I cannot believe I am saying this in January 2010, but the USC Trojans are a tournament-caliber team … in basketball.Just months after the program seemingly hit rock bottom and had a landmark home defeat to Loyola Marymount, who had won a whopping 3 games the previous season.
After starting 2-4 out of the gates, USC have won their last 8 games, which includes four over RPI Top 50 and six in the nation’s top third of teams.The difference is Mike Gerrity, the senior transfer who has buoyed the team to six straight wins.
Earlier this week, USC announced self-imposed sanctions for its basketball program because of NCAA rules violations related to OJ Mayo.(READ THIS FOR MORE DETAILS)
Honestly, I could care less what happens to USC.Their two major sports are in for a storm of epic proportions. I agree with the chorus of hatred coming from those who think the wrongdoers should suffer rather than the current crop of players.
At this point, I am more interested in how this team, picked to finish dead last in the Pac 10 by pretty much everyone, will play knowing that there will be no postseason.
Entering play on Wednesday, the Trojans only allow 80.7 points scored per 100 possessions (adjusted efficiency numbers – credit: kenpom.com).That is good enough for 1st nationally.On offense, it’s another story.USC is in the bottom-third nationally, and has trouble with ball security and long-distance shooting (both in the 300s).
With the Pac 10 seemingly wide open, will Kevin O’Neill be effective towards galvanizing the troops and re-adjusting the team to a new goal – winning a regular season conference title?A lot remains to be determined, but whether the Trojans battle with the same tenacity and grit on defense and continue to play with more resolve on offense will decide the direction of the program moving forward.
Over the last four years, teams that have ranked in the top 16 nationally in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency (according to Ken Pomeroy) have been tremendously successful in the month of March. Rather than serve as a poll, AOE and ADE ratings can describe whether a team plays hard and smart for 40 minutes, or makes just enough plays to get victories. As you will see below, the last four national champions have satisfied the ranking requirement, and this year's two frontrunners (Kansas and Texas) make the grade as well.
While the ratings do not guarantee success in March, 12 of the 15 teams in the last four years who have ranked in the top 16 in both categories have made at least the Elite 8. Furthermore, the lowest seed among the teams is a #3 seed.
2006 Florida - National Champion Texas - Elite Eight UConn - Elite Eight Duke - Sweet 16
2007 Florida - National Champion Ohio State - National Runner-Up North Carolina - Elite Eight Texas A&M -Sweet 16
2008 Kansas - National Champion Memphis - National Runner-Up UCLA - Final Four Duke - 2nd Round
2009 North Carolina - National Champion UConn - Final Four Missouri - Elite Eight
*** Looking Forward to March 2010
As of games ending Saturday, the four teams who meet the AOE and ADE requirement are Texas, Duke, Kansas and Syracuse. Does this guarantee that they will all be at the Final Four? Absolutely not. While Duke and Syracuse have performed well to date, Duke peaks too early on a perennial basis, and (because of Jim Boeheim's lean towards a seven-man rotation) Syracuse is always an injury away from Big East obscurity. Additionally, Duke has twice met the AOE and ADE requirement and underachieved twice.
It's been WAAAAAY to long since I've shown my face (so to speak) via this blog...and I'm not making any apologies.
Instead, I'll pretend I never left and leave it at that.
As I type this, I have the Hangover on the TV (via DVD), a Capri Sun (resources are low), and am in the early stages of my 2-week Holiday Break (yes, I do love being a teacher right about now). Doesn't that sound like the perfect opportunity to break radio silence? Doesn't it!?!?!
So here are 5 sports-related thoughts/questions I have as we head into 2010. And 5 pop-culture(ish) FACTS as well. Why? Because I'm back bitches!!!!
#6. THIS performance is one of the 5 best of the year. The subtle lines that only you can enjoy on DVD make it even stronger than it was upon first impression.
"Oh, you know what? Next week's no good for me... The Jonas Brothers are in town. But any week after that, it's totally fine." Credit: IGN.com
#7. This is STILL the greatest TV Comedy of all-time. Duh.
So I realize that the season is well underway. Prior to the season starting, I had developed a field of 65, but did not make the time to post it. That time is now (bracket below).
Prior to our next update (late December / early January), we will post early season observations.
POWER 16 1: Kansas, Michigan State, Texas, Kentucky 2: Villanova, Purdue, Duke, West Virginia 3: Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma 4: Butler, UConn, Washington, Syracuse
LAST FOUR IN: Oregon, Florida, Oregon State, Boston College
LAST FOUR OUT: Pittsburgh, Illinois State, Alabama, UNLV
NEXT FOUR OUT: Seton Hall, Nevada, Old Dominion, Houston
I have been in blogging hibernation for the better part of the last seven months since the North Carolina Tar Heels reined victorious this past April at the Final Four in Detroit.
As usual, our focus will be the NCAA tournament projections (first one coming soon!). When time allows, I will mention interesting statistics and alert you to trends that the mainstream media and top college basketball bloggers may not be reporting enough or at all. Clement will drop in from time to time a
And, after three years, PHSports has its own dedicated mailbox! You can now show some love, hate, and everything in between to phsportsblog@gmail.com.
If you're a regular reader, welcome back. And if you're here for the first time, it's nice to have you along for what will be an amazing season.
I took the week off and pawned off my work on a good friend (aka C-Go). Okay, I can at least admit I added the pictures and (hilarious) captions.
Trust me, it's someone who has a more adept touch when it comes to the NFL and (especially) fantasy. But ESPECIALLY fantasy.
Even if he is a Redskins fan.
Although admittedly, one of the eight sane ones.
Now THIS is savvy!!! Credit: Typepad.com
Here we...go!!!
Read easy, as I’m popping my proverbial blog cherry with a guest spot on PHSports. Luckily we have a lot to talk about heading into Week 8 of the 09’ NFL season, so I’ll dive right in.
Time for the 10 Questions of the Week
One word: BEAST!
Credit: RootZoo.com
1) After back to back victories against the Giants and Dolphins, can the Saints remain undefeated by topping the Falcons on Monday night? 2) Which of the 3 undefeated teams, if any, will fall this week? 3) The Giants… contenders or pretenders? 4) Could the Cowboys actually be the class of the NFC East? 5) How did there come to be so many awful teams in this league? 6) Can the Jets keep pace in the AFC East with a win against the deceivingly decent Miami Dolphins? 7) What’s all the fuss about the Rams/Lions game getting blacked out? 8) Are the Houston Texans a legitimate AFC Wild Card contender, and can they play consistently for 4 quarters? Ever? 9) Can LaDanian Tomlinson prove, at least for one week, that he’s not running on fumes against a pathetic Oakland Raiders rush defense? 10) Will Brett Favre, on his old tundra, prove to the Packers brass that they should have waited just a little longer for the indecisive iron man?
Weekly Picks Fresh start in Week 8… I like the sound of that.
How have I not seen this picture before?
More on Alex Smith (Niner-prediction & fantasy-wise) below.
Credit: Utah.edu
St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions (Off) These two teams are in the same realm of awful, so this one isn’t as easy as it looks. It’s actually an intriguing match-up to me, and more may be on the line than you think… the St. Louis Rams are on the clock! I’ll take the Lions at home, even though Stephen Jackson will come close to 150 total yards… and no touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (-3) Favre always steps it up in big games, and this as big as they come for Brett Favre in the regular season. Take the Vikings plus the points.
San Francisco @ Indianapolis Colts (-12) Call me old fashioned, but I just can’t picture Alex Smith (past or present) coming close to Peyton Manning and the Colts in Indy. The line is -12, I have a feeling it’ll be even worse than that… take the Colts.
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens (-3) The Broncos are in for a big let down coming off the bye. I’m taking the hungry Ravens minus the 3. The Broncos have proven themselves, undoubtedly, but the Ravens are in desperate need of a win and emerging sophomore Joe Flacco will not let them down.
Upset Special #1 Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-10) The Falcons are coming off of an eye opening loss in Dallas, and Matty Ice won’t lay down for the undefeated Saints. I’m not saying Drew Brees won’t lead New Orleans to their first 7-0 start since Jim Mora’s 91’ squad, but it’ll be closer than Vegas thinks. Take the Falcons plus the points.
Upset Special #2 Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (-3) It’s hard to believe the Dolphins are 2-4; playing as well as they have against quality opponents. The Dolphins will buck the trend this week by beating Mark Sanchez and the Jets on their own turf. The Jets defense will keep it close, but if Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams can continue their recent success, the Dolphins will roll.
Survivor Pick Damn Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 losing to the damn Oakland Raiders. Damn. This week’s mock survivor pick…San Diego (hosting Oakland). I bet you haven’t picked them yet!
The Iggles burned a TON of peeps in Week 6 (Clement and Goings, included). Beware the allure of the Green Man. Seriously, you need to be watching THIS SHOW immediately.
Fantasy-Time All players listed below would be considered 50/50 start/sits for this weekend in most 10-12 team leagues, taking into consideration bye weeks and injuries.
Don't hold it against Goings that he wants you to start a Ram. They are playing the Lions, you know. Credit: DallasNews.com
Sit Reggie Bush
John Carlson
Knowshon Moreno
Braylon Edwards
Alex Smith (either one, honestly)
Fantasy Lock: Steve Slaton
Fantasy Flop: Greg Jennings
Parting Thought…
Oh Danny Boy!!! Credit: TMZ.com
One team I have yet to mention during my first PHSports write-up is my beloved Washington Redskins. That’s right, I’m a Redskins fan. I’m sure like most Redskins fans this season, times are tough. During the bye week, I want to stay away from the on-field issues and look off-the-field for the latest debacle… well, technically off the field.
Reports have surfaced, and I can tell you first hand from attending ‘Monday Night BeatDown’ (as I like to call it), that the Redskins front office has banned Redskins signs from bring signs or posters into FedEx Field – anti-management posters in particular. Fans were tossed from the game and banned from the stadium for bringing in their “Vinny Sucks”, “Dumb and Dumber”, and “NFL Save Us!” posters and sentiment. One woman was reportedly forced to turn her “Trade Danny!” t-shirt inside out.
If this isn’t rock bottom, I don’t want to stick around for what rock bottom is. Dan Snyder has alienated his fan base with a laundry list of decisions and antics such as these. Since when can you be escorted out by security for calling the owner of the team out on all of his mishaps? Is this Nazi Germany? Is there not something written in that constitution thingy that allows people to speak about something, or something like that? What’s next? “The Star of Danny to be given (Forcibly) to the First 100,000 Fans in Attendance”.
Clement returns next week...unless I can talk Goings into closing out the season.
Wish me luck!!!
Yeah, I'll check this place out (Falcons @ Cowboys will be on the games being picked this weekend, btw) along the way. Credit: GoldandtheGame.com
Time for the 10 Questions of the Week
Credit: Newsday.com
1) If (when) Sanchez struggles on Sunday in Oakland, does Clemens see any snaps? 2) Anybody outside of New York and Anaheim (aka LA) that has interest in the ALCS over the NFL weekend slate? 3) Is Cedric Benson ready to lead the NFL in rushing? 4) How will Frank Gore's return impact the 49ers? 5) Speaking of those Niners, what's the over/under on 1 reception for rookie wideout Michael Crabtree? 6) Does anyone actually watch Fox's Brothers? Besides Strahan's family, I mean? 7) Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco: who wins a playoff game this season? 8) Is Roddy White becoming a top-5 NFL receiver? 9) Is Marvin Harrison now officially done? 10) Does Jim Zorn survive after Monday night?
Weekly Picks Last Week: 5-3 (I bet on the Skins and paid the price. As for the Iggles, more on that debacle later.) Season Total: 20-13 (I made a target of 25-15 at this point. A 5 and 2 week means I need to pick an easy one or two. No dice!) Upset Special: 2-1 (I went with three road dogs and got 2 out of 3. I would've won big on Arizona and Houston, but the Giants really let me down.) Survivor Selection: 4-1 (Philly breaks my stranglehold on selecting the "easiest game of the week". Believe me, I wasn't alone. Nevertheless, it still stings.)
Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-4) I'm taking the Stillers, barely, and the home-field advantage. Minnesota can survive losing this game. In fact, you don't want too too much hype this early in the season. Seriously.
San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs (+ 4 1/2) I think this is the week the Chargers get back on track. But mark my words: they aren't winning the AFC West this season. The playoffs aren't out of the question though...yet.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins (+7) In a last second change, I'm switching to Philly. I felt like the Skins might be troublesome; however, the reports from practice this week have been flat and uninteresting. No juice left in DC worth mentioning.
Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers (-7) Why do I believe in Carolina and the awfulness that is Jake Delhomme? Steve Smith pouts and responds with 2 TD receptions.
NY Jets @ Oakland Raiders (+7) I am a negative negative man. The Jet wideouts are extremely banged up and this team can't travel west. If you find this above 7, take the money and run.
Upset Special #1 Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas Cowboys (-4) My mom is a LEGIT die-hard Cowboys fan. I know, hate away. I sympathize with the team for her and for Troy Aikman (always a personal favorite). She bleeds the team colors and has never been to a game in Dallas. She missed out in the final year of Texas Stadium, so she deserves a win in her trip out to Big D. Ain't gonna happen. In fact, I question these odds entirely. Matty Ice on the road is enough to eeek out a W. Sorry mom.
Upset Special #2 Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals (- 2 1/2) I had a feeling last week with Houston and it would've paid off handsomely. I don't want to sink the Bengals yet, but I think the Bears are a better team and can play well in this envrionment. In fact, I'm picking them to win outright in a rather entertaining matchup (who would've thought that earlier this season?).
I'm dead in the Survivor-pool. I'd love to target the following squad though: Indianapolis. Not the toughest pick in the world, right?
Thanks for the crappy London-matchup Goodell. Thanks.
Parting Thought of the Week
Credit: SeattlePI.com
Let's play the "what-if" game. Crabtree may see 12-15 snaps this week and perhaps even double that next week. Some wild rumors have him starting (opposite Ike Bruce), but still not seeing too many snaps. If the 49ers are able to target Crabtree for a big play or perhaps in the redzone, how does Coach Singletary respond to his former holdout rook? I know I'd love to see it.
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