Listen to Bob Knight...

A few weeks ago, following Kansas State's victory over then-#1 Texas (now #10, by the way with a HUGE home game against #1 Kansas upcoming this week), former coach and current ESPN commentator Bob Knight had a pearl of wisdom following the upset in Manhattan.

"Why chant overrated (if you're the home team's crowd)? That devalues the effort and performance of your own team. Instead, why not chant, 'Good job. Well done.'"

While Knight's alternative wasn't exactly poetic, it was true.

Enter today's impressive 40-minute effort from the Hoyas - despite an avalanche unleashing itself upon the nation's capital - against the 2nd ranked Wildcats of Villanova.

Despite epic winter conditions outside, the Hoyas were all business on the court today.
Wow, that was cliched and corny. Sounds like the AP wrote it, right?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Georgetown won this game, plain and simple. They outplayed, outhustled, and outexecuted one of the very best teams in the nation.

So don't cheapen it, no matter how easy or fun it is, by calling your opponent "overrated". Instead, embrace the victory, your team's stellar performance (100+ points!), and recognize how talented you are; instead of how your opponent just isn't that good.

I know it's a minor detail, but life is about the details.

On a side note, Villanova fouling down the stretch led to Georgetown making a run - with Monroe driving the length of the floor with 15 seconds to go - trying to score 100. A hard foul came in the paint and Monroe took obvious exception. Villanova followed suit.

A few quick memos:
A) To Villanova: If you continue to foul and try and lengthen the game - for whatever reason you want - with less than 70 seconds to go and a 14-point deficit...don't cry if Georgetown tries to score.
B) To Mr. Monroe: If you're going to play in the Big East and try and put 100 on an opponent...expect some physicality and some bruising.

Big East basketball isn't all the way back. If it were the mid-80s, Monroe would have come up bleeding or limping.

Here's a fun moment from Bob Knight, in closing...

InClement Weather

I can't take credit for the title; however, I can get right to my two points for today.

Something tells me he's gonna win a "few more" of these...
Credit: DoubleNation

Point #1: It's OKAY that Texas Tech leapfrogged Penn State in the AP Poll.

Texas Tech is undefeated. They play in a tougher conference. They have a more impressive win(@home vs. Texas beats out @Columbus against the Buckeyes). Penn State might end up being this year's "Auburn" if Texas Tech defies the odds and goes undefeated throughout Big 12 play (ditto for Bama in the SEC). We'll worry about that later. You can blame the system, not the polls, for that "issue". The BCS is likely to work out for an undefeated Penn State still, but then again...who knows with computers being involved.

In the end, it's cut and dry for me. Texas Tech has more checks next to it when compared directly to Penn State.

Mark these words: if anyone goes undefeated in a BCS-conference (i.e. the MAJORS), they're playing in the BCS Title Game. I said it. I meant it.

Point #2: It's NOT OKAY that Oklahoma is ranked higher than Texas in the USA Today/Coaches Poll.

If you think that there is honestly any logic behind ranking Oklahoma in front of Texas: shut up. Yeah, I said shut up. Honestly, college football polls are beyond ludicrous. (Yet, I’m here complaining about something I find irrelevant. Brilliant!) They are designed to do nothing more than sell games on national television and tick off blog writers (hello!). Like I give a damn what Georgia and Florida's rankings are. Sadly - as evident in my first point - we have to react to them and we have to worry about their seemingly countless flaws.

As for the former "World Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party", when both teams have one loss and the SEC East is for the taking, I don't need single-digits next to each team's name to get excited. To top it all off, we have these ridiculous pre-season polls which overinflate big-name programs and - even worse - prop up that year's trendy pick (i.e. Clemson). Stupid and lame are my responses to that mess.

As for the heart of this gripe, this past weekend #1 Texas traveled to #6 Texas Tech for the Longhorns' fourth top-12 showdown in four weeks. While computers may not take it into account, Texas went into hostile Lubbock - fell down 19-0 - and scored the potential game-winning touchdown with the now-infamous 1:29 left. We know the rest. We saw the drive, the dropped tipped ball, the catch, the broken tackle, and the bedlam that ensued. What the coaches (i.e. pollsters) should've seen whenever they were given their ranking's sheet is one glaring result: Saturday, October 11th in Dallas, Texas defeats Oklahoma 45-35. By 10 points on a neutral field, people. I don't care what they were ranked at the time, Texas won. By 10!

Meanwhile, one idiotic coach gives a 1-loss Oklahoma team a first-place vote? Based on what? I don't care if you think they're "better" than the teams above them. Look at their records and look at their wins and losses. If your idiotic logic reigned supreme, Georgia would've played USC for the National Championship last year. We wouldn't have witnessed the turd that was LSU/Ohio State. Despite that logic not working against me, logic damn well better win out. The Coaches poll is fraudulent for this very example.

The AP poll shouldn't take solace either. They've proven countless times how trivial they are as well. (Florida with a first-place vote is a relevant response TODAY!) Oklahoma has NO business - at least this week - being ranked before Texas. Blaming it on "when they lost" is beyond inexcusable. Not to mention, my last point, is look at their losses. Oklahoma lost to Texas, ranked below them, on a neutral field.

Is that worse than Texas losing to Texas Tech (ranked higher than BOTH Oklahoma and Texas by EVERYONE involved) on the road! No no no no no NO!

Now fix it!

Our Thoughts on the Vince Young Situation

Clement: I am a Vince Young fan and Titan apologist. With that being said, the lack of progression - athletically and physically - for Young has begun to worry me. Personally, I felt Norm Chow was the wrong quarterback mentor/offensive coordinator for Young as a rookie and I felt transitioning into Mike Heimerdinger wouldn't be easy. Nevertheless, Young has proven his decision making abilities are deeply rooted in his lack of confidence. I won't pretend to forget he has had the WORST receiving corps in the league each and every season he's been the starter. With all that being said, I'm still going to apologize. His Titan team rallies behind the guy, he was part of a 10-6 playoff team last year (who played San Diego tough on the road in the playoffs), and is still uber-talented. I'm not buying manic depression or suicidal links (I didn't with TO either). I hate how the media plays psychologist or pity party in situations like this. Report the story and don't try to pretend you pity the guy. Nor should anyone have the right to villainize Young for having a lot of money and not a total grasp on his self-confidence. Can Young rebound? Of course. Will he? Only time will tell on that one. Paging Jim Brown: Call this young man up and ask him the tough questions Jeff Fisher isn't allowed to ask (as his coach) and the media never has the right to ask.

Armin: I remember the run as if it were yesterday. Yes, that one. The TD run that Vince ran into the end zone to seal the National Championship for the University of Texas. At that point, being the draft guru that I pretend to be, I asked myself, "Does that single play/game vault him to the top of the draft?" My opinion at the time, and still today, is that it shouldn't have, but it did. Young was a great player in college, but I never considered him a great passer. The QB position in the NFL is actually very simple. Regardless of your style, you still have to be a good passer. This is why I've stuck to my guns when I've said that Michael Vick and Vince Young will never be on Randall Cunningham's level. Cunningham was actually a good passer. This past weekend, the Titans fans gave it to Young for being a sub-par passer, and Young broke under the pressure. I am not going to comment on the whole police situation. I think people blew it out of proportion in his family, in the organization, in the media and among NFL fans. We all get down. We also don't know the whole story. The part that bothers me was that he wanted to be taken out of the game. Heck, even Kordell Stewart broke into tears on the sidelines when he was taken out, no matter how bad he was throwing the ball. Does Young lack heart? Does he lack self-confidence? Either way, the message is clear. Vince Young, himself, doesn't think he has what it takes. A change of scenery is probably not far off.

Sum: I'm not the foremost expert on college football, nor do I claim to be. My fandom in the college game is pretty much limited to the last 2-3 weeks of the regular season + the bowl games, with the rest of the season dedicated to blind love of Notre Dame (and Charlie Weis's eating of cheeseburgers). That said, I was never sold on Vince Young as a top NFL prospect. Yes, he outshined Reggie Bush in the Rose Bowl, and yes he was a deserving finalist in Heisman balloting. But, as Armin discusses in solid detail, Young never established himself as a great passer. But Armin left two QBs out of his discussion, and they must be mentioned. Donovan McNabb and John Elway. Both QBs are/were talented scramblers and began their NFL careers running quite regularly. But Elway never overcame that Super Bowl slump until he became an effective pocket passer, and McNabb soon realized that he needed to concentrate on his throwing prowess in addition to having fleet feet. Vince Young, as PFT points out, throws like Uncle Rico and would prefer to run. That style of QB works wonders in college and becomes mediocre in the pro game. Such a dropoff in success can truly damage the psyche of a formerly prosperous athlete, such as Young. The top pro athletes manage to overcome such depression ... unfortunately, I don't see Young as a top pro athlete.

Paymon: What made Vince Young great at the collegiate level was his mentality - easy-going with a never say die attitude - and not his passing skills. Though his confidence wavered in college, especially in games versus Oklahoma prior to his final season at Texas, his team always rallied around him and followed his lead en route to an amazing amount of success culminating in a thrilling National Championship. When he took over an 0-3 team which was well on its way to securing a top 5 draft pick, it was that same mentality that led the Titans to a 8-8 mark in 2006 and subsequently to 10 wins plus a playoff appearance in 2007. Knowing this, I find it disconcerting to see the fragility of a QB who overcame the unduly criticism received by pundits and fans alike in his first two seasons. Depression is a serious issue and permeates all sectors of one's life, regardless of how well an individual attempts to compartmentalize it. I just hope that Vince Young figures out for himself - and not for the Titans organization or for fans - what it is that he wants and needs to do in life. Lastly, Young should not feel burdened by the guilt of having a big contract that he feels he cannot fulfill (or the boos that come as a result), because that is the NFL's fault for having a flawed system that gives exorbitant amounts of money to individuals who have never played a down in the league.

An Unbiased Elite Eight PREVIEW [Sunday Edition]

Pay and I have decided to stick with what works, revisiting last year’s Elite Eight format we enjoyed so much, as we deliver your Unofficial Unbiased Preview to the Elite Eight.

The Saturday matchups (UCLA/Xavier & UNC/Louisville) got their due yesterday.

Don’t worry. We aren’t afraid to tick off a few coaches, call out non-professional athletes, or let our gut reactions – not our corporate sponsors or contacts – decide our analysis and perhaps, a prediction or two.

Without further banter, let’s roll!

…games are in order of time- slot (2pm and 5pm respectively)…

South Regional Final: #1. Memphis vs. #3. Texas [aka “Free Throws Don’t Matter vs. Isn’t this game in TEXAS!?!?”]

Never underestimate the impact of a Naismith-finalist in games such as these.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Key Players
Memphis – Derrick Rose v. DJ Augustin will headline the night. In fact, I’m going to say that again just to give the phenomenal PGs (freshman and sophomore, respectively) enough credit. However, the key player on the Tigers roster I am targeting is All-American and Naismith finalist Chris Douglas-Roberts. The stabilizing force for Calipari’s bunch, CDR can get to the line at-will (11-for-12 against the Spartans) and his hot hand is the worst possible news for any opponent. His size and defensive prowess make him a force on both sides of the court as well.

Texas – Here’s my aforementioned promised second mentioning of the important of Rose v. Augustin (happy?). While Pay might justifiably bring up a guy named Atchley, I’m focusing on the best big man Texas has, Damion James. Arguably Texas’s most consistent player through three tournament games, James will have to earn rough baskets in the blocks and hit open jumpers for the Longhorns to withstand the force and fury of the Memphis attack. Might I also add that both Dorsey and Dozier can be prone to early foul trouble. Despite being a sophomore, James would be wise to exploit that early and often.

Moment of Truth
After AJ Abrams’s first five shots, whenever they take place, Texas will likely have a preview of the night their senior perimeter shooter is going to have. Whether he’s taking threes off of a screen or taking a runner near the free-throw line, it’s imperative how Abrams starts (and therefore finishes). Memphis locked Antonio Anderson on Drew Neitzel and gave him absolute fits; however, this matchup will be tougher on AA. I promise.

Key Stats
-Don’t worry, I’m not here to talk about Memphis and free throws, AGAIN. Let’s try this instead: 15-0 to close out the first-half en route to a 50-20 halftime lead, and 0-16 to allow Michigan State to claw the score back to a 17-point deficit. Embarrassing to say the least for Michigan State, an upset special against Memphis which a ton of the media embraced (good luck with that one). Just as important was Drew Neitzel not scoring until 1:47 left in the game. Good luck, AJ Abrams.

-Dexter Pittman (4, 6, & 2) and Clint Chapman (4, 2, 1), Texas’s big men reserves combined for 17 of the most stabilizing minutes Rick Barnes could have ever hoped for on Friday night. Both role players average six minutes per game, yet found new responsibilities once the Lopez twins surfaced in the opponent’s lineup. Job well done, men. Problem is: can they possibly do it again against such amazing athletic talent?

Interesting Facts
- Though Memphis’s struggles from the free throw line (59.8%) have been documented, Texas is not much better at 68.0%. In fact, among the regulars, only DJ Augustin and AJ Abrams shoot above that clip.

- Four of the five Texas starters shoot above 37% from 3-point range.

Pay’s Prediction: Texas wins 75-67
Clement’s Prediction: Texas wins 87-84 (OT)

Midwest Regional Final: #1. Kansas vs. #10. Davidson [aka “Bill Self: You can do this vs. Gus Johnson’s Praying to Scream Our Game-Winner as loud as he possible can”]

Any chance, win or lose, that Curry is already the MOP of the Midwest Region?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Note from Clement: CBS commentator Gus Johnson needs to learn the difference between excitement for an incredible play or team effort AND going out of his way to root for the underdog and Cinderella story at the expense of calling a fair, accurate game. [Only HIS writing is more over-the-top, ego-inflated, and ridiculously biased.]

Key Players
Kansas – It’s not fair how good Kansas is. In a tournament that has long been dominated by guard play, they have one of the nation’s best defenders (Mario Chalmers) and a dynamic guard with a flair for the unselfish (Brandon Rush). Additionally, there’s the less-heralded Russell Robinson and Sherron Collins, who may be the only guard quick enough to defeat Darren Collison or Ty Lawson in a race. Perceived as their only “weakness” prior to this season, Darrell Arthur and Darnell Jackson have been dominant in the blocks when they’ve needed to be and Sasha Kaun can take big defenders out for a 15-foot jumper.

Davidson – Let’s just get the two key players out of the way. Jason Richards and Stephen Curry must not only have repeat performances of their last three games, but they might even have to play better if they want the last two minutes of this game to be significant. In the trenches, Andrew Lovedale will have to body up with the Jayhawk quartet of Darnell Jackson, Darrell Arthur, Sasha Kaun and Cole Aldridge. Keeping the Davidson Final Four dream alive also requires the selfless contributions from Sander, Meno, Paulhus Gosselin and Rossiter that are almost never seen in box scores.

Moment of Truth
After the first prolonged Jayhawks run, will Stephen Curry begin to force shots if Jason Richards and Co. are ineffective? If Davidson can hold Kansas to less than 45% and/or force 15+ turnovers, they have a chance to defeat the dominant Jayhawks in a close game. In the end, Bob McKillop’s team will be four to five plays short of making a miraculous trip to the Final Four.

Key Stats
- 27 to 4. That may be one of the runs that Kansas has had in this tournament. It’s also Jason Richards’s assist-to-turnover ratio. Sick.

- Kansas shot over 50% from the field for the season and has done so in each of its three tournament games.

Interesting Facts
- December 21, 2007. That’s the last time Davidson lost.

- Kansas has a 5-3 record this season in games decided by single digits.

Pay’s Prediction: Kansas wins 83-72
Clement’s Prediction: Kansas wins 81-65

Final Four coverage will come fast and furious this week.

Unless you enjoy spoon-fed answers from the “networks”.

Sweet Sixteen…Thoughts

While analysis can continue, now that the Sweet Sixteen is set, from tonight until Thursday afternoon…I figured it’d only be fair to speak out, even if it was just a thought or two or SIXTEEN.

Be sure to check out a few pictures of some "regional x-factors" below.

East Region

Tennessee's Chism may be playing defense much further away from the paint than he's accustomed to.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

North Carolina – Scoring around 110 points in each of their two opening games, will the Heels struggle at all against the suffocating defensive attack of the Cougars? Or will their torrid fast-breaking pace be too much for the sudden Pac-10 threat?

Washington State – How on Earth does Tony Bennett plan on game-planning for the ridiculously high-octane Heels offense? HOW!?!?

Louisville – Will Rick Pitino’s boys stick to what has worked (3/4 press on defense and outside shooting on offense) the majority of the season or will a new gameplan be required to take out the East Region’s 2-seeded Vols?

Tennessee - Will Tennessee be able to use their blended style of agility and interior strength against the suffocating pressure, terrific passing, and outside shooting prowess of the Cardinals?

Midwest Region

Hughes must have a substantial impact on both sides of the ball, regardless of his age, for Wisconsin to survive a tough Midwest Bracket.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Kansas – Will a Bill Self-coached team not overlook a dangerous 12^th-seeded team from the nation’s most competitive conference?

Villanova – Are the Wildcats playing with company money at this point OR are they legitimately viewing themselves as Final Four material?

Wisconsin – Will the Badgers be able to dictate tempo, specifically out of the halftime gates when Stephen Curry becomes superhuman?

Davidson – Will the Wildcats be able to eliminate the tremendous boost the three-ball has given the Badgers in their opening two matchups?

South Region

Kemp's impact off the bench is vital towards the Tigers have a consistent, balanced attack.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Memphis – Does the Tigers history of missing free throws really matter until the Final Four?

Michigan State – Can the Spartans maintain their incredible first weekend momentum and continue to play 40 minutes of basketball a game?

Stanford – Will the Lopez twins be able to keep up with the pace of DJ Augustin and the run’n’gun Longhorn attack?

Texas – Can Texas stay out of foul trouble against the Lopez twins in the blocks?

West Region

Both Lee and Brazelton may need the games of their lives to take out the heavily-favored, yet vulnerable, Bruins.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

UCLA – Can UCLA give Kevin Love 20-30 touches in the paint and finally run their offense consistently through their incredibly talent post-player?

Western Kentucky – Can they shoot the 3-ball well enough to turn their game against UCLA into a shootout?

Xavier – Does Xavier have the depth to handle the incredible mismatches on the perimeter and in the paint West Virginia has caused its early opponents?

West Virginia – Can the Mountaineers, and their coach, continue to make all the right moves and all the big shots?

Interesting questions, indeed.

But the real question is: can YOU answer any of them???

Until next time…