This is shaping up to be one of the more entertaining tournaments in recent memory. Even though the Orange bowed out in the round of 16, I'm still on track to finish Top 10 in the BBY Pool if I can get a Dook win in the F4. So even thought there's no prize, I'm happy with that.
I'm sitting on top of the world in our little pool as well with 99 points. Joe Adams has 97 and Kobs has 94. Joe, Roe, and I are the only ones with any potential points left on the board. Joe has Duke winning the whole thing, Roe has the same, while I only have Duke winning 1 more to reach the finals where they will fall to Kansas...or something like that. So bottom line - Duke loses to WV, I win! Duke beats WV but loses to MSU/BUT - I win!, Duke wins Nat'l Title - Joe wins! Pretty simple.
My gambling weekend wasn't quite as successful, but I still made money helped by a big 2-0 yesterday with help from my genius daughter. She called Spartans and Duke, so I might be relying on her for more help in the future with a career winning % of 100% I don't think I can go wrong! I was hoping BAY would beat Duke, but as I said a couple months back - for some reason I really think Duke has something this year and they might do it. WV will be a battle for them...no comment yet on either game, but it's going to be hard to bet against Izzo.
Just booked by first round of the year at Deer Run on WED, taking the day off and it's supposed to be in the 70's...$$$! So with the gambling season officially winding down for a while (besides some guaranteed bad NBA Playoff opinions!) I will move toward betting on my physical skills as opposed to my mental capacities. So I'll probably be running out of funding real soon.
Enjoy the week guys - get out and hit the links if you get a chance!
Trying to find Gopher Spring Football coverage, but I think LeRoy-Ostrander 8 year old Girl's Softball gets more coverage from the media, so not a lot to report at this point. Hopefully more coming as the tourney winds down and we all shift into Baseball, Golf, and Football Hype mode.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sweet 16 Picks
Tonight -
SYR -7, WV -4, XAV +5, CORN +9
Friday
OHIOST -5, BAY -4.5, UNI +1, DUKE -8.5
Big Orange fan tonight...and Cornell. Still holding out hope to win the big pool.
Good luck to those that need it!
SYR -7, WV -4, XAV +5, CORN +9
Friday
OHIOST -5, BAY -4.5, UNI +1, DUKE -8.5
Big Orange fan tonight...and Cornell. Still holding out hope to win the big pool.
Good luck to those that need it!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Spring Football 2010
After reading a couple of Brew statements and Q&A's I'm officially out of basketball mode and getting ready for the 9 month grind that is Gopher Football Season!!
Spring practice starts today and there's lots of info out there about what Brew and company are thinking and looking for this year...here's some highlights:
QB
This is the big one - Brew claims it's an open competition between AWEB, #5, and Moses Alipate. He said that they hope it will work itself out in the Spring and they will have their starter before opening fall practice. Which way is he leaning, well, here's my thoughts based on what I've seen and read. Brew is allowing the QB's to take hits this year in Spring practice because it provides a better look at how they will actually be able to play and react in a game setting...advantage #5. The offense has been simplified and should be fairly basic to master vs. the insanity of last year's playbook...advantage #5. You have a 3 year starter returning for year 4 and for the first time ever he has to earn his job in Spring ball...advantage #5. Yeah, I think you see where we're heading on this one. I would love to see Marqueis under center at MID TEN on 9/2, and I think Brew realizes he needs to create a buzz and give some kind of optimism going into 2010...a change at the most important position is the best way to do it.
OL
Early indications are that Gjere will get a look at start at RT/LT. He's 6'8" 315, so he looks the part already and he'll be at the U all Summer to build some college level strength. He's got a shot, but we also have 2 RFR that will likely see lots of time...Brooks Michael and Ed Olson. Bottom line, the talent and experience should be better on the OL, the system should be simpler and we should be able to develop some kind of an attitude up front. With the depth that is there, the Spring competition should be intense. Biggest thing to watch this Spring, we need to come away with 5 we can trust and 5 that can run block to fit our new system...watch the young guys.
DL
Brew can't stop talking about Hageman. The former TE turned into a 6'6" 292 lb DE and still can "run like a deer" according to Brew. If this is the case, we might have a monster on our hands. There's a reason that Ohio State was recruiting him as a DE...I like it. Our DT's should be solid with Edwards, Kirksey, and Jacobs all in the rotation in the middle. Wilhite will likely be the other DE and I think we'll find a couple of other guys to throw in the mix there as well. Biggest thing this Spring is to watch Hagemann and see if he can be the beast we expect.
LB
This is probably the spot I'm most excited about for 2010. Even though the unit will be 100% new for 2010, I think it's got the potential to be a real strength. Let's start in the middle, Gary Tinsley and Sam Maresh will be competing for the starting spot in our 4-3. Both should play plenty, but I give the edge to Tinsley in this one. We simply couldn't keep him off the field by the end of last year and as long he doesn't go and get hammered and start swinging around 2x4's anymore then he should rarely leave the field. Keanon Cooper is locked in on one outside spot - he showed flashes of brilliance last year and should be that much better this season. On the other side we have guys like Spencer Reeves, Aaron Hill, Ryan Grant, Brent Singleton, and all the new freshman. If Maresh and Tinsley both rock this Spring I think they find a way to work both into the mix, but I wouldn't count out Reeves and Singleton either. Bottom line - tons of depth, mostly unknown young guys...but this is their time to shine. Biggest thing to watch this Spring, definitely Sam Maresh. An elite talent coming in, it will be interesting to see if he still can play at that level.
DB
Both safeties are back, so those spots should not be an issue. The 2 CB spots and Nickel spot are up for grabs. Michael Carter will take one of those spots and be our best CB, I have no doubts about that. The other will come down to Collado, who I like in the nickel or as a S because he's a hitter and a blitzer; Lewis and Tillman, our 2 JUCO signees; Kerry Lewis, nice recruit who redshirted last season; or one of the 2 freshman which is unlikely. Lots of options, but I'd give the early edge to Lewis because Brew mentioned him by name and obviously he wasn't brought in to ride pine as a JUCO CB. Mike Rallis, who was a S last season, has converted to OLB for Spring, so he might be in the mix as well at LB but not at S. Kenny Watkins appears to be our main depth at S with freshman James Manuel likely not to redshirt so he can get some experience before likely being thrust into the starting gig next year...but he's supposed to be real deal, so I like it!
Not much to discuss with the skill positions in the Spring outside of QB. RB will likely be a snoozer this Spring but competition will heat up in the Fall when the 3 incom,ing freshman start competing. I've said it before, but I fully expect LaMonte Edwards to win this job and run with it...literally. WR is loaded with experience since everyone had to step up a bit after EDECK went down last year. McKnight is the clear cut #1, Green will be a factor, Stoudermire will hopefully improve his pass catching, HAYO! will hopefully contribute something in his senior year as well. Bryant Allen is interesting, I think he could provide something this year depending on how well Troy performs. Brandon and Keise provide some young depth, but likely won't be a factor this year barring something crazy happening. TE seems to be already given to JUCO Tiree Eure, who according to Brew, should have a HUGE year catching passes while some of the other TE's are there to block. Eure is huge and hopefully he will be that big threat over the middle that this team leaned on so much last year with Tow-Arnett.
I guess that's all you need to know. Well, I forgot that Ellestad is back at K for his senior season and Orseske has recovered from last season's mono to start banging 60 yard punts again come Fall. Obviously, this isn't the last you'll hear about my beloved Maroon and Gold this Spring, but if you'd like to come and see them yourself the Spring game is at 1:30 on APRIL 24th @TCF...I'll be there, will you?
Spring practice starts today and there's lots of info out there about what Brew and company are thinking and looking for this year...here's some highlights:
QB
This is the big one - Brew claims it's an open competition between AWEB, #5, and Moses Alipate. He said that they hope it will work itself out in the Spring and they will have their starter before opening fall practice. Which way is he leaning, well, here's my thoughts based on what I've seen and read. Brew is allowing the QB's to take hits this year in Spring practice because it provides a better look at how they will actually be able to play and react in a game setting...advantage #5. The offense has been simplified and should be fairly basic to master vs. the insanity of last year's playbook...advantage #5. You have a 3 year starter returning for year 4 and for the first time ever he has to earn his job in Spring ball...advantage #5. Yeah, I think you see where we're heading on this one. I would love to see Marqueis under center at MID TEN on 9/2, and I think Brew realizes he needs to create a buzz and give some kind of optimism going into 2010...a change at the most important position is the best way to do it.
OL
Early indications are that Gjere will get a look at start at RT/LT. He's 6'8" 315, so he looks the part already and he'll be at the U all Summer to build some college level strength. He's got a shot, but we also have 2 RFR that will likely see lots of time...Brooks Michael and Ed Olson. Bottom line, the talent and experience should be better on the OL, the system should be simpler and we should be able to develop some kind of an attitude up front. With the depth that is there, the Spring competition should be intense. Biggest thing to watch this Spring, we need to come away with 5 we can trust and 5 that can run block to fit our new system...watch the young guys.
DL
Brew can't stop talking about Hageman. The former TE turned into a 6'6" 292 lb DE and still can "run like a deer" according to Brew. If this is the case, we might have a monster on our hands. There's a reason that Ohio State was recruiting him as a DE...I like it. Our DT's should be solid with Edwards, Kirksey, and Jacobs all in the rotation in the middle. Wilhite will likely be the other DE and I think we'll find a couple of other guys to throw in the mix there as well. Biggest thing this Spring is to watch Hagemann and see if he can be the beast we expect.
LB
This is probably the spot I'm most excited about for 2010. Even though the unit will be 100% new for 2010, I think it's got the potential to be a real strength. Let's start in the middle, Gary Tinsley and Sam Maresh will be competing for the starting spot in our 4-3. Both should play plenty, but I give the edge to Tinsley in this one. We simply couldn't keep him off the field by the end of last year and as long he doesn't go and get hammered and start swinging around 2x4's anymore then he should rarely leave the field. Keanon Cooper is locked in on one outside spot - he showed flashes of brilliance last year and should be that much better this season. On the other side we have guys like Spencer Reeves, Aaron Hill, Ryan Grant, Brent Singleton, and all the new freshman. If Maresh and Tinsley both rock this Spring I think they find a way to work both into the mix, but I wouldn't count out Reeves and Singleton either. Bottom line - tons of depth, mostly unknown young guys...but this is their time to shine. Biggest thing to watch this Spring, definitely Sam Maresh. An elite talent coming in, it will be interesting to see if he still can play at that level.
DB
Both safeties are back, so those spots should not be an issue. The 2 CB spots and Nickel spot are up for grabs. Michael Carter will take one of those spots and be our best CB, I have no doubts about that. The other will come down to Collado, who I like in the nickel or as a S because he's a hitter and a blitzer; Lewis and Tillman, our 2 JUCO signees; Kerry Lewis, nice recruit who redshirted last season; or one of the 2 freshman which is unlikely. Lots of options, but I'd give the early edge to Lewis because Brew mentioned him by name and obviously he wasn't brought in to ride pine as a JUCO CB. Mike Rallis, who was a S last season, has converted to OLB for Spring, so he might be in the mix as well at LB but not at S. Kenny Watkins appears to be our main depth at S with freshman James Manuel likely not to redshirt so he can get some experience before likely being thrust into the starting gig next year...but he's supposed to be real deal, so I like it!
Not much to discuss with the skill positions in the Spring outside of QB. RB will likely be a snoozer this Spring but competition will heat up in the Fall when the 3 incom,ing freshman start competing. I've said it before, but I fully expect LaMonte Edwards to win this job and run with it...literally. WR is loaded with experience since everyone had to step up a bit after EDECK went down last year. McKnight is the clear cut #1, Green will be a factor, Stoudermire will hopefully improve his pass catching, HAYO! will hopefully contribute something in his senior year as well. Bryant Allen is interesting, I think he could provide something this year depending on how well Troy performs. Brandon and Keise provide some young depth, but likely won't be a factor this year barring something crazy happening. TE seems to be already given to JUCO Tiree Eure, who according to Brew, should have a HUGE year catching passes while some of the other TE's are there to block. Eure is huge and hopefully he will be that big threat over the middle that this team leaned on so much last year with Tow-Arnett.
I guess that's all you need to know. Well, I forgot that Ellestad is back at K for his senior season and Orseske has recovered from last season's mono to start banging 60 yard punts again come Fall. Obviously, this isn't the last you'll hear about my beloved Maroon and Gold this Spring, but if you'd like to come and see them yourself the Spring game is at 1:30 on APRIL 24th @TCF...I'll be there, will you?
Monday, March 22, 2010
1st Weekend Gambling Recap
One of the best opening weekends of March Madness ever, was capped off last night with a great showing from the B10, except for the Whinin' Beckys of Sconnyland. How fun was that watching them try to stay within 20 against Cornell?!?! Loved every minute of it...much like the rest of this weekend.
1. TUBBY'S POOL
Leader in the clubhouse is Mr. Kobow...but something tells me he won't be finishing there when the final buzzer sounds. 3 of his Final 4 are toast, which doesn't bode well for the large point late round games. Upsets are still the key, if you can nail some of those, especially in the later rounds, you will have a chance. Following Kobow is Joe Adams at 71, Tree at 70, and Bomb at 66. Nobody has their Final 4 all intact...thanks KAN!, but plenty of people with 3 left.
2. First Weekend Upset Pool
This was a new one for me...only pick first round games and if you pick correctly you get the amount of points = to the seed of the team (pick a 12 over a 5, if the 12 wins you get 12 points). So this pool is over, and I'm champion of the world. Typically wouldn't really brag about this one, except that is was 32 entries, 1 from a Gopher and 31 from Badgers....I guess the Maroon and Gold just continue to own Becky on the basketball floor! +$160!!
3. BBY Pool
Well, when there are 253 entries and you lose your Champ in round 2 then it's kind of a lost cause. Except when you throw together a late second bracket for your 1 year old and all of his picks are going well! Jace has the 'Cuse over Baylor in the finals and currently sits in a tie for 22nd place. Only one other guy above him has the 'Cuse, so the chance is there....This would be a nice payday of around $800...Go Orange!!
4. BWW Experience - Thursday
Wow, this one kind of got away from me. Had plans of posting a couple of times during the day, but beers at 10 and 2 dozen wings later I'm not sure if I could have worked my phone at that point. Took a couple doses of sudafed before and during the festivities which, in hindsight, wasn't the best idea. But had a great time, some of you attended, and from what I can remember I think fun was had by all. And I don't think I handed out $$$ all day, so that didn't suck either.
5. ATS Bets
Well, I didn't play them all...but I should have. 22-9-1 in the 1st round ATS, 11-5 in round 2 ATS. Grand total of 33-14-1 for a whopping 70%. Who knew this whole time I was focusing on the wrong sport! I need to bet more College Hoops!! Doubled the Bodog account over the weekend and have big plans to continue this and build up a nice Vegas nest egg for October.
The games were ridiculously good, and should continue to be that way through the next couple of weekends. Hope everyone got to watch plenty of hoops - go Orange!
One last side note, with all the basketball craziness I couldn't have a post without mentioning that tomorrow is the day - Spring Football Practice Day 1 - Brew begins coaching for his job starting tomorrow...go team!
1. TUBBY'S POOL
Leader in the clubhouse is Mr. Kobow...but something tells me he won't be finishing there when the final buzzer sounds. 3 of his Final 4 are toast, which doesn't bode well for the large point late round games. Upsets are still the key, if you can nail some of those, especially in the later rounds, you will have a chance. Following Kobow is Joe Adams at 71, Tree at 70, and Bomb at 66. Nobody has their Final 4 all intact...thanks KAN!, but plenty of people with 3 left.
2. First Weekend Upset Pool
This was a new one for me...only pick first round games and if you pick correctly you get the amount of points = to the seed of the team (pick a 12 over a 5, if the 12 wins you get 12 points). So this pool is over, and I'm champion of the world. Typically wouldn't really brag about this one, except that is was 32 entries, 1 from a Gopher and 31 from Badgers....I guess the Maroon and Gold just continue to own Becky on the basketball floor! +$160!!
3. BBY Pool
Well, when there are 253 entries and you lose your Champ in round 2 then it's kind of a lost cause. Except when you throw together a late second bracket for your 1 year old and all of his picks are going well! Jace has the 'Cuse over Baylor in the finals and currently sits in a tie for 22nd place. Only one other guy above him has the 'Cuse, so the chance is there....This would be a nice payday of around $800...Go Orange!!
4. BWW Experience - Thursday
Wow, this one kind of got away from me. Had plans of posting a couple of times during the day, but beers at 10 and 2 dozen wings later I'm not sure if I could have worked my phone at that point. Took a couple doses of sudafed before and during the festivities which, in hindsight, wasn't the best idea. But had a great time, some of you attended, and from what I can remember I think fun was had by all. And I don't think I handed out $$$ all day, so that didn't suck either.
5. ATS Bets
Well, I didn't play them all...but I should have. 22-9-1 in the 1st round ATS, 11-5 in round 2 ATS. Grand total of 33-14-1 for a whopping 70%. Who knew this whole time I was focusing on the wrong sport! I need to bet more College Hoops!! Doubled the Bodog account over the weekend and have big plans to continue this and build up a nice Vegas nest egg for October.
The games were ridiculously good, and should continue to be that way through the next couple of weekends. Hope everyone got to watch plenty of hoops - go Orange!
One last side note, with all the basketball craziness I couldn't have a post without mentioning that tomorrow is the day - Spring Football Practice Day 1 - Brew begins coaching for his job starting tomorrow...go team!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Bodog & Thursday Tourney
So I started my account last week and am up $20 so far. But just tonight I found the coolest feature...Live Betting! Yeah, the same thing I was talking about before that some of the casinos are doing in Vegas...Bodog has the same thing!
They only offer it for a few games each day, but guess what one of them is on FRI...yep, Gophers vs. Xavier...I might have to experiment a little bit. I think it would be a good way to lose all your money or quadruple it in a big hurry.
If you have the itch to bet on some of these games since we're not really doing any official pools for money...I suggest Bodog. Lots of NCAA Tourney prop bets as well to keep it interesting.
I'm taking Thursday off to sit and watch a little all day basketball marathon and hopefully make it a profitable day financially as well. BWW in Chanhassen is the place to be, come and join if you like. I'm sure there will be plenty of updates via the blog about the day.
Get those brackets submitted - 1.5 days left!!
They only offer it for a few games each day, but guess what one of them is on FRI...yep, Gophers vs. Xavier...I might have to experiment a little bit. I think it would be a good way to lose all your money or quadruple it in a big hurry.
If you have the itch to bet on some of these games since we're not really doing any official pools for money...I suggest Bodog. Lots of NCAA Tourney prop bets as well to keep it interesting.
I'm taking Thursday off to sit and watch a little all day basketball marathon and hopefully make it a profitable day financially as well. BWW in Chanhassen is the place to be, come and join if you like. I'm sure there will be plenty of updates via the blog about the day.
Get those brackets submitted - 1.5 days left!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Non-hoops related comedy
Check out this post from collegefootballtalk.com...I love it.
"There really is no rhyme or for the content of the following post, except for the fact that it's funny as (Jon Gruden's favorite word).
In the spirit of March Madness, the men's magazine Esquire is doing an NCAA basketball-style bracket to determine the Sexiest Woman Alive.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, Southern Cal head coach Lane Kiffin is included in the pool of 64. Not his drop-dead-gorgeous wife Layla; the head coach himself is the only male in the field.
Again, I have no clue why.
Kiffin enters the "tournament" as the No. 16 seed in what could only be called the WTF?!? Regional, and will square off with LPGA star Natalie Gulbis. The description of Kiffin by the magazine? "Such a pretty girl. Sure raises a ruckus."
If Kiffin could somehow pull off the upset, it would set up an intriguing match-up in the second round as Kiffin/Gulbis gets the winner of the Erin Andrews-Danica Patrick tilt.
Kiffin vs. Andrews? Oh yeah, bring it on.
And, just for the record, I voted for Kiffin. I implore you all to do the same and get the word out to your friends, co-workers and better halves to do likewise. Let's do right by Kiffin and put him in his rightful place: on the throne as the Queen of College Football.
This will be a tough row to hoe, though; as of this writing, Kiffin is trailing 83 percent to 17 percent.
C'mon, people. Get out and vote. Do it for your country, do it for the game you love, and, most importantly, do it for Kiffin.
He deserves your support in this endeavor."
This is awesome. Go Lame!
"There really is no rhyme or for the content of the following post, except for the fact that it's funny as (Jon Gruden's favorite word).
In the spirit of March Madness, the men's magazine Esquire is doing an NCAA basketball-style bracket to determine the Sexiest Woman Alive.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, Southern Cal head coach Lane Kiffin is included in the pool of 64. Not his drop-dead-gorgeous wife Layla; the head coach himself is the only male in the field.
Again, I have no clue why.
Kiffin enters the "tournament" as the No. 16 seed in what could only be called the WTF?!? Regional, and will square off with LPGA star Natalie Gulbis. The description of Kiffin by the magazine? "Such a pretty girl. Sure raises a ruckus."
If Kiffin could somehow pull off the upset, it would set up an intriguing match-up in the second round as Kiffin/Gulbis gets the winner of the Erin Andrews-Danica Patrick tilt.
Kiffin vs. Andrews? Oh yeah, bring it on.
And, just for the record, I voted for Kiffin. I implore you all to do the same and get the word out to your friends, co-workers and better halves to do likewise. Let's do right by Kiffin and put him in his rightful place: on the throne as the Queen of College Football.
This will be a tough row to hoe, though; as of this writing, Kiffin is trailing 83 percent to 17 percent.
C'mon, people. Get out and vote. Do it for your country, do it for the game you love, and, most importantly, do it for Kiffin.
He deserves your support in this endeavor."
This is awesome. Go Lame!
The Madness has begun!!
Quite a weekend - crazy what playing well in the B10 tourney can do for you. Tubby went from very long shot to almost a lock by Saturday night. Although I was a little anxious and worried on Sunday, I felt 90% confidence that they would be in with the MSU and PUR wins.
And not only did they get in, but they got a really nice draw in my opinion. Xavier isn't anything special, and I'm not convinced that PITT is either. If they continue to play D like they did this weekend and the young guys continue to play like they did in the tourney and not the regular season...then I'm telling you there's a chance to make this thing last 2 extra weekends this year.
Anyway, on to the important stuff. Here's the link to enter the "bragging rights" tourney challenge...http://www.poolhost.com/index.asp?page=poolmain.asp..passwords are tubby. Get in if you like and enter your picks.
I think I've thrown away 6 brackets already...good luck!
And not only did they get in, but they got a really nice draw in my opinion. Xavier isn't anything special, and I'm not convinced that PITT is either. If they continue to play D like they did this weekend and the young guys continue to play like they did in the tourney and not the regular season...then I'm telling you there's a chance to make this thing last 2 extra weekends this year.
Anyway, on to the important stuff. Here's the link to enter the "bragging rights" tourney challenge...http://www.poolhost.com/index.asp?page=poolmain.asp..passwords are tubby. Get in if you like and enter your picks.
I think I've thrown away 6 brackets already...good luck!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Random Wednesday Stuff
So it's been a week, felt like I need to post some of the things on my mind...
1. ND to B10
They are finally seeing the light and realizing that being "Independent" might not be the best spot as we move down the road to 4-5 Super Conferences and nothing else that matters. I'm not totally convinced yet that this will happen, but it sounds like the great ones at ND are finally considering it a realisitic option. Their NBC deal expires after 2010 I believe, so now is the time before they re-up for 5 more years of painful NBC football broadcating.
2. B10 Network
This looked like a no so great idea initially, but it is now generating an additional $12M/yr per school! That's a lot of cash, and it will be the model for the other "super-conferences" once all of the realignment happens. How great will it be to have an ACC Channel, a PAC 10 channel, BTN, ESPN (SEC Network), and likely a B12 or Big East network...talk about college sports overload!
3. Can we make this happen?
Read an amazing idea that the Gopher band has done once before. When we beat ALA in the bowl game a few years back (yeah, remember when we beat ALABAMA?) the band played Rocky Top and annoyed the hell out of all the ALA fans. I'm hoping they still have that one on their playlist for that 1st TD (hoping there is one!) against USC when Rocky Top's favorite former son comes to town with his new crew of Trojans. That would be a great moment and an instant ESPN moment for the Maroon and Gold.
4. Gopher Football Tidbits
I read a fellow Gopher fan's recap of a conversation he had with our OL coach at a restaurant, which was really interesting. The biggest revelation that came out of it was Davis' belief that they have their RB for the next 3-4 years to run our 2000ish WIS offense that we are implementing this year...LaMonte Edwards. I thought for sure that this guy was heading for a LB spot, but sounds like he'll stick w/RB for now. He has the size to be our bruiser, just a little concerned about his speed...we'll see.
Gophs have already secured 2 of the Top 3 projected in state guys for next year. Redshirt freshman OL Ed Olson's little brother Tommy is going to be a senior next year and he already committed to the Gophs. Ed should be a decent player but word is that Tommy is top notch and could be the man from day 1. We also just got a commit from a DB from Minnetonka James Farrow. Great size, sounds like he had lots of interest from good D1 schools, so way to go Brew.
5. The Weekend Upcoming
Odds of either one of our teams getting into the post-season...not good. 1st, the hockey club has as much of a chance of taking 2/3 in Grand Forks as we might if I assembled all 10 of us into a hockey squad for a day. The Hoops club has to win probably 3 to lock up a NCAA berth, 2 might do it, 1 doesn't solve anything. And I'm not convinced we even win 1 in the B10 tourney with the PSU matchup in round 1. Bottom line, lots of fun games to watch and dream...but don't expect any great results out of either club this weekend.
6. NCAA Pool
So I'm guessing you guys are not interested in the big BBY pool since I have had no responses. That's fine. I'll send out the regular pool that we have done in the past...we'll leave cash out of it and just play for pride and bragging rights.
Here is the link to the POOL
password: tubby
pool login: tubby
Create an account if you don't have one and register your picks if you'd like. Scoring is like this: 1,2,4,6,8,10 - twist is you get underdog points for correct picks (ex: 12 beats a 5, and you pick it correct, you get 1 for a correct pick plus 7 bonus points)This applies for every round. Tiebreaker is championship game total points.
Good Luck.
7. Twins!
Nathan = dead. Panic time. I think the best bet is to make a move and get someone in a trade because Rausch, Guerrier, Mijares are not the answer. Make a deal for someone and keep the rest of these guys in their regular roles. Don't do the committee thing, how many World Series titles have been won by the closer-by-committee teams...and that should be our goal. I like Heath Bell but he's probably not attainable for a nice price. Ziegler, Frasor, possibly others like this seem to be the best bet. At least it happened now before the season starts so they can figure this out over the next 4 weeks.
8. BODOG
Anyone have an account on here? I'm thinking of opening one this weekend and getting ready to throw down some cash on the Tourney. In checking it out it seems to have a lot of unique bets and a good reliable system...not that I expect to make anything, but it will make March and beyond a little more entertaining.
13 days until Spring Practice...less than that before our 1st NIT game.
1. ND to B10
They are finally seeing the light and realizing that being "Independent" might not be the best spot as we move down the road to 4-5 Super Conferences and nothing else that matters. I'm not totally convinced yet that this will happen, but it sounds like the great ones at ND are finally considering it a realisitic option. Their NBC deal expires after 2010 I believe, so now is the time before they re-up for 5 more years of painful NBC football broadcating.
2. B10 Network
This looked like a no so great idea initially, but it is now generating an additional $12M/yr per school! That's a lot of cash, and it will be the model for the other "super-conferences" once all of the realignment happens. How great will it be to have an ACC Channel, a PAC 10 channel, BTN, ESPN (SEC Network), and likely a B12 or Big East network...talk about college sports overload!
3. Can we make this happen?
Read an amazing idea that the Gopher band has done once before. When we beat ALA in the bowl game a few years back (yeah, remember when we beat ALABAMA?) the band played Rocky Top and annoyed the hell out of all the ALA fans. I'm hoping they still have that one on their playlist for that 1st TD (hoping there is one!) against USC when Rocky Top's favorite former son comes to town with his new crew of Trojans. That would be a great moment and an instant ESPN moment for the Maroon and Gold.
4. Gopher Football Tidbits
I read a fellow Gopher fan's recap of a conversation he had with our OL coach at a restaurant, which was really interesting. The biggest revelation that came out of it was Davis' belief that they have their RB for the next 3-4 years to run our 2000ish WIS offense that we are implementing this year...LaMonte Edwards. I thought for sure that this guy was heading for a LB spot, but sounds like he'll stick w/RB for now. He has the size to be our bruiser, just a little concerned about his speed...we'll see.
Gophs have already secured 2 of the Top 3 projected in state guys for next year. Redshirt freshman OL Ed Olson's little brother Tommy is going to be a senior next year and he already committed to the Gophs. Ed should be a decent player but word is that Tommy is top notch and could be the man from day 1. We also just got a commit from a DB from Minnetonka James Farrow. Great size, sounds like he had lots of interest from good D1 schools, so way to go Brew.
5. The Weekend Upcoming
Odds of either one of our teams getting into the post-season...not good. 1st, the hockey club has as much of a chance of taking 2/3 in Grand Forks as we might if I assembled all 10 of us into a hockey squad for a day. The Hoops club has to win probably 3 to lock up a NCAA berth, 2 might do it, 1 doesn't solve anything. And I'm not convinced we even win 1 in the B10 tourney with the PSU matchup in round 1. Bottom line, lots of fun games to watch and dream...but don't expect any great results out of either club this weekend.
6. NCAA Pool
So I'm guessing you guys are not interested in the big BBY pool since I have had no responses. That's fine. I'll send out the regular pool that we have done in the past...we'll leave cash out of it and just play for pride and bragging rights.
Here is the link to the POOL
password: tubby
pool login: tubby
Create an account if you don't have one and register your picks if you'd like. Scoring is like this: 1,2,4,6,8,10 - twist is you get underdog points for correct picks (ex: 12 beats a 5, and you pick it correct, you get 1 for a correct pick plus 7 bonus points)This applies for every round. Tiebreaker is championship game total points.
Good Luck.
7. Twins!
Nathan = dead. Panic time. I think the best bet is to make a move and get someone in a trade because Rausch, Guerrier, Mijares are not the answer. Make a deal for someone and keep the rest of these guys in their regular roles. Don't do the committee thing, how many World Series titles have been won by the closer-by-committee teams...and that should be our goal. I like Heath Bell but he's probably not attainable for a nice price. Ziegler, Frasor, possibly others like this seem to be the best bet. At least it happened now before the season starts so they can figure this out over the next 4 weeks.
8. BODOG
Anyone have an account on here? I'm thinking of opening one this weekend and getting ready to throw down some cash on the Tourney. In checking it out it seems to have a lot of unique bets and a good reliable system...not that I expect to make anything, but it will make March and beyond a little more entertaining.
13 days until Spring Practice...less than that before our 1st NIT game.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March is here! BBY Tourney Challenge Info
Winter is basically over, and it's time for the optimism of March!
Gophs have a huge one tonight at MICH, and despite MICH's struggles lately it really seems to me like this is one that we'll lose. If we don't, and then proceed to mop the floor w/the Hogeyes (they still have a team, right?) then we'll be sitting in a pretty good spot for a tourney berth. I think we'd match up in the 4-5 game w/Becky in the B10 tourney, and a W there would pretty much lock up a spot for us. Despite all the doom and gloom that people are spewing around this team, they could finish w/Tubby's best B10 finish of his short Gopher career at 10-8. They have beaten 3 Top 15 teams (BUTLER, WIS, OHIOST) and played very close to MSU twice and PUR.
I think this team gets in - they are playing their best ball right now, and let's hope they take care of business tonight and keep the momentum alive.
I'm finally into full 100% basketball mode after not caring for the first 4 months of the season. I have a couple of proposals for the upcoming tourney...here we go:
1) BBY Pool - this pool collects about $1000 each year, so it's a healthy payout to the champ...$5 per bracket up to 3 per guy. If you are interested in entering this pool, let me know and I'll forward on your email addresses to the guy who runs it and just send me some cash for how many brackets you want. I'm giving you 2+ weeks to get me cash if you want in.
Here's the details for the pool per the email:
Like last year, I will use CBS Sportsline to manage the pool.
• Brackets will be available immediately after Selection Sunday is completed on March 14th
• $5 per bracket and you can have as many as 3
• PLEASE DROP YOUR $$ AT MY DESK C8-152 WITH YOUR NAME ON IT
• Brackets are due by 10 a.m. CDT, Thursday March 18th
• Last year’s Pool was $ 1,055…can we top that?
• Payouts
• 60% = Winner
• 30% = 2nd
• 10% = 3rd
• Can of Pop = Last
If you would like to join the pool, please REPLY AND TYPE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.
This way I can copy in to CBSSportsline.
Group Name = Best Buy
Group Password = bestbuy
Link: http://bby.mayhem.cbssports.com/brackets
I figured this was simpler than having our own pool and the payout is that much larger. Winner of our group will have some bragging rights and hopefully some cash for placing in the overall competition.
So send me some cash if you want in, if not then that's fine too. Also be sure to shoot me an email if you are interested and I'll forward it on to the organizer.
Happy March!
Gophs have a huge one tonight at MICH, and despite MICH's struggles lately it really seems to me like this is one that we'll lose. If we don't, and then proceed to mop the floor w/the Hogeyes (they still have a team, right?) then we'll be sitting in a pretty good spot for a tourney berth. I think we'd match up in the 4-5 game w/Becky in the B10 tourney, and a W there would pretty much lock up a spot for us. Despite all the doom and gloom that people are spewing around this team, they could finish w/Tubby's best B10 finish of his short Gopher career at 10-8. They have beaten 3 Top 15 teams (BUTLER, WIS, OHIOST) and played very close to MSU twice and PUR.
I think this team gets in - they are playing their best ball right now, and let's hope they take care of business tonight and keep the momentum alive.
I'm finally into full 100% basketball mode after not caring for the first 4 months of the season. I have a couple of proposals for the upcoming tourney...here we go:
1) BBY Pool - this pool collects about $1000 each year, so it's a healthy payout to the champ...$5 per bracket up to 3 per guy. If you are interested in entering this pool, let me know and I'll forward on your email addresses to the guy who runs it and just send me some cash for how many brackets you want. I'm giving you 2+ weeks to get me cash if you want in.
Here's the details for the pool per the email:
Like last year, I will use CBS Sportsline to manage the pool.
• Brackets will be available immediately after Selection Sunday is completed on March 14th
• $5 per bracket and you can have as many as 3
• PLEASE DROP YOUR $$ AT MY DESK C8-152 WITH YOUR NAME ON IT
• Brackets are due by 10 a.m. CDT, Thursday March 18th
• Last year’s Pool was $ 1,055…can we top that?
• Payouts
• 60% = Winner
• 30% = 2nd
• 10% = 3rd
• Can of Pop = Last
If you would like to join the pool, please REPLY AND TYPE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.
This way I can copy in to CBSSportsline.
Group Name = Best Buy
Group Password = bestbuy
Link: http://bby.mayhem.cbssports.com/brackets
I figured this was simpler than having our own pool and the payout is that much larger. Winner of our group will have some bragging rights and hopefully some cash for placing in the overall competition.
So send me some cash if you want in, if not then that's fine too. Also be sure to shoot me an email if you are interested and I'll forward it on to the organizer.
Happy March!
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