Yeah, I know I said the fantasy story lines for this week’s Chiefs-Chargers game was coming today…and maybe it still will. But right now, I’m a little too frustrated to think that logically. Turner Gill has to go…like now. He’s damaging a program that was already pretty damn low. Gill’s been so bad, that he’s actually tarnishing the legacy of Terry Allen. How is that even possible? All I hear is about how Turner Gill is just like Terry Allen, too nice a guy, too bad a coach. I’m not here to defend Terry Allen but..well…yes I am. Terry Allen was nowhere near as bad as Turner Gill.
First and foremost, Terry Allen was a more successful coach when he got to Kansas. 75-26 at Northern Iowa is much more impressive than 20-30 at Buffalo. Gill had ONE winning season when he was hired to coach Kansas. Allen had never had a losing season. Sure Buffalo was a historically bad program before Gill got there, and No. Iowa is a Division 1-AA school… but how in the world do you hire a coach that’s 10 games under .500 at a MAC school!?!?!? At least with Allen there was some hope that his 1-AA success would translate to the next level. With Gill there’s never been any hope at all.
Second, Kansas was much more competitive under Allen than they have been under Gill. As if 5-15 (1-12 in the BIG 12) isn’t bad enough, Gill’s Jayhawks have been embarrassed in just about every way imaginable and it started on Day One:
- 6-3 loss to North Dakota State (Allen never lost to a Div1-AA school and was 9-3 all time against schools that weren’t from BCS conferences)
- Ten of their fifteen losses have come by 28 points or more (Allen had 12 losses of 28 points or more…in FOUR AND HALF YEARS!)
- The Jayhawks have given up 353 points through 8 games (Allen’s teams gave up more than 353 in an entire season twice…359 in 2000 and 354 in 1999)
It’s not just the failures that indict Gill. It’s his (minor) successes as well. The five wins for the Jayhawks so far?
28-25 over Georgia Tech (6-7)
42-16 over New Mexico State (2-10)
52-45 over Colorado (5-7)
42-24 over 1AA McNeese St
45-42 over Northern Illinois
Pretty unimpressive right? Now, Allen won more than 5 games over his first 20 games (8 to be exact) but I was afraid some people would give Glen Mason too much credit for that (I’m sure Mason was diligently recruiting while he tried to plan his escape route, but anyway). So, let’s look at Allen’s last 20 games…the games that got him fired. He was 7-13, and here are his wins:
31-28 over Iowa State (4-7)
23-20 over UAB (7-4)
42-0 over Southern Illinois (3-8)
38-17 over Missouri (3-8)
23-15 over Colorado (3-8)
24-10 over 1AA Missouri State
34-31 over Texas Tech (7-5)
Not exactly awe-inspiring but measurably better than Gill right? I mean he beat Missouri (3 times in 4 1/2 years), he beat a bowl team, he beat a team from the south...and that was the worst stretch of Allen’s career at Kansas!
Listen, I’m not calling on the Jayhawks to bring back Terry Allen. He was not a good football coach. He never had a winning record, never made a bowl game, and frankly hasn’t done much at Missouri State since leaving. I am calling on the fans, media, etc. to stop comparing Gill to Terry Allen. Because as bad as Terry Allen was, Turner Gill might be the worst coach in Big 12 (World?) history.
Showing posts with label Kansas Jayhawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas Jayhawks. Show all posts
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tigers should embrace the Big East
Well, someone has to be the last to write about Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State to the Big East. I know the story has been discussed, but my question is more about the discussion of it than the story itself. Kansas and K-State fans seem to see this as a best case scenario (assuming Baylor doesn't save the Big 12), while the reaction of the Missouri fan base seems to be the exact opposite. Two quick thoughts on this:
1. I thought last year's runaround from the Big 10(12) might have lowered the self-perception in Columbia down to a more realistic level...but I guess not. I don't dispute that the Tigers are the most attractive of the three schools, I'm just not sure that's getting you invited to the Big 10(12) or the SEC anytime soon.
2. Why in the world do the Tigers want to go to those places anyway? Prestige? Winning gets you prestige. Just for a moment, where do the Tigers fit in the SEC? Below Alabama, Florida, LSU and Auburn, right? Tennessee and Georgia have been down...but history tells us they'll rise again. Comfortably ahead of Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt...which leaves us Arkansas, South Carolina (as long as the OBC is there) and Ole Miss as Missouri's peers in the SEC. In other words, the Tigers are within a game or two of .500 team most years, certainly not the level of prestige they've built in the Big 12.
On the other hand, they could preserve their rivalries with Kansas and K-State and move into a football conference with a BCS slot that they would have a legitimate shot at winning each season. The article I linked above projects a western division of the Big East as MU, KU, KSU, Louisville, Cincinnati, and TCU. IMO, that's a more accurate reflection of where the Tigers belong...and where they can succeed.
Is mediocrity in the SEC better than success in the Big East? Not if they both lead to the same BCS or playoff system. Not with the Big East getting ready to renegotiate their TV deal in 2012. Certainly not if you measure success in conference championships, BCS bowl games or (dare to dream) National Championships. It may seem unlikely, but the path to greatness for the Tigers lies not in the greatest conference in college football...but in the greatest opportunity.
1. I thought last year's runaround from the Big 10(12) might have lowered the self-perception in Columbia down to a more realistic level...but I guess not. I don't dispute that the Tigers are the most attractive of the three schools, I'm just not sure that's getting you invited to the Big 10(12) or the SEC anytime soon.
2. Why in the world do the Tigers want to go to those places anyway? Prestige? Winning gets you prestige. Just for a moment, where do the Tigers fit in the SEC? Below Alabama, Florida, LSU and Auburn, right? Tennessee and Georgia have been down...but history tells us they'll rise again. Comfortably ahead of Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt...which leaves us Arkansas, South Carolina (as long as the OBC is there) and Ole Miss as Missouri's peers in the SEC. In other words, the Tigers are within a game or two of .500 team most years, certainly not the level of prestige they've built in the Big 12.
On the other hand, they could preserve their rivalries with Kansas and K-State and move into a football conference with a BCS slot that they would have a legitimate shot at winning each season. The article I linked above projects a western division of the Big East as MU, KU, KSU, Louisville, Cincinnati, and TCU. IMO, that's a more accurate reflection of where the Tigers belong...and where they can succeed.
Is mediocrity in the SEC better than success in the Big East? Not if they both lead to the same BCS or playoff system. Not with the Big East getting ready to renegotiate their TV deal in 2012. Certainly not if you measure success in conference championships, BCS bowl games or (dare to dream) National Championships. It may seem unlikely, but the path to greatness for the Tigers lies not in the greatest conference in college football...but in the greatest opportunity.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Come Together
No I'm not going to break into Beatles song, although I would if I thought it would work. But I am going to break into full-on car salesman on you (which is infinitely easier when you used to be a car salesman):
It is time for Kansas Jayhawk fans and Kansas State Wildcat fans to come together if you will. Put away the "I was just helping the sheep over the fence" jokes... Jesus Sandal jabs be gone... It's not the spoiled hippy wannabes versus the clueless farmers...it's the spoiled hippy wannabes and the clueless farmers...Rock Chalk and EMAW together...I know, it sounds crazy... but follow me:
This weekend folks from all across Kansas will invade Nebraska, turning the Big Red State into sea of Crimson, Blue and Purple. They have an opportunity to take the city over, but only if they work together. What if 40% of the crowd is Jayhawk fans? And let's say 35% of them are K-State fans? What if, just for one weekend, they united as Big 12 fans...united against the original posers from So Cal...against the cheese heads from Wisconsin...what if they just flat out took the city over? I'll tell you what would happen, they'd both punch a ticket to the Sweet 16 and Detroit.
Both teams should have a home court advantage by themselves, but with help from their rival school? Does anyone really think K-State can't handle the Trojans at Bramlage? What about Wisconsin? Well what if the Qwest Center into Bramlage North for the weekend...at least when K-State is playing...The Jayhawks can EMAW right a long with their farmer bretheren...maybe even wave a Power Towel or two....okay, maybe that's going too far...but you get the point.
Listen, I'm not asking Jayhawk fans to wear purple or anything...and I'm not asking the Wildcats to break out in Rock Chalk Jayhawk at the end of the game...but let's present a united front...let's send two teams from Kansas, two teams from the Big 12, on to Detroit...to the Sweet 16...and only one game away from the rubber match of what is once again turning into a rivalry. Then we can start with the jokes about Bill Self's (alleged) hair piece and Frank Martin's (not so alleged) over sized suits...
It is time for Kansas Jayhawk fans and Kansas State Wildcat fans to come together if you will. Put away the "I was just helping the sheep over the fence" jokes... Jesus Sandal jabs be gone... It's not the spoiled hippy wannabes versus the clueless farmers...it's the spoiled hippy wannabes and the clueless farmers...Rock Chalk and EMAW together...I know, it sounds crazy... but follow me:
This weekend folks from all across Kansas will invade Nebraska, turning the Big Red State into sea of Crimson, Blue and Purple. They have an opportunity to take the city over, but only if they work together. What if 40% of the crowd is Jayhawk fans? And let's say 35% of them are K-State fans? What if, just for one weekend, they united as Big 12 fans...united against the original posers from So Cal...against the cheese heads from Wisconsin...what if they just flat out took the city over? I'll tell you what would happen, they'd both punch a ticket to the Sweet 16 and Detroit.
Both teams should have a home court advantage by themselves, but with help from their rival school? Does anyone really think K-State can't handle the Trojans at Bramlage? What about Wisconsin? Well what if the Qwest Center into Bramlage North for the weekend...at least when K-State is playing...The Jayhawks can EMAW right a long with their farmer bretheren...maybe even wave a Power Towel or two....okay, maybe that's going too far...but you get the point.
Listen, I'm not asking Jayhawk fans to wear purple or anything...and I'm not asking the Wildcats to break out in Rock Chalk Jayhawk at the end of the game...but let's present a united front...let's send two teams from Kansas, two teams from the Big 12, on to Detroit...to the Sweet 16...and only one game away from the rubber match of what is once again turning into a rivalry. Then we can start with the jokes about Bill Self's (alleged) hair piece and Frank Martin's (not so alleged) over sized suits...
What a weekend!
I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable weekends I've ever been a part of. The basketball was fantastic...the selection committee got it right...and because of how much I enjoyed it, I completely blew of the triumphant return of KCSR TV...well that and the fact that I was setting up the first annual KCSR Bracket Challenge. Again, in case you missed it, simply send me your email address, I'll send you an invite and you could be well on your way to owning the first ever KCSR March Madness Champion T Shirt. More thoughts from the weekend...
12 seed Georgia winning the SEC Tournament, in front of (seemingly) 2500 people was easily my favorite story of the weekend. It's also a testament to the inferiority of the SEC. It's not even feasible that Colorado could have done that this weekend.
Baylor getting in to the Dance was my 2nd favorite story. Besides the Cinderella factor, last time the Bears went dancing? 1988
Sunday's championship game was possibly the best game I've seen this year...I'll take it over either of the Duke/UNC in terms of quality of play. I think Self said it best when he said it was "humbling" at times.
If Brandon Rush keeps playing like this, Kansas will be in the Final4.
If Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers keep playing like this, Kansas will win it all.
A tornado hit the Georgie Dome in the middle of the SEC Championship? WOW! No one died? Bigger WOW! Whoever designed that should get some kind of medal today.
Kansas, bracket is the easiest of them all. Only the 3 seed and 11(K-State) are better than the other brackets. By the way, last time Kansas and K-State were in the same bracket? 1988.
Yeah, I'll probably pick Kansas to win it all in at least one of my brackets.
12 seed Georgia winning the SEC Tournament, in front of (seemingly) 2500 people was easily my favorite story of the weekend. It's also a testament to the inferiority of the SEC. It's not even feasible that Colorado could have done that this weekend.
Baylor getting in to the Dance was my 2nd favorite story. Besides the Cinderella factor, last time the Bears went dancing? 1988
Sunday's championship game was possibly the best game I've seen this year...I'll take it over either of the Duke/UNC in terms of quality of play. I think Self said it best when he said it was "humbling" at times.
If Brandon Rush keeps playing like this, Kansas will be in the Final4.
If Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers keep playing like this, Kansas will win it all.
A tornado hit the Georgie Dome in the middle of the SEC Championship? WOW! No one died? Bigger WOW! Whoever designed that should get some kind of medal today.
Kansas, bracket is the easiest of them all. Only the 3 seed and 11(K-State) are better than the other brackets. By the way, last time Kansas and K-State were in the same bracket? 1988.
Yeah, I'll probably pick Kansas to win it all in at least one of my brackets.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 9
With Texas Tech and Oklahoma State tipping off shortly, it seems like a good time to wrap up the regular season and predict the tournament. This won't be the last Big 12 report though, we'll have a special on Big 12 teams in the dance next week. As for the recap:
Player of the Year never was really a contest and obviously belongs to Michael Beasley. The only real debate now seems to be between Beasley and last year's incredible freshman, Kevin Durant. The regular season numbers are close enough that the postseason will decide this argument. Durant's Horns lost in the Big 12 Championship to Kansas and were knocked out of the dance in the 2nd round. Can Beasley top that?
Coach of the Year: Rick Barnes. Everyone (including me) expected Kansas to win this conference. While many argue they did win a share of it, it's Barnes Horns who received the #1 seed in the tournament. Considering he lost the best player in the nation last year, the accolades are even more deserved.
Biggest Surprise: Baylor Bears. I picked the Cats to go 10-6, so I wasn't surprised by them at all. But the fact that the Baylor Bears are the 5 seed? Needing only a gimme win over Colorado to clinch their NCAA bid? Shocking, especially for someone who picked them to go 5-11.
Biggest Disappointment: Nebraska and Tech disappointed me, but nowhere close to the level that A&M did. To go from a Top 10 team to playing on Thursday for your NCAA life is the epitome of disappointment. Mark Turgeon won't get too many seasons like this before he's back in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Biggest Story: Maybe I'm chicken, but I'll take Bob Knight retiring. One of the greatest, most despised coaches of all time retiring outweighs a few kids (continually) making bad decisions...even if Athenagate lends itself to more humor.
Okay, enough of the past....on to the predictions:
Thursday
Oklahoma State over Texas Tech- Two teams going opposite directions, Cowboys could give Texas problems in round 2.
Baylor over Colorado- Bears clinch an NCAA bid.
Missouri over Nebraska- Essentially a home game for the Tigers, setting up a very fun Friday night at the Sprint Center
A&M over Iowa State- Not sure this win gets the Aggies in, but I'm pretty sure a loss knocks them out.
Friday
Texas over OSU- I really wanted to pick OSU here, but on a neutral floor? With the Longhorns playing for a #1 seed? I don't see how.
Baylor over Oklahoma- This puts Oklahoma as the most likely Big 12 team to get bounced...I just don't like the way they've played lately.
Kansas over Missouri- Maybe the closest game of the day...Tigers come up just short.
A&M over Kansas State- I don't really like this pick, but I can't imagine we'll be lucky enough to get MU/KU one night and KSU/KU the next. Besides, A&M will have revenge on their mind.
Saturday
Texas over Baylor- Playing on Thursday finally catches up to the Bears
Kansas over A&M- Ditto for the Aggies
Sunday
Will the selection committee be watching? They should be, as the winner of this game should get a #1 seed. The first match up between these teams was close, but Texas squeaked one out at home. This will be a home game for the Jayhawks as they christen the new Allen Fieldhouse East. I don't see how Texas (or anyone else) could beat them there this year. As a consolation to all the Tiger and Wildcat fans, they get to hear the Jayhawks complain about receiving a 2 seed because the committee didn't wait for this game to end.
Postseason Prediction
Kansas, Texas- #2 seeds
Baylor- #8 seed
A&M, Kansas State- #10 seed
Oklahoma- #12 seed
Player of the Year never was really a contest and obviously belongs to Michael Beasley. The only real debate now seems to be between Beasley and last year's incredible freshman, Kevin Durant. The regular season numbers are close enough that the postseason will decide this argument. Durant's Horns lost in the Big 12 Championship to Kansas and were knocked out of the dance in the 2nd round. Can Beasley top that?
Coach of the Year: Rick Barnes. Everyone (including me) expected Kansas to win this conference. While many argue they did win a share of it, it's Barnes Horns who received the #1 seed in the tournament. Considering he lost the best player in the nation last year, the accolades are even more deserved.
Biggest Surprise: Baylor Bears. I picked the Cats to go 10-6, so I wasn't surprised by them at all. But the fact that the Baylor Bears are the 5 seed? Needing only a gimme win over Colorado to clinch their NCAA bid? Shocking, especially for someone who picked them to go 5-11.
Biggest Disappointment: Nebraska and Tech disappointed me, but nowhere close to the level that A&M did. To go from a Top 10 team to playing on Thursday for your NCAA life is the epitome of disappointment. Mark Turgeon won't get too many seasons like this before he's back in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Biggest Story: Maybe I'm chicken, but I'll take Bob Knight retiring. One of the greatest, most despised coaches of all time retiring outweighs a few kids (continually) making bad decisions...even if Athenagate lends itself to more humor.
Okay, enough of the past....on to the predictions:
Thursday
Oklahoma State over Texas Tech- Two teams going opposite directions, Cowboys could give Texas problems in round 2.
Baylor over Colorado- Bears clinch an NCAA bid.
Missouri over Nebraska- Essentially a home game for the Tigers, setting up a very fun Friday night at the Sprint Center
A&M over Iowa State- Not sure this win gets the Aggies in, but I'm pretty sure a loss knocks them out.
Friday
Texas over OSU- I really wanted to pick OSU here, but on a neutral floor? With the Longhorns playing for a #1 seed? I don't see how.
Baylor over Oklahoma- This puts Oklahoma as the most likely Big 12 team to get bounced...I just don't like the way they've played lately.
Kansas over Missouri- Maybe the closest game of the day...Tigers come up just short.
A&M over Kansas State- I don't really like this pick, but I can't imagine we'll be lucky enough to get MU/KU one night and KSU/KU the next. Besides, A&M will have revenge on their mind.
Saturday
Texas over Baylor- Playing on Thursday finally catches up to the Bears
Kansas over A&M- Ditto for the Aggies
Sunday
Will the selection committee be watching? They should be, as the winner of this game should get a #1 seed. The first match up between these teams was close, but Texas squeaked one out at home. This will be a home game for the Jayhawks as they christen the new Allen Fieldhouse East. I don't see how Texas (or anyone else) could beat them there this year. As a consolation to all the Tiger and Wildcat fans, they get to hear the Jayhawks complain about receiving a 2 seed because the committee didn't wait for this game to end.
Postseason Prediction
Kansas, Texas- #2 seeds
Baylor- #8 seed
A&M, Kansas State- #10 seed
Oklahoma- #12 seed
Friday, March 7, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 8
It all comes down to tomorrow, with lots of questions left to be answered...
Who will win the conference? Texas
Who will earn the other byes? KU, KSU and Baylor
Will anyone play spoiler on the final day? I don't think so
One thing you don't have to wait until tomorrow for? The Week 8 Big 12 Power Poll...
1. Texas (25-5, 12-3) Just a home victory away from clinching the #1 seed in the Big 12 tourney. In my opinion, just 4 wins away from a #1 seed in the Big Dance.
2. Kansas (27-3, 12-3) Still needing help, likely not going to get it. I guess they can call themselves co champs, whatever that is worth.
3. Kansas State (19-10, 9-6) The slide finally ended against Colorado...now that Cats need a win over lowly Iowa State to (in my opinion) clinch a birth in the tourney.
4. Texas A&M (22-8, 8-7) Who would have guess the Aggies would need a win over Kansas just to finish over .500 in conference? Can the Aggies get in the dance with an 8-8 conference record?
5. Baylor (20-9, 8-7) Surprise of the year in the conference needs a road win at Tech to solidify tourney hopes...and maybe one win in Kansas City to seal them. Scott Drew is at least a finalist for Coach of the Year.
6. Oklahoma (20-10, 8-7) Huge win over OSU kept their tourney hopes alive. Surely they'll handle Mizzou at home...right?
7. Oklahoma State (16-13, 7-8) Cowboys run has ended...but I doubt anyone wants to play them in Kansas City. Did Sutton do enough to save his job?
8. Texas Tech (16-13, 7-8) I challenge anyone to show me a more astonishing week than: 98-54 loss at A&M, 83-80 win vs Texas, 109-51 loss at Kansas...incredible.
9. Nebraska (17-11, 6-9) I predicted Sadler as the Coach of the Year...he may have went the other way. No way this team shouldn't still be in the hunt for the dance. Why aren't they? Start with a 55-51 loss to Colorado. Losing three out of four to Mizzou and Iowa State didn't help anything either.
10. Missouri (16-14, 6-9) Pretty much right where we all (except for the most optimistic of Tiger fans) expected them. Anderson brings in a lot of fresh meat next season and they need to be improved very quickly. It's the Show Me State and Anderson needs to show something next season.
11. Iowa State (14-16, 4-11) Cyclones have lost 10 of 12 since starting the season 2-1. McDermott may be right behind Sadler and Anderson on the hot seat next year...which seemed unfathomable when he was hired.
12. Colorado (11-18, 3-12) Terrible season from a terrible team. They won one more game than I expected, and still have one left. As much as I disliked Ricardo Patton, he may have been the only thing keeping this program afloat.
Next week I'll present the year end awards, project the Big 12 tourney and analyze how terrible my preseason picks were. For now, I'll tell you the finalists...
Player of the Year
Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year
Rick Barnes
Frank Martin
Scott Drew
Jeff Capel
Biggest Surprise
Baylor
Kansas State
Biggest Disappointment
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Nebraska
Biggest Story
Bob Knight retires
K-State end the streak
Athenagate at Mizzou
Baylor gets a bye
Think I forgot a category, or a nominee? Let me know in the comments...
Postseason Projections
Kansas - #1 seed
Texas- #2 seed
K- State- #7 seed
Baylor- #9 seed
Oklahoma- #10 seed
A&M- #12 seed
Who will win the conference? Texas
Who will earn the other byes? KU, KSU and Baylor
Will anyone play spoiler on the final day? I don't think so
One thing you don't have to wait until tomorrow for? The Week 8 Big 12 Power Poll...
1. Texas (25-5, 12-3) Just a home victory away from clinching the #1 seed in the Big 12 tourney. In my opinion, just 4 wins away from a #1 seed in the Big Dance.
2. Kansas (27-3, 12-3) Still needing help, likely not going to get it. I guess they can call themselves co champs, whatever that is worth.
3. Kansas State (19-10, 9-6) The slide finally ended against Colorado...now that Cats need a win over lowly Iowa State to (in my opinion) clinch a birth in the tourney.
4. Texas A&M (22-8, 8-7) Who would have guess the Aggies would need a win over Kansas just to finish over .500 in conference? Can the Aggies get in the dance with an 8-8 conference record?
5. Baylor (20-9, 8-7) Surprise of the year in the conference needs a road win at Tech to solidify tourney hopes...and maybe one win in Kansas City to seal them. Scott Drew is at least a finalist for Coach of the Year.
6. Oklahoma (20-10, 8-7) Huge win over OSU kept their tourney hopes alive. Surely they'll handle Mizzou at home...right?
7. Oklahoma State (16-13, 7-8) Cowboys run has ended...but I doubt anyone wants to play them in Kansas City. Did Sutton do enough to save his job?
8. Texas Tech (16-13, 7-8) I challenge anyone to show me a more astonishing week than: 98-54 loss at A&M, 83-80 win vs Texas, 109-51 loss at Kansas...incredible.
9. Nebraska (17-11, 6-9) I predicted Sadler as the Coach of the Year...he may have went the other way. No way this team shouldn't still be in the hunt for the dance. Why aren't they? Start with a 55-51 loss to Colorado. Losing three out of four to Mizzou and Iowa State didn't help anything either.
10. Missouri (16-14, 6-9) Pretty much right where we all (except for the most optimistic of Tiger fans) expected them. Anderson brings in a lot of fresh meat next season and they need to be improved very quickly. It's the Show Me State and Anderson needs to show something next season.
11. Iowa State (14-16, 4-11) Cyclones have lost 10 of 12 since starting the season 2-1. McDermott may be right behind Sadler and Anderson on the hot seat next year...which seemed unfathomable when he was hired.
12. Colorado (11-18, 3-12) Terrible season from a terrible team. They won one more game than I expected, and still have one left. As much as I disliked Ricardo Patton, he may have been the only thing keeping this program afloat.
Next week I'll present the year end awards, project the Big 12 tourney and analyze how terrible my preseason picks were. For now, I'll tell you the finalists...
Player of the Year
Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year
Rick Barnes
Frank Martin
Scott Drew
Jeff Capel
Biggest Surprise
Baylor
Kansas State
Biggest Disappointment
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Nebraska
Biggest Story
Bob Knight retires
K-State end the streak
Athenagate at Mizzou
Baylor gets a bye
Think I forgot a category, or a nominee? Let me know in the comments...
Postseason Projections
Kansas - #1 seed
Texas- #2 seed
K- State- #7 seed
Baylor- #9 seed
Oklahoma- #10 seed
A&M- #12 seed
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Randomness
Some real quick random thoughts...
Has a team ever put up 109 with a lower high scorer than last night? The Jayhawks put up 109 on a hapless Texas Tech team, with Russell Robinson leading the way with 15 points. To me, that's incredible. What's more amazing? That Tech beat Texas on Saturday in the middle of a 44 point loss to A&M and a 58 point loss to Kansas. Regardless, Tech's season is done and the Jayhawks are still in the hunt for a #1 seed.
Joey Gathright had 3 stolen bases yesterday...John Bale threw three scoreless innings...and the Royals won. Bale has thrown a couple of early haymakers at De la Rosa in the battle for the lefty starting job. I'm just wondering if Mike Maroth is ever going to step into the ring. Gathright is doing exactly what I'd hoped he would, making it hard for the Royals to bench him. Seems to me that the odds of Teahan moving to first and Gathright moving to the outfield get better everyday...we can hope.
Has a team ever put up 109 with a lower high scorer than last night? The Jayhawks put up 109 on a hapless Texas Tech team, with Russell Robinson leading the way with 15 points. To me, that's incredible. What's more amazing? That Tech beat Texas on Saturday in the middle of a 44 point loss to A&M and a 58 point loss to Kansas. Regardless, Tech's season is done and the Jayhawks are still in the hunt for a #1 seed.
Joey Gathright had 3 stolen bases yesterday...John Bale threw three scoreless innings...and the Royals won. Bale has thrown a couple of early haymakers at De la Rosa in the battle for the lefty starting job. I'm just wondering if Mike Maroth is ever going to step into the ring. Gathright is doing exactly what I'd hoped he would, making it hard for the Royals to bench him. Seems to me that the odds of Teahan moving to first and Gathright moving to the outfield get better everyday...we can hope.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 7
It's about time to start eating crow, I figured I'd get a head start this week...
1. Texas (24-4, 11-2) I've badmouthed Rick Barnes a lot this year, but he's closing in on a Big 12 Title, a #1 seed, and possibly Big 12 Coach of the Year. It's hard to imagine who else could win it now unless K- State or Baylor win out.
2. Kansas (25-3, 10-3) I still thinks a #1 seed is possible, but they'd have to win the last three, and three in the tourney. Possible? Sure...maybe not quite as probable as it once seemed. One thing is for sure, the Hawks need to show some heart in their revenge game Saturday vs....
3. Kansas State (18-9, 8-5) To clear one thing up. I was not predicting a Wildcat collapse earlier in the week. I was just stating that if they did lose 3 of their next 4 (including a first round loss in the Big 12 Tourney) then it would be the greatest collapse in Big 12 history...and I stand by that.
4. Baylor (19-8, 7-6) Bears deserve the jump in ranking after a gut check win over KSU at home and a road win (even if it was at Colorado). I picked this team to win 5 games this year...count me amongst those who are surprised by the Bears possible tournament run.
5. Texas A&M (21-7, 7-6) I'm worried about the Aggies. No way they should have lost to Nebraska on Saturday. Now they have road games against Baylor and OU before a season finale at home against KU. They may blow this thing yet.
6. Okalahoma State (15-12, 6-7) No one in the league is hotter than the Cowboys. Home games against Nebraska and Oklahoma mean by this time next week this team could be firmly on the bubble.
7. Nebraska (17-9, 6-7) I told you I hate this team right? Every time I write them off they throw up a couple of pretty W's...then I get back on the bandwagon. All I'm saying is, their tourney hopes are not lost yet...amazingly.
8. Oklahoma (18-10, 6-7) The Sooners putting up 45 in back to back blowout losses is inexplicable. Now they have to win out, which doesn't seem likely.
9. Texas Tech (15-12, 6-7) A 44 point loss to A&M? UT and KU next on the schedule? They're done.
10. Missouri (15-13, 5-8) All hope of a miraculous run now lives in Kansas City. Wouldn't that be fun? The first year in the Sprint Center, the Tigers making a run to the finals...stranger things have happened...probably.
11. Iowa State (14-14, 4-9) Done.
12. Colorado (10-17, 2-11) Iowa State, @ Kansas State, @ Nebraska...can they win one and avoid 20 losses? They might be able to win one, but unless they skip the Big 12 tournament they won't be able to avoid 20 losses.
I'd like to take this moment, with my mouth full of crow, to remind you that I did pick Michael Beasley as the unquestioned player of the year here. Coach of the Year? Well, we're 3 straight Nebraska wins away from that being a possibility...never say never.
Postseason Projections
Kansas #1 seed
Texas #2 seed
Kansas State #7 seed
Baylor, A&M #10 seed
1. Texas (24-4, 11-2) I've badmouthed Rick Barnes a lot this year, but he's closing in on a Big 12 Title, a #1 seed, and possibly Big 12 Coach of the Year. It's hard to imagine who else could win it now unless K- State or Baylor win out.
2. Kansas (25-3, 10-3) I still thinks a #1 seed is possible, but they'd have to win the last three, and three in the tourney. Possible? Sure...maybe not quite as probable as it once seemed. One thing is for sure, the Hawks need to show some heart in their revenge game Saturday vs....
3. Kansas State (18-9, 8-5) To clear one thing up. I was not predicting a Wildcat collapse earlier in the week. I was just stating that if they did lose 3 of their next 4 (including a first round loss in the Big 12 Tourney) then it would be the greatest collapse in Big 12 history...and I stand by that.
4. Baylor (19-8, 7-6) Bears deserve the jump in ranking after a gut check win over KSU at home and a road win (even if it was at Colorado). I picked this team to win 5 games this year...count me amongst those who are surprised by the Bears possible tournament run.
5. Texas A&M (21-7, 7-6) I'm worried about the Aggies. No way they should have lost to Nebraska on Saturday. Now they have road games against Baylor and OU before a season finale at home against KU. They may blow this thing yet.
6. Okalahoma State (15-12, 6-7) No one in the league is hotter than the Cowboys. Home games against Nebraska and Oklahoma mean by this time next week this team could be firmly on the bubble.
7. Nebraska (17-9, 6-7) I told you I hate this team right? Every time I write them off they throw up a couple of pretty W's...then I get back on the bandwagon. All I'm saying is, their tourney hopes are not lost yet...amazingly.
8. Oklahoma (18-10, 6-7) The Sooners putting up 45 in back to back blowout losses is inexplicable. Now they have to win out, which doesn't seem likely.
9. Texas Tech (15-12, 6-7) A 44 point loss to A&M? UT and KU next on the schedule? They're done.
10. Missouri (15-13, 5-8) All hope of a miraculous run now lives in Kansas City. Wouldn't that be fun? The first year in the Sprint Center, the Tigers making a run to the finals...stranger things have happened...probably.
11. Iowa State (14-14, 4-9) Done.
12. Colorado (10-17, 2-11) Iowa State, @ Kansas State, @ Nebraska...can they win one and avoid 20 losses? They might be able to win one, but unless they skip the Big 12 tournament they won't be able to avoid 20 losses.
I'd like to take this moment, with my mouth full of crow, to remind you that I did pick Michael Beasley as the unquestioned player of the year here. Coach of the Year? Well, we're 3 straight Nebraska wins away from that being a possibility...never say never.
Postseason Projections
Kansas #1 seed
Texas #2 seed
Kansas State #7 seed
Baylor, A&M #10 seed
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Believe it or not
Fine I'll say it. If Mizzou wins tonight, they've got a realistic shot at making the tournament. In fact, I'd say a better shot than Kansas would have of winning the Big 12. Seems absurd? With a win tonight the Tigers would be 16-12, 6-7 and a half game out of 4th place in the third or 4th best conference in the country. They'd have games left at Baylor, home against Iowa State at home and at Oklahoma. Missouri can win all three of those games and if they did they'd be all but in. If they won two of them they'd be 19-13, 8-8 with wins over the (likely) Big 12 Champs and (possible) Big 10 Co Champs. This is a HUGE game for the Tigers. Let's hope Mizzou Arena is rocking because if it is it's hard to see OSU winning tonight.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Big 12 Shake up
Kansas and Kansas State are falling, and if Texas beats K-State tonight the race is all but over. But the other team in the area, the Missouri Tigers, find themselves just a game out of 4th... A week ago their game tomorrow night against Oklahoma State looks like it would be played solely for pride, now it's to stay within a game of the the last bye in the Big 12 Tournament...and maybe to stay in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid. That's almost as hard to believe as the fact that Kansas State lost to Baylor with Michael Beasley and Bill Walker combining for 75. The Wildcats are going to have to learn to guard someone...and fast.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 6
It's that time of year to start talking about the Big Dance, the bubble and which teams are going where. All year long I've predicted where I thought the teams were going, but as we inch towards March, I thought I'd take a closer look at the postseason hopes of all of the teams in the race for the tourney, and at the same time try to figure out how many teams the Big 12 will land.
Number one and two in the power rankings, Kansas and Texas, are the only true locks I see for the conference. There are others that should be in, but not that I'm entirely certain could survive a collapse at the end of the year. Colorado, the season long bottom feeder of the league, is the only team I see that is completely eliminated (barring a Tournament Championship). With those three out of the equation, here's how I handicap the race:
(All predictions include Big 12 Tournament games)
In, Barring a Catastrophic Collapse
Kansas State (18-7, 8-3) A lot of people think they should be in the locks category, but they've proven they can lose to some of the worst teams in the conference and their remaining schedule is brutal. At Baylor, Texas, at Kansas, Colorado, at Iowa State. The way the Wildcats have played on the road I'd say only one of those games is a lock to be a win, and I'm not certain one more win gets them in. Prediction: 21-11, 10-6, 8 seed
Oklahoma (18-8, 6-5) The Sooners are the opposite side of the spectrum. Their resume may not be quite as impressive as KSU's now, but their remaining schedule includes Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Missouri. Prediction: 22-11, 9-7, 9 seed
Texas A&M (20-6, 6-5) The Aggies had a bad week, but truthfully they may be the only team that can get in at 8-8 in conference because they were so good in the non-con. A loss to Nebraska this weekend would change everything though. Prediction: 24-9, 9-7, 8 seed
Stumbling Down the Stretch
Baylor (17-8, 5-6) Remember all of that talk about Scott Drew as coach of the year? He'll deserve it if he can right this ship enough to make the tourney. Bears can lose only once more in my estimation. Their remaining schedule? K-State, at Colorado, Missouri, A&M, at Tech. I don't think so. Prediction: 21-10, 8-8, NIT
Texas Tech (14-11, 5-6) Golden opportunities have continually passed the Red Raiders by this season, but perhaps none more crucial that two two point losses to Oklahoma. That's also probably the biggest reason the Red Raiders postseason hopes seem so grim. Prediction: 17-14, 7-9
Working Without a Net
Oklahoma State (13-12, 4-7) Cowboys are the hottest of the teams left living on a prayer, but they face Kansas tomorrow, which may cool them off. After that, the rest of their games are at least winnable, save the season finale vs. Texas. Prediction: 17-15, 7-9
Missouri (14-12, 4-7) Last week I wrote about how the Tigers could still sneak into the postseason and they promptly got drilled by Kansas State. The funny thing is, they still can. The remaining schedule is very friendly (Colorado, Oklahoma St, at Baylor, Iowa St, at Oklahoma), but the Tigers must win out. Prediction: 16-16, 6-10
Nebraska (15-9, 4-7) I'm beginning to hate this team. We talk about what an enigma Kansas State is, but they are no more so than the Huskers. No one outside of the state of Kansas has beat them by more than 8 this year. With A&M, OU, and Texas on the schedule that's about to change. Prediction: 17-13, 6-10
Iowa State (14-12, 4-7) Only two home games left for the Clones, and they're against KU and KSU. A conference road win would be the first this year, odds do not look good. Prediction: 15-17, 5-11
As sad as it is it's looking like a 5 bid year for the Big 12. Sure, if Baylor could get to 22 wins and an 8-8 record they may have a shot...as would any of the other teams if they could run off 5 in a row...I just don't see it happening. As for the top dogs? Kansas still looks good for a #1 to me, but can probably only lose one more the rest of the way. Texas, with their win over A&M is a solid #3 with the chance to get into the discussion for a 2.
Number one and two in the power rankings, Kansas and Texas, are the only true locks I see for the conference. There are others that should be in, but not that I'm entirely certain could survive a collapse at the end of the year. Colorado, the season long bottom feeder of the league, is the only team I see that is completely eliminated (barring a Tournament Championship). With those three out of the equation, here's how I handicap the race:
(All predictions include Big 12 Tournament games)
In, Barring a Catastrophic Collapse
Kansas State (18-7, 8-3) A lot of people think they should be in the locks category, but they've proven they can lose to some of the worst teams in the conference and their remaining schedule is brutal. At Baylor, Texas, at Kansas, Colorado, at Iowa State. The way the Wildcats have played on the road I'd say only one of those games is a lock to be a win, and I'm not certain one more win gets them in. Prediction: 21-11, 10-6, 8 seed
Oklahoma (18-8, 6-5) The Sooners are the opposite side of the spectrum. Their resume may not be quite as impressive as KSU's now, but their remaining schedule includes Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Missouri. Prediction: 22-11, 9-7, 9 seed
Texas A&M (20-6, 6-5) The Aggies had a bad week, but truthfully they may be the only team that can get in at 8-8 in conference because they were so good in the non-con. A loss to Nebraska this weekend would change everything though. Prediction: 24-9, 9-7, 8 seed
Stumbling Down the Stretch
Baylor (17-8, 5-6) Remember all of that talk about Scott Drew as coach of the year? He'll deserve it if he can right this ship enough to make the tourney. Bears can lose only once more in my estimation. Their remaining schedule? K-State, at Colorado, Missouri, A&M, at Tech. I don't think so. Prediction: 21-10, 8-8, NIT
Texas Tech (14-11, 5-6) Golden opportunities have continually passed the Red Raiders by this season, but perhaps none more crucial that two two point losses to Oklahoma. That's also probably the biggest reason the Red Raiders postseason hopes seem so grim. Prediction: 17-14, 7-9
Working Without a Net
Oklahoma State (13-12, 4-7) Cowboys are the hottest of the teams left living on a prayer, but they face Kansas tomorrow, which may cool them off. After that, the rest of their games are at least winnable, save the season finale vs. Texas. Prediction: 17-15, 7-9
Missouri (14-12, 4-7) Last week I wrote about how the Tigers could still sneak into the postseason and they promptly got drilled by Kansas State. The funny thing is, they still can. The remaining schedule is very friendly (Colorado, Oklahoma St, at Baylor, Iowa St, at Oklahoma), but the Tigers must win out. Prediction: 16-16, 6-10
Nebraska (15-9, 4-7) I'm beginning to hate this team. We talk about what an enigma Kansas State is, but they are no more so than the Huskers. No one outside of the state of Kansas has beat them by more than 8 this year. With A&M, OU, and Texas on the schedule that's about to change. Prediction: 17-13, 6-10
Iowa State (14-12, 4-7) Only two home games left for the Clones, and they're against KU and KSU. A conference road win would be the first this year, odds do not look good. Prediction: 15-17, 5-11
As sad as it is it's looking like a 5 bid year for the Big 12. Sure, if Baylor could get to 22 wins and an 8-8 record they may have a shot...as would any of the other teams if they could run off 5 in a row...I just don't see it happening. As for the top dogs? Kansas still looks good for a #1 to me, but can probably only lose one more the rest of the way. Texas, with their win over A&M is a solid #3 with the chance to get into the discussion for a 2.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 5
I'm in a time crunch (which is fitting since so many Big 12 teams find themselves in the same position) so I'm skipping the snazzy intro and getting straight to the Power Poll:
1. Kansas (8-2) A three point road loss to the 11th ranked team in the country is no reason for alarm. Jayhawks still look like league champs and a #1 seed to me.
2. Texas (7-2) They almost pulled it off. Last week I half-joked that they might lose to Iowa State and beat KU. They beat the Cyclones in OT instead. Longhorns control their own destiny and winning out may get them a 1 seed.
3. Texas A&M (6-3) Road win at Mizzou may not look like a big deal, but try telling that to the team above and below them.
4. Kansas State (7-2) Every bit the enigma we imagined them to be, but still control their own destiny in the Big 12 race. Did they really deserve to fall to 4? Not as much as Texas deserved to move up to 2.
5. Baylor (5-4) Looking more like the team I forecasted and less like their flash-in-the-pan start every day. I like Scott Drew a lot, but they're in a brutal stretch of schedule right now and this tailspin may be hard to stop.
6. Texas Tech (4-5) Win over K-State could have been a season saver. Battle with OU on Saturday to determine who has a realistic chance at the dance.
7. Oklahoma (4-5) Longar Longar was missed, but losing by 14 to Colorado? Tournament teams don't do that.
8. Missouri (4-6) Suddenly there's a quiet clamoring that the Tigers could finish 5th or 6th in this league, maybe even sneak in the back door for an NCAA bid...really? You expect Jim Mora to come storming out "Playoffs? Playoffs?" but it isn't that farfetched. They only have two games left against teams above .500 in the conference. They have to win out at home (OSU, Colorado, Iowa State) and steal two of three on the road (KSU, Baylor, OU). Stranger things have happened...
9. Iowa State/Oklahoma State (3-7) Two mediocre teams with much less than mediocre luck.
11. Nebraska (3-6) We all thought it was going to be Texas Tech or Baylor that really made me look like a fool. Nope, it's the Huskers. How did I ever think this team was going to be good? Doc Sadler Big 12 Coach of the Year? Seriously?
12. Colorado (2-7) Big win over OU, momentum building, now they head to Lawrence. So much for momentum. Kansas should win this game by 30...
Postseason Predictions
Kansas #1 seed
Texas/Texas A&M #3 seed
Kansas State #5 seed.
Baylor #11 seed
Oklahoma/ Texas Tech NIT
1. Kansas (8-2) A three point road loss to the 11th ranked team in the country is no reason for alarm. Jayhawks still look like league champs and a #1 seed to me.
2. Texas (7-2) They almost pulled it off. Last week I half-joked that they might lose to Iowa State and beat KU. They beat the Cyclones in OT instead. Longhorns control their own destiny and winning out may get them a 1 seed.
3. Texas A&M (6-3) Road win at Mizzou may not look like a big deal, but try telling that to the team above and below them.
4. Kansas State (7-2) Every bit the enigma we imagined them to be, but still control their own destiny in the Big 12 race. Did they really deserve to fall to 4? Not as much as Texas deserved to move up to 2.
5. Baylor (5-4) Looking more like the team I forecasted and less like their flash-in-the-pan start every day. I like Scott Drew a lot, but they're in a brutal stretch of schedule right now and this tailspin may be hard to stop.
6. Texas Tech (4-5) Win over K-State could have been a season saver. Battle with OU on Saturday to determine who has a realistic chance at the dance.
7. Oklahoma (4-5) Longar Longar was missed, but losing by 14 to Colorado? Tournament teams don't do that.
8. Missouri (4-6) Suddenly there's a quiet clamoring that the Tigers could finish 5th or 6th in this league, maybe even sneak in the back door for an NCAA bid...really? You expect Jim Mora to come storming out "Playoffs? Playoffs?" but it isn't that farfetched. They only have two games left against teams above .500 in the conference. They have to win out at home (OSU, Colorado, Iowa State) and steal two of three on the road (KSU, Baylor, OU). Stranger things have happened...
9. Iowa State/Oklahoma State (3-7) Two mediocre teams with much less than mediocre luck.
11. Nebraska (3-6) We all thought it was going to be Texas Tech or Baylor that really made me look like a fool. Nope, it's the Huskers. How did I ever think this team was going to be good? Doc Sadler Big 12 Coach of the Year? Seriously?
12. Colorado (2-7) Big win over OU, momentum building, now they head to Lawrence. So much for momentum. Kansas should win this game by 30...
Postseason Predictions
Kansas #1 seed
Texas/Texas A&M #3 seed
Kansas State #5 seed.
Baylor #11 seed
Oklahoma/ Texas Tech NIT
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Starstruck
Whitlock has fix for the Jayhawks
According to Jason Whitlock, the Kansas loss last night to Texas (and the loss in Bramlage earlier this year) are attributed to Darrell Arthur and Darnell Jackson not getting enough touches. Whitlock claims that the Jayhawks need to feed the ball to Arthur and Jackson relentlessly and forget that their strength is in their guards. I think Whitlock is right about touches, I just disagree with what the source of those touches should be...
Darrel Arthur and D-Jack need to go get the ball...both demanding it in the post as well as crashing the boards. Kansas lost last night's game because Arthur and Jackson stopped blocking out, stopped rebounding, not because the guards stopped feeding them. Arthur may have scored 45 points the last two games, but he still looks like a freshman out there at times, and to quote Bill Self he got "outmanned" last night. That was excusable last year, but 50 games into his college career it's time for Arthur to dominate like his talent suggests he should.
I'll stick by my prediction that Kansas wins the Big 12, and I think they'll run the table from here on but they won't make the Final Four unless Darrel Arthur stops playing like a kid and starts playing like a man.
Dolphins Release Trent Green
Trent, please, for your future....QUIT! You've got nothing left, it's painful to watch, and one more concussion could have lifelong effects. Can anyone explain why he would do anything other than retire? He seemed like a really intelligent, well rounded guy when he was here in KC. The only well rounded, intelligent decision is retirement, and he should thank the Dolphins for helping him make a decision he should have made 3 months ago.
According to Jason Whitlock, the Kansas loss last night to Texas (and the loss in Bramlage earlier this year) are attributed to Darrell Arthur and Darnell Jackson not getting enough touches. Whitlock claims that the Jayhawks need to feed the ball to Arthur and Jackson relentlessly and forget that their strength is in their guards. I think Whitlock is right about touches, I just disagree with what the source of those touches should be...
Darrel Arthur and D-Jack need to go get the ball...both demanding it in the post as well as crashing the boards. Kansas lost last night's game because Arthur and Jackson stopped blocking out, stopped rebounding, not because the guards stopped feeding them. Arthur may have scored 45 points the last two games, but he still looks like a freshman out there at times, and to quote Bill Self he got "outmanned" last night. That was excusable last year, but 50 games into his college career it's time for Arthur to dominate like his talent suggests he should.
I'll stick by my prediction that Kansas wins the Big 12, and I think they'll run the table from here on but they won't make the Final Four unless Darrel Arthur stops playing like a kid and starts playing like a man.
Dolphins Release Trent Green
Trent, please, for your future....QUIT! You've got nothing left, it's painful to watch, and one more concussion could have lifelong effects. Can anyone explain why he would do anything other than retire? He seemed like a really intelligent, well rounded guy when he was here in KC. The only well rounded, intelligent decision is retirement, and he should thank the Dolphins for helping him make a decision he should have made 3 months ago.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 4
It was a busy week in Big 12 country, but not necessarily a happy one for a lot Big 12 fans...
- Texas Tech fans had to deal with the sudden departure of Bobby Knight. Even the fans that didn't like him(if there were any) have to recognize that this hurts their chances for a postseason birth this season.
- Tiger fans don't seem thrilled with the reinstatement of Jason Horton and Darryl Butterfield, and on top of that had to deal with the pounding from KU. No matter how expected, that still has to sting.
- K-State fans went from undefeated and atop the Big 12 to questioning how their team could lose to a shorthanded Missouri squad. Granted, they're still tied for first but they have to feel like any game is losable now.
- Oklahoma was 3-2 last week and giddy over the early return of Blake Griffin. Now they're 3-4 and hoping a road game at Colorado can get them back to .500 in conference.
Sure the Aggies, Longhorns and Jayhawks are happy, but we expected that from the beginning, right?
1. Kansas (7-1) I'm sure there are KSU fans out there who think they should be #1 based on their head to head victory. To them I say, the #1 team in the conference doesn't lose to a 2-5 squad missing three of their players. The Jayhawks have one heck of a tough weekend coming up with Baylor at home on Saturday followed by a Big Monday matchup at Texas. Another chance for this team to prove their toughness, let's hope it goes better than Manhatten did.
2. Kansas State (6-1) The loss to Mizzou was enough to knock them out of the top spot, but really not devastating in terms of the long haul. Michael Beasely had a monster night putting up 35 and 13 against Nebraska and tying a K- State record with his 18th double double of the season. The Wildcats may not be the number one team in the conference, but he's without a doubt the #1 player.
3. Texas A&M (5-3) Things are starting to look a little more like we expected for Turgeon's Aggies. Saturday's Blackout at Mizzou could be trouble if they overlook it, but I think this team is done overlooking teams after 3 early losses.
4. Texas (5-2) So they won two games they were supposed to, whoopee. Would it surprise me if they lost at Iowa State on Saturday then turned around and beat Kansas on Big Monday? Not entirely...
5. Baylor (5-2) Are the Bears starting to come back to earth? I think it's posssible. Their next 5 are brutal: @ KU, @ OSU, UT, @ OU, KSU. I'll be impressed if they win two of those.
6. Oklahoma (3-4) Sooners need to start winning and fast. Lucky for them, Colorado is up next.
7. Texas Tech (3-4) This spot has been a revolving door, and with Bobby Knight out I don't believe the Red Raiders will be able to hold on to it. Need to win Saturday at Nebraska to preserve any chance of me saving face.
8. Iowa State (3-5) Roller coaster season for the Cyclones is probably going mostly down from here on out.
9. Missouri (3-5) I told you I only put them at the bottom because of the term 'indefinite' although in the case of Horton and Butterfield we all thought that term should have meant longer than it did. Tigers have already shocked two ranked teams at home this year, will A&M make three?
10. Nebraska (2-5) Biggest...disappointment...of... the... year...
11. Oklahoma State (2-6) I hope Sean Sutton makes it through this year with his health. He doesn't seem to handle losing very well and they've done a lot of it.
12. Colorado (1-7) 1 point loss last night at Stillwater begs the question: How many winnable games are left for the Buffs? Not many at all.
We're really close to the midway point, my awards so far:
Player of the Year- Michael Beasley
Freshman of the Year- Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year- Frank Martin/Scott Drew
All Big 12 Team
Michael Beasley
DJ Augustin
Bill Walker
Brandon Rush
Richard Roby
To see how those compare to my preseason picks, click here.
The postseason outlook looks pretty similiar to last week:
Kansas- #1 seed
A&M, Texas- #4 seed
KSU- #5 seed
Baylor- #7 seed
Oklahoma- #12 seed
Texas Tech- NIT
- Texas Tech fans had to deal with the sudden departure of Bobby Knight. Even the fans that didn't like him(if there were any) have to recognize that this hurts their chances for a postseason birth this season.
- Tiger fans don't seem thrilled with the reinstatement of Jason Horton and Darryl Butterfield, and on top of that had to deal with the pounding from KU. No matter how expected, that still has to sting.
- K-State fans went from undefeated and atop the Big 12 to questioning how their team could lose to a shorthanded Missouri squad. Granted, they're still tied for first but they have to feel like any game is losable now.
- Oklahoma was 3-2 last week and giddy over the early return of Blake Griffin. Now they're 3-4 and hoping a road game at Colorado can get them back to .500 in conference.
Sure the Aggies, Longhorns and Jayhawks are happy, but we expected that from the beginning, right?
1. Kansas (7-1) I'm sure there are KSU fans out there who think they should be #1 based on their head to head victory. To them I say, the #1 team in the conference doesn't lose to a 2-5 squad missing three of their players. The Jayhawks have one heck of a tough weekend coming up with Baylor at home on Saturday followed by a Big Monday matchup at Texas. Another chance for this team to prove their toughness, let's hope it goes better than Manhatten did.
2. Kansas State (6-1) The loss to Mizzou was enough to knock them out of the top spot, but really not devastating in terms of the long haul. Michael Beasely had a monster night putting up 35 and 13 against Nebraska and tying a K- State record with his 18th double double of the season. The Wildcats may not be the number one team in the conference, but he's without a doubt the #1 player.
3. Texas A&M (5-3) Things are starting to look a little more like we expected for Turgeon's Aggies. Saturday's Blackout at Mizzou could be trouble if they overlook it, but I think this team is done overlooking teams after 3 early losses.
4. Texas (5-2) So they won two games they were supposed to, whoopee. Would it surprise me if they lost at Iowa State on Saturday then turned around and beat Kansas on Big Monday? Not entirely...
5. Baylor (5-2) Are the Bears starting to come back to earth? I think it's posssible. Their next 5 are brutal: @ KU, @ OSU, UT, @ OU, KSU. I'll be impressed if they win two of those.
6. Oklahoma (3-4) Sooners need to start winning and fast. Lucky for them, Colorado is up next.
7. Texas Tech (3-4) This spot has been a revolving door, and with Bobby Knight out I don't believe the Red Raiders will be able to hold on to it. Need to win Saturday at Nebraska to preserve any chance of me saving face.
8. Iowa State (3-5) Roller coaster season for the Cyclones is probably going mostly down from here on out.
9. Missouri (3-5) I told you I only put them at the bottom because of the term 'indefinite' although in the case of Horton and Butterfield we all thought that term should have meant longer than it did. Tigers have already shocked two ranked teams at home this year, will A&M make three?
10. Nebraska (2-5) Biggest...disappointment...of... the... year...
11. Oklahoma State (2-6) I hope Sean Sutton makes it through this year with his health. He doesn't seem to handle losing very well and they've done a lot of it.
12. Colorado (1-7) 1 point loss last night at Stillwater begs the question: How many winnable games are left for the Buffs? Not many at all.
We're really close to the midway point, my awards so far:
Player of the Year- Michael Beasley
Freshman of the Year- Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year- Frank Martin/Scott Drew
All Big 12 Team
Michael Beasley
DJ Augustin
Bill Walker
Brandon Rush
Richard Roby
To see how those compare to my preseason picks, click here.
The postseason outlook looks pretty similiar to last week:
Kansas- #1 seed
A&M, Texas- #4 seed
KSU- #5 seed
Baylor- #7 seed
Oklahoma- #12 seed
Texas Tech- NIT
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
As expected...for the most part
Most people expected the Jayhawks handle last night's Border War pretty easily. But I'm not sure anyone expected Jason Horton and Darryl Butterfield to play. Why did they play? It doesn't make sense at all, not for the integrity of the program, and and maybe not for the sake of winning. They played a combined 13 minutes, went 0-4 from the floor with one rebound and one assist. You'd be hard-pressed to find a less productive 13 minutes of basketball.
Maybe Anderson feels like they've served their time, maybe he was trying to pull off the upset and thought they'd provide energy off the bench, either way it seems to me he was wrong. Taking out all of the things that have happened with these two, I'm not sure that Missouri didn't look like a better team without them.
Maybe Anderson feels like they've served their time, maybe he was trying to pull off the upset and thought they'd provide energy off the bench, either way it seems to me he was wrong. Taking out all of the things that have happened with these two, I'm not sure that Missouri didn't look like a better team without them.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Border War, Part 2
As crazy as it seems I think Tiger fans may head into tonight's game higher than Jayhawk fans. Sure, Mizzou is 3-4 in the conference compared to Kansas 6-1 record. Yes, Mizzou's postseason prospects look bleak while the Jayhawks seem positioned for a #1 seed....And of course the Tigers still have three suspended players on their roster who may not be coming back anytime soon....
But they've got a team they can be proud of. The same team that played Nebraska very close with only six scholarship players then got two of those players back and upset a ranked K-State team. They've got the Big 12 Player of the Week in JT Tiller. They're led by Mike Anderson, a coach that it seems the Tiger fans can stand behind. So they've got less talent, lots of heart, a coach the fans and players respect and trust...sound familiar? Sounds like maybe the Tigers are on track to get back the pre Quin era. Sounds like a lot of the Tiger teams that have upset Kansas.
Meanwhile, I'd say the feeling amongst Jayhawk fans in more nervous than anything. The team looked soft against K-State and Self got outcoached by (arguably) the worst game coach in the conference. Then came Saturday in Boulder. Honestly, I'd like to know if the team drove to the game. If not the scenery in western Kansas, I'd like to know what it was that put the team to sleep because they were not ready. Like so many other years in Lawrence, this is supposed to be the year; understandably, Jayhawk fans now get nervous at any sign of a hiccup. Add to that angst the fact that a feisty Mizzou team is coming in for Big Monday? They'd better just hope the players aren't this nervous.
As for the game itself, on paper there's no reason to believe it will be close. This could be a 30 point route and no one would be surprised. That may be the only thing that would change the mood of fans on either side. Kansas should dominate down low...Tiller should have a hard time dealing with the Kansas guards... Missouri may turn it over a ton.... I'm going to have to stick with conventional wisdom and predict the blowout: Kansas 84, Mizzou 61
But they've got a team they can be proud of. The same team that played Nebraska very close with only six scholarship players then got two of those players back and upset a ranked K-State team. They've got the Big 12 Player of the Week in JT Tiller. They're led by Mike Anderson, a coach that it seems the Tiger fans can stand behind. So they've got less talent, lots of heart, a coach the fans and players respect and trust...sound familiar? Sounds like maybe the Tigers are on track to get back the pre Quin era. Sounds like a lot of the Tiger teams that have upset Kansas.
Meanwhile, I'd say the feeling amongst Jayhawk fans in more nervous than anything. The team looked soft against K-State and Self got outcoached by (arguably) the worst game coach in the conference. Then came Saturday in Boulder. Honestly, I'd like to know if the team drove to the game. If not the scenery in western Kansas, I'd like to know what it was that put the team to sleep because they were not ready. Like so many other years in Lawrence, this is supposed to be the year; understandably, Jayhawk fans now get nervous at any sign of a hiccup. Add to that angst the fact that a feisty Mizzou team is coming in for Big Monday? They'd better just hope the players aren't this nervous.
As for the game itself, on paper there's no reason to believe it will be close. This could be a 30 point route and no one would be surprised. That may be the only thing that would change the mood of fans on either side. Kansas should dominate down low...Tiller should have a hard time dealing with the Kansas guards... Missouri may turn it over a ton.... I'm going to have to stick with conventional wisdom and predict the blowout: Kansas 84, Mizzou 61
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Quick hits
It's Super Bowl Sunday, which changes everything, including the schedule at KCSR, but a few quick thoughts...
Is there a KC bias in the Hall of Fames? Derrick Thomas? Frank White? How long it took Buck O'Neil to get in? Andre Tippett got in before DT? Really!?!? Good work Gretz...
If the Pats really did cheat to beat the Rams in the Super Bowl, kudos...I hope they cheated to beat the Raiders in the AFC Championship the year of the tuck too... Couldn't happen to nicer fans.
So Mizzou has beaten Texas and K-State but lost to Iowa St and Nebraska? Weird...
KU's win over Colorado was gross for about 30 minutes...they better shake off the cobwebs by Monday night.
The Giants are the worst World Champion since the Cardinals won the World Series...
Border War tomorrow!!!
Is there a KC bias in the Hall of Fames? Derrick Thomas? Frank White? How long it took Buck O'Neil to get in? Andre Tippett got in before DT? Really!?!? Good work Gretz...
If the Pats really did cheat to beat the Rams in the Super Bowl, kudos...I hope they cheated to beat the Raiders in the AFC Championship the year of the tuck too... Couldn't happen to nicer fans.
So Mizzou has beaten Texas and K-State but lost to Iowa St and Nebraska? Weird...
KU's win over Colorado was gross for about 30 minutes...they better shake off the cobwebs by Monday night.
The Giants are the worst World Champion since the Cardinals won the World Series...
Border War tomorrow!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 3
I only thought it was hard to rank these teams the first two weeks, now it's nearly impossible. Starting at the top, the first question is obvious: Does K-State's win over Kansas make them the the top team in the conference even though nearly everyone would still rank KU higher in the polls? Then you have the middle of the conference with A&M, Texas, and OU all looking great one night and subpar the next. Finally, the bottom of the conference is the biggest mess of all. Most importantly, how do you factor in the MU suspensions? For those answers and more, the Week 3 Big 12 Power Poll:
1. Kansas State (5-0)- Do I expect the Cats will win the Big 12? No. Do I think they'll win in Lawrence? No. But right now, there is no denying that Michael Beasley and company are the number one team in the league. If Jacob Pullen and the K-State guards play like they did last night, they may continue to prove me wrong.
2. Kansas (5-1)- I would not want to be Colorado on Saturday...or worse yet, what's left of the Mizzou team on Monday night. Regardless of how many poundings these Jayhawks give the lesser teams in the league, they need to find some toughness by March.
3. Baylor (4-1)- The Bears finally lost a game, but no one was ready to supplant them as the #3 team in the league. Their next three games are at Texas, Tech at home and at Kansas, if they win two of those we'll know they're in this race to stay.
4. Texas A&M (3-3)- Surprise, surprise, the Aggies are back. How did they do it? Mostly by destroying Texas last night. This team shouldn't lose again until they face Texas on February 18th. Then again, they shouldn't have 3 losses in the first place.
5. Texas (3-2)- Just when you thought Texas had straightened things out they don't even compete against A&M. What will happen against Baylor Saturday? I'm done guessing.
6. Oklahoma (3-2)- Blake Griffin's 'miraculous' recovery is either heroic or a crock...we're trying to be optimistic so we'll say it was heroic. Sooners look to be getting back on track for an NCAA bid.
7. Texas Tech (2-3)- I can feel everyone getting their "I told you so" ready. Not so fast. Tech has some winnable games coming up and a week's worth of practice. Never count out a Bobby Knight team.
8. Iowa State (3-3)- Blown out by KSU and then blowing out Colorado, the Cyclones are living up to their ranking. Could be playing for an NIT bid if they can stay around .500
9. Oklahoma State (1-5)- How does a team lose twice and move up two spots in the rankings? Lose by 3 to A&M and Oklahoma, that's how...and this didn't hurt...
10. Nebraska (1-4)- They were embarrassing in Lawrence...but maybe even more so in beating the depleted Tigers by 4 in Columbia. Gross is the only way to explain this team right now.
11. Missouri (2-4)- I can only take 'indefinite' at it's face value. Until we know how long half the team is suspended they can only be ranked ahead of...
12. Colorado (1-5)- Blew another double digit 2nd half lead against Mizzou, then put up 41 against the Cyclones...yuck.
Can we just call the player of the week award the Michael Beasley award?
Postseason outlook:
Kansas #1 seed
A&M, Texas #4 seed
KSU #5 seed
Baylor #6 seed
Oklahoma #11 seed
Texas Tech, Iowa State NIT
1. Kansas State (5-0)- Do I expect the Cats will win the Big 12? No. Do I think they'll win in Lawrence? No. But right now, there is no denying that Michael Beasley and company are the number one team in the league. If Jacob Pullen and the K-State guards play like they did last night, they may continue to prove me wrong.
2. Kansas (5-1)- I would not want to be Colorado on Saturday...or worse yet, what's left of the Mizzou team on Monday night. Regardless of how many poundings these Jayhawks give the lesser teams in the league, they need to find some toughness by March.
3. Baylor (4-1)- The Bears finally lost a game, but no one was ready to supplant them as the #3 team in the league. Their next three games are at Texas, Tech at home and at Kansas, if they win two of those we'll know they're in this race to stay.
4. Texas A&M (3-3)- Surprise, surprise, the Aggies are back. How did they do it? Mostly by destroying Texas last night. This team shouldn't lose again until they face Texas on February 18th. Then again, they shouldn't have 3 losses in the first place.
5. Texas (3-2)- Just when you thought Texas had straightened things out they don't even compete against A&M. What will happen against Baylor Saturday? I'm done guessing.
6. Oklahoma (3-2)- Blake Griffin's 'miraculous' recovery is either heroic or a crock...we're trying to be optimistic so we'll say it was heroic. Sooners look to be getting back on track for an NCAA bid.
7. Texas Tech (2-3)- I can feel everyone getting their "I told you so" ready. Not so fast. Tech has some winnable games coming up and a week's worth of practice. Never count out a Bobby Knight team.
8. Iowa State (3-3)- Blown out by KSU and then blowing out Colorado, the Cyclones are living up to their ranking. Could be playing for an NIT bid if they can stay around .500
9. Oklahoma State (1-5)- How does a team lose twice and move up two spots in the rankings? Lose by 3 to A&M and Oklahoma, that's how...and this didn't hurt...
10. Nebraska (1-4)- They were embarrassing in Lawrence...but maybe even more so in beating the depleted Tigers by 4 in Columbia. Gross is the only way to explain this team right now.
11. Missouri (2-4)- I can only take 'indefinite' at it's face value. Until we know how long half the team is suspended they can only be ranked ahead of...
12. Colorado (1-5)- Blew another double digit 2nd half lead against Mizzou, then put up 41 against the Cyclones...yuck.
Can we just call the player of the week award the Michael Beasley award?
Postseason outlook:
Kansas #1 seed
A&M, Texas #4 seed
KSU #5 seed
Baylor #6 seed
Oklahoma #11 seed
Texas Tech, Iowa State NIT
Call him Mr. Windex, cause he gets the streak out
I was wrong, Michael Beasley was right. I'll have more on last night's game in the Big 12 Report later today, but for now quick thoughts:
- That crowd last night was amazing. They pushed their own team while scaring both the Jayhawks and the refs into submission.
- Darrell Arthur looked like a high school player compared to Beasley...he also looked scared.
- If Kansas State shoots like that in March we may have two teams from Kansas in the Final Four.
- I used to call Brandon Rush 'Casper' for his propensity to disappear in the clutch...after last night I may start again.
Like I said, more in the Big 12 Report this afternoon, but for now...congrats to the Cats and their fans.
- That crowd last night was amazing. They pushed their own team while scaring both the Jayhawks and the refs into submission.
- Darrell Arthur looked like a high school player compared to Beasley...he also looked scared.
- If Kansas State shoots like that in March we may have two teams from Kansas in the Final Four.
- I used to call Brandon Rush 'Casper' for his propensity to disappear in the clutch...after last night I may start again.
Like I said, more in the Big 12 Report this afternoon, but for now...congrats to the Cats and their fans.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunflower Showdown
Seems like I've been waiting forever for this game, then I thought about how long Wildcats fans have been waiting for a win over KU in Manahatten...25 years and 1 day to be exact. Yes, a quarter of a century ago yesterday was the last time K-State beat Kansas. Absurd isn't is? But there have been plenty of articles about "The Streak" and it's absurdity. Even more about Michael Beasley and his guarantees to end said streak. Even a few on Kansas' reaction to Beasley's guarantee to end "The Streak".
Yeah, the whole streak angle has been beaten into the ground, right? Maybe. One thing everyone seems to agree on is that the streak won't have any effect on tonight's game. The most common things you hear is "These kids weren't even born when this streak started"...to me that's pretty shortsighted. With everyone talking about Beasley's guarantee filling the Jayhawks' bulletin board, how can we not analyze the other side of it? These Wildcats have heard about "The Streak" since before they stepped on Kansas, you don't think they're motivated by that? You don't think they'll play harder tonight than any other? Of course they will.
So, we have the veteran Jayhawks trying to silence the confident (if not arrogant) Wildcats on one side. On the other you have the young Wildcats, tired of hearing about 24 years of disappointment, wanting to prove themselves. To me, that sounds like a recipe for one of the best games of the season...at first glance.
The problem with that theory is it doesn't take in to account the disparity in talent. All year long I've told you how Michael Beasley was this year's Kevin Durant, and I stand by that. And Bill Walker is a great young player as well...maybe the 2nd most talented player on the floor but after that there is no comparison here. Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson, Brandon Rush, Sherron Collins...The Wildcats have noanswer for them. The guards will be the difference and I expect Mario Chalmers to have a field day.
Kansas State is a good team no doubt, a tournament team for sure, but not the kind of team that beats an inspired Kansas team. No, their only hope was to catch this team sleeping and Mr. Beasley made sure that didn't happen. Everyone has given Beasley a free pass because he's "good enough to back it up". Everyone seems to think that great players can make guarantees...I agree...IF they're on a great team. Beasley didn't write a check that he couldn't cover, he wrote one that his team has to try and cover...and cost them any chance at a victory.
Last odds I saw had Kansas as a 7 point favorite and I'd be amazed if they don't cover that. Expect 20+ turnovers from the Wildcats, as well as a lot of frustration. The Streak continues...
Kansas 79, Kansas State 66
Yeah, the whole streak angle has been beaten into the ground, right? Maybe. One thing everyone seems to agree on is that the streak won't have any effect on tonight's game. The most common things you hear is "These kids weren't even born when this streak started"...to me that's pretty shortsighted. With everyone talking about Beasley's guarantee filling the Jayhawks' bulletin board, how can we not analyze the other side of it? These Wildcats have heard about "The Streak" since before they stepped on Kansas, you don't think they're motivated by that? You don't think they'll play harder tonight than any other? Of course they will.
So, we have the veteran Jayhawks trying to silence the confident (if not arrogant) Wildcats on one side. On the other you have the young Wildcats, tired of hearing about 24 years of disappointment, wanting to prove themselves. To me, that sounds like a recipe for one of the best games of the season...at first glance.
The problem with that theory is it doesn't take in to account the disparity in talent. All year long I've told you how Michael Beasley was this year's Kevin Durant, and I stand by that. And Bill Walker is a great young player as well...maybe the 2nd most talented player on the floor but after that there is no comparison here. Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson, Brandon Rush, Sherron Collins...The Wildcats have noanswer for them. The guards will be the difference and I expect Mario Chalmers to have a field day.
Kansas State is a good team no doubt, a tournament team for sure, but not the kind of team that beats an inspired Kansas team. No, their only hope was to catch this team sleeping and Mr. Beasley made sure that didn't happen. Everyone has given Beasley a free pass because he's "good enough to back it up". Everyone seems to think that great players can make guarantees...I agree...IF they're on a great team. Beasley didn't write a check that he couldn't cover, he wrote one that his team has to try and cover...and cost them any chance at a victory.
Last odds I saw had Kansas as a 7 point favorite and I'd be amazed if they don't cover that. Expect 20+ turnovers from the Wildcats, as well as a lot of frustration. The Streak continues...
Kansas 79, Kansas State 66
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