It may seem kind of weird, but there are a few colors that I see that make me happy every time I see them.
The bold red shine of my kayak reminds me of adventure.
The chipped yellow paint on my hockey stick is a secret hint of my secret childhood wish to play on U-M's hockey team.
The dirty white tape on it allows me to pretend I am a real hockey player .
The bright green frog photo at the top of my staircase is one of the last things I see before I go to bed every night.
The black sheen of Boo's coat makes her the cutest cat.
The chesnut brown of our deck is my favorite place to spend time in the summer.
.....I can't think of anything orange or blue right now that I like....
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Diaper Dandies
Losing Chris Allen, Korie Lucious, Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers and Raymar Morgan in the past year means that next year's team will rely more on our underclassmen than any year since the 2006-2007 season. That year, six of our seven leading scorers were Freshmen or Sophomores. The other was Junior Drew Neitzel, who lead the team in scoring. With the possibility of Appling and Payne moving into starting roles next year, I was interested to see how their freshmen campaigns stack up against some of the other notable Spartans of the past 10 years.
Below are the freshman stats, ordered by Mins Per Game, for some of our most important players from the past decade. I noted some of the impressive stats (and the worst FT offenders) in red.
My Takeaways:
- Perhaps the low number of minutes plays a large factor, but five of the top six in FG % are on this year's team.
- It would seem to be a good sign that Appling is Top Five in 3 pointers, but when you consider the other people in that category, it's SCARY! Summers and Hill had the two most disappointing Senior years of anyone!
- It's sad that three of the four worst FT shooters are on this year's team.
- It's concerning that Adreian Payne is the second worst in Assists to Turnover Ratio. However, seeing that Paul Davis was the worst provides some relief.
- Drew Neitzel ranked #2 in Assists despite playing the 13th highest number of minutes. It makes me have a greater appreciation for him as a floor general.
- The 01-02 Freshman class WAS the team - they accounted for over 62% of the team's scoring.
- Chris Allen and Durrell Summers really made an impact with their minutes! They were second best in Points Per Minute.
- How good do Paul Davis' and Goran Suton's free throw percentages look now?
- The player who I feel had a Freshman season closest to Appling was Kelvin Torbert or Maurice Ager. If he is going to take over the point next season, he has a lot of work to do in ball control compared to some of our other PGs.
- Adreian Payne's year wasn't that dissimilar to Derrick Nix's 2009/2010. If he gets a ton more minutes next year, he's going to have to take a big leap forward in improving his free throws and limiting his turnovers.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
We Aint Dead Yet
I can't wait for March! As we approach conference tournament time, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts on what to expect coming up.
Team with the most pressure: Pittsburgh
In a year lacking a dominant, NBA-ready team, the best team in the best conference should be a common pick to win it all. However, Pitt has been the "anti-Michigan State" for the past nine years; one of the best regular season teams but falter in the tournament. Since 2002, Pitt has lost in the Sweet Sixteen four times and only seen the Elite Eight once. To say that coach Jamie Dixon is on the "hot seat" for these failures would be completely ignorant. He has the best winning percentage in Big East history and tied the record for fastest coach to win 200 games. The fact that he has completed this run without a single first round NBA Draft pick is certainly impressive. With three starting seniors on this year's team, 2011 is the best opportunity for a deep run that they're going to get.
Team that will be toughest to project: St. John's
I have seen St. John's play twice now (vs. Pitt, @ Villanova) and they're one of the most exciting teams to watch. Each time they came out incredibly hot and built a big lead before letting the other team back in the game. Since they lost three straight at the end of January, St. John's has gone 8-1 with impressive victories against # 3 Duke, #9 UConn, #4 Pitt, and #14 Villanova. Over that stretch, Dwight Hardy has been averaging 25 points per game. A logical conclusion from this hot streak is that the team has become comfortable with first year coach Steve Lavin's game plan and coaching style. Working in their favor: Experience. Of their 9 players who have got quality minutes, 7 are seniors. Working against them: Experience. None of these players have been to the NCAA Tournament before and the only quality non-conference opponent they faced this season was St. Mary's in their first game of the season. It will be interesting to see what they can do on a neutral court against some of the other quality teams in the country. I could see them going as far as the Elite Eight, but they are also an easy target as a First Round upset if Dwight Hardy has a bad game.
Major Conference Tournament Most Likely to Have a Surprise Champion: SEC
Since 1992, Kentucky has dominated their tournament with 11 victories. Mississippi State and Florida have won the next most with three championships a piece. It has certainly lacked upsets. I think this year will be different because the conference is "Florida" and "Everyone else". I think they will have a lot of upsets in their tournament with someone other than division champions Florida and Alabama prevailing. Regardless of what happens, look for Florida to be the only SEC standing by the end of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Team with the most pressure: Pittsburgh
In a year lacking a dominant, NBA-ready team, the best team in the best conference should be a common pick to win it all. However, Pitt has been the "anti-Michigan State" for the past nine years; one of the best regular season teams but falter in the tournament. Since 2002, Pitt has lost in the Sweet Sixteen four times and only seen the Elite Eight once. To say that coach Jamie Dixon is on the "hot seat" for these failures would be completely ignorant. He has the best winning percentage in Big East history and tied the record for fastest coach to win 200 games. The fact that he has completed this run without a single first round NBA Draft pick is certainly impressive. With three starting seniors on this year's team, 2011 is the best opportunity for a deep run that they're going to get.
Team that will be toughest to project: St. John's
I have seen St. John's play twice now (vs. Pitt, @ Villanova) and they're one of the most exciting teams to watch. Each time they came out incredibly hot and built a big lead before letting the other team back in the game. Since they lost three straight at the end of January, St. John's has gone 8-1 with impressive victories against # 3 Duke, #9 UConn, #4 Pitt, and #14 Villanova. Over that stretch, Dwight Hardy has been averaging 25 points per game. A logical conclusion from this hot streak is that the team has become comfortable with first year coach Steve Lavin's game plan and coaching style. Working in their favor: Experience. Of their 9 players who have got quality minutes, 7 are seniors. Working against them: Experience. None of these players have been to the NCAA Tournament before and the only quality non-conference opponent they faced this season was St. Mary's in their first game of the season. It will be interesting to see what they can do on a neutral court against some of the other quality teams in the country. I could see them going as far as the Elite Eight, but they are also an easy target as a First Round upset if Dwight Hardy has a bad game.
Major Conference Tournament Most Likely to Have a Surprise Champion: SEC
Since 1992, Kentucky has dominated their tournament with 11 victories. Mississippi State and Florida have won the next most with three championships a piece. It has certainly lacked upsets. I think this year will be different because the conference is "Florida" and "Everyone else". I think they will have a lot of upsets in their tournament with someone other than division champions Florida and Alabama prevailing. Regardless of what happens, look for Florida to be the only SEC standing by the end of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Michigan State HAS COME BACK to Columbus
Before I discuss the game last night, I would like to review a psychological concept.
"Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism." - Mayo Clinic
The website goes on to list the following symptons:
■Believing that you're better than others
■Fantasizing about power, success and attractiveness
■Exaggerating your achievements or talents
■Expecting constant praise and admiration
■Setting unrealistic goals
■Appearing as tough-minded or unemotional
■Expecting others to go along with your ideas and plans
I mention this because I have learned that all Buckeye fans suffer from at least a mild case of NPD. Living in Columbus has exposed me to a number of them. They may be arrogant about their team and University, but every comment bragging about their success is followed up by saying something to the effect of "although they will say we didn't deserve it." They usually means ESPN (most notably Mark May, Colin Cowherd, and formerly Trev Alberts), Michigan, the SEC, or just sports fans in general.
I think more recently this is due to the University of Florida. They can't erase the embarrassment that the Gators handed them in basketball and football and they think people discredit their recent successes as a result. I think that Buckeye fans secretly also have an inferiority complex in relation to the SEC and can't get over those losses either. (This creates some cognitive dissonance. Yes, I spent too much time researching psychology tonight.)
For example, after the Rose Bowl game last year, many people complained that "they" wouldn't give them credit for that win since they didn't beat an SEC team. This year, leading up to the Sugar Bowl game against Arkansas, people complained that beating them wouldn't matter because it wasn't the top SEC team.
This relates to the game last night because as we left the arena, we walked behind a group of typical OSU students and one of them drunkenly said "We are OHIO...STATE. We're fucking awesome. But of course ESPN hates us. We lost one game to a team that never loses... AT HOME. And we're number 3? We're going to win it all in March and we'll show them".
I enjoy the attitude that most Michigan State fans share. We're proud of our accomplishments, we want even more, but I don't think we overreact when our teams lose or obsess about them. Anyway, let's talk about the game last night.
I think the main strategy MSU had was to be aggressive with Sullinger and rotate around so we're throwing a lot of different guys at him. Diebler is a very streaky shooter, so they did a good job defending him and limiting how open he was. He has attempted 7+ three's nine times this season; Iowa and Florida State were the only two teams to hold him to a lower percentage. We outrebounded them by 10. Kalin looked extremely confident leading the ball upcourt and driving to the basket. Nix, Payne, and Sherman showed us moves in the paint that nobody knew they had in them. The problem, of course, were fouls and William Buford. I have been telling my Buckeye friends for months that he is the most underrated player in the country.
I am satisfied with the close loss if it continues to be a sign of things to come. Izzo said it best:
"I wouldn't count us dead yet. This is a pretty good team if we can regroup down the stretch and get three guys to play together instead of just two."
"Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism." - Mayo Clinic
The website goes on to list the following symptons:
■Believing that you're better than others
■Fantasizing about power, success and attractiveness
■Exaggerating your achievements or talents
■Expecting constant praise and admiration
■Setting unrealistic goals
■Appearing as tough-minded or unemotional
■Expecting others to go along with your ideas and plans
I mention this because I have learned that all Buckeye fans suffer from at least a mild case of NPD. Living in Columbus has exposed me to a number of them. They may be arrogant about their team and University, but every comment bragging about their success is followed up by saying something to the effect of "although they will say we didn't deserve it." They usually means ESPN (most notably Mark May, Colin Cowherd, and formerly Trev Alberts), Michigan, the SEC, or just sports fans in general.
I think more recently this is due to the University of Florida. They can't erase the embarrassment that the Gators handed them in basketball and football and they think people discredit their recent successes as a result. I think that Buckeye fans secretly also have an inferiority complex in relation to the SEC and can't get over those losses either. (This creates some cognitive dissonance. Yes, I spent too much time researching psychology tonight.)
For example, after the Rose Bowl game last year, many people complained that "they" wouldn't give them credit for that win since they didn't beat an SEC team. This year, leading up to the Sugar Bowl game against Arkansas, people complained that beating them wouldn't matter because it wasn't the top SEC team.
This relates to the game last night because as we left the arena, we walked behind a group of typical OSU students and one of them drunkenly said "We are OHIO...STATE. We're fucking awesome. But of course ESPN hates us. We lost one game to a team that never loses... AT HOME. And we're number 3? We're going to win it all in March and we'll show them".
I enjoy the attitude that most Michigan State fans share. We're proud of our accomplishments, we want even more, but I don't think we overreact when our teams lose or obsess about them. Anyway, let's talk about the game last night.
I think the main strategy MSU had was to be aggressive with Sullinger and rotate around so we're throwing a lot of different guys at him. Diebler is a very streaky shooter, so they did a good job defending him and limiting how open he was. He has attempted 7+ three's nine times this season; Iowa and Florida State were the only two teams to hold him to a lower percentage. We outrebounded them by 10. Kalin looked extremely confident leading the ball upcourt and driving to the basket. Nix, Payne, and Sherman showed us moves in the paint that nobody knew they had in them. The problem, of course, were fouls and William Buford. I have been telling my Buckeye friends for months that he is the most underrated player in the country.
I am satisfied with the close loss if it continues to be a sign of things to come. Izzo said it best:
"I wouldn't count us dead yet. This is a pretty good team if we can regroup down the stretch and get three guys to play together instead of just two."
 |
Kalin leads the ball up court |
Monday, February 07, 2011
Math is Hard
I don't get something.
Michigan's roster currently lists 15 players, none of which are seniors. Their 2011 recruiting class currently is 2 players.
Michigan State's roster has 13 players, 3 of which are seniors. Our 2011 recruiting class is 4 strong.
Why does U-M have 3 more roster spots than we do next season?
Michigan's roster currently lists 15 players, none of which are seniors. Their 2011 recruiting class currently is 2 players.
Michigan State's roster has 13 players, 3 of which are seniors. Our 2011 recruiting class is 4 strong.
Why does U-M have 3 more roster spots than we do next season?
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Friday, February 04, 2011
?
I'm just going to put it out there:
Does the growing frustration Tom Izzo has with his players indicate that he is closer to retiring? Last year, he complained about them "not gelling". This year, he has had to resort to benching and suspending but still experienced the worst performance he has ever seen from his team. So, is he going to retire soon? Ignoring how bad the Cleveland job appears now, do you think he regrets saying he would never go to the NBA?
(When Izzo announced he's staying at MSU, I said, "I think he will step down in as little as 3 years, but very likely within the next 5". I think I look even smarter now).
Does the growing frustration Tom Izzo has with his players indicate that he is closer to retiring? Last year, he complained about them "not gelling". This year, he has had to resort to benching and suspending but still experienced the worst performance he has ever seen from his team. So, is he going to retire soon? Ignoring how bad the Cleveland job appears now, do you think he regrets saying he would never go to the NBA?
(When Izzo announced he's staying at MSU, I said, "I think he will step down in as little as 3 years, but very likely within the next 5". I think I look even smarter now).
Ouch
"If the NCAA tournament started today, Michigan State might not make it. And judging from how the Spartans played against Iowa on Wednesday, this would bother them for at least 15 minutes."
"Summers is averaging one assist for every 58 minutes of playing time. He is three times as likely to give the ball to the other team as he is to pass to a teammate for a basket"
-Michael Rosenberg
"Summers is averaging one assist for every 58 minutes of playing time. He is three times as likely to give the ball to the other team as he is to pass to a teammate for a basket"
-Michael Rosenberg
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Music Continued
Since I am not happy with the music out currently, I wondered what time period was the best for me. I put together a list of my favorite songs and organized them by year. I wasn't surprised to find that 94-97 was my sweet spot. It was the golden age of grunge/alternative and I was in my early teens at that point. I remember wearing thermal shirts and flannel fondly. What I was surprised to find out was 1970 was the top year for me because I didn't start really caring about music until 20-25 years later.
1965
"Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan
1968
"Hey Jude" - Beatles
1970
"Instant Karma" - John Lennon
"Let It Be" - Beatles
"Cecilia" - Simon & Garfunkel
"Bridge over Troubled Water" - Simon & Garfunkel
1973
"Piano Man" - Billy Joel
1981
"Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
1987
"Smooth Criminal" - Michael Jackson
1988
"All I Want Is You" - U2
"Let the River Run" - Carly Simon
1989
"We Didn't Start the Fire" - Billy Joel
1990
"Thunderstruck" - AC/DC
1991
"November Rain" - Guns N' Roses
1993
"Heart Shaped Box" - Nirvana
1994
"Glycerine" - Bush
"Lightning Crashes" - Live
1995
"Wonderwall" - Oasis
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" - Smashing Pumpkins
1996
"Seasons of Love" - Rent
"Bulls on Parade" - Rage Against The Machine
1997
"Demons" - Guster
"I Shall Not Walk Alone" - Ben Harper
"I Will Buy You a New Life" - Everclear
1999
"Colorblind" - Counting Crows
"I Miss You" - Incubus
2000
"Optimistic" - Radiohead
2001
"Wish You Were Here" - Incubus
2002
"Lose Yourself" - Eminem
2003
"Come Downstairs and Say Hello" - Guster
2005
"Hey Mama" - Kanye West
2009
"Empire State of Mind" - Jay Z
2010
"Lil Freak" - Usher
1965
"Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan
1968
"Hey Jude" - Beatles
1970
"Instant Karma" - John Lennon
"Let It Be" - Beatles
"Cecilia" - Simon & Garfunkel
"Bridge over Troubled Water" - Simon & Garfunkel
1973
"Piano Man" - Billy Joel
1981
"Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
1987
"Smooth Criminal" - Michael Jackson
1988
"All I Want Is You" - U2
"Let the River Run" - Carly Simon
1989
"We Didn't Start the Fire" - Billy Joel
1990
"Thunderstruck" - AC/DC
1991
"November Rain" - Guns N' Roses
1993
"Heart Shaped Box" - Nirvana
1994
"Glycerine" - Bush
"Lightning Crashes" - Live
1995
"Wonderwall" - Oasis
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" - Smashing Pumpkins
1996
"Seasons of Love" - Rent
"Bulls on Parade" - Rage Against The Machine
1997
"Demons" - Guster
"I Shall Not Walk Alone" - Ben Harper
"I Will Buy You a New Life" - Everclear
1999
"Colorblind" - Counting Crows
"I Miss You" - Incubus
2000
"Optimistic" - Radiohead
2001
"Wish You Were Here" - Incubus
2002
"Lose Yourself" - Eminem
2003
"Come Downstairs and Say Hello" - Guster
2005
"Hey Mama" - Kanye West
2009
"Empire State of Mind" - Jay Z
2010
"Lil Freak" - Usher
Go Bucks???
The more and more I think about Ohio State defeating Illinois and Purdue, I realize that it is better for us. We need to accept that winning the Big 10 is now out of reach. It's better if Ohio State has a ridiculously good season and continues to defeat the other top teams because it gives us the best chance to earn a higher final ranking in the Big 10. Our Big 10 schedule so far has been much more difficult than others - Purdue still has to play Illinois and Wisconsin twice and a rematch against the Buckeyes. Wisconsin still that Purdue series and two against OSU. We still have our own challenges ahead, but I like that we only have one more conference loss than the #2 & 3 Big Ten teams.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
No Fair?
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Ohio State destroyed Purdue tonight. Then I realized that both Illinois and Purdue faced us before they squared off against OSU. Could we have taken the brunt of their best effort only to set up their awaiting opponent with a "less than perfect" performance? Then I did this research and found that only two Big Ten opponents did NOT face a Top 25 ranked team before OSU.
Indiana.....previous opponent: Penn State
Iowa.....previous opponent: #25 Illinois
Minnesota.....previous opponent: Indiana
Michigan.....previous opponent: #3 Kansas
Penn State.....previous opponent: # 16 Illinois
Iowa.....previous opponent: #25 Minnesota
Illinois.....previous opponent: #18 MSU
Purdue.....previous opponent: #18 MSU
Comparatively, this is what we've been up against. Our wins are in bold.
Minnesota....previous opponent: #24 Wisconsin
Northwestern.....previous opponent: #11 Purdue
Penn State.....previous opponent: #10 Purdue
Wisconsin.....previous opponent: Michigan
Northwestern.....previous opponent: Iowa
Illinois.....previous opponent: #21 Wisconsin
Purdue.....previous opponent: Penn State
So over half of our opponents had tough matchups ahead of ours, but only one of our three toughest opponents had a pre-MSU challenge.
How does the rest of our schedule shake out? About the same. There are some favorable spots, but there are others that get to enjoy cupcakes before us. Currently ranked teams are in bold.
Michigan.....previous opponent: Minnesota
Indiana.....previous opponent: Illinois
Iowa.....previous opponent: Michigan
Wisconsin.....previous opponent: Purdue
Penn State.....previous opponent: Michigan
Ohio State.....previous opponent: Wisconsin
Illinois.....previous opponent: Michigan
Minnesota.....previous opponent: Penn State
Purdue.....previous opponent: Indiana
Iowa.....previous opponent: Illinois
Michigan.....previous opponent: Minnesota
Indiana.....previous opponent: Penn State
Iowa.....previous opponent: #25 Illinois
Minnesota.....previous opponent: Indiana
Michigan.....previous opponent: #3 Kansas
Penn State.....previous opponent: # 16 Illinois
Iowa.....previous opponent: #25 Minnesota
Illinois.....previous opponent: #18 MSU
Purdue.....previous opponent: #18 MSU
Comparatively, this is what we've been up against. Our wins are in bold.
Minnesota....previous opponent: #24 Wisconsin
Northwestern.....previous opponent: #11 Purdue
Penn State.....previous opponent: #10 Purdue
Wisconsin.....previous opponent: Michigan
Northwestern.....previous opponent: Iowa
Illinois.....previous opponent: #21 Wisconsin
Purdue.....previous opponent: Penn State
So over half of our opponents had tough matchups ahead of ours, but only one of our three toughest opponents had a pre-MSU challenge.
How does the rest of our schedule shake out? About the same. There are some favorable spots, but there are others that get to enjoy cupcakes before us. Currently ranked teams are in bold.
Michigan.....previous opponent: Minnesota
Indiana.....previous opponent: Illinois
Iowa.....previous opponent: Michigan
Wisconsin.....previous opponent: Purdue
Penn State.....previous opponent: Michigan
Ohio State.....previous opponent: Wisconsin
Illinois.....previous opponent: Michigan
Minnesota.....previous opponent: Penn State
Purdue.....previous opponent: Indiana
Iowa.....previous opponent: Illinois
Michigan.....previous opponent: Minnesota
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Pan Sports Power Rankings
Updating the Power Rankings of "Who is the most likely to win a championship soon"
1. Detroit Redwings
They could win the Stanley Cup as early as later this season, but injuries among the Goalies makes it not likely. Their front office leadership will ensure that they will continue to win the Championship every few years.
2. Michigan State Basketball
This team is not going to get it done, but I have the sense that they are providing the leadership for a team that could get it done in the next few years.
3. Detroit Tigers
They are proving they can make more intelligent roster moves than unintelligent ones. The bigger hump is to actually make the playoffs than to advance and win them. There should be a DQ if the Twins continue to make the playoffs and lose before the Series.
4. Detroit Lions
I think the Lions used to hold the bottom spot in my rankings. So why the dramatic change? The new front office appears to know what they are doing, which is a dramatic change. The NFL is a league of parity, so why shouldn't we be a part of that? The NFC Championship game demonstrates that the NFC North was a good division this year, so our 6-10 record despite significant injuries seems even more impressive.
5. Michigan State Hockey
While they have won the second most recent championship, the MSU Hockey program now seems stagnant. They have struggled to make the NCAA tournament, which I think should be a regular expectation. I was not a Rick Comley fan until they won it all and the lack of sustained success has drained some of that credibility.
6. Michigan State Football
You would think that winning a share of the Big 10 title would earn a higher ranking, but the lack of OSU on the schedule and the horrible performance against Alabama diminishes the aura of that title. My lack of confidence in their ability to win the BCS is more due to the competitiveness of the division and the disparity between the elite 10 programs and everyone else. With Nebraska joining the conference and a likely Michigan resurgence on the horizon, MSU's chances to sustain Big 10 Championships are narrow.
7. Detroit Pistons
The franchise, hindered by their impending sale, is headed nowhere. They need to implode the team and rebuild around young talent. The talent in the NBA is currently concentrated among 4-5 teams, so I think the next 10 NBA championships or so will be shared exclusively among that group.
1. Detroit Redwings
They could win the Stanley Cup as early as later this season, but injuries among the Goalies makes it not likely. Their front office leadership will ensure that they will continue to win the Championship every few years.
2. Michigan State Basketball
This team is not going to get it done, but I have the sense that they are providing the leadership for a team that could get it done in the next few years.
3. Detroit Tigers
They are proving they can make more intelligent roster moves than unintelligent ones. The bigger hump is to actually make the playoffs than to advance and win them. There should be a DQ if the Twins continue to make the playoffs and lose before the Series.
4. Detroit Lions
I think the Lions used to hold the bottom spot in my rankings. So why the dramatic change? The new front office appears to know what they are doing, which is a dramatic change. The NFL is a league of parity, so why shouldn't we be a part of that? The NFC Championship game demonstrates that the NFC North was a good division this year, so our 6-10 record despite significant injuries seems even more impressive.
5. Michigan State Hockey
While they have won the second most recent championship, the MSU Hockey program now seems stagnant. They have struggled to make the NCAA tournament, which I think should be a regular expectation. I was not a Rick Comley fan until they won it all and the lack of sustained success has drained some of that credibility.
6. Michigan State Football
You would think that winning a share of the Big 10 title would earn a higher ranking, but the lack of OSU on the schedule and the horrible performance against Alabama diminishes the aura of that title. My lack of confidence in their ability to win the BCS is more due to the competitiveness of the division and the disparity between the elite 10 programs and everyone else. With Nebraska joining the conference and a likely Michigan resurgence on the horizon, MSU's chances to sustain Big 10 Championships are narrow.
7. Detroit Pistons
The franchise, hindered by their impending sale, is headed nowhere. They need to implode the team and rebuild around young talent. The talent in the NBA is currently concentrated among 4-5 teams, so I think the next 10 NBA championships or so will be shared exclusively among that group.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Not Cutting It
Korie Lucious is 11-42 for FGs and 6-24 from three in Big Ten play. That is 26% and 25% respectively.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Music
I am a pretty loyal fan of iTunes. I like how conveniently I can play music on my iPod and in my car. However, the "top selling songs" are often horrible and the current top 100 list may be the worst ever. Consider a few lowlights:
-Four of the top 100 songs have "Fuck" in their titles, including "Tonight (I'm Fucking You)", two versions of "Fucking Perfect", and the uncreative "Fuck You".
-Song titles include "We R Who We R", "Like a G6", "Moment 4 Life", and "Yeah 3X", so apparently texted names are better
-There's also the purposefully spelled "Who Dat Girl", "California Gurls", "Tik Tok", "Kush"
-Five of the songs "Feature Akon" but none of them are by Akon.
-One of the songs is "Do the John Wall". Do they realize John Wall just does the Dougie?
-Gwyneth Paltrow's song ranks #74
So I ask of you, give me music that will restore my faith in music. Keep in mind that I don't like anything that could be mistaken for a song from the Juno soundtrack.
-Four of the top 100 songs have "Fuck" in their titles, including "Tonight (I'm Fucking You)", two versions of "Fucking Perfect", and the uncreative "Fuck You".
-Song titles include "We R Who We R", "Like a G6", "Moment 4 Life", and "Yeah 3X", so apparently texted names are better
-There's also the purposefully spelled "Who Dat Girl", "California Gurls", "Tik Tok", "Kush"
-Five of the songs "Feature Akon" but none of them are by Akon.
-One of the songs is "Do the John Wall". Do they realize John Wall just does the Dougie?
-Gwyneth Paltrow's song ranks #74
So I ask of you, give me music that will restore my faith in music. Keep in mind that I don't like anything that could be mistaken for a song from the Juno soundtrack.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fitty Cent Economics
This is the funniest thing I've heard this week. 50 Cent tweets tiny stock soars
The funny thing to me is not that so many people would buy the stock - the speculation that this would cause so many other people to buy it is what drove people to buy it. It's this line:
H&H is an extremely sketchy investment and even got the dreaded "going concern" notice last March as its auditor shared doubts about the company's future. The company reported less than $300,000 in revenue last quarter but lost $1.3 million, the Post reports.
There are some funny loans at the company as well, the Observer notes. H&H lent $141,000 to what it describes as "an entity in which our chairman's brother is an officer and owner."
Why did 50 Cent decide to buy stock in a crappy company? The company loaned money to the CEO's brother?
By the way, I think this is some kind of stock fraud, but I don't know enough about stocks.
The funny thing to me is not that so many people would buy the stock - the speculation that this would cause so many other people to buy it is what drove people to buy it. It's this line:
H&H is an extremely sketchy investment and even got the dreaded "going concern" notice last March as its auditor shared doubts about the company's future. The company reported less than $300,000 in revenue last quarter but lost $1.3 million, the Post reports.
There are some funny loans at the company as well, the Observer notes. H&H lent $141,000 to what it describes as "an entity in which our chairman's brother is an officer and owner."
Why did 50 Cent decide to buy stock in a crappy company? The company loaned money to the CEO's brother?
By the way, I think this is some kind of stock fraud, but I don't know enough about stocks.
Monday, January 10, 2011
BCS Title Game
While this is one of the more anticipated National Championship games in recent years, I think it will disappoint in terms of competitiveness and offense. The long layoff since the last time they have played will result in a slow start to the game. I think that this hurts Oregon more because they rely on a fast pace and rhythm to throw off the opposing defense. While their passing game matches up well against Auburn's suspect pass defense, I think the SEC speed of the Auburn linemen will pressure Darron Thomas enough to throw him out of sync.
The layoff could also lead to more injuries. The outcome to last year's BCS Championship game was set when Colt McCoy went down. Arkansas stormed back against OSU in the Sugar Bowl this year after top cornerback Chimdi Chekwa was injured and could have sealed the win with a late TD since Terrelle Pryor was hobbled with a foot injury. Since Oregon's backup QB is out with an injury, advantage Auburn even though each of their backups have attempted fewer than 10 passes this season.
From a kicking standpoint, both kickers missed only one extra point all season and have made 75% of their field goals. I think the fact that Auburn's kicker has attempted 8 more kicks this season gives him an experience edge. While Oregon didn't attempt many field goals this season, I expect that they will be in fewer 4th and short situations and will be tempted to kick more tonight.
Most predictions have each of these teams scoring over 30 points with a close final score. I predict the final is 34-20 Auburn with Cam Newton winning the MVP honors.
The layoff could also lead to more injuries. The outcome to last year's BCS Championship game was set when Colt McCoy went down. Arkansas stormed back against OSU in the Sugar Bowl this year after top cornerback Chimdi Chekwa was injured and could have sealed the win with a late TD since Terrelle Pryor was hobbled with a foot injury. Since Oregon's backup QB is out with an injury, advantage Auburn even though each of their backups have attempted fewer than 10 passes this season.
From a kicking standpoint, both kickers missed only one extra point all season and have made 75% of their field goals. I think the fact that Auburn's kicker has attempted 8 more kicks this season gives him an experience edge. While Oregon didn't attempt many field goals this season, I expect that they will be in fewer 4th and short situations and will be tempted to kick more tonight.
Most predictions have each of these teams scoring over 30 points with a close final score. I predict the final is 34-20 Auburn with Cam Newton winning the MVP honors.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Did You Know?
Durrell Summers had 16 regular season games last season when he was held below 10 points, including two games where he was scoreless in 45 minutes of action. He scored above 10 points in only one of his final 8 games. This season, he has scored below 11 points only once: a 24 minute, 2-7 performance when he scored 6 points against Chaminade.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Challenge
I think I have perhaps found the worst reality TV show in history. It's called "Bridalplasty" and it is on E!. The premise is that several women are competing in challenges to win plastic surgery before their wedding.
I am challenging you, Kevin, to watch one hour long episode of this show and give a full blog recap. I know how much you hate reality TV shows and I challenge you to watch what is perhaps the worst one in history.
If you need to know when it is on, just ask Mike. I'm sure he has it on his DVR.
I am challenging you, Kevin, to watch one hour long episode of this show and give a full blog recap. I know how much you hate reality TV shows and I challenge you to watch what is perhaps the worst one in history.
If you need to know when it is on, just ask Mike. I'm sure he has it on his DVR.
Monday, November 29, 2010
College Football Review
Predicted Big 10 Standings (Actual Standings)
1. Ohio State (T-1)
2. Wisconsin (T-1)
3. Iowa (T-4)
4. Penn State (T-4)
5. Michigan State (T-1)
6. Michigan (T-7)
7. Purdue (T-9)
8. Northwestern (T-7)
9. Minnesota (T-9)
10. Illinois (T-4)
11. Indiana (11)
I think that's pretty damn good. The teams I only really missed were us and Illinois.
Heisman Race
I predicted Kellen Moore, Terelle Pryor, and Mark Ingram would be the finalists with Moore taking home the trophy. He is the only one of the bunch who will make an appearance in New York but Cam Newton will be named the winner.
National Championship
I predicted Boise St vs. Oklahoma (or OSU if Boise lost). I would take pride in the fact that they are all ranked in the Top 10 at this point (and all have a shot at winning their conferences) but they were ranked top 7 in the preseason. The fact that Landry Jones isn't even being discussed for Heisman is ridiculous. Compare his stats to the ones that are.
a. 3,947 yds, 34 TDs, 10 INTs Landry Jones - Oklahoma
b. 3,269 yds, 30 TDs, 5 INTs Kellen Moore - Boise State
c. 3,051 yds, 31 TDs, 7 INTs Andrew Luck - Stanford
d. 3,590 total yds, 42 TDs, 6 INTs Cam Newton - Auburn
Not to be overdramatic, but this Saturday has the potential to blow up the BCS. If Auburn loses to South Carolina, the voters will either have to put TCU, the lesser deserving of the two "undeserving" teams, in the championship game OR the team currently ranked 5th. Auburn and Stanford wouldn't be allowed since neither will have won their conference. On one hand, Wisconsin is the hottest team in the country according to most analysts, could provide a powerful enough offense and defense to stop Oregon, and would provide a traditional Pac 10/Big 10 match up. On the other, allowing them to bypass TCU negates the need for the past half-season of rankings (neither team plays a game, but all of a sudden Wisconsin is better than TCU?) and essentially proves that the BCS is a collusion among the 6 conferences (which could strengthen the government pressure college football has received).
1. Ohio State (T-1)
2. Wisconsin (T-1)
3. Iowa (T-4)
4. Penn State (T-4)
5. Michigan State (T-1)
6. Michigan (T-7)
7. Purdue (T-9)
8. Northwestern (T-7)
9. Minnesota (T-9)
10. Illinois (T-4)
11. Indiana (11)
I think that's pretty damn good. The teams I only really missed were us and Illinois.
Heisman Race
I predicted Kellen Moore, Terelle Pryor, and Mark Ingram would be the finalists with Moore taking home the trophy. He is the only one of the bunch who will make an appearance in New York but Cam Newton will be named the winner.
National Championship
I predicted Boise St vs. Oklahoma (or OSU if Boise lost). I would take pride in the fact that they are all ranked in the Top 10 at this point (and all have a shot at winning their conferences) but they were ranked top 7 in the preseason. The fact that Landry Jones isn't even being discussed for Heisman is ridiculous. Compare his stats to the ones that are.
a. 3,947 yds, 34 TDs, 10 INTs Landry Jones - Oklahoma
b. 3,269 yds, 30 TDs, 5 INTs Kellen Moore - Boise State
c. 3,051 yds, 31 TDs, 7 INTs Andrew Luck - Stanford
d. 3,590 total yds, 42 TDs, 6 INTs Cam Newton - Auburn
Not to be overdramatic, but this Saturday has the potential to blow up the BCS. If Auburn loses to South Carolina, the voters will either have to put TCU, the lesser deserving of the two "undeserving" teams, in the championship game OR the team currently ranked 5th. Auburn and Stanford wouldn't be allowed since neither will have won their conference. On one hand, Wisconsin is the hottest team in the country according to most analysts, could provide a powerful enough offense and defense to stop Oregon, and would provide a traditional Pac 10/Big 10 match up. On the other, allowing them to bypass TCU negates the need for the past half-season of rankings (neither team plays a game, but all of a sudden Wisconsin is better than TCU?) and essentially proves that the BCS is a collusion among the 6 conferences (which could strengthen the government pressure college football has received).
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