Final Four Net Cutting: Detroit Celebrating!

In collapsing economic times, Ford Field is the destination of this year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four. Yes, finally something to celebrate for the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.  

Michigan’s unemployment rate is at 12 percent right now. The city of Detroit is at 21 percent. In a miserable economy, the Final Four will be a jubilant magnification for the city of Detroit, who suddenly has absolutely no one to cheer for besides Michigan State basketball, which by the way… is in this year’s Final Four.  

Ethically and morally, the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan are two huge reasons why everyone will enjoy this particular Final Four. Just think what Detroit is going through during these pathetic times:  

1. The Lions are in the tank.  

2. Michigan football stinks.  

3. The Pistons suddenly have fallen off the map (not the “face of the Earth”… yet). 

4. Everyone knows the Tigers are going to be another dumpster fire. (Gary Sheffield was cut today and now they owe him $14 million.) In fact, the Tigers season tickets have plunged by 44 percent.  

5. The state is going through another harsh winter.  

6. The president fired head of General Motors.  

7. The auto industry is toast.  

8. Chrysler’s fundamentals are so bad they could print money in their basement for the rest of their life and still not have enough to bail themselves out of debt.  

As a bonus, it is not cheap to travel into Detroit. Go on the Internet and book a flight for Northwest Airlines in Detroit and it will empty your pockets quickly. Thank goodness this Final Four is not in Florida or Texas because there would be absolutely no one there. Lets not forget that airline tickets go up the closer you book the flight, and in this particular tournament you have to, unfortunately, book those tickets close to the flight date based on whether your team wins or not.  

A recent study also shows that 1/3 of the city of Detroit (that’s about the size of San Francisco) is completely vacant. Talk about a rough living in the “MO TOWN CITY.”  

With that said, lets give a big thank you to Michigan State basketball. If it were not for “Sparty” in this years’ Final Four, then we would see an empty 65,000-seat stadium (Ford Field). Michigan State is doing college basketball a huge favor in a decaying economy.  

Instead, Tom Izzo, who is dynamite as a coaching college basketball, will travel 75 miles north and try to win his second National Championship with a stadium full of butts.  

For once I am not bashing the Big 10 conference. Thank you Sparty!

Tuesday Tantrum - - Vol. 5

Hello kids, it is that time of the week again... a Tuesday.  

"Dallas Cops Gone Wild..."  

...is what I title my first tantrum. As most know by now, Houston Texans Ryan Moats was pulled over last week for running a stop light. Moats pulled the vehicle into a hospital parking lot and members of family, who was also in the car with Moats, started filing out of the vehicle. They got out of the car yelling at the officer telling him "our mother is dying."  

Here is where I stand on this one. If you have watched the video, I say the officer is correct for the first 90 seconds. As a cop, you have to bring some intensity and power when you first pull someone over because you have no idea what could be in the vehicle or what kind of people you are dealing with. But after that, Dallas police officer, Robert Powell, made a series of mistakes. We here stories time after time in Dallas about young cops.  

Lets face it. The guys who get in this business are young men who like power and violence. You know you feel more safe with an old cop then a young cop when you get pulled over. Young cops are all about being strict, where as the old cop have "been there and done that."  

INTERNET:  

Andrew Bynum is getting it on like a PLAYBOY BUNNY. Recently photographed, Bynum showed up on the beautiful "thing" called the internet. Now Laker message boards and Los Angeles radio is killing him. The picture shows Bynum hoisting a playmate on his shoulders at the Playboy Mansion. Bynum was in a green smoking jacket smiling with his "stunna shades" on. (He looked like he had a couple drinks in him through the shades.)  

This story shows how much the internet just stinks. Bynum, who is suppose to be rehabbing his right knee, has found the time to party. Who can blame him? I mean the Lakers just finished up an East coast road trip where they won every single game besides the last matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Everyone says Bynum was a step out of character by being at some Playboy party. I say, hey he would be doing the same thing on these road trips. NBA players hang out all the time on the road in all kinds of locations (clubs, parties, ect...). Plus, what can be a better rehab facility than the Playboy Mansion. ;) (haha.)  

JOHN CALIPARI:  

Finally, enough with this "He is not the best coach in America nor is he historically, Calipari does not deserve to be the highest paid coach."  

No he's not Coach K., or Roy Williams, or even Tom Izzo or Jim Calhoune, but that does not matter. Sources say Calipari has been offered an 8 year deal worth $35 million to be the newest Kentucky coach. The guy does deserve to be the hgihest paid coach because he is "NOW." The Coach K's are not out there and if you are Kentucky (a top 5 basketball program of all-time), then you have to go get your guy and Calipari is THE MAN. Enough said.

The Elite Cross-State

Boston, Mas. -- After enduring a brutal Big East schedule, the Pittsburgh Panthers (31-4) and the Villanova Wildcats (29-7) will matchup tonight for a ticket to Detroit and a trip to the Final Four next weekend.  

One of Pitt's three losses in the Big East play came back in late January when the Panthers loss 67-57. Villanova's Reggie Redding led all scorers with a career-high 18 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line. But the big story in that game was Nova's ability to shut down DeJuan Blair who had just seven points and eight boards.  

Many would say that Nova does not have a "true" big man to stop Blair-but who does?-and that forces teams to send all five guys to the lane to get a rebound.  

Pitt (31-4) is the toughest team in the nation... mentally. After pulling out a first round squeaker against East Tennessee State 72-62, the Panthers came back and had another second round matchup that played with them until the end. Pitt, obviously, won the second round game 84-76 over the Oklahoma State Cowboys despite turning the ball over 14 times. Then, just two nights ago, the Panthers needed a step back "Brooklyn" three-pointer from downtown Boston by Levance Fields to advance to the Elite 8. Pitt (31-4) won 60-55 over the Muskateers of Xavier.  

Meanwhile, the Wildcats had a first round scare against American, who had the lead until the 7:42 mark after Scottie Reynolds made a layup to tie it up at 55 and eventually taking the lead with a Dwayne Anderson 3-pointer to make it 58-55 Nova (31-4). The Wildcats slipped by with a 80-67 win. The second round game versus UCLA was an absolute romping. Nova (31-4) thumped Ben Howland's Bruins 89-69 to put them into the Sweet 16. Next on the list, Duke. Yet again Nova proved to be one of the hottest teams left in March Madness. Nova rolled all over Duke (30-7) 77-54 advancing to tonight where they will play for a chance to go to the FInal Four.  

Tonight will be a blast from the past. Both Nova and Pittsburgh know each other better than anybody. A cross-state rival, a Big East Rival, and a chance to go to the Final Four are all of the ingredients to be a hell of a basketball game.

Yes, another Alex Rodriguez story. But this time, we are NOT just talking about those pathetic lethal injections that half of baseball uses. No. This particular article is going to focus on the disastrous timeline of A-Rod's off-season mess.

A-Rod is making Andy Dick look like a role model. Lindsey Lohan called Rodriguez and said "shame on you for making celebs look so bad" (haha).

What a turmoil of events. Have you ever witnessed a more tragic off-season than Mr. Rodriguez is having at the time? First Madona. Then, the tell all book. Next, the needle comes into play (steroids). Recently, Details.com put out photos of him kissing himself in the mirror. Now, Madam Spitzer says she had a relationship with Rodriguez. This was also known as "The Call Girl Ring" situation.

I'm not an idealist. I'm a realist (Just like "my boi" Colin Cowherd). All the happenings mentioned above are not that bad. But in life, you have to avoid the BIG mistake. Take out the steroids, and Alex Rodriguez is not that bad of a guy. You can make 30 little mistakes in your career, but just avoid the BIG one.

When your young and rich, you need someone to just say NO. You get these guys like Matt Linert and Mike Tyson, who make a lot of money in the early parts of their careers, and they just screw up. Lots of time, money, and fame can equal a negative in a hurry, especially in sports.

Tuesday Tantrum - - Vol. 4

NCAA March Madness:

Oh, how sweet it is. The top three seeds from each region went 24-0. How is that for all of you who "love" the mid major junk ball. So far I give the NCAA an A+. The selection committee flat out nailed the seedings this year. There are no mid majors in the Sweet 16 and the lowest seed is one 12 seed (Arizona) which is a powerhouse basketball school anyway. Listen, the inequities and problems to this tournament have been teams playing close to home. Yes, the funds cannot be covered for some schools but Villanova playing in an arena that is literally two miles from their campus is NOT fair. UNC is 27-1 all-time in the state of North Carolina. Since 2004 Duke is 8-0 in the state of North Carolina. They are 3-5 in other states. Home court/state advantage is just not fair. But hey, you cannot always make sports truly fair. You cannot tell me that USC playing the Rose Bowl in their backyard is not an advantage. Heck, Oklahoma had to play Florida in Florida for this year's National Championship. Back to the selection committee, who flat out nailed the seeding as previously mentioned. The selection committee are like referees. You do not see when they are doing well. Lots of upsets usually means a lousy job by the selection committee. (Complaints always out weigh complements six to one according to a study in 2004.) You have to give credit to the committee because they watch so much basketball throughout the year. You are talking about guys who watch games like Sienna versus somebody I cannot pronounce in the middle of February. CBS was praying Cleveland State would lose to Wake Forest. What do you know... for the first time ever all the top three seeds advanced and the ratings were through the roof. I am not for the under dog. I am for the rich getting tax breaks. Either you have an agenda or your just not paying attention, these cinderella teams are not that good and that is why they are out of the tournament by the first weekend.

NFL:

There are three stories that agitated me today.

1. T.O. not showing up for a voluntary conditioning workout for his "newest team," the Buffalo Bills. Who honestly cares? T.O., as we all know, takes care of his body better than 90 percent of the players in the National Football League. The guy has a body that looks like he may eat one twizzler candy a year. I understand that this "voluntary" conditioning workout is not just about conditioning, it is about meeting your teammates and bonding with your quarterback if you are a wide receiver. I am sure Terrell Owens will be just fine trust me. The guy has a career in Men's Health Magazine after he retires and he has a bust in Canton, O.H.

2. The NFL's meeting are taking place in Claifornia this week and people are going out on a limb and griping about where the people are staying for these meetings. They happen to be staying in the St. Regis Hotel where the cheapest room is $400.00. Boo hoo people. The NFL is a well-run organization who makes a ton of money. These rooms are booked in advance and I do not care about how bad our economy is because the NFL, unlike most has the money to roll with. Seems like the rich get bashed every single day now that our economic times are bad when really they are the ones who are going to get us out of this mess because they have the money.

3. In the meetings, Roger Goodell, among others, discussed adding two more games to the NFL season. That would delete some of the pre-season games and make the season 18 games long. I dogged this idea as soon as I heard the addition. Honestly, what are the two most hated sports (though they do get a ton of attention and being in lots of money/people) -- that would be baseball and professional basketball. The National Basketaball Association and Major League Baseball get complaints all the time in the media about how long their season is. The NFL is a prolific league that makes a lot of money. I would argue that the league is the most well-run/organized/pure league there is out there in today's sporting world. NEWS FLASH NFL -- leave it be. Your sport is generating millions upon millions of dollars because the fans and media love the NFL... no need to change!

4. The Brady Rule

The NFL has already changed a rule during the meetings this week. THe rule implies: If you hit a quarterback below the knees, it will be a 15 yard penalty. The NFL is always tweaking rules that are unnecessary, but this time they added a brand new rule that was unnecessary. Now you are forced to NOT to hit the quarterback in the HEAD, BACK, and now BELO THE KNEES. Why do you not just put flags around there waist. I mean this is ridiculous. The quarterback position mine as well be called the "pre-madona" position. Get serious NFL committee. Just because Carson Palmer and Tom Brady went down does not mean you need to make a brand spanking new rule. I know that the quarterback is stationary and vulnerable, but it's FOOTBALL!

When You Got "IT," You Got "IT"

Daisuke Matsuzaka may get a lot of gripe as a pitcher from Japan but I am here to defend Mr. Matsuzaka. I am not your average baseball "guru." In fact, I can say that I watched maybe 25 to 30 full games the past two years and half of those I was probably there watching the game in person. There are too many baseball geeks out there and I honestly cannot stand the sport nearly as much as I use to when I was a child. But that is besides the fact...

I am here to defend Daisuke Matsuzaka because he gets too much crap from the fans and in some cases, the media. The only thing he has done is go 18-3 last year in a Boston Red Sox uniform. He was 4-1 in the playoffs. Right now he is 3-0 in the World Baseball Classic and he is not getting as much credit as he deserves. When credit is deserved, one shall get the legitimacy he or she deserves.

Daisuke or should I say, 2006 World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Player, went 3-0 in '06 with an ERA of 1.38. Yes, the "gyro ball" is here to stay. No, Daisuke is not going to give you a complete game, nor is he reliable passed the sixth inning but who cares? He wins 71 percent of his games dating back to when he was in high school in Japan. His average record as a professional in Japan was 16-6. When "ya" have game, "ya" got game. Daisuke is a flat out "playa." Give the guy some love and quit bashing him for absolutely nothing.

He's not going to give you more than seven innings but he is the kind of pitcher that can wiggle out of innings by forcing batters to hit ground balls. Get use to it, because Matsuzaka is going to be around for a while.

Oh, but he walks to many batter Mr. McCracken. Yes, Daisuke walks his fair share of batters but in 16 starts that he has walked three batters or more, he has an 11-1 record. Sit down and watch the guy pitch because he is flat out good.

When you have it, you have it. Daisuke has it, so get use to it baseball fans/nerds. I tend to love this guy. The "gyro ball" is going to be around for a long time to come.

AN Embarrassing Situation

The National Invitational Tournament, also known as either the "Not In Tournament" or what I like to call the "Not Important Tournament," is a complete joke. Most of us know that the NCAA Tournament is the real deal and the NIT is at least five steps down from being the "real deal." It's like the elementary kids that cannot play football after school with the middle school kids. The NIT is nothing but a pathetic tournament with sub-par teams that do not deserve another chance. Seriously, if you do not make the field of 65, then you should not deserve a chance to end your season on the so-called "good note," or "save your job" if you are a coach.

The tournament that they call the NIT is for the leftovers. Everyone knows the feelings when their mother says "you can eat leftovers for dinner tonight." Your gut tells you "ah man, I mine as well starve." The word "leftover" is nothing but negative and that is what the NIT is, a negative.

The tournament is for senior players who need that one last opportunity for a shot to strut there stuff to NBA scouts and win a game or two more. Who really cares? Hell, half of the coliseums are not even filled up. Kentucky had to play in their old gym because the Kentucky Boy's State Basketball Tournament was played in Rupp Arena. The tournament is so irrelevant that high school basketball has dibs over it. Give me a break would you? This tournament is to save the jobs of coaches and give another television contract to someone.

If anyone opposes, I would love to here your argument. The NIT is so unnecessary I do not know how someone even stays connected with it. I rather be invited to the tournament down from the NIT, the (CBI) College Basketball Invitational. What a joke the NIT is. It makes me feel like I am watching women's regular season basketball. The tournament does not even have a tournament feel. That's sad. The teams that are in this "NIT" do not belong anywhere but home. The coaches should be recruiting and players should be getting ready for summer practices. Instead, teams like New Mexico will travel 2,000 miles to the east coast and prove nothing.

Even if you win the tournament, do you really think people care? Oh boy, we get to hang a banner. Yeah, how sad is that... hanging a banner that says "We aren't important."

For those who think I am arrogant to say this just watch one of these games. Notre Dame still looks awful, lethal programs such as Kentucky can barely play on the same level as UNLV, and St Mary's was crying that they did not get into the tournament and they ended up being a two seed in the garbage NIT.

I prove my point. Case closed.

Tuesday Tantrum - - Vol. 3

Jay Cutler:

 

Mr. Cutler has been in my weekly "Tuesday Tantrum" post for two straight weeks now. This guy just does not get "it." Cutler has played in a weak division and he has a 17-20 record in the "Mile High City." He is childish as far as I am concerned. Be a man Jay Cutler. You are going to implode a locker room that is ten defensive players away from a first round playoff exit. There are 32 quarterbacks in the NFL and I would say that Cutler is in that upper echelon of quarterbacks, but he ultimately cannot control his destiny like he is trying to do. Josh McDaniels is a brand spanking new coach in Denver and he probably feels like he is on a tight wire with this situation. Come on Jay. You know you already have NO SHOT at making a run in the playoffs... because your defense is weak. Cutler is an above average quarterback, but he needs to shut up or stand by his word and be a moron. Whoever gets this guy... good luck. Thought I do think the best team for Cutler, would be Minnesota. The Vikings play eight games in door... virtually nine because Detroit is in that division. It would be a friendly city for a quarterback.

 

NIT:

 

The Not Important Tournament starts up tonight. The NIT is unwatchable basketball, unless your team is in it and that is usually NOT good. You probably are already disappointed that your team is not playing Thursday or Friday, but instead you get another home game. This tournament is for teams who did not deserve to play in the tournament of 65, therefore, the teams should not get another chance. But the NCAA is kind enough to make this tournament for teams that have those seniors on them so they do not whine. They also make it for coaches on the verge of getting fired. The NIT is a chance of redemption. They should just call it the CHANCE TOURNAMENT. Instead, the seniors and coaches can feel even more embarrassed after they lose to some 10 seed in the NIT.

 

Cinderella:

 

Though you probably already filled out your bracket of 65, you may want to go back and make some changes. Obviously everyone knows about the 5,12 upset. This year, the committee made it so easy, I might not even choose a 12 over a 5. Arizona is your lock to beat Utah, the 5th seed in the Midwest bracket. So lets get away from the 12 over 5 and lets look at a 14 over a 3. The North Dakota State Byson has everything it takes to beat Kansas in the first round. The last time Kansas got upset, it was by a Byson. North Dakota State has five (count them) five fifth year seniors. Do not be surprised if Bill Self's young Jayhawk team is booted out the first day in Minneapolis.

Your Just Not That Good

Big East basketball is so over rated, but no one realizes it because 70 percent of the people on the east coast grew up loving the Big East. Take out USC from Pac 10 football, and the conference is whack. Take out Connecticut in Big East basketball and the conference is weaker than a crippled kid in a wheel chair.

You say: How the heck are you going to say that Jamie?

Well take 20 years for instance. The Big East has had six teams in the Final Four in two decades. Think about it. If you are 35 years old right now, you were 15 two decades ago. Now you have two kids, a mortgage, and you hate your wife. That is a long time ok. Six teams in the Final Four that is it. Can’t count Louisville in 2005 because they were in Conference USA. Can’t count Marquette in 2003. Can’t count the 1992 Cincinnati team. The Big East is essentially the most over hyped conference since Pac 10 football.

I find the Final Four a good barometer to go by. The ACC is on a completely different level then the Big East as far as I am concerned. The Big East gets one final four team in every four years. The ACC has had 20 in the last 20 years. Just in case you cannot count, that is one team every year the ACC is taking to the Final Four. Even the harassed Big 10 conference is better than the Big East. They have had 15 teams in the past 20 years in the Final Four.

From 1988-1995, the Big East got just one team in the Final Four. During the ten-year stretch (1988-1998) they only got two teams in the Final Four and they never won. What an embarrassment. Not only does the ACC and the Big 10 crush the Big East as a conference, but how about the SEC. The south does not even care about basketball yet the three out of five teams that have gotten to the Final Four have won and that is the SEC.

Six teams in 20 years, that is not enough to get as much attention on every sports channel like the Big East does night in and night out. Especially this year when its top heavy and teams like Notre Dame, who was in the top 10 and who has four seniors that play significant minutes, and Georgetown who are “flippy floppy” teams.

When the Big 10 conference has a better past, then you know your conference is just not that good. Take out UCCON and maybe Syracuse; the rest of the conference has been mediocre at best. Minnesota, who is 7th in the Big 10, beat the Big East Champion Louisville. “Get some facts and come back and see me.” The “Big Least” is a complete bust. The ACC and the Big 10 boat ride the Big East- it is a joke. The ACC has more Championships, more Final Fours, and a better winning percentage in the tournament.

All you east coast bias, sit down, shut up, and get some perspective.

Tuesday Tantrum - - Vol. 2

I am sorry that the "Tuesday Tantrum" is getting posted so late but remember . . . I now write for numonefan.com so just check the website out and join if you want (add me as a teammate also). 

NHL Rules

So the NHL actually found some “hype” to talk about this weekend. Congratulations to the league. At the General Manager’s Meeting on Monday in Naples, Florida, small committees were divided up to discuss if fighting should be taken out of the game. Is this an issue we should even debate about? Seriously… get real… once again the NHL equals gullible. What an obtuse piece of information to discuss. I’m not saying that the discussion is irrelevant, but for a league that is built on violence, how are you going to take fighting out? (That includes if the league just takes out headshots). So what, keep your kids away from watching it until age appropriate. You keep them away from Pg-13 movies and rated R movies, why can you not keep them away from a sport, especially a sport that it is at the bottom of the totem poll to the majority. (There is a reason why Barry Melrose is only on ESPN every other night with a 3-5 minute segment.) So I don’t want to hear it hockey fans… your sport is almost worthless if you take out the second best thing there is in hockey (malicious kane) next to scoring goals.

March Madness Changes?

Of course, it is that time of year again – everyone wants to discuss how we can make the bracket better by giving more teams a chance. Some say (Bob Knight says) expand it to 128 teams and you only have one extra game which would be the only way I would be oppose of changing it if I absolutely had to vote (but that is besides the fact). Others (Jay Bilas and Doug Gotlieb - - who I respect a ton) say that we should still do the 31 automatic bids but the automatic bid should go to the regular season champion in the conference and NOT the tournament champion. On top of that they want a computer system for the other 34 “at large” bids. Come on, what is literally the highest rated sporting event, next to the Super Bowl… hmm do not worry you’ll probably get the question right (it is a level 200 question on Jeopardy). Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo BOOP boo doo doo doo . . . ok time is up. “What is,” the NCAA Tournament! No need to change anything. The event is one of the most prolific sporting fans get in their goody bag of events throughout the year. March Madness is too good. Never chang anything that already works!

Squash Anyone?

As I am reading Forbes magazine online, I come across one of their most famous aspects to the magazine- a survey. According to Forbes magazine, Squash is the healthiest sport. The sport squash got an overall rating of a 22.5 out of 25. It is estimated that you burn over 500 calories playing a half hour of Squash. Cardio respiratory endurance was rated a 4.5 out of 5 and muscular endurance was measured a 5 out of 5. I’m not throwing a tantrum here, but who would of thought that a sport where one WHACKS a hollow ball into a wall at high impact would be classified as the most healthiest sport….hmm.

T.O. To Buffalo 
I save the best for last. We all heard about the “BIG” signing in the NFL over the weekend. Yes, Terrell Owens is a Buffalo Bill or as his football fans are calling it, “retirement.” Seriously, does anyone think he will survive? I am a major T.O. supporter when critics bash him “most” of the “time.” However, not backing T.O. on this situation. You think T.O. drops balls in Dallas where it is 80 plus degrees everyday, wait until he goes to “O-H C-A-N-A-D-A” where it is – 10 below in week 3. Someone buying a Lamborghini in Montana is what this signing reminded me of…it just does not fit. T.O. does not have a quarterback that has proven himself but on the good side, he only has one year to work with. You would have to think that “Getcha Popcorn Ready Guy” would have to be on his best behavior… right? I think so.

South Bend Survives

Post-game

Notre Dame (18-13, 8-10) lives to play another day in the Big East Tournament as they were the victor beating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-21, 2-16) 61-50.  

It was the Fighting Irish's defense that stepped up and won the game on Tuesday night. Rutgers finished 21-63 (33 percent) from the field. The poor shooting was caused by the Irish's defense not allowing Rutgers to get to the basket.  

Notre Dame's Kyle McAlarney had 11 points for the 10th seed Irish but the main story was Tory Jackson. Jackson scored all 12 points of his points in the second half to lift the Irish to the win.  

Luke Harangody of the Irish had an off night with just 7 points and 11 rebounds. Harangody was averaging 23 and 12 coming into the game.  

Rutgers (11-21) were led by Hamady N'Diayne and the freshman (leading scorer), Mike Rosario. Both combined for a total of 26 points.  

Notre Dame (18-13) will play the 7th seed West Virginia Mountaineers (21-10, 10-8) tonight at 7 p.m..

A First Round Big East Matchup

Pre-Game

A tournament that gives all 16 teams in the conference an opportunity to play. A tournament for the right to earn an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament. A tournament that has a first round matchup of two teams that are looking to stay at least one more night in "The Big Apple."  

The Notre Dame FIghting Irish (17-13, 8-10) will play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-20, 2-16) tomorrow night at 7 pm in the world's most famous arena (Madison Square Garden).  

If you would have said Notre Dame would have been the 10th seed in the Big East Tournament at the beginning of the year, you might have been called all kinds of foul language names. The Irish are led by an All-Big East player and pre season All-American, Luke Harangody, Harangody is averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds a game.  

After starting the year 12-4 and a ranking in the top 10 in the month of January, the Irish dropped 7 in a row. The team finished a mere 5-3. The question now is... how many games do the Irish need to win to get in the NCAA Tournament, 2,3,4? Or do they have to win the tournament to guarantee themselves a spot?  

Meanwhile the Scarlet Knights are looking to gain experience with an extraordinary young team. Rutgers is led by a freshman, Mike Rosario, who is the only player averaging double figures on the team (16.3 ppg). Rutgers won just two Big East games this season but do not think that they cannot beat a Notre Dame team that had an exhausting losing season.  

Both programs are not only trying to do the improbable (win the Big East TOurnament and get the automatic bid), but the two are looking to gain valuable experience for next year.  

Whoever wins this first round matchup, will play the likes of West Virginia (21-10, 10-8) on Wednesday. The Mountaineers beat both teams during the regular season (74-56 over Rutgers and 79-68 over Notre Dame).

Gameday Is Here

(Sorry I never got this copied and pasted from the website). Here is the pre-game column. 

ESPN's College Gameday heads into Morgantown, W.Va. as the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals (24-5, 15-2) take on the West Virginia Mountaineers (21-9, 10-7).

After the Mountaineer's bitter rival (No. 3 Pittsburgh Panthers) defeated the No. 1 Connecticut Huskies for the second straight time this season earlier today, Louisville will decide the final outcome of the Big East Tournament seeding. If Louisville wins, they lock up the number one seed in the conference tournament. On the other side, if the Mountaineers win, Pittsburgh will be the "numero uno" seed.

West Virginia lost a month ago to the Cardinals 69-63 in Freedom Hall. WVU's Da'Sean Butler had 23 points and 8 rebounds, while scoring 19 of those points in the second half. Meanwhile, the Cardinals Jerry Smith had 20 points.

The Cardinals will not only be targeting the top seed in the Big East Tournament, but they will be trying to impress the NCAA Tournament committee for a number one seed in the bracket of 64.

There is no question that Louisville is one of, if not, the deepest team in America. Louisville coach Rick PItino will go 11 deep if needed. If the Mountaineers want to be victorious they will have to shoot better from the field overall as a team. In the first meeting, Louisville shot 55 percent as a team from the field while West Virginia shot a poor 35 percent. The Mountaineers will not only need to shoot the ball better, but not turn the ball over. Louisville is one of the longest teams in the nation. The Mountaineers will need to handle the full-court pressure. The Cards also have one of the better defensive efficiency ratings in the nation and the team averages 8 steals per game.

Louisville has proven to be one of the elite teams in the Big East. The Cardinals should win this game and here is why: (1) Defense, (2) size advantage, and (3) they are much more experienced. WVU plays three freshman (Devin Eebanks, Daryll "Truck" Bryant, and Kevin Jones) who average 20 plus minutes a game. Including two (Eebanks and Bryant) who play over 25 plus minutes.

The Big East, College Gameday, showdown should be an intense matchup between two teams who are fighting for Big East seeding, bragging rights, and most of all, end the season with a win.

Weeding Out The Problem Children

You know that feeling you get when you  throw out all  of the old Dorito bags that have been expired or all the old can food you give to the Salvation Army from your kitchen pantry. Well, the Dallas Cowboys have to be feeling good about themselves after cleaning their pantry of players out, especially after last night. 

Late last night the Cowboys discarded their diva receiver Terrell Owens. Owens was just one of four players to get the scissors. Tank Johnson, Roy Williams, and Adam "Pacman" Jones are also among the men not on the piece of paper that says "ROSTER." Many say that all of these guys were distractions in the locker room to some degree.  

Owens caught 34 touchdowns  the last 3 years with "Americas Team."  However, in his tenure at Dallas, T.O. was second among the league in dropped passes in his term as a Cowboy.

T.O. can be a headache outside of football, but on "gameday," he shows up. He rarely uses profanity, he's rarely ever been called a liar, and he rarely is ever in some king of "non-football related," crime. 

Win football games Dallas. You just got rid of a future Hall of Fame wide receiver. At age 35, Terrell Owens may be in his declining years but he is the only receiver Dallas that has had at least 10 touchdowns every season. The question is not where will T.O. end up now? The real question is can Roy Williams produce as a wide receiver in Dallas? Lets not forget that Tony Romo went 13-3 just two seasons ago. Romo can play, but will his core of "non-proven" receivers show up? Jason Witten, who T.O. supposedly alleged in a brawl with,  is one of the best, if not the best tight end in football, but Romo cannot work with just a tight end to win football games. 

T.O. was not helping the team win and he was  a cancer if nothing else. But Jerry Jones took a $9 million salary hit today- not good. T.O. might have been a toxic "Ken Doll," but this is not one of Jerry's proud days as an owner. Look at the situation this way Jerry, chemistry does matter. 

Take the Philadelphia Eagles for example. The Eagles are led by the most under rated quarterback of all-time in Donovan McNabb. McNabb is a great team player and he gets his team to the NFC Championship virtually every year with average talent at best. Perfect opposite of T.O. and a "primetime" example why McNabb and T.O. never lasted. Dallas has a plethora of talented athletes and they cannot win. Weeding out the problem children is nice, but now you have to win. That is the next ingredient on the instructions of a Super Bowl ring. 

So where does T.O. end up? You would certainly have to put Carolina, Tennessee, and San Diego in the equation. And throw out teams like, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Miami, Minnesota, and Arizona for obvious reasons. Carolina and Tennessee both had tremendous regular seasons and faulted in the playoffs. Both could use another experienced player and both head coaches (John Fox and Jeff Fisher) would not take any garbage. San Diego would also be a nice fit because they have the cap space, plus with Phillip Rivers under center, "aint" nothing or no one telling him what to do PERIOD. T.O. will be discussed like rapid fire in the media. Hey at least the story gives us something different to talk about besides A-Rod.

For now, Dallas has had a -A off season. Now they have to get rid of their marshmallow with a headset on coach, Wade Philips, and they would be in good shape. Get your popcorn ready because "America's Team" will be interesting. A new team in a new stadium. 

Tuesday Tantrum - - Vol. 1

After all kinds of ludacris garbage media that has happened over the past 48 hours, I have decided to start a blog on Tuesdays. The post will consist of my "rants" of the weekend into the following Monday . . . and here "we" . . .  go >>>

Jay Cutler:

Oh boy, where do I start with you Mr. Cutler (DENVER BRONCO QUARTERBACK)? First you go and act like a lunatic by saying that you should never be traded. Then you say your not going to talk to the team ... "right now." Seriously dude? You are 17-20 as a starter in Denver and that record my friend is in a weak division. Your average quarterback rating is 88.8. For someone who is interception-prone in a weak division... you should not be talking. Of course your going to be "trade bait" when you go 17-20 in a diluted division. Think about it people, Josh McDaniels, new head coach in Denver dealt with two humble and coachable quarterbacks in New England. Cutler is good. Very strong arm, got a swagger to him, but if he is going to act like a little kid that cannot get a Drumstick at the Go-Mart and whine and cry about just getting a slim jim, then get rid of him. Not suggesting it, but Cutler please GROW UP and quit being a cowherd.

Who got the better trade NE or KC?

How about NO ONE got the better end of the stick with the marshmallow. If you are going to ask who got the "probable," most reasonable deal it would be New England. Think about it. Bill "GENIUS (best coach alive)" Belichick got a second round draft pick for what would be a BACKUP quarterback (Matt Cassel) in their system and a linebacker that is a walking skeleton about to collapse (Mike Vrabel). Look at what New England and coach Belichick did with a 6th round pick (Tom Brady) and a 7th round pick (Matt Cassel). A second rounder is basically stealing candy away from a baby at this point for the franchise under Belichick. 

Well you say why not go for the Chiefs third overall pick Mr. McCracken? Um... because it does not make any sense. Why would the Patriots do that when they are trying and just in fact DID clear cap space of $ 18 million. They would have to pay that third overall pick three times that amount just in bonuses. It is all about space not alimony. Just another BRILLIANT move by Coach Belichick. 

Sidney Crosby:

Ok so I found this story just absurd. One of my favorite website "theonion," reported that National Hockey League phenomena "Sid the Kid" Crosby used and has been using his 15 percent employee discount card often. Crosby is set t use it multiple times for Penguins merchandise that includes: team-licensed garments, knits, caps, pencil cups ect. He says that the discount card has saved him hundreds of dollars on gifts for family and friends. Glad to see you are spending that $43.5 million wisely. At least he is doing the economy a favor but come on you tight "a$$." When you have the money, one should not be too conservative. I mean this story sounds like one you tell your grandma about some old lady in the grocery store using food stamps, yet using her debit card to buy a case of beer. Please Mr. Crosby, do us a favor and do not let something like this come out into the media. The story is a "look good," "feel good," "kind of embarrassing" story.