Wednesday, February 28, 2007

NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge

If you want to be in a free NCAA bracket challenge, let me know. There will be no money involved, just bragging rights and a free drink when you are in town. That reminds me, Steve S. I still owe you the drink from last year! I will send an email out once the brackets are released. Stay tuned....

Watching NCAA tournament games free on your computer

No, this isn't SPAM that accidentally got posted on my blog. For the last couple years I have watched some of the NCAA games on my computer. I would always prefer to watch games on TV, especially in HD, but sometimes you can't always be near a TV, especially during the first two rounds when they play games all day long. The NCAA has a website that shows game live and on demand. It is free, with some commercials. As you can imagine, the site gets very busy, especially for day games. To keep the video streaming smoothly, the website limits how many people can log on to watch each game. If you log-on soon, you can get VIP access for free, which puts you at the front of the pack when you log in each day. Click this link and you can sign-up for an account. VIP passes are limited.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Congrats!


Congratulations to the Buckeyes on their victory over #1/#2 Wisconsin today in Columbus. The win secured an outright season conference title for Ohio State, even with one game remaining next weekend in Michigan. It is the second season in a row that Ohio State has won the Big Ten title outright. OSU made history last year with a football conference title, men's season basketball title and women's season basketball title. The Ohio State women's team won the Big Ten season title today as well, so that means OSU yet again won all three titles!

Friday, February 23, 2007

Wisconsin at Ohio State

Sunday, February 25th, 4:00 PM
Nationally on CBS (most likely in HD)
(#1/#2) Wisconsin at (#2/#1) Ohio State

OSU likely starters, stat leaders
Mike Conley Jr., 6'1" guard, 6.5 assists/game
Ivan Harris, 6'7" forward
Jamar Butler, 6'2" guard, 30.6 minutes/game
Greg Oden, 7'0" center, 15.5 points/game, 9.7 rebounds/game
Ron Lewis, 6'4" guard or Daequan Cook, 6'5" guard

Wisconsin likely starters, stat leaders
Jason Chappell, 6'10" senior forward
Michael Flowers, 6'2" junior guard, 3.1 assists/game
Kamron Taylor, 6'2", senior guard, 32.4 minutes/game
Brian Butch, 6'11", junior forward/center, 6 rebounds/game
Alando Tucker, 6'6", senior forward, 20.2 points/game

This is the last home game of the season for Ohio State. It will be quite a send-off for seniors Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris. Never before have two Big Ten teams, ranked #1 and #2 faced off in a game. Tickets have been difficult to find. The importance of this game has been slightly diminished with Wisconsin's loss to Michigan State this week, which gave OSU the lead in the conference. The winner will get at least a share of the Big Ten season title, and most likely a #1 seed in the Big Ten and NCAA tournament.

Wisconsin won the first contest, which was in Madison back in early January. In that game, Ohio State was down by 16 points with 9.5 minutes left in the game. In the last 45 seconds Ohio State rallied from 10 points down, to get as close as 71-69 with 8.9 seconds left. In that closing minute, the Buckeyes fouled the Badgers on every possession, which almost worked as Wisconsin went 3 of 7 at the line, Ron Lewis hit two threes and Greg Oden had two dunks. Wisconsin missed the second of two free throws and Ohio State had chance to tie, but Jamar Butler's three missed as time expired. Looking at the box score, it looks like it was close with OSU getting 38 rebounds to Wisconsin's 39, however Wisconsin had 13 offensive rebounds and 14 second-chance points in the second half.

In Oden's 30 minutes on the court he only took six shots. He is moving much better now than in early January, and he will likely take and hit more shots. The team as a whole hit only 38% of their shots, this will likely change in a home game. Look for Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris to play big roles, as this is their last game in Columbus. Harris lead the team against Wisconsin with 17 points. The Buckeyes are still struggling to involve Greg Oden in their offense. He needs more touches and more shots. Look for more teams to use the spread, since conference floormat Penn State kept using that strategy. I heard something on TV, that I think needs mentioned for this game, "Wisconsin is the type of team that will keep taking punches and take you to the final round, while Ohio State is the type of team that is always looking for the knockout punch." The Badgers are a very well coached, experience, and disciplined team and they could very easily win Sunday if Ohio State is not on top of their game. The motion offense run by Wisconsin is quite effective. This Ohio State team has so much talent and potential, but their youth shows when they struggle to finish off a team. I hope the fans in the Schott do their part as the 6th man, the seniors come through, and OSU beats Wisconsin.

Player Updates

Greg Oden
Most NBA scouts believe Greg Oden is leaving after this season. However, some people at OSU have unofficially said that Oden is enjoying college and he is not feeling pressured to make the jump right away. Personally I think Oden's injury has really limited him from developing further as a player. Yes, he would be high in the draft, but I think he could use a season without the injury to further develop his game. He is an incredible player, but he could continue to work on his shooting (shots that aren't dunks), once he is healed he could work on shooting free throws with his right hand, he could improve his ability to get open, he needs to be more disciplined to avoid getting himself into foul trouble early in the second half, and perhaps a few other items.

In the Penn State game this week, Oden injured his elbow. The team trainer said it is a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament, which should not limit him in practice or in a game. He has been wearing an elastic band on his left elbow.

Daequan Cook
Cook has recently stated that he plans to stay at Ohio State for next season, but he said that is the plan for now and it could change. His high school coach said Cook would only leave for the draft if he was in the top-20. At this point it is not clear who will be in the draft, but he is currently projected at 20 or 21.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

OSU takes lead in Big Ten

With Wisconsin's loss to Michigan State tonight, OSU takes a half game lead over the Badgers for first place in the Big Ten Standings. The loss by Wisconsin takes away some of the hype of Sunday's game in Columbus, since the Big Ten title and #1 seed in NCAA tourney were going to the winner of the game. At this point, Wisconsin at best could tie OSU for first in the Big Ten with a win, and hope for a #1 seed. Assuming Ohio State wins the rest of their games they will win the Big Ten title outright and have a #1 seed locked.

Monday, February 19, 2007

OSU play at Nationwide in March?

UPDATE: I have been informed that Ohio State would not play in Columbus at Nationwide Arena, because they are the host school. I had been under the impression that the Buckeyes could play at Nationwide, since they only played one game there this season. I have also been told that Nationwide Arena is hosting, East Region #4 vs. #13, #5 vs. #12, and the matchup of those winners. They also host East Region #3 vs. #14, #6 vs. #11 and the matchup of those winners. So even if OSU was allowed to play in Columbus, they will not likely be a #3 or #4 seed.

Previously posted:
Ok, it may be a bit early to talk about NCAA tournament seeds and game locations, but I thought this information was worth posting.
I was very excited last year when I heard that Nationwide Arena, in downtown Columbus, would host NCAA men's tournament games in the First and Second Rounds. I finally have located a bracket listing tournament sites and it appears that OSU, who will likely be a #1 or possibly #2 seed will not have a chance to play in Columbus. Nationwide Arena will host West regional #6 vs. #11 and #3 vs. #14, as well as the matchup of those two winners. In the East regional they will host #6 vs. #11 and #3 vs. #14, and the matchup of those two winners. If you want a close location to Columbus, the best case scenario for Ohio State would be #1 seed, playing first and second round in Chicago with the regional games in St. Louis.

OSU basketball #1, not quite...

For the second time this season, we see Ohio State ranked #1 in the Coaches poll, and #2 in the AP poll. Florida fell back in the rankings, with a loss to Vanderbilt, but the Buckeyes (#2 last week) were leapfrogged by Wisconsin in the AP poll. Ohio State has not been #1 in the AP poll since 1962. Here are the top-five teams this week. Notice that all three teams that have beat Ohio State are still in the top-five.

AP poll
1. Wisconsin (35) 26-2 1,747 points (3 last week)
2. Ohio State (31) 24-3 1,728 points (2 last week)
3. Florida (4) 24-3 1,647 points (1 last week)
4. UCLA (2) 23-3 1,611 points (5 last week)
5. North Carolina 23-4 1,474 points (4 last week)

Coaches poll
1. Ohio State (17) 24-3 757 points (2 last week)
2. Wisconsin (10) 26-2 741 points (3 last week)
3. Florida (1) 24-3 710 points (1 last week)
4. UCLA (2) 23-3 682 points (7 last week)
5. North Carolina (1) 23-4 625 points (4 last week)

NCAA football possible rule changes

Sorry for the low number of posts, but I have had trouble with my web host in the last two weeks.

The time-saving rules imposed last year, which I referred to in August, will likely be eliminated. Yesterday the NCAA rules committee listed recommended rule changes, that not only will eliminate the previous rules such as the clock starting when the ball is kicked and the clock starting when the ball is marked after a turnover, but they will add the following:

• Kickoffs will be from the 30-yard line instead of the 35. The clock won't start until the receiver touches the ball; last season it started as soon as the ball was kicked.
• Coming out of a television timeout, the play clock for the first play of a possession will be 15 seconds, down from 25.
• Charged team timeouts will be cut by 30 seconds, down from 65 seconds. This does not affect TV timeouts.
• On kickoffs, the play clock will start once the kicker is handed the ball by the official. Previously, the kicker could take as much time as he wanted before kicking the ball. Now, he is on the clock and a violation will result in a 5-yard penalty.
• The time allowed for instant replay reviews will be limited to two minutes.

These rule changes will likely be finalized by March 12. Penn State coach Joe Paterno will be very happy if the kickoff clock rule is repealed. Did anyone else see the
Penn State vs. Wisconsin game last November?

There are discussions that in 2008, college football will use the same 40-second play clock that is used in the NFL. Currently in college there is a 25-second play clock that starts once the ball is marked and the official waves, but the 40-second clock would start immediately after the end of a play.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Purdue at Ohio State

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 10, 12:15 PM
Purdue (16-8, 5-5) at  #3 Ohio State (21-3, 9-1)
TV-ESPN Plus, Locally on Channel 10 (CBS)
 
Ohio State likely starters, stat leaders
Mike Conley Jr., guard, 6.4 assists/game
Ivan Harris, forward
Ron Lewis, guard
Jamar Butler, guard, 30.3 minutes/game
Greg Oden, center, 15.4 points/game, 30.3 minutes/game, 9.5 rebounds/game
 
Purdue likely starters, stat leaders
Gordon Watt, sophomore forward
David Teague, senior guard, 30.3 minutes/game
Chris Kramer, freshman guard, 2.5 assists/game
Keaton Grant, freshman guard
Carl Landry, senior forward,  19.3 points/game, 6.7 rebounds/game

Thursday, February 08, 2007

OSU 2007 Recruiting Class

I'll admit, I don't follow the recruitment process as closely as most. I wait until the players arrive, practice with the team, and show us their stuff in the spring. Sure, I could excited with a star recruit, but I wait to see how they do when getting hit and tackled by a college player. In any case, it is worth posting information about this class. Below are capsules directly from the Columbus Dispatch. If any of you have personal knowledge about any of these players, feel free to email me or post a comment.















Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Michigan at Ohio State

Tonight, Tuesday, February 6, 7:00 PM
Michigan (16-7 4-4)   at  #3 Ohio State (20-3, 8-1)
TV-Nationally on ESPN
 
OSU likely starters, stat leaders
Mike Conley Jr., guard, 6.4 assists/game
Ivan Harris, forward
Ron Lewis, guard
Jamar Butler, guard
Greg Oden, center, 15.3 points/game, 30.3 minutes/game, 9.6 rebounds/game
 
Michigan likely starters, stat leaders
Dion Harris, 6'3" senior guard, 12/6 points/game, 4.2 assists/game, 31.3 minutes/game
Brent Petway, 6'8" senior forward
Ron Coleman, 6'6" junior guard
Lester Abram, 6'6" senior guard
Courtney Sims, 6'10" senior center, 6.3 rebounds/game
 
Michigan coach Tommy Amaker is on the hot seat in his sixth season in Ann Arbor. He is 39-49 in Big Ten play. Under coach Steve Fisher ('89-'97) the Wolverines reached a peak in March of 1993 when the "Fab Five" (Webber, Rose, Howard, King and Jackson) sophomores reached the National Championship for a second straight season. The team struggled when those players left in the next couple years. Multiple NCAA investigations took place for contributions made by a booster, forcing the firing of Fisher. The investigation resurfaced in 2002 under coach Tommy Amaker, as more records were released regarding the same booster. Michigan chose to vacate all games involving players that were connected to the scandals. The school also banned themselves from post-season play in 2003. Under Amaker the Wolverines have been in the NIT twice, most recently in 2006, and they won it in their other appearance in 2004. Amaker has won 56% of his games at Michigan. This team has a slim chance at reaching the NCAA tournament, considering they have two games against OSU, two against Michigan State and one against Indiana. This team is more likely to reach the NIT.
 
So far this season, the Wolverines have struggled with ranked teams losing at UCLA (92-55), at Wisconsin (71-58) and at Indiana (76-61.) Last week they squandered a double-digit lead at halftime to Iowa in Ann Arbor. They will host Ohio State at the end of the season on March 3.
 
Ohio State did well last week, winning at Purdue and Michigan State. Both teams had not lost at home before Ohio State visited. Oden was limited in his minutes in the Purdue game, due to fouls, and he was likely distracted by the death of a close friend earlier in the week. For that game he had 9 points with 6 rebounds. He bounced back this past weekend with 16 points and 11 rebounds at East Lansing. Ohio State struggled from the three-point line hitting only six shots (30%) at Michigan State. The Buckeyes did well at the free-throw line hitting 10 for 13 at Purdue, but that percentage went down with 15 of 25 at Michigan State. For the season Ohio State is 37% at the three-point line and 69% at the free-throw line.
 

Friday, February 02, 2007

Ohio State at Michigan State

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 3, 4:00 PM
#4 Ohio State (19-3, 7-1) at Michigan State (17-6, 4-4)
TV-Nationally on CBS

Ohio State likely starters, stat leaders
Mike Conley Jr., guard, 6.5 assists/game
Ivan Harris, forward
Ron Lewis, guard
Jamar Butler, guard
Greg Oden, center, 15.2 points/game, 30.1 minutes/game, 9.5 rebounds/game

Michigan State likely starters, stat leaders
Drew Neitzel, junior guard, 35.1 minutes/game, 18.3 points/game
Travis Walton, sophomore guard, 5.4 assists/game
Raymar Morgan, freshman forward
Goran Suton, sophomore center, 6.5 rebounds/game
Idong Ibok, sophomore center

It is not likely that players at Ohio State or Michigan State forget the game that occurred last Saturday. Ohio State watched a 20-point practically disappear, thanks to Drew Neitzel, who scored 24 of his 29 points in the second half. The Spartans missed possible winning shots in the last minute, including an open three attempt by Maurice Joseph. Michigan State made great half-time adjustments, preventing Oden from hitting a field goal in the second half. In fact the entire team did not hit a field goal in the final six minutes, scoring only one point on a free throw in the final 3.5 minutes. Ohio State shot 62.5% in the first half and only 23.8% in the second half. Matta has had plenty of time to analyze the tapes to see what Michigan State did in the second half. The Spartans often had two guys, 6'10" and 6'11" guarding Oden. Oden still needs to to touch the ball and then pass it back out to the perimeter if he is double teamed. Oden, with his left hand, kept the Buckeyes in the game last weekend shooting11 of 14 from the free-throw line. I think this will be another close game, and free throws will be vital. The Breslin Center in East Lansing is never an easy win for visiting teams. The Buckeyes seem to be peaking at the right time of the season, as is the case with most Thad Matta teams. A win at Michigan State would not only keep the Buckeyes in the hunt for the Big Ten season title, but it would be an important road win for their NCAA resume, considering they have lost three big road games to Florida, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

OSU tied for first place

With Ohio State's win last night over Purdue and Wisconsin's loss to Indiana, the Buckeyes have moved into a tie with Wisconsin for first place in the Big Ten Standings.