Perfect Bracket No More

- By Dan Rodgers

Well, my bracket isn't anywhere near busted, but it is no longer perfect. I am tied for first in my most important bracket, having gone 14/16 yesterday. The two I had incorrect were UConn/Iowa State (8/9 match-up) and Colorado/UNLV (6/11 match-up). I'm not too disappointed because I haven't lost a Sweet 16 team, but I definitely thought that UConn would have at least shown up and UNLV would feel like they had something to prove.

Hopefully you listened to my Murray State, Gonzaga and Utah Jazz picks. Well, on to today, the final day of first round games.

The first game of the day that I like is the first game of the day -

(11) Texas vs. (6) Cincinnati -3 = I don't think Texas should have earned an at-large bid so I definitely can't pick them here. Cincinnati plays in the best conference in college basketball (Big East), and they beat Georgetown and Syracuse in the conference tournament before losing to Louisville in the championship game. Cincy plays good defense led by Yancy Gates. Two out of the three tournament teams that Texas beat were in conference (Iowa State/Kansas State), and while they hung around in some games, defense isn't exactly a strong point in the Big 12. I think Cincy pulls away and could take this one by double digits. CORRECT

(10) Virginia vs. (7) Florida -3 = This game seems to be a tale between polar opposites. Florida shoots the three very well and scores a ton. Virginia's offense isn't anywhere near as good but they play excellent defense. I think Virginia got a little bit screwed with their draw because I just don't think they can contain Florida's offense. Since the Gators are more concerned with scoring than stopping their opponent, if UVA can score, the game should at least be interesting. I think Florida advances to most likely play Missouri next round. CORRECT

(14) St. Bonaventure vs. (3) Florida State -6 = The Bonnies have the A-10 player of the years, Andrew Nicholson, on their squad but I doubt that will be enough. This is my favorite game of the early set. There is no way this line would only be six if these two teams faced off in the regular season. It appears that a lot of these lines have been a bit low and that is probably because of the "Madness" in March Madness. The Seminoles are among the hottest teams in the tournament, they're coming off their first ever ACC championship and a season in which they beat Duke and UNC twice. There is no way St. Bonaventure, a team that had to win the A-10 tournament to make it to the dance, will be able to hang with Florida State. INCORRECT - An extremely sloppy game for the Seminoles. The Bonnies shot 50% from 3-point range and the 'Noles turned it over 11 times and got out-rebounded. I'm thankful they won because of my bracket, but this game never should have been close. Florida State even pulled ahead by eight, but 3 threes in a minute and fifteen seconds and 11 points in under two minutes is unacceptable to give up when you pride yourself on being a defensive team.

I'll be back later to post my thoughts on a few late games.

Rodgers That

Better Lucky Than Good

By Dan Rodgers

Unfortunately, my early teaser didn't hit yesterday because Wake decided to suck while Maryland decided to have their best game of the season. Toledo was closer than I thought but that backdoor three was awesome and felt great after an iffy day.

Only one late game sticks out to me tonight in college basketball:

Missouri -5.5 vs. Texas = I know people say it's tough to beat a team three times in a season (Missouri won both regular season matchups), but the Tigers are a much better team than the Longhorns. Texas surprisingly beat Iowa State yesterday and Missouri destroyed Oklahoma State. I just think that the Tigers are hoping that winning the conference tourney (which would most likely mean beating Kansas) would earn them a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. CORRECT

I haven't done very well nor had much of an opinion of the recent NBA games but tonight that changes.

Utah Jazz @ Philadelphia 76ers -6.5 = This spread is way off in my opinion. Now, I haven't been completely on but most of the teams have been on the road. Philly is at home and Utah is a bad road team (5-13). The 76ers are coming off of a 32-point victory of the Celtics and there is no reason the same won't happen here. CORRECT

I also like the Celtics at -3 and Oklahoma City is a huge favorite at -13 but I think they can get it done at home. (Celtics destroyed but Oklahoma City got embarrassed and lost outright. )

Rodgers That

Sweet Sixteen - Thursday/Late

By Dan Rodgers

So I'm really pissed that BYU got destroyed in overtime. They were outscored by 9 in overtime after being awesome the whole game and keeping it close.

Duke is facing Arizona right now and I expect Duke to do work tonight because Arizona barely escaped Texas and Duke is way better. They can shoot the ball like no other. Williams will have to have the game of his career for Zona to have a chance.

I hope Duke kills them since Zona beat Texas.

Wisconsin faces Butler in an interesting matchup. Butler is so hot right now and coming off of a huge win against top seeded Pittsburgh. I would definitely stay away from this game in terms of betting. If you're going to then you should definitely tease the game...

I'm still upset about BYU and don't feel like writing more...ugh

Rodgers That

Tourney Time

By Dan Rodgers

I want to wish a Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. I hope you enjoy it, as well as day one of the NCAA tournament.

The last time I tried to post my bracket it didn't work, but I'll keep trying to get it up here.

I have an all one-seed Final Four...which I am not happy about at all. I think the selection crew might have done something right because all four one seeds look to be the best in their respective region. I have Ohio State beating Kansas in the finals.

I want to mix it up but I just can't do it. Pittsburgh is the weakest one seed but they're in the easiest region. BYU and Florida both got overrated in the seeds, and Kansas State and Wisconsin just aren't that good.

Ohio State looks to be the best team in the tournament so they should make it even though they have a tougher bracket with Syracuse, UNC and Kentucky. Kansas is similar to Pittsburgh, in fact, the entire right side of the bracket is just cake. Notre Dame is good but not that good, and the same goes for Purdue and Louisville. Kansas is just clearly the best team.

Duke's situation is interesting because their two seed, San Diego State, might not be that strong but they also have Texas and UConn in their region. Still, I like Duke to emerge now that Kyrie Irving is supposed to play at some point.

I am trying to find the upset, but this year it seems to be tougher than past years. My two biggest upets, call me crazy, are Penn State and Michigan State both making the Sweet Sixteen. Penn State plays great defense and doesn't turn the ball over. They have Temple in the first round and then most likely San Diego State in the second round.

Michigan State has so much talent and such a phenomenal coach that gets the best from his players come March. I think if Izzo's boys can get past UCLA, they will give two-seed Florida a run for their money (assuming Florida beats UCSB).

Besides that, I have only first round upsets, like Gonzaga, Mizzouri, Marquette and all nine seeds except ODU. I am having a tough time with the Georgetown/VCU game. I didn't expect VCU to dominate USC like they did, and Georgetown's Chris Wright is coming back from injury.

Pitt is the only one seed to play today, but there are 15 other games going on starting with Clemson and West Virginia in an hour. Enjoy the madness, and have a good St. Patty's Day...if you're old enough.

Rodgers That

Upset...Saturday?

By Dan Rodgers

This Saturday was just absolutely filled with upsets...and I'm not just talking about one sport.

NCAAB:

(1) Kansas 77 - 85 Oklahoma State
(2) Kentucky 65 - 74 (17) Tennessee
(11) BYU 81 - 83 (12) New Mexico
(13) Georgetown 64 - 78 Notre Dame
(21) Texas 58 - 74 (23) Texas A&M

NBA:

Celtics 96 - 104 Nets
Heat 71 - 94 Bucks
Bulls 90 - 100 Pacers

Just thought I would comment because there was a ton of upsets today and I love them. Even though I am a big Kansas supporter...I like to see parody in sports so people will stop thinking that games are rigged or officials are paid off etc...

Rodgers That

Mid-Season NCAA Hoops Review

By Toddy P.

I was watching the Purdue at Mich St. game last night, and really thought about how this year in college basketball differs from any other? What are the new trends we are beginning to see? Why is it that teams such as New Mexico and UNLV are climbing up in the top 25 yet the current National Champion, UNC, is under .500 in the ACC?

First, let's take a look at a couple of teams that are no where near what was expected.

UNC:
They started off this season unimpressive but still not terrible. Up until the New Year, this team had only suffered three losses, all of which were against ranked opponents (Syracuse, Kentuckty, and Texas). The major turning point moment of their season was the overtime loss to the College of Charleston. This was their last game before conference play and they have since gone 2-6 in the ACC. Tonight's game against Duke may be the only chance the Tarheels have to turn their season around. Even if UNC pulls off the "W" they would still need to make a run in the ACC tournament to make a good argument for them to deserve a tournament bid. My advice: Forget this season ever happened and rebuild. It's very difficult to hold onto greatness when you lose three top caliber seniors, Hansborough, Lawson and Green. No shot this year, better luck next.

Vanderbilt:
I am more than happy to see the Commodores playing at this level. They have chocked the SEC and are preparing for a great shot to make a run in the tournament. It's all about who gets hot at the right time and there are not many teams as hot as Vanderbilt. The key victories of their season have been the two victories over Tennessee. They have won by a combined 28 points and have used these two games to launch themselves into the top 25. The big test for this team still remains. On Feb. 20, Kentucky comes to town. Vandy needs to come into this game with confidence and quickness. Hit Kentucky in the mouth early and often and you can get ready for a big run in the NCAA tourny.

What makes this year different?
The term upset has taken on a different meaning. By this, I meant aht the field is starting to even out. Most conferences are now fairly close from top to bottom in talent. When March Madness rolls around, look for the seeding to matter far less than ever before. A 12 seed over a five will seem like nothign this year. I am going all out and will say that this year will be the first that a 16 seed will overtake a one. Call me crazy but you heard it here first.

New Trends.
Consistency is lacking. The reason this is that too many teams are now depending on one or two players to carry them. Teams are beginning to shoot the three more and more causing games to depend entirely on shooting percentage. The few teams that are good all around and deep are going to be the ones left standing in the end. To all those other teams, do me a favor and go back to the fundamentals. Scottie Reynolds - learn to pass the ball. I blame the loss to Georgetown entirely on you and your uncanny ability to hand the ball off to the other team. Take fewer and better shots and give your teammates a chance. The other trend I am starting to see is also a fundamental error. Focus on foul shots. I have never seen anything like this. So many teams are losing games because they are shooting below 65 percent from the free throw line. This has a lot to do with why tournament upsets will be in extreme abundance this year.

If you haven't noticed yet, NCAA baketball has been turned on its head and will not fix itself anytime soon. Look forward to the most exciting tournament in years.

I want to take a moment to let everyone know that the writers for Down 'N Dirty Sports also love to debate the sports we cover and if anyone doesn't agree with some of our opinions or posts, feel free to let us know. Don't hold back. Just leave us a comment here or on our Facebook page. Also, if you are interested in writing for us, go to our "Contact Us" page and shoot us an email.

A first for the Crimson Tide

By Dan Rodgers

Just a quickie here folks.

Not a surprise to many, but to some...Alabama Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram has won the 2009 Heisman Trophy. His performance in the SEC championship game against Florida certainly helped his cause, 113 yards and three touchdowns. He finished with over 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He added 30 receptions for over 300 yards and three more touchdowns, including a 69-yard screen play in the game against Florida.

Ingram received 1,304 points, just above the 1,276 that Stanford running back Toby Gerhart. Gerhart had a phenomenal year for the Cardinals, over 1,700 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

Longhorns QB Colt McCoy came in third with 1,145 points, Nebraska DL Ndamukong Suh received 815 points and Florida QB Tim Tebow finished off the ballot in fifth with 390 points.

The biggest part of Ingram receiving the honor is that of Alabama's historic program, he is the first player to win the Heisman. The Crimson Tide's history includes players like Broadway Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, and Ozzie Newsome.

Congrats to the running back and good luck to Alabama in the BCS National Championship game against Texas.

Rodgers That

(9) Oklahoma State @ (2) Texas Tech

Alright guys, here is just a quick bit about the Ok St. @ T-Tech game that could possibly decide which team has an opportunity at the national championship. In case you didn't know, both teams are top 10 in the nation in total offensive yards and points per game. However, Ok St. has an unbelievable rush offense (Kendall Hunter/1200 yds. 11 TD) while TTech has the second best pass offense in the nation. It is most likely easier for TTech to adjust to stop the prolific rush offense of Ok St. (who averages over 270 yds. per game) then for Ok St. to stop the aerial attack of TTech who averages over 420 yards per game. Given this, I don’t think that Ok St. will be able to stop Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree, and the Red Raiders.

Rodgers’ Pick: Texas Tech 34 Oklahoma State 27


Unlike Rodgers on this one, I am willing to admit that I am 100% on Texas Techs Offense’s nuts. The only thing that I am going to tell you about Ok St. is that the only solid team they have beaten to get to their beloved #9 spot in the questionable BCS standings was Chase Daniel and the Mizzou Tigers. The only other ranked team that they have played was the previously #1 Texas and lost. Remember last week the team that beat those Longhorns, THE TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS. Now I am going to force feed you my opinion of how TTU is one of the top 3 most explosive offenses in all of college football. Graham Harrell has proven that he can pass for 400 yards against any defensive unit. Texas has an elite defense, and when put to the challenge, Harrell threw for 474 yards and 2 touchdowns. One of those touchdowns coming with 8 seconds left to win it. Michael Crabtree, the freak of nature who caught that touchdown, is an all out playmaker. I would say that this sophomore’s performance would be a factor in this game, but honestly, who can stop him.

Price’s Pick: Texas Tech 48 Oklahoma State 24
(RAPE)

Leatherman’s Pick: Texas Tech 38 Oklahoma State 20

Quote of the Post: “Hop off”
(Rodgers referring to Price being all over Michael Crabtree and Texas Tech’s nuts)


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