It would be easy (especially for an admitted KU fan) to write 1500 words about how the Jayhawks are the class of the league and this race is already over. Truth be told, the race probably is over, but there is still a lot at stake in this conference. So much so, that I'm mentioning the Hawks in the first paragraph and the last, besides that we're focusing on everyone else. The Jayhawks are everyone's choice to win the conference and barring disaster they will, I also expect them to lock up a #1 seed, perhaps the #1 overall. But enough about the favorites...
The Race for the Two Seed...
Coming in to this season I would have said A&M is a solid #2, if not in the argument as the best team in the conference. They've pretty much been what I expected and Billy Gillespie may already be regretting his move to Kentucky (although I doubt his bank account is). Still, Texas has been so good (dominating Tennessee and beating UCLA) that you have to put them in this debate. I'd have to say Texas has more talent but I've never been a huge Rick Barnes fan and I think A&M may be the better team. Odds are they split and both lose to Kansas, but I think A&M wins this race because Texas loses a couple of games they shouldn't.
The Battle for the Bye...
Realistically you might be able to make a case for anyone not named Oklahoma State, Colorado or Iowa State for the 4 seed. Mizzou looked solid at the beginning of the year, OU and Nebraska look much improved over last year, even Baylor has looked impressive at times (I really like Junior Curtis Jerrells). In my opinion though, this comes down to two teams, KSU and Texas Tech. Talent vs. coaching...Of course after Knight's latest debacle this is assuming he finishes the year without getting booted. Michael Beasley continues to amaze me and I'm almost certain he'll carry the Wildcats into the NCAA tournament...but I still like the Red Raiders for the 4 seed.
The Tournament Teams...
This being the last paragraph, we have to mention the Jayhawks here as a #1 seed, after that it's pretty murky. I like A&M and Texas to both receive three seeds, and if one of them sweeps the other or wins the Big 12 tournament they may sneak in as a 2. I think Texas Tech and Kansas State both get in, with Tech as an 8/9 seed and the Wildcats as a 10/11. Nebraska, Oklahoma and Baylor will all probably battle it out for the final spot and I'd give the edge to Nebraska right now. I actually think Oklahoma has the better resume, but I could see Nebraska picking up more wins playing in the North and they're already 11-2.
Final Projections
Kansas 14-2, #1 seed
A&M 13-3, #3 seed
Texas 12-4, #3 seed
Tech 10-6, #9 seed
KSU 10-6, #10 seed
Nebraska 9-7, #11 seed
Oklahoma 8-8, NIT
Missouri 6-10, NIT
Baylor 5-11
Iowa St 4-12
OSU 3-13
Colorado 2-14
The Awards
Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (and whatever else you want to give him)- Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year- Doc Sadler
All Big 12 First Team
Michael Beasley
DJ Augustin
Aleks Maric
Curtis Jerrells
Joseph Jones
Monday, January 7, 2008
KC Sports Report not the only one making a comeback
So last night was the return of American Gladiators and I couldn't resist saying a few things about it. First and foremost, I loved it. I grew up on the original, and on Hulk Hogan...I thought putting them together was brilliant. Laila Ali as the other host was fine as well, but I thought Hulk carried her.
The Gladitors are a smorgasbord of good and bad. Wolf is going to become a cult hero of epic proportions, especially if he's in every other event like he was last night. Titan, on the other hand, notsomuch. But you know what? He was hilarious.
As far as the girls, most of them aren't quite as scary as the old girls were, except Hellga of course...I had nightmares about her. And Crush? I may have to stop talking about her so much or my photobloggrapher is going to make me stop watching the show.
Besides the Gladiators, we had a blown out knee and bloody forehead in the first episode...not to mention a tattooed skater, an Asian geek (who won), and single mom, a firefighter...a little bit of everything.
Yeah the show is cheesy (the original wasn't?) and the interviews are worse, but overall I'd give it a 9 out of 10. Why? It's fun for the whole family. It's on again tonight at 7 and my kids can't wait to watch...heck, I'm even a little excited...how many shows are on TV today that you can watch with your kids and both get a kick out of?
The Gladitors are a smorgasbord of good and bad. Wolf is going to become a cult hero of epic proportions, especially if he's in every other event like he was last night. Titan, on the other hand, notsomuch. But you know what? He was hilarious.
As far as the girls, most of them aren't quite as scary as the old girls were, except Hellga of course...I had nightmares about her. And Crush? I may have to stop talking about her so much or my photobloggrapher is going to make me stop watching the show.
Besides the Gladiators, we had a blown out knee and bloody forehead in the first episode...not to mention a tattooed skater, an Asian geek (who won), and single mom, a firefighter...a little bit of everything.
Yeah the show is cheesy (the original wasn't?) and the interviews are worse, but overall I'd give it a 9 out of 10. Why? It's fun for the whole family. It's on again tonight at 7 and my kids can't wait to watch...heck, I'm even a little excited...how many shows are on TV today that you can watch with your kids and both get a kick out of?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Too Blue?
I received some feedback last night that perhaps the Sports Report was becoming too focused on the Kansas Jayhawks. Worse yet I received comparisons to notorious KU homer Marty Wall of 610 Sports. My thoughts are mixed...
For one I think the accusations are probably somewhat accurate as I'm a KU fan and everyone knows it. But I've tried pretty hard to be unbiased, picking the Tigers to destroy Arkansas and writing what I thought was a glowing review of Tony Temple's Cotton Bowl performance. I've even defended Head Coach Mike Anderson against MU fans. But apparently the overtone is still there, sorry.
On the other hand, having lived in KC my entire life, I've always heard Mizzou fans refer to the KU Star, referencing a perceived bias towards the Jayhawks. I also hear people calling in to sports talk radio hosts complaining about more coverage for the Jayhawks. So is it just me? Is it everyone? Or is it Tiger fans' perception?
I think it's a little of all of the above. The fact is, Kansas City is closer to Lawrence than Columbia or Manhatten, and during basketball season there are a lot more positive things to write about the Jayhawks. I'll try to keep my bias in check with the rest of the Kansas City media as long as Tiger fans promise to keep complaining to me about it.
For one I think the accusations are probably somewhat accurate as I'm a KU fan and everyone knows it. But I've tried pretty hard to be unbiased, picking the Tigers to destroy Arkansas and writing what I thought was a glowing review of Tony Temple's Cotton Bowl performance. I've even defended Head Coach Mike Anderson against MU fans. But apparently the overtone is still there, sorry.
On the other hand, having lived in KC my entire life, I've always heard Mizzou fans refer to the KU Star, referencing a perceived bias towards the Jayhawks. I also hear people calling in to sports talk radio hosts complaining about more coverage for the Jayhawks. So is it just me? Is it everyone? Or is it Tiger fans' perception?
I think it's a little of all of the above. The fact is, Kansas City is closer to Lawrence than Columbia or Manhatten, and during basketball season there are a lot more positive things to write about the Jayhawks. I'll try to keep my bias in check with the rest of the Kansas City media as long as Tiger fans promise to keep complaining to me about it.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Season We'd Better Remember
I'll be honest, when it came time to write this today I really didn't want to. Who really wants to think about this Chiefs season anyways? Not me...and maybe not you. Here's the problem with that line of thinking: It's exactly what Carl wants. It's a lot better for him if we all forget just how painful this last year was. Much better than being as angry as we should be about it.
It's hard to even remember that at one point the Chiefs stood 4-3, in first place in AFC West. What happened? For one, the Brodie Croyle experiment. Honestly, I'm not upset that Croyle was given the chance that he was. I've always wanted the Chiefs to develop a QB and you can't do that without seeing what you have. What's upsetting is that the Chiefs plan on starting Brodie next year as well. I don't think the kid will go winless like he did last year but it does ensure another losing season. When was the last time a reasonable Chiefs fan felt like they had no chance to win? Before Carl got here.
That's what scares me the most - Carl wanting to sell tickets. The worst thing this team can do is try to patch together a wild card team around Brodie Croyle. If we want to start Brodie next year, it needs to be a complete rebuild project. Draft a couple of lineman, a couple of corners, maybe a wide receiver or two. Then start them all year long, take another 3-13 or 4-12 and improve with draft picks again...save all of our free agent money for 2009. If by some chance Brodie improves next year then maybe we can build a playoff team around him but there are very few, if any, teams that could have won with him this year. Adding a couple of free agents to current debacle of a team will not help.
The other bonus of going 3-13 or 4-12 next year? It may give us an opportunity to go a new direction with our GM and head coach. I understand Carl rebuilt this franchise (with help from Marty), but the time has come for him to hand over personnel decisions, if he won't do it then he needs to be fired. My feelings on Herm are well documented, he needs to go.
The other major negative form this year? Larry Johnson is still a Chief. If you read my year in review, you know my thoughts on LJ. If you didn't I'll say it again...he's always been at his best when he has something to prove. At Penn State he felt jilted by not playing as underclassman, with the Chiefs it was first Priest Holmes and then working for a contract. Well, now he has a fat contract and a firm lock on a starting job...all that adds up to him being the most overpaid player in the NFL for as long as he's with the Chiefs in my estimation.
So yeah, that's how bad it is...our best player is a fraud, our quarterback of the future has no future and my plan to save the Chiefs is more losing and lots of it. Seems silly, but if one 4-12 debacle isn't enough for Clark to can Carl and Herm we can only hope that two is. If not, apathy may be the only way for this Chiefs' fan to stay sane.
On a more positive note, my list of the ten players that can help the Chiefs in the future:
1. Jared Allen
2. Dwayne Bowe
3. Tamba Hali
4. Derrick Johnson
5. Benny Sapp
6. Bernard Pollard
7. Jarrad Page
8. Kolby Smith
Okay, so I only go to eight...think I missed someone? Tell me about it in the comments section, just don't tell me I forgot LJ...
Let me try one more time to finish on a high note....Tony Gonzalez. Amidst all of the Chiefs struggles this season, I'm afraid Gonzo's accomplishments went mostly overlooked. 99 catches for 1172 yards and 5 TDs is impressive enough, but that's the least of it. This season he broke the record for all-time touchdowns by a tight end and receptions by a tight end. The one good thing you can say Carl has done is make sure this guy will retire a Chief...maybe the best one ever.
It's hard to even remember that at one point the Chiefs stood 4-3, in first place in AFC West. What happened? For one, the Brodie Croyle experiment. Honestly, I'm not upset that Croyle was given the chance that he was. I've always wanted the Chiefs to develop a QB and you can't do that without seeing what you have. What's upsetting is that the Chiefs plan on starting Brodie next year as well. I don't think the kid will go winless like he did last year but it does ensure another losing season. When was the last time a reasonable Chiefs fan felt like they had no chance to win? Before Carl got here.
That's what scares me the most - Carl wanting to sell tickets. The worst thing this team can do is try to patch together a wild card team around Brodie Croyle. If we want to start Brodie next year, it needs to be a complete rebuild project. Draft a couple of lineman, a couple of corners, maybe a wide receiver or two. Then start them all year long, take another 3-13 or 4-12 and improve with draft picks again...save all of our free agent money for 2009. If by some chance Brodie improves next year then maybe we can build a playoff team around him but there are very few, if any, teams that could have won with him this year. Adding a couple of free agents to current debacle of a team will not help.
The other bonus of going 3-13 or 4-12 next year? It may give us an opportunity to go a new direction with our GM and head coach. I understand Carl rebuilt this franchise (with help from Marty), but the time has come for him to hand over personnel decisions, if he won't do it then he needs to be fired. My feelings on Herm are well documented, he needs to go.
The other major negative form this year? Larry Johnson is still a Chief. If you read my year in review, you know my thoughts on LJ. If you didn't I'll say it again...he's always been at his best when he has something to prove. At Penn State he felt jilted by not playing as underclassman, with the Chiefs it was first Priest Holmes and then working for a contract. Well, now he has a fat contract and a firm lock on a starting job...all that adds up to him being the most overpaid player in the NFL for as long as he's with the Chiefs in my estimation.
So yeah, that's how bad it is...our best player is a fraud, our quarterback of the future has no future and my plan to save the Chiefs is more losing and lots of it. Seems silly, but if one 4-12 debacle isn't enough for Clark to can Carl and Herm we can only hope that two is. If not, apathy may be the only way for this Chiefs' fan to stay sane.
On a more positive note, my list of the ten players that can help the Chiefs in the future:
1. Jared Allen
2. Dwayne Bowe
3. Tamba Hali
4. Derrick Johnson
5. Benny Sapp
6. Bernard Pollard
7. Jarrad Page
8. Kolby Smith
Okay, so I only go to eight...think I missed someone? Tell me about it in the comments section, just don't tell me I forgot LJ...
Let me try one more time to finish on a high note....Tony Gonzalez. Amidst all of the Chiefs struggles this season, I'm afraid Gonzo's accomplishments went mostly overlooked. 99 catches for 1172 yards and 5 TDs is impressive enough, but that's the least of it. This season he broke the record for all-time touchdowns by a tight end and receptions by a tight end. The one good thing you can say Carl has done is make sure this guy will retire a Chief...maybe the best one ever.
Friday, January 4, 2008
WTF is Friday Funnies?
Last week it was Christmas Pinatas... which up until Tony Temple, Superstar was my highest rated blog. This week? What else but an ode to that fat man...not much is funnier apparently...
We'll start with Mangino going ape nuts on Raymond Pendelton...
...and I guess now we know where the rumors of Mangino eating the mascot came from. He is actually larger than the mascot...
For non stop Mangino attacks visit here
And here is an article from the Big Red Network on how fat Mangino is
Seriously, the guy is just hilarious too look at, even when he's elated, he's elating us. Mark Mangino is a giver of joy.
And finally, a longer slide show from You Tube of Mangino photo-shopped into some pretty hilarious settings to the tune of Weird Al.
Now for the punch line. Last night the Fat Man got the last laugh. Was it his celebrity created by his obesity that got the Jayhawks in the Orange Bowl? Admittedly that may be a stretch....but it's no stretch at all to say the fat man out-coached Frank Beamer something fierce last night. Everyone that watched the game knew that. So yeah, that was a twinkle in the fat Man's eye on the past game show last night. Make all the jokes you like that he was dreaming of his next meal, he really doesn't seem to mind...especially on night's like last night.
We'll start with Mangino going ape nuts on Raymond Pendelton...
...and I guess now we know where the rumors of Mangino eating the mascot came from. He is actually larger than the mascot...
For non stop Mangino attacks visit here
And here is an article from the Big Red Network on how fat Mangino is
Seriously, the guy is just hilarious too look at, even when he's elated, he's elating us. Mark Mangino is a giver of joy.
And finally, a longer slide show from You Tube of Mangino photo-shopped into some pretty hilarious settings to the tune of Weird Al.
Now for the punch line. Last night the Fat Man got the last laugh. Was it his celebrity created by his obesity that got the Jayhawks in the Orange Bowl? Admittedly that may be a stretch....but it's no stretch at all to say the fat man out-coached Frank Beamer something fierce last night. Everyone that watched the game knew that. So yeah, that was a twinkle in the fat Man's eye on the past game show last night. Make all the jokes you like that he was dreaming of his next meal, he really doesn't seem to mind...especially on night's like last night.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Jayhawk Wrap Up
I thought the best way to start today was to clean up my mess from last night. I ran a game blog and for those of you that read it I'd like to apologize for stopping at the end of three quarters. First I had to deal with tucking in kids, and then it got stressful so I started drinking. I'm trying really hard to avoid blogging while drinking, so I didn't come back. If you were feeling like I was blogs weren't on your mind. What was?
1. This has to be the greatest day to be a Kansas Jayhawk fan since 1988. Kansas just finished a 12-1 season with a BCS victory in the Orange Bowl. Read that last sentence again....wow. And since football season is officially over now (approximately 4 months later than it usually is in Lawrence), how about the basketball team? 13-0 ain't bad at all.
2. I kind of likes the red jerseys, but only for special occasions. Maybe only for January bowl games.
3. Todd Reesing is going to be nicknamed Sod Reesing before long. He has to learn to slide before next year.
4. Speaking of next year, Mangino must find a good kicker by then. With a much tougher schedule next year the Jayhawks will probably have 3-4 games decided by field goals.
5. And this is the big one. MU and KU fans will argue until next year about who had the better year. MU beat KU, KU won a BCS game, MU won the North, KU only lost one game, etc etc etc I guess that's all fun and everything but let's not forget the big picture here. This is the single greatest college football season in Kansas City history. The game at Arrowhead, the success of both of these teams, all of it combined to make a miserable Chiefs season completely bearable. You know what else? The Big 12 North is back in a big way. Two North teams in the top 6(maybe higher)? College football in this area is alive in a way it never has been.
Congrats to the Tigers and the Jayhawks, let's enjoy it.
1. This has to be the greatest day to be a Kansas Jayhawk fan since 1988. Kansas just finished a 12-1 season with a BCS victory in the Orange Bowl. Read that last sentence again....wow. And since football season is officially over now (approximately 4 months later than it usually is in Lawrence), how about the basketball team? 13-0 ain't bad at all.
2. I kind of likes the red jerseys, but only for special occasions. Maybe only for January bowl games.
3. Todd Reesing is going to be nicknamed Sod Reesing before long. He has to learn to slide before next year.
4. Speaking of next year, Mangino must find a good kicker by then. With a much tougher schedule next year the Jayhawks will probably have 3-4 games decided by field goals.
5. And this is the big one. MU and KU fans will argue until next year about who had the better year. MU beat KU, KU won a BCS game, MU won the North, KU only lost one game, etc etc etc I guess that's all fun and everything but let's not forget the big picture here. This is the single greatest college football season in Kansas City history. The game at Arrowhead, the success of both of these teams, all of it combined to make a miserable Chiefs season completely bearable. You know what else? The Big 12 North is back in a big way. Two North teams in the top 6(maybe higher)? College football in this area is alive in a way it never has been.
Congrats to the Tigers and the Jayhawks, let's enjoy it.
Randomness
A few thoughts...
- Watching West Virginia dismantle OU really made me want to change my KU/ Va Tech prediction tonight. The Mountaineers played the underdog role perfectly and completely surprised the Sooners....I could see the Jayhawks doing the same thing tonight. But I'm sticking with my instinct, VT 19, KU 17.
- For those of you wondering what happened to my correspondent in Dallas, Jay Caesar, he became ill and according to rumors missed the game altogether. What caused this illness? I have no idea and wouldn't want to speculate but I'd say Tony Temple cured a lot of it.
- DA is gone, but his website isn't. He said his goodbyes here and it really makes you wonder what happened. Listen, 610 Sports has always been second rate in my opinion but this is absurd. They consistently get dominated by 810 in the ratings and this won't help. First we had Whitlock's on air debacle and now this. Like I said, I've always been an 810 guy but DA was still my favorite on air personality, hopefully the guys at 810 will pick him up soon and continue to mop the floor with 610.
- Thanks to my buddies at Tigerboard for unearthing the Bo Jackson link in the links section on the left. . Always good to read about Bo...really glad to see the guy seems so happy.
- I'm going to try to post some thoughts before, during and after the game tonight...it could be interesting...
- Watching West Virginia dismantle OU really made me want to change my KU/ Va Tech prediction tonight. The Mountaineers played the underdog role perfectly and completely surprised the Sooners....I could see the Jayhawks doing the same thing tonight. But I'm sticking with my instinct, VT 19, KU 17.
- For those of you wondering what happened to my correspondent in Dallas, Jay Caesar, he became ill and according to rumors missed the game altogether. What caused this illness? I have no idea and wouldn't want to speculate but I'd say Tony Temple cured a lot of it.
- DA is gone, but his website isn't. He said his goodbyes here and it really makes you wonder what happened. Listen, 610 Sports has always been second rate in my opinion but this is absurd. They consistently get dominated by 810 in the ratings and this won't help. First we had Whitlock's on air debacle and now this. Like I said, I've always been an 810 guy but DA was still my favorite on air personality, hopefully the guys at 810 will pick him up soon and continue to mop the floor with 610.
- Thanks to my buddies at Tigerboard for unearthing the Bo Jackson link in the links section on the left. . Always good to read about Bo...really glad to see the guy seems so happy.
- I'm going to try to post some thoughts before, during and after the game tonight...it could be interesting...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Tony Temple, Superstar
For four years Tiger fans have been waiting for Tony Temple to live up to the hype. Not that he's had a bad career by any stretch of the imagination...but just not quite what everyone expected from the phenom from Rockhurst. But this? This was more than anyone ever expected. 281 yards, 4 TDs, 11.7 yards per carry...absurd numbers in any game. In the Cotton Bowl, on New Year's Day, to break 50 year old records? No, not even the biggest of Temple supporters expected this.
The Tony Temple era got off to a rocky start in 2004 because of what many viewed as a boneheaded decision by head coach Gary Pinkel. Pinkel pulled his redshirt against Nebraska, Temple carried the ball 6 times for 13 yards before getting hurt, and Tony Temple's freshman season was over. Personally, I think Pinkel's decision put a bad taste in many Tiger fans mouths that seemed to only get worse in 2005 when he ran for 437 yards. Half way through his career as a Tiger, Temple had 450 yards rushing, not exactly what he or anyone else envisioned.
Maybe that's why when he ran for 1063 yards last year, no one was jumping up and down singing Temple's praises. Even his 194 yard, 2 TD outburst was overshadowed by Oregon State's comeback in the Sun Bowl.
But this year there would be no overshadowing Temple. No controversial coaching decisions, no late game debacles, just Tony Temple doing what everyone had hoped he always would. Breaking tackles, scoring touchdowns, leading Mizzou to a victory in a New year's Day bowl...this was the dream Tiger fans and Temple had when he agreed to come to Missouri.
Two things stood out to me from this game. The first was Temple's first touchdown run. He flat out looked inspired, as if there would be no stopping him that day. How long had Tiger fans and coaches been waiting for that? The second was him being carried off the field by his teammates after his last touchdown run. Temple had given everything his body could and now his teammates were carrying him off the field to the cheers of Tiger fans after a record breaking day. How long had Tony Temple been waiting for that?
The Tony Temple era got off to a rocky start in 2004 because of what many viewed as a boneheaded decision by head coach Gary Pinkel. Pinkel pulled his redshirt against Nebraska, Temple carried the ball 6 times for 13 yards before getting hurt, and Tony Temple's freshman season was over. Personally, I think Pinkel's decision put a bad taste in many Tiger fans mouths that seemed to only get worse in 2005 when he ran for 437 yards. Half way through his career as a Tiger, Temple had 450 yards rushing, not exactly what he or anyone else envisioned.
Maybe that's why when he ran for 1063 yards last year, no one was jumping up and down singing Temple's praises. Even his 194 yard, 2 TD outburst was overshadowed by Oregon State's comeback in the Sun Bowl.
But this year there would be no overshadowing Temple. No controversial coaching decisions, no late game debacles, just Tony Temple doing what everyone had hoped he always would. Breaking tackles, scoring touchdowns, leading Mizzou to a victory in a New year's Day bowl...this was the dream Tiger fans and Temple had when he agreed to come to Missouri.
Two things stood out to me from this game. The first was Temple's first touchdown run. He flat out looked inspired, as if there would be no stopping him that day. How long had Tiger fans and coaches been waiting for that? The second was him being carried off the field by his teammates after his last touchdown run. Temple had given everything his body could and now his teammates were carrying him off the field to the cheers of Tiger fans after a record breaking day. How long had Tony Temple been waiting for that?
Solari Fired!
Who would have thought it? Not only does 2008 start off with a dominating performance from the Tigers, but now Mike Solari and three others have been fired. This had to happen, and even though Herm and Carl should be going with them, it is progress. In better news, quarterbacks coach Dick Curl was not one of the coaches fired. Who doesn't love that guy?
Links time...
This what the Chiefs should have done: http://www.firehermedwards.com/
I was disappointed the Royals don't have their Spring Training countdown up, but felt better when I found this: http://www.billybutler.com/ . Bet I'm not the only one that's pining for baseball.
According to this site Michael Beasley is the #1 pick over all next year, while Sasha Kaun and Darnell Jackson both go in the second round. No mention of Brandon Rush or Darrel Arthur.
http://www.maxpreps.com/ is the best free site I've found for High School stats. These guys are really in depth with their free information, and I love free information.
That's all for now. If we're ever able to locate our Tiger correspondent in Dallas (he may still be celebrating) we may have our Trip Blog up this afternoon. If not, then the Tony the Tiger column will be up around 1 PM. Let's just hope 2008 continues as well as it's gone so far.
Links time...
This what the Chiefs should have done: http://www.firehermedwards.com/
I was disappointed the Royals don't have their Spring Training countdown up, but felt better when I found this: http://www.billybutler.com/ . Bet I'm not the only one that's pining for baseball.
According to this site Michael Beasley is the #1 pick over all next year, while Sasha Kaun and Darnell Jackson both go in the second round. No mention of Brandon Rush or Darrel Arthur.
http://www.maxpreps.com/ is the best free site I've found for High School stats. These guys are really in depth with their free information, and I love free information.
That's all for now. If we're ever able to locate our Tiger correspondent in Dallas (he may still be celebrating) we may have our Trip Blog up this afternoon. If not, then the Tony the Tiger column will be up around 1 PM. Let's just hope 2008 continues as well as it's gone so far.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
What a start!
So I was all pumped up to write my 2008 Crystal Ball Report, probably as excited as I've been yet, then Tony Temple and the Tigers gave me something else to write about. So, tomorrow afternoon I'll write my ode to Tony and his career at Mizzou, for now I'll stick to fearless prognostication...my specialty. Notice I didn't say on-target prognostication was my specialty. Without further ado, my 2008 Crystal Ball...
- The Jayhawks fall 19-17 in a very tight battle with the Hokies, but it's the last time this month the Jayhawks will have anything to be sad about. That's right, the basketball Hawks go 8-0 in January getting a great head start to the Big 12 season. The Jayhawks sit at 13-0 now and I predict they'll end up with 3 or less losses, a number one seed, and a Final Four appearance. Contrary to popular opinion, Mark Mangino will not eat the Orange Bowl mascot at halftime.
- January won't be as kind to the Tigers who start with a gimme against UMKC but will struggle in Big 12 play this year. As I've said over and over this year, don't expect Mike Anderson to turn this team into something it's not. I predict 9-7 for the Tigers this season with a nice run in the NIT.
- Despite an embarrassing loss to Xavier yesterday, I think K-State basketball finishes 10-6 and sneaks into the tourney on only because everyone wants to see if Michael Beasley can pull a Carmelo Anthony. He can't, but I bet the Wildcats make a Sweet 16 run.
- One final college not for the Spring, the Tigers make a return appearance in the College Word Series after winning the Big 12.
- Jose Guillen "Guillen" makes Dayton look smart again, breaking Bye Bye Balboni's home run record with 38 in 140 games.
- Gil "Monster" Meche, "Wacky" Zack Greinke and Brian Bannister "Mall" combine for 42 wins and a sub 4.00 era.
- The Royals win 84 games and finish in 3rd in the best division in baseball. (Disclaimer: These predictions are subject to change once the Kool Aid Drinker takes over in March, sometimes he's a little more optimistic.)
- Michael Beasley and Bill Walker leave KSU early, Beasley looks smart and goes top 5 while Walker falls to the second round behind Brandon Rush and Darrel Arthur.
- Albert Pujols suffers a major injury, retires and admits that he's really 43.
- The Chiefs pick up Chad Pennington and Laverneus Coles as King Carl tries to convince us that adding two turds to a bowl of turds makes it stop stinking.
- The Chiefs 1st round pick holds out until the third preseason game and then doesn't start more than 3 games all season.
- Kevin Ross leads the Brigade to the AFL Championship game, falling one win shy of the title.
- Brodie Croyle starts the season as the Chiefs quarterback and proves to everyone for once and for all that he is not an NFL caliber QB.
- Herm Edwards has a Hal McRae-like breakdown in a press conference.
- KU/MU at Arrowhead is once again a battle of ranked teams vying for the North title. This time Mizzou is undefeated, and this time the Jayhawks win.
- Neither Kansas or Missouri makes a BCS game, and the Wildcats miss out on the bowls all together again. Ron Prince finds himself squarely on the hot seat.
- The Chiefs miss the playoffs again at 5-11 as Carl and Herm end their reign of terror in Kansas City.
- Missouri and Kansas both start off 10-2, with Kansas State starting 7-6, losing at least three embarrassing games. Bob Huggins continues to receive hate mail from Manhatten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)