SB Nation - Dez Bryant

A Great Weekend for College Football, But Nebraska Is Ignored

Jon Johnston — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:00:15 -0000

by Harry Cabluck - AP

That Texas will beat Nebraska in the Big 12 title game is a foregone conclusion for most. That's a damned shame and a clear cut signal that no one's paid attention to Nebraska's defense.

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A great weekend for college football. Not only does Nebraska beat Colorado en route to the Big 12 title game, but a bunch of teams lost that were ranked above the Huskers. If the Huskers aren't ranked in the 15-18 range this week, you have to wonder what the hell the writes are thinking.

- Keep Voting For Suh For Heisman

Here. Let's face it, Suh is not going to win the Heisman. "The Best College Football Player" clearly has to be an offensive player. Don't let that discourage you - the point is to get him an invite to the presentation. If he can have a huge game against Texas in the Big 12 title game, maybe that'll be enough.

- Mark Mangino = Dead Man Walking

If you saw Mangino walking off the field after Kansas lost to Missouri, you know what I'm talking about. He was Zombie Mangino, walking slowly, eyes straight ahead, mouth agape - a man who'd just had his (very large) last meal.

He probably deserved that look, too. With around three minutes left, Gary Pinkel chose to punt, despite the fact that neither defense had stopped the other team. Kansas gets the ball near their own end zone, then they run two pass plays that result in incompletions. On third and long, Kansas tries a quarterback draw that ends with Todd Reesing getting caught for a safety.

The result - no time off the clock, points for Missouri, and the ball. KU's defense was true to form, and couldn't stop the Tigers. They get an easy field goal to win, Mangino is most likely fired, and Kansas ends at 5-7 after being picked by most people to win the Big 12 North.

No wonder Mangino looked like a zombie. (BTW, ESPN if you expect us to link to your videos, don't disable embedding.)

- Missouri's Danario Alexander Ignored

Alexander is not on the list for the Biletnikoff, the award given to college football's best receiver. Instead, that'll go to Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Jordan Shipley (Texas), or Freddie Barnes, the three finalists. Does Alexander belong? You tell me.

Player	G	Rec.	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rec./G	Yards/G
Danario Alexander	12	107	1644	15.36	13	8.92	137
Jordan Shipley	12	99	1292	13.05	13	8.25	107.67
Freddie Barnes	12	138	1551	11.24	16	11.5	129.25
Golden Tate	12	93	1496	16.09	15	7.75	124.67

- All Hail Texas

Did you hear Nebraska's name mentioned once on Saturday? I didn't. It's a foregone conclusion, nationally, that the Huskers will lose to Texas. I can understand the sentiment since our offense sucks, but apparently no one has much respect for our defense. Maybe that's just us - we haven't been that impressive. Maybe that's the Big 12 North's reputation (ala Nebraska not being ranked despite winning the North).

Or maybe it's the fact that college football media is all about offense. The concept that defense wins championships is evading people.

- Bowling For Nebraska

What bowl will we end up in? The Fiesta. Bold? No, a reaction to everyone writing us off. With our defense, we've been in every game except Texas Tech. The Longhorn offense isn't that special. Their defense, though, is damned good. Unfortunately for the ‘Horns, that'll be cancelled by the fact our offense sucks.

I'll work that logic out for you this week, I promise.

- Oklahoma State As Themselves

Thinking about a BCS bowl, Okie State? That had to be what you were doing this weekend. T. Boone can pour all the money he wants into Oklahoma State, but until Mike Gundy and the Cowboys win games like this, they'll continue to be what they've been throughout their history - second-best in Oklahoma. I don't know what it'll take to fire Gundy, but they're not going to get any better than they are now.

Nice try, ‘Pokes. Next up for you - being bypassed by Nebraska for a better bowl even if we lose to Texas because we have better travelling fans than you do.

- Sticking With Thanksgiving Theme

And giving thanks means being thankful that the Huskers no longer have to face these guys next season:

Missouri's Alexander and Derrick Washington. Kansas' Todd Ressing, Kerry Meier, and Dezmon Briscoe. Kansas State's Brandon Banks is moving on, as are Texas Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley, and Sergio Kindle. Oklahoma State loses Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant, and Perrish Cox.

2010 doesn't look so bad already.

- Charlie Weis, gone.

I know, Notre Dame is not a Big 12 member, but in looking ahead, perhaps it's time to be more nationally focused.

Todd McShay stated that the rumored buyout for Weis is $18M. That's idiotic. If you were Brian Kelly, wouldn't you take the job just for the golden parachute? Maybe the government could step in here and cut Weis' bonus down. A university, even if private, should never be paying money like that to someone that's so miserably a fail.

- LSU Manages the Clock

Les Miles got this week right. He didn't screw up the end of the game, getting his field goal unit on the field with .09 left. His handshake with Bobby Petrino was a thing of beauty, IF they actually shook hands. More like two ships passing in the night with a fair amount of prejudice between them.

Breaking Down Bedlam

ccmachine — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:16:33 -0000

More photos » by Sue Ogrocki - AP

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There are so many things that could go right or wrong for Oklahoma in today's Bedlam football game that I really have no idea what to expect. On one hand you consider how well the Sooners play at home and you think that they have an outstanding chance to win. Then you consider how bad they've played in their five losses and add the fact that the competition at home hasn't been that great and suddenly there's a huge knot in your stomach because you realize the realistic possibility that the nation's longest home winning steak very well could come to an end.

The roles are already reversed coming into the game. O-State is the ranked team with a shot at going to a BCS Bowl. Regardless of what the final score is the Cowboys are going to finish ahead of the Sooners in the Big 12 standings and will get a better bowl invitation. The only thing left to happen is for OSU to actually win the game and they come in as a legitimate favorite and for OU to avoid losing their sixth game of the season they must win one of the game match-ups that they're not supposed to.

Quarterbacks

Landry Jones is completing 58% of his passes this year and has 23 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. At times he's look exceptional and then at other moments he's look completely out of his element. The knocks against him are that he's not stable in the pocket and doesn't read through his progressions.

Zac Robinson has completed 63% of his passes with a touchdown to interception ration of 15 to 7. Robinson is a dual-threat quarterback who has rushed for 302 yards this year but has also been known for turning the ball over on a big hit when he runs.

Robinson's experience and leadership give him a clear advantage over Jones but there's the chance that he may not play due to injury or that he'll be playing at less than 100%.

Advantage: OSU

Running Backs

Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray are averaging 4.3 and 4.4 yards respectfully with 12 touchdowns between them but they are a far cry from the dynamic duo that we saw them become last season. After rushing for over 1,000 each last season the two have a combined 1,251 yards this year. The problem has been getting them in space to make plays and clearing holes for them to run in between the tackles. That's on the line and not necessarily the running backs.

Keith Toston is the Big 12's second leading rusher with 1,130 yards. He's averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has crossed the goal line rushing the football 11 times. He's a powerful runner with good speed and is one of only two players (KSU's Daniel Thomas) to average over 100 yards rushing per game.

Toston has clearly had the better season of these three backs and despite Murray having the added dimension of being Oklahoma's second leading receiver the Sooners don't have a rushing threat like Toston has been this season.

Advantage: OSU

Receivers/Tight Ends

Ryan Broyles is one of the most electrifying receivers in the country. He's averaging 12.9 yards per reception and has 861 yards with 12 touchdowns. He's on target to break 1,000 receiving yards this season and it would go a long way for the Sooners if he surpassed that mark today. Behind Broyles is a massive drop off as Brandon Caleb has almost 40 fewer receptions and only 2 touchdowns. Dejuan Miller is coming on and is has pretty much inserted himself as Oklahoma's #2 receiver.

O-State was dealt a huge blow when the NCAA took Dez Bryant away from them. Since then Hubert Anyiam has become the Pokes' top receiver. He's caught 39 passes for 482 yards and 3 touchdowns.

After Anyiam the Cowboys don't have another receiver playing in this game with more than 15 receptions. Conversely the Sooners have four receivers with more than 20 receptions. What's a tight end?

Advantage: OU

Offensive Line

I don't have the words to describe how disappointing Oklahoma's offensive line has been this season. Now this unit has become decimated with injuries and literally a walking triage unit. The latest victim is Trent Williams who may have to sit out today's Bedlam game due to a head injury. Oklahoma has given up 12 sacks this season.

Oklahoma State has only given up 7 sacks this year and is much stronger in both run and pass blocking than the Sooners are. The have a future NFL All-Pro in Russell Okung as their anchor.

Advantage: OSU

Defensive Line

Oklahoma's defensive line against OSU's offensive line is the match-up that could determine the game. Jeremy Beal is third in the conference in sacks with 11 and third in tackles for loss with 16. Gerald McCoy is fifth in the Big 12 in tackles for loss with 14.5.

Ugo Chinasa has 4 sacks for the Pokes and 6.5 tackles for loss. However, you have to go all the way down to 11^th O-States leader board for tackles to find Chinasa, a defensive lineman, listed.

Advantage: OU

Linebackers

Travis Lewis is third in the Big 12 in total tackles with 99 and Keenan Clayton is 39^th with 58. Oklahoma will be without Ryan Reynolds who is a field general for the Sooners defense and that may hurt the Sooners more than missing his 67 tackles. In his place Austin Box will step in and try to get a head start on taking over the middle linebacker position full time next season.

Donald Booker leads the Cowboys in sacks with 5 and tackles for loss with 7. He and Patrick Lavine lead the team in tackles with 80 and 67 tackles respectively. Lavine also leads the team in interceptions with 5.

Both team's linebacker units attack down hill and are solid run stuffers. O-State is second in the conference against the rush (82.6 yards per game) and the Sooners are third (91 yards per game)

Advantage: Even

Secondary

Oklahoma is second in the conference against the pass by holding opponents to just 197.5 yards per game. The OU secondary has a combined 11 interceptions led by Brian Jackson's 4. Jackson and Dominique Franks are one of the best corner duos in the conference and safety Quinton Carter is a hard hitter who's second on the team in tackles with 76.

Perrish Cox is not only the best athlete in Oklahoma State's secondary he's most likely the best athlete on the team. He has 32 tackles and 4 interceptions but as a whole the Cowboys are 9^th in the conference in pass defense.

Advantage: OU

Special Teams

Oklahoma State is last in the Big 12 in kickoff return average (18.6 yards per return) and while the Sooners aren't sitting pretty at #10 (21.2 yards per return) at least they're not last. Punt returns are a different issue for the Sooners where their 14.3 yards per return average are tops in the Big 12. OSU isn't too far behind at 13.9 yards per return which places them 3^rd in the Big 12.

In punting average the Sooners have a 39.6 (Best in the Big 12) to 37.5 advantage. Oklahoma's place kickers have missed seven field goal attempts this season while the Cowboys have missed five.

If this game becomes a field goal kicking contest then I'm not sure that I like Oklahoma's chances. However, in the battle for field position OU's special teams units are outperforming O-State's in just about every category.

Advantage: OU

Jersey Contest: Week 13 - Blogger Picks

ntrebon — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:02:45 -0000

If you haven't made your picks, you can do so here. The deadline is tonight at 11.59 PM PT.

Here are your weekly game picks from the ATQ bloggers. Hopefully, Jeremy will get a chance to add his before the deadline [whew - almost blew it, jc]. Mine are submitted without comment this week.

	Clemson at South Carolina	Utah at BYU	Tennessee at Kentucky	Oklahoma State at Oklahoma	Arkansas at LSU (-6)
Jared	Clemson	BYU	Kentucky	Oklahoma State	Arkansas
Nick	South Carolina	BYU	Tennessee	Oklahoma	Arkansas
Dave	Clemson	BYU	Kentucky	Oklahoma State	LSU
Dominic	Clemson	BYU	Tennessee	Oklahoma State	Arkansas
Jeremy	Clemson	BYU	Kentucky	Oklahoma State	LSU
Paul	South Carolina	BYU	Kentucky	Oklahoma	LSU

Clemson at South Carolina:

Jared: Tommy Bowden is no longer coaching Clemson, and they're headed to the ACC Championship game. Coincidence? I think not. Pick: Clemson

Dave: Clemson has won six in a row. South Carolina has lost three straight. This late in the season, I'm going to ride the momentum and go with the Tigers. Pick: Clemson

Dominic: These are two teams going in opposite directions. Clemson has won 6 in a row and South Carolina has lost 4 of it's last 5. Outside of the Florida game, the Gamecocks have been getting blown out. I'm going to take the Tigers in this rivalry game. Pick: Clemson

Paul: Although Clemson has won 10 of the last 12 against their in-state rival, a date with Georgia Tech in the ACC championship game on Dec. 5 will have the Tigers looking ahead. Plus, the Gamecocks are coming off a bye week and desperately need a win to halt a losing streak to end the year for the third straight season. Pick: South Carolina

Jeremy: We're used to seeing Clemson under perform, but this season it's South Carolina that's the train wreck. We don't hear a lot about running back C.J. Spiller here on the left coast. I expect he'll keep the chains moving for Clemson. Pick: Clemson

Utah at BYU:

Jared: BYU is at home, and at least according to Football Outsiders, are slightly better. Pick: BYU

Dave: Both of these teams have played two tough teams. Both of these teams have lost both of those games. These are two mediocre football teams. To me, the difference is that BYU has the best rush defense in the Pac-10, whereas Utah is a primarily rushing offense. BYU is much more explosive offensively, and they will get an early lead that Utah struggle to recover from. Pick: BYU

Dominic: Utah has been playing better but I think BYU has too much firepower for the Utes to keep this one close. Couple that with BYU playing at home and that should be just enough to give the Cougars the advantage. Pick: BYU

Paul: With TCU in the driver's seat of the Mountain West, it's the battle for second place between these two rivals. Both teams have put together solid seasons, with one in-conference loss to TCU each, and one out-of-conference loss. Frankly, it's a toss-up, but I like BYU at home. Pick: BYU

Jeremy: Gotta lean towards the home team here, as much as I'll be rooting for Utah. Pick: BYU

Tennessee at Kentucky:

Jared: After my article on home field advantage, I figure I'm gonna have to take at least one. Plus, gotta go with Rich Brooks. Pick: Kentucky

Dave: Oh, Snoconegod, what are you going to do when the Ducks roll into Rocky Top next season? Neither of these teams are very good, being middling teams in a down conference, so I'll go with Kentucky at home. This game isn't interesting enough to research more than that. Pick: Kentucky

Dominic: It pains me to go against Rich Brooks but I think Tennessee is a pretty good team, despite what their record indicates. If not for a couple of different bounces of the ball, people might be talking about the Volunteers as a contender in the SEC. Pick: Tennessee

Paul: Kentucky hasn't beaten Tennessee since 1984. In fact, not a single player on Kentucky's roster WAS ALIVE the last time the Wildcats beat the Vols. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing. But Tennessee hasn't won on the road this year, and it's not going to happen in Lexington. Pick: Kentucky

Jeremy: Mediocre SEC Team #1 versus Mediocre SEC Team #2. Please, Rich, get it done. Just for me. And Jared, Dave and Paul. Pick: Kentucky.

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma:

Jared: Ugh. OSU has a messed up QB situation, but Oklahoma is falling apart. Pick: Oklahoma State

Dave: Oklahoma has a ton more talent than the Pokes. That said, Oklahoma mailed it in this season long ago. Their performances against Texas Tech and Nebraska have been a total embarrassment. And you know I'm loving it. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State is playing for a possible BCS berth. One team wants to be here. One team wants to go home. Pick: Oklahoma State

Dominic: How does this sound? 6-6 Oklahoma Sooners. That's what going to happen after this weekend. The Cowboys have put the Dez Bryant fiasco behind them and are playing very good football. Without Bradford, the Sooners are a completely different team. Stone Cold Lock it! Pick: Oklahoma State

Paul: Oklahoma's 5-1 at home this year, and that one loss was to BYU when Sam Bradford went down in the first half and the Sooners' offense came to a screeching halt. They also haven't lost to their in-state rival since 2002. Pick: Oklahoma

Jeremy: Gasp! Has Oklahoma quit on Stoops? They've had tough breaks no doubt, but with the kind of talent they have at OU (OregonLive non-Duck fans, did you see what I did there? OU, yes THAT is the acronym used to identify the University of Oklahoma. They can't use UO, because that is ours. That, or they can't spell. Take your pick.) it shouldn't have gone THIS bad. I think Juju is going to pile it on the Sooners, just for fun. I can't believe that Dom used "Stone Cold Lock". Pick: Oklahoma State

Arkansas at LSU (-6):

Jared: I just don't think that LSU is really very good. Is Arkansas good? Who knows, but with Ryan Mallet at QB, they always have a shot to win. And with the spread, that may be enough. Pick: Arkansas

Dave: Two more mediocre teams from a down SEC. Give me the home team again, LSU with the points. Pick: LSU

Dominic: LSU doesn't score a lot of points and when they lose, they lose close. I think Arkansas has a number of ways to hurt the Tigers and the Razorbacks should cover this one. I just don't think LSU can keep the mental mistakes from affecting their production and who knows what kind of mental shape they are in after a close loss last week. Pick: Arkansas

Paul: If it were going to come down to the final seconds, there's no question in my mind I'd taking Arkansas, as clearly Les Miles is incapable of managing the clock and making sound in-game decisions under pressure. Fortunately for the Tiger faithful, it won't. Pick: LSU

Jeremy: Mediocre SEC Team #3 versus Mediocre SEC Team #4. Les Miles has serious egg on his face and needs his players to put that memory behind them. Arkansas is not terrible and Mallet has the talent to hang some points on the Bayou Bengals. In the end, I think LSU's defense will hang in there. Pick: LSU

Colorado's Press Release Insults Our Intelligence, Continues to Show Goal Is Not to Win

irish1611 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:45:28 -0000

More photos » by JACK DEMPSEY - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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I understand the need to move on. Nothing we can about this now, we are in it for another year with this regime and that is just the way it is. But the press release issued by the University of Colorado is insulting to our intelligence. Many of you will probably ask, "what did you want them to say?" If they felt a need to say something about the situation, just come out and say Dan Hawkins is our head coach for 2010 and leave it at that, especially if this was just a financial decision. There is no defending why he is coming back so don't try and sell me that Dan Hawkins has been "competitive." Dan Hawkins is the first coach in Colorado history to have four losing seasons to start his term. I am just glad they didn't say "we see progress" or I would have flipped a lid. Here is what has me scratching my head:

"Dan represents the university's values on and off the field, and his team has been competitive this year," Phil DiStefano continued. "He has done all that we have asked him to do, and although we all desire more victories, we also recognize starting over with a new coach right now takes us away from, not closer to, our goals for CU football.

-Define competitive? Define the goals for this program? Why desire victories, why don't we demand victories and hold people accountable for that?

While Colorado is 3-8 this year, three of the losses were by seven points or less, with two others, both on the road at West Virginia and No. 2 Texas, games where the Buffs were most competitive into the fourth quarter.

-"While Colorado is 3 - 8 this year, three of the losses were by seven points or less."

Are you kidding me? Was this really written? Was this what they prepared to win the fan base over with? This was the masterful comment that was going to rally the masses and make us go, "yes, I agree with the decision and support the University." Really, that is the best we can do? Will all the academic prowess in Boulder, this is it?

Yes, Colorado "officials", the Buffs football team lost three games this year by less than seven points. One heck of an accomplishment if you ask me, something we should be proud of and aspire to do more of in the future. Should we hang a banner for that accomplishment? Since you want to rationalize losing, let's do that, let's dissect it and see how great an accomplishment it really is.

One of those losses was to Colorado State, a Mountain West team, at home in the season opener as the great University of Colorado yanked Colorado State around to make them play in Folsom in not Denver. Your senior captain said "we overlooked them." "10 wins, no excuses" and we overlooked a rival at home and lost? The first game of the year we "competitively" overlooked the Rams? Colorado State is winless in the Mountain West Conference and just lost to New Mexico, a team that was winless overall going into the game. Yes, New Mexico is 1 - 10 and Colorado State is 3 - 8.

Another one of those losses by only seven little points was to an Iowa State team who is headed up by Paul Rhoads, a first year coach who already has as many wins on the road as Dan Hawkins has in four years - two. Iowa State also beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers in year one, something Dan Hawkins has not done in two tries. Get this, Dan Hawkins hasn't beat a Big 12 North team on the road in his career - not one - not Iowa State, not Kansas State - nobody.

And the final, "less than seven point loss", was against Oklahoma State who is an 8 point underdog to a 6 - 5 Oklahoma team. Oklahoma State was playing without their All-American wide receiver in Dez Bryant, All-Conference quarterback in Zach Robinson and without the complete services of All American RB Kendall Hunter. Oh yes, and I forgot, Oklahoma State beat us with their third string quarterback. But, heck, "competitive" me up with that third string QB.

Thanks for trying to spin that into a positive.

I am surprised the release didn't say the Colorado Buffaloes were competitive against Toledo when they won third quarter 21 - 14.

-The Buffs "competitively" lost to Texas by 24 points after "competitively" gaining 127 total yards of total offense and giving up three non-defensive touchdowns. Colorado was "competitively" given four turnovers by West Virginia but "competitively" lost the game on the road, where we "competitively" have won 2 games in 21 chances the last four years.

Hawkins' contract with CU runs through the 2012 season; he originally signed a five-year agreement when hired prior to the 2006 season, and received an extension in October 2008 after a good start to the year before injuries took their toll and earning a bowl berth the previous season.

-Thanks for rationalizing the extension as well, Colorado. I mean 11 - 19 screams extension and so does a 3 - 2 start in 2008. Apparently, 3 - 2 is a good start at Colorado. Let's call it was it is; a $1.8 million dollar mistake by your athletic department.

before injuries took their toll

-"10 wins, no excuses" - translation: "Competitively", no where near 10 wins and still the excuses.

Call me "competitively" disappointed with this response because apparently the word "competitive" can be molded into whatever you want it to mean.

Poll

Do you think Dan Hawkins should have been retained as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes?

Yes

88 votes

No

274 votes

362 votes | Poll has closed

The Sad Truth: 2009 Will Go Down As the Year the Colorado Buffaloes Blew It

irish1611 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:02:02 -0000

As news came down today that Oklahoma State QB Zac Robinson potentially might not playing tonight, I got to thinking about how the Colorado Buffaloes blew a great chance to make a mark this season. It is truly amazing how the schedule and the weakness of the Big 12 North set the Buffs up perfectly to return to the spotlight in '09 but using part of a quote from head coach Dan Hawkins, the Buffs did not "sieze the day." Look at the schedule below. Doesn't that make you sick? Granted, we now know the Buffs are less than stellar themselves but think if the Buffs' offensive line performed up to expectations, WR Markques Simas was coached and prepared to play like he was now from game one (not suspended), if Tyler Hansen started the year at quarterback, if the Buffs weren't at the bottom of the nation in turnovers & penalties, and the defense started the season like they have been playing the past few weeks. Yes, I know the saying about using "ifs" and "buts". I know. But Colorado blew it this year, no "ifs" or "buts" about it:

Going into the preseason, there were four teams the Buffs could lose to and you wouldn't be totally surprised - at West Virginia, at Texas, Kansas and at Oklahoma State. West Virginia because it was a road game and we knew that would be a tough environment. We thought Kansas and Todd Reesing would be back to their normal abuse of the Buffs like the previous three years. Games at Texas and Oklahoma State were the hardest two on the schedule and were considered the two contests the Buffs would most likely lose preseason. But Kansas isn't who we thought they were as the Buffs' beat them sending the Jayhawks into a downfall. Tonight, Oklahoma State might be playing without two preseason All Big 12 players and their All American candidate runnining back Kendall Hunter has been hurt six games in 2009.

- Colorado St. Rams - no reason to lose to them considering the year they are having. AT FOLSOM FIELD! (L)
-@ Toledo Rockets - no reason to lose to them considering the year they are having. (L)
- Wyoming Cowboys - Buffs won (W)
-@ West Virginia Mountaineers- would accept a loss preseason and now. Tough place to play on the road (L)
-@ Texas Longhorns - would accept a loss preseason and now. Game on the road. (L)
- Kansas Jayhawks - Buffs won, was expected to be a preseason loss (W)
-@ Kansas St. Wildcats - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent (L)
- Missouri Tigers - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent at home. (L)
- Texas A&M Aggies - Buffs won (W)
-@ Iowa St. Cyclones - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent (L)
-@ Oklahoma St. Cowboys - Kendall Hunter returned two weeks ago and may not be 100% but think about this. Oklahoma State tonight will be playing without Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant and a less than 100% Kendall Hunter...unbelievable the luck if we had a mentally tough team.
- Nebraska Cornhuskers - very winnable game against a mediocre Big 12 North opponent at home.

A relatively easy out of conference schedule, a mediocre Big 12 North schedule with winnable road games against Kansas State and Iowa State, a down Kansas team, and an Oklahoma State squad that is missing a lot of offensive fire power with Robinson and Bryant out...

But once again, you have to look back at the slow start to begin the year and not getting these guys ready to play. Not having momentum and excitement on the road and "overlooking" Colorado State as Riar Geer said defines this team and the opportunity they left on the table.

If there is any reason for a change in Boulder, look at 2009, how the chips fell in place and the way the Buffs responded. "10 wins no excuses" was supposed to motivate the players, a change at offensive coordinator and a return to a pro-style offense was supposed to put players in a better position to be successful. A deep linebacker corp was supposed to bolster the defense with the emergence of CB Jimmy Smith. Of course, the defensive line was a preseason concern but they have certainly outperformed expectations.

Instead, the Buffs can't run the ball with any consistency and they can't keep a mobile quarterback from getting sacked eight times a game. A quarterback change was made too late, Colorado continues to suffer on the mental side of the game with turnovers and penalties, the defensive scheme was too complicated at the beginning of the year which cost the Buffs' games and Colorado continues to play unmovitated football especially on the road, something the players have admitted multiple times this year.

I think this is the only case you need to make. In a year that any improvement over the previous three years should have at least netted the Buffs a low level Bowl birth, Colorado has three wins.

Colorado Buffaloes Open as 14.5 Point Underdogs on the Road Against Oklahoma State

irish1611 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:43:57 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

Oklahoma State running back Keith Toston (5) has filled in nicely for the injured Kendall Hunter this season. Oklahoma State is one of the best running teams in the nation behind a very good offensive line led by OT Russell Okung (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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It doesn't get any easier for the Colorado Buffaloes (3-7, 2-4) as they travel on a short week to face the 12th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-2, 5-1) in Stillwater this Thursday night (ESPN, 5:30 PM MT). Currently, odds makers have this one pegged at 14.5 points in favor of the home team. It marks the 8th consecutive game the Colorado Buffaloes will go into the game as an underdog. Oklahoma State is the third ranked team the Buffs will have played this season with Nebraska potentially being a fourth next week if they take care of business against Kansas State in Lincoln.

Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech this past Saturday 24 - 17 in Stillwater. Oklahoma State turned the Red Raiders over three times and was able to hold on after Texas Tech had a 10 - 7 halftime lead. Former Colorado prep and current OSU starting quarterback Zac Robinson was part of a scary collision last night with 98 seconds left in the game. He was helped off the field after suffering what looked like a concussion. Before getting hurt, Robinson only passed for 90 yards but was the Pokes leading rusher with 99 yards on 19 carries. The senior signal caller ranks eighth in the Big 12 in passing yards this season but is second in the conference in passing efficiency, throwing for 15 scores and only 7 interceptions. For his career, Robinson has passed for 8,155 yards and 66 touchdowns.

Initially, one had to wonder if Oklahoma State would hold out Robinson on a short week with the rivalry game against Oklahoma in two weeks. But according to the Tulsa World, Robinson plans to play against Colorado. It is also senior night for Robinson and the rest of the graduating Pokes which should provide them some extra motivation to come out strong against the Buffs.

read more of the game preview after the jump...

Robinson and the Oklahoma State offense were dealt a big blow when All American wide receiver Dez Bryant was ruled ineligible by the NCAA after the third game of the year. Bryant still ranks as the second leading receiver on the team. But Oklahoma State has recovered nicely.

The key for Oklahoma State this year has been the emergence of running back Keith Toston after All Big 12 back Kendall Hunter was injured the third game of the year suffering a sprained ankle. Hunter essentially missed six games before returning two weeks ago in a limited role. Last year, Hunter ran for 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns. Not very often a team losses their two best players in the same year and still has a chance to go 10 - 2 but that is what Oklahoma State has done. Toston has filled in beautifully for the injured Hunter aas he begins to work his way back (Hunter ran 17 for 68 yards against Texas Tech last week). Toston, after only carrying the ball an average of ten times the first two games of the season, has taken over the lead role for the Pokes and is now just 42 yards away from 1,000 on the season. Toston ranks 30th in the nation in rushing yards/game at 95.8, good for 4th in the Big 12. A big reason for the seamless transition between running backs is the dominant offensive line OSU brings out led by All American candidate T Russell Okung. This season, the offensive line has only given up 0.7 sacks a game which is third in the nation and first in the Big 12. Compare that number to the Colorado Buffaloes, who are giving up 3.8 sacks per game which ranks 117th in college football. That tells you a lot about why the Buffs have only three wins and why Oklahoma State, who lost their two biggest play makers from a year ago, has a chance at 10 wins, something Dan Hawkin's "muttered" this offseason.

With the losses of Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter for a big chunk of the year, Oklahoma State's offense has fallen off from last year where they finished the season as the 6th ranked unit in the nation averaging 487 yards a contest. This year, they find themselves 48th averaging just over 400 yards per game. But the big improvement and the main reason why the Cowboys are still a player in the Big 12 is a vastly improved defense. In 2008, Oklahoma State struggled stopping the opposition, ranking 93rd in the nation allowing 405 yards per. This year, the defense is only allowing 333 yards a game and is 7th in the nation allowing just 89 yards on the ground.

As for the Colorado Buffaloes, there are only a few things that need to be highlighted. CU is now eliminated from bowl eligibility after a loss last weekend to Iowa State in Ames. Under first year coach Paul Rhoads, Iowa State is now bowl eligible and, in one year, has won the same number of road games as Dan Hawkins has in four seasons at the helm in Boulder. Just two weeks ago, Iowa State was manhandled by Oklahoma State in Stillwater, 34 - 8. Cyclones RB Alexander Robinson, who ran wild on the Buffs' defense for 138 yards, was held to just 51 yards and 3.2 a carry, his lowest average this year. ISU was held scoreless until the fourth quarter and QB Austin Arnaud was intercepted three times. Pokes RB Keith Toston ran for 206 yards on the Cyclones and three scores.

One has to wonder if the Buffs will come out and play with an pride after being eliminated from postseason play for the third time in four years. With the season already an embarrassment, this national appearance could be very dangerous if Colorado comes out like they usually do on the road - uninspired, timid and lacking confidence - but now with even less to play for. Last week's loss also marks the fourth consecutive season with a losing record, all under Dan Hawkins. As you know, Hawkins at Colorado is 2 - 18 on the road and 3 - 20 when the game is not played in Boulder. Last season, Oklahoma State beat the Buffs 30 - 17 in Folsom, racking up 443 total yards, 226 of which came on the ground. With the injury to Robinson against Tech and the desire to protect him for the Sooners in two weeks, you can expect a heavy dose of Toston and Hunter on Thursday night.

13 days and counting...

Dez Bryant NFL Draft scouting report

Mocking Dan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:54:16 -0000

Dez Bryant

6'2, 215 pounds | Oklahoma State

Strengths: The most noticeable thing about Bryant are his hands. They're incredibly large and strong, which allows him to make a lot of difficult catches in traffic. Bryant's hands are so impressive the New York Times wrote a whole story about them.

Does a really good job concentrating on the ball when it's in the air. Rarely has to make body catches. Often showed good awareness of where the sidelines were and can get his feet inbounds.

Has a great grasp of a play while it's developing. Knows when to come back to the quarterback to get open and gain positive yards. Excels catching the ball in the air and is a great red zone target. Shows the agility in the air to twist his body around and shield defenders off.

Bryant has good size at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. More importantly, he knows how to use it after the catch. In the open field, Bryant is a bull to take down. He can easily break arm tackles and shrugs off tacklers who don't wrap up.

Lateral quickness and speed is as a good as when he's going straight line. Very good stop and go receiver. Doesn't take long strides which gives him some separation. Also uses head fakes well to trick cornerbacks.

Weaknesses: The biggest complaint about Bryant is his playing speed. Unlike Randy Moss, for instance, he probably won't time especially well. Fast cornerbacks can stick with him down the field and edge him over to the sideline.

A step slow off the snap. Could improve his suddenness to beat jams better with his quickness.

Because he comes from a spread offense, Bryant hasn't been asked to run a full route tree and may have to learn some in this area. His best route is clearly the quick slant.

Too often, Bryant likes to initiate contact. While this was fine against smaller Big 12 defensive backs, this could get him in trouble with more aggressive NFL defenses.

Can get knocked off his route and get knocked off his game somewhat (see this year's Georgia game). Could do a better job of properly securing the ball after the catch.

Typical of most spread receivers, Bryant can struggle blocking against the run.

Never really considered a leader on the Oklahoma State offense. Some question if he's a system player, much like former Oklahoma State star Rashaun Woods.

Final word: A lot of the same complaints that were made about Michael Crabtree can be made about Bryant. They both played in a spread offense. Neither has blazing speed but have the hands and high-point agility to make up for it.

The big difference is their attitudes. While Crabtree was known to have an inflated sense of his own self worth, Bryant is known to be a down-to-earth individual. He had a rough upbringing, being raised by a single mother who spent 18 months in prison for selling drugs.

Trouble with academics in high school scared away some teams, but his football acumen is sound. It's impossible to say how well Bryant will be able to digest an NFL playbook, but he just knows how to get open.

To do that, he can rely on his athleticism and quickness. Bryant may not be terribly fast, but he strong and shifty. No receiver in college football could cut on a dime as well as Bryant. That allowed him to get open for a split second and that's when his elite-level hands come in.

Over two and a third seasons, Bryant had 147 receptions for 2,425 yards and 29 touchdowns. He's also a very good special teams player who took back three punts for a touchdown.

In Crabtree, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson, there have been some special receivers in the draft this past decade. Bryant has the ability to be as good as any of them. He's like a better version of Anquan Boldin.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (11/6/09), UL Pregame Edition

WVUIE97 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:15:24 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, brought to you today by Milwaukee's Best. That makes a baker's dozen.

Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends. We're so glad you could attend. Come inside! Come inside! (That's what she said) Sorry, I sometimes get songs in my head and can't get them out (I think most people do) and this one happened to be semi-appropriate. Anyway...when the Krag brings his little birdies in tomorrow, keep your AA's, C's and D's to yourself (we have a new rep to uphold....riiiiigghhht) and enjoy the atmosphere and game. Have a great weekend and keep your eyes open for tips and requests. See the show...

What You May Have Missed:

Scouting Report: Louisville - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Gold and Blue Report for Friday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

VIDEO: Jeff Mullen - WVIllustrated.com
The T-1000 talks.

Colin Dunlap's West Virginia football chat - PPG

Academic Center Dedication - MSNsportsNET.Com
...another impressive addition to our facilities

Jobe, Lider, Williams Get Academic Honor - MSNsportsNET.Com

Women's Soccer: Five Named All-BIG EAST - MSNsportsNET.Com

College GameDay Kickoff: Week 10 preview - ESPN

SEC Replay Official Overturns 'Roe v. Wade' - The Onion

News of Note:

On Call - MSNsportsNET.Com
Antonik's notebook

Mountaineers' new QB not just all legs - Courier-Journal

Tandy, staff moving past USF debacle - Charleston Gazette

Mountaineers try to shore up defense - Charleston Daily Mail

Honoring Fleming, Kilicli and Hamrick - Charleston Gazette
Vingle's notebook

WVU's Neild wish outcome in end zone was different - Charleston Daily Mail
Casazza's notebook

Williams fighting for playing time - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Sands starting to come into his own for WVU - Times West Virginian

Glover Quietly Making Name for Himself - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

Bitancurt may have expanded role - Register-Herald

Stewart: "It all starts with me." - EerSports.com

Cardinals' Defense Lacking - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

WVU looks to bounce back after loss to USF - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Stewart and Team Look to Refocus After a Tough Loss - WVIllustrated.com

WVU-Louisville matchups unforgettable - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Marshall, WVU not meeting in the middle - Charleston Daily Mail

Huggins has West Virginia poised to contend - CBK News / FOX Sports on MSN

College basketball countdown: No. 5 West Virginia - Sporting News

Recruiting:

Mounties in the Mix for Mississippi Duo - EerSports.com
"West Virginia is among the final college choices for Macon, Miss., teammates Robert Johnson and Jay Hughes."

Kerns Hoping for Country Roads Return - EerSports.com
Also included is an update on junior college offensive line recruit Benji Kemoeautu

Tobias Harris Coming to Town - WVIllustrated.com

What's On Tap:

Women's Soccer: BE Semis vs. #10 Marquette - MSNsportsNET.Com
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. tonight at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium on the campus of Connecticut.

ESPN Gameday feature on Bryan Logsdon - Twitter / Coach Bill Stewart
"Bryan Logsdon's feature will also appear on ESPN's GameDay on Saturday between 11 & 11:30 a.m. ... Closer to 11:20 most likely." He's a war veteran walk-on, fyi.

Louisville Cardinals vs. West Virginia Mountaineers, November 7 - ESPN
Noon, Saturday on ESPN Regional (MASN and SNY for sure). Current line has WVU by 17.5.

Men's BB Exhibition: WVU to Face Mountain State - MSNsportsNET.Com
Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 pm at the WVU Coliseum. Reserved tickets are priced at $16, while WVU students will be admitted free with a valid ID.

Women's Basketball: Exhibition Sunday - MSNsportsNET.Com
The women play Glenville State, at 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, at the WVU Coliseum. Admission to the event is free.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Pitt, West Virginia, Cincinnati want no letdowns - PPG

Bearcats boast best ball-security - ESPN

UC DB waited for this moment - Cincinnati Enquirer

South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels is a dual threat to Rutgers' defense - Star Ledger

Arthur Jones puts orange ahead of green as leader of Syracuse University football team - syracuse.com

Pitt to face tough Syracuse run defense - PPG

Rutgers and Army to play first major-college football game at new Meadowlands stadium next season - Star Ledger

Big East (BB) capsules - syracuse.com

Big East coaches' expectations high - Washington Post via Charleston Daily Mail

Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State Cowboys loses final appeal for reinstatement - ESPN

Eligibility issue holds three Connecticut players out vs. American International - ESPN

Cincinnati Bearcats' Lance Stephenson eligible to play - ESPN

Jordan's son wears Nike, costs UCF adidas deal - ESPN

Tailgate Recipe of the Week:

Cardinals = birds = wings....at least that's my reasoning this week.

B.D.'s Grilled Hot Wings

Take a bag of thawed wings (or fresh drummets) rinse (don't pat dry) and place in a zip lock bag. (You want to make several bags for easy handling).

Pour in 1 to 2 bottles of Paul Newman's Own Olive oil & Vinegar.

Add 1 heaping Tbs. of chopped "Old El Paso" green chilies. Mix well.

Remove as much air as possible and seal. Marinade for 2 hrs. Turn every so often.

For the sauce melt 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in a glass sauce pan.

Mix together and pour into sauce pan:
½ to 3/4 bottle of Louisiana Habanero sauce
1 to 2 Tbs. of Thai Garlic Chili Pepper Sauce
1 to 2 Tbs. of Cajun Sunshine Hot sauce
1 to 2 Tbs. of Cholula Hot Sauce

Just heat enough to melt the butter and simmer the hot sauces. Remove wings from marinade, (discard) and grill on med. heat for 45 min's. Turning wings every ten min's. Remove from grill. Place wings in a large bowl and pour warm sauce over wings tossing with thongs to coat.

Courtesy of Tailgating.com

Video of Interest:

I figured this one was fitting. Sound has been disabled due to copyright.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Just because....

Which Magazine has Better Pics of Hot Chicks Battle of the Week:

It's old, but I just found it and it's worth it.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

A while back, someone mentioned that today's beauty should be Miss Throwdown every day. I wouldn't argue that she doesn't deserve that honor. I just have to keep the variety going. Possessor of some of the greatest legs on the planet (and gorgeous from head to toe)......here's Blake Lively.

via images1.fanpop.com

Milwaukee's Best image via adland.tv

Mizzou Links, 11-6-09

Bill C. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:46:43 -0000

Do be sure to check out the latest step in the Joe Davis Fail Project...I'd say it's funny, but it's every bit as pathetic as funny...

Mizzou-Baylor Links

PowerMizzou: Bears Insider: Five Questions for Saturday
Mizzou Athletics (via Facebook): I thought the Baylor game wasn't on TV?
So FSN will piece together a game’s worth of highlights, cut down to an hour’s length, via the camera angles that are being fed to the instant-replay booth. Audio will be supplied by the Tiger Radio Network, so you hard-cord Tiger fans won’t have to turn down the volume – you’ll have the dulcet tones of Mike, Chris and Coach on your TV.

The Mizzou/Baylor replay of "Big 12 No-Huddle" will show on these FSN affiliates (all times local):

Tuesday, Nov. 10
- FS Southwest (Noon)
- FS Midwest (1 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 11
- FS Midwest (9 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 12
- FS Southwest (Noon)
Waco Tribune: Former Marlin star finally shining at Missouri

"He’s an extremely talented guy," Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert said. "Somehow Danario always finds a way to get open. And whenever he’s open I try to get him the ball, because really on any play he can take it to the house."

Like most college coaches, Baylor coach Art Briles took notice of Alexander in the midst of recruiting his more heralded high school teammate at Marlin, quarterback Jeremy Sanders. Yet even somewhat overshadowed, Alexander’s future appeared blindingly bright.

"He’s a big, agile kid that runs a little bit better than you think he does," Briles said. "He’s tough with the football, he’s got great hands and he’s a big target. Whatever he’s doing, it doesn’t surprise me at all."
Waco Tribune: John Werner's College Predictions: Another road loss for Baylor
Waco Tribune: How they match up
Palestra.net: Mizzou Looks to Start November Hot

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- The Gates of Delirium

Truzenzuzex — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:15:56 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

Coach looks a bit excited here. Robic, not so much.

Browse more photos »

The flu bug has assailed the football Wildcats, and the prospect of watching John Wall finally lead the basketball Wildcats into battle has me delirious with both pleasure and pain. It drives me crazy when so many players are hit with injury and illness all at once, and I suppose I should be thankful that we are not going into the Vanderbilt game this weekend. But at the same time, it drives me nuts that we seem to wind up in this same situation every year at this time. Maybe it's everybody, but it just doesn't seem that way.

Moving on to basketball, UK welcomes John Calipari's alma mater, Clarion University, into Rupp Arena tomorrow night. We'll have much more on that in due course, but I highly recommend this Jerry Tipton article (even to the anti-Tipton crowd), which has lots of great background on Calipari's time at Clarion, and how it helped shape him into what he is today.

I am a big fan of coaches playing their alma maters, particularly when they are small schools like Clarion. It may not continue for Calipari, though, but I have to admit, I do like the practice.

Speaking of practice, how is that Dribble Drive Motion offense working out for the 'Cats? About like Calipari predicted it would early on -- balls flying everywhere but in the basket, turnovers, etc. It will get better, and when it does, this team will be really dangerous.

And now, for the news:

UK Basketball News

Red-hot rivalry ready to burn across the Kentucky bluegrass | Sports News Images and Videos
Up the road in Louisville, some are immune to the Kentucky hype.

"They had the same buzz two years ago," Louisville athletics director Tom Jurich says. "Remember when they were recruiting eighth-graders?"

Oh, Tommy Turtleneck with the jab -- on that's probably going to come back and land squarely on his own jaw.
Vitale: Could Self, Calipari square off for title once again? | Sports News Images and Videos
1. There is the Rick Pitino soap opera down in Louisville. Pitino became the victim of an alleged extortion plot by Karen Syphers, who now faces criminal charges.

Uh, it's Sypher, Dick, not "Syphers."
High expectations follow Wall to UK | The Kentucky Kernel
"John is very good," freshman forward DeMarcus Cousins said. "Everything you hear, everything on paper is true. He is good, he’s not overrated at all. Everything is good."
Lindley Continues to Progress
Three key players returned to practice on Wednesday, offensive guard Christian Johnson, linebacker Micah Johnson and tailback Alfonso Smith, after missing Tuesday’s practice because of illness. However, eight other Wildcats who missed Tuesday because of new injuries or illnesses also did not participate on Wednesday.

I have no idea what we'll see on Saturday.
SEC preview: Cleared to play, Kentucky to fly off with Wall - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com
My affection for John Wall is well-documented, and I'm glad the NCAA cleared him last week if only because I'm eager to watch the freshman point guard play college basketball. Can't wait. But I must tell you I was struck by the insanity of the system as I sat in the press box at Boone Pickens Stadium late Saturday and watched Oklahoma State play football without star receiver Dez Bryant.

I'm not sure what Parrish is exercised about here. Dez Bryant lied, deliberately. That's wrong, and as it turns out, the lie is explicitly a violation of NCAA by-laws. Lying is bad. Parrish shouldn't be excusing it. On the other hand, I think declaring Bryant permanently ineligible is way over the top. Hopefully, the appeal will find a more fitting punishment.

UK Football News

Newton finding his way as UK's starter | KentuckySports.com
Wildcats’ King trying to hold on as WR | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
"He ran the wrong route, but he made a play," said Joker Phillips, UK's offensive head coach and wide receivers coach. "And if you run the wrong route, you'd better make a play."

Ran the wrong route. Seems to be the story of our wide receiver's lives.
Kentucky Sports Radio " The Colonels Are Coming! The Colonels Are Coming!

Other UK Sports News

None today

NCAA Sports News

Three years later, NBA and NCAA Basketball benefit from age limit
In defense of the age limit. We have seen precious little of this.
Before They Were Coaches: Part I (SEC) – LostLettermen.com
This is pretty cool. You should read it.
Don't Bet On It!: Around the SEC - Dawg Sports
Gillispie watches Doc's team practice
I guess Billy is done with Kentucky now.
Louisville basketball starts strong, then handles Bellarmine 88-65 | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Vanderbilt Sports Line: Gary Parrish Thinks We're Going to Do Worse Than Kentucky and Tennessee......and Florida...and South Carolina
Ever the Vanderbilt fan, I'm not going to definitively state where we'll end up due to my fear of jinxing the most anticipated season in my fairly limited Vanderbilt basketball memory. But I will say that I think we'll end up better than 5th. Florida and South Carolina are like the majority of first dates. They looked great upon first sight, but then you actually sit there and look at them and you realize they're incredibly flawed. That's not saying Vanderbilt isn't, we've got a few weaknesses (defense). But I think I'm justified in saying that our weaknesses are less glaring than theirs.

I think that Vanderbilt is likely to finish better than fifth. In fact, I think they are more likely to finish third than fifth.

Other News of Interest

Well, that’s, interesting … " The HoopScribe's Blog
ESPN.com is reporting that women’s basketball pioneer Nancy Lieberman will be the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League affiliate team in Frisco, Texas.

As my dad says, "How's about them apples?"
ESPN wants to bid for March Madness? - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
ESPN says it’d be open in bidding for the rights to March Madness if the NCAA opts out of its 11-year, $6 billion contract with CBS this July.

I think Mike is right -- economically, it makes no sense.
John Clay: Europe suddenly an appealing path - John Clay - Kentucky.com
Brandon Jennings' early NBA start — averaging 22 points and 5.3 rebounds through Milwaukee's first three games — will prompt more prep superstars to spend a year overseas, rather than in college, before becoming eligible for the NBA.

Maybe. The question is, will it be enough to matter?
Bluegrass State Basketball has some interesting stuff today.

The Daily Schadenfreude

Duke guard Smith slapped with two-game suspension - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com
Duke guard Nolan Smith will sit out two games because he played in an unsanctioned summer league.

A Duke player? Running afoul of the rules? Oh, my, I'm shocked... Shocked! -- but only at the fact it was even reported.

SB Nation - Dez Bryant

A Great Weekend for College Football, But Nebraska Is Ignored

Breaking Down Bedlam

Jersey Contest: Week 13 - Blogger Picks

Clemson at South Carolina:

Utah at BYU:

Tennessee at Kentucky:

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma:

Arkansas at LSU (-6):

Colorado's Press Release Insults Our Intelligence, Continues to Show Goal Is Not to Win

Do you think Dan Hawkins should have been retained as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes?

Yes

No

The Sad Truth: 2009 Will Go Down As the Year the Colorado Buffaloes Blew It

Colorado Buffaloes Open as 14.5 Point Underdogs on the Road Against Oklahoma State

Dez Bryant NFL Draft scouting report

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (11/6/09), UL Pregame Edition

What You May Have Missed:

News of Note:

Recruiting:

What's On Tap:

Around the League (and Beyond):

Tailgate Recipe of the Week:

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Which Magazine has Better Pics of Hot Chicks Battle of the Week:

Miss Throwdown:

Mizzou Links, 11-6-09

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- The Gates of Delirium

Top Stories

UK Basketball News

UK Football News

Other UK Sports News

NCAA Sports News

Other News of Interest

The Daily Schadenfreude