Someone has been getting their blast on. Very nice.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Bowl Game Preview Or Not
I really need to get a bowl preview up. That will happen a little later. In the meantime, enjoy this.
Someone has been getting their blast on. Very nice.
Someone has been getting their blast on. Very nice.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
B1G Season Is Here!
And to be fully honest, I am not prepared. I have been able to catch a handful of MSU games, and did manage to see the last 5 minutes of the Indiana Kentucky game. But man am I way off on being able to have any sort of analysis, especially when it comes to Indiana. When watching MSU, there are three things that are evident.
1: Draymond is the key.
Everything seems to flow through Draymond. Green is the 100% leader of this team. His game on the court really controls the tempo for the entire team. If Draymond can knock down jumpers, were gonna beat almost everyvody. If Green is snagging boards, then were pushing it on the break. It will be intersting to see who guards Zeller. Green is probably the best defensively to guard big men, but that matchup is terrible for us. So is Nix or Payne though. That will be an interesting matcup. The MSU front court versus Zeller.
2: 4 and 5 play.
So far this year, our 4 and 5 spots have been both up and down. Depending on the lineup there is any number of people that play the two big spots, Payne, Nix, Green, Dawson, Gauna. At time, any one of those players has looked really good (well, Green has looked good most of the year). I think right now, the continual development of Payne is necessary. Payne has all the tools to be a monster. But it seems that his body cant keep up with his athleticism. This both limits him minutes wise due to conditioning, and moves wise due to coordination. It looks like at times he surprises himself with his jumping or quick moves. With that, Joe Rexrode has stated many times that in practices and scrimmages, Payne rains it from three. That has yet to be seen in games. Nix has been a serious positive. His free throw % is only at 54% but it seems that he is confident as ever when shooting the ball from the stripe. In the post, Nix is a load. He has good moves, lots of up and unders, and great vision to get the ball to teammates. For now, I like the idea of Zeller guarding Nix. I think Nix's size could get Zeller into foul trouble if utilizied correctly IE, ball fakes and attacking the rim.
3: We will need outside scoring.
This is pretty much a no brainier for almost every college basketball team, but especially true for MSU the last 4 years. Wood has been a welcome relief for MSU when it comes to shooting over the last 5 games, hovering at about 50%, I am not sure what his eFG% is over that span (that's about the only worthwhile tempo stat). Appling has shown the ability to shoot the three but his best game is leading a fast break. He is no Lucas in the half court but has the ability to be a better finisher on fast breaks. If Appling shoot it only when he needs to and build confidence in his game on the defensive end, that will bold well. Travis Trice is shooting over 50% the last 6 games from three. To me, Trice has been the most impressive player so far this year. Trice's ability to stay hot will keep us in this game.
Prediction:
Based on that last sentence, you can probably see where I am going with this prediction. While we are home, the students are away and I believer the Izzo Alumni will be in attendance. This probably wont be much worse than what the student section has shown so far this year, but still, students are students, who knows what they would pull. This looks to be a great match up for MSU against what might be the second best B1G team. I see Indiana sneaking this one out in a hotly contested game, and free throws will matter 77-72 IU. Prove me wrong State.
(first post in a while, I need to get back into things)
1: Draymond is the key.
Everything seems to flow through Draymond. Green is the 100% leader of this team. His game on the court really controls the tempo for the entire team. If Draymond can knock down jumpers, were gonna beat almost everyvody. If Green is snagging boards, then were pushing it on the break. It will be intersting to see who guards Zeller. Green is probably the best defensively to guard big men, but that matchup is terrible for us. So is Nix or Payne though. That will be an interesting matcup. The MSU front court versus Zeller.
2: 4 and 5 play.
So far this year, our 4 and 5 spots have been both up and down. Depending on the lineup there is any number of people that play the two big spots, Payne, Nix, Green, Dawson, Gauna. At time, any one of those players has looked really good (well, Green has looked good most of the year). I think right now, the continual development of Payne is necessary. Payne has all the tools to be a monster. But it seems that his body cant keep up with his athleticism. This both limits him minutes wise due to conditioning, and moves wise due to coordination. It looks like at times he surprises himself with his jumping or quick moves. With that, Joe Rexrode has stated many times that in practices and scrimmages, Payne rains it from three. That has yet to be seen in games. Nix has been a serious positive. His free throw % is only at 54% but it seems that he is confident as ever when shooting the ball from the stripe. In the post, Nix is a load. He has good moves, lots of up and unders, and great vision to get the ball to teammates. For now, I like the idea of Zeller guarding Nix. I think Nix's size could get Zeller into foul trouble if utilizied correctly IE, ball fakes and attacking the rim.
3: We will need outside scoring.
This is pretty much a no brainier for almost every college basketball team, but especially true for MSU the last 4 years. Wood has been a welcome relief for MSU when it comes to shooting over the last 5 games, hovering at about 50%, I am not sure what his eFG% is over that span (that's about the only worthwhile tempo stat). Appling has shown the ability to shoot the three but his best game is leading a fast break. He is no Lucas in the half court but has the ability to be a better finisher on fast breaks. If Appling shoot it only when he needs to and build confidence in his game on the defensive end, that will bold well. Travis Trice is shooting over 50% the last 6 games from three. To me, Trice has been the most impressive player so far this year. Trice's ability to stay hot will keep us in this game.
Prediction:
Based on that last sentence, you can probably see where I am going with this prediction. While we are home, the students are away and I believer the Izzo Alumni will be in attendance. This probably wont be much worse than what the student section has shown so far this year, but still, students are students, who knows what they would pull. This looks to be a great match up for MSU against what might be the second best B1G team. I see Indiana sneaking this one out in a hotly contested game, and free throws will matter 77-72 IU. Prove me wrong State.
(first post in a while, I need to get back into things)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
merry christmas
Not a lot of content lately. but MSU plays Indiana this week. I shall return then!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
So There Was This Joke
I've heard many coaches names used, but for the purposes of this blog we'll go with...
Q: What do Marijuana and Mark Dantonio have in common?
A: They both get smoked in bowls.
Seriously though, Dantonio's bowl record (0-4) is probably the only blemish on his resume as Michigan State's coach. Is this the year he can finally get a bowl victory? And how will the rest of the Big Ten do?
B1G Bowl Preview
Little Caesar's
Western Michigan vs Purdue
A solid matchup in Detroit. Alex Carder and the Broncos can really sling the ball around the field and put up points. Purdue seemed to improve as the season went along and they figured out what they were doing at quarterback and played pretty solid defensively. I expect an exciting game with WMU moving the ball and Purdue getting some big plays on both sides of the ball.
Purdue 35 WMU 31
Insight
Iowa vs Oklahoma
Yikes. Broyles is out so the Sooners aren't quite as dangerous as they once were...but they are still far too efficient for the Hawkeyes to shut them down. Oklahoma may not be very excited to be in this game and the Hawkeyes could use better motivation to go out and steal a victory. The problem I see here is that Iowa's secondary is just not very good and Oklahoma knows how to pass the football. Hope I'm wrong, but I see this as a lopsided game not going in the Big Ten's favor.
42-17 Oklahoma
Meineke Car Care of Texas
Texas A&M vs Northwestern
Is this a matchup vs the Big 12 or the SEC? Who knows, but the Aggies are a very talented team who underachieved and lost a bunch of close games throughout the year. If the Big 12 was as good as the computers thought this season this game is not going to go well for the Big Ten. However, I have hope here. Teams that lose a lot of games don't usually figure out how to win all of a sudden. Northwestern will have Persa healthy and practicing for an entire month leading up to this game. The scoreboard may explode in this game.
42-35 Texas A&M
Kraft Fight Hunger
Illinois vs UCLA
Ha. The all-disappointment bowl? Both teams have fired their coaches and they come into this game with a combined losing record. This game probably won't get much pub nationally (why would it?) but I think it will be an interesting one to watch. I think these teams are actually a very competitive matchup. Illinois quit on their coach late in the season but may have the desire to come out and play for their new head man. UCLA got obliterated by USC but actually made a good effort against Oregon in the Pac 12 championship game.
Who knows how this one will go, both teams have shown glimpses of being solid teams and both teams have shown glimpses of something else. There probably won't be a ton of points put up in this game.
20-14 UCLA
Ticketcity
Houston vs Penn State
The ultimate offense versus defense matchup. Case Keenumm and the Cougars have struggled against elite defenses and Penn State has just that, an elite defense. It will be interesting to see how Penn State plays as they continue to deal with the fallout of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and Joe Pa's firing. I envision Silas Redd having a very successful day on the ground and Penn State frustrating the Cougars with their defense.
28-24 PSU
Outback
Michigan State vs Georgia
Both squads lost in their conferences respective championship games. I always want B1G teams to beat the SEC. I certainly expect Sparty to give a much better showing than they did last year versus Alabama. This is a good Georgia team facing a good Michigan State team. I really like this matchup and look forward to seeing how the B1G stacks up.
I heard someone question Sparty's motivation in this game....really? I think Mark D will have his guys playing the no respect card and come out fired up. Will it be enough? Should be a great game.
33-30 MSU
Capital One
Nebraska vs South Carolina
This promises to be another tough matchup for the B1G against the SEC. Both teams have played well and struggled at times. I believe South Carolina is the more complete team and has a better defense but they are not the same offense without Marcus Lattimore. Still, I believe more in the old ball coach than I do in Bo Pelini. This is another game I am very excited to watch.
24-21 South Carolina
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
Ohio State vs Florida
The Urban Meyer bowl. I like the Buckeyes in this game. Florida will give a good effort against their former coach but their offensive coordinator has his foot out the door with Kansas and they just simply have issues on offense. Braxton Miller has shown he can make some throws and with Posey, I think Ohio State's offense is a different animal. Posey will want to make a great showing to put himself into a great spot in the NFL draft.
24-17 OSU
Rose Bowl
Wisconsin vs Oregon
If LSU-Alabama is a game pitting the two best defenses in the country, the Rose Bowl has the two best offenses squaring off. There will not be many stops in this game. I don't see Oregon being able to shut down the Wisconsin running game and I don't see the questionable Wisconsin defense having the speed to keep up with the Oregon offense. This game will come down to a big turnover or a special teams play like a blocked kick.
I have no idea who to pick in this game. I could see the Badgers imposing their will and their huge offensive line demoralizing the Ducks, but I can also see LaMichael James in the open field, a lot.
45-42 Oregon
Sugar Bowl
Michigan vs Virginia Tech
Obviously I'll have a lot more content on this game as it approaches, but you all know I'm picking Michigan in this game. I'm not sure if it's homerism, but this appears to me to be one of the best matchups for the B1G. While Virginia Tech has a good record, they have struggled whenever they faced a good team (twice this season) and have difficulties with mobile quarterbacks.
I reserve the right to change this prediction drastically.
31-21 Michigan
5-5
That's my predicted record for the B1G in bowl games. I think that would be a pretty good result when I look at the matchups. Maybe I am being a bit optimistic?
Q: What do Marijuana and Mark Dantonio have in common?
A: They both get smoked in bowls.
Seriously though, Dantonio's bowl record (0-4) is probably the only blemish on his resume as Michigan State's coach. Is this the year he can finally get a bowl victory? And how will the rest of the Big Ten do?
B1G Bowl Preview
Little Caesar's
Western Michigan vs Purdue
A solid matchup in Detroit. Alex Carder and the Broncos can really sling the ball around the field and put up points. Purdue seemed to improve as the season went along and they figured out what they were doing at quarterback and played pretty solid defensively. I expect an exciting game with WMU moving the ball and Purdue getting some big plays on both sides of the ball.
Purdue 35 WMU 31
Insight
Iowa vs Oklahoma
Yikes. Broyles is out so the Sooners aren't quite as dangerous as they once were...but they are still far too efficient for the Hawkeyes to shut them down. Oklahoma may not be very excited to be in this game and the Hawkeyes could use better motivation to go out and steal a victory. The problem I see here is that Iowa's secondary is just not very good and Oklahoma knows how to pass the football. Hope I'm wrong, but I see this as a lopsided game not going in the Big Ten's favor.
42-17 Oklahoma
Meineke Car Care of Texas
Texas A&M vs Northwestern
Is this a matchup vs the Big 12 or the SEC? Who knows, but the Aggies are a very talented team who underachieved and lost a bunch of close games throughout the year. If the Big 12 was as good as the computers thought this season this game is not going to go well for the Big Ten. However, I have hope here. Teams that lose a lot of games don't usually figure out how to win all of a sudden. Northwestern will have Persa healthy and practicing for an entire month leading up to this game. The scoreboard may explode in this game.
42-35 Texas A&M
Kraft Fight Hunger
Illinois vs UCLA
Ha. The all-disappointment bowl? Both teams have fired their coaches and they come into this game with a combined losing record. This game probably won't get much pub nationally (why would it?) but I think it will be an interesting one to watch. I think these teams are actually a very competitive matchup. Illinois quit on their coach late in the season but may have the desire to come out and play for their new head man. UCLA got obliterated by USC but actually made a good effort against Oregon in the Pac 12 championship game.
Who knows how this one will go, both teams have shown glimpses of being solid teams and both teams have shown glimpses of something else. There probably won't be a ton of points put up in this game.
20-14 UCLA
Ticketcity
Houston vs Penn State
The ultimate offense versus defense matchup. Case Keenumm and the Cougars have struggled against elite defenses and Penn State has just that, an elite defense. It will be interesting to see how Penn State plays as they continue to deal with the fallout of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and Joe Pa's firing. I envision Silas Redd having a very successful day on the ground and Penn State frustrating the Cougars with their defense.
28-24 PSU
Outback
Michigan State vs Georgia
Both squads lost in their conferences respective championship games. I always want B1G teams to beat the SEC. I certainly expect Sparty to give a much better showing than they did last year versus Alabama. This is a good Georgia team facing a good Michigan State team. I really like this matchup and look forward to seeing how the B1G stacks up.
I heard someone question Sparty's motivation in this game....really? I think Mark D will have his guys playing the no respect card and come out fired up. Will it be enough? Should be a great game.
33-30 MSU
Capital One
Nebraska vs South Carolina
This promises to be another tough matchup for the B1G against the SEC. Both teams have played well and struggled at times. I believe South Carolina is the more complete team and has a better defense but they are not the same offense without Marcus Lattimore. Still, I believe more in the old ball coach than I do in Bo Pelini. This is another game I am very excited to watch.
24-21 South Carolina
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
Ohio State vs Florida
The Urban Meyer bowl. I like the Buckeyes in this game. Florida will give a good effort against their former coach but their offensive coordinator has his foot out the door with Kansas and they just simply have issues on offense. Braxton Miller has shown he can make some throws and with Posey, I think Ohio State's offense is a different animal. Posey will want to make a great showing to put himself into a great spot in the NFL draft.
24-17 OSU
Rose Bowl
Wisconsin vs Oregon
If LSU-Alabama is a game pitting the two best defenses in the country, the Rose Bowl has the two best offenses squaring off. There will not be many stops in this game. I don't see Oregon being able to shut down the Wisconsin running game and I don't see the questionable Wisconsin defense having the speed to keep up with the Oregon offense. This game will come down to a big turnover or a special teams play like a blocked kick.
I have no idea who to pick in this game. I could see the Badgers imposing their will and their huge offensive line demoralizing the Ducks, but I can also see LaMichael James in the open field, a lot.
45-42 Oregon
Sugar Bowl
Michigan vs Virginia Tech
Obviously I'll have a lot more content on this game as it approaches, but you all know I'm picking Michigan in this game. I'm not sure if it's homerism, but this appears to me to be one of the best matchups for the B1G. While Virginia Tech has a good record, they have struggled whenever they faced a good team (twice this season) and have difficulties with mobile quarterbacks.
I reserve the right to change this prediction drastically.
31-21 Michigan
5-5
That's my predicted record for the B1G in bowl games. I think that would be a pretty good result when I look at the matchups. Maybe I am being a bit optimistic?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Why Did I Read That Garbage?
I just read an article that really pissed me off.
I'm sure most of you saw the "controversy" in the Patriots win on Sunday in which Tom Brady threw an interception and then got into a sideline verbal altercation with his offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien.
If you missed it, here it is:
You can make out most of the words. The interception was a huge play in the game and nearly cost the Patriots a victory. It would have been a much smarter play for Tom to just throw the ball away, kick a chip shot field goal and go up two scores virtually clinching the victory. Instead, Brady lofted a pass over the middle to the back of the endzone to a receiver who was being covered 1 on 1. The defensive back made a great play and the war of words soon began on the sideline.
So this writer from Boston, Tony Massarotti, wrote an article claiming Brady's actions were indefensible and stating the case that Brady is not a team player and is somehow not a winner. The whole premise of the article is laughable, but what really irks me is the blatant disregard for any context regarding the situation.
Here's some tidbits:
Also, no one can question Space Emperor Zoltan Mesko. He's the best punter in the biz.
And finally he ends the article with this doozie.
Tom Brady is one of the greatest player's in NFL history. He's won 3 Super Bowls and set countless records. He's the best quarterback the Patriots have ever had by a country mile and yet writers in Boston think he's somehow a problem? I hope the Patriots suffer through a Andre Ware, Rodney Pete, Scott Mitchell, Charlie Batch, Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna era after Brady retires. Hell, we'll give you a young Matthew Stafford and 25 years of futility for your aging non-winner, egocentric, out of touch, hall of fame QB, deal?
I'm sure most of you saw the "controversy" in the Patriots win on Sunday in which Tom Brady threw an interception and then got into a sideline verbal altercation with his offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien.
If you missed it, here it is:
You can make out most of the words. The interception was a huge play in the game and nearly cost the Patriots a victory. It would have been a much smarter play for Tom to just throw the ball away, kick a chip shot field goal and go up two scores virtually clinching the victory. Instead, Brady lofted a pass over the middle to the back of the endzone to a receiver who was being covered 1 on 1. The defensive back made a great play and the war of words soon began on the sideline.
So this writer from Boston, Tony Massarotti, wrote an article claiming Brady's actions were indefensible and stating the case that Brady is not a team player and is somehow not a winner. The whole premise of the article is laughable, but what really irks me is the blatant disregard for any context regarding the situation.
Here's some tidbits:
Sorry folks, but there is no defending Brady for the outburst directed at offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien on the sideline in the fourth quarter Sunday.Really? Huh, that's weird. How about this defense? Tom Brady is clearly the leader of the New England Patriots. A huge burden of responsibility falls on him to carry young players and help them develop, especially receivers. He told his receiver that he needed to go make a play. He can do this even while knowing he shouldn't have made the throw, those things are mutually exclusive. Tom Brady was simply doing what every great player (and especially quarterback) needs to do....lead.
Tom Brady vs. Tiquan Underwood. Now there’s a fair fight. One man has three Super Bowl rings and more than 39,000 career passing yards while the other has 10 career catches and not a single touchdown. Who’s Brady going to blame next, Stephen Gostkowski? Zoltan Mesko?Are you making the point for me here, Tony? Tom has earned the right to get on his young WR. He has earned the right to make a mistake himself and still tell his guy he needs more from him. Those three Super Bowl rings mean something and they didn't happen by accident.
Also, no one can question Space Emperor Zoltan Mesko. He's the best punter in the biz.
And here’s the real kicker: Everything about the throw was putrid. The decision. The execution. Brady carelessly tossed it up there as if he were feeding Manute Bol in the low post.There is a certain trust that develops between QB's and WR's. On the throw, Brady showed great trust in his young guy and was let down. Sure, he could have made a better decision, but the throw was not "putrid". The throw was on the hands of his receiver who failed to go after the ball in any significant way. The decision was bad. The attempt at a catch was just as bad. He's not passing the blame to someone else, but rather making sure his receiver knows he has responsibility.
Then he blamed someone else.
With that in mind, let’s give O’Brien some credit. If you read colleague Greg Bedard yesterday, you know Brady went to the sideline and gave an earful to both Underwood and receivers coach Chad O’Shea immediately after his blunder. To his credit, O’Brien came to the defense of both, responding with such fury that Brady retaliated with a crystal clear “No [expletive].’’We only have pure speculation on what was said, but the coordinator coming to the defense of the WR in this case is just purely him being angry with Tom in the heat of the moment. The distinction here is that Tom knew he made a boneheaded play. Thus the "No Shit!". He's a competitor and a leader demanding excellence out of everyone, that is always going to include himself.
Remember two years ago, when Brady drew the wrath of linebacker Ray Lewis after lobbying with officials for a roughing-the-passer call in a game against the Baltimore Ravens? Brady smugly applauded Sunday when Redskins linebacker London Fletcher was called for a personal foul, delivering a hit to Brady as he slid to the turf.Funny, I think the message is "I want to win, we just got 15 yards and a first down".
In all of those instances, the message is the same.
You can’t do that to me. I’m Tom Brady.
And finally he ends the article with this doozie.
It’s not about you.No shit, Tony. It's about the team. Every man is accountable. And that's the point Brady made to his coordinator. No shit Bill, of course it was a bad decision.
It never was and it never is.
Tom Brady is one of the greatest player's in NFL history. He's won 3 Super Bowls and set countless records. He's the best quarterback the Patriots have ever had by a country mile and yet writers in Boston think he's somehow a problem? I hope the Patriots suffer through a Andre Ware, Rodney Pete, Scott Mitchell, Charlie Batch, Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna era after Brady retires. Hell, we'll give you a young Matthew Stafford and 25 years of futility for your aging non-winner, egocentric, out of touch, hall of fame QB, deal?
Monday, December 12, 2011
Urban Terror
First PSU, now MSU. Urban Meyer has received a verbal commitment from Se'Von Pittman. Why dont you go after some UM commits? What the hell is your deal?
Meyer is quickly working his way to being the B1Gs most hated coach. Brett better watch out, his throne is in jeopardy.
Yes, I am sitting on a potato.
Meyer is quickly working his way to being the B1Gs most hated coach. Brett better watch out, his throne is in jeopardy.
The B1G, A Basketball Powerhouse
There are still some nonconference games to play before the heart of the B1G season begins, but one thing is certain: the Big Ten is ridiculous. A 12 team conference has 9 teams with legitimate tournament aspirations. It's going to be a long and brutal season in the Big Ten this year. Road wins are going to come scarcely and playing Penn State may be the only possible reprieve.
A totally preliminary ranking of the 12 teams.
1. Ohio State
Despite losing @Kansas (without Sullinger), the Buckeyes are the class of the conference. Deshaun Thomas may be the most improved player in the league as he has turned himself into a star. The Buckeyes are loaded with high end talent. Aaron Craft is guaranteed to piss me off for 3 more years. (I think he's a hack but he always gets away with his reaching!) The Buckeyes look destined for a conference championship and a #1 seed.
2. Wisconsin
Bo Ryan is good at coaching basketball and especially defense. Playing in Madison will be the toughest road venue outside of Columbus for yet another season.
3. Michigan
Trey Burke has done a great job replacing Darius Morris. This may be a bit high for Michigan but since it's my squad I believe I'm allowed to be optimistic.
4. MSU
Deep and athletic, if they can hit outside shots they can play with anyone because of their effort on the boards. Will be interesting to see how young players deal with the tough Big Ten schedule.
5. Indiana
I may have them ranked too low. I'm a believer in Zeller and the talent in Bloomington is enough for this team to make some serious noise. The win over Kentucky was announcement to the rest of the nation that IU is back.
6. Illinois
What was that I said about Deshaun Thomas? Yeah, that was wrong. Meyers Leonard has been the most improved player in the B1G this year. This 7'1 behemoth averaged 2 pts and 1 rebound as a freshman last year. He's Illinois best player now, averaging 13 pts 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. He's the main reason Illinois will make the tournament again this season.
7. Purdue
Could the B1G's 7th place team have the league's best player? Another team I probably have ranked too low. They lost so much from last year's squad but Hummel's return is a huge boost, the biggest any one player makes on a roster this season.
Another note on Hummel, does anyone think he'll be a good pro or a pro at all? I have no idea how his game will translate.
8. Northwestern
Is this finally the year they bust through and make the dance? If you didn't know, NW has never made the NCAA tournament in their history. Ouch.
9. Minnesota
Speaking of ouch. Minny would be much higher on this list if their best player, Trevor Mbakwe hadn't suffered a season ending injury. They'll still be tough to beat in the barn.
10. Iowa
I thought their modest amount of success at the end of last season would carry over into this year, but this team doesn't look much better than last year's squad.
11. Nebraska
I know nothing about you, Cornhuskers. You get ranked ahead of PSU by default.
12. PSU
Hey, it's basketball season so the media and all you Nittany Lion fans can forget about the Jerry Sandusky scandal and just enjoy Penn State on the hardwood. Yeah, this was sarcasm. Your team is bad and the Sandusky cloud isn't going anywhere for a long, long time.
Top team, bottom 3
I can't say I'm confident about anything on this list other than Ohio State being the best team in the conference and Iowa, Nebraska and Penn State making up the basement.
I'm serious about this, teams 2-7 could all end up as the #2 team in the conference. I have no idea how to rank the middle pack. It's one big jumble that will definitely be hashed out over the course of the season. It will be a fun year in the B1G, the best conference in college basketball.
A totally preliminary ranking of the 12 teams.
1. Ohio State
 |
| Easy to be pumped playing for the Buckeyes these days. |
2. Wisconsin
Bo Ryan is good at coaching basketball and especially defense. Playing in Madison will be the toughest road venue outside of Columbus for yet another season.
3. Michigan
Trey Burke has done a great job replacing Darius Morris. This may be a bit high for Michigan but since it's my squad I believe I'm allowed to be optimistic.
4. MSU
Deep and athletic, if they can hit outside shots they can play with anyone because of their effort on the boards. Will be interesting to see how young players deal with the tough Big Ten schedule.
5. Indiana
I may have them ranked too low. I'm a believer in Zeller and the talent in Bloomington is enough for this team to make some serious noise. The win over Kentucky was announcement to the rest of the nation that IU is back.
6. Illinois
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| Hi, I'm tall |
7. Purdue
Could the B1G's 7th place team have the league's best player? Another team I probably have ranked too low. They lost so much from last year's squad but Hummel's return is a huge boost, the biggest any one player makes on a roster this season.
Another note on Hummel, does anyone think he'll be a good pro or a pro at all? I have no idea how his game will translate.
8. Northwestern
Is this finally the year they bust through and make the dance? If you didn't know, NW has never made the NCAA tournament in their history. Ouch.
9. Minnesota
Speaking of ouch. Minny would be much higher on this list if their best player, Trevor Mbakwe hadn't suffered a season ending injury. They'll still be tough to beat in the barn.
10. Iowa
I thought their modest amount of success at the end of last season would carry over into this year, but this team doesn't look much better than last year's squad.
11. Nebraska
I know nothing about you, Cornhuskers. You get ranked ahead of PSU by default.
12. PSU
Hey, it's basketball season so the media and all you Nittany Lion fans can forget about the Jerry Sandusky scandal and just enjoy Penn State on the hardwood. Yeah, this was sarcasm. Your team is bad and the Sandusky cloud isn't going anywhere for a long, long time.
Top team, bottom 3
I can't say I'm confident about anything on this list other than Ohio State being the best team in the conference and Iowa, Nebraska and Penn State making up the basement.
I'm serious about this, teams 2-7 could all end up as the #2 team in the conference. I have no idea how to rank the middle pack. It's one big jumble that will definitely be hashed out over the course of the season. It will be a fun year in the B1G, the best conference in college basketball.
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