I'm Back!!! Again! For Real This Time

Okay, so I know I've done this before, but I'm starting up the ol' sports blog again!

This time is different though. Now that I've officially changed my major to mass communications, this will actually be beneficial!

So here's to another attempt at being a regular sports blogger! I hope anybody who reads these things enjoy them.

Can the Best Get Better?

The NCAA Tournament is easily one of the most exciting events in sports. 64 teams (I don't count the play-in games) facing against each other for one common prize. The stakes can't get any higher. If you lose, your season is over. This makes for very interesting match-ups, fun to watch upsets, and a ton of very close games. It doesn't seem like it could get much better; but is it perfect?

I don't think so. In fact, I believe there is one huge thing that it is missing, and all it has to do to figure it out is look at it's little brother, The NIT. What does the NIT have that the NCAA Tournament doesn't?

Student and local fan involvement.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that the atmosphere for NCAA Tournament games isn't good. It's great! but it's missing something that it just can't get with the current system they have in place. The average college student and local fan can not afford to travel halfway across the country, and pay $200 for a ticket to watch their team play one or two basketball games. It simply is not feasible.

The NIT however has avoided this problem by simply playings games and giving a team home court. For example, In the first round of the NIT there was a game between Boston College and my hometown university, McNeese State. Where did they play the game? They played in the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, Louisiana, because that is where McNeese plays its home games. Not a hard concept to follow.

Now I know some of you are thinking "Who wants to watch Boston College vs. McNeese State in a small town like Lake Charles." McNeese Fans! The Burton Coliseum was absolutely packed, full of people who wanted to watch their small town Cowboys take on a power conference team like Boston College.

Above I have posted a picture comparing the crowds at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado for the Louisville vs. Morehead State game, one of the most exciting games of the tournament thus far, and The Burton Coliseum for MSU vs BC. The reason for this mass difference in attendance is obvious. There is very little interest for both Louisville and Morehead State, two teams located in Kentucky, in Denver, Colorado. Imagine if that game was held at one of the competing team's universities. They are 2 hours away from each other. It would have been absolute madness.

Now, I do understand where the NCAA is coming from. They want everything to be as "fair" and "equal" as possible by putting all of these games at a neutral site. That said, think of how much money they would make and save if they just had at least the first 2 rounds played at a participating school's gym. This would essentially assure sold out crowds, and bring the true atmosphere of college basketball into the tournament. Isn't that the only thing that it's missing?

I honestly feel that the NCAA Tournament is the best, most exciting and fun to watch playoff system in sports, but as we all know, everything can get better. Whether it's by expanding the bracket or giving teams home court advantage, we may never know. I do know, however, that nothing is perfect and everything can be improved upon.

If you have any comments, questions, or ideas of how to make the NCAA Tournament better, or if there is something you want to me to write about specifically, post a comment. I promise I read them and I will be glad to service you in any way that I can.

Feeling Sweet

Well guys, March is officially here with all of its madness. Now that virtually everyone's brackets are destroyed, we can finally focus on the games. We are down the Sweet 16, and I couldn't be more excited Regionals weekend is easily the most intense, competitive weekend in college basketball. Cinderella teams will either be formed or shot down. Favorites will either prove their worth, or fall to their knees is failure. Only the best of the best move on past this weekend to claim their spot in the coveted Final Four.

Thursday and Friday have some very interesting match ups. Here, I'm going to do a quick analysis of each game, so you can get an idea of what we're looking at this weekend.

EAST REGION:

Ohio State vs. Kentucky: Few teams have looked as intimidating and consistent as Ohio State this season. With freshman sensation Jared Sullinger leading the team in the post, this entire team is stacked. That said, Kentucky offers and interesting match up for the Buckeyes. The Wildcats are longer and more athletic than Ohio State, and I think if they can control the tempo early, it could be upset city in Newark.

Marquette vs. North Carolina: Marquette is a very scrappy team who can drive and shoot, but I think the Tar Heel's defense and post game will be too much for the Golden Eagles. Also, UNC is just too good in clutch situations. If it's a close game, the Tar Heels take it.

WEST REGION:

Duke vs. Arizona: Two teams that probably should have lost their last games. If the Blue Devils can establish a post presence early, and implement the new addition of Kyrie Irving well, they come away with an easy win. Arizona will have a tough time defending the Plumlees down low and the onslaught of players that can shoot the three ball.

UCONN vs. San Diego State: This is an intriguing match-up. The key for the Aztecs is clearly to slow down Kemba Walker and force him to get his teammates involved. This is not a small task by any means, but if there's a team that can do it, it's San Diego State. They have several very versatile defenders, and they will all have to bring their "A game" to defeat the Huskies.

SOUTHWEST REGION:

Kansas vs. Richmond: Richmond is a good team, but they'll need a miracle to defeat the Jayhawks. I don't see a Cinderella story for the Spiders in this one.

Virginia Commonwealth vs. Florida State: Most interesting match up of the Sweet 16. With Chris Singleton back on the floor it seems Florida State's defense is nearly impenetrable, but VCU runs a very unique offense that tends to take teams out of their rhythm. Tough call, but I'm going to have to go with Florida State in this one.

SOUTHEAST REGION:

Butler vs. Wisconsin: Last year's National Runner-ups just won't go away. Brad Stevens has definitely proven that he is one of the best coaches in college basketball. That said, I think Wisconsin's rebounding ability and size will be too much for them.

BYU vs. Florida: Jimmer Fredette has been able to carry BYU early in this tournament with his fantastic play, but I think this is where the loss of Brandon Davies finally gets the best of the Cougars.

And there you have it. My take on the sweet 16. Feel free to leave comments on what you agree and disagree with.

I'm Back!!!!

Hey guys! Sorry about the year without a post. It's been a crazy one. But now I'm back, and will be updating shortly. March Madness is upon us and I'll be giving you my thoughts on who will win it all, and what I think about the bracket as a whole. So keep your eyes peeled, because That Guy is about to get you caught up in the latest in sports again.

College Basketball

Okay, if you don't know yet, I love college basketball. I mean REALLY REALLY love college Basketball. So I will periodically write something about it just because I miss it... like right now.

Lets start with The National Champion Duke Blue Devils. Kyle Singler will be returning to play for his senior season. I think that this sets Duke up nicely to repeat. With Kyle Singler at the wheel, I think they will have a great starting line up. I think it will look something like:

Kyrie Irving- PG- Really looking forward to this Freshman strut his stuff

Andre Dawkins- SG- Graduated early to play for Duke this year. He has potential to be a better shooter than JJ Reddick

Kyle Singler-SF/G- I put the double position there because that's basically who he is

Mason Plumlee F- I think the Junior year for this kid will be big.

Miles Plumlee F- This kid is going to be the Face of Duke after Singler is gone. Boy can play.

I think the Rebounding Power and depth will be a little bit weaker for Duke this year, but the explosive offensive player will bring them back to their roots.

So there it is There's my 1st Basketball update. I'll be doing other schools too. Just keep checking up on it as I update.

Sweet Emotion

Before I begin, I would like to start this blog by stating this very important announcement.

THE ASTROS WON A GAME!!!! That's right. We will be making no history this season my friends. Very exciting. Now, this moment of glee was short lived, because the next day they got throttled by the Chicago Cubs, but at least it was a short moment of happiness.

Now onto my real subject. The NCAA has come out with a few new rules for the upcoming season. The main three being:

1.) No wedge blocks

2.) No messages on Eye Blacks

3.) If you "Taunt" on your way to the end zone, you will lose the touchdown and the ball will be marked where you first "Taunted."

Now I am going to try to be calm about this but.... WHAT THE FREAKING HECK!!!!!!

I can understand the need, or want rather, to get rid of wedge blocks so I'm not going to dwell on that for too long, but if you think that I am okay with taking away any kind of personality that the players were still able to have on the field, you are sadly mistaken. I am sick and tired of this NCAA Football garbage! We already have to deal with the BCS. Can they not give us at least one shred of entertainment?

First lets talk about no Eye Black messages. Why? Please give me one shred of evidence showing how this has anything to do with the game of football. These guys are not trying to send subliminal message to people on television. They are trying to express themselves. From Tim Tebow pasting "John 3:16" on his face, to Reggie Bush showing his local pride with "619," tell me... who honestly cares? Let them show pride in something other than football. Also, I would like to point out how ironic it is that this rule was conveniently approved AFTER Tim Tebow graduates.

While that rule is utterly ridiculous, the following reaches an all new level of idiocy. are you really telling me that someone who celebrates the play of his life is going to have it taken away? Imagine this nice little Rudy moment.

Senior year, Last game. He finally gets on the field for the 1st time with 10 seconds left in the game. 1st play of his college career. On top of this, let's make him a Defensive Lineman. The ball is snapped, and the QB drops back. Our little hero busts threw the O-Line with great intensity, and he now has a clear shot at the QB. In panic the Quarterback decides to just throw the ball. The ball goes about 1 foot before it is deflected off of a helmet and right into the shocked Lineman's hands. He now has a wide open field with no one infront of him! This is it! His dream is coming true!!! As he trots towards the endzone he points to the crowd, as if he is saying, "Thank you! Thank you for this moment!" He dives across the plane and his team mates jump on top of him with great excitement! The crowd is going wild, and is in shock at what they just witnessed! It could not be a happier moment!

But wait. There's a flag on the play!

Apparently the referee (probably in the SEC) did not like that nice point to the crowd. The ball is now to be place on the 20 yard line, and there is no time left. Game over. Dream killed.

I don't want to watch a bunch of robots play football. I want to watch people with real emotion play football. Someone needs to fix these kinds of restrictions of personality and just let the kids out there have some fun. Isn't that why they're playing anyway?

Chasing Baltimore...

So baseball season if finally upon us! Oh, the fresh air. The warm weather. The Astros... are 0-7.

0-7? really? Are you serious? This has to be one of the most embarrassing displays of baseball I've seen in a really long time. Six of these games were home games against San Fransisco and Philadelphia. The other was at St. Louis.

I'm an Astros fan. I know how the season typically goes. Play mediocre until there is about 5 weeks left in the season then all of a sudden play with some kind of intensity that comes out of no where, leaving you thinking "Where the heck was that all season long." I'm sorry but right now I don't think all the intensity in the world can save the Astros this season. They have already become the laughing stock of the season. From showing error after error, to comparing their entire season so far to one game for the D-Backs, ESPN has not been shy about labeling the Astros the worst in the MLB thus far.

The 'Stros are on pace to have the worst start in MLB history. In 1988 the Baltimore Orioles set this benchmark, starting the season 0-21. 33% of the way to the worst start in MLB history is a little embarrassing.

Maybe I'm just being sensitive. Maybe it's nothing to worry about. I sure hope so. I guess it's just hard knowing at any point in the season that you might be worse than the Nationals...