Was it just me or did this tournament lack excitement? The final 4 featured a couple of blowouts and the title game also wasn't very close. What's even odder was the fact that I chose to watch the Twins/Mariners game and House instead of the title game. Granted, I had a bigger interest in baseball for certain reasons but still, this was the National title game.
Heck, even One Shining Moment lacked the excitement that it always carries when you know the tourney is about to end. So looking back at the 2008-09 season here's what stuck out:
- VCU ended two eras with another CAA title and a heartbreaking loss. I'm thinking the Shaka Smart era continues with much success and hits the ground running early and often next year.
- The Richmond Spiders will be the scariest team in this city next year with the potential that they showed at the end and adding Dan Geriot. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they win the conference especially with Sean Miller taking his expertise elsewhere.
- The Hokies were well....the Hokies. They came up short in their quest for a tournament bid by virtue of some close losses and odd play. The face of the franchise will change next year.
- The Hoos hired Tony Bennett who I've said on the record will be an outstanding hire. Winning is winning no matter if it's by scoring 50 points or 80 points.
And now it's time for baseball and eventually the NHL and NBA playoffs. I'm sure most eyes will go to the Great American Pastime as they should but don't forget about the postseason in those other two sports. While I dislike the NBA, i'll be checking in from time to time and the NHL is exciting stuff when we hit this time of year.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Coaching Searches are OVER
Well that was quite a rush for a pair of Virginia schools. First let me start with UVA, a school that people know I don't particularly care for. Tony Bennett is an outstanding hire. The man has done a lot with Wazzu and this past year's effort should be the reason why you like him. Wazzu wasn't expected to do squat in the PAC 10 yet this team made a late push for a potential at-large and got an NIT bid instead. He's shown he can recruit and he's shown that he can win. Bennett's going to do well. Don't worry about the style of play. Clearly the up and down style (see: no defense played) of Dave Leiteo didnt work. Cougar students showed up for Bennett's team, UVA students will do the same or pay for it. Sounds familiar like another Virginia school.
VCU's hire is good as well. Shaka Smart is a stud, bar none. Florida fans arent happy he's leaving while we took another "Anthony Grant" from their school. Grant was a one of a kind coach and his departure will leave a void temporarily. He's class personified and those condemning him for leaving should look in the mirror and tell themselves they wouldnt have done the same. Grant will prosper in Alabama and those who were unhappy he left, will quickly turn around and root for him in the end. Smart keeps Eblen and the rest of the current Rams squad, Mason and ODU fans will be complaining once again that VCU is too good. VCU made the "smart" hire. hehe
It's almost baseball season...So excited for it because for the first month or two the Marlins are hanging around.
Later on fellas
Matt
PS..... Villanova must go down
VCU's hire is good as well. Shaka Smart is a stud, bar none. Florida fans arent happy he's leaving while we took another "Anthony Grant" from their school. Grant was a one of a kind coach and his departure will leave a void temporarily. He's class personified and those condemning him for leaving should look in the mirror and tell themselves they wouldnt have done the same. Grant will prosper in Alabama and those who were unhappy he left, will quickly turn around and root for him in the end. Smart keeps Eblen and the rest of the current Rams squad, Mason and ODU fans will be complaining once again that VCU is too good. VCU made the "smart" hire. hehe
It's almost baseball season...So excited for it because for the first month or two the Marlins are hanging around.
Later on fellas
Matt
PS..... Villanova must go down
Sunday, March 15, 2009
NCAA Tournament Dancing and NIT
Well the brackets are out and VCU is coming home to my town to play the west coast Bruins of UCLA. What a great matchup for the Rams as they will be staring at a mirror image of them. UCLA features all world PG Darren Collison, Shipp and Aboya and a lot of youth. At times the Bruins are a turnover prone team and one that has gone cold for long stretches of time. Don't expect this one to get to 70 points. If either does then, they will win. I just don't see it happening because the one consistency for the Bruins is a stout defense. Plus, never count out Ben Howland or Anthony Grant. This one has classic written all over it. VCU 67-64.
If they win, they play the hated Villanova Wildcats...well...err at least I hate them....and..that's if Jeff Jones American team doesnt knock off the Vilecats. Nova isn't a tall team outside of Dante Cunningham and has guards out the wazoo. This one would be a higher paced game because both teams push the pace. Nova has given up exorbitant totals at times in the Big East.
Elsewhere:
Va Tech gets Duquesne in the NIT. This is big time trouble for them. What will the Hokie mindset be? Will they take this as a challenge and make a run to send Vassallo off or will they bitch and moan and piss awy the home game. The Dukes are an explosive team and will be tough to prep for. This will be an intriguing one especially if Duquesne is hot from the outside.
Mason made the NIT and will get Penn State in a 2-7 matchup. Another case of mindset as most NIT games are. Especially if PSU is unhappy to have not made the tourney. I havent seen too many PSU games this year as Big 10 bball is unwatchable. I'd like to think Mason can hang around and clamp down on the Nits. This one wont reach 70 either.
Teams to watch in the NCAA tourney:
Temple of course
Washington -- Watch out for the VCU of the west. Final 4 talent when it all gets put together.
Ohio State -- Only because they are "home" which is a crock (PS...How the hell did Maryland get a 10 when they didnt even belong in the tourney. No team should make the field of 65 when you've lost games by at least 30 points)
That's all for now
If they win, they play the hated Villanova Wildcats...well...err at least I hate them....and..that's if Jeff Jones American team doesnt knock off the Vilecats. Nova isn't a tall team outside of Dante Cunningham and has guards out the wazoo. This one would be a higher paced game because both teams push the pace. Nova has given up exorbitant totals at times in the Big East.
Elsewhere:
Va Tech gets Duquesne in the NIT. This is big time trouble for them. What will the Hokie mindset be? Will they take this as a challenge and make a run to send Vassallo off or will they bitch and moan and piss awy the home game. The Dukes are an explosive team and will be tough to prep for. This will be an intriguing one especially if Duquesne is hot from the outside.
Mason made the NIT and will get Penn State in a 2-7 matchup. Another case of mindset as most NIT games are. Especially if PSU is unhappy to have not made the tourney. I havent seen too many PSU games this year as Big 10 bball is unwatchable. I'd like to think Mason can hang around and clamp down on the Nits. This one wont reach 70 either.
Teams to watch in the NCAA tourney:
Temple of course
Washington -- Watch out for the VCU of the west. Final 4 talent when it all gets put together.
Ohio State -- Only because they are "home" which is a crock (PS...How the hell did Maryland get a 10 when they didnt even belong in the tourney. No team should make the field of 65 when you've lost games by at least 30 points)
That's all for now
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Welcome Back
Hardly Workin is back on the air and it feels great especially since i've started to catch some march madness fever. The CAA tournament is one of the more underrated tournaments in the mid-major country. Great crowds, great action and good rivalries. The Mason-VCU final tomorrow will be outstanding. I feel like the Rams will come out on top because they can't let Eric Maynor's senior year be sullied by an NIT bid. VCU's defense as of late has been out of this world and the tired Patriots had way too many mental lapses. Rams take it 67-60.
The Spiders are going into the A-10 tourney with a ton of momentum. I'm feeling at least one victory with a good chance for two. Richmond's bigs are going to be the key. We know that the Spiders guards will score and we've seen games where Martel/Gonzo/KA have carried the team to a victory but it's the bigs who will need to contribute as well. Rhode Island's guards are good, Dayton's are underrated. Spiders get two wins but bow out in a close one in the Semi's.
Would you call me crazy if I said UVA had a better chance of winning their first round game then the Hokies do? I know about the crazy stretch Va Tech has had but UVA is "hot" right now. You never know where the points are gonna come from outside of Sylven but the Hoos are playing with house money. There's even a projection out there the Hoos make the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Meanwhile the Hokies big 3 have struggled mightily lately. They will be playing a desperate Canes team in the 1st round and will need Delaney, Vassallo and Allen to step up big to prevent Miami from gettin back on the bubble.
March Madness is alive and well and soon before we know it, it will be baseball season.
The Spiders are going into the A-10 tourney with a ton of momentum. I'm feeling at least one victory with a good chance for two. Richmond's bigs are going to be the key. We know that the Spiders guards will score and we've seen games where Martel/Gonzo/KA have carried the team to a victory but it's the bigs who will need to contribute as well. Rhode Island's guards are good, Dayton's are underrated. Spiders get two wins but bow out in a close one in the Semi's.
Would you call me crazy if I said UVA had a better chance of winning their first round game then the Hokies do? I know about the crazy stretch Va Tech has had but UVA is "hot" right now. You never know where the points are gonna come from outside of Sylven but the Hoos are playing with house money. There's even a projection out there the Hoos make the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Meanwhile the Hokies big 3 have struggled mightily lately. They will be playing a desperate Canes team in the 1st round and will need Delaney, Vassallo and Allen to step up big to prevent Miami from gettin back on the bubble.
March Madness is alive and well and soon before we know it, it will be baseball season.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Week 13 College Football Picks.....
Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Week 11: 2-4
Week 12: 2-7
Alright, last week was a complete and utter abortion. You can tell early on how my picks are doing if i win the first one or two. When it rains, it pours with me but we trudge on.
Like always we begin with Temple. The Owls have officially been eliminated from bowl contention this season after the abysmal loss to Kent State in front of like 6 people. This weekend, Temple hosts EMU. Somehow the Owls are a 10-11 point favorite this weekend. The offense has been clicking lately and EMU doesnt exactly present much of a threat but something about this tells me to take EMU plus the points. I can't imagine much motivation for a team who will be playing for nothing in front of nothing. I like the Over 44 more but i'd consider EMU +11.
This seems too easy....plus it's the shady MAC conference so i know something's up here but Toledo -3? Against Miami-Ohio who stinks out loud? Yikes....The Rockets have shown a pulse winning in Michigan...what has MU done this year. Give me The Rockets -3.
Indiana/Purdue....great basketball matchup....tons of points in football...or at least im hoping. Neither team is exactly interested in playing defense and neither is exactly playing for anything either. I'll take over 49 in this one.
The SEC is traditionally a tough conference to cap. I like Mississippi State despite the fact that they couldnt score on a pee-wee team. I'm not a fan of Arkansas and their running game against this defense. Give me MSU +1.
TCU's defense is nearly untouchable at home. AFA loves to run the ball and that drains clock. The Air Force Academy also has been playing a little defense themselves lately. I think this total is a little high for a close game. Take Under 45.
I've rode them thru thick and thin and this seems to be a beautiful spot to do it again. I like Arizona -3 at home against Oregon State. This team is completely different at home and is better then an OSU team who is inconsistent at best on the road.
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Week 11: 2-4
Week 12: 2-7
Alright, last week was a complete and utter abortion. You can tell early on how my picks are doing if i win the first one or two. When it rains, it pours with me but we trudge on.
Like always we begin with Temple. The Owls have officially been eliminated from bowl contention this season after the abysmal loss to Kent State in front of like 6 people. This weekend, Temple hosts EMU. Somehow the Owls are a 10-11 point favorite this weekend. The offense has been clicking lately and EMU doesnt exactly present much of a threat but something about this tells me to take EMU plus the points. I can't imagine much motivation for a team who will be playing for nothing in front of nothing. I like the Over 44 more but i'd consider EMU +11.
This seems too easy....plus it's the shady MAC conference so i know something's up here but Toledo -3? Against Miami-Ohio who stinks out loud? Yikes....The Rockets have shown a pulse winning in Michigan...what has MU done this year. Give me The Rockets -3.
Indiana/Purdue....great basketball matchup....tons of points in football...or at least im hoping. Neither team is exactly interested in playing defense and neither is exactly playing for anything either. I'll take over 49 in this one.
The SEC is traditionally a tough conference to cap. I like Mississippi State despite the fact that they couldnt score on a pee-wee team. I'm not a fan of Arkansas and their running game against this defense. Give me MSU +1.
TCU's defense is nearly untouchable at home. AFA loves to run the ball and that drains clock. The Air Force Academy also has been playing a little defense themselves lately. I think this total is a little high for a close game. Take Under 45.
I've rode them thru thick and thin and this seems to be a beautiful spot to do it again. I like Arizona -3 at home against Oregon State. This team is completely different at home and is better then an OSU team who is inconsistent at best on the road.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Week 12 College Football Picks....
Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Week 11: 2-4
Week 12: 0-1
Alright, Temple's season is over except for two hideously under-attended home games at the Cavernous Lincoln Financial Field. Just as low was my picks last week...
Tonight's game between Cincinnati and Louisville is a juicy one...I'm still a believer in the Cardinals. Despite the solid defense that Cincinnati features, I'm goin Louisville +3.5 tonight and a small lean on under 49.
Penn State is going to cream Indiana. It won't be pretty either. I'm not as confident on the 36 point game line but i'll take a 1st half line that's sure to be around 21 or so. For the purposes of these picks give me PSU -21 1st half.
South Florida's Jekyll and hyde season continues at home as they host Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights aren't ready to win this one or even come anywhere close. I love the Bulls -8 in this one.
Western Michigan is heading towards a sweet bowl after beating Illinois and then return home to host Toledo. The Rockets can score a little in this game. Give me Over 54.5 in this one.
Speaking of teams who are very inconsistent, Maryland is hosting North Carolina. The Twerps don't seem to look like their crappy selves when they play at Byrd Stadium. Give me Maryland +3.
This is purely a feel pick. I've been a fan of the Arizona Wildcats this season and i feel like they are a good play at Oregon. The Ducks are a good team but can be beat. A ton of points will be put up in this one and i like my chances with Willie Tuitama in a shoot out. Arizona +5 in this one.
Last pick for this week is a similar situation. LSU and Tulane played a couple of weeks ago and it was an under. I feel like Troy could be better then Tulane defensively and maybe a little bit offensively as well. This o/u is way too high for an offense that is inconsistent. Take Under 54.5 in the Troy/LSU game.
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Week 11: 2-4
Week 12: 0-1
Alright, Temple's season is over except for two hideously under-attended home games at the Cavernous Lincoln Financial Field. Just as low was my picks last week...
Tonight's game between Cincinnati and Louisville is a juicy one...I'm still a believer in the Cardinals. Despite the solid defense that Cincinnati features, I'm goin Louisville +3.5 tonight and a small lean on under 49.
Penn State is going to cream Indiana. It won't be pretty either. I'm not as confident on the 36 point game line but i'll take a 1st half line that's sure to be around 21 or so. For the purposes of these picks give me PSU -21 1st half.
South Florida's Jekyll and hyde season continues at home as they host Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights aren't ready to win this one or even come anywhere close. I love the Bulls -8 in this one.
Western Michigan is heading towards a sweet bowl after beating Illinois and then return home to host Toledo. The Rockets can score a little in this game. Give me Over 54.5 in this one.
Speaking of teams who are very inconsistent, Maryland is hosting North Carolina. The Twerps don't seem to look like their crappy selves when they play at Byrd Stadium. Give me Maryland +3.
This is purely a feel pick. I've been a fan of the Arizona Wildcats this season and i feel like they are a good play at Oregon. The Ducks are a good team but can be beat. A ton of points will be put up in this one and i like my chances with Willie Tuitama in a shoot out. Arizona +5 in this one.
Last pick for this week is a similar situation. LSU and Tulane played a couple of weeks ago and it was an under. I feel like Troy could be better then Tulane defensively and maybe a little bit offensively as well. This o/u is way too high for an offense that is inconsistent. Take Under 54.5 in the Troy/LSU game.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week 11 College Football Picks....
Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Well in my many years of watching football, I don't think i've ever seen a team self-implode as badly as Temple did last week. What was going to be a promising season fell big time in the span of 3 or 4 plays over 3 or 4 games. Unlike my beloved Owls, i've been hot with the picks.
This has been a favorite play of mine as of late. For some reason the BYU over under in their games hasnt been high enough as they've scored the total by themselves almost. This time they play a horrific SDSU and the total is 59? BYU will score at least that in this game. Considering their defense hasn't been that good either, they may give some up themselves. Take Over 59
Conference USA rivals the Big 12 for offenses and scoring totals. This has a chance to sail over or be way under depending on how Bo Levi Mitchell comes out firing. I feel both teams will put up at least 30 so i'm going Over 63 for SMU/Memphis.
One of my favorite picks if not THE favorite pick of the weekend is in the ACC. While the Wolfpack hasn't been that successful in conference, they still have shown a defensive effort from time to time. I think the week off will do them good. Duke's offense is ridiculously inconsistent. Give me under 49 NC State/Duke
Unders for the most part in the SEC have been money outside of this season. The defenses in this league have not shown up for the most part. I feel like this is the last stand for LSU and their defense. Under 48 Alabama/LSU
A pair of home dogs are next up in the selections: Last time I checked Hawaii stinks away from the Islands. Now I know that New Mexico State isn't exactly a world beater but i'll take my chances that Holbrook has one good game in him to beat UH. Give me NMSU +3.5
Next.....It's been a dismal season for UCLA. Tons of injuries and bad games but Oregon State has been living on the edge. Outside of a win in Washington, they stink out loud on the road. Sure they hung around with Utah but in the end they fell short. Gimme a Bruins team +8 motivated to hurt OSU.
Final pick this week for me comes in the WAC. Very rare to appear on my writeups but something about this game struck me. I like San Jose State -7 over La Tech. The Spartans have some talent on offense with Myles Eden leading them and David Richmond catching his passes. Away from Ruston La Tech is terrible. Take SJSU -7.
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Well in my many years of watching football, I don't think i've ever seen a team self-implode as badly as Temple did last week. What was going to be a promising season fell big time in the span of 3 or 4 plays over 3 or 4 games. Unlike my beloved Owls, i've been hot with the picks.
This has been a favorite play of mine as of late. For some reason the BYU over under in their games hasnt been high enough as they've scored the total by themselves almost. This time they play a horrific SDSU and the total is 59? BYU will score at least that in this game. Considering their defense hasn't been that good either, they may give some up themselves. Take Over 59
Conference USA rivals the Big 12 for offenses and scoring totals. This has a chance to sail over or be way under depending on how Bo Levi Mitchell comes out firing. I feel both teams will put up at least 30 so i'm going Over 63 for SMU/Memphis.
One of my favorite picks if not THE favorite pick of the weekend is in the ACC. While the Wolfpack hasn't been that successful in conference, they still have shown a defensive effort from time to time. I think the week off will do them good. Duke's offense is ridiculously inconsistent. Give me under 49 NC State/Duke
Unders for the most part in the SEC have been money outside of this season. The defenses in this league have not shown up for the most part. I feel like this is the last stand for LSU and their defense. Under 48 Alabama/LSU
A pair of home dogs are next up in the selections: Last time I checked Hawaii stinks away from the Islands. Now I know that New Mexico State isn't exactly a world beater but i'll take my chances that Holbrook has one good game in him to beat UH. Give me NMSU +3.5
Next.....It's been a dismal season for UCLA. Tons of injuries and bad games but Oregon State has been living on the edge. Outside of a win in Washington, they stink out loud on the road. Sure they hung around with Utah but in the end they fell short. Gimme a Bruins team +8 motivated to hurt OSU.
Final pick this week for me comes in the WAC. Very rare to appear on my writeups but something about this game struck me. I like San Jose State -7 over La Tech. The Spartans have some talent on offense with Myles Eden leading them and David Richmond catching his passes. Away from Ruston La Tech is terrible. Take SJSU -7.
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