Good for College Sports?

This past Thursday was the kick off of another march madness filled with surprise, stress and the sounds of paper shredding as brackets were thrown out with every game. There were record blowouts mixed in with the first last second game winner in almost three years. A number 1 seed lost in the round of 32 for the second time in 3 years. Then Cinderella reared her head again with upset on upset everyday, yet one glass slipper was a little bigger after being found in Ft Myers Florida. Now my question is, after a weekend filled with bracket disappointment and many top teams losing early, is it good for the sport of college basketball. It’s great to say that a little tiny school went and beat Georgetown, but where is the marketability. In a time where money is most important, it’s easier to sell tickets to a Georgetown game than Florida Gulf Coast. It was also sad to see Gonzaga lose so early in the tourney. With the chance to prove the committee wrong and show that the WCC can compete with the big boys and try to being basketball back to the Pacific Northwest they blew it. Almost becoming the first #1 to lose would have set the Zags back very far, but would not have been a surprise to anyone watching the game. Then there is the other side of the spectrum with powerhouses like Syracuse that make times unfortunate to smaller schools. When a team comes out and then is sent home after a a 47 point embarrassment would not be a “learning” experience. It would be hard for me as a coach to say that we played well when our team almost didnt score 30 points. The tournament is always fun if your a big fan of basketball, but if the NCAA wants to reach out, allowing more teams in might not be the right way to go.

March Madness Predictions

After looking at the 2013 NCAA tournament brackets for a close to 24 hours, I have some new thoughts on favorites compared to yesterday. First I will start with my thoughts on the number 1 seeds.

Louisville: The number 1 overall seed in the tournament won the very last Big East Championship and have a solid all around roster. It all starts with guard Peyton Siva. Siva is an all around guard that can distribute the ball as well as shoot the ball at a consistent pace. Combined with forward Chane Behanin and a deep bench, the Cardinals have a chance to go far in the tournament.

Kansas: Led by pure all around freshman Ben Mclemore, Kansas compliments him well with a shot blocker in 7 footer Jeff Withey. After running through a very strong Big 12 regular season and confrence tournament, the Rock Chalk Jayhawk team is ready to make a deep run. In the same side of the bracket as one of the tourney favorites Georgetown, it will be a challenge to make it to Atlanta and the Final Four.

Indiana: Based around their two player of the year candidates Cody Zeller and Victor Olidipo, The Hoosiers have been considered one of the top teams in CBB all year. A loss in the Big Ten tournament really cost them a shot at the number overall spot and faced them with some of the top contenders. Their toughest test will be in the Elite Eight against Miami (FL).

Gonzaga: The most controversial of the number 1 seeds. Gonzaga put together a tremendous resume only losing twice and with the possibility of not losing any games. However there lack of a true challenge in the non conference might come back to hurt them. Facing two top Big Ten teams might show weakness not typically found with their competition.

With this years open field, the champion could come from any slot the and any seed position. However, a good number of the top teams are still top 4 seeds and I predict that is where the champion will come from. One of the top teams to watch is out of now where Miami. They shocked the CBB world by winning the ACC regular season and conference championships.

Another one of the top contenders are the Hoyas of Georgetown. Led by star sophomore Otto Potter Jr, the Hoyas ran through the Big East with relative ease. Even with all of their talent and scoring, I still don’t believe that they have enough experience to out last Kansas in their bracket.

Now on to my favorite to win this years tournament. The Wolverines from the University of Michigan. Lead by Play of the Year Trey Burke and sniper Tim Hardaway Jr, throw in three outstanding freshmen and you get a stacked all around team. The came within an unfortunate bounce of knocking off Indiana and were the last undefeated team in the nation this year at 18-0. The last time Michigan was ranked number 1 in the country they reached the championship game and I see know reason that shouldn’t happen again. If Jon Beilein can rally the troops for 3 weeks, there is no team more skilled than Michigan

Early March Madness Look

With only a few hours left until the brackets are reveled, and only the final details being worked out, I decided to take a quick look at what this years tournament has in store for us. Lets start from the top and look at some of the top teams in the country including Indiana and Gonzaga. There can only be four number 1 seeds, but there have been seven or eight teams that had a viable shot to gain a number 1 heading into the tournament. Teams like Michigan and Duke suffered greatly down the stretch with key losses to unranked opponents. However, this disparity between the top seeds will allow for a great and unpredictable tournament and possibly play out for a mid major to shock the world and win the whole tournament. If I had to take a quick pick for the Final Four, I would have to pick Indiana, Duke, Michigan and Gonzaga with Indiana and Duke playing for the National Championship. This would set up an outstanding battle between bigs Cody Zeller and Ryan Kelly, and guards Victor Oladipo and Seth Curry, then allowing Indiana to come out victorious for the first time in 26 years.

NHL Power Rankings Week 8

1) Chicago Blackhawks
2) Boston Bruins
3) Pittsburgh Penguins
4) Montreal Canadians
5) Anaheim Ducks
6) Vancouver Canucks
7) Los Angeles Kings
8) Carolina Hurricanes
9) Minnesota Wild
10) Ottawa Senators
11) New Jersey Devils
12) New York Rangers
13) St Louis Blues
14) Toronto Maple Leafs
15) Winnipeg Jets
16) Detroit Redwings
17) San Jose Sharks
18) Colorado Avalanche
19) Phoenix Coyotes
20) New York Islanders
21) Nashville Predators
22) Dallas Stars
23) Edmonton Oilers
24) Washington Capitals
25) Calgary Flames
26) Philadelphia Flyers
27) Columbus Blue Jackets
28) Tampa Bay Lightning
29) Florida Panthers
30) Buffalo Sabers

Is Stephen Jackson the Answer?

News released just hours ago is that 10 year veteran running back Stephen Jackson has signed a contract with the NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons. Could he be the last piece needed to complete the Falcons run to the Super Bowl and compliment the receiving core of Julio Jones of Roddy White? Of course he is the missing piece. When the Falcons had a running game with Micheal Turner, they lacked in the passing attack. Then the roles were reversed during this past year as Turner slowed down tremendously and second year receiver Julio Jones blossomed into a top flight threat in the league. There was one glaring problem that Turner was suffering from and tht was his amount of body fat compared to muscle. Replacing him with the more in shape Jackson, along side Jones and Matty “Ice” Ryan still growing and developing, the Falcons should be in the same conversation as Seattle and San Francisco to represent the NFC this year. The schedule is very favorable to repeat as NFC South champions and gain home field advantage through the playoffs and with a little hope from my inner Falcon, they will be chilling in New Jersey in the beginning of 2014.

Come to Boston Ed Reed

Now entering into day two of NFL free agency, it is time for the quieter teams around the league to step up and start making moves. One of those quiet teams are the New England Patriots, who never make a big splash in free agency. However this year has the chance to be different with the glaring hole in the New England secondary. Safety Ed Reed is one of the best in the league today and quite possibly one of the best safeties of all time. With the current depletion of the Ravens, and Bill Belichick’s great off the field relationship with Reed, it is a perfect match. Ed Reed brings great leadership to a young and inexperienced defense. His ball hawking abilities, although slowed down still allow Reed to bring in 4-5 ints and can still be a solid tackler.

Playoff Bound Dolphins?

Yes thats right folks. Let the debate begin over the possibility of the Miami Dolphins making the playoffs and challenging the Patriots for top of the AFC East. With the addition of Mike Wallace to a team that had a total of 3, yes 3 TD catches last year, the Dolphins will be better. However they will not be ready for the playoffs this year. Ryan Tannehill is a great young QB that will continue to improve and get better, but has yet to play 30 games at the quarterback position in his career. Losing tackle Jake Long will be a huge loss in protecting Tannehill but the Dolphins can find a replacement in this years draft. Having a passing attack that includes Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline is only great if you have a running game to complement it. Lamar Miller will most likely win the competition for the starting job, but did not show the signs last year of being able to be an every down back. The defense is above average and will be able to keep them in a majority of games and allow the Dolphins to improve their record. Signing Brian Hartline to such a big contract is a major risk after only seeing one productive season. Give the Dolphins three years to keep building and develop, they will be a solid contender to make the playoffs every year.

NFL Draft, The Best of the Rest

With as many great players as there are in college football today, there are only 32 of them that can go in the first round of the NFL draft. Some are big name and some are players from big school and others have had one outstanding game but not much else. These are some big name prospects and my idea of when the will be drafted.

Matt Barkley (QB USC) 

Barkley is another southern californian QB that will be a hot commodity in the NFL. Like Mark Sanchez and Matt Leinart before him, he also is lacking the elite arm strength of other prospects like Geno Smith. However, there is one thing that Barkley has in his favor and that is he has started almost every game for the Trojans over the past 4 years. Barkley is only 1-1 in bowl games due to USC’s bowl ban but the time allowed him to mold his leadership skills and get his team moving in the right direction. In the right system, I can see Barkley being a solid NFL Starter.  Drafted 2nd round by Buffalo Bills

Mike Glennon (QB NC State)

Glennon is everything that you want in a young QB. He is big at 6’6 218, cannon of an arm and true leadership skills. He plays in the weaker ACC, and did not put up stats that are seen as outstanding. However, with the minute talent at NC State, Glennon led the Wolfpack to back-to-back bowl games and has a skill set that translate very well to the pros. In a system with solid receivers and a running game, Glennon has potential to be a pro bowler down the road.    Drafted 2nd round by Jacksonville Jaguars

Robert Woods (WR USC) 

Robert Woods played very well two seasons ago as a relatively unknown sophomore. Woods finished in the top 10 in both receiving yards and touchdowns while being Matt Barkley’s got to guy. Last year, Woods was over shadowed by super stud Marquies Lee but still got respectable numbers on the year. The thing people seem to forget is that although the numbers were not the same, his size, speed and catching ability are all still there and getting better every practice.    Drafted 2nd round by San Diego Chargers

Tyrann Mathieu (DB LSU) 

During his sophomore season at LSU, Mathieu, or The Honey Badger was the best in the game. He would rome the field take what ever he wanted literally. With only 1 interception, MAthieu made amends by causing 7 fumbles and recovering 5 of them while adding a couple of sacks to his total. Although he did not play this season, Mathieu was able to stay in shape and is as fast as ever. With his added ability to return punts with the best of them, Mathieu will find himself drafted.    Drafted 3rd round by New England Patriots

Denard Robinson (WR Michigan)

Denard “Shoelace” Robinson may not show speed at the combine but is sure as hell football fast. When you get him in the open field, there are not many people that have the ability to catch him. With his added ability to throw the football, and in a time of spread options and wildcat offenses, Robinson will be a multi demential asset. If his hands and body holds up to the weekly NFL pounding, Shoelace should be a fixture in the league for a long time.                                     Drafted 3rd round by Pittsburgh Steelers

There are other household names that will be drafted on days 2 and 3 of this years draft. revivers like Ryan Swope and Stedman Bailey will work well as slot receivers for NFL teams. Being a Penn Stater I cannot over look the well rounded linebackers Gerald Hodges and Mike Mauti. They come from linebacker U and are NFL ready after there tough season in 2012. After coming in for the injured Sam Bradford in 2009,  Landry Jones never really blossomed to his full potential. He still has the opportunity to reach his full potential and become a starter in the NFL.

NFL Mock Draft Picks 21-32

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Hunter (WR Tennessee)

There are plenty of solid receivers in the free agent market, but most will require a higher salary than Hunter. Hunter will supply a great second weapon across from superstar AJ Green. Hunter has great hands and size, but also brings along some speed to help on screen plays. If Hunter can steal just a little attention from the defense the Bengals could look to have another outstanding season.

22) St. Louis Rams: Menelik Watson (OT Florida State)

With this being the second pick for the Rams of the first round, it is necessary that they address the second weakness on offense. A bit older than the typical NFL rookie, and a slight lack of experience are the only two outstanding downsides. With the right coaching and training, Watson will do a greatly above average job protecting Bradford.

23) Minnesota Vikings: Kevin Minter (MLB LSU)

What more is there to say about Minter other than he is a straight tackling machine! In a little over 2 years at LSU, Minter accumulated over 220 tackles and 5 sacks. With help being needed along the defensive line, and not great talent currently available  having a player like Minter to clean up messes will be ideal.

24) NY Jets (Trade from Indy): Ryan Nassib (QB Syracuse) 

Now I know this sounds like a reach a hell it probably is, but I feel that with the Jets need for a QB not from USC and the Colts need of a corner its the perfect deal. The Colts might have to give up a little more but the Jets would be receiving the best intangible QB in the draft. Nassib doesn’t have the size or arm strength of a Geno Smith, but the leadership and thought process is top notch. For a team that has not had much QB leadership, it will be a good change of pace.

25) Seattle Seahawks: Keenan Allen (WR California) 

Sidney Rice is a solid receiver and Golden Tate would be a great slot receiver but not a second outside one. Allen is a tall receiver with excellent hands that will catch anything thrown his way. He did not produce outstanding stats at Cal due to sub par play from the QB and defenses double and even triple teaming him during games.

26) Green Bay Packers: Damontre Moore (DE Texas A&M)

A great pass rusher that registered 12.5 sacks this year in the toughest conference in football against a lot of top prospects. With his athleticism and quickness, Moore should quickly become a great pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme and hopefully take away some pressure from the star linebacker Clay Mathews.

27) Houston Texans: Sylvester Williams (DT North Carolina)

Not only is Williams the best player available in this scenario, but he would be a great complement to stud defensive end J.J Watt. Williams is quick off the ball and provides a solid force in the middle of the line and allows Watt more freedom from inside to outside. With no good receivers available defensive is the way to go.

28) Denver Broncos: Eddie Lacy (RB Alabama)

With Willis McGahee coming of a second season ending injury over the past 2 seasons, and Ronnie Hillman not ready to be an every down back I expect the Broncos to look towards the backfield. Hillman is a great change of pace guy but does not have the power behind his pads.  If Lacy can show he can catch the ball out of the back field, then he will be a solid pick up for a Peyton Manning offense.

29) New England Patriots: Matt Elam (S Florida)

My home team. My pride and joy the 3 time super bowl champion New England Patriots!!!! Back to business. I would love for Tavon Austin to fall to replace Wes Welker but I dont see that happening. With a glaring hole in the secondary, and the slim chance the Patriots sign either Ed Reed or Charles Woodson drafting a sure tackler is all that is left. A speedy tackling machine that can cover tight ends and control running backs and slot receivers and can help the sub par corners on the outside.

30) Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Eifert (TE Notre Dame)

The two top TE’s could easily swap teams that draft them and still be productive. I feel Eifert is a better fit in Atlanta due to his ability to catch and Matty Ice‘s ability to spread the field out and sling the football. With the pending loss of future HOF Tony Gonzalez, Ryan will need a new safety blanket that can make the tough catches which is what Eifert has done through his years at ND.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Kawann Short (DT Purdue)

An absolute beast in the middle of the defensive line. Stuffing runners like there is no tomorrow and sacking the QB like they are standing still.  Being in the B10 I have seen him play first hand and it is scary. We all saw how Aldon Smith’s production plummeted after Justin Smith was injured. With the possibility of Smith not returning or becoming injured again, having a back up and a future stud will be important.

32) Baltimore Ravens: Manti Te’o (ILB Notre Dame)

This pick will cause some controversy, but what hasn’t these days around Te’o. Yet I dont know there is something about the departure of Ray Lewis and then a player like Te’o coming along that just seems to perfect. He could easily go early in the draft based on his performance last year. However his all around game does not scream top ten player. Drafted here, Te’o will get a year or two to learn the ways of defense in Baltimore and become one of the top middle linebackers in the game down the road.

NFL Mock Draft Picks 11-20

11) San Diego Chargers: Sharrif Floyd (DT Florida)

I would not be shocked if Floyd was taken a lot earlier by a team somewhere in the top 5, but the Chargers could make great use of him. Offensive line help could also be a possibility but with running backs in the AFC west, they need a stuffer in the middle of the line. Floyd can also play all 3 downs which increases in versatility ten fold.

12) Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson (OT Oklahoma)

With the departure of pro bowl tackle jake Long, the Dolphins will need to look at replacing him to protect their your QB. Johnson is a slight work in progress but has all of the tools need to be a top tackle in this league. With the possibility of the Dolphins signing a top receiver the more Tannehill spends on his feet the better.

13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chance Warmack (OT Alabama)

A great down hill run blocker that will make draft day feel like christmas day to Doug Martin. Warmack is not the fastest or most agile or most athletic, but when you are in his way he will move you away from your destination. Warmack will also provide extra protection for the up and coming Josh Freeman.

14) Carolina Panthers Tavon Austin (WR West Virginia)

This is a reach but Austin is such a high impact player that can help out a non existant running game. Now you ask how can a WR help out a running game? Not only can Austin move into the backfield and receive hand offs, but the screen and short passing game works just as well. Tavon is quick and shifty and can be a great security blanket for Cam Newton.

15) New Orleans Saints: Barkevious Mingo (OLB LSU)

Barkevious, the name in itself sounds terrifying, but his on field play is even beter. This is a defense with Lofton and Vilma in the middle with Sedrick Ellis and Jordan on the line. Mingo will help get additional pressure on the QB and take pressure of the depleted secondary.

16) St. Louis Rams: Cordelle Paterson (WR Tennessee)

A raw talent that is a pure freak athletically. when telling him to run in a straight line there are few people that can keep up with him. With the probable chance of losing Danny Amendola, the Rams need help for Sam Bradford and nothing is better than knowing you have an athlete that can go up and catch almost anything.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Vaccaro (S Texas)

The Steelers need more help on the outside at corner but I feel Vaccaro can transition out from safety. He would also be a great back up to Polamalu who has been dealing with several injuries over the past 2 seasons. Polamalu could also be winding down in number of years left and Vaccaro could fill in seamlessly.

18) Dallas Cowboys: Sheldon Richardson (DT Missouri)

I can see Richardson going earlier in the draft but he fits best here in the middle rounds. Very athletic, very quick and can make plays on the interior line. In a conference with athletic QB’s RGIII and Vick, having a defensive line that can move side to side quickly is very important and effective.

19) New York Giants: Zach Ertz (TE Stanford)

This is a real toss up between the two top TE prospects, but i feel that Ertz is a better fit for the Giants due to his ability to pass protect as well as catching passes all over the field. With receivers Cruz and Nicks on the outside, Ertz will be able to take on linebackers and safeties one and one and make them look like complete fools.

20) Chicago Bears: Alec Ogletree (MLB Georgia)

Manti Teo could also be taken here but I still believe teams do not want to take a first round risk with him this early. This pick is also based upon the fact that veteran Brian Urlacher doesn’t resign with the Bears. Yet I would like this pick even if the Bears resigned him to groom and mold Ogletree into a replacement in the near future.