It's that time of year again folks where the Big Ten flexes its basketball muscles against the overmatched ACC in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. I don't see the game like one famous blogger (hint: he's a bevy of useless sports information), but I'll take a stab at it anyways:
Wake Forest at Iowa
If the thought of facing a Todd Lickliter-coached team in Carver Hawkeye Arena doesn't make Dino Gaudio crap his pants, then someone get him some X-lax! Pick: Iowa, 62-45
Georgia Tech at Indiana
I can see the future. Coach Sampson will wear a light blue shirt with a red tie. The Hoosiers win big. And after the game AD Rick Greenspan renames Assembly Hall .... the Nextel Centre. Pick: Indiana, 100-51
Minnesota at Florida State
Rumor has it NBA scouts will be in attendance to check out "The Woolly Mammoth" -- Spencer Tollackson. What in the name of Paul Bunyan is Coach Smith feeding this guy? I don't have the faintest of clues, but I'm sure Spencer is eating it out of a trough! Pick: Minnesota, 72-25
Northwestern at Virginia
Full of momentum off a huge win over Benedictine, the Wildcats were stunned by Brown. Bill Carmody's teams are known for their resiliency however, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way. Pick: Northwestern, 39-38 2OT
Wisconsin at Duke
Who on Coach K's squad can check Brian Butch? Thought so. Pick: Wisconsin, 64-52
Purdue at Clemson
Matt Painter's boys have run the table on a daunting early-season slate (Bethune-Cookman, Lipscomb, Loyola-Chicago) and are poised for an easy win down south. Pick: Purdue, 78-40
N.C. State at Michigan State
They say you win championships with big men. Well with talents like Drew Naymick and Idong Ibok roaming the paint, expect to see some banners unfurled at the Breslin Center this spring. Pick: MSU, 87-43
Illinois at Maryland
Well Ron Zook has brought sexy back to Big Ten football. It's time for the dapper Bruce Weber to do the same for Big Ten hoops. Pick: Illinois, 72-63
Boston College at Michigan
Al Skinner takes his boys to "Little Tokyo" for a night he'll never forget. Pick: Michigan, 69-49
North Carolina at Ohio State
So they say Tyler Hansborough is older than most kids in his grade. Well how appropriate that he'll lace 'em up in front of 20,000 rabid Ohio State alums on Wednesday night. Pick: tOSU, 80-54
Virginia Tech at Penn State
Off an impressive showing in the Old Spice Classic, the Nittany Lions return home to a Bryce Jordan crowd of tens of tens. Who said Penn State was a women's basketball school? Pick: Penn State, 75-36
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Any Given Sunday (Night!)
Although we here at FtV prefer to focus on collegiate athletics, tonight's installment of Sunday Night Football cries out to be covered, as its major storylines centered around athletes who played significant roles in shaping history at the University of Michigan. On the field for New England was former UM quarterback Tom Brady, who infuriated fans during the 1998 and 1999 seasons by stealing the starting role that belonged to Drew Henson (imagine where the Patriots would be if they'd drafted Drew!) Suiting up for the Eagles was Brian Westbrook, who Wolverine fans might remember as the man who broke their hearts when he came down with a touchdown pass heaved by a fellow Colorado Buffalo -- an underrepresented minority quarterback who went by the name of Stewart. And speaking of Korbel, even though Philly kept the game close, it's still too early for the '74 Dolphins to pop the bubbly; the Pats are undefeated at 11-0, while the Eagles secured a crucial series of moral victories to help them stay in the hunt for an NFC postseason berth.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Leaders and Best
With Lloyd Carr's recent retirement, the nation's premier job is now open. Who might fill the head coaching vacancy at Michigan? Let's take a look:
1) Brady Hoke
One of many Carr assistants to flourish as a college head coach, Coach Hoke has taken Muncie by storm. Not only that, but remember this guy trained beneath one of the preeminent defensive minds of our time, Coach Jim Herrmann. Reliable sources indicate that Hoke's wife has already purchased a home in Ann Arbor. This one's all but a done deal, folks; expect an announcement shortly after Ball State's impending bowl game.
2) Ron Zook
I'll say this: if things fall through with Brady Hoke, Bill Martin would be wise to strike while the iron's hot with Coach Zook. Florida State, Nebraska, and Tennessee are all rumored to be hot and bothered by this guy's coaching acumen (or perhaps by his long, wavy hair and rugged masculinity? Ron is the Jack Palance of college coaches). Coach Zook went 8-5, 8-5, 7-5 at Florida, and then just pulled off a remarkable 9-3 campaign at Illinois. He'd be a perfect fit at Michigan!
3) Mike DeBord
If the Wolverines care to promote from within, look no further than "DeBo." After a successful four-year stint as head coach at Central Michigan, Coach DeBord returned to Ann Arbor and led one of the nation's most high-powered offensive attacks in 2007. Known for his innovative schemes and risk-reward playcalling, insiders call DeBord "the white Norm Chow."
1) Brady Hoke
One of many Carr assistants to flourish as a college head coach, Coach Hoke has taken Muncie by storm. Not only that, but remember this guy trained beneath one of the preeminent defensive minds of our time, Coach Jim Herrmann. Reliable sources indicate that Hoke's wife has already purchased a home in Ann Arbor. This one's all but a done deal, folks; expect an announcement shortly after Ball State's impending bowl game.
2) Ron Zook
I'll say this: if things fall through with Brady Hoke, Bill Martin would be wise to strike while the iron's hot with Coach Zook. Florida State, Nebraska, and Tennessee are all rumored to be hot and bothered by this guy's coaching acumen (or perhaps by his long, wavy hair and rugged masculinity? Ron is the Jack Palance of college coaches). Coach Zook went 8-5, 8-5, 7-5 at Florida, and then just pulled off a remarkable 9-3 campaign at Illinois. He'd be a perfect fit at Michigan!
3) Mike DeBord
If the Wolverines care to promote from within, look no further than "DeBo." After a successful four-year stint as head coach at Central Michigan, Coach DeBord returned to Ann Arbor and led one of the nation's most high-powered offensive attacks in 2007. Known for his innovative schemes and risk-reward playcalling, insiders call DeBord "the white Norm Chow."
Monday, November 12, 2007
Michigan State - Penn State
It's not just for pride anymore!
Can you believe that the designer of this beauty is legendary Spartan head coach (and Board of Trustees member!) George Perles? The simple design represents the best of both universities, incorporating subtle elements that do not overshadow the importance this of the storied rivalry between these long-time conference foes. With eight Big Ten championships between them, these two schools have a history of saving their best performances for this most important of final-week tilts.
Much is at stake this weekend. For Penn State, a victory might propel the Lions into fourth place in the conference, while a loss might mean they'd have to settle for a fourth-place finish. And for MSU, a win would mean the opportunity to cherish another beloved brainchild of George Perles -- a berth to the Motor City Bowl!
Can you believe that the designer of this beauty is legendary Spartan head coach (and Board of Trustees member!) George Perles? The simple design represents the best of both universities, incorporating subtle elements that do not overshadow the importance this of the storied rivalry between these long-time conference foes. With eight Big Ten championships between them, these two schools have a history of saving their best performances for this most important of final-week tilts.
Much is at stake this weekend. For Penn State, a victory might propel the Lions into fourth place in the conference, while a loss might mean they'd have to settle for a fourth-place finish. And for MSU, a win would mean the opportunity to cherish another beloved brainchild of George Perles -- a berth to the Motor City Bowl!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
A Thrilling Finish
I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so!
Rumor has it Northwestern is thinking of changing their fight song to the Vapors' hit single after another afternoon of late-game heroics by the sneaky C.J. Bacher in Evanston. Ryan Field was rocking when coach Pat Fitzgerald called his team's best play -- "Kamikaze," and it resulted in a three-yard touchdown toss by "Sensei Bacher" as the Wildcats nipp(on)ed Indiana.
And what a perfect way to set the table for a huge rivalry game. America's hottest storyline next week will be C.J. Bacher's attempt to slay Godzilla -- played by the dashing Ron Zook. And rumor has it Governor Blagojevich will even order all nail salons in the state of Illinois to shut down for this mega-tilt! It'll feel like a horriday!
Rumor has it Northwestern is thinking of changing their fight song to the Vapors' hit single after another afternoon of late-game heroics by the sneaky C.J. Bacher in Evanston. Ryan Field was rocking when coach Pat Fitzgerald called his team's best play -- "Kamikaze," and it resulted in a three-yard touchdown toss by "Sensei Bacher" as the Wildcats nipp(on)ed Indiana.
And what a perfect way to set the table for a huge rivalry game. America's hottest storyline next week will be C.J. Bacher's attempt to slay Godzilla -- played by the dashing Ron Zook. And rumor has it Governor Blagojevich will even order all nail salons in the state of Illinois to shut down for this mega-tilt! It'll feel like a horriday!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Foreshadowing greatness?
If the Big Ten's exhibition results are any indication of how strong the league might be this year, look out nation! Playing perhaps the toughest exhibition schedule in the country, our conference has shown some real moxie!
Check out the Division 2 preseason poll, and you'll notice exhibition opponents from Michigan State and Ohio State:
Well, nobody can say the Big Ten dodges the tough matchup. Instead of lining the preseason schedule with creampuffs, Tom Izzo and Thad Matta went out and booked a pair of the nation's top squads and nearly knocked them off! The Spartans dueled the #3 team in the nation all the way to double overtime before succumbing at the Jack Breslin Center. Then the Buckeyes scratched and clawed against #5 Findlay, only to fall by a bucket in the final seconds. No need to be embarrassed, Spartans and Buckeyes. These are what those in the know call "character-building losses." The kind of games that prepare you for the rigors of Big Ten basketball. We're all proud of you for accepting these challenges, and nearly conquering them.
Check out the Division 2 preseason poll, and you'll notice exhibition opponents from Michigan State and Ohio State:
1. Winona State
2. Bentley
3. Grand Valley State
4. Northwest Missouri State
5. Findlay
Well, nobody can say the Big Ten dodges the tough matchup. Instead of lining the preseason schedule with creampuffs, Tom Izzo and Thad Matta went out and booked a pair of the nation's top squads and nearly knocked them off! The Spartans dueled the #3 team in the nation all the way to double overtime before succumbing at the Jack Breslin Center. Then the Buckeyes scratched and clawed against #5 Findlay, only to fall by a bucket in the final seconds. No need to be embarrassed, Spartans and Buckeyes. These are what those in the know call "character-building losses." The kind of games that prepare you for the rigors of Big Ten basketball. We're all proud of you for accepting these challenges, and nearly conquering them.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Wolverines upset Spartans
Michigan defeated Michigan State on Saturday, but don't be fooled folks. This was an upset. Never mind the fact that the Vegas bookies had the Wolverines as the favorite. Or that Michigan had won five straight and 29 of the last 37 in the series. Or that the Wolverines entered the game 5-0 in the Big Ten, while the Spartans cruised in at a gawdy 1-4.
This was a shocker that no one saw coming. Even Andy Gamm, pundit extraordinare and Big Ten sports expert, was caught off guard. Check out "The Professor's" most recent lecture, given to a packed cyber-lecture hall of two or three at the Bitterrivals Blogspot:
Well the four-touchdown romp you predicted didn't quite materialize, and I spent Saturday night sleeping in an alley behind the local Waffle House.
Geez, and it's so rare when Andy has egg on his face after a Michigan/Michigan State matchup on the gridiron. He rarely picks an MSU victory that doesn't eventually come to fruition. Andy was let down in this one by an uncharacteristically poor final 7:00 or so by the Spartans, and by a stunningly inept performance by the Green and White secondary. I forgive you, Professor. Nobody saw this coming. It's a buyer's market in Muncie right now anyways.
This was a shocker that no one saw coming. Even Andy Gamm, pundit extraordinare and Big Ten sports expert, was caught off guard. Check out "The Professor's" most recent lecture, given to a packed cyber-lecture hall of two or three at the Bitterrivals Blogspot:
Andy, first you've banned me from your site, and now you've cost me my farm in Muncie. After reading your preview and prediction for Saturday's mega-tilt, I brazenly offered a co-worker Michigan +20.The tide is turning and it starts tomorrow. Think Wisconsin in 2004, Penn State
in 1997. Think big. Think VICTORY FOR M-S-U!Michigan State 42 - Michigan 14.
Well the four-touchdown romp you predicted didn't quite materialize, and I spent Saturday night sleeping in an alley behind the local Waffle House.
Geez, and it's so rare when Andy has egg on his face after a Michigan/Michigan State matchup on the gridiron. He rarely picks an MSU victory that doesn't eventually come to fruition. Andy was let down in this one by an uncharacteristically poor final 7:00 or so by the Spartans, and by a stunningly inept performance by the Green and White secondary. I forgive you, Professor. Nobody saw this coming. It's a buyer's market in Muncie right now anyways.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Let's Hoop it Up!
Cruising The Final Score Dot Net Blogspot Dot Com Source for Big Ten Sports this morning, I read a thorough and riveting preview about the upcoming hoops season by Jack Ebling-protege Andy Gamm.
Andy says the Spartans are "loaded" this year, and he picks them to run roughshod over the nation en route to a Final Four appearance. And you know what? Andy is usually pretty modest in his predictions for Michigan State. I can't remember the last time he was this giddy over one of his teams, so I'm inclined to think he's onto something here.
Here's how I think it will shake out:
1. Michigan State (31-0, NCAA champs), Drew Neitzel is the best caucasian player to don the Green and White since Chris Hill. Now if only Coach Izzo could convince that thick St. Dic to come along for the ride.
2. Ohio State (30-1, NCAA finalist), the Schottenstein True Value Hardware Depot Center will be rocking this year.
3. Wisconsin (28-2, NCAA National Semifinalist), I nearly pissed my pants after I watched Coach Ryan do the Soulja Boy.
4. Indiana (26-6, Elite Eight participants), Can you hear me now? Coach Sampson has the new Baby Shaq in D.J. White.
5. Purdue (24-7, Elite Eight participants), They do n't rebuild at Purdue, they just reload.
6. Michigan (22-8, Sweet 16 participants), the addition of DVD technology to the halls of Crisler will put the Wolverines over the top.
7. Illinois (22-9, NCAA Round of 32 participants), Without the respectful and very politically correct dances and chants of Chief Illiniwek, things just won't seem the same.
8. Minnesota (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), The Vikings, Timberwolves, Tim Brewster, and now .... Tubby Smith. What a time to be living in the Twin Cities!
9. Penn State (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), It looks like Anthony Morelli's Heisman campaign will come up just a hair short. Geary Claxton will try and make up for it by winning the Naismith.
10. Iowa (18-14, NIT Champions), Todd Lickliter. Enough said.
11. Northwestern (16-12, NIT finalists), Bill Carmody has turned Welsh-Ryan Arena into the Jungle of Doom.
Andy says the Spartans are "loaded" this year, and he picks them to run roughshod over the nation en route to a Final Four appearance. And you know what? Andy is usually pretty modest in his predictions for Michigan State. I can't remember the last time he was this giddy over one of his teams, so I'm inclined to think he's onto something here.
Here's how I think it will shake out:
1. Michigan State (31-0, NCAA champs), Drew Neitzel is the best caucasian player to don the Green and White since Chris Hill. Now if only Coach Izzo could convince that thick St. Dic to come along for the ride.
2. Ohio State (30-1, NCAA finalist), the Schottenstein True Value Hardware Depot Center will be rocking this year.
3. Wisconsin (28-2, NCAA National Semifinalist), I nearly pissed my pants after I watched Coach Ryan do the Soulja Boy.
4. Indiana (26-6, Elite Eight participants), Can you hear me now? Coach Sampson has the new Baby Shaq in D.J. White.
5. Purdue (24-7, Elite Eight participants), They do n't rebuild at Purdue, they just reload.
6. Michigan (22-8, Sweet 16 participants), the addition of DVD technology to the halls of Crisler will put the Wolverines over the top.
7. Illinois (22-9, NCAA Round of 32 participants), Without the respectful and very politically correct dances and chants of Chief Illiniwek, things just won't seem the same.
8. Minnesota (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), The Vikings, Timberwolves, Tim Brewster, and now .... Tubby Smith. What a time to be living in the Twin Cities!
9. Penn State (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), It looks like Anthony Morelli's Heisman campaign will come up just a hair short. Geary Claxton will try and make up for it by winning the Naismith.
10. Iowa (18-14, NIT Champions), Todd Lickliter. Enough said.
11. Northwestern (16-12, NIT finalists), Bill Carmody has turned Welsh-Ryan Arena into the Jungle of Doom.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Saturday night lights!
Well folks, another weekend is upon us, and this weekend it means continuous Big Ten action from noon till midnight! What other conference can lay claim to SIX nationally-televised games this weekend? I haven't checked but I'm guessing the answer is NONE! Thank you SO MUCH Big Ten Network -- is it any wonder why everyone loves this new station?
Of course the early games will be great; Wisconsin-OSU has been mentioned in this spot before on the Main Event Channel, BTN. Some locales will get to bite their nails over the Indiana-Ball State rivalry, one that no doubt holds special meaning for our own BTSF. Relegated to lesser broadcast tiers but still of national importance will be Iowa-Northwestern on ESPN2 and Purdue-Penn State on ESPN. Then we have Michigan-Michigan State on ABC -- another instant classic to be sure! Andy Gamm of the Final Score Dot Net Big Ten Blog will be tuning in to that one, you should too! And save me some pork rinds!
But what really fires me up is a nighttime matchup between Illinois and Minnesota! Football under the lights is just a little more special at the Gophers' shrine to the game, the Humphrey-dome! Both teams will have their ears pinned back. Will Adam Weber, the Gophers' dual-threat QB, be able to tunnel under the Ron Zook's gameplan? Or will the Illini bring their warpaint and tomahawks and cash the Gophers out like so many chips at a secondhand blackjack table? Let's find out together -- with a couple dozen shots of Old Crow!
Of course the early games will be great; Wisconsin-OSU has been mentioned in this spot before on the Main Event Channel, BTN. Some locales will get to bite their nails over the Indiana-Ball State rivalry, one that no doubt holds special meaning for our own BTSF. Relegated to lesser broadcast tiers but still of national importance will be Iowa-Northwestern on ESPN2 and Purdue-Penn State on ESPN. Then we have Michigan-Michigan State on ABC -- another instant classic to be sure! Andy Gamm of the Final Score Dot Net Big Ten Blog will be tuning in to that one, you should too! And save me some pork rinds!
But what really fires me up is a nighttime matchup between Illinois and Minnesota! Football under the lights is just a little more special at the Gophers' shrine to the game, the Humphrey-dome! Both teams will have their ears pinned back. Will Adam Weber, the Gophers' dual-threat QB, be able to tunnel under the Ron Zook's gameplan? Or will the Illini bring their warpaint and tomahawks and cash the Gophers out like so many chips at a secondhand blackjack table? Let's find out together -- with a couple dozen shots of Old Crow!
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