Sweet 16 Betting: Picks and Analysis of Each Game

March 24, 2009 By 3 Comments
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The March Madness odds continue and it’s hard to believe we’re already down to just 16 teams. Here’s what we know so far: (a) Cleveland State’s win over Wake Forest is the upset of the tournament right now; (b) Blake Griffin is justifying his projected NBA No. 1 overall draft pick status; (c) President Obama’s Final Four remains intact; and (d) some major bad karma should follow Missouri into the Sweet 16 odds.

Let’s break down what should be an extremely tight round of March Madness betting. (Editor’s note: All picks are straight up, not against the spread. Go to the homepage and check out the recent game-by-game posts for a closer look at how to pick these games against the spread.)

EAST REGION

No. 1 Pittsburgh Panthers vs No. 4 Xavier MusketeersSweet 16 Picks - Jamie Dixon

Xavier is like the plucky little kid trying to measure up to his older brother in this NCAA basketball betting matchup. What do the Musketeers do best? Play defense and rebound like crazy. They showed off those skills in the first two rounds of the tournament, totally stymieing Wisconsin in the round of 32 after shooting the lights out against Portland State.

Problem: Pittsburgh battles the same way Xavier does and does it better. While the Musketeers are fifth in the nation in rebounding, the Panthers are second. Pittsburgh will eke out a win here thanks to superior backcourt talent with Levance Fields leading the way alongside outstanding big man DeJuan Blair.

Online betting pick: Pittsburgh

No. 2 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 3 Villanova Wildcats

Playing in the powerful Big East, Villanova has flown under the radar for much of the season. This weekend, the Wildcats be outed as major contenders when they knock off the Blue Devils. Duke’s overreliance on perimeter shooting doesn’t bode well against the defensively sound Villanova. Expect the Wildcats to control the pace and reach the Elite 8.

Online betting pick: Villanova

SOUTH REGION

No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs

There aren’t too many “pretenders” left in the March Madness betting field, but Gonzaga is close. Yeah, the Bulldogs put up some points against Akron and Western Kentucky, but those were No. 13 and No. 12 seeds, respectively. Gonzaga barely survived those matchups, coming from behind to beat Akron and downing Western Kentucky with a last-second shot.

Jumping from that competition to No. 1 North Carolina, still the odds-on sportsbook favorite to win the March Madness odds, will be too much for the ’Zags to handle. The Tar Heels should drop major points on the Bulldogs in a high-scoring affair here. Bet on North Carolina, who should keep getting better with Ty Lawson regaining his form.

Online betting pick: North Carolina

No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners vs No. 3 Syracuse Orange

It’s Blake Griffin Versus the World in what could be the closest of all the Sweet 16 lines. Well, maybe that’s an overstatement, but the point is that Griffin has been the force of the Tournament so far, averaging 30.5 points and 15 rebounds. Is Syracuse up to the task after breezing through the first two rounds?

I say yes. The Orange are a potent offensive unit with well-distributed scoring; five different Orange players averaged 10 or more points per game this regular season. The Orange offense can top Griffin’s inevitable powerhouse performance and guard Jonny Flynn has been sensational. Bet on Syracuse to pull off what some online betting experts would call a minor upset.

Online betting pick: Syracuse

WEST REGION

No. 1 Connecticut Huskies vs No. 5 Purdue BoilermakersSweet 16 Picks - Jim Calhoun

So, uh…Connecticut did pretty well in its first two March Madness betting contests, averaging a 46-point victory margin. Does that mean the Huskies are extremely sharp or extremely untested? Only time will tell. What we do know is that Purdue enters the Sweet 16 nicely battle-hardened, being the only No. 5 seed to avoid the dreaded 5/12 loss and grinding out a tough win over Washington. Center JaJuan Johnson in particular has stepped up his play and will need to maintain that high standard against UConn.

It’s tempting to pick Purdue to pull off the sportsbook upset here, but UConn sure isn’t getting much respect for a No. 1 seed. Better to have the Huskies surprise you with a loss than to pick the No. 5 seed and kick yourself afterwards. Go with Connecticut until they prove you wrong.

Online betting pick: Connecticut

No. 2 Memphis Tigers vs No. 3 Missouri Tigers

It just doesn’t feel right picking Missouri. For one, J.T. Tiller’s convenient last-second injury, which allowed Kim English to shoot the game-winning free throws in his place, seemed shady. Missouri also got pretty darn lucky when Marquette’s Lazar Hayward blew the game by stepping on the baseline during an inbound.

Karma aside, Memphis is still be better of the two March Madness picks here. It got its major scare out of the way in the first round and should ride its outstanding defense to the Elite 8 and maybe the Final Four.

Online betting pick: Memphis

MIDWEST REGION

No. 1 Louisville Cardinals vs. No. 12 Arizona Wildcats

Like them or not, the Arizona Cardinals have impressed in the March Madness odds after many detractors felt they shouldn’t have qualified for the tournament at all. Many online betting sharps correctly predicted their upset over Utah in the first round and they had the lucky draw of No. 13 Cleveland State in the second round, so the Wildcats haven’t really been tested.

Louisville, the top overall seed in the tourney, won’t be like anything the Wildcats have faced so far. This may be the only Sweet 16 betting matchup with blow-out potential.

Online betting pick: Louisville

No. 2 Michigan State Spartans vs No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks

Still feels weird to see Michigan State seeded higher than Kansas, doesn’t it? Most basketball betting fans didn’t expect much from Kansas in its attempted national title defense after the Jayhawks lost all their starters from last year’s team. However, they’ve looked very impressive early, riding the torrid play of Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins.

A couple of weeks ago, Michigan State would have been the consensus sportsbook pick here, but the Spartans had their hands full with USC and may not have an answer if Aldrich does anything close to the triple-double he posted against Dayton. Bet on Kansas to win one more round.

Online betting pick: Kansas


Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, Kansas Jayhawks, Louisville Cardinals, March Madness, Michigan State Spartans, missouri tigers, oklahoma sooners, Purdue Boilermakers, Xavier Musketeers

Sweet 16: Pittsburgh-Xavier Preview, Analysis, and Prediction

March 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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This post will analyze the Pitt-Xavier game using a statistical analysis provided by the Game Predictor at ESPN.com, which is powered by TeamRankings.com. For an analysis of how this program works, hop over to the first individual game Sweet 16 preview I put out for UConn-Purdue. The methodology is all explained there.

Sean Miller - Xavier-Pitt Preview and PredictionThe Pitt-Xavier Sweet 16 game, which tip off about 20 minutes after Purdue and UConn get going on Thursday night, matches up two of the best young coaches in America: Xavier’s Sean Miller and Pitt’s Jamie Dixon.

Sean Miller is 117-45 in his five seasons as Xavier’s head coach and is coaching in his fourth NCAA Tournament. The Musketeers made the Elite 8 last year and are one win away from doing it again in 2009. A lot of IU fans were clamoring for the Hoosiers to go after Miller before last season. He stayed at Xavier and is building a juggernaut that has to be considered among the top 20 in programs in American right now.

Jamie Dixon - Pitt-Xavier Prediction, Spread, PicksJamie Dixon is in the 6th season at Pitt and has been just as successful, if not moreso, than Miller. Dixon is 162-44, with a 70% winning percentage in the tough Big East. His Panthers have made three trips to the Sweet 16 (including this year) and have played in the NCAA Tournament in all six of his seasons. The consistency of the Pitt program has been impressive, with the next goal being an Elite 8 and Final Four appearance.

Can Dixon and the Panthers finally make that elusive jump beyond the Sweet 16? They’ll get their chance Thursday night. Here are the particulars for the Pitt-Xavier Sweet 16 showdown:

Pittsburgh-Xavier Preview and Prediction


  • StubHub: East Region Sweet 16 Tickets
  • East Regional Breakdown
  • Date: March 26
  • TV Time: 7:27 PM on CBS
  • Site: TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA
  • Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Point Spread: Pittsburgh -7
  • Over-Under: 139
  • My prediction (made Monday before using Game Predictor analysis): Pittsburgh

Full disclosure: I have not seen Xavier play this season but for bits and pieces, so I will have to rely heavily on the Game Predictor analysis on this one. I have, however, seen Pittsburgh play a few times and I agree with the majority of pundits who feel this is a legitimate Final Four team and potential national champion. They won’t blow anyone out, but they win, and they proved themselves in a beast of a conference.

Let’s look at how Game Predictor saw this game, using the five stat categories that I deemed the most significant and used for each of the eight Sweet 16 game predictions.

  • Offensive Efficiency: Pitt – 1.141 | Xavier – 1.055
  • Defensive Efficiency: Pitt – 0.946 | Xavier – 0.905
  • Assist/TO Ratio: Pitt – 1.532 | Xavier – 0.921
  • Free Throw %: Pitt – 0.674 | Xavier – 0.674
  • Defensive Field Goal %: Pitt – 0.411 | Xavier – 0.388

Pittsburgh-Xavier Prediction, Spread, TV Time, Announcers

And based on these stats, Game Predictor offers up the following prediction for the Pitt-Xavier Sweet 16 game:

  • Odds to Win Game: Pitt – 84.2% | Xavier – 15.8%
  • Most Likely Final Score: Pitt – 72.5 | Xavier – 65.3
  • Odds to Cover Spread (Xavier +7): Pitt – 58.5% | Xavier – 41.2%
  • Confidence Level: 4 Stars

Pitt-Xavier Preview and Prediction - TV Time, Spread, Announcers

I was actually surprised at how one-sided the prediction was for Pittsburgh in this case. Obviously Pitt’s offensive efficiency and sterling Assist/TO ration provide a huge advantage. And surprisingly, Xavier is statistically superior in the two defensive categories analyzed. The strength of schedule rating that is automatically factored into the analysis no doubt game Pitt a huge edge, as Xavier’s superior defensive stats were no doubt helped by playing in a much weaker conference than the Big East.

Watching Pitt play, it is hard to imagine anyone in the country being able to compete with the incredibleDeJuan Blair - Pitt-Xavier Prediction and Preview physical presences of DeJuan Blair and Sam Young on the glass. Add in Levance Fields and you have a trio that is as good as any trio in the nation. I was also really impressed with Jermaine Dixon in the OK State game in Round 2. He only had 6 points in the game, but he made all four of his free throws, helped attack the Oklahoma State pressure while only turning the ball over once, and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Without question, Pitt will be the most physically imposing team that Xavier has played all year.

This is not to say that Xavier has no chance. In fact, I would be more comfortable picking Xavier to upset Pitt than Purdue to upset UConn. Connecticut is more apt to blow teams out early. Pitt, on the other hand, relies on its physical dominance taking a toll on teams and than extending their lead late. If Xavier can pressure Pitt into a few more turnovers than they usually commit, and if the Musketeers can make enough shots to keep the game close, anything can happen in the final 4:00.

I like the Pittsburgh to win in the end though, and to beat the spread in doing so. Xavier is a very good team, led by an outstanding coach, but I think this is the game where Pitt puts it all together. Their coach and their players are sick of hearing about Sweet 16 exits and I think they come out a little extra motivated to put all that talk to rest. In the Year of the Big East, the Panthers keep on marching towards Detroit.

Who do you think will win the Sweet 16 matchup between Pittsburgh and Xavier?

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Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column Tagged With: CBB, Jamie Dixon, march madness. 2009 NCAA Tournament, Pittsburgh Panthers, Sean Miller, Xavier Musketeers

Sweet 16: Purdue-UConn Preview, Analysis, and Prediction

March 24, 2009 By 2 Comments
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I would say that I think I just died and went to heaven, but Indiana only won one conference game this year so that can’t be true. But I’m still pretty excited right now, and wouldn’t you know it: it has to do with sports; and not just sports, but finding another tool to help analyze sports (specifically college basketball in this case) at ridiculously granular levels.UConn-Purdue Prediction, Pick, TV Time, Spread

I am talking about the Game Predictor at ESPN.com, which is powered by the fine folks at TeamRankings.com.

I have not yet had a chance to explore all of the offerings at TeamRankings.com, but for sports and stats geeks like me it looks like a little slice of paradise. I’m on a bit of a time crunch this morning and this week so I’ll probably have to wait until this weekend to really get in there and explore, but I am very intrigued. (Especially since my bracket tanked this year and I obviously need all the help I can get.)

Anyway, bringing it back to today.

This morning, I am going to begin the first of my 8 official Sweet 16 game predictions. I don’t know that I’ll get through all 8 games by the time they tip on Thursday, but I’m going to try. And instead of offering off-the-cuff analysis based on my knowledge and gut feelings (as I did in my Sweet 16 preview), I am going with objective analysis — and using the Game Predictor to do so.

Quickly, how the Game Predictor works:

  • You choose up to five team stats from a list of about 40 or 50.
  • Then you choose two teams.
  • The Game Predictor spits out odds of winning, a confidence level, shows you which team is stronger in each category you have chosen, and then presents historical examples of games that most resemble the one you have chosen.

Here are the five stats I have chosen for my analysis of each of the eight Sweet 16 games. We’ll see how well they predict the Elite 8:

  1. Offensive Efficiency Rating (points scored per possession)
  2. Defensive Efficiency Rating (points given up per possession)
  3. Assist/Turnover Ratio
  4. Free Throw %
  5. Defensive Field Goal %
  6. Note: The system automatically incorporates an adjustment for strength of schedule.

Let’s jump right into the game that kicks off the Sweet 16: UConn v Purdue

UConn-Purdue Preview and Prediction


First, here are the particulars for the UConn-Purdue Sweet 16 game:

  • StubHub: West Region Sweet 16 Tickets
  • West Regional Breakdown
  • Date: March 26
  • TV Time: 7:07 PM on CBS
  • Site: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ
  • Announcers: Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas
  • Point Spread: UConn -6 1/2
  • Over-Under: 134
  • My prediction (made Monday before using Game Predictor analysis): UConn

Here is how the five stat categories stack up between UConn and Purdue (with a screenshot and the results typed out, in case the image has trouble loading):

  • Offensive Efficiency: UConn – 1.101 | Purdue – 1.024
  • Defensive Efficiency: UConn – 0.890 | Purdue – 0.879
  • Assist/TO Ratio: UConn – 1.278 | Purdue – 1.315
  • Free Throw %: UConn – 0.676 | Purdue – 0.706
  • Def. Field Goal &: UConn – 0.374 | Purdue – 0.389

UConn-Purdue Prediction, Pick, TV Time, Spread

If you go just by the five statistical categories chosen, it looks like Purdue should win right? Well, here is how Game Predictor sees this game:

  • Odds to win: UConn – 75.3% | Purdue – 24.7%
  • Most Likely Final Score: UConn – 74.2 | Purdue – 67.1
  • Odds to Cover Spread (Purdue +6.5): UConn – 53.4% | Purdue 46.6%
  • Confidence Level: 4 out of 5 stars

UConn-Purdue Prediction, Pick, TV Time, Spread

Obviously Game Predictor is a big fan of the Huskies, and something tells me it has a lot to do with two things:

  1. The automatic strength of schedule adjustment included in the model. With UConn being from the Big East, a conference that this season has one of the highest strength ratings of any conference in history, the Huskies and all other Big East teams will obviously have an advantage — as they should.
  2. It appears that the model takes historical comparisons very much into account. In each of the historical comparisons listed, the UConn comparison is a very high seed (mostly 1s and 2s) while the Purdue comparison falls anywhere from a 5 to a 13. So the model must provide some kind of advantage for the higher/favored seed.

Without knowing more in-depth info about the model used to generate these predictions, it is hard to analyze it any more than I have. I tried out different stats for this matchup and while the odds and scores fluctuated, the confidence level and ultimate outcome stayed pretty much the same. And honestly, that’s about what we should expect.

UConn is a better overall team and has had a better season than Purdue, and the Huskies have been dynamite thus far in the tournament. While I would not be totally shocked to see Purdue pull off the upset, the Huskies are rightfully a 6.5 point favorite and will most likely be moving on to the Elite 8.

For Purdue to win, they must do the following:

  1. Get Hasheem Thabeet in foul trouble.
  2. Get to the free throw line and take advantage of their 70%+ free throw shooting.
  3. Make shots – if Thabeet is controlling the paint, the Boilermakers will have to hit the 10-15 foot jumpshot, as well as knock down threes.
  4. Be efficient on offense. We know that Purdue will play solid D, as they were the 4th most efficient defensive team in the country this year. However, Purdue’s offensive efficiency was only 103rd, while UConn’s was 13th. This is perhaps the most significant statistical discrepancy heading into the game.

Purdue should obviously try to slow down the pace of the game, but they are not going to be able to play this in the high 50s, low 60s. UConn is just too talented and playing at too high a level on offense right now. Purdue needs to be comfortable scoring 70 points and winning against a good team, which could be a majorUConn-Purdue Preview, TV, Prediction, Spread challenge.

As much as it pains me to say this, Purdue is a very good basketball team this year. They embody a lot of what I hope Indiana looks like in the coming years. They are tough, physical, play solid D, chock full of guys who played high school ball in Indiana, and know how to grind out wins.

Against a team like UConn, however, that may not be enough.

I agree with the Game Predictor on this one. Purdue is certainly capable, but it will undoubtedly take their best effort of the season to knock off the Huskies, the most dominant team in the first and second rounds of the tournament. And even Purdue’s best effort may ultimately fall just short of a win.

I hate Purdue but I always root for the Big Ten in the tournament — so either way, I’ll be happy with the outcome of this one. I expect UConn to win, but I think Purdue plays a great game, keeps it close, beats the spread, and convinces a lot of people that they are a top 10 team heading into next season.

Who do you think with win the Sweet 16 matchup between Connecticut and Purdue?

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E’Twuan Moore/Matt Painter photo credit: REUTERS/Brent Smith (UNITED STATES)


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, March Madness, Purdue Boilermakers

Lance Armstrong Injured – Fractured Collarbone Leaves Tour de France Participation in Doubt

March 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Lance Armstrong Injury - breaks collarboneTyler is out on vacation this week, actually doing some bike riding, so in his absence I will step outside of my NCAA Tournament/Chicago White Sox cocoon and post the biggest cycling news of the day:

Lance Armstrong fractured his collarbone today during a race in Spain, leaving his planned participation in this year’s Tour de France in doubt. According to Armstrong (as reported in the Lance Armstrong injury update by ESPN.com), “it’s a very big problem.”

From the ESPN.com report:

Armstrong was knocked off his bike during a pileup in the first stage of the Vuelta of Castilla and Leon race and was taken to a hospital by ambulance. The American, who crashed about 12.5 miles from the stage’s finish, was grimacing and trying to hold his right arm as he entered the ambulance.

“The collarbone is broken, and I have a little bit of road-rash abrasions,” Armstrong said as he left Valladolid University Hospital. “I’ve never had this happen before; it’s pretty painful. I feel really miserable.”

Astana team leader Johan Bruyneel said on his Twitter feed that there were no complications in the break, and suggested Armstrong could be back riding soon.

“Clean collarbone fracture,” Bruyneel said. “Should be fast recovery.”
Armstrong is scheduled to compete in the Giro d’Italia from May 9-May 31. The Tour runs July 4-26.

Armstrong’s participation in the Giro will now be “very complicated,” he told reporters.

So it seems as if the early prognosis is somewhat conflicted. Lance Armstrong says it’s a big problem concerning his Tour de France participation and that he feels “really miserable.” But the Astana team leader suggested Lance could be back soon and that he should have a fast recovery.

I have broken my collarbone twice (when I was much younger) and it was at least 6-8 weeks before I could really move it or do anything. Two months would put Lance at the end of May, which certainly does complicate his expected participation in the Giro d’Italia. I would assume that he would be back healthy by the beginning of the Tour de France, but obviously his preparation is going to be severely limited from what he is used to.

And you would have to think that Armstrong won’t want to put his 7 straight wins on the line if he is not at full strength. Certainly this will be a story to monitor for all of the cycling enthusiasts out there. I’m sure Tyler will check in with more when he gets back.


Filed Under: Cycling, Featured Column Tagged With: Lance Armstrong, Tour de France

White Sox Ink Gavin Floyd to Win-Win 4-Year, $15.5 Million Deal

March 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Gavin Floyd - Signs 4-year contract with White SoxOver the weekend the White Sox announced that they had agreed to a 4-year, $15.5 million contract with 26-year old pitcher Gavin Floyd.

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune the deal will pay Floyd $750,000 in 2009, $2.75 million in 2010, $5 million in 2001, and $7 million in 2012, with the White Sox holding a $9.5 million option for 2013.

Said Floyd:

“I’m about to get married, and I have a family to look forward to,” said Floyd, who won 17 games last season. “I feel like I made the right decision with my family and my fiance and my agent. We were just trying to figure out what we wanted to do.”

This leaves John Danks and Bobby Jenks as the other high profile, high priority contract negotiations on the docket. According to White Sox GM Ken Williams, “We’re going to do this in stages.”

I am a big fan of the Gavin Floyd deal for a number of reasons.

  1. We’ve seen the type of money that teams like the Yankees throw out on pitching every year, and the infamously outlandish contracts that have been signed by the likes of Barry Zito and Mike Hampton. Compared to these deals, Floyd is an absolute bargain and will help the White Sox maintain flexibility when it comes to Danks, Jenks, and other contracts that must be negotiated in the future.
  2. The deal is a win-win on both sides. The White Sox lock up one of their top 3 starters for the next four years, with an option for a fifth if Floyd stays healthy and continues to produce like he did last year. For Floyd, he gets a nice chunk of guaranteed change through his 30th birthday, at which point he will still be young enough to sign another significant contract if he is healthy and staying on top of his game.
  3. Gavin Floyd probably is not going to compete for Cy Young awards, and he can be hit or miss, but I think he is a guy that can consistently log 200 innings with an ERA around 4.00, and win 12-15 games a year. If he can do that, he is easily worth the money the White Sox have committed to him. If for some reason he implodes and becomes Bad Gavin more often than he is Good Gavin, the White Sox have not sunk so much money into him that it will tie their hands moving forward.

All in all, a good deal on both sides and it ensures that Mark Buehrle and Gavin Floyd are anchoring the White Sox pitching staff through at least the next three years. Hopefully we can get a similar commitment from John Danks and keep the most underrated 1-2-3 in baseball intact for the foreseeable future.


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: Chicago White Sox, gavin floyd, john danks, MLB

White Sox ST Update: Third Base Concerns, Offense Pops Against A’s

March 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Josh Fields - Spring Training - White SoxErrors, errors, errors.

That has been the common theme that I have been witnessing first hand at White Sox Spring Training. It would not be so bad if they were spread out amongst the team but it all seems to be Josh Fields, whose fielding percentage thus far in Spring Traning is .885. I was in a much better position during the game against the A’s to really look at what he is seeing and how he is reacting.

He appears to be reading the ball just fine. What he does not seem to be able to do is to make a commitment on how and when is going to field it. With complete understanding of what a hot corner third base is, it should be understood that it will take him time to get into his comfort zone. Right now I think the only thing that is saving him is his hitting. I just want to know how long it is going to be until Ozzie has seen enough of Fields’ defense.

The 12-10 victory over the A’s began with a hitting barrage by the visiting White Sox. It was a relief after the effort that was seen against the Cubs. It was nice to see Wilson Betemit playing first base well and hitting the ball with such power. I think he will make a great second tier guy not only at first base but at other infield positions.

Jermaine Dye, however, did not look as good as I thought he would have. His choices of pitches to swing at was questionable and he always appeared to be swinging for the high home run. Of course Jim Thome hit a towering home run that bounced quite ironically of a Hooters restaurant sign.

All in all the team put together a nice offensive game.

Prior to the game I spent the morning over at Camelback Ranch getting to watch the minor league team workout. I was impressed with Dayan Viciedo and how relaxed he looks. Could he be a sizable Cuban presence in the White Sox organization in the future? If so, he appears to be making great strides in his transition to the major and minor league baseball in the States.

The stories are true. He is a big kid. Shedding some weight will definitely improve his quickness in the field, which really is not all that bad already. His hitting was in great form. He was being worked out at third base and from what I have been told that is where he is going to be playing while he is in the system. I think that it is only a matter of time and he will be up in the big leagues. My feeling is that he will be starting at third base before this year’s All-Star break.

Josh Fields photo credit: AP Photo/M. Spencer Green


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: Chicago White Sox, dayan viciedo, jermaine dye, josh fields, MLB, spring training 2009

Breaking Down the Colts Part 1: Quarterbacks – Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, and Nate Davis?

March 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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jim-sorgi

Indianapolis Colts Position Breakdown 2009: QuarterbacksThe Colts had a great season last year. Not just great, it was amazing. They started out the season with a painful loss to the Chicago Bears, 29-13. That was the first time they lost their first game of the season since 2004, when they lost to the Patriots.

The Colts ended up starting out with a 3-4 record that year. That is just not how the Colts usually being a season. After that, however, the Colts shined. Bating the Patriots 18-15 was the start of their nine-game win streak. They improved to a 12-4 record and made the playoffs.

One of the anchors on CBS said that the Colts were the hottest team coming into the playoffs. Unfortunately, it didn’t look like it. They lost to the Chargers, 23-17 in overtime, when the Colts didn’t even have a chance to touch the ball in the extra session.

After that painful loss, Tony Dungy said that it was over for him in football (with the Colts at least) and he retired from the Colts and wrote a book called Uncommon. Fortunately, Colts had Jim Caldwell waiting in the wings, a man who has been with the staff for quite some time.

What can Caldwell do? Is he the man for the job? Can the Colts show the world they have a running game and they can be Super Bowl contenders? Let’s see what happens in 2009 and beyond.

I am going to break down the Colts. Every single player. Today, I start with the quarterbacks. Next time, I’ll go straight towards the running backs and fullbacks. Then, the time after that, it’s wide receivers. So you get the trend.

Let’s get started!

Indianapolis Colts Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning

2008 stats: 27 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 4,002 passing yards, and a 95.3 quarterback rating.

Peyton Manning started out horrible last year. After skipping training camp and missing the pre-season, Manning started out his first game of the season with a 81.8 rating. Even though he had no interceptions, the Bears dominated as Manning only completed 30-of-49 passes.Indianapolis Colts Position Breakdown 2009: Quarterbacks - Peyton Manning

His next two games went worse. He had one touchdowns and two interceptions in both of those games. In the second game of the season, Manning had a 72.6 rating against the Vikings, with one touchdown and two picks. Manning had almost the same exact stats the next game against the Jaguars and had a 59.0 quarterback rating.

So, in his first three games of the season, Manning had three touchdowns and four interceptions with a 71.1 quarterback rating. After that horrible start, Manning improved to two touchdowns and only one interception against the Texans, including a 101.0 rating.

The next game, Manning proved himself once more against the Ravens with three touchdowns and, finally, no picks! He finished with an amazing 134.7 rating. Manning improved deeply and was becoming his usual superstar self again. The Colts kept winning and winning.

Manning’s best game came against the Jaguars. He had three touchdowns and no picks with a dominant 140.7 quarterback rating. The 364 passing yards showed the pass game was on, while the running game wasn’t. It was a 31-24 win, as Keiwan Ratliff picked off David Garrard for a touchdown.

Manning ended the regular season with a 23-0 win over the Titans. Manning had a 158.3 rating as he went seven-for-seven and one touchdown with no picks. The 95 passing yards all went in the first quarter, and Jim Sorgi took it from there.

Manning ended the season with the stats shown above. Manning also won the NFL MVP award. Though Manning and the Colts lost to the Chargers, he put up some pretty decent numbers. He had 310 passing yards, along with a touchdown and no picks. The 90.4 rating came when Manning went 25-42 on his passes.

Peyton Manning looks to guide the Colts to a playoff spot next year. He needs to. He has to.

Let’s hope Manning wins another MVP and guides himself and the Colts to their fourth Super Bowl and wins it. Manning looks to earn his second Super Bowl ring while Tom Brady is worrying that Manning is only one ring behind. Can Manning do it?

Of course. He’s strong. He’s never missed a game. He only missed one play in his entire career while starting. He’s smart. Well, of course. Why else did he have 49 touchdowns in 2004? Good luck, Peyton Manning.

Jim Sorgi

2008 stats: No touchdowns, no interceptions, 178 passing yards and a 87.9 quarterback rating

Jim Sorgi is probably one of my favorite backup quarterbacks. He has six touchdowns and one interception in his career. That is actually pretty good for a backup. He has a career 89.9 quarterback rating.

Indianapolis Colts Position Breakdown 2009 - Quarterbacks - Jim SorgiSorgi disappointed the Colts in the 2007 regular season, when the Colts lost to the Titans, 17-14. It ended on a fourth down pass, when Sorgi threw to Devin Aromashodu, who is now on the Bears, who failed to make the catch because of the swarming defenders.

Sorgi has been a great player with the Colts as far as filling his role as a confidant to Peyton Manning and not taking up too much salary cap space. Even though he was horrible in the pre-season when he had no touchdowns and one interception, he is better in the regular season.

Right now, however, it looks like Sorgi might lose his job. According to Bryan Brackney at The Colts Corner, he said that the Colts were the only scouts to look at Nate Davis’s Pro Day.

What does that mean? The Colts are looking for a new backup and they also checked out Mark Sanchez, according to the Bryan Brackney article. I still think Jim Sorgi will still stay, as he can help mentor a young quarterback that the Colts bring in.

He was mostly the star of the 23-0 win against the Titans this year. He completed 73 percent of his passses, 22-for-30, and threw for 178 yards. His average passing yards a play was almost six (5.9). He also had a 87.9 quarterback rating. Still, while Sorgi can be a good backup for the Colts (since he rarely, if ever, will have to take a meaningful snap because of Manning’s durability), he is kind of horrible. Just saying: In Madden 2006, Jim Sorgi had a 65 overall rating along with some guy named Travis Brown.

Can Jim Sorgi be a potential starter with some team? At 28 years old, he does not have much of a ceiling despite good overall knowoedge of the game. I would love for him to stay with the Colts, just getting payed to do nothing while Manning is at work. Heck, that would be a good life.

So now you know them Colts’ quarterbacks. One is consistent, one is not as much. This is a good one-two punch of quarterbacks. What is going to happen? Will the Colts get Nate Davis? Yeah, probably. No chance they get Sanchez. Davis looks like he could be a great backup for the Colts.

We’ll see sometime soon. So this wraps up part one. Stay tuned for part two of running backs and fullbacks. This is Breaking Down the Colts. Thank you for reading and you have a nice day.


Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL, Uncategorized Tagged With: Indianapolis Colts, Jim Sorgi, nate davis, NFL, peyton manning

Sweet 16 Viewer’s Guide: Quick Previews for Thursday, Friday Games

March 23, 2009 By 2 Comments
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Sweet 16 TV Schedule, Dates, Times, Announcers, Spreads

Note: This post is from the 2009 Tournament. Follow the link to view the 2010 Sweet 16 TV Schedule, Announcer Assignments, and Spreads.

For whatever reason, the last games of each day were spectacular on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Unfortunately, the two teams I was cheering hard for last night (Marquette and Siena) both ended up losing after briefly grasping control of their games. The Marquette loss essentially killed any chances I have of coming back in the MSF Bracket Challenge, as I had them in the Elite 8, but it certainly will not diminish my excitement for the Sweet 16.

No, there are no truly compelling Cinderella stories (unless you consider Arizona a Cinderalla); but, there are 16 really good basketball teams squaring off in compelling matchups across the board.

Let’s get right to breaking down the Sweet 16 matchups in each region:

Sweet 16 TV Schedule, Sites, Announcers, Spreads




West Regional Semifinals Quick Preview

#1 UConn v #5 Purdue Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Thursday, March 26
  • TV Time: 7:07 PM on CBS
  • Site: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ
  • Announcers: Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas
  • Point Spread: UConn -6 1/2
  • Over-Under: 134
  • My prediction: UConn
  • Purdue-UConn Preview and Analysis

#2 Memphis v #3 Missouri Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Thursday, March 26
  • TV Time: 9:37 PM on CBS
  • Site: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ
  • Announcers: Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas
  • Point Spread: Memphis -4 1/2
  • Over-Under: 140
  • My prediction: Missouri
  • Memphis-Missouri Preview and Analysis

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East Regional Semifinals Quick Preview

#1 Pittsburgh v #4 Xavier Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Thursday, March 26
  • TV Time: 7:27 PM on CBS
  • Site: TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA
  • Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Point Spread: Pittsburgh -7
  • Over-Under: 139
  • My prediction: Pittsburgh
  • Pitt-Xavier Preview and Analysis

#2 Duke v #3 Villanova Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Thursday, March 26
  • TV Time: 9:57 PM on CBS
  • Site: TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA
  • Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Point Spread: Duke -2 1/2
  • Over-Under: 148
  • My prediction: Villanova
  • Duke-Villanova Preview and Analysis

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Midwest Regional Semifinals Quick Preview

#1 Louisville v #12 Arizona Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Friday, March 27
  • TV Time: 7:07 PM on CBS
  • Site: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN
  • Announcers: Gus Johnson and Len Elmore
  • Point Spread: Louisville -9 1/2
  • Over-Under: 139
  • My prediction: Louisville
  • Louisville-Arizona Preview and Analysis

#2 Michigan State v #3 Kansas Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Friday, March 27
  • TV Time: 9:37 PM on CBS
  • Site: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN
  • Announcers: Gus Johnson and Len Elmore
  • Point Spread: Michigan State -2 1/2
  • Over-Under: 138 1/2
  • My prediction: Michigan State
  • Michigan State-Kansas Preview and Analysis

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South Regional Semifinals Quick Preview

#2 Oklahoma v #3 Syracuse Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Friday, March 27
  • TV Time: 7:27 PM on CBS
  • Site: FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN
  • Announcers: Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg
  • Point Spread: Oklahoma -1
  • Over-Under: 153 1/2
  • My prediction: it was Oklahoma…I’ve changed it to Syracuse
  • Syracuse-Oklahoma Preview and Prediction

#1 North Carolina v #4 Gonzaga Sweet 16 Preview

  • Date: Friday, March 27
  • TV Time: 9:57 PM on CBS
  • Site: FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN
  • Announcers: Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg
  • Point Spread: North Carolina -8 1/2
  • Over-Under: 162 1/2
  • My prediction: North Carolina
  • North Carolina-Gonzaga Preview and Analysis

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We’ll checking back in as the week goes along with more detailed predictions and breakdowns. The first weekend of the NCAA Tournament is always filled with more of a flurry of action and the drama of the little guy fighting to move on. Once things get whittled down the Sweet 16 we are typically left with what we have this year: solid, top-level teams matched up in games that could go either way and should be close.

The greatness of the NCAA Tournament never ceases.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column, TV and Betting Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, 2009 Sweet 16, CBB, Kansas Jayhawks, Louisville Cardinals, March Madness, Michigan State Spartans, Purdue Boilermakers

Michael Jordan Watches Son Marcus Jordan Win State Championship

March 22, 2009 By 2 Comments
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Marcus Jordan - Michael Jordan's sonMichael Jordan’s son, Marcus, is one of the best high school basketball players in the state of Illinois, if not the best. Like Yahoo Sports said, Michael Jordan celebrated another championship in Chicago, this time it was his son’s.

Jordan, a six-time champion (you all know that), was proud of his son’s performance. Marcus Jordan had 19 points as he and his Chicago Whitney Young basketball team beat Waukegan, 69-66, to win the Class 4A Championship.

As Marcus and Chicago Whitney Young was cheering, Jordan was too, in tears. Tears of joy. Jordan stood up, clapped his hands, along with some tears.

“Crying?” Jordan said to reporters, “I’m not crying. Not for me, anyway.”

Marcus Jordan was being just like his father in the game: Always making the shots. Marcus hit four-of-four free throws in the last three suspense minutes. Luckily, they sealed the win.

“Awesome,” Marcus said. “Just awesome.”

Jordan came all the way from Charlotte to his son’s championship game. It’s a good thing he did. Jordan is the co-owner of the Bobcats and the Bobcats lost that day, 108-83, like I said in my article.

MJ’s other son, Jeff, is also a star, but at the University of Illinois. Maybe Jordan might cry, deeply, if Illinois won the NCAA championship in 2009′s March Madness. But that’s impossible because they already lost to Western Kentucky, 76-72.

Hopefully on day Jordan’s sons will be just like him.


Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column, NBA Tagged With: Marcus Jordan, michael jordan

Off Topic Public Service: Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Oprah-Acai Berry Scam Information

March 22, 2009 By 154 Comments
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Oprah-acai berry scam | Rachael Ray, Brad Pitt, Dr. Oz, Angelina JolieI am going to stray WAY off topic here, but there is a very good reason. Thousands of people across the country are being scammed by unscrupulous fly-by-night Internet vendors of Acai Berry products, and one of them is my own mother.

Hopefully when people do their research online about Oprah and acai berry this post will pop up in search engines and inform them to run the other way from all of the paid advertisements that get shoved in front of their face.

TAKE NOTE: If a link saying “Oprah’s flat stomach diet” or some derivative of this, or a paid advertisement in Google, takes you to a site that looks like one pictured at your right or below, DO NOT SIGN UP!

(Update: Viewing this post I just realized that when the Google Adsense ads rotate through on MSF, an ad for “Diet of the Year” pops up.  I am not allowed to click through it, per the terms of service I have with AdSense, but it looks like another Acai Berry site.  Be careful if you click-through to this website as it could very well be one of the sites that is the subject of this acai berry scam post.)

(By the way, do you notice the similarities of these two sites, which are at different URLs? A little curious isn’t it? And just try leaving the websites. You will be inundated with more pop-ups trying to assuage your legitimate skepticism.)

MAIN POINT: Do not sign up for the “risk-free” trail from any of the multitude of online vendors of acai berry claiming that the product was explicitly endorsed by Oprah, Dr. Oz., Racahel Ray, or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

If you want some explicit examples of people being taken by the Oprah-acai berry scam, follow the link to this post on a forum at Oprah.com:

And it’s not just Oprah. As I just mentioned, these websites offering the “risk-free” trial of acai berry products also claim endorsement by Rachael Ray, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and Oprah’s pal Dr. Oz.

There are two huge problems:

  1. Neither Oprah, Racahel Ray, nor any of the people cited on these websites endorsed that particular acai berry product or company. In fact, if you look at the fine print, it says that none of the celebrities or sources that they cite actually endorsed product. But many people, like my mom, do not realize that they have to scroll to the bottom of the page to read the terms and fine print.
  2. The “risk-free” trial is not risk free at all. You are required to opt-out within 21 days or you will receive future shipments of acai berry products (at around $90 a pop) and be signed up for other services like “Ultra-Slim” that are only mentioned in the fine print.

Another thing I noticed is that on every one of these sites, there is a disclaimer saying that none of the claims about weight loss and wellness benefits have been authorized by the FDA.

Here are a few examples of the websites to which I am referring. If you go to any of these websites, run the other direction as quickly as you can:

Don’t even think twice about this, I’m telling you. When you go to Oprah.com and visit the pages that mention acai berry, the paid google AdSense advertisements do not bring any of these supposed Oprah- and Dr. Oz-endorsed products up. Doesn’t that seem a little ironic? If the products were legitimate, don’t you think they and Oprah.com would want the obvious click-throughs they would get from advertisement for acai berry free trials on Oprah.com? That fact alone makes no sense at all.

Well, when you consider that Oprah and Dr. Oz never officially endorsed these products, it actually does make perfect sense why there would be no ads for these companies.

Again, for all of our loyal sports fan readers, my apologies for straying off topic, but this kind of stuff just pisses me off.

Oprah-acai berry scam | Rachael Ray, Brad Pitt, Dr. Oz, Angelina JolieMy mom thought she was getting a legitimate free trial of a product endorsed by Oprah. Neither is true, and judging by the recent forum posts at Oprah.com, my mom is not the only one. Sure, more savvy Internet users like me and many people my age would not have been taken in by something as obviously scammy as this — but a lot of people in the generation before me are still relatively new to the Internet and not as savvy at sniffing out scams.

This Oprah-acai berry scam is absolutely designed to capitalize on the timeliness of these supposed Hollywood endorsements (all they said was that the berry itself had anti-oxidant qualities) and prey on people who do not know everything they need to know to look for in an Internet scam.

Please, if you have been caught in this web of acai berry deceit, leave a comment and feel free to leave links to the sites that tried to or succeeded in sucking you in. Let’s expose as many of these frauds as possible.

And before you decide to just give it a shot anyway, understand that when you want to cancel your acai berry “free trial”, or if you have questions about use, your phone calls are routed to outsourced calling centers in India. I have no problem with this practice per se, as many companies do it; but the specific call centers for this product are instructed to give you misleading information and read from a very strict script — meaning that they try to outlast you and get you to stay signed up or not issue refunds. How do I know? I just listened to my mom talking on the phone with them for over an hour.

Okay, I’m done venting now. Time to go watch basketball. Hopefully the right people see this post and refrain from getting suckered by this and future scams.

Moral of the story: If a site that you do not know is trying to get you to sign up for a “risk-free” trail, do your homework first. Online commerce is very safe and practical, as long as you buy from sites that are legitimate and trustworthy. Sites that look like the ones above, and that make bogus claims about “risk-free” trials and celebrity endorsements, are just trying to capitalize on the naivete of unsavvy users.

Bastards.

Don’t get suckered by the Oprah-acai berry scam. If they don’t have links to vendors on Oprah.com, rest assured that the product is not officially endorsed by Oprah and that your “risk-free” trial will result in plenty of unnecessary and unexpected charges and headaches.


Filed Under: Admin Comments Tagged With: acai berry scam, Oprah Winfrey, weight loss

Report From Glendale: Josh Fields Update, White Sox Roughed Up by Cubs

March 22, 2009 By 3 Comments
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Chicago White SoxIt was a beautiful day for baseball yesterday out at Camelback Ranch which, while not completely finished, is a very nice facility. The White Sox came out for their morning workout onto one of the minor league fields.

The starting line-up for the Sox looked like it probably will on opening day. Chris Getz, who was just named as a starter, at second. Josh Fields started at third, Brian Anderson in right field, Dewayne Wise was patrolling center field, and the recently moved Alexei Ramirez at shortstop. The remaining positions had the usual names, Konerko, Pierzynski, and Quentin. As I continued to watch warm-ups I was pleased to see that Mark Buehrle was getting loose. He looked okay, with good speed on the ball and looked comfortable in his motion.

Once the game began Buehrle started off striking out Alfonso Soriano. It looked like he was going to be pitching at his normal faster than normal tempo. Unfortunately, after the first two scoreless innings it appeared that Buehrle started to lose pitch location control. At first I thought that Ozzie would have pulled him out after a three run third inning. Then again this was not Buehrle’s first time to be in this type of situation. Once Ozzie decided to take Buehrle out he marched out quite the buffet of pitchers out of the bullpen. It began with Jack Egbert then Scott Linebrink. Rounding off with Randy Williams, Lance Broadway, and finally Mike MacDougal.Josh Fields - White Sox third baseman

It has been a hot topic who will be the opening day starter at third base. During warm-ups and batting practice Josh Fields was taking a good deal of fielding practice. Even if the hitter did not hit it in his direction coach Joey Cora would still hit him one. Is the theory here that he requires more practice? I understand that this spring training and warm-ups but I still am not sold on Fields starting at third base. These feelings were confirmed when he took the field against the Cubs. Fields appeared to lack a degree of confidence. This was evident in his two fielding errors or his choice to double clutch on a throw over to first. This runner on first started off the scoring in the third inning.

I did like what I saw overall from the Sox. The pitching staff still needs some work but there is still enough time left to fix the little things. Their hitting was decent but they have to stop leaving men on base. Fielding needs to get up to speed. Yes, this is just spring training however, if they continue at half-speed I am afraid that they will go into the season at half-speed.

Editor’s note: Here are a couple of pictures taken by Bill at White Sox Spring Training in Glendale:

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Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: 2009 Spring Training, Chicago White Sox, josh fields, MLB

Pacers-Bobcats: Pacers Pummel Bobcats, 108-83, While Jack Scores 31

March 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Jarrett Jack - Indiana Pacers

Even though Indiana still has a shot at making the playoffs, they are 29-42, three games behind the Bulls for the eighth seed. The Pacers proved themselves once more as they literally pummeled the Bobcats, 108-83.Jarrett Jack - Indiana Pacers

After being benched last night in a 94-92 loss to the Mavericks, Jarrett Jack re-payed it by leading the Pacers with an astonishing 31 points. Jack made 13-of-14 shots and piled on six boards. He also made all of his four free throws along with his stellar performance.

Danny Granger brought on the heat, helping out Jack and the Pacers with 21 points. Brandon Rush added his tidbit with his 15 decent points scored. And if you don’t even believe me that the Pacers killed the Bobcats, they outscored them in the third quarter by a score of 33-9!

This whopping win snaps the Pacers’ nightmare five game losing streak. Even though they have lost six of their last 10 games, they are improving and this will help them into the future.

Even though the Bobcats got pummeled, Boris Diaw helped out the team with his 15 points in a “brutal performance,” according to what NBA.com said. The Bobcats were looking to have the eighth seed right to them if they beat Indiana, but failed.

They were only one game behind the eighth seeded Chicago Bulls before the game. The after game was hell for them.

Entering the third quarter, you’ll see on TV that the Charlotte fans were screaming “boos” to the ‘Cats as they went 3-19 in shooting, and let Jack do his thing. That was also when the Pacers outscored them, 33-9.

Jack only missed one shot, which was a 3-pointer, but he still brought hell to Raymond Felton. Jack was just constantly dribbling through Felton and sinking the shots.

The Bobcats 9-3 record went down into a slum. Gerald Wallace was considered a “bust” in the game. He was averaging 25 in his last three, but then went 1-4 shooting today and only had three points.

Raja Bell did a little better. But it was only a little. He had seven points and was 3-9 shooting. Bell also had an embarrassing air ball during the game.

And for Felton, even though he was failing defensively, he was also failing offensively. He only hit three of his 13 shots. That was the worst out of all of the teammates I have mentioned.

The Pacers were doing great. After winning a lot of games, they were one game behind the eighth seed. But after that disastrous five-game losing streak, they slumped down to four games behind the eighth seed.

Even though the Pacers were dominant in the third quarter, Ford and Jack weren’t. They had an on-court argument which led Jack to the locker room and the teammates had to separate them.

“Something happened between all of us,” Pacers’ Jim O’Brien said before the game. “We dealt with it and it’s behind us.”

Even though the argument happened, they still pulled out a win. The Bobcats really couldn’t do anything overall. The Pacers beat out the Bobcats in every statistic pretty much.

The Pacers are now 29-42. Can they make the playoffs?

Can they beat out Chicago and grab the eighth seed?

What a steal that could be. Let’s hope that happens. Hope. That is what we need, Indiana fans.

Pacers 108, Bobcats 83 (F) – Watch more

Jarrett Jack photo credit: AP Photo/Donna McWilliam


Filed Under: Featured Column, NBA, Uncategorized Tagged With: indiana pacers, Jarrett Jack, Jim O'Brien, NBA

Dominic James Injury Update: Cleared to Play for Marquette Against Missouri

March 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Dominic James Injury - Cleared to Play Versus MissouriGreat news for Marquette, its fans, and people like me who picked the Golden Eagles to reach the Elite 8: the latest injury update on senior guard Dominic James is that he has been cleared to play this afternoon against Missouri.

James broke his foot on February 25th against UConn and was thought to be lost for the season. The Golden Eagles went 1-5 in their last six games of the regular season. According to Marquette head coach Buzz Williams, it is unclear how much James will be able to play and contribute, but certainly presence will be a major boost for the Golden Eagles.

According to the ESPN.com Dominic James injury update story:

“I don’t know how much he’ll be able to contribute,” Marquette coach Buzz Williams said. “The thing that I’m excited about is we’re going to give him an opportunity to close out his career in the best way he possibly could.

“And I think the recovery has been due in large part to his work, but also because of the wisdom of Ernest [Eugene] and Dr. [Darrin] Maccoux,” Williams said of the team’s athletic trainer and physician.

Dominic James is a 5-11 senior from Richmond, IN who was recruited to Marquette by former coach Tom Crean. He is a four-year starter whose point per game average has decreased every year he has been at Marquette, but whose assist/turnover ration has improved throughout his career. Combined with Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews, James helps form one of the most prolific backcourts in America and certainly a healthy James would be a tremendous boost for the Golden Eagles’ tournament chances.

We’ll have to see how much, if any, Dominic James can contribute today. Against a pressing team like Missouri, the Golden Eagles could absolutely use all the backcourt help they can get. If Dominic James can provide even a fraction of the boost that Ty Lawson gave to North Carolina yesterday, it could be enough to push Marquette into the Sweet 16.


Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, March Madness, Marquette Golden Eagles

2009 NCAA Tournament Viewer’s Guide: Second Round – Sunday Games

March 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Note: This post is from 2009. To view our 2010 March Madness coverage, use the following links:

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As I write this, one team has already punched their ticket to the Sweet 16: Villanova, who looked awesome in dismantling UCLA 89-69. I am feeling quite good about my pick of ‘Nova going to the Elite 8. However, my pick of Memphis losing in Round 2 is not looking so hot right now as the Tigers lead Maryland by 20 in the first half.

What is looking really hot right about now is the Sunday games of the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. After a pretty ho-hum Thursday and early batch of Friday games, the drama exploded on FridayNCAA Tournament Second Round TV Schedule, Spreads, Announcers - Sunday Games night. Wisconsin and Arizona both became the latest #12 seeds to advance to round 2. Siena beat Ohio State in a thrilling two overtime classic. And the Cinderella story of the first round was written when #13 seed Cleveland State clobbered #4 seed Wake Forest.

Cleveland State may not have a rich tournament tradition in terms of volume, but they certainly create quite a stir every time they make it. Can they advance to the Sweet 16, as they did during their last tournament journey? They will have to beat #12 seed Arizona to do so — meaning we are guaranteed to have a double-digit Cinderella seed in the Sweet 16.

Now onto your daily viewer’s guide for the Sunday games of the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament:

NCAA Tournament Second Round – Sunday Games: TV Schedule, Announcers, Spreads




South #3 Syracuse v South #6 Arizona State

  • TV Time: 12:10 PM
  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Announcers: Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
  • Point Spread: Syracuse -1 1/2
  • Over-Under: 139
  • My pick: Syracuse

East #4 Xavier v East #12 Wisconsin

  • TV Time: 2:20 PM
  • Location: Boise, ID
  • Announcers: Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel
  • Point Spread: Xavier -3 1/2
  • Over-Under: 121 1/2
  • My pick: Wisconsin

Midwest #3 Kansas v Midwest #11 Dayton

  • TV Time: 2:30 PM
  • Location: Minneapolis, MN
  • Announcers: Gus Johnson and Len Elmore
  • Point Spread: Kansas -7 1/2
  • Over-Under: 133
  • My pick: Kansas

Midwest #13 Cleveland State v Midwest #12 Arizona

  • TV Time: 2:40 PM
  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Announcers: Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel
  • Point Spread: Arizona -3 1/2
  • Over-Under: 134 1/2
  • My pick: Cleveland State

East #1 Pittsburgh v East #8 Oklahoma State

  • TV Time: 2:50 PM
  • Location: Dayton, OH
  • Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Point Spread: Pittsburgh -8 1/2
  • Over-Under: 150
  • My pick: Pittsburgh

West #3 Missouri v West #6 Marquette

  • TV Time: 4:50 PM
  • Location: Boise, ID
  • Announcers: Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel
  • Point Spread: Mizzouri -3 1/2
  • Over-Under: 147 1/2
  • My pick: Marquette

Midwest #2 Michigan State v Midwest #10 USC

  • TV Time: 5:00 PM
  • Location: Minneapolis, MN
  • Announcers: Gus Johnson and Len Elmore
  • Point Spread: Michigan State -4 1/2
  • Over-Under: 129 1/2
  • My pick: Michigan State

Midwest #1 Louisville v Midwest #9 Siena

  • TV Time: 5:20 PM
  • Location: Dayton, OH
  • Announcers: Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery
  • Point Spread: Louisville -11 1/2
  • Over-Under: 141
  • My pick: LouisvilleNCAA Tournament Second Round TV Schedule, Spreads, Announcers - Sunday Games

I like the top dogs like Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Michigan State to keep rolling, but I think a few darkhorse candidates gain some steam tomorrow.

I think Cleveland State’s physical style, plus the confidence they gained from throttling Wake Forest, will power them to a victory over Arizona.

I am sticking with my original pick of Wisconsin over Xavier. It won’t be pretty — it never is — but the Badgers’ D will lead them to victory.

And Marquette, despite the absence of Dominic James, will find a way to beat a very good Missouri team. Marquette still has the talent and experience in the backcourt to solve the Missouri press, and I’m sticking with the Golden Eagles as one of my Sweet 16 teams.

Enjoy the games tonight and tomorrow everyone.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column, TV and Betting Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, Cleveland State, March Madness, Michigan State Spartans, Wisconsin Badgers

Cleveland State Dominates Wake Forest in 84-69 First Round Upset

March 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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HOR Valparaiso Cleveland St Basketball

Cleveland State Upsets Wake ForestWhen you jump out to a 9-0 lead, and then go on to beat a team by 15 that was ranked #1 in the country at one point in the season, you can go ahead and shatter that whole glass slipper notion on the curb outside the Big Dance.

This isn’t a fluke, and its not a fairy tale either.

Cleveland State is solid basketball team, and their win last night against Wake Forest was a wire-to-wire domination.

On the defensive end of the floor, CSU was simply too much for the Demon Deacons. Specifically, too much for George Teague. And the Wake Forest star did not have an off-night either, so don’t go there. He got completely locked-up, and manhandled by CSU Sophomore Guard Norris Cole (who also had a game high 22 pts). From there, the Vikings cut the Wake Forest attack off at the proverbial head, and were left to do whatever they wanted offensively.

Cedric Jackson led the charge for the Vikings on that end of the floor, and he was the best player on the court last night. He’s a big time player, and his game last night, while it will come as a surprise on the national level, shouldn’t really shock anyone if you knew the path his career has taken to get here.

As a prep star, he was highly recruited by the Big East coming out of New York, and when CSU coach Gary Waters was at Rutgers, he was after Cedric Jackson back then. Waters ended up coming down to having one scholarship left, and he was going to either give it Jackson, a highscool senior at the time, or Quincy Douby. He gave it to Douby, and Quincy went on to be a 1st round NBA draft pick – out of Rutgers? – and is still currently playing in the NBA. Jackson, as a result, took a scholarship offer from St. John’s, and transferred to CSU a few years later for his Junior season, upon Gary Waters taking the job that he has now.

After last night, you can say it worked out in the end for all parties involved.

Cedric Jackson was special last night, going for 19 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, and he played Cedric Jackson - Cleveland State Upsets Wake Forestthe perfect game from the PG position. He is going to be a handful for Arizona in the next round. And speaking of Arizona, you gotta think that CSU can’t really be that much of an underdog against this perenial power either – as crazy as that sounds.

This season, Cleveland State has beaten three teams that are better than Arizona, the “last team in” the tournament according to most pundits. Oh, and CSU beat them all away from home. That list includes a win over Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, Buter at Butler, and now Wake Forest on a neutral floor. The second round should get interesting. I expect J’Nathan Bullock (21 points) to be a tough match-up for the Arizona front line, and he will give Chase Budinger and company fits around the basket.

Stay tuned for Sunday, Gary Waters’ club is just starting to break a sweat.

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Custom Cornhole Boards and AccessoriesBrendan Bowers is a featured columnist at Midwest Sports Fans who also runs Stepien Rules (and formerly ran Shaver Sports), where they discuss everything you ever wanted to know about the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brendan Bowers’ contributions to Midwest Sports Fans are sponsored by BigTimeGameBoards.com, the company that helps you tailgate like a champion with our high quality cornhole boards, sets and accessories. And if you don’t know what cornhole is, you aren’t a Midwesterner.


Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column Tagged With: 2009 NCAA Tournament, CBB, Cedric Jackson, Cleveland State, Gary Waters, March Madness, Wake Forest
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