Belated NFL Preview

Because I have not weighed in on the NFL, I feel I must. Take this preview with a grain of salt since two weeks have pretty much been completed, but here are my division winners and playoff picks:

AFC
East - New England
North - Cincinnati
South - Indy
West - Denver
Wild Card - San Diego
Wild Card - Tennessee

NFC
East - Philly
North - Chicago
South - New Orleans
West - Seattle
Wild Card - Dallas
Wild Card - Arizona

Playoffs - First Round
San Diego over Cincinnati
Denver over Tennessee
Seattle over Dallas
New Orleans over Arizona

Playoffs - Second Round
New England over Denver
San Diego over Indy
Philly over New Orleans
Seattle over Chicago

Conference Championships
New England over San Diego
Philly over Seattle

SUPER BOWL XLII
New England over Philly

Offensive MVP: Tom Brady, Pats (Season and Super Bowl)
Defensive MVP: Adalius Thomas, Pats
Offensive Rookie: Calvin Johnson, Lions
Defensive Rookie: Chinedum Ndukwe (ok, seriously lets go with Patrick Willis from the 49ers)

There you have it, my NFL preview two weeks late. Sorry for the delay.

Truly Offensive

I have returned from my blog posting hiatus because something needs to be said about this disgraceful performance shown so far from Notre Dame's football team. The season so far has been nothing short of an embarrassment. We are dead last in every major offensive statistic in all of Division 1-A. We couldn't block a high school team's Defensive Line, let alone a major college program. With the upcoming schedule, 0-10 is a distinct possibility. Notre Dame has never started a season 0-4, but I all but guarentee that this happens with a tough Michigan State team coming to South Bend on Saturday. They want revenge after last season' meltdown and always play us tough to begin with. Purdue has been putting up a huge amount of points, and we have scored a total of 13 in three games. UCLA is struggling but has 20 starters back from the team that should have beaten us last year. BC might be the class of the ACC, and just destroyed the Georgia Tech team that destroyed us. USC will score at least 80 points on us. Navy is overdue for a win, and has to be licking their chops. Air Force has looked great. Even Duke has a win this year. Something must be done, and it must be done soon.

It's Been Too Long Friends

Ladies and gentlemen, I have returned. It has been too long, but I just haven't felt the need to make any posts for the past month and a half. Baseball season has been droning on, and most sports stories are negative ones. However, today is a great day, for the College Football season has officially arrived. NFL Training Camp is under way, and the season will be here before you know it. The regular posting will begin shortly, probably when I finish work this week. In store for the fall, I will be making regular picks of the week's biggest college games and all the NFL games. Maybe OC will even challenge me. Who knows. My official College and NFL Previews, complete with picks for the winners of every conference, will come sometime in the next week or two. Yet for now, I just wanted to say a couple things about the stories that have broken since I last spoke.

1) Michael Vick will be found guilty. Regardless of whether he did it or not, the Feds want to get him, and the other three guys will cave in and become witnesses against Vick. Maybe he can join Pac-Man over at TNA Wrestling.

2) I don't care about the NBA Referee scandal.

3) Bill Simmons reported in his ESPN Magazine column that Rosie O'Donnell may be joining the cast of Friday Night Lights. If this happens, it would be truly awful. Please, NBC, do not let that bitch ruin my favorite show on TV.

4) Kudos to the NL East for being the only division with balls. The Braves, Mets, and Phillies all made trades to upgrade their teams for the long run. Earlier this year, I picked the Bravos to win the division and the Phils to get the Wild Card, both of which are still possible. Big week this week, as the Braves travel to New York and then Philly for 3 games a piece.

Well, that is all. Stay tuned in the coming week or so for all the football talk you can handle.

Koshinuke!

I woke up this morning in the god-awful city of Schenctady, NY and happened to catch the morning SportsCenter. To my dismay, they reported that legendary hot dog eating champion Takeru Kobayashi is listed as day-to-day for next week's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition on Coney Island with a sore jaw. This is terrible news! Not only do I love watching Kobayashi scarf down upwards of 50 hot dogs every July 4th, but this year had the makings of an instant classic. For those of you not up to speed on the world of competitive eating, American Joey Chestnut broke Kobayashi's world hot dog eating record in a qualifier for this event. Chestnut has finished second to Kobayashi a couple times, always finishing a few dogs short. Thus, we had what was shaping up as a Weiner eat-off for the ages...6-time defending champion Kobayashi versus World Record holder Joey Chestnut. There seem to be two common schools of thought regarding Kobayashi's jaw "injury". Apparently, his jaw is "sore" and he cannot open it wide enough to eat hot dogs. Thus, a great debate has emerged among experts in the sport. On one hand are those who believe Kobayashi's injury to be legit. Among those experts are Dick Vitale and Barry Melrose, who feel that Kobayashi would do everything in his power to defend his title. On the other hand are those who feel Kobayashi is afraid of Mr. Chestnut and doesn't want to be beaten by this young upstart. This view is supported by none other than John "I like Chestnut because I only have one Chestnut" Kruk. Personally, I have to side with Mr. Kruk on this one. I have never tried competitive eating, but I know that one doesn't have to open their jaw very much to eat a hot dog. The tough part about eating hot dogs comes in the digestive system. If you don't believe me, ask Chubbs. However, I think Kobayashi is just too afraid of Chestnut and thus doesn't want to be embarrassed by an American on the Fourth of July. Regardless of the validity of Kobayashi's injury, I hope to see him out there on Coney Island battling with Joey Chestnut. It could be an eating competition for the ages.

Tony P. has flow, on and off the court

Cavs now promote Huggies (They're shitting their pants for the quick-witted among you)

Thats right, I'm watching the Cavaliers shit the bed. While San Antonio came into Cleveland looking as bad as they have almost all playoffs, Cleveland just seems to not want to win. So far Ginobli has not scored a point, Duncan had to sit for almost a quarter after picking up 3 fouls in the first half, and Parker has not been his usual self. I'm starting this entry with about 4 minutes left in the game, completely confident of the Spurs coming out of this 3-0. The last two possessions have consisted of Pavlovic being forced into a 22 foot fadeaway from the corner because Gooden and his rat tail getting the ball pinned against his leg and Varejao being stripped by Tony P. Lebron is passing the ball, missing shots and just not taking the team on his shoulders like he needs to to win. Back from commercial break, the Cavs are down by 4 with 2:24 left. *Update, James just took it strong and has played better in the past couple minutes. Tony P just nailed a three, and I'm pretty sure Eva winked at me when they cut to her. * As we cut to commercial, the Cavs will have one shot to tie down 3 with 10.4 seconds left. Could this be the reversal of the Jordan over Eloh moment Cleveland sports has been awaiting for years? James over Bowen sends it to OT, with the Cavs pulling it out in Seven? Doubtful. And there we have it, Cavs lose. While they made it closer than I thought, the outcome remains the same. Lebron's chance to be annointed as the new Jordan will have to wait at least one more year, sorry Cleveland.

PS. Keep checking back for the release date of www.athleteswives.com, a comprehensive database of athletes' wives, girlfriends, significant others and drunken mistakes.

Oakmont here we come

Let me begin by saying that I really hate this time of year. Baseball is nearing the halfway point of it's 162 game season. The NHL Playoffs have ended without the Flyers holding the cup (yet again). I could care less about the NBA Playoffs, especially a Finals as pitiful as this one. And we were denied yet another chance to see a Triple Crown winner. However, there is one thing to look forward to, and it occurs this coming weekend in the great state of Pennsylvania. What I am talking about is of course the 2007 US Open. This year it will be played at the very challenging Oakmont Country Club just outside of Pittsburgh. So far, the main thing being talked about is the way the course will be set up. The last few US Opens have not gone quite like the USGA had planned, ranging from the disaster at Shinnecock to the Massacre at Winged Foot. In those opens, "unfair" conditions led to higher than average scoring, with Geoff Ogilvy winning last year at 5-over par. Expect much of the same this year, as professionals have weighed in with their thoughts on what the winning score will be. Tiger Woods is predicting 4-over. Adam Scott thinks 6-over. Vijay Singh even said 10-over. Thus, I think the winner of this year's Open will probably be someone who drives it straight, scrambles well, and doesn't take a lot of risks. Thus, I'm going with hometown hero Jim Furyk to win Major Championship #2 at a score of 3-over par. Play starts Thursday.

A few other things to wrap up before I go:

Happy Belated 20th Birthday to my brother Mike...one more year to go buddy.

I will try to keep writing blog entries, but again, I hate forcing them. If something comes up, I will be happy to jot down my thoughts. Otherise, I don't want to clog this space with nonsense. Any ideas for an entry are always welcome...stay tuned for the US Open recap later this week.

And finally, I had to pass on this interesting story from the Washington, PA Observer-Reporter. It's about a recent recruiting visit made by Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and an unnamed assistant. Now, I am not totally sold on Charlie as the answer at Notre Dame (yet at least), and think he is a pompous ass. But this story is pretty funny, especially the description of Charlie's physical stature.

"A few weeks ago, Weis and one of his assistants arrived at the front door of Trinity High School at a most inopportune time. According to Trinity football coach Ed Dalton, the Notre Dame party arrived at the same time an administrator's meeting was taking place in another part of the school. The hallway outside Dalton's office, where Weis and his assistant were standing, would have been barren except that a fight between two students had broken out. That type of activity tends to draw a crowd. Weis and his assistant moved toward the two combatants but were stopped in the hallway by a Trinity staffer, who demanded to know why they were not wearing visitor badges. After identifying themselves, Weis and his assistant were allowed through and immediately walked up to the two battling students. "(Weis) said, 'You want a piece of me?'" Dalton recalled. The two fighters stopped to size up Weis, a hulk of a man whose arms are large enough to rip a phone book in half. The fight was called because of common sense. Then Weis turned to Dalton and asked, "What do I get for that?" Dalton replied, "If you stay until 11 a.m., you can do lunch duty." Weis politely declined and moved along to the next high school.

Hopefully he can bring that kind of attitude to the defense this year.

Greatest party ever?

Loyal readers, I just attended what may go down as the greatest party ever thrown. Before I get to the top ten greatest moments of the party, allow me to touch on a few other things. It's great to be back in Central Pennsylvania. I start work tomorrow, and let me tell you that I am not looking forward to a daily 7 AM wake up call. Anyone that knows me is aware of my desire to sleep until at least noon. Lets hope I can adjust to those early mornings.

There weren't really any great sporting events this past weekend, aside from some softball played at the party (we'll get to that later). As I have said before, I could care less about the NBA Playoffs. The Mighty Ducks have taken a 1-0 lead over Ottawa in the Stanley Cup Finals, but I unless Charlie Conway, Adam Banks, and Gordon Bombay are involved, there are no Mighty Ducks in my opinion. However, congrats to Mr. Ashley Judd for winning the rain-shortened Indy 500. I didn't get to watch this because I was driving home, but apparently there were some pretty intense wrecks. I cannot wait for football season.

Now, onto the top ten moments from the Party. I don't want to name names for two reasons: First, legal reasons. Second, I thought we could play a good game here. You read the moment and try to guess who I am talking about. Feel free to tell me your guesses.

#10...Someone tearing a tendon in their finger while making a web gem in center field at about 3 PM. Said person returned to the party sober at about 6PM and was shattered by 8PM.

#9...One of our friends and one of Billy's friends playing 2nd Base and Right Field, respectively. These two contributed the game's comic relief, making everyone laugh in several different ways. The most notable occured when Person A closelined Person B trying to make a catch, along with said persons running into each other and a possible on the ground make out.

#8...Billy giving a speech to his guests, asking them to forgive in advance the inappropriate behavior of his Notre Dame friends they would soon witness.

#7...Someone who tried to slay beer as fast as possible while laughing at the advice "Person C, It's a marathon, not a sprint." Person C then passed out by 8 PM.

#6...Person A pulling the Photo Booth make out, then "misplacing the photos".

#5...Waking up, unable to find Person D. It was only after walking to my car to change clothes did I realize that he had passed out in his car.

#4...Person E introducing the group to the '57 Chevy. There is nothing humorous about this moment, yet it was such a delicious drink that it had to be mentioned.

#3...Person F taking several shots with his mother, then running out of the tent covering his mouth. He then promptly puked on the train tracks.

#2...Person G waking up on the floor, two hours after his flight had left. He was strangely unalarmed.

#1...Person H being forcefully ejected from the main tent before 8 PM. He was the drunkest person in attendance, an award that was fiercely contested. His performance will become the stuff of legend.

There you have it, ten of many stories from this past weekend's extravaganza. Unfortunately, words do not do this party justice. I might never be at one like it ever again. Here's hoping Billy gets married in the next couple of years, and that I make the cut for the reception.

A Putt Putt Match for the Ages

Let me begin this post by saying that the past week has been crazy. With graduation and everything that goes along with it, I have not had time to even watch many games, let alone write about them. Also, I have been living without both cable and the internet since Monday, and am shocked that I am still alive. It's been the toughest 4 days of my life. Also, I will be venturing to Chicago with some other gentlemen to attend what could go down as the greatest party in the history of both parties and history: The Graduation Celebration of Mr. William McEnery. Thus, I will again not have internet for the next couple days (probably until Monday). With that said, here are a few things I wanted to say:

Congratulations to Curlin for edging out Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense in the Preakness. I am saddened that I couldn't attend this day of white trash debauchery, but I guess Graduation is a little more important in the long run. Unfortunately, this means that there again will be no Triple Crown winner (29 years and counting).

As for the NBA Playoffs, I could care less. I hate the Spurs. I hate the Jazz. I hate the Pistons. I am indifferent about the Cavs. Yet, I thought I'd offer my thoughts on each series. The Spurs will win this in 5 games. The Pistons will win in 7 games. Thats all I have to say about the playoffs.

I had been looking forward to the May 22nd NBA Draft Lottery for weeks. Although the Sixers had less than a 1% chance of winning the #1 and about 2% to win the #2, I held out hope. Alas, when the #12 spot came up, it was Philadelphia. Oh well, it happens. The real drama of the night, however, came when the top three statistical favorites all missed out on the #1 AND #2 picks. I wish they had shown that Boston lottery party after unvieling their #5 pick. Perhaps they couldn't because of the carnage...who knows. Oh well, welcome to Portland, Greg Oden!

Finally, I wanted to relate a tale about an epic battle of Miniature Golf that took place in Mishawaka on the afternoon of Monday, May 21st, 2007. Eight brave men took to the course, dividing into two teams of four in a Ryder Cup style format. On one team, calling themselves America, was Bon, Josh, Hella, and myself. On the other, calling themselves Europe, was Tom Bush, Meckes, OC, and Cork. In the first round, which was combined team score match play, the Europeans jumped to early advantages in both rounds. The team of Cork and TB closed out the team of myself and Bon 4&3. I should have known that I had the wrong brother in this matchup, but that's just the way it goes. The other matchup was much closer, but Europe took this one as well 1up.

In the second round, which was total strokes for each team, the Americans knew they needed to get on the board, and fast. The team of Hella and Josh jumped to an early lead and coasted to victory over Cork and young Bush. In the second match, OC and Meckes jumped out to a 7 stroke lead through just 6 holes. It was looking very grim for the Americans. Yet, behind improved play from myself and clutch putting from Bon, Team America stormed back to an easy 4 stroke victory. Going to the final round, it was TIED 2-2!

Before the third round, individual match play, each team set their lineups. Europe tried to outthink their opponents and made a strategic lineup. Team American merely used alphabetical order. Match One pitted Josh against Meckes in a very important match. This was a seesaw battle, but Josh used 6 hole-in-ones to defeat Meckes 3&2. Match Two saw myself jump to a 2-up lead through 2 holes over OC, only to lose that lead by hole 5. It was a dogfight, but OC came through with a 2-up victory. It should also be noted that the lady working at Putt Putt Golf and Games accused us of cheating and trying to play more holes. Hasn't she ever heard of a shotgun? Match Three also went down to the wire, with Bon trailing Cork by one with two to play. After just missing a hole in one, Bon forced dormie but was unable to take the 18th from Cork. The Europeans now held a 4-3 lead with TB leading Hella 2-up through 15. Alas, Hella got the yips and lost the hole, losing 3&2. It was truly an epic battle...check your local listings to see in on future editions of ESPN Instant Classics.

There you have it, my week in review. I will be back Monday with more posts about the weekend, notably the shenanigans occuring in Chicago this Saturday. Stay Classy, Planet Earth.

Brady Quinn, Village Person

Heading to the Oracle

Let me first say that I have really enjoyed the NBA Playoffs. Normally, at this point of the year all I worry about is in what round will the Flyers choke. Since said choke happened in November of this year, I was worried about having a relatively bland sports spring and early summer. Yet, these NBA playoffs have been excellent. Golden State has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the Jazz, and I just cannot see them losing this series. At worst, they should be up 2-1. In all reality, they should be up 3-0. Yet, they were outplayed in the closing minutes of Game One and choked away Game Two. That said, they WILL NOT lose at the Oracle. No way. Thus, they have to win one of two games in Salt Lake. I think that will be Game Five. We shall see. I just wish the NBA would allow Gus Johnson to call a game. He would explode watching these guys play. They are like the Suns without fundamentals. It's fantastic. Also, if you haven't seen Baron's posterizing of Kirilinko, check it out. A Russian hasn't been shat on like that since Rocky IV.

On a side note, tune into the Bulls-Pistons Game Four and look for Meckes holding a broom. Great fun for everyone.

We are now about a week away from the NBA Draft Lottery on May 22nd. The Sixers have exactly a 0.7% chance of winning the top pick. With typical Philadelphia luck and the wonderfully inept Billy King, they'll end up with the 12 and waste it on Spencer Hawes. Thousands of Philadelphians will immediately jump into the Schulkyl River holding bowling balls. That, or they will draft Chris Thomas. Anyway, the Lottery should be a great entertainment, as there are not one but two franchise players available.

Well that's it for now, not only are there a ton of sports to watch on TV, but it is a beautiful day here in St. Joseph County. Check back later after the Warriors even up the series.

Weekend Wrap Up

I am pleased to report that I, along with every one of my friends who made the trip, have returned from the Kentucky Derby very much bruised and battered, but alive. Although my #1 and #2 picks (Any Given Saturday, Circular Quay) choked worse than Dallas, the third horse I bet on was Street Sense, so I was able to salvage some money (down $3.40 on the day...not bad). Many interesting stories to recount, but none of which should be posted here...ask me in person sometime. On to some housekeeping:

NBA PLAYOFFS
I have been making my 2nd round NBA picks as the matchups have been finalizing, and I will be dicussing these now. However, since some series have already started, you're going to have to take my word that I didn't wait til games started.

PISTONS over BULLS in 6...Living with several Bulls fans, I have watched many of their games this year, and think they have a great team. However, I was very skeptical of them when they lose the #2 seed on the last day of the season. Instead of the Wizards, Raptors, and Nets as possible matchups, they got the Heat and Pistons. Ouch. Both teams looked fantastic in their opening series sweeps, but I think Detroit is the class of the East. Also, I don't think you beat Detroit without post scoring, and the Bulls don't have that. Thus, gotta go with the Stons in 6 (maybe less, if the Bulls can't get over that flop in game one).

CAVS over NETS in 5...LeBron James has been on a mission since blowing the Pistons series last year. He looked great in sweeping the Agent Zero and Caron-less Wizards...but it WAS the depleted Wizards. The Nets are the only East team to lose a game in the first round, and never really impressed me. Cavs in 5.

WARRIORS over JAZZ in 6...How about those Warriors? You could make the argument that no team has looked better since Baron Davis returned on March 5. They absolutely killed Dallas...I've never seen a #1 seed look so scared by an 8. Dirk looked like he just had a couple King Cobras in Popo's garage (see: unprintable Derby story). ESPN experts just "reseeded" the playoffs and ranked GS the 2 overall. On the other hand, the Jazz won a very hard fought series in seven games over Houston. They are a very physical team. However, I can't see the Warriors losing in front of that raucous Oakland crowd, and think they can steal one in Utah.

SUNS over SPURS in 7...That Game One was awesome. Both teams are hungry and play outstanding basketball. I thought before the game that the Suns will control the tempo more than San Antonio, thus giving them the advantage. Yet, I realize now that the Spurs can play at any tempo with any opponent. In hindsight, I should have realized this...but I'm sticking to my pre-series pick of Suns in 7. Lets hope Nash takes out revenge for his nose.

THE FIGHT TO SAVE BOXING
I did not watch the fight, as my actions on the morning and afternoon of May 5th prohibited this. I was too exhausted to travel to a bar to watch the event, and did not feel like paying $50 bucks. I was, however, pulling for Mayweather...not because I don't like Oscar, but because I love the way Mayweather wants to be bad. Also, I side with Roger over Floyd, Sr. Regardless, this fight did not save boxing. Rocky couldn't save boxing at this point. It's done. No one grows up wanting to be a pro boxer any more, save Camp the People's Champ, and this fight didn't change that.

SPIDERMAN 3
Without spoiling anything about Spiderman 3, I just had to vent a little. I was very excited when I arrived back in South Bend and saw that it earned $148 million dollars this weekend, just edging Aquaman for the largest opening of all time. Yet, in the words of John Bush, "I never wanted a movie to end more than I did during that movie." If I hear a critic giving it more than two stars, I might lose it. The movie had a few good parts, but was clearly the worst of the three-part series. Calling this movie "cheesy" is insult to cheesy movies everywhere. I really want to ask the writers what they were thinking...Did they just give up? Did they not care? Did they want to make this movie into a spoof of the other two Spideys?

Ok, sorry for that rant, but I haven't been this disappointed leaving a movie theatre since the popcorn trick failed. It's finals week here at ND, so I don't know how many posts I will be making. I'll try my hardest to get some up, but I make no promises. Until next time, I'm out.

Keyshawn released by the Panthers, hilarity ensues

If Keyshawn was getting anywhere near pulling his foot out of his mick jagger-sized mouth, he just stuck it so far back down its now coming out of his ass. As you'll see from the below clip, Keyshawn was a talking head at this year's NFL draft. After the Panthers drafted Dwayne Jarrett, Keyshawn grabbed the spotlight, proclaiming himself Jarrett's mentor and letting the viewing public know all the ways he's going to groom DJ to be just like himself. Less than a week later, the Panthers release Keyshawn in an effort to make sure he turns out to be nothing like Keyshawn.... head's up move Carolina. But hey don't worry Keyshawn, with email and AIM, it will be like you're right there at Panther's training camp with Dwayne, even if you are on your living room couch or in the press box announcing a big time I-AA matchup.

Ready for Battle -- GO WARRIORS

Quinn or Ginn?

I just had to pass along this Miami Dolphins Draft Day Chat. It begins with fans discussing their hopes that Brady Quinn will fall to them at the #9 pick. Without ruining anything, it continues for the three hours until Miami is on the clock, at which point the chat gets really good. Cam Cameron had better hope that John Beck has a great career, because otherwise his first pick as coach will be very hard to forget for Dolphins fans.

Weekend Recap

Lots of exciting things happening this weekend, what with the NFL Draft, the ongoing NBA Playoffs, and of course, Beer Olympics X. I thought I'd share my thoughts on some of these events, and offer a few other interesting tidbits from the past couple days. Here at ND, the drama Saturday centered first on who would draft Brady Quinn, which soon became "How fall will he fall?" As he continued an Aaron Rodgers-like tumble, you couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor guy. With every team that passed him, he looked more shocked the Rufio when the Lost Boys sided with Peter Pan. In the end, he gets to play for his favorite team growing up...even if it cost him about $30 million dollars or so. My beloved Eagles had a decent draft...I loved the third round, with the additions of OLB Stewart Bradley and RB Tony Hunt from Penn State. The second, however, was very sub-par. Taking Kevin Kolb was a horrible pick...he was at best the third QB left on the board and easily could have been taken in the third or maybe fourth rounds. They also passed up on Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett when they greatly needed a WR. Victor Abiamiri is a wild card...he could end up making or breaking their draft. They also filled needs with two cornerbacks and another bruising back from Hawaii. The only other big story was the Patriots trading for Randy Moss. A very big gamble in my opinion, but Belicheck has proven to be able to handle problem children (see Corey Dillon). We'll see how that one turns out.





Onto the NBA...In the last entry, I made known my cheering interests in the playoffs. The upstart Warriors overcame a Game Two snowjob by the officials with a convincing win in Game Three to take a 2-1 lead. (Game Four is underway as I write this). Now that they have proven they can beat the Mavericks, they just have to avoid beating themselves (i.e. having two players ejected for stupid reasons). Also, the Bulls became the first team to sweep the defending champs in the first round since 1957 with their 92-79 defeat of the Miami Heat. The fun begins in the next round when they do battle with the Detroit Pistons (who swept the hapless Magic). The teams split the season series 2-2...should be a terrific series, one that I can't wait to watch with a certain roommate. Also, the one team I like that I forgot to mention last entry was the Denver Nuggets. Why Denver? Because of AI. I loved him in Philly and hated to see him go...Now I just want him to win one. They currently trail the Spurs 2-1, but we'll see what happens.





In other NBA news, my boy Agent Zero has been awarded the Cover of NBA Live 2008. Check out the full story on Gilbert Arenas's Blog. You have to love his pure giddiness about being on the cover. Congratulations Gilbert.





Beer Olympics X was a resounding success. Congratulations on Team Jordan for winning the Golden Keg as overall champions, and to Tony Cunningham for removing himself from the Eurasia flip cup team, enabling them to pull off the win. Congratulations are also in order for East Germany. Despite there being several teams with girls, including a couple of entirely girls, the East Germans managed to lose every game they entered to finish dead last. What a bunch of losers.

Finally, I had to wish a Happy Birthday to everyone's favorite dead horse, Barbaro! A year from next Saturday you won the Kentucky Derby, vaulting yourself to household-name status. However, it was only when you cost me money by breaking your leg that you became loved. I'll make sure to pour a Mint Julep out for you next week from the Churchill Downs infield. Happy Trails!

Well, that about sums up the past weekend. Stay tuned for more posts this week.

House Cleaning

Loyal readers, forgive me for my lack of postings lately. Unfortunately, I haven't been really motivated to write about anything of note lately, and I hate forcing posts. However, I decided that has to stop, so I am bringing you my thoughts on several things from the past week or so.

#1...The NBA Playoffs have started, and I intended to offer picks for the first series of games. However, this weekend (Blue/Gold and Horsetostal among others) was a blur. Thus, you'll have to wait for next round to hear my picks. Since my Sixers have been eliminated, and Agent Zero is injured and not playing, I really have no true cheering interest. Thus, I am jumping on one bandwagon (Golden State) and walking next to another (Chicago). My reasons: Golden State is young, talented, and has a great coach...also, who doesn't love Cinderella. Any sporting event I can watch with a certain roommate of mine makes me want to see them play as many games as possible, in this case, the Bulls. Also, gotta love their announcers. Stay tuned for next rounds picks.

#2...The last weekend, as I just mentioned, was a blur. However, here are some noteworthy events. A) Watching a Ultimate Frisbee vs. Ski Team (Yes, ND does have a ski team apparently) Keg Race. This was terribly pathetic, as within about ten minutes boys were puking and girls were passing out. I really haven't ever seen anythign like this, and honestly think 12-year olds would have defeated either team. I have no idea who won. B) The Blue and Gold game was uneventful. No one save Junior Jabbie stood out, but the Defense looked much more aggressive. I love Corwin Brown. Love. Yet, the highlight had to be watching Lou roam the sidelines again. We need to get him back on the field every game, but thats another story. C) I have just broken off the "I" key on my laptop. Thus, sometimes the "I" refuses to type. Deal wth it. C) Horsetostal was out of control. Hats off to the guys for throwing it and truly givng the mythical 100% effort. Truly legendary amounts of alcohol were drank. D) Bookstore Basketball has reached the Sweet Sixteen. My rooting interests are none other than the Domestic Pancake House, led by everyone's MVP John Bush. #1 in your hearts, #White Shirt in your programs.

#3...The last thing I wanted to do was apologize for the lack of previously promised Top Ten lists. Unfortunately, my first mistake was believing in my roommate to write them. Until I saw one, I should have never promised them. To make up for this, and in an attempt at motivating him, I am currently working on other ideas to replace his weekly column. If anyone has anything good, let me know. Sweet!

Countdown

Ghost Ride Your Whip

During the past weekend's legendary festivities, I got the urge to ghost ride my whip. When I expressed this desire to the other bros present, most were unaware of what I was talking about. In fact, one roommate just asked me what a "whip" even was. Thus, I decided to post this instructional video, courtesy of Mistah FAB and posse. After watching, join me in promoting this new activity by doing it yourself.

Sick Jam

Malibu's Excellent Adventure

It has been circulating around the internet for a few days, but I had to make sure everyone sees this clip. A friend of mine brought it to my attention, and it is old-school American Gladiators at its best. During the Human Cannonball competition, the gladiator Malibu receives two feet to the face and is ejected from his platform (this competition always seemed strange to me, because I can't see how a Gladiator could ever win...oh well). However, the good part starts at about the two minute mark, when Mike Adamle asks Malibu about his recuperation. The next minute may go down as the greatest minute ever shown on YouTube. It is magical. It is hillarious. Words do not do it justice. The clip gets bonus points for launching the broadcasting career of one Joe Theissman. Enjoy.

I'm Over the Hills and Far Away

After a self proclaimed season long roller coaster ride that felt more to me like a carousel, the hills season is over. I've known for a long time how contrived these shows are, but i've let myself be fooled by the producers for the sake of entertainment. In the season finale, the bullshit just got too much for me to handle. Not only did Spencer's actions go from the usual douchebag to the delirious wannabe playboy eating jenner's scraps, but the show didn't even have the decency to cover up its fakeness. Two prime examples will illustrate what i mean. In reverse chronological order: 1- When Spencer picks Heidi up in the Uhaul (classy move for a baller playboy, couldn't splurge for a moving company Spence?) we see Heidi's face in the sideview mirror, looking wistfully back at her former best friend LC. Anyone thats ever driven a car realizes that the sideview mirrors are meant for the driver to see behind the car, not for the passenger to be able to see her old and less hot friend. A bit nitpicky, but nonetheless, was that shot of Heidi in the mirror really necessary? 2- When Spencer is initially "surprising" Heidi at work by showing her the new apartment, notice his shirt. Notice the obnoxious skull on Spencer's shirt while he and Heidi are outside. Now in the next scene notice the plain black tee. Hmmm, the skull is conspicuously missing. Who fucked up here? I must give credit to Sheedman for noticing this one, he's notorious for keeping tabs on Spence's gear. Enough is enough MTV. No one watches the show for the corny scene's where we can see Heidi looking back on her old digs or the scripted conversations that let us know how the people feel. I've said it before and i'll say it now to MTV, you can't force it, just let it happen baby.

ZJ: If you don't know what it is, you can't afford it

Since the Sports Gods denied us the usual Cinderella story in March Madness, it was only necessary that a Cinderella win the Masters. 31-year old Zach Johnson, who's only other PGA Tour win came in 2004, outlasted Tiger Woods and Retief Goosen, among others, for a two stroke win. A very emotional and religious Johnson, or ZJ as I like to call him, thanked Jesus, his deceased Grandfather, and his family's support for helping him throughout his round. He then thanked Masters Chairman David Payne for making Jim Nantz interview him seated in a chair five feet away from his face. As it turns out, by the end of the interview Nantz had scooted his chair about half a foot, trying to get closer to ZJ and Phil Mickelson. As far as Tiger is concerned, he had his opportunities this week but really just didn't have his "A-game". He had several make-able birdie putts throughout the day and just choked. Plain and simple. Goosen shot a 3-under 69 to make it close, but it was too little, too late. Congratulations to ZJ...and feel free to wear it for the next week or so without taking it off.

Jim Nantz, Close Talker

Speaking of Billy Packer, I had to throw along two great pictures of Jim Nantz. Loyal Readers know about my distaste for Mr. Nantz and his creepy demeanor. Well, the first picture sums his close talking up pretty perfectly...it's one of those once in a lifetime photos. Not only does it feature Jim Nantz close talking Billy Donovan, but Sloth is in the background acting like he just won the Special Olympics.

The second picture is Nantz creeping out the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. I'm sure that was quite a party. I'm not quite sure what he is holding in his hand, but I'm sure the story behind it is priceless. If anyone can figure that one out, please let me know.

Fagging Out with Billy

Everyone is making a big deal that Billy Packer said he thought Charlie Rose would "Fag Out" of a deal with him during a television interview. Personally, I think this is quite hillarious. Apparently, Mr. Packer thinks that announcing every Final Four since 1975 means you can say anything you want. It should be noted that this term is actually listed in the dictionary, it just isn't really used anymore. I plan on changing that. Please join me in trying to bring back the term "Fag Out".

Championship game

Since this game is my last chance to do a stream of consciousness for a while, I thought I'd give it a shot. This time, however, I didn't tell the rest of the room, so hopefully we'll get some good stuff. Here we go...

9:08 -- Ohio State wins the Pontiac game changing performance for Ron Lewis's game-tying three versus Xavier. Gus Johnson nearly explodes during the call.

9:10 -- The group is deciding whether it is worth it for the building to blow up. On one hand, the teams, coaches, and fans of Ohio State and Florida are silenced. On the other, our good friend attending the game would perish as well. Is it worth it?

9:11 -- CBS shows Billy Donovan's pregame speech. JS: Is he trying to sell them used cars?

9:13 -- The first Masters commercial. Everyone gives me shit for hating Jim Nantz. I'm sorry, but that guy is such a creeper I can't stand it.

9:18 -- Segment featuring Ohio State starting lineup. And whoa...Greg Oden shows emotion! He just smiled and did the Mutumbo finger shake. I'm in shock right now.

9:20 -- Player selections: Myself -- Corey Brewer. JS -- Mike Conley Jr. JP -- Al Horford. HD refuses to play because he can't have Conley. CM being a bitch and doesn't want to drink. Only three players, this could get ugly.

9:24 -- JS unhealthily mad at an on-the-floor foul call drawn by Noah.

9:25 -- 1:31 into the game, and CM says "Conley is having a GREAT game."

9:28 -- Graphic showing repeat Champions, including UCLA from 1964-1965 and 1967-1973. CM: What the hell happened in '66! Damn it!

9:34 -- Billy Packer mentions the 1944 Utah squad saying "...and we ALL remember that team." Really glad Billy's here.

9:40 -- The officials clearly all bet on Florida. Truly horrible officiating so far this whole tournament.

9:47 -- Point update: Brewer with 6 and 0 fouls, Conley with 4 pts and 2 fouls, and Horford is scoreless with one foul.

9:53 -- Horford on the board with 7:30 to go in the half.

9:56 -- Ohio State players call Ivan Harris "the Microwave" because he can heat up quickly. From now on I will be known as the Microwave.

9:58 -- Observation: Everyone loves how Roy Hibbert is trying to bring back the long sleeve undershirt. However, no one mentions how Corey Brewer is doing the same thing, but better.

10:00 -- Ohio State had cut it to two, but then Florida drains three quick threes with three different players and they're up 11. Still a lot of ball to be played, but I can't see Ohio State winning this one...Florida is just too good.

10:11 -- Halftime score: Florida 40, Ohio State 29. I really don't see THE Ohio State University coming back in this one. Point update: Brewer with 11 pts, 0 fouls; Horford with 5 pts, 1 foul; and Conley has four points and two fouls.

10:35 – Second half has resumed, it’s an eight point game. We have all agreed that we either want a close game or a blowout. We’ll see what happens.

10:37 – Oden is trying to keep his team in the game (17 and 9 with only 1 foul); unfortunately, no other Buckeyes are trying.

10:40 – Finally, Greg Oden is taking over a game. I haven’t seen this all year.

10:41 – Jessica Biel is gorgeous. Also, how does Nicolas Cage keep getting movie roles?

10:45 – Just had a great exchange about Nantz and Packer: Me: Nantz is such a close talker. HD: Packer’s a pretty bad close-talker too. CM: He and Packer are probably making out right now. Me: They’re at least rubbing each other’s thighs. Great stuff.

10:59 – I haven’t been paying too much attention to the game, sorry about that. HD made me Google Frank Brickowski, a journeyman in the NBA most known for being inserted into NBA Finals games solely to foul Dennis Rodman in 1996. That was very enjoyable by all.

11:04 – Game update: Florida up 64-56 with 6:15 to go. Florida big men all in foul trouble: Horford, Speights, and Richard each have three, and Noah has four. This might get interesting after all.

11:11 – Ohio State just cut it to 6, but Green hits a deep three at the shot clock buzzer. Dagger.

11:12 – Florida has hit 10 of 18 threes. Ohio State has hit 2 of 18. Think that 24 point difference is a big deal? Wow. What a choke job.

11:13 – Brewer still has yet to score this half with 2:31 to go. Things aren’t looking great for me. Or Ohio State.

11:22 – How much do you think Tito Horford wants to kill Yannick Noah. Horford is a former NBA star. Noah is French. They are on the complete opposite ends of the manliness spectrum.

11:28 – Corey Brewer gets fouled with 19.8 seconds left. HITS THE FIRST!!! And the scoreless streak has ended. HITS THE SECOND!!! No chugging for this guy.

11:29 – Florida Wins 84-75. They become the first team to win both Football and Basketball Championships in the same year. Also, they are the first team since Duke in 1991-92 to win back-to-back Basketball Titles, and the first ever to repeat with the same five starters. Congrats to them, and may they burn in Hell. I’ll be back later with the next post. Irish in ’08.

Hills Rant Coming soon..

My Loathing for Joakim Noah Knows No Bounds

Not only is he one of the ugliest athletes i've ever had to watch, he annoys me more than any other. Maybe it's his forced cries of jubilation on the court, the attention grabbing antics off the court (see his climb into the stands when he should be celebrating with his teammates, for one), or perhaps his eerie resemblance to Sloth from Goonies. Someone needs to tell this guy that no one likes him and to tone it down a notch. If a player is going to act like this moron, they had better take the team on their shoulders before they try to steal the show. Noah did the exact opposite in the finals, going 1 for 3 from the field with more fouls than rebounds. (3 and 4 respectively.) What's that? Noah is the emotional leader that took this team to two championships? I don't give a shit. If the kid would look around at who is playing with him he'd shut his mouth and start counting his lucky stars that he has a 6'9'' small forward with better quickness and slashing than college basketball has seen in a while. Of course i'm talking about Corey Brewer. Not to mention Humphries, who literally rips nets all game long, and Horford who is everything Noah wishes he was and will never be. Enjoy the height of your career Noah and just remember you have to look like Sloth the rest of your life.

Championship Prediction

Although it is irrelevant to the Pick 'Em contest, I find it necessary to offer my thoughts on tonight's game. Anyone who has been reading about this game, or listening to the talking heads on TV and radio, know that very few people are giving Ohio State a chance to defeat the Big Bad Florida Gators. On paper, I would have to agree. Florida returns everyone from last year's team that blew the door off UCLA in the Title Game. They bushwhacked Ohio State when the teams met in the regular season. Florida has looked better so far in the tournament. Thus, all the talking heads seem to believe there is very little (if any) chance that Ohio State pulls this one out. Wait a second...doesn't that sound like the weeks leading up the the BCS Championship game last December and January? Ohio State was the surefire pick to win having been seen as the best team all year, and entered the game as 10-point favorites. Florida "snuck" into the game. Now, Florida is the surefire pick to win having been seen as the best team all year, and enter the game as 5-point favorites. That is why I am picking Ohio State to defeat Florida 76-71.

Opening Day

As I sit here, skipping my first class of the day to watch the Braves and Phillies on Opening Day from sunny Philadelphia, I thought I'd take a shot at making some preseason predictions. By no means do I consider myself a baseball expert, but I'm in a couple fantasy leagues and have read some magazine previews and such. Here goes:

American League
East: Boston Red Sox
Central: Detroit Tigers
West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Wild Card: Minnesota Twins

National League
East: Atlanta Braves
Central: Milwaukee Brewers
West: Los Angeles Dodgers
Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies

Divisional Playoffs
Red Sox over Twins
Tigers over Angels

Braves over Brewers
Dodgers over Phillies

ALCS
Tigers over Red Sox

NLCS
Braves over Dodgers

WORLD SERIES
Tigers over Braves in 6

There you have it, Detroit takes down Atlanta in 6 games with Jeremy Bonderman the MVP. Also, I like Gary Sheffield and Chase Utley as MVPs and Roy Halladay and John Smoltz as the Cy Young winners. Two other noteworthy predictions: The Cubs misery will continue with a fourth place finish in the NL Central and Alex Rodriguez will fake his death when his Yankees miss the playoffs and he can't take the Bronx cheers he will receive. That's how I see this season shaping up, we'll see how it all turns out in October. Seacrest, Out.

Weekend Recap

For the second consecutive year, a very entertaining NCAA Tournament has led to a very disappointing Final Four. In the first game, Ted Valentine defeated Georgetown 67-60. For those of you who are confused by that last statement, Teddy V was one of the officials in the game and made bad call after bad call against Georgetown, the worst of which was the blocking call on Jeff Green. Now, Teddy has always been a terrible referee, and his performance really shouldn't have surprised any real basketball fan. I have watched him blow call after call in the Big East, especially when Notre Dame is involved, and this guy is just truly terrible. Helen Keller would blow less calls than Teddy V.

In the second game, UCLA forgot to bring their offense and fell to Florida 76-66. Honestly, I don't think I've seen a worse offensive half of basketball than the first half UCLA played in that game. I could smell the stink all the way from Atlanta. Also, since we pushed in the first game and OC picked Florida, he officially wins the first ever pick 'em contest and bragging rights. Way to bring the A-game boys. I did, however, beat him in Pop-a-shot later that night to redeem myself. Now onto the important results of the two games, the drinking game:

G'Town versus Ohio State
No real entertaining subplots in this game. I picked Jeff Green over Jonathon Wallace, which led immediately to two things occuring: Jeff Green had his worst game of the postseason and Jonathon Wallace led all scorers with 19 points. I am a huge jinx. The only other noteworthy thing about this game was the foul trouble of Hibbert and Oden, although neither managed to foul out. Regardless, still a great time.

Florida versus UCLA
For the first time ever, I picked a player who didn't shit the bed during the game. Corey Brewer became my first player to score a point in BOTH halves as well as not fouling out. He poured in a game high 19 points. The most entertaining subplot of the game was the play of Arron Afflalo, owned by JS. With a little over six minutes to go in the game, AA had ZERO points and 4 fouls. Having already chugged his punishment after a scoreless first half, JS was looking at having to chug another three beers (two for the scoreless game, one more for fouling out). AA did end up fouling out, but managed to remove his head from his ass and scored 17 points in garbage time.

Stay tuned for more posts later this week, including picks for the Championship game.

Peyton does SNL

Just had to make sure everyone saw this clip from last weekend's SNL. Now, I've never been a huge Peyton Manning fan. I enjoy his commercials, though, and his appearance on Saturday Night Live was pretty good. He's no JT, but he's a good host. The best skit of the night, by far, was the United Way Commercial. I highly recommend checking it out.

Hit Counter

My Picks

First, let me congratulate OC on the best post I've seen in a while. Gottlieb is so smug I can't even handle him. However, he did make great decisions in his short stint as Notre Dame basketball "student-athlete". After my 2 for 2 performance yesterday, I am only one game behind a very nervous OC. He's really feeling the heat from my Tiger-like charge. On to the picks:

#2 UCLA over #1 Florida
I have many reasons for this pick. 1) I despise Billy Donovan and Frenchy Noah. Despise. 2) I have UCLA winning this exact matchup in my bracket, and see no reason to change the pick. 3) UCLA wants revenge from last season, as Florida beat the Bruins in last year's championship game. 4) OC picked Florida. UCLA 64, UF 58.

#2 Georgetown over #1 Ohio State
I know what you must be thinking right now, that I am crazy banking my title hopes on one game and agreeing with OC. However, I really can't pick against Georgetown in this one. Both teams have proven that they can win the close game, but I think Georgetown has played better opponents (UNC over Memphis, Vanderbilt over Tennessee, BC over Xavier). Both centers are foul-prone, but I think Hibbert has more control and will be on the court more than Oden. Finally, if Georgetown beats UCLA in the final, I win House bragging rights. Hoyas 81, OSU 72.

Stay tuned for more posts this week, hopefully including a much awaited Top Ten list from CM.

Gottlieb

sniv·el [sniv-uhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -eled, -el·ing or (especially British) -elled, -el·ling, noun
–verb (used without object)
1. to weep or cry with sniffling.
2. to affect a tearful state; whine.
3. to run at the nose; have a runny nose: She sniveled from the cold.
4. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose: Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.
–verb (used with object)
5. to utter with sniveling or sniffling.
–noun
6. weak, whining, or pretended weeping.
7. a light sniffle, as in weeping.
8. a hypocritical show of feeling: a sentimental snivel.
9. mucus running from the nose.
10. snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; sniffles (usually prec. by the).

Final Four Picks

So i threw away two games today betting on non-basketball factors, but we have a great race going on now. At least there's still a Gtown Prep alum still alive in the tourney TH is one game back with 3 to play. I guarantee i win this one. Now for the picks:

Gtown v. Ohio State

The winner of this goes on to win the whole thing in my opinion. I think it will come down to which big man can stay out of foul trouble. Neither of them seems to realize that when you get fouls, you ride the pine. Gtown has also had two nail-biting victories, and im not sure how to take that. Either they are the team of destiny, or these past two games have drained their tank, i dont know which. Im taking Gtown because of my highschool ties, 80-76.

Florida v. UCLA

Humphries rips nets. Horford turns men into little boys. Noah has a hot mom and roars at the top of his lungs at every opportunity. Corey Brewer really is 6'9" and slashes like someone a foot shorter. If you see el ay doesn't shoot the absolute lights out, Florida handles them easy with their overall superior talent. UF 74-UCLA 68.

The only question remains, does TH choose the two teams i have losing to increase his chances or does he have the confidence to choose only one different team, relying on the big show to overtake me? We shall see.

NBA = Fun Police

So my boy Agent Zero decided to make a friendly bet with two fans that if he had the chance to hit a game winner against Portland, he would make it. Unfortunately his last second shot came up short, and the Wiz Kids lost another one to Portland. The suits in the NBA office heard about this from Gilbert's blog, and immediately reprimaded him, and erased any mention of the wager from the blog. (Article from SI.com linked below.)
I realize that betting must be avoided in the NBA, but where do Stern and co. draw the line about keeping things fun and entertaining versus becoming the fun Nazis. We're talking about a player who has singlehandedly generated more buzz this year about the NBA than any other single player has since King James first came on the scene. Basketball players across the country are now yelling hibachi after their shots. Wizards jerseys are selling like hotcakes. We're also talking about ten dollars. Ten dollars is such a small fraction of most NBA players' salaries i'd have to find a calculator to figure it out. He makes a nominal bet with a couple fans, and now he's getting heat for it? The NBA needs to use more common sense in matters like this and realize just whats going on here. Arenas is keeping things fun, keeping the fans involved and still carrying a top team in the East on his back. The NBA needs to count its blessings that it has stars like Arenas around to keep some personalities in the game of pro basketball.

Article Link : http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/03/25/bc.bkn.wizards.arenasbe.ap/index.html

My Picks

As I told OC last evening, I haven't heard the fat lady yet. She may be warming up, but she hasn't started to sing. I may be down three, but with five games to go I feel pretty good. After checking OC's picks, I couldn't be happier. (Hopefully I didn't just jinx myself.) Anyway, here we go:

MIDWEST REGION

#1 Florida over #3 Oregon
Actually, this was a toss-up for me, and I basically decided just to take whoever OC didn't. However, I definitely feel better about having Florida, a team that has won 14 straight postseason games. That's impressive. Also, they have been there before, and I honestly feel we haven't seen them at full speed yet. Look out Ducks. 83-71 Gators.

EAST REGION

#2 Georgetown over #1 UNC
Again, really happy OC picked UNC. They have been playing very well, and Georgetown did struggle a bit with Vanderbilt. However, I feel that every champion needs at least one scare before the Final Four, and Georgetown definitely got that against a very underrated Vandy squad. Hansbrough struggles to contain Hibbert and Green, and the Hoyas win 73-68.

We'll see how these games turn out, but I just hope they are more exciting than yesterdays. Back later when I'm only down one game.

OC's Sunday Game Picks

After going two for two tonight, and TH going 0 for 2, I'm sitting happily on a three game edge in our Madness prediction contest. I decided to get these picks up early so my opponent has ample time to consider his options for tomorrow.

Gtown v. UNC

Up until last round's performance, I would have picked Gtown in this match-up. However, the way UNC played, combined with the draining victory by Georgetown forces me to choose UNC. Hansbrough's toughness with carry the Heels onto Atlanta, 77-70.
Oregon v. Florida
This pick has nothing to do with basketball. Im choosing the Ducks because their cheerleaders are simply flawless. The more points they score, the more times CBS will show their cheerleaders. I realize I leave the door open here for TH with this pick, but so be it. I want it to at least be interesting, Ducks 69 - Gators 68.

Part Four...

8:10 -- RS rejoins the group after a shopping excursion. Also, JC has joined the group. RS takes Collison for the second half, JC takes my boy Julian Wright. If Chalmers gets shut out again, I have to drink two full beers. If he doesn't score, I'm sending him a garbage bag full of shit.

8:13 -- JS questions the existence of Djibouti. I berate him for his foolishness before telling him that Djibouti does, in fact, exist. Silly JS.

8:19 -- Second half about to begin. CM: Colin Falls exudes excitement. Great word, great alliteration.

8:22 -- Chalmers gets blocked. Afflalo scores his 11th point.

8:23 -- CHALMERS SCORES!!!! No more chugging for this guy.

8:24 -- Afflalo hits another three, he now has 14. Rush has 11, Collison still has 7, Wright with four, and Chalmers finally joined the party with 2. Commercial numbers haven't changed.

8:25 -- The group as a whole is taking shots at Ty Willingham's coaching. Also, jabs are being thrown at Brady Quinn's Freshman/Sophomore year fade ball that was always a threat to kill a fan in the end zone. Good times.

8:27 --JC taking heat for wearing a headband AND a hat. CM: What were you thinking?

8:28 -- Two points for Wright. He then steals a pass and is fouled. Goes to the line (he's terrible from the line).

8:30 -- HD taking heat for his class participation. And...we have an AT&T COMMERCIAL! I'VE TAKEN THE LEAD. Also, JC took Holiday Inn with Dwayne Robertson from Mighty Ducks as the rodeo guy. RS took the Lowe's commercial I hate with a passion.

8:31 -- Back to the game with Wright at the line. This should be good. Misses the first BADLY. I've never seen him hit a foul shot. Misses the second. CM: Oh, you Buffoon!

8:33 -- CM: The only player on UCLA I like is Afflalo because he reminds me of yours truly. HD: Because he misses a lot of shots?

8:34 -- I am taking heat for calling UCLA a boring team. If I had a dollar every time this was mentioned, I wouldn't be reading this block.

8:35 -- Afflalo scores again and JS misses another call. Truly amazing. He's wasted about a beers worth of drinking. In other news, Rush and Collison are scoreless this half.

8:37 -- As I'm typing that last statement, Rush drains a three. 14 points. Out of bounds on UCLA. CM: Thats the way to make a call...EMPHATICALLY!!

8:38 -- More inappropriate comments by the group. The beer is starting to set in. Gotta love it.

8:41 -- The Jim Nantz commercial again. God he creeps me out.

8:44 -- Rush scores again. Ties Afflalo for the lead with 16 points. But then Afflalo drains a three to retake the league. And then another three. 22 points.

8:46 -- Collison just misses a bunny to stay scoreless in the second half. RS is hating life right now.

8:49 -- UCLA up 8 as Afflalo scores again. JS must be mentally retarded. Commercial time.

8:55 -- Really long commercial breaks lately. However, none of our commercials have aired. Now, the group is discussing which animated character is the hottests of all time. Jasmine from Alladin is the consensus #1, with one anonymous member advocating Nala from Lion King. Time to move on.

8:58 -- Collison breaks his scoring drought with a contested 28-footer as the shot clock expires. However, JP jumps into the game with Russell Robinson.

9:05 -- Robinson gets fouled, hits one of two. 11 Points. Chalmers continues to shit the bed. Also, the group is now openly rooting against HD and his Bruins.

9:06 -- Robinson just drew two fouls in about 15 seconds. He now has four and JP is in danger of the foul out rule.

9:07 -- Madness during the game. CM: "WHAT IS AFFLALO DOING?!" Collison to the line. Hits both, 12 points. CM questions the authority of the call by RS.

9:10 -- Rush scores two more points, 18 total.

9:11 -- Afflalo gets fouled...one and one. JS really excited about 24 and 25 coming up. First: good. Misses the second.

9:12 -- Kansas misses a bunny, game is pretty much over. Collison hits the first foul shot. And the second. RS gives all 27 drinks to CM.

9:13 -- Wright cleans up some garbage, 8 points total. Game still over.

9:15 -- CM makes a new rule. If your player gets Player of the Game, you give out ten drinks. Rush is named it, and he gives them to RS. Then, JS gives his ten to CM for Afflalo.

9:18 -- Prince A Moute finishes the game with a dunk. UCLA 68, Kansas 55. My bracket is right, my pick is wrong. OC is now up 3 games on me with 5 left in the Tournament. Not looking good. Chalmers sucks so much I can't even write about him. What a loser.

Great time watching the games today. Back tomorrow for Sunday picks.

Part Three...UCLA-Kansas

7:06 -- Welcome to Kansas-UCLA. Player picks: I got Mario Chalmers. CM took Brandon Rush (great pick). JS has Arron Afflalo. HD refuses to play because he can't have Afflalo. Weak HD. Commercial picks: I'm taking AT&T/Cingular. CM sticks with the Masters. JS stays with UPS and HD took Enterprise Rental Car.

7:09 -- The white stiff with a great dunk off an alley-oop! Rush is the only player on the board with two foul shots.

7:10 -- Julian Wright just scored...I really wanted to take him but decided against it. Foul on Chalmers. Son of a bitch, not again.

7:12 -- Afflalo nails a three for five total points. I'm getting abused. Wright scores again, I feel like an idiot.

7:13 -- CM: "Blog it. Kansas has terrible cheerleaders."

7:15 -- Masters commercial. CM 1, everyone else 0. Also, an Enterprise commercial, but HD is stubborn and won't play any games with us.

7:17 -- AT&T/Cingular commercial. Good pick by me. Although, their commercials really bother me.

7:18 -- CM rips an AIG commercial with a little girl. "Shouldn't you worry about shutting the hell up?"

7:19 -- HD has a legit rooting interest in this game, as he is from Cali. Also, loves the Pac-10.

7:21 -- CM makes another cock-block joke. It just never gets old. HD getting upset at his Bruins for playing soft.

7:22 -- B enters the room, criticizing us for not exercising. He seems bitter about something, I hope everything is okay. B: "We won three games. They were 7-ft. Russians." CM: "You mean 7-ft Retards?"

7:24 -- Chalmers makes a great steal, then dribbles it off his foot.

7:26 -- B questions how much beer we drank. CM: "Let's not count, it makes me feel bad." B and HD are verbally battling. B: God, we are not friends. HD: I don't befriend losers, so obviously we aren't friends. B: Fine, I'm defriending you on facebook.

7:27 -- Masters commercial. That's two for them, one for AT&T, and none for UPS.

7:28 -- Rush just blocked Afflalo...4 drinks for JS. KU up 16-14.

7:29 -- Chalmers just made a great pass, leading to a fake call by me. Damn it. Still need Chalmers to score.

7:31 -- CM makes another jab at JS's date. I really can't wait for this party.

7:32 -- UCLA makes a run to take a 21-20 lead. First shot of Bill Walton in the crowd. Gotta love how he rips his son while announcing. CM and HD are commenting on it...very enjoyable. Also gotta love the UCLA cheerleaders.

7:35 -- (Inapporpriate comments being made by the group.)

7:40 -- Point update: Rush has 9, Afflalo has 5, Chalmers with zero. For the second straight game, I'm sweating it out nearing halftime. Should have went with Wright.

7:45 -- 7 fouls in a row have been called on Kansas. Shady? I think so. Still no points for Chalmers.

7:47 -- UCLA makes a little run to cut the KU lead to 1. Chalmers gets fouled and looks limpy.

7:49 -- Point totals haven't changed in 10 minutes. The room is cheering for me to get shut out here and chug my second beer. Afflalo hits a two, JS misses another call. 7 points.

7:53 -- Luc Richard M'bah A Moute is apparently a prince in Cameroon. Good for him. Afflalo gets his 9th point of the night on a fast break layup. UCLA 32-29.

7:54 -- 1:33 to go. Chalmers continues to miss shots. I hate this game.

7:56 -- Chalmers continue to pass the ball to Rush on fast breaks. I want to kill him.

7:57 -- Chalmers just gets blocked with 21 seconds to go. I hate Mario Chalmers. CM: I'm gonna enjoy watching this.

7:59 -- UCLA nails a buzzer-beating three to take a 35-31 Halftime Lead. Back for the second half.

Part Two...

5:54 -- Welcome back. Beer two. Oden scores quickly...7 points.

5:58 -- Bad call early, Thad Matta is redder than his guys uniforms. CM: Nothing better than day-time drinking.

6:00 -- CDR quickly on the board in the second half. 6 points total.

6:02 -- Oden scores again, 9 points. Uh-Oh...third foul on Oden.

6:04 -- CDR scores again, 8 points. CM: 8 sips of Brew-sauce. What a weird kid.

6:05 -- Hunt scores again. CM: "YEAH! WHOOO!" JS: I would love Memphrica to win this one.

6:06 -- We all agree that the two guys from Cingular suck. CM is watching Alpha Dog on youtube and quoting lines. Thanks for that buddy.

6:07 -- CM: "If I were a CEO, I'd steal everything I could. No regrets. I'm calling my shot tonight with your date, JS. Like Ruth. I'm gonna shake hands with my date, maybe give her a pound, and then swoop in." He's really turned it up this half.

6:09 -- Forgot to mention this earlier, but it has to be said. Outside of ND's performance, the most disappointing thing about this tournament is by far the unattractiveness of the North Carolina cheerleaders. Very upsetting.

6:10 -- CDR fouls Lewis. Hits the first. CM: JS drink 10. Lewis hits the second. CM: Add 11 to that buddy. 21 big ones. Lewis 11, Oden 9, CDR 8. The last two have three fouls each. Shaping into quite the battle here.

6:12 -- CDR with a great move to take the lead. 10 points. Next possession: CDR gets fouled...almost makes the circus shot. First shot: good. Second shot: good. 12 points. Really excited I didn't switch players at halftime.

6:14 -- New rule...fouling out costs you a full beer. Please don't foul out CDR.

6:16 -- This is becoming a really good game. I like Lundquist a lot, but really miss GuJo right now.

6:21 -- Just took a little break to watch the end of the Division II Championship game from earlier. I don't know if words can explain it...truly amazing last 30 seconds. Check it out.

6:23 -- Two more for CDR. 14 total now. Lewis 11, Oden 9. Make that 11 as he gets fouled on a layup. One more to come. INTENTIONAL on CDR. That's four. Son of a bitch. Oden hits the first, misses the second bonus shot. 12 points. CDR to the bench.

6:25 -- This ref must have OSU in the office pool. It's getting ridiculous.

6:26 -- Oden with a thunderous dunk. JS misses the call. 15 points (I thought 14) for Oden as he takes the lead over the foul-benched CDR.

6:29 -- Beer three. Nice to be able to open our fridge without getting knocked out by the smell. JS: I want to hook up with three different dates, including my own. CM: Not gonna happen. (Inappropriate comment).

6:31 -- Masters commercial. CM is the first to hit, but its only 5 seconds because it wasn't Tiger. No Chevy or UPS in a while.

6:32 -- Still no CDR. I'm thinking he'll be back around the 5-minute mark (It's 7 minutes to go right now). Butler hits from outside the arena! OSU up 5. Looks like my boy's coming back in a little earlier than I thought.

6:33 -- Dorsey from Memphrica is a beast. He's huge. CDR back in the game, misses a layup because he sensed Oden, who then scores his 17th point of the game. CDR still with 14, Lewis 13.

6:35 -- CDR trying to take over, but OSU is doubling him. Really missing GuJo right now. Lewis hits a three to Rafferty's delight. 16 points.

6:37 -- Great comment by Lundquist: Dorsey just missed. From. Point. Blank. Foul on Oden, that's four. Dorsey is a terrible foul shooter. Terrible.

6:40 -- Welcome to the room HD. Grab a beer sir.

6:41 -- Memphrica cuts it to 7 with 3:15 to go. Andre Allen fouls with zero points out on a cheap foul. Again, someone has OSU in the office pool. CM: "Nice game, Andre. 0.0"

6:44 -- CDR fouls out with 14 points. Guarentees me last place also. What a choke job by CDR. Just goes to show you, never trust a guy with two first names (let alone three). Lewis to the line. Hits the first. Hits the second. 18 points. Oden has 17.

6:46 -- 2:09 to go, Memphis down 10. Not looking good. OSU has made 8 foul shots in a row, Thanks Verne.

6:48 -- Lewis hits two more foul shots. 20 points. Oden still with 17. This one's over. OSU has now won 21 in a row and finally didn't have to escape a team.

6:52 -- HD questions weather he wants to play the game if it's this serious. JS: It's drinking in 823, of course its serious. College statement of the game. Good job JS.

6:55 -- OSU punches its ticket to Atlanta 92-76. Memphis out in the Elite Eight two years in a row. Might be Calipari's last game for Memphis (Kentucky?).

6:56 -- Final Tally: Lewis 20, Oden 17, CDR 14. CDR also fouls out. Commercial Tally: Masters 1, Chevy 0, UPS 0.

Be back for the UCLA-KU game after my beer punishment. Stay tuned.

Stream of Consciousness

I am an avid reader of the Sports Guy on espn.com. Thus, I decided to try doing a play by play commentary on the thoughts of both myself and always entertaining roommate.

4:40 -- Game time. CM has a weird man-crush on Jim Nantz. Very strange. Beer one. JS and RS wrestling on the couch.

4:42 -- Everyone picks a player...when they score, you give out drinks. I have Douglas-Roberts. CM takes Ron Lewis. JS takes Oden.

444 -- CM: Memphis is broke. OSU: 20 game win streak. Memphis: 25...interesting stat.

445 -- Memphis is really struggling...haven't scored in the first three minutes (0-5 FG).

447 -- Game modified...now you give out total points. Tally: Oden 2, Lewis 2, CDR 0. Memphis: 0-7, 3 TOs. CM is giddy with happiness. New game: pick a commercial.

4:50 -- RS not drinking. I take "This is our Country". CM: Masters "win for the ages". JS: Chevy commerical with celebs. First "Great Odin's raven" line is dropped. Memphis cuts it to 4. Oden 3, Lewis 4, cdr 0.

4:55 -- Just youtubed Tiger's 16th hole of the 2005 masters...goosebumps. CDR called for the offensive foul...the officials are trying to get me drunk. CDR takes a breather...terrible pick by me.

4:58 -- CM vows to steal JS's date tonight...should be an interesting matchup. Lewis scores...6, Oden 3, cdr zip.

4:59 -- Meckes agrees with me...great announcing team. JS wants Morgan Freeman because "people love his voice." lewis scores...7, 3, 0. Then Oden scores for memphis...JS drinks two out of shame. But then he makes up for it with a punishing dunk. 5 points for the 41-year old freshman.

5:02 -- CM: I'm pretty sure Hummers can't turn into submarines.

5:06 -- Wow, I should have picked Hunt...hes got about 10 points. CDR still scoreless.

5:08 -- King's Bbuffet just isn't sitting well with me. The health department nailed that one. JS has to drink for an incorrect call. Othella Hunter is not Greag Oden it turns out.

5:10 -- CM: Rafftery is gonna give Conley a BJ by the end of the game. Still no commercial results.

5:11 -- First Jim Nantz commercial...really annoyed by that guy. Real close talker...really creepy guy. Love the NCAA commercial with the Michigan hockey goal...awesome.

5:14 -- WHY DIDNT I PICK HUNT! 16 points! JS: first time in tourney history all elite eight teams are top four seeds. Interesting fact.

5:15: CDR draws a foul, goes to the line...hoping to break the scoreless streak. Misses the first. 5 minutes til I chug a beer for his scoreless half. Misses the second. Starting to sweat a bit.

5:16 -- CDR draws second foul...probably gonna sit the rest of the half. Damn it. CM: God that girl from Oklahoma is a hoss (talking about a womens bball player).

5:17 -- Lighty from OSU can jump out of the arena. Rafferty might be giving a lot of bj's after the game.

5:19 -- This Lowe's commercial with the bball fans is driving me crazy.

5:20 -- I HATE THE UPS GUY. Commercial game changed...pick a company...i stick with chevy. JS: UPS to spite me...Meckes: Masters promos.

5:22 -- Antonio Anderson catches an elbow...bleeding like a stuck pig. None of our guys have scored recently...Thanks for pointing that out CM.

5:24 -- Rafferty has a legit man crush on Conley. Lewis hits another bucket...9 points. I mistakenly call Meckes on an error. Oops.

5:27 -- cm continues threatening to hook up with JS's date. inapporpriate comments are being made. i can't publish them.

5:28 -- CDR ON THE BOARD! HUMONGOUS DUNK. 9, 5, 2

5:29 -- Does it get any better than when Michael Bolton sings "When a Man Loves a Woman?"

5:30 -- CM: My mommy thinks I have a problem. JS and myself: You do have a problem.

5:31 -- Memphis down three...3.2 left in the First. Memphis misses a desperation heave at the buzzer to tie it up. 41-38 OSU at half.

Taking a break for halftime...back for the second half.

Saturday Picks

Ohio State v. Memphis

Conley and Oden mature a little and stay out of foul trouble this game, and Ohio State edges out Memphis, 77-74.

UCLA v. Kansas

After playing a little below my expectations, and because TH took Kansas I'm going with UCLA. UCLA has to shoot the lights out and hope Kansas is off, but im hoping they pull it off, 71-69.

Picks for Today

First, let me publicly berate Tim Floyd, whose unacceptable note-tossing received a technical and not only killed any hope for his team, but also cost me the spread. Thanks Jackass. Georgetown gutted out a great win over a tough Vanderbilt team in the best game of the night. Also, I felt like a genius for the first 34 1/2 minutes of the USC choke job, but with a coach like Tim Floyd, you can't expect to win games like that. OC takes the lead by a game going four for four last night. Onto the picks for today:

SOUTH REGION

#2 Memphis over #1 Ohio State
Ohio State should have lost BOTH of its last two games, but somehow managed to gut it out. Memphrica, on the other hand, has beaten two very good teams and have now won something like 25 games in a row. Chris Douglas-Roberts, along with his three first names, is really helping his draft stock by playing unconsciously. Should be an entertaining game, but I like the Tigers 83-78.

WEST REGION

#1 Kansas over #2 UCLA
Although I have UCLA in the championship in my bracket, they have been playing like crap. Kansas is determined to make up for their first round upset losses the past two tournaments and are playing with a chip on their shoulder. Also, it should be noted that both teams shoot very poorly from the line, something that could become a big factor in the outcome. Kansas wins 67-58.

OC's Friday Night Picks

Florida 81 Butler 72

Oregon 72 UNLV 70

Georgetown 85 Vandy 72

UNC 86 USC 81

Picks for Tonight's Games

Day One of the Sweet Sixteen produced four pretty exciting games, with three coming down to the last shot of the game. Hopefully Day Two will be the same. Yesterday I went 3-1, missing only the A&M loss to Memphis. OC went 2-2, also missing the A&M game along with picking Pitt over UCLA. On to the picks:

MIDWEST REGION

#1 Florida over #5 Butler
In the first game of the night, the Butler Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators. So far, I have picked against Butler in both of their previous games. However, I just think Florida is too deep for A.J. Graves and company. I look for Butler to keep it close for the first 25-30 minutes of the game, but in the end I think the Gators will cover the 10-point spread 83-70.

#7 UNLV over #3 Oregon
This game pains me, because deep down I know I should be picking Notre Dame in this game (had they not layed a fat egg against Winthrop). Oh well, it happens. I like UNLV in this game for two reasons: 1) I think they are VERY good and love the way they play basketball and 2) I really don't like the Pac-10. This should be a pretty high scoring game, and I like UNLV to win 76-67.

EAST REGION

#2 Georgetown over #6 Vanderbilt
This is a very intriguing game. I love Vanderbilt. I think they are a really good team, and are obviously talented enough to beat anyone in the country. SEC Player of the Year Derrick Byers is one of the best players left in the Tournament and could cause fits for the Hoyas. Georgetown, on the other hand, is one of the teams in America right now, with two future lottery picks in Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. I've seen a ton of their games and they really play solid basketball. This was the toughest game of the round for me to pick, but since I have G'Town winning it all, I gotta go with the Hoyas 69-67.

#5 USC over #1 UNC
I know earlier I said that I hate the Pac-10, but I'm making this pick based mostly on this article about the recruitment of future USC freshman O.J. Mayo. This guy might turn out to be the most eccentric player in the history of the game, OR he is quite the visionairy. We'll see in a couple years. Anyway, I haven't been high on the Tar Heels all year. They are very talented and very deep, but I just have a feeling. I really think USC can beat UNC. Thus, I'm going with the Trojans in the upset of the tournament, 79-73.

Stay tuned for OC's picks.

More Thoughts on Thursday's games

Well Day One of the Sweet Sixteen has passed, and I am up one game on Mr. OC in our pick 'em contest. Maybe next time OC won't rely on Aaron "I look like a caveman" Gray. I didn't really watch any of that game, but I have heard it was hard to watch...what with missed layups, not a lot of offense, and just the general sleeziness of the two coaches. If I struck a match in South Bend, would Jamie Dixon's hair catch on fire? He reminds me of Gordon Bombay in Mighty Ducks 2 when he feels coaching the USA Junior Hockey Team makes him cool enough to promote the "Air Bombay Loafer".

In the game I did watch from start to finish, one of the biggest choke jobs in recent memory, Tennessee shot the lights out to build a 20 point first half lead only to go into sleep mode and blow the game versus Ohio St. I have always thought Bruce Pearl was a great coach, but I didn't agree with the way he managed the second half of that game. On a positive note, Ron Lewis is really putting himself on some draft boards with the tournament he is having. The Memphis-OSU game should really be a fun one to watch. Picks for tonight's games coming soon.

Thoughts from the first set of games

The first two games have ended, and I went one for two. Kansas held off a very game Southern Illinois squad that held Kansas to right around 60 (like I said they needed to). Then, Memphis got some questionable calls in their favor to outlast Texas A&M 65-64. Now for some thoughts:

* Julian Wright's dunk that clearly came after the shot-clock had expired came up big at the end of the game, as most people watching the game probably thought. Too bad that situation isn't reviewable (when everything else seems to be).

* Bill Self's wife bothers me. Not much to look at, and seems to really overreact and celebrate whenever Kansas does something well. Really annoying.

* Kansas's poor foul shooting will cost them later in the tournament. They shoot 65% as a team and missed several key FT's down the stretch (most importantly Wright missing both with 2.2 to go and leaving the door open).

* I really miss Gus Johnson this round. He would have made both games tonight seem like life and death. Meanwhile, James Brown sounds like he's calling bingo at a nursing home.

* Chris Douglas-Roberts playing was a huge factor in the game...Memphis could not have won this game without him. On a side note, he might be the only player in college basketball with three first names.

* A&M gave up four offensive rebounds in the last twenty seconds...unacceptable if you want to win the game. However, had the Fourth made his bunnie twenty seconds earlier, it wouldn't have mattered.

* In the end, I went 1 for 2 in the early games, and I lost a Final Four team with A&M. Thanks Acie.

Stay tuned for picks tomorrow and comments on late games.

#3 Texas A & M vs. #2 Memphis

AC Law takes over this game, and the next round of the tourney. A & M over Memphrica, 70-66. ( I had more of an explanation but forgot to save it, thus the abbreviated pick explanation. )

#5 Tennessee vs. #1 Ohio State

9:57 Tip-off. Although it may impede on my face time at the bars, i have to see the Lofton/Conley matchup. I think this will be the best guard matchup in the entire tournament. I wont speculate as to who comes out on top of that matchup, (although Lofton has the experience and the scoring onus on his side) if Conley can minimize Lofton's scoring and tire him out while he's on the defensive end, the Oden factor will push OSU onto victory. I don't see UT having any inside presence whatsoever on offense. Oden will also decrease the slashing opportunities for Tennessee. Unless Bruce Pearl opts for a orange-body paint suit as distraction, the Buckeyes will be too much for the Vols. OSU in a barnburner, 86-79.

#2 UCLA vs. #3 Pitt

In the 9:40 game, I'm somewhat torn. I don't know too much about these teams, but i feel like UCLA peaked too early, and hasn't played together as a full team for long enough to go much further. On top of that, i feel like the 7-footer inside for Pitt, Aaron Gray, is due for a double-double and a dominating performance. Pitt wins in a close one and pulls the upset, 65-62.

#1 Kansas vs. #4 Southern Illinois

As my betting record in Cabo reveals, I am no whiz when it comes to picking college games. However, I am willing to put my picks over the next two days up against Hershey's.
Southern Illinois Kansas matchup at 7:10. Kansas has been the most surprising team in this tournament, and while Southern Illinois has played will, Kansas is too hot right now to be slowed down. This game will be the least entertaining as Kansas will jump out early with their far superior athletes and never look back. Kansas wins 79-67 in a boring contest.

Sweet 16 Picks--Thursday

The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament were relatively boring with very few upsets, and with the exception of Saturday, not even a lot of close finishes. However, that looks to change this weekend, as we really have a great couple of games going on the next two days. Thus, OC and I decided to look into the crystal ball and offer our picks for the games. First with Thursday:

WEST REGION

#1 Kansas over #4 Southern Illinois
The first game of the night kicks off with two of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far. I hate to use cliches, but this is the case of the Irresistable Force vs. the Immovable Object, as Kansas has only trailed once (by two vs. Kentucky) and SIU has been playing suffocating defense. SIU needs to keep this low scoring, in the 60s, just to have a chance, but in the end I think Kansas is just playing to well, and should win 71-62.

#2 UCLA over #3 Pitt
This game probably will probably be about as fun to watch as grass growing, as both teams rely on great defense and efficient offense. It's also the battle of the Used Car Salesman, as Greasy Jamie Dixon takes on his mentor, Ben Howland. I look for UCLA to win this game 61-54.

SOUTH REGION

#3 Texas A&M over #2 Memphis
I still don't know what to think about Memphis. They've looked really good so far in the tournament, and have won something like 23 in a row. However, there best player, Chris Douglas-Roberts, was injured late in the game with Nevada and may not be ready to play. Also, Coach John Calipari is a notorious choker. Texas A&M, on the other hand, has the most clutch player in the Tournament in point guard Acie Law IV now that Colin Falls has been eliminated. Thus, I'm picking A&M in a high-scoring, very close game, 83-77.

#1 Ohio St. over #5 Tennessee
This game is a rematch from the regular season, won by Ohio State by two. In that game, UT kept it close by drawing 41-year old freshman Greg Oden out of the paint and opening up the middle, a strategy Xavier used to perfection last Saturday. I think this has great upset potential, and wouldn't be shocked at all to see a Rocky Top victory. However, Ohio State's professionals will carry them over the top 71-68.

Back tomorrow with Friday's games.