The Bottoms Line College Basketball Podcast: Breakdowns of the ACC, the Big 10, and the B.I.A.H. All-Name Team

October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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In episode #7 of The Bottoms Line College Hoops Talk Podcast, host Andy Bottoms is joined once again Rob Dauster and Troy Machir of Ballin’ Is a Habit to discuss all the latest news and events in college basketball.

In this week’s episode, the guys provide the latest weekly update on on suspensions, injuries, and obscure NCAA Rules. They also breakdown the ACC and Big Ten for the 2011-12 season. And they review the B.I.A.H. All-Name Team, always a highlight of every preseason for college basketball fans across the country.

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Filed Under: Podcast, The Bottoms Line Tagged With: acc, ballin is a habit, Big 10, CBB, rob dauster, troy machir

Fantasy College Football: Enter the Free $250 Big 10 Fantasy Football Challenge

October 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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That’s right: college fantasy football.

And since the Big 10 is the official conference of record for us here at Midwest Sports Fans, it only makes sense that our first college football freeroll contest with the guys at Daily Joust is Big 10-focused.

To enter, for free: click here.

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Filed Under: CFB, Contests, Fantasy College Football Tagged With: Big 10, daily joust, fantasy college football

Why Isn’t Notre Dame Already in the Big Ten?

September 23, 2011 By 17 Comments
Fighting Irish football players raise their helmets to Notre Dame students, who passed a resolution opposing Big Ten membership. (Source: Wikipedia)

The obvious answer to this question is, “Well, most schools aren’t in the Big Ten.”

One could just as easily ask, “Why isn’t Cincinnati in the Big Ten,” or, “Why isn’t Ball State in the Big Ten?” (Actually, don’t be surprised when you see my “Why isn’t Iowa State in the Big Ten?” article.)

But Notre Dame is different.

Not only is Notre Dame situated near the center of the Big Ten’s geographical footprint, but it also has existing football rivalries with Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue.

Notre Dame is third on the list of the all-time winningest college football program, joining Big Ten schools Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State in the top ten. (I’m focusing on football because football was largely responsible for the formation of the major athletic conferences and because football continues to drive conference expansion and realignment today.)

The Big Ten, more than any other major conference, cherishes and guards its academic reputation. And Notre Dame, by almost any measure, is an academically elite institution.

More significantly, the Big Ten wants Notre Dame.

The richest conference in America—a league that dominates the region in which Notre Dame resides and whose members get to be part of a prestigious collective of top-flight research universities—has been courting Notre Dame for two decades, and America’s favorite Catholic football-playing university has consistently responded, “No  thanks. We’re good.”

Why?

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Filed Under: Away From the Action Tagged With: Big 10, Big Ten, CFB, conference alignment, knute rockne, Notre Dame

Realignment in Reverse: A Look at Conferences’ Original Rosters

September 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Each day brings new rumors about schools that are prepared to leave one conference or accept an invitation from another. And while no school has moved yet this year (the SEC invitation to Texas A&M is still pending), there is no lack of speculation about what might happen.

At this time, when everyone is looking ahead to 16-team superconferences and/or conferences that are geographically abhorrent and make no effort to preserve traditional rivalries, let’s look back at where these conferences started and where they have come.

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Filed Under: Away From the Action, CFB Tagged With: acc, Big 10, Big 12, conference realignment, pac-12, SEC, WAC

2011 Big Ten Mens Basketball Tournament Quick Preview: TV Schedule, Bracket, Tickets, and History

March 6, 2011 By 1 Comment
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Update: For the second year in a row, we are holding an MSF Bracket Challenge over at ESPN.com. Sign up now and then fill in your brackets after they are announced on Selection Sunday.

It’s February 22nd, which means we now officially have less than a full week until March. And you know what that means. March Madness 2011 is almost upon us.

As we are every year around this time, MSF will be a one stop shop for all of the TV schedule, bracket, tickets, and history info you want or need. We’ll start with the conference tournaments and go all the way until the Final 4.

First up today is our Big Ten Mens Basketball Tournament Quick Preview, which includes the TV schedule, bracket breakdown, ticket links, and a rundown of the brief history of the Big Ten Tournament.

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Filed Under: Big Ten Basketball, CBB, March Madness Tagged With: 2011 big ten tournament, Big 10, big 10 tournament history, big 10 tournament tickets, big 10 tournament tv schedule, Big Ten, big ten tournament, big ten tournament bracket, big ten tournament history, big ten tournament past champions, big ten tournament tickets, big ten tournament tv schedule

Introducing the crazy new Big 10 (12) and Pac 10 (11) to their crazy new football coaches

June 10, 2010 By 3 Comments
bo-pelini-yelling

So, did you hear the news?

The Big 10, which actually had 11 teams, added a team from the Big 12, which did in fact have 12 teams at the beginning of today. So now, the Big 10 actually has 12 teams while the Big 12 actually has 11…no wait, 10, because Colorado is now a part of the Pac-10, which had 10 teams but now has 11.

So, let’s try this again: the Big 12 had 12 teams, but lost two and now has 10, technically making it the Big 10. And the Big 10, which had 11 teams, added one and now has 12, technically making it the Big 12. The Pac-10, which no one will care about anyway now that USC is on probation, is now the Pac-11.

[Deep breath....deep breath]

I can’t take this anymore. Let’s make fun of some coaches.

Johnny, let’s show the Big 10 (12) and Pac 10 (11) what they’ve won!

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Filed Under: Big 12 Football, Big Ten Football, CFB Tagged With: Big 10, Big 12, bo pelini, CFB, colorado buffaloes, dan hawkins, Jim Tressel, nebraska cornhuskers, tom crean

#2 Michigan State Faces Gonzaga in an Early Season Test

November 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

[Editor's note: This post was submitted before the Spartans and Zags took the floor last night. I just didn't have a chance to edit and publish it. But as you can see, our man J-Dools had the game pretty well pegged, so I'm posted this anyway.]

Excitement is building in East Lansing as the Spartans prepare to face their first real challenge of the season against Gonzaga, at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

The Spartans will showcase their talented line up that is gathering more and more comparisons to the 2000 championship team. Coach Tom Izzo is among those making such comparisons.

In an interview with ESPN.com Izzo was asked if he would ever coach someone like Mateen Cleaves again. Izzo answered saying that he may be doing that right now. The player Izzo is talking about is junior point guard Kalin Lucas.

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Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: adam morrison, basketball, Big 10, Chris Allen, Delvon Roe, Derrick Nix, Draymond Green, Durrell Summers, espn, Garrick Sherman, Gonzaga, Kalin Lucas, Korie Lucious, Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State, MSU, ncaa, Raymar Morgan, Spartans, Sparty, State, Tom Izzo, Zags

Michigan State Basketball Preview: Izzo Hopes to Take Spartans Back to Indianapolis

November 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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The last time Michigan State won a national championship was the 2000 season…in Indianapolis.

Nearly a decade later, the Final Four returns to Indianapolis and the Spartans are hoping for a case of dèjà vu.

Last season the Spartans almost fulfilled a dream season but fell just short of winning a national championship in Detroit. Unfortunately for MSU, the North Carolina team they faced was truly the better team.

Now the Spartans are a much different team from a year ago.

State comes into the season with a #2 national ranking and is favored to be Big-10 champions for the second year in a row. Center Goran Suton and point guard Travis Walton may have both graduated, but new players are ready to step into their roles.

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Filed Under: Big Ten Basketball, CBB Tagged With: Big 10, CBB, Chris Allen, Delvon Roe, Draymond Green, Durrell Summers, East Lansing, Kalin Lucas, Kansas, Korie Lucious, Michigan State, ncaa tournament, North Carolina, Purdue, Raymar Morgan, Spartans, State, Texas, Tom Izzo

Michigan v Notre Dame In the Big House: Preview and Prediction

September 11, 2009 By 2 Comments
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michigan-notre dame preview, analysis, prediction, point spread, tv, time, ticketsMichigan and Notre Dame meet in Ann Arbor on Saturday and this year it will actually be a game worth watching. It will also be a game played in one of the only stadiums — The Big House — that is large enough to hold both schools’ massive  football egos.

The last two meetings between these teams were sloppy blowout games and neither team ended up having a good season. But this year both squads look to be back on track and the rivalry is being revived.

Last week, Michigan coasted to an easy 31-7 victory over Western Michigan, scoring all of their points in the first half. Freshman quarterback Tate Forcier solidified himself as the starter for the Wolverines while fellow freshman Denard Robinson flashed the speed and big play ability that quarterbacks in Rich Rodriguez’s system are known for having.

Rich Rodriguez’s spread option offense was effective against the Broncos, as Michigan racked up 242 rushing yards from 8 different ball carriers. The problem for the Wolverines is they are currently without a go-to running back. Backup quarterback Denard Robinson was the leading rusher with 74 yards.

charlie weis | michigan-notre dame preview, analysis, prediction, point spread, tv, time, ticketsIn Notre Dame’s season opener, the Irish shut out Nevada 35-0 with Jimmy Clausen throwing for 4 TD’s. Claussen showed poise in the pocket, completing 15 of his 18 attempts.

Charlie Weis and the Fighting Irish look ready to make it back to another bowl game this year, and possibly even compete for a BCS bid. The offense that was in complete disarray two seasons ago is now finally coming together.

Saturday’s matchup between these two bitter rivals is an intriguing one. Both teams have shown vast improvement from last year, but this will obviously be the first real test for each squad with Rodriguez and Weis both seated firmly on the hot seat to bring their teams back to the elite level of college football.

Before we get into an analysis of the matchup, let’s take a quick look at the particulars:

#18 Notre Dame (1-0) at Michigan (1-0)

michigan-notre dame preview, analysis, prediction, point spread, tv, time, tickets

Notre Dame-Michigan Preview and Analysis

Notre Dame comes into the game a slight favorite and rightfully so. Clausen is starting to fill in the void that was left when Brady Quinn left for the NFL draft. (Side note to Notre Dame fans: please don’t treat Claussen like the “golden boy” as you did with Quinn. Thank you.)

To win the game, the Irish must provide strong pass protection for Clausen and allow him to spread the ball around. Michigan, on the other hand, needs to pressure Clausen and limit his ability to locate WRs Golden Tate and Michael Floyd down the field. If Michigan tries to get in a shootout with Notre Dame, the Wolverines won’t be able to keep up with the Irish’s high-octane offense.

denard robinson and tate forcier | michigan-notre dame preview, analysis, prediction, point spread, tv, time, tickets

If Claussen can put up 300-plus yards passing Michigan won’t have a chance. Tate, a speedy and talented young receiver, could be the X-factor with his big play potential.

Michigan needs to control the pace and the clock by running the football over and over. Forcier looked good passing the ball last week, although he only put the ball in the air 20 times. He completed 13 of those passes for 175 yards and tallied 3 TDs. You might look at those stats and think the Wolverines should throw more.

On the contrary, Forcier’s efficient passing was set up by 50 rushing attempts at 4.8 yards per pop. Michigan would do well to follow attain a similar run:pass ratio. Forcier will have to be smart with the ball again when passing plays are called. An improving Irish defense picked off two passes last week and will be licking their chops going up against a freshman making only his second start.

Notre Dame-Michigan Prediction

This game can go either way and will likely be decided by one or two key plays. Notre Dame comes in ranked #18, but when playing in the Big House all rankings go out the window. [Editor's note: as do Division 1-A and 1-AA classifications...right App State?]

jimmy clausen | michigan-notre dame preview, analysis, prediction, point spread, tv, time, ticketsRich Rodriguez will have the Wolverines amped up to start the game and the Irish will have to take the fans out of the game early. Luckily for Notre Dame fans and the embattled Weis, the Irish have an experienced quarterback to rely on in Jimmy Clausen, who is no stranger to pressure, expectation, and hostile environments.  

In this high profile matchup between two of the all-time giants of college football, Clausen’s experience will most likely be the difference.

My prediction for this game: Notre Dame- 31 Michigan- 24

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* – Notre Dame / Michigan helmets image credit: The Onion

* – Charlie Weis photo credit: AP Photo/Carlos Osorio via WSBT-2

* – Denard Robinson / Tate Forcier photo credit: Said Alsalah/Daily via Michigan Daily

* – Jimmy Clausen in high school photo credit: Pre Pro Sports

Filed Under: CFB Tagged With: Big 10, Big Ten, Charlie Weiss, Collge football, Denard Robinson, Fighting Irish, Golden Tate, jimmy claussen, michigan, Notre Dame, Rich Rodriguez, Tate Forcier, Wolverines

Illinois Fighting Illini and Bruce Weber Welcome Alex Legion to Lineup in Win

December 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Bruce Weber and Illini Welcome Alex Legion to LineupThe University of Illinois men’s basketball team was bolstered by the much-anticipated debut of sophomore guard Alex Legion on Saturday.

Legion, a 6-foot-5 transfer from Kentucky who just became eligible, came off the bench to score six points in 18 minutes in Illinois’ 82-51 win over Detroit Mercy at Assembly Hall. Legion was one of the nation’s top 50 recruits coming out of Oak Hill (Va.) Academy when he signed with Kentucky.

“You have to give the kid credit,” Illini coach Bruce Weber said told reporters after the game. “He made his first shot. I think it was the first time he touched the ball. He’s not shy about shooting. He’s got to be better on the defensive end with the team defensive concept. We got better because we watched film. He’s not had a chance to watch film on himself. Now he has a chance to watch and see what he’s doing. Over the next five or six games, I hope he can make progress.”

The Illini are hoping Legion can play a bigger role on Tuesday when they travel to St. Louis to face Missouri in the annual Braggin’ Rights game at Scottrade Center. Illinois has won eight straight over Mizzou in the series.

Filed Under: Big Ten Basketball, CBB Tagged With: alex legion, Big 10, bruce weber, illinois fighting illini

Michigan Loses to Penn State | Nick Sheridan: Big 10 Player of the year!

October 19, 2008 By 2 Comments
Michigan Football Practice

That’s right, Nick Sheridan should be the Big 10 Player of the year! All he does week in and week out is support Big 10 teams. Really, think about it. He scores more points for the opposing team than he does his own week in and week out.

Yesterday, Michigan had a lead at the half over the #3 Penn State Nittany Lions, in their house! Michigan had momentum and the ball after the half. Then Rich Rodiguez had a brianstorm and placed the one person who when he walks on thnick sheridan michigane field, his whole team collectively knows regardless of the score, the game is now officially over.

Once the Big 10 player of the year entered the game, he did what he does best, score for the other team. He gave up a safety after sitting in the pocket for far too long without throwing the ball away, only to complete a pass to his lineman two feet infront of him while falling into the end zone.

I think that Sheridan has naked pictures of Rich Rodriguez because for the life of me, I do not understand how else this turnover machine could take snaps for the Wolverines.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Big 10, Michigan Wolverines, nick sheridan, player of the year, Rich Rodriguez, Terrelle Pryor

College Football: Big Game Blow Out

September 15, 2008 By 3 Comments

posted by KVB

I tailgated with my brother and father then went to the Purdue-Oregon game in West Lafayette Saturday afternoon and watched the usual tank job by the Boilers. Quoting my dad after the game (an Ohio State grad, current Purdue Employee), “That is why I stopped getting season tickets.”

I also saw more of the norm from Curtis Painter, wobbly deep balls being intercepted, ten yard out passes bouncing off the turf in front of the receiver. Other things bothered me about the game like the near ten thousand empty seats but that is another post by itself. So after watching both Oregon and Purdue play like the kids in Varsity Blues when they were hungover from being at a strip club all night; I was ready to watch the Ohio State versus USC clash in prime time on ABC.

Then I saw Beanie Wells in red sweatpants and no pads (left) on the sidelines and I immediately stop being excited for the game.

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Filed Under: CFB Tagged With: BCS, Beanie Wells, Big 10, CFB, Ohio State, Oregon Ducks, Pac 10, Pete Carroll, Purdue Boilermakers, USC