' stock. After coming up with a win over lowly Iowa, Illinois (18-11, 8-8) is looking to win consecutive games for the first time since winning its first three conference games. The Illini win over Iowa on Saturday, snapped a two-game losing streak.
Demetri McCamey is finally starting to play like the player all Illini fans were envisioning at the beginning of the year. After a disappointing stretch, McCamey has been playing much better recently, averaging 16.5 points the last four games. Over the previous six games, he averaged 8.7 points while shooting 29.3 percent.
The Boilermakers, on the other hand, have been one of the nation's hottest teams. In that six-game winning streak, some of their wins have been over this Illini squad, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State.
JaJuan Johnson had 20 points, a career-high 17 rebounds and seven blocks in their win over the Spartans. Johnson's double-double was his second in four games. He's averaging 20.4 points and 8.1 rebounds this season. As he has been all season, E'Twaun Moore has been his sidekick, pouring in nearly 19 ppg.
Illinois has lost four straight to Purdue and three of its last four visits to West Lafayette. Purdue is trying to sweep the season series against the Illini for a second straight year. Prediction: Sorry Illini fans, Purdue is just too good. 80-70
Monday, February 28, 2011
Villanova-ND
Villanova at Notre Dame
Notre Dame (23-5, 12-4) has won nine of its last 10, all of which were Big East games. With a victory Monday, it would secure a double-bye in the conference tournament while staying in the thick of the race for the league title.
The ninth-ranked Irish will try to do so as they look to go undefeated at home for the first time in three years.
Ben Hansbrough leads the Irish in scoring with 18 ppg and averages a team-high foour apg as well. Tim Abromitas is averaging 15 ppg and six rpg. The third Notre Dame in double figures, Carleton Scott, is pouring in 11 ppg and a team-high seven rpg.
Villanova is doing the opposite of what Notre Dame has done. The Wildcats have lost four of their past six games and stumbled down the Big East standings after a strong start, just as it did last season. The Wildcats opened 2009-10 by winning 20 of 21 but lost five of their final nine regular-season games.
Leading scorer Corey Fisher has struggled badly over the past two games, totaling 10 points and shooting 4 of 26. Fisher is averaging 15.5 points, but has been held to 12 or fewer in four of the last five contests. Prediction: Notre Dame 86-77
Notre Dame (23-5, 12-4) has won nine of its last 10, all of which were Big East games. With a victory Monday, it would secure a double-bye in the conference tournament while staying in the thick of the race for the league title.
The ninth-ranked Irish will try to do so as they look to go undefeated at home for the first time in three years.
Ben Hansbrough leads the Irish in scoring with 18 ppg and averages a team-high foour apg as well. Tim Abromitas is averaging 15 ppg and six rpg. The third Notre Dame in double figures, Carleton Scott, is pouring in 11 ppg and a team-high seven rpg.
Villanova is doing the opposite of what Notre Dame has done. The Wildcats have lost four of their past six games and stumbled down the Big East standings after a strong start, just as it did last season. The Wildcats opened 2009-10 by winning 20 of 21 but lost five of their final nine regular-season games.
Leading scorer Corey Fisher has struggled badly over the past two games, totaling 10 points and shooting 4 of 26. Fisher is averaging 15.5 points, but has been held to 12 or fewer in four of the last five contests. Prediction: Notre Dame 86-77
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Marquette-UConn
Marquette at Connecticut
It's been a tough week for the Huskies, first losing to Louisville Friday, then this week learning of NCAA sanctions following an investigation of the program since a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide recruit Nate Miles to the school, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
The Huskies will not receive a postseason ban, but the program was hit with scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, permanent disassociation of a booster and three years probation. They will also be without coach Jim Calhoun this game, as he will be attending the funeral services for his sister-in-law.
But what the Huskies will really need to focus on is stopping Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 18 ppg and 6 rpg against them in three career games.
The Golden Eagles may need to improve on their 2-9 mark against AP Top 25 teams to gain an NCAA tournament berth. Six of those losses have been by five or fewer points. Prediction: Huskies win 75-69
It's been a tough week for the Huskies, first losing to Louisville Friday, then this week learning of NCAA sanctions following an investigation of the program since a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide recruit Nate Miles to the school, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
The Huskies will not receive a postseason ban, but the program was hit with scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, permanent disassociation of a booster and three years probation. They will also be without coach Jim Calhoun this game, as he will be attending the funeral services for his sister-in-law.
But what the Huskies will really need to focus on is stopping Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 18 ppg and 6 rpg against them in three career games.
The Golden Eagles may need to improve on their 2-9 mark against AP Top 25 teams to gain an NCAA tournament berth. Six of those losses have been by five or fewer points. Prediction: Huskies win 75-69
Loyola-Valpo
Loyola at Valparaiso
This season has been common to recent years for the Ramblers. A hot start gives them confidence and their fans optimism, but then the conference part of the season rolls around and the fire seems to fizzle out as the season goes along.
The Ramblers started the season 7-0 and looked to have a lot of momentum going into their game against national runner-up Butler. Although the Bulldogs squeaked by, it sent the Ramblers into a bit of a downspiral, as they lost eight of their next 11 games. While their 15-13 record doesn't exactly knock them out of any postseason race, a win here and against Butler (the third and second place teams) would go a long way.
Geoff McCammon leads four Ramblers in double figures at 14 ppg. Ben Averkamp and Terrance Hill are right behind him at 12 and 11.5 ppg, respectively. Walter Gibler is the other double digit scorer at 10 ppg. Jordan Hicks, who broke his foot for the second time in two years, was averaging 12 ppg before his injury in early December.
Valparaiso is one of three teams in the Horizon League that has amassed 20 or more victories (Butler and Cleveland State are the others). The thing that has led them to a 20-9 record and 11-5 conference record has been its offense efficiency. The Crusaders are in the top 75 in scoring, averaging over 73 ppg, 21st in assists with 16 apg and 14th in field goal percentage, hitting 48 percent of their shots.
Brandon Wood leads four Crusaders in double figure scoring, pouring in 17 ppg. He has scored more than 20 points in the teams' last three games. Next are Cory Johnson (14 ppg), Ryan Broekhoff (11 ppg) and Howard Little (10 ppg). What is crazy statistically for Valpo is that those four are also the top rebounders, averaging between 4.2 and 4.8 boards per contest. Little and Broekhoff lead the team at 4.8 rpg a pop. Prediction: Valpo wins 81-74
This season has been common to recent years for the Ramblers. A hot start gives them confidence and their fans optimism, but then the conference part of the season rolls around and the fire seems to fizzle out as the season goes along.
The Ramblers started the season 7-0 and looked to have a lot of momentum going into their game against national runner-up Butler. Although the Bulldogs squeaked by, it sent the Ramblers into a bit of a downspiral, as they lost eight of their next 11 games. While their 15-13 record doesn't exactly knock them out of any postseason race, a win here and against Butler (the third and second place teams) would go a long way.
Geoff McCammon leads four Ramblers in double figures at 14 ppg. Ben Averkamp and Terrance Hill are right behind him at 12 and 11.5 ppg, respectively. Walter Gibler is the other double digit scorer at 10 ppg. Jordan Hicks, who broke his foot for the second time in two years, was averaging 12 ppg before his injury in early December.
Valparaiso is one of three teams in the Horizon League that has amassed 20 or more victories (Butler and Cleveland State are the others). The thing that has led them to a 20-9 record and 11-5 conference record has been its offense efficiency. The Crusaders are in the top 75 in scoring, averaging over 73 ppg, 21st in assists with 16 apg and 14th in field goal percentage, hitting 48 percent of their shots.
Brandon Wood leads four Crusaders in double figure scoring, pouring in 17 ppg. He has scored more than 20 points in the teams' last three games. Next are Cory Johnson (14 ppg), Ryan Broekhoff (11 ppg) and Howard Little (10 ppg). What is crazy statistically for Valpo is that those four are also the top rebounders, averaging between 4.2 and 4.8 boards per contest. Little and Broekhoff lead the team at 4.8 rpg a pop. Prediction: Valpo wins 81-74
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bradley-Illinois State
Bradley at Illinois State
Unlike recent seasons, this one has been a struggle for the downstate teams. In fact, this is a battle of the last place teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Bradley's struggles are somewhat confusing because they returned four of their starters from last season. Senior Andrew Warren is leading the team in scoring with 19 ppg and tied for the team-lead with Jordan Prosser for rebounds with 5.4 rpg. Dodie Dunson is the only other player averaging double digits in scoring, putting in 10 ppg. One positive for the Braves has been that they have won four of their last six games, after losing 11 straight.
Illinois State, on the other hand, lost Osiris Eldridge and Dinma Odiakosa from last year's squad, so it was somewhat expected to struggle, but whether it was this much, it is unknown. The Redbirds have lost 14 of their last 17, including their last six. After being explosive on offense in recent seasons, Illinois State has only one player, Austin Hill who is averaging over 10 ppg and he is only pouring in 10.6 ppg. Prediction: Bradley 67-60
Unlike recent seasons, this one has been a struggle for the downstate teams. In fact, this is a battle of the last place teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Bradley's struggles are somewhat confusing because they returned four of their starters from last season. Senior Andrew Warren is leading the team in scoring with 19 ppg and tied for the team-lead with Jordan Prosser for rebounds with 5.4 rpg. Dodie Dunson is the only other player averaging double digits in scoring, putting in 10 ppg. One positive for the Braves has been that they have won four of their last six games, after losing 11 straight.
Illinois State, on the other hand, lost Osiris Eldridge and Dinma Odiakosa from last year's squad, so it was somewhat expected to struggle, but whether it was this much, it is unknown. The Redbirds have lost 14 of their last 17, including their last six. After being explosive on offense in recent seasons, Illinois State has only one player, Austin Hill who is averaging over 10 ppg and he is only pouring in 10.6 ppg. Prediction: Bradley 67-60
Michigan State-Minnesota
Michigan State at Minnesota
Talk about battle of the teams on the bubble for an NCAA tournament bid. Minnesota was expected to be at this point, Michigan State was not. The Spartans got a HUGE win Saturday against Illinois and will look to get another one, this time on the road when they face off with the Gophers. Tom Izzo even said himself that "this game (vs. Illinois) was bigger for us than for them. We needed this one." But if they are going to end up getting the win, Kalin Lucas is going to need help. He was the only one with more than nine points in the win vs. the Illini.
Minnesota has lost five of six and this one proves to eb just as vital for their tournament hopes, as it does for the Spartans. Turnovers and shaky shooting have been downfalls for the Gophers and they will need Blake Hoffarber and Trevor Mbakwe to keep up their stellar play. Prediction: Spartans win 80-70
Talk about battle of the teams on the bubble for an NCAA tournament bid. Minnesota was expected to be at this point, Michigan State was not. The Spartans got a HUGE win Saturday against Illinois and will look to get another one, this time on the road when they face off with the Gophers. Tom Izzo even said himself that "this game (vs. Illinois) was bigger for us than for them. We needed this one." But if they are going to end up getting the win, Kalin Lucas is going to need help. He was the only one with more than nine points in the win vs. the Illini.
Minnesota has lost five of six and this one proves to eb just as vital for their tournament hopes, as it does for the Spartans. Turnovers and shaky shooting have been downfalls for the Gophers and they will need Blake Hoffarber and Trevor Mbakwe to keep up their stellar play. Prediction: Spartans win 80-70
Illinois at Ohio State
Illinois at Ohio State
After starting the season 24-0, Ohio State has gone on a bit of a rough patch, losing two of their last three, to Wisconsin and Purdue, on the road. It has been the doings of a red-hot guard that has done them in each time. Jordan Taylor did it for Wisconsin and E'Twaun Moore for the Boilermakers. Now Illinois is hoping a third guard (Demetri McCamey? Brandon Paul?) will cause the Buckeyes some more problems as they head into their matchup in Columbus.
I seem to write this every time, but this game is of importance to the Illini, especially after their loss Saturday to Michigan State. They need at least a split in their final four games (OSU, IA, PUR, IND) to pretty much guarantee them a bid. One problem for the Illini has been winning on the road in conference, as they have dropped five of seven of those contests. Prediction: Ohio State wins 77-70
After starting the season 24-0, Ohio State has gone on a bit of a rough patch, losing two of their last three, to Wisconsin and Purdue, on the road. It has been the doings of a red-hot guard that has done them in each time. Jordan Taylor did it for Wisconsin and E'Twaun Moore for the Boilermakers. Now Illinois is hoping a third guard (Demetri McCamey? Brandon Paul?) will cause the Buckeyes some more problems as they head into their matchup in Columbus.
I seem to write this every time, but this game is of importance to the Illini, especially after their loss Saturday to Michigan State. They need at least a split in their final four games (OSU, IA, PUR, IND) to pretty much guarantee them a bid. One problem for the Illini has been winning on the road in conference, as they have dropped five of seven of those contests. Prediction: Ohio State wins 77-70
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Weekend Predictions
The following with be a bunch of previews, altho shorter than they usually are. Nobody wants to read ridiculously long posts. Learned that this summer.
Friday
Louisville vs. UConn
UConn might have turned the corner late in the season with their win against Georgetown. The Huskies will try to get revenge against Louisville, who beat UConn in a crazy double overtime win at the end of January. Kemba Walker has been playing ridiculously, going for 31 pts and 10 assists against the Hoyas. Since that win against Georgetown, Louisville has struggled going 3-3 in their last six games, including a four point win against DePaul. Preston Knowles (15 ppg) and Peyton Siva (10 ppg and 5 apg) lead the Cardinals. Prediction: UConn 80-75
Saturday
Utah State at St. Mary's
This is by far the highlight of the BracketBusters matchups this weekend. It is between the 23rd and 24th ranked teams in the country. Utah State is 24-3, but has won 19 of its last 20 games. Tai Wesley (14 ppg, 7 rpg), Brian Wilson (11 ppg) and Brockeith Payne (11 ppg) lead the Aggies. St. Mary's is coming off of an upset loss to San Diego on Wednesday, one that might knock them out of the rankings. The Gaels are led by four players who score in double figures: Mickey McConnell (17 ppg, 7 apg), Rob Jones (14 ppg, 8 rpg), Matthew Dellavedova (13 ppg, 5 apg) and Mitchell Young (10 ppg, 5 rpg). Prediction: Utah State wins on the road, 86-80
Illinois at Michigan State
This game is HUGE for the Spartans. At 14-11, they might have to win out and win two games in the conference tournament to get into the NCAA's. What will help MSU is the four more teams in, as well as college basketball being down as a whole. The Spartans have been uncharacteristically shaky at home, already losing four times, but will need Kalin Lucas and his 16 ppg to win. The Illini are in the midst of possibly their hardest stretch of games this season and have a trip to Ohio State looming after this one. Prediction: Michigan State wins a needed game, 76-72
Michigan at Iowa
Wednesday's loss to Illinois might have been bad for the Wolverines, who are fighting for an NCAA berth. Three of their next four games are winnable, but if they lose here, that might be a killer, one that sends the team to the NIT. Iowa, on the other hand, is just looking for the season to be over, while also looking to place spoiler to teams like Michigan. Prediction: Michigan 80-67
Northwestern at Indiana
Like Michigan and Michigan State, a win here is crucial for the slim chance the Wildcats have at a spot in the NCAA. A win over Iowa put them at 15-10, but they will have to win their last four conference games to go .500 in conference play. Indiana is not an easy place to play, however, as both Minnesota and Illinois, who were both ranked at the time, lost in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are 11-5 at home. Prediction: Northwestern pulls out a win they wish could have come easier, 76-73
Friday
Louisville vs. UConn
UConn might have turned the corner late in the season with their win against Georgetown. The Huskies will try to get revenge against Louisville, who beat UConn in a crazy double overtime win at the end of January. Kemba Walker has been playing ridiculously, going for 31 pts and 10 assists against the Hoyas. Since that win against Georgetown, Louisville has struggled going 3-3 in their last six games, including a four point win against DePaul. Preston Knowles (15 ppg) and Peyton Siva (10 ppg and 5 apg) lead the Cardinals. Prediction: UConn 80-75
Saturday
Utah State at St. Mary's
This is by far the highlight of the BracketBusters matchups this weekend. It is between the 23rd and 24th ranked teams in the country. Utah State is 24-3, but has won 19 of its last 20 games. Tai Wesley (14 ppg, 7 rpg), Brian Wilson (11 ppg) and Brockeith Payne (11 ppg) lead the Aggies. St. Mary's is coming off of an upset loss to San Diego on Wednesday, one that might knock them out of the rankings. The Gaels are led by four players who score in double figures: Mickey McConnell (17 ppg, 7 apg), Rob Jones (14 ppg, 8 rpg), Matthew Dellavedova (13 ppg, 5 apg) and Mitchell Young (10 ppg, 5 rpg). Prediction: Utah State wins on the road, 86-80
Illinois at Michigan State
This game is HUGE for the Spartans. At 14-11, they might have to win out and win two games in the conference tournament to get into the NCAA's. What will help MSU is the four more teams in, as well as college basketball being down as a whole. The Spartans have been uncharacteristically shaky at home, already losing four times, but will need Kalin Lucas and his 16 ppg to win. The Illini are in the midst of possibly their hardest stretch of games this season and have a trip to Ohio State looming after this one. Prediction: Michigan State wins a needed game, 76-72
Michigan at Iowa
Wednesday's loss to Illinois might have been bad for the Wolverines, who are fighting for an NCAA berth. Three of their next four games are winnable, but if they lose here, that might be a killer, one that sends the team to the NIT. Iowa, on the other hand, is just looking for the season to be over, while also looking to place spoiler to teams like Michigan. Prediction: Michigan 80-67
Northwestern at Indiana
Like Michigan and Michigan State, a win here is crucial for the slim chance the Wildcats have at a spot in the NCAA. A win over Iowa put them at 15-10, but they will have to win their last four conference games to go .500 in conference play. Indiana is not an easy place to play, however, as both Minnesota and Illinois, who were both ranked at the time, lost in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are 11-5 at home. Prediction: Northwestern pulls out a win they wish could have come easier, 76-73
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Iowa vs. Northwestern
What once seemed like such a promising season for the Wildcats has turned to be the complete opposite. By losing five of their last six games, they have more than likely played their way out of an NCAA bid. They have allowed at least 49 percent shooting against in their last six games. They are getting out rebounded by almost eight in Big Ten Games. They allow conference opponents to shoot 50 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent on three-point attempts.
I know it seems as if nothing can go right for the 'Cats, but that is far from the truth. John Shurna, Drew Crawford and Michael Thompson are still the leaders of this team and when the shots are falling, NU is hard to beat. Four of the next five games (Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Penn State) are winnable and if the Cats can get close to that .500 mark and win a game in the conference tourney, that streak of never making it into the NCAA's might end. But they will need Shurna (17 ppg), Thompson (14 ppg) and Crawford (12 ppg) to do what they do best: score.
I know it seems as if nothing can go right for the 'Cats, but that is far from the truth. John Shurna, Drew Crawford and Michael Thompson are still the leaders of this team and when the shots are falling, NU is hard to beat. Four of the next five games (Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Penn State) are winnable and if the Cats can get close to that .500 mark and win a game in the conference tourney, that streak of never making it into the NCAA's might end. But they will need Shurna (17 ppg), Thompson (14 ppg) and Crawford (12 ppg) to do what they do best: score.
Iowa is 10-15, 3-10. They sit just one game behind NU in the conference standings. The Hawkeyes own big three of Matt Gatens, Bryce Cartright and Melsahn Basabe aren’t as explosive as the triumvirate at Northwester, but are more than capable of getting the job done.
Basabe averages 10.5 PPG and his 7.0 rebounds per game rank sixth in the conference. He is also fifth in the Big Ten in field goal percentage. Cartright ranks third in the Big Ten is assists and averages 11.0 PPG. Gatens leads the conference making over 90 percent of his free throw attempts. At 12.5 PPG, he is the Hawkeyes leading scorer. Prediction: Northwestern wins huge 80-65
Minnesota vs. Penn State
Two weeks ago, Minnesota was looking pretty ranked in the top 20 at 16-4. Fast forward two weeks and the Gophers may ow be on the bubble after losing four of five and dropping to 17-8.
Trevor Mbakwe scored a season-high 24 points in Sunday's win over Iowa and the Gophers will need more of this to help Minnesota get back on track. They are going to have get their frontcourt to lead the way, as the health of point guard Blake Hoffarber will be in question as soreness and pain in a knee doesn't just go away like that. Ralph Sampson III, the other main clog in the middle, is coming off of his worst game of the year, one which saw him score only two points, will be looking to get back to the form that saw him score in double digits in the seven games prior to that.
Penn State, in its own right, might be playing for an NCAA bid. It's record (13-10) isn't too flashy, but if the Nittany Lions manage to win two or three of their remaining five games, possibly upset Wisconsin or Ohio State and win a game in the conference tourney, who knows what might happen? As they have been all year, Penn State is led by Talor Battle, who is still averaging over 20 ppg. Prediction: The Nittany Lions are 16-4 at home, but lose a squeaker, 75-73
Trevor Mbakwe scored a season-high 24 points in Sunday's win over Iowa and the Gophers will need more of this to help Minnesota get back on track. They are going to have get their frontcourt to lead the way, as the health of point guard Blake Hoffarber will be in question as soreness and pain in a knee doesn't just go away like that. Ralph Sampson III, the other main clog in the middle, is coming off of his worst game of the year, one which saw him score only two points, will be looking to get back to the form that saw him score in double digits in the seven games prior to that.
Penn State, in its own right, might be playing for an NCAA bid. It's record (13-10) isn't too flashy, but if the Nittany Lions manage to win two or three of their remaining five games, possibly upset Wisconsin or Ohio State and win a game in the conference tourney, who knows what might happen? As they have been all year, Penn State is led by Talor Battle, who is still averaging over 20 ppg. Prediction: The Nittany Lions are 16-4 at home, but lose a squeaker, 75-73
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Wisconsin vs. Purdue
Wisconsin at Purdue (Purdue is a 4.5 pt favorite)
Wisconsin is coming off of the win of the year, after derailing Ohio State's route to an undefeated season. Their 32-10 run was one of the more impressive runs you'll see all year. Now they're stuck with a tough road game and it will be interesting to see if they regain focus or the high from the upset is still there.
With the win over the weekend, the Badgers have now won eight of their last 10 games, including a seven-point home win over the Boilermakers 15 days ago. Two players, Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor, are still the only players averaging double figures in scoring, with Leuer at 19 and Taylor at 18. Taylor has been playing like one of the, if not the, top guards in the nation lately, scoring 30 and 27 points in two of the last three games, respectively.
Purdue's next two games will most likely determine how they finish in the Big Ten, as they host Wisconsin and Ohio State this week. They have yet to lose at home this season and will be looking for that home court advantage to fuel them to two upsets. As has been the case all season, JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore lead the team, with pint-sized point guard Lewis Jackson coming on strong as of late. Prediction: Purdue 79-78
Wisconsin is coming off of the win of the year, after derailing Ohio State's route to an undefeated season. Their 32-10 run was one of the more impressive runs you'll see all year. Now they're stuck with a tough road game and it will be interesting to see if they regain focus or the high from the upset is still there.
With the win over the weekend, the Badgers have now won eight of their last 10 games, including a seven-point home win over the Boilermakers 15 days ago. Two players, Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor, are still the only players averaging double figures in scoring, with Leuer at 19 and Taylor at 18. Taylor has been playing like one of the, if not the, top guards in the nation lately, scoring 30 and 27 points in two of the last three games, respectively.
Purdue's next two games will most likely determine how they finish in the Big Ten, as they host Wisconsin and Ohio State this week. They have yet to lose at home this season and will be looking for that home court advantage to fuel them to two upsets. As has been the case all season, JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore lead the team, with pint-sized point guard Lewis Jackson coming on strong as of late. Prediction: Purdue 79-78
Michigan at Illinois
Michigan at Illinois (Illinois 9.5 favorite)
This game is huge for these two bubble teams, as they both come in needing to win to help improve their stock for the NCAA Tournament. Michigan comes in on a hot streak, having won five of their last six games, while the Illini have lost six of their last nine, including Sunday's game against Purdue, a game they led at halftime by 15.
Unlike other teams fighting for a tournament bid, three of the Wolverines top four players are either freshmen or sophomores. Guard Darius Morris leads the team in both points and assists with 15.4 and seven. Tim Hardaway Jr., sun of legend Tim Hardaway, is having quite the debut season, putting up 13 ppg and pulling down four boards. Zack Novak is scoring 9.3 points and a game and leads the team with six boards a game, while Jordan Morgan is getting nine and four.
Illinois needs to straighten up the ship now, because their time is running out. The main key is getting Demetri McCamey interested in playing basketball again. He seems to disappear in games and that's not what a team is looking for from its senior. Some good things for the Illini is that Brandon Paul, Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard and D.J. Richardson are now playing better and the future does look bright. After scoring in double digits only five times in the teams' first 17 games, Paul has now exploded by scoring in double digits in five of the last eight games, including three 20+ point outings. Prediction: Michigan pulls out a 78-75 road win
This game is huge for these two bubble teams, as they both come in needing to win to help improve their stock for the NCAA Tournament. Michigan comes in on a hot streak, having won five of their last six games, while the Illini have lost six of their last nine, including Sunday's game against Purdue, a game they led at halftime by 15.
Unlike other teams fighting for a tournament bid, three of the Wolverines top four players are either freshmen or sophomores. Guard Darius Morris leads the team in both points and assists with 15.4 and seven. Tim Hardaway Jr., sun of legend Tim Hardaway, is having quite the debut season, putting up 13 ppg and pulling down four boards. Zack Novak is scoring 9.3 points and a game and leads the team with six boards a game, while Jordan Morgan is getting nine and four.
Illinois needs to straighten up the ship now, because their time is running out. The main key is getting Demetri McCamey interested in playing basketball again. He seems to disappear in games and that's not what a team is looking for from its senior. Some good things for the Illini is that Brandon Paul, Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard and D.J. Richardson are now playing better and the future does look bright. After scoring in double digits only five times in the teams' first 17 games, Paul has now exploded by scoring in double digits in five of the last eight games, including three 20+ point outings. Prediction: Michigan pulls out a 78-75 road win
Monday, February 14, 2011
St. John's vs. Marquette
St. John's has put together one heck of a tournament resume in their first year under Steve Lavin. They're one of the few teams that have defeated four top-15 teams, three of which came in blowouts.
The Red Storm is led by three seniors who average double figures in scoring. Dwight Hardy leads the team in scoring at 16.6 ppg and also hauls down three boards a game and dishes out two dimes. Justin Brownlee is scoring at a 12.6 point per game clip and is tied for second with five boards per game. D.J. Kennedy is the last senior in double digits throwing in 10 ppg and leads the team in rebounding with over five and a half per contest.
Marquette is ending an extremely tough stretch of its schedule, facing eight ranked teams in their last 10 contests. They've won four of those, but are led by four upperclassmen so it should help them in the future. Darius Johnson-Odom leads the team with over 16 points per game and is also pulling down three rebounds. Jimmy Butler is pouring in 15 points a game and second in rebounds with 6.3, while Jae Crowder is putting up 13 ppg and leads the team in rebounding with 6.6 a game. Dwight Buycks is averaging 10 ppg and leads the team in assists, dishing out four dimes a game. Prediction: Red Storm wins straight up 75-70
The Red Storm is led by three seniors who average double figures in scoring. Dwight Hardy leads the team in scoring at 16.6 ppg and also hauls down three boards a game and dishes out two dimes. Justin Brownlee is scoring at a 12.6 point per game clip and is tied for second with five boards per game. D.J. Kennedy is the last senior in double digits throwing in 10 ppg and leads the team in rebounding with over five and a half per contest.
Marquette is ending an extremely tough stretch of its schedule, facing eight ranked teams in their last 10 contests. They've won four of those, but are led by four upperclassmen so it should help them in the future. Darius Johnson-Odom leads the team with over 16 points per game and is also pulling down three rebounds. Jimmy Butler is pouring in 15 points a game and second in rebounds with 6.3, while Jae Crowder is putting up 13 ppg and leads the team in rebounding with 6.6 a game. Dwight Buycks is averaging 10 ppg and leads the team in assists, dishing out four dimes a game. Prediction: Red Storm wins straight up 75-70
Michigan State vs, Ohio State
Raise your hand if at the beginning of the season you thought Michigan State would have a 6-6 conference record and only a 14-10 record overall. Ok, you're a liar so put your hand down, but that has been the craziness of this years' college basketball season. Michigan State has been struggling like nobody's business the last seven games, losing five of them and eeking out a one-point overtime win at Indiana. The Spartans were expected to challenge the Buckeyes for the conference crown, if not win it themselves.
Michigan State is led by three players who are averaging double digits this year. Kalin Lucas leads the team with 16 ppg and is averaging 3.5 assists per game. Durrell Summers is putting up 13 ppg and over four rebounds per game. Draymond Green is averaging 13 points per game and leads the team in rebounding, with just over eight per contest.
Ohio State is coming off of its first loss of the season, a road loss at Wisconsin. The dreams of recreating what the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers did -- the most recent Division I-A team to go through a season unbeaten -- were vaporized by the Badgers' scalding shooting in the second half.
The Buckeyes are led by stud freshman Jared Sullinger, who has probably exceeded everyone's expectations, maybe even his own. He leads the squad with 18 ppg and over 10 boards per game. But he is not the only OSU player putting up big numbers. Three others (David Lighty, William Buford and Jon Diebler) also average double figures, but none like Sullinger. Buford puts up nearly 14 ppg, Lighty with 12 and Diebler, 11. Prediction: Buckeyes win big 80-65
Michigan State is led by three players who are averaging double digits this year. Kalin Lucas leads the team with 16 ppg and is averaging 3.5 assists per game. Durrell Summers is putting up 13 ppg and over four rebounds per game. Draymond Green is averaging 13 points per game and leads the team in rebounding, with just over eight per contest.
Ohio State is coming off of its first loss of the season, a road loss at Wisconsin. The dreams of recreating what the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers did -- the most recent Division I-A team to go through a season unbeaten -- were vaporized by the Badgers' scalding shooting in the second half.
The Buckeyes are led by stud freshman Jared Sullinger, who has probably exceeded everyone's expectations, maybe even his own. He leads the squad with 18 ppg and over 10 boards per game. But he is not the only OSU player putting up big numbers. Three others (David Lighty, William Buford and Jon Diebler) also average double figures, but none like Sullinger. Buford puts up nearly 14 ppg, Lighty with 12 and Diebler, 11. Prediction: Buckeyes win big 80-65
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Illinois vs.Minnesota
This is a crucial game for Illinois. Losing five of their last seven is putting them at great risk of not making the NCAA Tournament, a far cry from lofty expectations the team received early in the season. It's been a variety of things that has worked out for the Illini, including inconsistent play from its senior leaders, notably Demetri McCamey. Yes, he leads the team in scoring with over 14 per game, but in three of those five losses, he has not managed to score more than 10 points, twice finishing with five or six points, respectively. But the struggles don't all fall on his shoulders. D.J. Richardson, last year's Big Ten Freshman of the Year has struggled as well and of the highly regarded recruiting class, Jereme Richmond is the only one getting a lot of playing time and that has started recently, after Bruce Weber inserted him into the lineup.
The Illini still have a chance to go to the NCAA Tournament, but they will have to start playing up to the expectations placed upon them at the beginning of the season. Of their eight remaining games, four are at home and four on the road. Unfortunately, the toughest games (MSU, Minnesota, OSU, Purdue) are the four road games. They will need to lean on the experience of the seniors (McCamey, Mike Tisdale, Mike Davis). Davis and Tisdale will be especially crucial, because many of the remaining teams on the schedule have good big men, including this Minnesota team. Davis is second on the team with 12 ppg and is getting 6.7 boards per game. Tisdale is averaging nearly 10 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
Minnesota has been on a tough stretch as well, losing their last three games, two of which were on the road. Good news for the Gophers is that point guard Blake Hoffarber will play against Illinois. He had been struggling with a sore knee. He leads the team in three catehories, including points, assists and three-point field goal percentage. The Gophers' next top players are their two big men, Trevor Mbakwe and Ralph Sampson III. Mbakwe is averaging a double-double at 13 ppg and 10 rpg, while Sampson pours in 11 and grabs five boards.
The Illini still have a chance to go to the NCAA Tournament, but they will have to start playing up to the expectations placed upon them at the beginning of the season. Of their eight remaining games, four are at home and four on the road. Unfortunately, the toughest games (MSU, Minnesota, OSU, Purdue) are the four road games. They will need to lean on the experience of the seniors (McCamey, Mike Tisdale, Mike Davis). Davis and Tisdale will be especially crucial, because many of the remaining teams on the schedule have good big men, including this Minnesota team. Davis is second on the team with 12 ppg and is getting 6.7 boards per game. Tisdale is averaging nearly 10 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
Minnesota has been on a tough stretch as well, losing their last three games, two of which were on the road. Good news for the Gophers is that point guard Blake Hoffarber will play against Illinois. He had been struggling with a sore knee. He leads the team in three catehories, including points, assists and three-point field goal percentage. The Gophers' next top players are their two big men, Trevor Mbakwe and Ralph Sampson III. Mbakwe is averaging a double-double at 13 ppg and 10 rpg, while Sampson pours in 11 and grabs five boards.
Michigan State vs. Penn State
Raise your hand if at the beginning of the season you thought Penn State and Michigan State would have identical 5-6 conference records and MSU with only one more win overall. Ok, you're a liar so put your hand down, but that has been the craziness of this year's college basketball season. Michigan State has been struggling like nobody's business the last six games, losing five of them and eeking out a one-point overtime win at Indiana.
Michigan State is led by three players who are averaging double digits this year. Kalin Lucas leads the team with 16 ppg and is averaging 3.5 assists per game. Durrell Summers is putting up 13.4 ppg and over four rebounds per game. Draymond Green is averaging 13 points per game and leads the team in rebounding, with just over eight per contest.
Penn State has been the definition of a cardiac-kid. It seems like almost every game they play is within 3-7 points. This game starts a stretch of games which could decide whether or not the Lions make the NCAA Tournament. After MSU, Penn State still has to Wisconsin, Northwestern and Minnesota, while hosting Northwestern, Minnesota and Ohio State. It seems as though the two teams in this preview might be ready for an exciting stretch run.
Penn State is led by Mr. Do-Everything Talor Battle, who seems to have been around for 10 years now. Battle is averaging 20.5 points a game, seven more than the next teammate, five rebounds and three assists. Jeff Brooks is pouring in 13.5 points a game and leads the team with seven boards a game. David Jackson rounds out the three double digit scorers with 10.5 ppg and almost five rebounds per game.
Michigan State is led by three players who are averaging double digits this year. Kalin Lucas leads the team with 16 ppg and is averaging 3.5 assists per game. Durrell Summers is putting up 13.4 ppg and over four rebounds per game. Draymond Green is averaging 13 points per game and leads the team in rebounding, with just over eight per contest.
Penn State has been the definition of a cardiac-kid. It seems like almost every game they play is within 3-7 points. This game starts a stretch of games which could decide whether or not the Lions make the NCAA Tournament. After MSU, Penn State still has to Wisconsin, Northwestern and Minnesota, while hosting Northwestern, Minnesota and Ohio State. It seems as though the two teams in this preview might be ready for an exciting stretch run.
Penn State is led by Mr. Do-Everything Talor Battle, who seems to have been around for 10 years now. Battle is averaging 20.5 points a game, seven more than the next teammate, five rebounds and three assists. Jeff Brooks is pouring in 13.5 points a game and leads the team with seven boards a game. David Jackson rounds out the three double digit scorers with 10.5 ppg and almost five rebounds per game.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Indiana vs. Purdue
The 14th-ranked Boilermakers look to remain undefeated at Mackey Arena and extend the Hoosiers' road losing streak to 14 on Tuesday night.
Allowing 58.0 points per game while going 12-0 at Mackey Arena, Purdue has won three straight at home versus Indiana by an average of 15.4 points. The Hoosiers last won in West Lafayette, 70-59 on March 1, 2006.
The Boilermakers have been on a bit of a skid lately, dropping four of their last seven. JaJuan Johnson continues to be a beast for them inside, averaging nearl 21 ppg and eight rebounds per game. Johnson has scored 20 points or more in his last seven games. He is supported by guard E'Twaun Moore, who is averaging 18 ppg. No other Purdue player is averaging over six points per game.
The Hoosiers, however, have not been playing like a team tied for last place. Over the last four games, Indiana beat then-No. 20 Illinois and then-No. 18 Minnesota at home and fell in overtime at previously ranked Michigan State before failing to secure a 10-point lead in Saturday's 64-63 home loss to Iowa.
The Hoosiers have stepped up on the defensive end during that four-game span, holding opponents to 63.5 points on 39.5 percent shooting.
Coach Tom Crean hopes his squad can remain stingy while trying to snap a 23-game road losing streak against Top 25 opponents since a 77-66 win over No. 13 Iowa on Jan. 13, 2002.
The Hoosiers are playing without their best player, Christian Watford, who is out after having wrist surgery. Watford was leading the team ins coring and rebounding at the time of his injury. Two players, Verdell Jones III and Jordan Hulls have stepped up. Jones is averaging 12.4 points per game, while Hulls is coming off of a game where he had a season-high 24 points.
Allowing 58.0 points per game while going 12-0 at Mackey Arena, Purdue has won three straight at home versus Indiana by an average of 15.4 points. The Hoosiers last won in West Lafayette, 70-59 on March 1, 2006.
The Boilermakers have been on a bit of a skid lately, dropping four of their last seven. JaJuan Johnson continues to be a beast for them inside, averaging nearl 21 ppg and eight rebounds per game. Johnson has scored 20 points or more in his last seven games. He is supported by guard E'Twaun Moore, who is averaging 18 ppg. No other Purdue player is averaging over six points per game.
The Hoosiers, however, have not been playing like a team tied for last place. Over the last four games, Indiana beat then-No. 20 Illinois and then-No. 18 Minnesota at home and fell in overtime at previously ranked Michigan State before failing to secure a 10-point lead in Saturday's 64-63 home loss to Iowa.
The Hoosiers have stepped up on the defensive end during that four-game span, holding opponents to 63.5 points on 39.5 percent shooting.
Coach Tom Crean hopes his squad can remain stingy while trying to snap a 23-game road losing streak against Top 25 opponents since a 77-66 win over No. 13 Iowa on Jan. 13, 2002.
The Hoosiers are playing without their best player, Christian Watford, who is out after having wrist surgery. Watford was leading the team ins coring and rebounding at the time of his injury. Two players, Verdell Jones III and Jordan Hulls have stepped up. Jones is averaging 12.4 points per game, while Hulls is coming off of a game where he had a season-high 24 points.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Signing Day
For college football knuckleheads, Signing Day is like Christmas. And that's been seen by not only the around the clock coverage on things like ESPN, but also sites like rivals and scout, which rank the players starting in their freshman years of high school. Now I admit, I look at those sites constantly, so I'm not really one to talk but giving out these "stars" is ridiculous.
The stars and rankings given to these kids are what going to ruin the high school sports world, if it hasn't already. But what is truly sad about it all, is whether it is the kids, the "experts,", coaches or PARENTS that are doing the "pimping out" of the student-athletes.
To be on one of those sites, someone needs to send in a video of the athlete, so he can be "evaluated" and then given a ranking or star. A five-star ranking means you are one of the top kids in the nation, a three-star means you are pretty much an average player, while anything lower usually means you are a fringe player. If a parent or athlete sees they are "only" s three-star and want to get better scholarship offers, which might mean doing anything going from extra lessons from professionals to possibly doing steroids. The extra push, however, can also burn out the kid.
The one thing the coaches, parents or kids seem not to realize is that all these stars, rankings and such are all other people's OPINIONS. There are time where the different sites disagree with how good of a kid is. I'll give you the example of Missouri, since it's my alma mater and a school that has been known for getting lesser rated kids and getting them to play better than those rankings. Let's look at the Tigers' last three first round draft picks, Jeremy Maclin, Sean Weatherspoon and Ziggy Hood. Sean Weatherspoon came to Mizzou as a two-star safety prospect and left as the third-highest tackler in school history with 413 tackles and a two-time All-American. Maclin was the highest rated of the three, garnering four stars from rivals and three from scout, but was rated the 70th best wideout by scout. All he did was leave as the school's all-time leader in all-purpose yards, third in career receiving yards and fourth in career receptions. All in two years. Hood is now a starter on the Super Bowl-bound Pittsburgh Steelers.
Of the 62 athletes that were given five stars by scout, 11 made it to the NFL or lived up to expectations. That's 17 percent. Now that may seem a lot, but let's not forget these were cream of the crop kids who people expect to come in and have a big effect on their teams. Well that wasn't the case for 52 of them. In a smaller sample size of 26 five stars, the 2006 class also had 11 players that made an impact of play(ed) in the NFL.
Now don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate and respect what all of the analysts who go out all across the country all year. But my problem is that everyone takes too much stock into these stinking rankings. Sure, most of the time it turns out to be right, as you see the Alabama's USC's, Florida's, etc. always getting top classes and succeeding. But what about the schools like TCU or Boise State and up to this year, Oregon? The rankings are good and all, but they're mainly there to make all the fans and those associated with the program go crazy. As long as a school gets players they need, that fit their system and those who they feel are perfect for the, who says they won't succeed?
The stars and rankings given to these kids are what going to ruin the high school sports world, if it hasn't already. But what is truly sad about it all, is whether it is the kids, the "experts,", coaches or PARENTS that are doing the "pimping out" of the student-athletes.
To be on one of those sites, someone needs to send in a video of the athlete, so he can be "evaluated" and then given a ranking or star. A five-star ranking means you are one of the top kids in the nation, a three-star means you are pretty much an average player, while anything lower usually means you are a fringe player. If a parent or athlete sees they are "only" s three-star and want to get better scholarship offers, which might mean doing anything going from extra lessons from professionals to possibly doing steroids. The extra push, however, can also burn out the kid.
The one thing the coaches, parents or kids seem not to realize is that all these stars, rankings and such are all other people's OPINIONS. There are time where the different sites disagree with how good of a kid is. I'll give you the example of Missouri, since it's my alma mater and a school that has been known for getting lesser rated kids and getting them to play better than those rankings. Let's look at the Tigers' last three first round draft picks, Jeremy Maclin, Sean Weatherspoon and Ziggy Hood. Sean Weatherspoon came to Mizzou as a two-star safety prospect and left as the third-highest tackler in school history with 413 tackles and a two-time All-American. Maclin was the highest rated of the three, garnering four stars from rivals and three from scout, but was rated the 70th best wideout by scout. All he did was leave as the school's all-time leader in all-purpose yards, third in career receiving yards and fourth in career receptions. All in two years. Hood is now a starter on the Super Bowl-bound Pittsburgh Steelers.
Of the 62 athletes that were given five stars by scout, 11 made it to the NFL or lived up to expectations. That's 17 percent. Now that may seem a lot, but let's not forget these were cream of the crop kids who people expect to come in and have a big effect on their teams. Well that wasn't the case for 52 of them. In a smaller sample size of 26 five stars, the 2006 class also had 11 players that made an impact of play(ed) in the NFL.
Now don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate and respect what all of the analysts who go out all across the country all year. But my problem is that everyone takes too much stock into these stinking rankings. Sure, most of the time it turns out to be right, as you see the Alabama's USC's, Florida's, etc. always getting top classes and succeeding. But what about the schools like TCU or Boise State and up to this year, Oregon? The rankings are good and all, but they're mainly there to make all the fans and those associated with the program go crazy. As long as a school gets players they need, that fit their system and those who they feel are perfect for the, who says they won't succeed?
Friday, January 28, 2011
College Basketball Previews
While this weekend's matchups may not be as sexy as last week's there are some very intriguing games that might go a long way in determining how a team ends up in the conference. There are four games featuring ranked teams and those will be previewed here.
Game of the Week: Missouri vs. Texas
Missouri comes into the game on a two-game winning streak, having defeated both Kansas State and Iowa State handily. The Tigers come in at 17-3, but two of their losses have been on the road (at Colorado and at Texas A&M by two points in overtime). Junior guard Marcus Denmon leads five Tigers in double figures with 17.3 points per game. Missouri uses a 10-man rotation and eight of the ten play 17 minutes per game or more (the other two play 11-12 mpg). The Tigers average 85 ppg, which is good for fifth nationally and dish out 18 ppg, which is good for sixth in the nation. Three players could be key factors in the game, besides Denmon. Ricardo Ratliffe, who is second on the team with 12 ppg and seven rpg, will be looked upon to neutralize the Texas big men. The other two keys are Kim English and Phil Pressey. English was expected to have a breakout season, but has struggled early in the season and Pressey has come back from an early season wrist injury to be second on the team in assists with nearly four dimes per game. Texas was featured in last week's preview as well. The team is led by the frontcourt duo of Justin Hamilton and Tristan Thompson. Cory Joseph will be the key for Texas in this game. How he reacts to the "Fastest Forty Minutes in Basketball" will be crucial. The Tigers love to press and create turnovers after made baskets so how he will be able to handle the pressure will be the difference. Joseph has only turned the ball over more than three times once and has had some of his cleanest games against UNC, UConn and USC. Prediction: Mizzou pulls the road upset: 78-76
Louisville at Connecticut
The Cardinals come in having won three of their last five, including two buzzer beaters over Marquette and West Virginia. Louisville is led by Preston Knowles, who averages just over 15 points per game and is hitting 40 percent of his three point attempts. Two others, Peyton Siva and Chris Smith, are also averagibg double figures. Siva, who hit the game-winner against West Virginia, is going for nearly 11 points per game and a team-high five assists per game. Smith averages 10 ppg and leads the team, hitting nearly half of his three pointers. Three of Louisville's bog men (Rakeem Buckles, Jared Swopshire and Gorgui Dieng) are out with injuries. The key could be Kyle Kuric. He is an on and off player, who when he is hot, is able to put up 20 ppg but has also had five games of zero points. The Huskies rely on guard Kemba Walker and their inside presence, which is helping them average 41 rebounds per game. Walker is being considered as one of the top two contenders for NCAA POY, averaging 24 ppg, five rpg and four apg. Big man Alex Oriakhis is the only other Huskie averaging double figures at 11, but leads the team with nine boards per game. The key could be freshman Shabazz Napier, who is averaging 8.4 ppg and over three assists per game. Like Kuric, he is hot and cold, going for double digits in six games, including three this month. Prediction: The Huskies' depth and Louisville injuries help the Huskies pull out a 75-60 win.
Georgetown at Villanova
Georgetown has been on a bit of a slide lately, going 4-4 in their last eight and are coming into a hostile environment on Saturday. The Hoyas are riding a three-game winning streak, however. They are led by Mr. Do-It-All Austin Freeman, who is averaging over 18 points per game. The senior guard has scored in double digits in all but two games and has scored 25 points or more in two of the last three. Georgetown has two others, Jason Clark and Chris Wright, who are averaging double digits. Clark is pouring in 13 points a game, while wright is averaging over 10 and leads the team with 5.6 assists per game. Guard play will be the key in this game. If one guard is having a rough night, there will have to be others to pick up the slack. And if the guards struggle, the frontcourt has to be able to bail them out too. After knocking off Syracuse on the road, Villanova got blown out in their game against Providence. Villanova has won two of the three, losing the last to Connecticut on a last-second shot by Kemba Walker. The Wildcats have three players who average double figures, including two seniors: Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes, both of whom are scoring 15 points per game. While Stokes leads the team in free throw (94) and three point (44) percentage, Fisher is second on the team in assists per game, with five. The other player in double figures, Maalik Wayans (13.5 ppg), also leads the team with 5.3 dimes per game. Prediction: Villanova is just too good and wins 80-65
Minnesota at Purdue
Minnesota, on a four-game winning streak, started that streak with a home win against Purdue. A key piece from that win, Al Nolen, is out for the season with an injury however and that has caused Blake Hoffarber to take over PG duties. Three of the Gophers' four losses have been on the road. Hoffarber is one of three Minnesota players in double digits, averaging 14 points per game. He not only leads the team in assists with 4.4 per game, but also three-point percentage, knocking in 40 percent of his treys. Trevor Mbakwe is second in points with 13.4 and leads the team with 10.5 rebounds per contest. Ralph Sampson III is the other Gopher is double figures, throwing in 11 ppg. The key will be the play of Mbakwe and Sampson, as they will have to go up against the beasts of Purdue. The Boilermakers, on the other hand, have been on a bit of a skid lately, dropping three of their last five. JaJuan Johnson continues to be a beast for them inside, averaging nearly 21 ppg and eight rebounds per game. Johnson has scored 20 points or more in his last five games. He is supported by guard E'Twaun Moore, who is averaging 18 ppg. No other Purdue player is averaging over six points per game. The key here is for Johnson to continue his hot streak. Prediction: Purdue pulls out a squeaker, 67-64
Game of the Week: Missouri vs. Texas
Missouri comes into the game on a two-game winning streak, having defeated both Kansas State and Iowa State handily. The Tigers come in at 17-3, but two of their losses have been on the road (at Colorado and at Texas A&M by two points in overtime). Junior guard Marcus Denmon leads five Tigers in double figures with 17.3 points per game. Missouri uses a 10-man rotation and eight of the ten play 17 minutes per game or more (the other two play 11-12 mpg). The Tigers average 85 ppg, which is good for fifth nationally and dish out 18 ppg, which is good for sixth in the nation. Three players could be key factors in the game, besides Denmon. Ricardo Ratliffe, who is second on the team with 12 ppg and seven rpg, will be looked upon to neutralize the Texas big men. The other two keys are Kim English and Phil Pressey. English was expected to have a breakout season, but has struggled early in the season and Pressey has come back from an early season wrist injury to be second on the team in assists with nearly four dimes per game. Texas was featured in last week's preview as well. The team is led by the frontcourt duo of Justin Hamilton and Tristan Thompson. Cory Joseph will be the key for Texas in this game. How he reacts to the "Fastest Forty Minutes in Basketball" will be crucial. The Tigers love to press and create turnovers after made baskets so how he will be able to handle the pressure will be the difference. Joseph has only turned the ball over more than three times once and has had some of his cleanest games against UNC, UConn and USC. Prediction: Mizzou pulls the road upset: 78-76
Louisville at Connecticut
The Cardinals come in having won three of their last five, including two buzzer beaters over Marquette and West Virginia. Louisville is led by Preston Knowles, who averages just over 15 points per game and is hitting 40 percent of his three point attempts. Two others, Peyton Siva and Chris Smith, are also averagibg double figures. Siva, who hit the game-winner against West Virginia, is going for nearly 11 points per game and a team-high five assists per game. Smith averages 10 ppg and leads the team, hitting nearly half of his three pointers. Three of Louisville's bog men (Rakeem Buckles, Jared Swopshire and Gorgui Dieng) are out with injuries. The key could be Kyle Kuric. He is an on and off player, who when he is hot, is able to put up 20 ppg but has also had five games of zero points. The Huskies rely on guard Kemba Walker and their inside presence, which is helping them average 41 rebounds per game. Walker is being considered as one of the top two contenders for NCAA POY, averaging 24 ppg, five rpg and four apg. Big man Alex Oriakhis is the only other Huskie averaging double figures at 11, but leads the team with nine boards per game. The key could be freshman Shabazz Napier, who is averaging 8.4 ppg and over three assists per game. Like Kuric, he is hot and cold, going for double digits in six games, including three this month. Prediction: The Huskies' depth and Louisville injuries help the Huskies pull out a 75-60 win.
Georgetown at Villanova
Georgetown has been on a bit of a slide lately, going 4-4 in their last eight and are coming into a hostile environment on Saturday. The Hoyas are riding a three-game winning streak, however. They are led by Mr. Do-It-All Austin Freeman, who is averaging over 18 points per game. The senior guard has scored in double digits in all but two games and has scored 25 points or more in two of the last three. Georgetown has two others, Jason Clark and Chris Wright, who are averaging double digits. Clark is pouring in 13 points a game, while wright is averaging over 10 and leads the team with 5.6 assists per game. Guard play will be the key in this game. If one guard is having a rough night, there will have to be others to pick up the slack. And if the guards struggle, the frontcourt has to be able to bail them out too. After knocking off Syracuse on the road, Villanova got blown out in their game against Providence. Villanova has won two of the three, losing the last to Connecticut on a last-second shot by Kemba Walker. The Wildcats have three players who average double figures, including two seniors: Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes, both of whom are scoring 15 points per game. While Stokes leads the team in free throw (94) and three point (44) percentage, Fisher is second on the team in assists per game, with five. The other player in double figures, Maalik Wayans (13.5 ppg), also leads the team with 5.3 dimes per game. Prediction: Villanova is just too good and wins 80-65
Minnesota at Purdue
Minnesota, on a four-game winning streak, started that streak with a home win against Purdue. A key piece from that win, Al Nolen, is out for the season with an injury however and that has caused Blake Hoffarber to take over PG duties. Three of the Gophers' four losses have been on the road. Hoffarber is one of three Minnesota players in double digits, averaging 14 points per game. He not only leads the team in assists with 4.4 per game, but also three-point percentage, knocking in 40 percent of his treys. Trevor Mbakwe is second in points with 13.4 and leads the team with 10.5 rebounds per contest. Ralph Sampson III is the other Gopher is double figures, throwing in 11 ppg. The key will be the play of Mbakwe and Sampson, as they will have to go up against the beasts of Purdue. The Boilermakers, on the other hand, have been on a bit of a skid lately, dropping three of their last five. JaJuan Johnson continues to be a beast for them inside, averaging nearly 21 ppg and eight rebounds per game. Johnson has scored 20 points or more in his last five games. He is supported by guard E'Twaun Moore, who is averaging 18 ppg. No other Purdue player is averaging over six points per game. The key here is for Johnson to continue his hot streak. Prediction: Purdue pulls out a squeaker, 67-64
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma vs. Connecticut
The Huskies could not have gotten a bigger challenge for their first appearance on college football's biggest stage than facing the powerful Sooners on Saturday night at Glendale, Ariz.
Connecticut's path to Arizona began in 1997, when the school voted to accept the invite from the Big East Conference and upgrade from a I-AA program.
The 25th-ranked Huskies (8-4) then joined the Big East for the 2004 season -- one year early -- after the Atlantic Coast Conference poached Miami and Virginia Tech in 2003. They earned their first bowl appearance that year, and the Fiesta Bowl will be their fourth consecutive postseason game.
Oklahoma (11-2) is making its 12th bowl appearance in as many seasons under coach Bob Stoops and 44th overall. Its 25 victories are tied for fifth all-time, and the eighth BCS bowl appearance trails only Ohio State's nine. Unfiortunately, they have lost five consecutive BCS games -- two for the national championship -- since winning the 2003 Rose Bowl. Two other defeats, the 2007 and 2008 Fiesta Bowls, came when the Sooners were heavy favorites before losing to Boise State and West Virginia, respectively.
If the Huskies have any hope in winning, their fate will ride on the legs of two-time 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Todman. The tailback had 1,574 yards and 14 TDs to earn Big East offensive player of the year honors and is second in the nation at 143.1 yards per game.
With the Sooners likely to stack the box in an attempt to slow Todman, there will be pressure on Zach Frazer to keep Oklahoma's defense honest. The senior, though, topped 200 yards just once this season and completed only 52.7 percent of his 222 passes for 1,202 yards and five TDs.
The Sooners are fourth among FBS teams in passing at 336.8 yards per game, 13th in total offense (478.1 ypg) and 17th in scoring (36.4 points per game).
Landry Jones threw for 4,289 yards and 35 touchdowns, with receiver Ryan Broyles posting his second straight 1,000-yard season. He finished with career highs of 118 receptions and 1,452 yards to go with 13 touchdowns and is Oklahoma's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs.
Five players had at least 26 receptions for the Sooners, and running back DeMarco Murray is one of them. He had 1,121 rushing yards and 14 TDs to go with 69 receptions, 595 yards and five receiving scores.
Prediction: As much as I would love to see the Huskies pull the upset, I really don't see them having the horses to do so. Oklahoma 31-10
The Huskies could not have gotten a bigger challenge for their first appearance on college football's biggest stage than facing the powerful Sooners on Saturday night at Glendale, Ariz.
Connecticut's path to Arizona began in 1997, when the school voted to accept the invite from the Big East Conference and upgrade from a I-AA program.
The 25th-ranked Huskies (8-4) then joined the Big East for the 2004 season -- one year early -- after the Atlantic Coast Conference poached Miami and Virginia Tech in 2003. They earned their first bowl appearance that year, and the Fiesta Bowl will be their fourth consecutive postseason game.
Oklahoma (11-2) is making its 12th bowl appearance in as many seasons under coach Bob Stoops and 44th overall. Its 25 victories are tied for fifth all-time, and the eighth BCS bowl appearance trails only Ohio State's nine. Unfiortunately, they have lost five consecutive BCS games -- two for the national championship -- since winning the 2003 Rose Bowl. Two other defeats, the 2007 and 2008 Fiesta Bowls, came when the Sooners were heavy favorites before losing to Boise State and West Virginia, respectively.
If the Huskies have any hope in winning, their fate will ride on the legs of two-time 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Todman. The tailback had 1,574 yards and 14 TDs to earn Big East offensive player of the year honors and is second in the nation at 143.1 yards per game.
With the Sooners likely to stack the box in an attempt to slow Todman, there will be pressure on Zach Frazer to keep Oklahoma's defense honest. The senior, though, topped 200 yards just once this season and completed only 52.7 percent of his 222 passes for 1,202 yards and five TDs.
The Sooners are fourth among FBS teams in passing at 336.8 yards per game, 13th in total offense (478.1 ypg) and 17th in scoring (36.4 points per game).
Landry Jones threw for 4,289 yards and 35 touchdowns, with receiver Ryan Broyles posting his second straight 1,000-yard season. He finished with career highs of 118 receptions and 1,452 yards to go with 13 touchdowns and is Oklahoma's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs.
Five players had at least 26 receptions for the Sooners, and running back DeMarco Murray is one of them. He had 1,121 rushing yards and 14 TDs to go with 69 receptions, 595 yards and five receiving scores.
Prediction: As much as I would love to see the Huskies pull the upset, I really don't see them having the horses to do so. Oklahoma 31-10
Rose Bowl
TCU vs. Wisconsin
TCU didn't get to prove it deserved to play for the BCS title. A victory over Wisconsin in the Granddaddy of Them All could go a long way toward showing that it should have.
The third-ranked Horned Frogs, owners of the nation's top defense, face a No. 4 Badgers team that reached the 70-point mark three times this season in the 97th Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
The Frogs, who went undefeated for the second straight regular season, will make their first appearance in perhaps the most prestigious and storied bowl in college football. TCU gets to play in Pasadena over a Pac-10 team -- the traditional selection to face the Big Ten representative -- because the Rose Bowl was obligated this year to select a team from a non-automatic BCS qualifying conference if one was eligible and not playing in the title game.
TCU is allowing averages of 11.4 points, 126.3 passing yards and 215.4 total yards -- all tops in the FBS -- and 89.2 rushing yards, third-fewest in the country. The Frogs' speedy defense, though, should receive its biggest test of the season from the Badgers (11-1), who are tied for fourth in the nation with 43.3 points per game -- same as TCU.
Scott Tolzien has passed for 2,300 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 74.3 percent of his throws -- best in the country.
For TCU to keep the Badgers from an eighth straight win -- Wisconsin's seven consecutive victories have come by 26.1 points -- it will have to stop a trio of running backs that has piled up nearly 2,900 yards on the ground. James White (1,029), John Clay (936) and Montee Ball (864) running behind six All-Big Ten offensive linemen proved far too much for opponents to handle.
TCU QB Andy Dalton is a 41-game winner as a starter. The senior has thrown for 2,638 yards, 26 touchdowns and six interceptions while running for 407 yards and five TDs this season.
Ed Wesley paces the nation's 12th-ranked rushing attack with 1,065 yards, while Matthew Tucker ran for 694.
Josh Boyce leads the team in receiving yards with 602 on 33 catches and has six touchdowns, while Jeremy Kerley has 50 catches for 517 yards and 10 scores.
Prediction: TCU shows it should have gotten a chance to play for the title by shutting down Wisconsin and winning 42-14.
TCU didn't get to prove it deserved to play for the BCS title. A victory over Wisconsin in the Granddaddy of Them All could go a long way toward showing that it should have.
The third-ranked Horned Frogs, owners of the nation's top defense, face a No. 4 Badgers team that reached the 70-point mark three times this season in the 97th Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
The Frogs, who went undefeated for the second straight regular season, will make their first appearance in perhaps the most prestigious and storied bowl in college football. TCU gets to play in Pasadena over a Pac-10 team -- the traditional selection to face the Big Ten representative -- because the Rose Bowl was obligated this year to select a team from a non-automatic BCS qualifying conference if one was eligible and not playing in the title game.
TCU is allowing averages of 11.4 points, 126.3 passing yards and 215.4 total yards -- all tops in the FBS -- and 89.2 rushing yards, third-fewest in the country. The Frogs' speedy defense, though, should receive its biggest test of the season from the Badgers (11-1), who are tied for fourth in the nation with 43.3 points per game -- same as TCU.
Scott Tolzien has passed for 2,300 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 74.3 percent of his throws -- best in the country.
For TCU to keep the Badgers from an eighth straight win -- Wisconsin's seven consecutive victories have come by 26.1 points -- it will have to stop a trio of running backs that has piled up nearly 2,900 yards on the ground. James White (1,029), John Clay (936) and Montee Ball (864) running behind six All-Big Ten offensive linemen proved far too much for opponents to handle.
TCU QB Andy Dalton is a 41-game winner as a starter. The senior has thrown for 2,638 yards, 26 touchdowns and six interceptions while running for 407 yards and five TDs this season.
Ed Wesley paces the nation's 12th-ranked rushing attack with 1,065 yards, while Matthew Tucker ran for 694.
Josh Boyce leads the team in receiving yards with 602 on 33 catches and has six touchdowns, while Jeremy Kerley has 50 catches for 517 yards and 10 scores.
Prediction: TCU shows it should have gotten a chance to play for the title by shutting down Wisconsin and winning 42-14.
Capital One Bowl
Alabama vs. Michigan State
A share of its first conference championship in 20 years and a school record for wins apparently wasn't good enough for Michigan State (11-1) earn the program's first BCS invitation, finishing behind fellow Big Ten champions Ohio State and Wisconsin. So who better to play to see if you belong up there than last year's national champ, right?
Kirk Cousins comes in with some gaudy stats but will have some challenges in this game. While he has thrown for 2,705 yards and 20 touchdowns. But five of his nine interceptions have come in the last four games. Leading receiver B.J. Cunningham is out after breaking his foot in practice Dec. 18. Cunningham led the team with 50 receptions for 611 yards and nine touchdowns. Michigan State does have other options, though. Mark Dell caught 49 passes for 761 yards, and Keshawn Martin added 29 catches.
Running back Edwin Baker ranked third in the Big Ten with 1,187 yards, rushed for 6.1 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns.
Alabama will counter with wide receiver and second-team All-American Julio Jones, who set school records with 75 receptions and 1,084 yards this season. Jones caught seven of Greg McElroy's 19 touchdown passes. McElroy has thrown for 2,767 yards.
However, last season's Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who missed two games due to injury, has been held to less than 100 yards in eight straight contests after eclipsing that mark nine times in 2009. He has rushed for just over 800 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
Prediction: Alabama 24-21
A share of its first conference championship in 20 years and a school record for wins apparently wasn't good enough for Michigan State (11-1) earn the program's first BCS invitation, finishing behind fellow Big Ten champions Ohio State and Wisconsin. So who better to play to see if you belong up there than last year's national champ, right?
Kirk Cousins comes in with some gaudy stats but will have some challenges in this game. While he has thrown for 2,705 yards and 20 touchdowns. But five of his nine interceptions have come in the last four games. Leading receiver B.J. Cunningham is out after breaking his foot in practice Dec. 18. Cunningham led the team with 50 receptions for 611 yards and nine touchdowns. Michigan State does have other options, though. Mark Dell caught 49 passes for 761 yards, and Keshawn Martin added 29 catches.
Running back Edwin Baker ranked third in the Big Ten with 1,187 yards, rushed for 6.1 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns.
Alabama will counter with wide receiver and second-team All-American Julio Jones, who set school records with 75 receptions and 1,084 yards this season. Jones caught seven of Greg McElroy's 19 touchdown passes. McElroy has thrown for 2,767 yards.
However, last season's Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who missed two games due to injury, has been held to less than 100 yards in eight straight contests after eclipsing that mark nine times in 2009. He has rushed for just over 800 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
Prediction: Alabama 24-21
Ticket City Bowl
Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
Northwestern has lost all seven bowl games it has played since winning its first one -- the 1949 Rose Bowl. The Wildcats (7-5) are making their third consecutive postseason appearance despite losing five of seven games after starting 5-0 for the second time in three years.
The Wildcats will be without All-Big Ten quarterback Dan Persa after he suffered an Achilles' tendon injury in a victory over Iowa. So redshirt freshman Evan Watkins, who has started the two games since Persa went down, will be starting what is probably the biggest game of his young career. Watkins has thrown for 258 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions in those two games.
While Watkins will likely target Jeremy Ebert, who led the Big Ten with 919 receiving yards, Northwestern could be without its top three rushers. Leader Mike Trumpy may sit out due to a wrist injury suffered in the Illinois loss, and the Wildcats definitely won't have Persa or Arby Fields, who led the team in rushing in 2009 but recently decided to transfer. But if Trumpy has to sit, Northwestern can rely on senior Stephen Simmons, junior Jacob Schmidt and true freshman Adonis Smith. Unfortunately the three have combined for only 419 yards and four touchdowns. Schmidt has all the touchdowns.
Quarterback Taylor Potts is a big reason Texas Tech is making its 11th consecutive bowl appearance. He's completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,357 yards with 31 TDs and nine interceptions. The senior has helped Texas Tech rank eighth in the FBS in passing with 314.8 yards per game while averaging 32.1 points, including 99 over its final two games -- non-conference victories over Weber State and Houston.
Northwestern also must contend with Potts' former teammate at Abilene High School, Lyle Leong. The senior has a team-high 808 receiving yards and is second in the FBS with 17 touchdown receptions. But he isn't the only big-play threat. Detron Lewis has a team-best 79 receptions for 803 yards and six scores. Lewis caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a TD in last season's bowl win.
While Texas Tech is a pass-first team, this is the 11th straight season it has had a quarterback throw for at least 3,000 yards, it may be running backs Baron Batch and Eric Stephens who are the difference in the game against the Wildcats, who allowed 848 rushing yards and 10 TDs over the last two games.
Prediction: Watkins struggles against the Red Raiders and Potts leads an aerial attack that ambushes the Wildcats. Tech 35-14.
Northwestern has lost all seven bowl games it has played since winning its first one -- the 1949 Rose Bowl. The Wildcats (7-5) are making their third consecutive postseason appearance despite losing five of seven games after starting 5-0 for the second time in three years.
The Wildcats will be without All-Big Ten quarterback Dan Persa after he suffered an Achilles' tendon injury in a victory over Iowa. So redshirt freshman Evan Watkins, who has started the two games since Persa went down, will be starting what is probably the biggest game of his young career. Watkins has thrown for 258 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions in those two games.
While Watkins will likely target Jeremy Ebert, who led the Big Ten with 919 receiving yards, Northwestern could be without its top three rushers. Leader Mike Trumpy may sit out due to a wrist injury suffered in the Illinois loss, and the Wildcats definitely won't have Persa or Arby Fields, who led the team in rushing in 2009 but recently decided to transfer. But if Trumpy has to sit, Northwestern can rely on senior Stephen Simmons, junior Jacob Schmidt and true freshman Adonis Smith. Unfortunately the three have combined for only 419 yards and four touchdowns. Schmidt has all the touchdowns.
Quarterback Taylor Potts is a big reason Texas Tech is making its 11th consecutive bowl appearance. He's completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,357 yards with 31 TDs and nine interceptions. The senior has helped Texas Tech rank eighth in the FBS in passing with 314.8 yards per game while averaging 32.1 points, including 99 over its final two games -- non-conference victories over Weber State and Houston.
Northwestern also must contend with Potts' former teammate at Abilene High School, Lyle Leong. The senior has a team-high 808 receiving yards and is second in the FBS with 17 touchdown receptions. But he isn't the only big-play threat. Detron Lewis has a team-best 79 receptions for 803 yards and six scores. Lewis caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a TD in last season's bowl win.
While Texas Tech is a pass-first team, this is the 11th straight season it has had a quarterback throw for at least 3,000 yards, it may be running backs Baron Batch and Eric Stephens who are the difference in the game against the Wildcats, who allowed 848 rushing yards and 10 TDs over the last two games.
Prediction: Watkins struggles against the Red Raiders and Potts leads an aerial attack that ambushes the Wildcats. Tech 35-14.
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