Wow, what a week it was in sports. When one thinks of sitting down to watch a game after a long day at work, he rarely thinks it will be so serious- but it is. With Roger Clemons, Roger Goodell, and Kelvin Sampson, sports has become a battle with the law.
Today I will talk a little bit about that stuff, but I will try to focus on what's taken place on the court, field, etc.
Sampson disgraces university
For decades upon decades, Indiana University has won national championships without even a thought of cheating. Rick Greenspan knew what he was getting when he hired Sampson, so this has to be blamed on him. I will admit that I liked Sampson, and I was thrilled when he was hired at IU, but I was wrong. Sampson must go, and he will. Might as well take Greenspan with him.
Kidd to Dallas?
This trade has really become a soap oprah in the NBA. Pro ratings are already down, and this will do nothing to help them. I understand what Jerry Stackhouse and the Mavs are trying to do, but how can that be legal? What's the point of even making the trade if he's just going to end up back where he started? This move won't happen, and that's just too bad for both sides.
Hawks have a chance
Who would have thought? Don't look now, but Atlanta is in position to make a run in the East. The Hawks? You must be kidding me. After trading for Bibby on Saturday, they now have a backcourt of Joe Johnson and Bibby, to go along with Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, etc. inside. Considering how weak the Eastern Conference has become, I wouldn't bet against Atlanta making the playoffs as a four seed and advancing past the first round. This team has methotically put together a roster that has a chance to compete.
Roger, Roger, Roger
There is no doubt in my mind that Clemons used performance-enhancing substances, but that is beside the point. The important thing is he's not telling the truth, and that is what's going to get him in trouble. I would guess that 60 percent of all professional athletes have used HGH or steriods at one point or another, but if caught, you have to tell the truth. Andy Pettitte had no problem telling it how it really was, so why not Roger? He's not going to make the Hall of Fame anyway, what's he got to gain by lying? Does he really expect us to believe his wife was injected with HGH but he wasn't? Please.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Bowl Sunday
It's what some deem as a national holiday, and it's finally here. After weeks of hearing ESPN break down every aspect of the game, it's time to watch (and eat of course). Here are some of this week's hot topics.
Giant upset?
To tell you the truth, I couldn't care less who wins the Super Bowl. The Steelers aren't playing, the Colts aren't playing, so who cares? With all the Spygate garbage that continues to be talked about, you wonder why people even pay attention to the NFL in the first place. But I might as well give you my prediction while we're talking about it. The Patriots will prove too much for Eli and New York in a blowout that no one saw coming. New England 34, New York 13
Gasol and Lakers
When I saw that Pau Gasol had been moved to Los Angeles, I immediately took notice. This should work, but what makes you think Kobe will share the ball? Watch out for the Lakers this season, especially when they get Andrew Bynum back. This team can be extremely explosive.
As for the Grizzlies, I don't really know what you can say. They are trying to build for the future, but things don't look good for that franchise- at all. When's the last time Memphis has been any good? I'm not so sure that John Calipari's Tigers couldn't take them out right now.
Giant upset?
To tell you the truth, I couldn't care less who wins the Super Bowl. The Steelers aren't playing, the Colts aren't playing, so who cares? With all the Spygate garbage that continues to be talked about, you wonder why people even pay attention to the NFL in the first place. But I might as well give you my prediction while we're talking about it. The Patriots will prove too much for Eli and New York in a blowout that no one saw coming. New England 34, New York 13
Gasol and Lakers
When I saw that Pau Gasol had been moved to Los Angeles, I immediately took notice. This should work, but what makes you think Kobe will share the ball? Watch out for the Lakers this season, especially when they get Andrew Bynum back. This team can be extremely explosive.
As for the Grizzlies, I don't really know what you can say. They are trying to build for the future, but things don't look good for that franchise- at all. When's the last time Memphis has been any good? I'm not so sure that John Calipari's Tigers couldn't take them out right now.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
IU survives scare from Penn State
They use a 23-4 second half run
to pull away from Nittany Lions
By Justin Albers
Bloomington, Ind.- The Penn State Nittany Lions had Indiana right where they wanted them. With 11:55 left in the game they were shooting 8-of-11 from 3-point range, held an 18-10 advantage on the boards and 52-51 on the scoreboard.
And they still lost the game.
The Hoosiers (16-1, 5-0) went on a 23-4 second half run en route to an 81-65 victory on Saturday afternoon at Assembly Hall before a crowd of x,xxx.
"The second half offensively was probably as good as we've played all year," IU coach Kelvin Sampson said. "They (Penn State) were hitting big shots in the first half, especially the 3. They came out and played with a lot of emotion, but we kind of expected that."
Eric Gordon hit a 3 with 11:40 to play to give the Hoosiers a lead they would never relinquish. After Penn State's Jamelle Cornley scored on a layup, D.J. White scored seven successive Indiana points to gain separation. White finished with 22 points and seven rebounds.
"It was a stretch where we needed to pick it up," White said. "The guards did a good job of finding me. That is what good guards do and I think we have good guards that just find me at the right time."
The Nittany Lions (10-7, 2-3) were playing in their first full game without leading-scorer Geary Claxton. Claxton was injured in the first half of a game against Wisconsin and will not play again this season. He was averaging 17 points and eight rebounds, both good for second in the Big Ten.
"This is the first time without him, and that is our third scorer," Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said. "We need to find another guy and we have to get somebody else some shots. Hopefully that is going to be a different guy on any given night."
After IU built up a 22-15 first half lead and seemed to be pulling away, Penn State went on a 10-0 run, six by Stanley Pringle, to regain the lead. The Hoosiers led 37-34 at halftime.
For the first time this season, IU went the entire second half without making a single substitution. Sampson went with Jamarcus Ellis, Gordon, White, Armon Bassett, and Lance Stemler. Sampson said it was not an unusual coaching decision for him.
"I've done that a lot of times over the years," he said. "It was a slow-paced game; they were zoning us. I liked the way the team was playing that was in there and I saw no reason to make a change."
With the victory, the Hoosiers improved their overall and home winning streaks to 12 and 28 games respectively. Sampson is now 26-0 at Assembly Hall, breaking Branch McCracken's record for consecutive home wins to start a career.
"The winning is because of our fans and the players," Sampson said. "They (the fans) expect us to win."
Gordon led the Hoosiers with 25 points on 8-of-17 shooting and a career-high six rebounds. He was 5-of-11 from beyond the arc and didn't attempt a two-point shot until the 3:48 mark of the first half. Gordon had just one turnover in 39 minutes after turning it over seven times at Minnesota on Thursday night.
"I always have good confidence in my shots; I just need to relax and let it flow," Gordon said. "All we worked on in practice today was creating without making the turnover and it definitely showed tonight."
Bassett came off the bench and provided a necessary lift for his team. He scored 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-6 from the arc in 33 minutes. The Hoosiers were 29-of-51 (57 percent) from the field including a blistering 63 percent (17-of-27) in the second half.
Ellis added 12 points, eight assists, and five rebounds for IU while Talor Battle paced the Nittany Lions with 20 points. Cornley had 19 points and seven rebounds.
to pull away from Nittany Lions
By Justin Albers
Bloomington, Ind.- The Penn State Nittany Lions had Indiana right where they wanted them. With 11:55 left in the game they were shooting 8-of-11 from 3-point range, held an 18-10 advantage on the boards and 52-51 on the scoreboard.
And they still lost the game.
The Hoosiers (16-1, 5-0) went on a 23-4 second half run en route to an 81-65 victory on Saturday afternoon at Assembly Hall before a crowd of x,xxx.
"The second half offensively was probably as good as we've played all year," IU coach Kelvin Sampson said. "They (Penn State) were hitting big shots in the first half, especially the 3. They came out and played with a lot of emotion, but we kind of expected that."
Eric Gordon hit a 3 with 11:40 to play to give the Hoosiers a lead they would never relinquish. After Penn State's Jamelle Cornley scored on a layup, D.J. White scored seven successive Indiana points to gain separation. White finished with 22 points and seven rebounds.
"It was a stretch where we needed to pick it up," White said. "The guards did a good job of finding me. That is what good guards do and I think we have good guards that just find me at the right time."
The Nittany Lions (10-7, 2-3) were playing in their first full game without leading-scorer Geary Claxton. Claxton was injured in the first half of a game against Wisconsin and will not play again this season. He was averaging 17 points and eight rebounds, both good for second in the Big Ten.
"This is the first time without him, and that is our third scorer," Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said. "We need to find another guy and we have to get somebody else some shots. Hopefully that is going to be a different guy on any given night."
After IU built up a 22-15 first half lead and seemed to be pulling away, Penn State went on a 10-0 run, six by Stanley Pringle, to regain the lead. The Hoosiers led 37-34 at halftime.
For the first time this season, IU went the entire second half without making a single substitution. Sampson went with Jamarcus Ellis, Gordon, White, Armon Bassett, and Lance Stemler. Sampson said it was not an unusual coaching decision for him.
"I've done that a lot of times over the years," he said. "It was a slow-paced game; they were zoning us. I liked the way the team was playing that was in there and I saw no reason to make a change."
With the victory, the Hoosiers improved their overall and home winning streaks to 12 and 28 games respectively. Sampson is now 26-0 at Assembly Hall, breaking Branch McCracken's record for consecutive home wins to start a career.
"The winning is because of our fans and the players," Sampson said. "They (the fans) expect us to win."
Gordon led the Hoosiers with 25 points on 8-of-17 shooting and a career-high six rebounds. He was 5-of-11 from beyond the arc and didn't attempt a two-point shot until the 3:48 mark of the first half. Gordon had just one turnover in 39 minutes after turning it over seven times at Minnesota on Thursday night.
"I always have good confidence in my shots; I just need to relax and let it flow," Gordon said. "All we worked on in practice today was creating without making the turnover and it definitely showed tonight."
Bassett came off the bench and provided a necessary lift for his team. He scored 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-6 from the arc in 33 minutes. The Hoosiers were 29-of-51 (57 percent) from the field including a blistering 63 percent (17-of-27) in the second half.
Ellis added 12 points, eight assists, and five rebounds for IU while Talor Battle paced the Nittany Lions with 20 points. Cornley had 19 points and seven rebounds.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Conference championship predictions
Nobody saw this coming: the NFC championship is more anticipated then that of the AFC. With the Colts getting ousted by the Chargers a week earlier than expected, people just don't expect San Diego to compete with the Patriots- and I don't blame them.
(3) Chargers @ (1) Patriots- 3:00 p.m. Sunday
Phillip Rivers, Ladanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates- the faces of the Chargers franchise are trying to get over injuries, and this is the defining week of their season. They are going up against one of the greatest teams of all time and their core guys are hurt, go figure. Tom Brady is going to lead his offense early before San Diego gets discouraged and is blown out in Foxsborough. Win number 18 is imminent. New England 34, San Diego 13
(6) Giants @ (2) Packers
If you've watched any of the ESPN TV shows this week, you've heard how bad the weather conditions are going to be on Sunday. The latest forecast is calling for 4 degrees above, but that's without the wind chill factored in. I like the Giants and I'm definitely pulling for them, but the fact of the matter is Eli Manning is not strong enough to win this game. Not mentally strong enough. Green Bay will win this one and head onto Phoenix for Super Bowl XLII. Green Bay 17, New York 13
(3) Chargers @ (1) Patriots- 3:00 p.m. Sunday
Phillip Rivers, Ladanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates- the faces of the Chargers franchise are trying to get over injuries, and this is the defining week of their season. They are going up against one of the greatest teams of all time and their core guys are hurt, go figure. Tom Brady is going to lead his offense early before San Diego gets discouraged and is blown out in Foxsborough. Win number 18 is imminent. New England 34, San Diego 13
(6) Giants @ (2) Packers
If you've watched any of the ESPN TV shows this week, you've heard how bad the weather conditions are going to be on Sunday. The latest forecast is calling for 4 degrees above, but that's without the wind chill factored in. I like the Giants and I'm definitely pulling for them, but the fact of the matter is Eli Manning is not strong enough to win this game. Not mentally strong enough. Green Bay will win this one and head onto Phoenix for Super Bowl XLII. Green Bay 17, New York 13
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Bulldogs stay hot, knock off UW-Milwaukee
No. 14 Butler wasn't perfect on Saturday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse, but the Bulldogs did enough to get a 72-56 victory over UW-Milwaukee before an announced crowd of 4698.
Everybody has heard about college basketball's "Fab Freshmen"- Eric Gordon, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Derek Rose. But it's time to add a new name to that list: Butler's Matt Howard.
Howard controlled the Panthers' defense all afternoon, scoring 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and seven rebounds.
"He really puts the defense and the officials in a tough position because he throws himself at the rim," Panthers coach Rob Jeter said. "When he does that there is going to be contact, and it forces the official to make a call. He's a terrific player."
Howard's presence was pivotal during a first half run that drew separation from the streaking Panthers. Butler outscored the Panthers 14-0 during a 5 and half minute stretch where Howard scored eight of his points. The Bulldogs went into the locker room with a comfortable 37-19 advantage.
Senior Mike Green leads Butler in scoring (15.6 ppg), but he made sure to get everybody else involved on Saturday. Green scored just 10 points, but he added a team-high four assists and seven rebounds.
Butler now heads to Cleveland State on Thursday where it will battle for the Horizon League lead. Cleveland State is 4-0 in conference play.
OTHER NOTES:
- Butler set season-highs in field goals made (28), field goals attempted (62), rebounds (41) and fewest turnovers (5)
- A.J. Graves got out of his shooting slump a little bit by connecting on three 3-point field goals. Graves had hit just 2 from beyond-the-arc in the previous five Horizon League games. He scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting in the game.
-Pete Campbell made good use of his 20 minutes but hitting 6-of-8 field goals including 3-of-5 from the 3-point line, scoring 15 points in the process.
-Butler played everybody on its roster and 10 players scored.
-UW-Milwaukee's Marcus Skinner saw limited minutes because of foul trouble. He played just 13 minutes and scored only 2 points.
-Paige Paulson led the Panthers with 14 points on 4-of-7 3-pointers (12 of his points came in the second half)
-Milwaukee was coming off a comeback victory over Valparaiso on Thursday night. Butler was also in action on Thursday, defeating Wisconsin-Green Bay at home.
Everybody has heard about college basketball's "Fab Freshmen"- Eric Gordon, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Derek Rose. But it's time to add a new name to that list: Butler's Matt Howard.
Howard controlled the Panthers' defense all afternoon, scoring 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and seven rebounds.
"He really puts the defense and the officials in a tough position because he throws himself at the rim," Panthers coach Rob Jeter said. "When he does that there is going to be contact, and it forces the official to make a call. He's a terrific player."
Howard's presence was pivotal during a first half run that drew separation from the streaking Panthers. Butler outscored the Panthers 14-0 during a 5 and half minute stretch where Howard scored eight of his points. The Bulldogs went into the locker room with a comfortable 37-19 advantage.
Senior Mike Green leads Butler in scoring (15.6 ppg), but he made sure to get everybody else involved on Saturday. Green scored just 10 points, but he added a team-high four assists and seven rebounds.
Butler now heads to Cleveland State on Thursday where it will battle for the Horizon League lead. Cleveland State is 4-0 in conference play.
OTHER NOTES:
- Butler set season-highs in field goals made (28), field goals attempted (62), rebounds (41) and fewest turnovers (5)
- A.J. Graves got out of his shooting slump a little bit by connecting on three 3-point field goals. Graves had hit just 2 from beyond-the-arc in the previous five Horizon League games. He scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting in the game.
-Pete Campbell made good use of his 20 minutes but hitting 6-of-8 field goals including 3-of-5 from the 3-point line, scoring 15 points in the process.
-Butler played everybody on its roster and 10 players scored.
-UW-Milwaukee's Marcus Skinner saw limited minutes because of foul trouble. He played just 13 minutes and scored only 2 points.
-Paige Paulson led the Panthers with 14 points on 4-of-7 3-pointers (12 of his points came in the second half)
-Milwaukee was coming off a comeback victory over Valparaiso on Thursday night. Butler was also in action on Thursday, defeating Wisconsin-Green Bay at home.
Another week, more predictions
I hate to say it, but last week's wild card games were rather boring. I watched the Steelers, and I hoped, and I prayed, but all for not. They got me all excited for no reason at all. It's just been kind of disappointing for me- they have a great coach- they have a great quarterback- they have a great defense- and yet they can't get out of wild card weekend. All I can hope now is that Willie Parker heals up and is ready to go in '08.
Now for the teams that did make it.....
(3) San Diego @ (2) Indianapolis
Norv Turner and the Chargers did a good thing last week by getting a playoff win, but let's be realistic- they have no shot in this game. Yeah, yeah, yeah they beat them once this season, but could that game have been any more of a fluke? Manning threw 6 interceptions, the Colts were missing half of their starters, and Adam Vinitieri missed a 29 yard game-winning field goal. And oh yeah, Antonio Gates isn't playing. Maybe somebody will start talking about the Colts after they pick apart San Diego on Sunday afternoon. Colts 34, Chargers 13
(5) Jacksonville @ (1) New England
All season long people talked about the Jaguars knocking off the Patriots, and I bought into it. The problem is, you better believe the Patriots heard some of that talk along the way and started preparing to stop the Jacksonville style. I'm not saying this is going to be a blowout, but David Garrad is not a good enough quarterback to get his team past New England. Get ready for a Colts-Patriots rematch in Foxsborough. Patriots 31, Jaguars 27
(5) New York Giants @ (1) Dallas
Eli Manning has become a much better quarterback in the last two weeks, but can he sustain it heading into Big "D"? With all the Tony Romo drama and the T.O. injury, it's hard for me to believe that the Cowboys can win this game. Goodbye, Jessica, goodbye "Boys". Giants 24, Cowboys 21
(3) Seattle @ (2) Green Bay
When I looked at all of this week's matchups, this one was the most difficult for me to pick. Both of these teams utilize the same offensive gameplan, and they both are led by old, but solid quarterbacks. I look for this one to come down the the final minutes, and eventually overtime, but the Packers prevail. Packers 27, Seahawks 24- OT
Now for the teams that did make it.....
(3) San Diego @ (2) Indianapolis
Norv Turner and the Chargers did a good thing last week by getting a playoff win, but let's be realistic- they have no shot in this game. Yeah, yeah, yeah they beat them once this season, but could that game have been any more of a fluke? Manning threw 6 interceptions, the Colts were missing half of their starters, and Adam Vinitieri missed a 29 yard game-winning field goal. And oh yeah, Antonio Gates isn't playing. Maybe somebody will start talking about the Colts after they pick apart San Diego on Sunday afternoon. Colts 34, Chargers 13
(5) Jacksonville @ (1) New England
All season long people talked about the Jaguars knocking off the Patriots, and I bought into it. The problem is, you better believe the Patriots heard some of that talk along the way and started preparing to stop the Jacksonville style. I'm not saying this is going to be a blowout, but David Garrad is not a good enough quarterback to get his team past New England. Get ready for a Colts-Patriots rematch in Foxsborough. Patriots 31, Jaguars 27
(5) New York Giants @ (1) Dallas
Eli Manning has become a much better quarterback in the last two weeks, but can he sustain it heading into Big "D"? With all the Tony Romo drama and the T.O. injury, it's hard for me to believe that the Cowboys can win this game. Goodbye, Jessica, goodbye "Boys". Giants 24, Cowboys 21
(3) Seattle @ (2) Green Bay
When I looked at all of this week's matchups, this one was the most difficult for me to pick. Both of these teams utilize the same offensive gameplan, and they both are led by old, but solid quarterbacks. I look for this one to come down the the final minutes, and eventually overtime, but the Packers prevail. Packers 27, Seahawks 24- OT
Friday, January 04, 2008
Time for some predictions
Isn't it hard to believe that wild card weekend is already upon us? It seems like just yesterday I was listening to all the ESPN analysts babble about how much they despise the preseason. It should be a very entertaining, and perhaps surprising, weekend, so lets take a look.
(6) Redskins @ (3) Seahawks
Bravo to the Redskins for everything they have gone through this season and still emerged into the playoffs. These guys really banded together after the death of Sean Taylor, but let's face it, they are going nowhere. Sure it would be a great story if Todd Collins could lead his team to a Super Bowl after going 10 years in between starts, but it won't happen. Seattle is amongst the toughest venues to play in all of football, and the Seahawks have so much more experience. It will be close, but Washington's run stops here. Seattle 24, Washington 16
(5) Jaguars @ (4) Steelers
I'm not going to pretend that I am not strongly rooting for the Steelers, because I am. However, they have not looked good at all in the last month of the season. The defense isn't tackling, and the offense isn't running- both cornerstones of Steeler football. If they hope to avenge their 29-22 loss to the Jags, they are going to have to get back to what they do best, and rely on the play action at times. I'm taking Pittsburgh, but I am plenty worried. This one will be as good as advertised. Pittsburgh 31, Jacksonville 28
(6) Titans @ (3) Chargers
As much as I hate to say it, the Titans should not be playing in this game- the Browns should. Tennessee had a very difficult time securing a win over Jim Sorgi and the second-string Colts, so you better believe Jeff Fisher is plenty worried about his next opponent. These teams met just a few weeks ago in a very physical game that San Diego pulled out in the end. Look for the Chargers to win again, but this time it won't even be close. San Diego 35, Tennessee 13
(5) Giants @ (4) Buccaneers
Tampa Bay spent last week fooling around with its back-ups while New York gave the Patriots everything they could handle. Like ESPN's Sean Salisbury said, "Tampa is not good enough to turn it on and off like that." I couldn't have said it better myself. Jeff Garcia is a great player, one of my favorites, but I just don't think Jon Gruden spent enough time getting his players ready for the playoffs. Now they could very well surprise us, but I don't see it happening.
New York 24, Tampa Bay 17
(6) Redskins @ (3) Seahawks
Bravo to the Redskins for everything they have gone through this season and still emerged into the playoffs. These guys really banded together after the death of Sean Taylor, but let's face it, they are going nowhere. Sure it would be a great story if Todd Collins could lead his team to a Super Bowl after going 10 years in between starts, but it won't happen. Seattle is amongst the toughest venues to play in all of football, and the Seahawks have so much more experience. It will be close, but Washington's run stops here. Seattle 24, Washington 16
(5) Jaguars @ (4) Steelers
I'm not going to pretend that I am not strongly rooting for the Steelers, because I am. However, they have not looked good at all in the last month of the season. The defense isn't tackling, and the offense isn't running- both cornerstones of Steeler football. If they hope to avenge their 29-22 loss to the Jags, they are going to have to get back to what they do best, and rely on the play action at times. I'm taking Pittsburgh, but I am plenty worried. This one will be as good as advertised. Pittsburgh 31, Jacksonville 28
(6) Titans @ (3) Chargers
As much as I hate to say it, the Titans should not be playing in this game- the Browns should. Tennessee had a very difficult time securing a win over Jim Sorgi and the second-string Colts, so you better believe Jeff Fisher is plenty worried about his next opponent. These teams met just a few weeks ago in a very physical game that San Diego pulled out in the end. Look for the Chargers to win again, but this time it won't even be close. San Diego 35, Tennessee 13
(5) Giants @ (4) Buccaneers
Tampa Bay spent last week fooling around with its back-ups while New York gave the Patriots everything they could handle. Like ESPN's Sean Salisbury said, "Tampa is not good enough to turn it on and off like that." I couldn't have said it better myself. Jeff Garcia is a great player, one of my favorites, but I just don't think Jon Gruden spent enough time getting his players ready for the playoffs. Now they could very well surprise us, but I don't see it happening.
New York 24, Tampa Bay 17
Thursday, January 03, 2008
I'm Back
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog. After more than 3 months, I am finally ready to update this thing on a regular basis for your reading pleasure. I've been quite busy with school and covering games for The Herald Bulletin which is why I haven't published in some time.
ODDS
NBA
Odds of the Trail Blazers making the playoffs.
I don't think it's very likely that they get in this year, but the management has to be pretty excited with the future of this young team. When Brandon Roy came into this league I don't think anybody predicted he would be as successful as he has been to this point. The guy is a true leader and, once it gets Greg Oden back, Portland is going to be a force to be reckoned with. What a solid job by Nate McMillan to put the team back on the map. 40%
Odds of Kobe Bryant staying in L.A.
What happened to the Lakers? All of a sudden they look like one of the NBA's top teams and all of this after the Kobe saga in the summer. Andrew Bynum has reacted to Bryant's criticism in a positive manner and is finally showing that upside we've heard so much about. I think the Lakers will make the playoffs and Kobe stays put, for good. 98%
Odds of Isiah Thomas keeping his job.
I don't know what's going on in New York, but whatever it is, it's not good. Thomas continues to bring in pricey players that could care less about winning, and it shows on the court. The Knicks might be crazy enough to keep Isiah, but I see his butt out the door at season's end. 20%
NFL
Odds of the Patriots winning the Super Bowl.
You'd have to keep this number pretty high just because of what they've accomplished, but I don't see it happening. I think Jacksonville can take them out if they get by Pittsburgh this week, and if not, then the Colts. New England had a great season, but not a perfect one. 55%
Odds of Giants upset this week.
Most of the country would agree that this doesn't seem like much of an upset (over Tampa Bay), but it will happen. After the Giants great performance last week, it seems almost inevitable for them to come out of the NFC. But then again, it did last year as well. 80%
NCAA
Odds of a Buckeye thumping in BCS Championship.
Ohio State had a great, dominant regular season, but the Big Ten just doesn't compare to the SEC. Don't give me the garbage that Michigan beat Florida and Wisconsin hung win Tennessee, because I'm not buying it. LSU is faster, stronger, and better than the Buckeyes, and the Tigers will take this one. Forget the fact that they had so many close games in the regular season. All that tells me is they know how to close out games. LSU 31, Ohio State 10 65%
Odds of West Virginia in the title game next season.
First of all, let me just say that what the Mountaineers did to Oklahoma was extremely impressive. They were without their coach, without their star running back, and without a championship game, but they came to win. With Pat White and Steve Slaton possibly back next year, this team will run through the Big East. There's a good chance you see them playing in the big one in 2009. 70%
Odds of Butler in the Elite Eight.
The Bulldogs return most of their key players from last year's "Sweet Sixteen" run, and should make it deep into the tournament again this year. Butler loves the underdog role, but they are no longer the underdog. Watch for first-year coach Brad Stevens to lead his club into the dance as a 3 seed and advance to the "Elite Eight". 81%
Odds of North Carolina running the table.
As good as the Tar heels are, there is no chance they end the season undefeated. Because of its youth, UNC has lapses at some points, and doesn't always play its hardest on defense. The ACC will prove to be difficult, especially with two match ups with Coach K's Duke Blue Devils. The Tar heels will finish with three losses overall, but will maintain their one seed. .0001%
ODDS
NBA
Odds of the Trail Blazers making the playoffs.
I don't think it's very likely that they get in this year, but the management has to be pretty excited with the future of this young team. When Brandon Roy came into this league I don't think anybody predicted he would be as successful as he has been to this point. The guy is a true leader and, once it gets Greg Oden back, Portland is going to be a force to be reckoned with. What a solid job by Nate McMillan to put the team back on the map. 40%
Odds of Kobe Bryant staying in L.A.
What happened to the Lakers? All of a sudden they look like one of the NBA's top teams and all of this after the Kobe saga in the summer. Andrew Bynum has reacted to Bryant's criticism in a positive manner and is finally showing that upside we've heard so much about. I think the Lakers will make the playoffs and Kobe stays put, for good. 98%
Odds of Isiah Thomas keeping his job.
I don't know what's going on in New York, but whatever it is, it's not good. Thomas continues to bring in pricey players that could care less about winning, and it shows on the court. The Knicks might be crazy enough to keep Isiah, but I see his butt out the door at season's end. 20%
NFL
Odds of the Patriots winning the Super Bowl.
You'd have to keep this number pretty high just because of what they've accomplished, but I don't see it happening. I think Jacksonville can take them out if they get by Pittsburgh this week, and if not, then the Colts. New England had a great season, but not a perfect one. 55%
Odds of Giants upset this week.
Most of the country would agree that this doesn't seem like much of an upset (over Tampa Bay), but it will happen. After the Giants great performance last week, it seems almost inevitable for them to come out of the NFC. But then again, it did last year as well. 80%
NCAA
Odds of a Buckeye thumping in BCS Championship.
Ohio State had a great, dominant regular season, but the Big Ten just doesn't compare to the SEC. Don't give me the garbage that Michigan beat Florida and Wisconsin hung win Tennessee, because I'm not buying it. LSU is faster, stronger, and better than the Buckeyes, and the Tigers will take this one. Forget the fact that they had so many close games in the regular season. All that tells me is they know how to close out games. LSU 31, Ohio State 10 65%
Odds of West Virginia in the title game next season.
First of all, let me just say that what the Mountaineers did to Oklahoma was extremely impressive. They were without their coach, without their star running back, and without a championship game, but they came to win. With Pat White and Steve Slaton possibly back next year, this team will run through the Big East. There's a good chance you see them playing in the big one in 2009. 70%
Odds of Butler in the Elite Eight.
The Bulldogs return most of their key players from last year's "Sweet Sixteen" run, and should make it deep into the tournament again this year. Butler loves the underdog role, but they are no longer the underdog. Watch for first-year coach Brad Stevens to lead his club into the dance as a 3 seed and advance to the "Elite Eight". 81%
Odds of North Carolina running the table.
As good as the Tar heels are, there is no chance they end the season undefeated. Because of its youth, UNC has lapses at some points, and doesn't always play its hardest on defense. The ACC will prove to be difficult, especially with two match ups with Coach K's Duke Blue Devils. The Tar heels will finish with three losses overall, but will maintain their one seed. .0001%
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