SB Nation User Blog: awiggo

'Horns Validate Early Season Blowouts with 103-90 Win over #10 UNC

awiggo — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:26:51 -0000

More photos » by Tony Gutierrez - AP

Like the football team, the basketball team enjoyed Jerry World. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Through the first nine games, the Texas Longhorns have won mostly behind solid defensive efforts. Today, it was the offense that took center stage as four 'Horns scored 20 or more and Texas held off North Carolina, 103-90, in Cowboys Stadium.

Txtwstr7 will come along later with more analysis. Use this as your post-game celebration thread.

Texas improves to 10-0 on the season, and lets the rest of the country know that this team is for real.

Box Score

ESPN Bowl Mania Challenge

awiggo — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:15:11 -0000

ESPN Bowl Mania Challenge

Horndude has already created a group: Burnt Orange Nation. Password = colt.

Picks are confidence based but straight up.

Picks lock on December 19th.

Texas Destroys Texas-Pan Am, Carolina Up Next

awiggo — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:11:18 -0000

More photos » by Michael Thomas - AP

PB's favorite player is killing the competition. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)

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The No. 2 Texas Longhorns destroyed Texas-Pan American, 104-42, in a game that was exactly as close as the score indicates. The ‘Horns improved to 9-0 and look to be rolling as the competition increases with North Carolina and Michigan State on the schedule over the next seven days.

This one was over before it started. The Longhorns increased an early 21-11 lead to 33-11 as they held the Broncos scoreless for over six minutes in the first half. Texas led 45-19 at the break and by more than 60 for the latter part of the game.

I don't want anyone to get too excited about this one. Texas-Pan Am was grossly outmatched, way undersized (346^th in effective height, Ken Pom), and would have trouble beating decent high school teams. The Broncs should be the worst team that the ‘Horns face all season, save maybe Gardner Webb. That said, there were some high points worth mentioning.

For a game that was out of hand early, the Longhorns were intense throughout. The full-court pressure and half court traps frustrated the smaller and slower Broncs all game. The ‘Horns forced 21 turnovers and could have easily forced more.

The blowout and the absences of J'Covan Brown (injury), Shawn Williams (injury), and Jai Lucas (stupid NCAA rule) forced Rick Barnes to play with different lineups. For the most part, Texas went big. Lineups included frontcourts of Damion James, Clint Chapman, and Matt Hill or James, Hill, and Dexter Pittman. At one point in the second half, I think James was at the two guard and Gary Johnson at the small forward spot. The bigger lineups met the challenges of guarding smaller perimeter players well. Texas held Texas Pan-Am to just 24% from the floor and 14% from behind the arc.

In addition to the experimental bigger lineups, Avery Bradley got some work at the point for the first time all season. Not surprisingly, he excelled with the ball in his hands as much as he does as the off guard. Bradley led the team with 18 points (8-of-15) and distributed five assists.

A few other brief points after the jump, before chalking up this for the mismatch that it was:

Dogus Balbay is playing like Steve Nash without a reliable jumper. He is turning the corner at will and distributing the basketball like a magician. If you can't score with Dogus on the floor with you, then you just aren't any good. His line -- 8 points, nine assists, and five rebounds against just a single turnover in 22 minutes. Masterful. Oh yeah, and he sank a three-pointer. I swear. I saw it.

Jordan Hamilton is really good off his own miss.

The big to big passing tonight was as good as it gets. I thought Matt Hill, Clint Chapman, Alexis Wangmene, and Damion James were excellent looking for each other from the high post to the low block.

Other than Bradley, four other ‘Horns scored in double figures -- Hamilton (15 pts), Dexter Pittman (14 pts in just 12 min), Gary Johnson (12 pts), and Justin Mason (10 pts). Damion James scored another eight points to go with nine rebounds in just 20 minutes of action.

Texas more than doubled Texas-Pan Am, 64-31, on the glass.

Walk-ons Dean Melchionni and Andrew Dick played seven minutes a piece and were interviewed by Craig Way after the game. Dick even scored two buckets for five points.

Is it just me or the wind always blowing 25 mph outside the Drum?

Box Score

Like I said at the top, Texas-Pan American is really bad and not worth talking about anymore.

NEXT GAME: vs. North Carolina (8-2) in Arlington Saturday 12/19 1 PM ESPN

Longhorns Paste Long Beach State, 107-74

awiggo — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:16:06 -0000

More photos » by Michael Thomas - AP

Freshman Avery Bradley's game is coming along. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)

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For the first time in a couple of games, the Longhorns looked like a top tier basketball club. The ‘Horns dominated a decent Long Beach State team, 107-74, to improve to 7-0 overall. Texas got double digit scoring from six players, were not overwhelmed at the sight of a zone defense, and played consistently for the full 40 minutes.

Texas turned an early 11-9 lead into a 22-9 lead and never looked back. The Longhorns led 53-37 at half and by as many as 35 in the second half.

The ‘Horns shot the ball well from the floor all game, eventually finishing at 59%. Three-point shooting was not bad either, 39% (7-of-18) and free throw shooting was its usually horrific self, 53% (8-of-15). Texas controlled the glass 41-32, dominated points in the paint 62-28, and outscored Long Beach 17-6 in fast break points.

A few brief points before calling it a night:

Dogus Balbay is playing his best ever as a Longhorn. His 11 assists to zero turnover performance was a joy to watch. He single handedly gift wrapped at least ten of Gary Johnson's 14 total points. Balbay still can't shoot, missing both his jumpers, but he is so quick and has such tremendous vision that it doesn't matter right now.

The college game is starting to slow down for Avery Bradley (17 points, two assists, two steals). He showed flashes tonight of why he was the rankest as one of the top high school players in the country last year. The defense was been there since game one; however, he played his best offensive game of his young career. Bradley has a good feel for when to drive and when to pull up and uses the jump shot brilliantly to avoid charges and elevate in traffic. If the shots start falling, like they were tonight, look out.

More after the jump...

Damion James and Dexter Pittman were both saddled tonight with foul trouble but were still effective in their limited minutes. James had 14 points and six boards in 19 minutes. Dexter added 11 points and four boards in just 12 minutes. It was nice to see the Texas offense still function when both of them sat.

Barnes obviously put more in the offense in the last couple of weeks. Long Beach State played a fair amount of zone in the first half, with their assistant coach consistently yelling, "Pack it in!" when Dexter was on the floor. Most impressively, Texas did not settle. Jordan Hamilton (13 points, three assists, two boards, and two steals) did a great job attacking the zone off the dribble from the wing and finishing with soft runners and floaters. Bradley and Balbay were also aggressive against the zone. Last, the entire backcourt did a good job of still looking for Dexter even as the defense sagged.

Hamilton was better tonight on the defensive end and was credited by Barnes after the game for working harder on D. When he starts to lock down defensively, his minutes will increase as Justin Mason's decrease. Jordan also showed better passing and patience on offense. He didn't just settle for three-pointers and his three assists to no turnovers is exactly what you want to see.

As Bradley and Hamilton moved forward tonight as freshmen, J'Covan Brown did not. The 13 points, including 3-of-6 from three, and four assists are nice but the six turnovers in 22 minutes is killer. You can literally see Brown taking one step forward and one step back throughout the game-one dribble drive, one silly fadeaway three; one solid defensive rebound and push up the floor, one no look pass that sails out of bounds; one good but not great pass for an assist, one silly reach-in foul, etc. The upside is very apparent, unfortunately so is the youth. I also have to give Barnes credit here. On a different team or in previous seasons, Rick may have caused a player like J'Covan to cry mid-game. I don't see that type of anger from Barnes this year. He seems to have matured as a coach and isn't pulling players after each and every mistake. Sure, the stare is still there but I see more willingness to let players play through their mistakes this season, especially J'Covan. I like it.

Depth, depth, and more depth. How about 61 bench points tonight? Wow!

Matt Hill played in the first half. Clint Chapman played in the second. No redshirt for Chappy.

Turnstile 6,082. Smallest crowd of the year. Sad.

Box Score

Next Game: Home vs. Texas State, Saturday 12/12 3 pm Longhorn Sports Network

BCS Bowl Predictions

awiggo — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:16:43 -0000

More photos » by Tony Gutierrez - AP

Hopefully more burnt orange and white confetti awaits in Pasadena. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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The regular season is over, and despite the few rumblings you may be hearing, the national title game match-up is set--Texas vs. Alabama. Even though the win was by a single point, a neutral field victory over Nebraska will actually help Texas in the computers. And there is no way that enough Harris poll voters and coaches will rank TCU or Cincinnati above the undefeated Big XII champions. It's just not going to happen.

That said, there is still a lot of BCS uncertainty. Let's quickly review the process. The top two teams in the final BCS poll head to the national title game. This year that game will be played in the Rose Bowl on January 7th. Five of the six BCS conferences have automatic tie-ins for their champions, who are not in the top two. ACC champ goes to the Orange Bowl, Big XII champ goes to the Fiesta Bowl, SEC champ goes to the Sugar Bowl, and the Big 10 and Pac-10 champs hook up in the Rose Bowl.

Since the Sugar and Fiesta will lose their tie-in teams, they will get first picks as replacement picks. The Sugar Bowl will pick first because ‘Bama will be #1 in the BCS standings. The no-brainer pick here is SEC runner-up, Florida. The Fiesta Bowl picks next and this is where it gets interesting. In my mind there are two options, a Big 10 team which will travel well or a geographically smart and undefeated TCU team. I can see the Fiesta going either way. Under either scenario, their next pick, which comes after a selection by the Orange Bowl, would be either Boise State or Cincinnati.

To play this out, assume the Fiesta takes TCU. That leaves us with-

BCS Title: Alabama vs. Texas
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs.
Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs.
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs.

The rest after the jump...

The remaining picks go Orange, then Fiesta, and then Sugar. Cincinnati must be picked as Big East champs. The other two picks will be at-large selections. At-large selections must have nine wins and finish in the top 14 of the BCS standings. No conference may put more than two teams in BCS games. Under these rules Iowa and Penn State (Big 10), Boise State (WAC), Virginia Tech (ACC), and probably BYU (MWC) are the only possible choices. The field for these at-large picks slimmed considerably as Miami, Oklahoma State, USC, Stanford, and Pitt all faltered late.

I imagine the Orange Bowl takes a Big 10 team because of fan support and because Cincy played there last year. I also assume that the Orange values Iowa's head-to-head win over Penn State more than the love for Joe Pa, and takes the Hawkeyes.

The Fiesta then takes Boise State to match two undefeated non-BCS teams and because they probably don't envision fans coming in droves from Ohio to Glendale, AZ. Also, Cincy may not even have a coach by January.

The Sugar is left with Cincinnati.

BCS Title: Alabama vs. Texas
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Iowa
Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs. Boise State
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Cincinnati

I won't be shocked if Penn State gets picked over Iowa, nor will I be shocked if somehow the TCU/Boise State game is avoided.

Other predictions: ESPN's Brad Edwards, CBSSports, Dennis Dodd, College Football News

Another Ugly Win, as 'Horns Improve to 6-0

awiggo — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:29:16 -0000

More photos » by MIchael Thomas - AP

Dogus Balbay quicker than anyone on both ends. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)

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The No. 2 Texas Longhorns improved to 6-0 by outlasting USC, 69-50, at the Erwin Center. For the second straight game, the margin of victory does not indicate the closeness of the game. The ‘Horns led just 33-27 at the break, and in the second half, the Trojans twice trimmed the lead to just four points.

Like many of our first half dozen contests, Texas was too deep and too strong down the stretch. The Longhorn defense tightened, eventually holding USC to just 30% from the floor, and Texas cruised in the final quarter of the game. The Trojans scored just three points in the final six minutes.

As PB noted, this one was not pretty. Texas came out ice cold from the floor and from behind the arc. The Longhorns started like 9-of-33 before eventually improving their shooting to a respectable 41% on the game. Texas was 0-for-8 from three before J'Covan Brown and Justin Mason both connected late in the second half. Last, the free throw shooting went the other way. I think Texas was close to 80% early in the game before clanking their way home. The Longhorns finished a horrific, 19-of-34, 56%.

It's late, so bullet points will have to suffice:

Damion James was very good tonight (19 pts, 9 boards, and 7-of-10 FTs) and easily the offensive player of the game. He remains an effective trash man around the rim and fantastic off one or two dribbles.
Dexter Pittman was probably the defensive player of the game with his seven blocked shots. However, as impressive as that stat is, he tried to block at least ten more missing all of them and letting his man pick up easy second chance points around the rim. I would love to see Sexy Dex use a little more discretion when trying to block shots as a help defender. On the other end, with a foot in the paint, he is unstoppable at the college level. Perod.

More after the jump...

Rick Barnes thought Justin Mason played well. I'm not so sure that Varez Ward's injury didn't give Mase a senior campaign that he otherwise would be enjoying from the bench. Don't get me wrong, Justin plays his tail off, does things that don't always show up on the stat sheet, and is a great senior leader. However, I'm still not comfortable with him and Dogus Balbay on the floor at the same time-not enough outside shooting and too many opportunities for defenders' to cheat on Dex and DaMo. It will be interesting to see how Barnes works in Jai Lucas when he becomes eligible in less than two weeks.
Dogus Balbay is a pest, in a good way. I can't imagine how tiring he makes the opposing guards. He is simply faster up and down the court as well as laterally than anyone else I've seen in college basketball this season.
Avery Bradley must get stronger with the ball around the rim. He was 2-for-10 from the floor. A few of those eight misses were jumpers but he had at least four shots blocked on layups or breakaways dunks when he went weak to the rim. The defense was phenomenal though.
J'Covan Brown is never going to be the quickest player on the floor, but like DJ Augustin, his change of pace is something to watch. Brown is always already adept at creating contact in the lane and getting to the line. Thankfully, J'Covan is the one Longhorn at the line that doesn't cause me to look away in horror.
Brown and Balbay's passes are often better than the hands of the Texas bigs. Other times, they are a little out of control.
Jordan Hamilton plays defense like he's already in the NBA. Neither the focus nor the lateral quickness is there right now. Expect Rick to demand more.
Thirteen minutes for Gary Johnson is fine with me.
Our free throw shooting is an abomination.
The 14 man rotation is already a lot smaller. Varez Ward's injury and Jai Lucas's ineligibility put us at 12. Matt Hill and Clint Chapman put us at 10. Shawn Williams is not there yet and really not close, from what I've seen. That's nine for now.

I said in the comments after the Rice game, this game and the next three (Long Beach St, Texas State, UT Pan-Am) are more about us than they are our opponents. The defense was very good tonight. I still don't think we've put it all together more than just in stretches. It will get there and I'm not worried at all. The freshmen are coming along, the chemistry is improving, and James and Pittman are playing like stars.

To be an elite team, though, the free throw shooting must improve, our three-point shooting must improve, our focus must become more consistent, and our ability to execute in the half court, especially when Pittman sits, has to get better.

Box Score

Next Game: Monday, 12/7 HOME vs. Long Beach State 8 pm ESPNU

Game Preview & Open Thread: Pittsburgh vs. Texas in CBE Classic Final

awiggo — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:21:50 -0000

Game #4: Pittsburgh Panthers (4-0) vs No. 3 Texas Longhorns (3-0)

9:25 p.m. * Sprint Center * Kansas City, MO

TV: ESPN2 / Radio: 98.1 FM

Very quick Keys to the Game:

1. Remember the Big Fella: The more Dexter Pittman touches the ball, the better. This is both on the Texas guards to play in the halfcourt through Dexter as it is on Pittman to make himself available and keep his defender on his back.

2. Limit the Turnovers: Texas is turning the ball over on 22.6% of their possessions, good for 228th in the country. That is horrible and unacceptable for a team this talented.

3. Keep the Focus: We saw last night what this team is capable of when they are focused. When focused on defense: 26-13 in the first half and 47-22 and the second half. When they lost focus, forgot about Pittman, and consistenly overran or didn't find shooters: 25-12 Iowa.

Pittsburgh is a much better team than is Iowa and I expect this to be a close game throughout. If Texas were as talented but had more experience at the guard spots, then this one wouldn't be close. But until the Longhorns gain that experience, limit the silly freshman plays, and remember that they are an inside-out team first, then these type of games will be challenges.

I expect a hard fought and physical 40 minutes. Prediction: Texas sinks enough free throws to pull away late, 74-68.

Longhorns Advance to Finals of CBE Classic

awiggo — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:12:02 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

Jordan Hamilton caused the Hawkeyes pain all night. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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The #3 ranked Longhorns improved to 3-0 and advanced to the championship game of the CBE Classic after a 85-60 runaway victory over Iowa (1-3). Texas will take on Pittsburgh (4-0) on Tuesday evening at approx. 9 pm (ESPN2).

The 25 point victory is impressive as was the play of the 'Horns for three-quarters of the game. Texas bolted to a 26-13 lead after the first 11 minutes behind hot outside shooting by Jordan Hamilton and solid half-court defense. Unfortunately, the Longhorns lost their defensive intensity, failed to find the Iowa three-point shooters, and coughed up the ball over and over again over the final nine minutes of the first half. A running three pointer by the Hawkeyes tied the game at 38 at the break.

In the second half, Texas got back to feeding Dexter Pittman in the post, protected the ball, and rotated better defensively. The Longhorns dominated the second half, 47-22.

I don't have time for a full recap but here are a few quick points.

This defense is absolutely dirty, when it wants to be. The Texas D focused for the first part of the game and was up 13. They lost focus and allowed Iowa to claw all the way back by half. Then, after a Rick Barnes reminder or two, the focus appeared again in the second half. Iowa once again struggled to advance the ball past halfcourt, initiate their offense inside the arc, or get a clean look at the basket.
The Texas offense is at its best when it runs through Dexter Pittman on the low block. The Longhorns are blessed with a dominant big man, a rarity in college basketball, and we should use him, early and often.
Jordan Hamilton can shoot the basketball. He was 4-of-6 from behind the arc and the principal reason for the early double digit lead. Unlike AJ Abrams, Hamilton can shoot over the defense and doesn't require the full participation of his four teammates to get an open look. As teams start to recognize Jordan's ability to pour it in from deep, the lane will be that much more open for Sexy Dex. I'm sure that Barnes still has concerns about Hamilton's defense but expect to see more of Jordan soon.
Texas had five players in double figures: Hamilton (16 pts), Pittman (15), J'Covan Brown (14), Avery Bradley (11), and Damion James (10). This type of balanced scoring is exactly what this team needs. An off night for any one or two of them won't kill this team.
Congratulations to Damion James for becoming just the third Longhorn ever to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds!
The turnovers, especially the careless ones, bother me.
Pittman, Alexis Wangmene, Gary Johnson, and James did a nice job all night helping protect the rim after the Texas guards over-rotated and allowed dribble penetration.

Post your own game thoughts here.

Longhorns Roll Past Anteaters in Season Opener

awiggo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:21:48 -0000

More photos » by Harry Cabluck - AP

Rick may have his most complete Texas team yet. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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Game Recap: The #3 Longhorns notched their first victory of the season, 89-42 over UC Irvine at the Drum behind strong performances from seniors Damion James and Dexter Pittman.

Along with James and Pittman, Varez Ward, Justin Mason, and freshman J'Covan Brown completed the starting lineup. Brown started slowly and sloppily at the point guard spot, and Coach Barnes was forced to sit him down after two early turnovers and again after a couple of more. After the game, Rick said this about his freshman point guard, "J'Covan wore us all out before the games. I've never seen a guy as amped up. Ever."

As will be a theme this season, the depth of this team allowed the ‘Horns to quickly find their stride. Dogus Balbay was inserted for Brown and helped the Longhorns turn a 19-18 deficit after the first ten minutes of action into a 42-21 halftime lead.

Balbay played solid on-the-ball defense and helped protect the ball in the halfcourt where James and Pittman could dominate. Both big men finished with 21 points a piece. Most of Dexter's 10-of-11 from the floor came off dunks or lay ins. James had a few buckets of length but most of his scoring came around the basket as well. The smaller Anteaters were simply overmatched in height, strength, and athleticism.

During the back and forth start, I thought Texas struggled to communicate on defense. There was some confusion on how to defend ball screens. Some players were also over running their pursuit on the pass and over committing on shot fakes. The substitution patters of three, four, or even five players at a time help explain the early defensive lapses. However, after that back and forth start, the Longhorn defense played more consistently and more together. Texas contested shots better, didn't allow second chance points or almost anything in the paint, and, for the most part, controlled dribble penetration.

The outcome was: Exciting. Exciting because this was the first game; exciting because I finally got to see the four freshman live and in a college game; and exciting because the potential of this team is clear.

Unlike last year, this year's Longhorns will not have trouble scoring from the perimeter. Jordan Hamilton and Brown can both shoot the ball from deep. They both have good form, which should help produce consistent buckets, and good size, which will allow them to easily shoot over zones.

Unlike last year, foul trouble, even if it's Dex, won't be an issue. The ‘Horns are deeper than any team in the country and can run as many as 14 different players on the court for double digits in minutes every game.

Unlike last year, Barnes does not have to play smaller, three guard lineups. While Texas did start three guards, that was by choice not out of necessity. Hamilton (6-7) and Williams (6-6) will give Texas excellent size from the wing, and I won't be surprised to see James (6-7) play some at the three too when Rick wants to play with an even bigger lineup. Texas has real size at the two guard spots also. Avery Bradley, listed at 6-2, and Brown, listed at 6-1, both played bigger and stronger than their listed heights. The days of playing two sub six foot guards plus Mason at the wing are thankfully over.

The biggest thing I took away from the ‘Horns first game was potential. Right now, they are so much less than the sum of their parts. And right now, they're pretty good. The parts are all there-talent, size, depth, and experience. There is no reason why Barnes shouldn't be able to mold this team into more than the sum of their individually talented parts and national championship favorites by tourney time.

Stats of the Game: 49-30 Texas on the glass. 54-18 Texas points in the paint. If you didn't get a chance to see the game, that is about all you need to know. As expected, Texas was able to dominate the smaller Anteaters in the paint on both ends.

The Offensive MVP was: Damion James. DaMo started his senior campaign in style-21 points (7-of-9 from the floor, 2-of-2 from three, 5-of-6 from the line), 15 boards, two assists, and a steal in just 22 minutes of action. James came back to Texas for a lot of reasons, but the big one was to play himself into a NBA first round selection. So far, so good. He looked confident, in control, and hungry. If he can produce the same smart and solid performances against the Michigan States and North Carolinas of the world, the NBA will be forced to take a second look at DaMo.

The Defensive MVP was: Texas in the second half. I don't have the exact stats but UC Irvine was something like 9-of-18 to start the game. They finished 17-of-62 for just 27% from the floor. Needless to say, the defense was the key to the 47 point victory.

I want to note a few more things, player by player:

Damion James: After the games, DaMo noted that the younger players looked up to him and that he has tried to take them under his wing. He also said that while the freshmen are very talented, that they still have a lot to learn. I can imagine the exact same thing coming out of Rick Barnes' mouth.

During the off season, we've noted that team chemistry is something of a concern and definitely something to watch. While James has not been a loud and vocal leader in his first three seasons, it sounds like he recognizes that now it's his turn. This veteran to freshman leadership, along with the development of a point guard, whoever it ends up being, are the two biggest keys to a Final Four run, in my opinion.

Dexter Pittman: More important than throwing down one-handed slams over guys standing just 6-6, Dex only picked up one foul. The more Pittman can stay on the floor, the better this team can be offensively. I was also impressed with the one post move when he turned over his right shoulder for an easy lay in. In previous seasons, he has almost always turned over his left shoulder to produce the easier right handed jump hook. If he has added the ability to go the other way with his back to the basket, look out.

Avery Bradley: Bradley is going to be so much better than his stats. Texas will be a Dexter and Damion focused team first. Second, it looks like J'Covan and Hamilton won't be afraid to let it fly. Therefore, Bradley would easily be the fifth scoring option among these five and probably still no better than third or fourth with some others on the floor. He will definitely get his-in transition, off dribble drives, and in second chance opportunities-but given the offensive skills of some other ‘Horns, Bradley won't be a 20 point scorer. It doesn't matter though. He is too good. His two late-game mid-range jumpers were things of beauty-in balance, form, and arc. The defense is also already there. Last, from Barnes' comments during the off season, this is a kid who knows he can get better and his ready to work on his weaknesses.

Varez Ward: If Barnes wants his point guard to pass the ball and play lock down defense, then Ward may be the man. Varez has the size, athleticism, and vision to be a true pass-first, shoot second floor general.

J'Covan Brown: J'Covan is raw, talented, and emotional. Unfortunately for him, he was too hyped for this game and it showed during the first half. Fortunately for us, it was his first game in over a year, after sitting out all of last season, and his upside is huge. If Barnes wants his point guard to score and stretch the defense with his perimeter jumper, then Brown is his man. From everything I saw though, J'Covan is more of a shoot-first, pass-second point.

Dogus Balbay: Dogus is third head of the ‘Horns point guard machine (with a fourth, Jai Lucas coming in December). Balbay played really well this afternoon. Six assists to no turnovers in 19 minutes from your point guard is every coach's dream. That said, I am not as big a fan of Dogus as are many of you. His offensive limitations make me hope that Barnes uses Balbay as more of spark off the bench than 25+ minute contributor.

Justin Mason: Mase has started for the better part of his three seasons at Texas and removing him from the starting lineup won't be easy. He still can do the little things-rebound, play solid d, and push the basketball in transition. However, I can't see how he ends up averaging more than 15 minutes per game once the freshmen become more comfortable.

Jordan Hamilton: Does Jordan have a nickname? He needs one. Hamilton looked smooth, long, and ready to score. Jordan may not have the defensive mindset that Barnes would like yet, but you can already see how important he'll be to the ‘Horns success.

Shawn Williams: I guess Shawn won't be redshirting this year. Williams played a productive (6 boards), yet sloppy 13 minutes against UC Irvine. His size will give Texas a much needed third rebounder and his ability shoot the three ball should open up driving lanes on the other end.

Alexis Wangmene: Wingman, I've missed you. With scorers at nearly every position, Lexi is the perfect bruising big man to bring off the bench. He showed strong hands and a willingness to fight for boards in his eight minutes of action. I expect his playing time to directly correlate to Dexter's foul trouble and stamina.

Gary Johnson: Like Dogus, I am not as in love with Gary as most Longhorn hoops' fans but recognize that he can be important role player on this team. GJ is always going to bring the energy. I just wish he was two inches taller and had a higher basketball IQ. Hopefully, Gary realizes that he is going to be the third, fourth, or even fifth scoring option during most of his minutes this season. Rebound, pass the ball from the post, and make your free throws and I'll love ya. I promise.

Matt Hill: Hill is a big body with limited athleticism. Gary and Wingman will likely be the first two off the bench as bigs, so I can't see Matt getting much playing time.

Clint Chapman: Clint wasn't in uniform. I couldn't see him from my seat either. I have no idea. Anyone?

Box Score

NEXT GAME: Home vs. Western Carolina - Wednesday 11/18 8 pm ESPNU

Race to the Roses November 9 & BCS Bowl Predictions

awiggo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:34:01 -0000

More photos » by Dave Martin - AP

Alabama running back Mark Ingram -- the key to the Tide's title hopes. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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After back to back weekends with no major shakeups, college football finally felt a tremor as three of the top ten teams in last week's BCS standings fell. Iowa failed to erase a fourth quarter deficit and lost at home to Northwestern; Oregon fought hard but couldn't overcome the two-headed monster of Toby Gerhart and Andrew Luck; and LSU succumbed to injuries, SEC officiating, and the Mark Ingram and Julio Jones show in Tuscaloosa.

So, where does that leave us? We can safely say goodbye to those three teams as the field of potential national champions looks much thinner. If you discount teams, like TCU and Boise State, from non-automatic qualifying leagues, like I do, then you're left with only five teams from BCS conferences who are undefeated or have a single loss and have a legitimate chance at Pasadena-Florida, Alabama, Texas, Cincinnati, and Georgia Tech. Sorry, Iowa and Pittsburgh fans, it is just not gonna happen.

I'm not going to go so far as to say the BCS is definitely going to work this year but it probably will. I will not be betting against Texas, Florida, or Alabama dropping a regular season game the rest of the way. And as long as Texas can take care of Kansas State/Nebraska in a virtual home game in Arlington, we'll see two undefeated conference champions play for the national title. Cincinnati, TCU, and Boise State fans will have small beefs but nothing significant or foundation shattering to the BCS formula.

Let's quickly play the game of matching teams to their BCS bowl destinations. This is assuming Florida wins out, including an SEC title game victory over an undefeated Alabama, Ohio State defeats Iowa this weekend, and Texas, TCU, and Boise State also win out. Florida and Texas would play for it all giving the Sugar and Fiesta Bowls first and second selections as replacement picks. The Sugar would definitely take the 12-1 Crimson Tide, but the Fiesta's selection is not as clear cut. They could take 12-0 TCU-a reasonable and deserving selection but one without a significant fan base or national draw. They could take 10-2 USC-probable Pac 10 runner ups with an easy geographic tie and guaranteed strong tv ratings. The Fiesta Bowl might also look at 10-2 Oklahoma State, should the Cowboys win out. I think the easy pick here is the USC, though. The Orange Bowl gets the ACC champion automatically, let's say Georgia Tech. After those picks and automatic berths, the bowls would look like this:
BCS Title: Florida vs. Texas
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs.
Fiesta Bowl: USC vs.
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs.

The remaining picks go Orange, then Fiesta, and then Sugar. Cincinnati must be picked as Big East champs and TCU must be picked by virtue of finishing in the top 12 of the final BCS and being highest ranked team from a non-automatic qualifying conference. The last selection is the final at-large one-possible picks are Boise State, Oklahoma State, Miami, Iowa, Penn State, or Houston. These potential picks must have nine wins and finish in the top 14 of the final BCS standings.

I say the Orange grabs Cincinnati, the Fiesta take Oklahoma State, and then the Sugar is left with TCU.

BCS Title: Florida vs. Texas
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Cincinnati
Fiesta Bowl: USC vs. Oklahoma State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. TCU

In this scenario, Boise State would be left out. Oh well. The Broncos are not done, though and this assumes that Oklahoma State wins out. Notre Dame's loss helped Boise on Saturday as did the Ohio State win in Happy Valley. Had Penn State won, they would have been in great position to earn an at-large bid and the Big Ten would have earned two bids. Now, it looks like the Big Ten will end up with just a single BCS bid. Moving forward, losses by Oklahoma State and Miami down the stretch would significantly improve Boise's chances.

After the jump, a look at this week's Favorites, Contenders, and those that Need Help...

The Favorites:

1. Florida (9-0; BCS 1): If the Gators are going to stumble pre-SEC title game, it will be this Saturday in Columbia. The 2:30 pm kick and the fact that the Old Ball Coach hasn't had any luck against his former team should make Gator fans comfortable.

Next Games: 11/14 @ S. Carolina, 11/21 Fl. International, 11/28 Florida State

2. Alabama (9-0; BCS 2): I thought LSU had a good shot to knock off Alabama and for three quarters my prediction looked pretty good. There was the non-interception call, but in the fourth quarter Jones and Ingram were too much for the Tigers. Give ‘Bama credit. That said, the trip to Starkville won't be easy, nor will the season ending trip to Auburn. Of the top three, there is no question that Alabama is one most likely to lose before championship Saturday.

Next Games: 11/14 @ Miss State, 11/21 Chattanooga, 11/27 @ Auburn

3. Texas (9-0; BCS 3): One down, four more to go. Texas started slowly but it didn't matter as Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley had career days and the defense was its usual outstanding self (3 pts, 151 total yds). Baylor showed some life on Saturday with a surprising win at Missouri. However, the trip to Waco is nearly a home game for the ‘Horns and shouldn't cause any trouble.

Next Games: 11/14 @ Baylor, 11/21 Kansas, 11/26 @ Texas A&M

The Contenders:

1. TCU (9-0; BCS 4): San Diego State became the first team in a month to score double digits against the Horned Frogs, and they still got pasted, 55-12. The final real hurdle to earning a BCS berth comes this weekend as TCU hosts Utah. Yes, TCU jumped Cincinnati this week. Don't get too excited Horned Frog fans. Your team is ahead by only .0040. TCU is ahead slightly in both polls but behind Cincy in the computers. The computers will likely favor Cincy as the Bearcats will be helped more with wins over WVU and Pitt than TCU will be with a win over Utah. Pollsters could also swing toward Cincy with more tv exposure and more quality wins. Just speculation and speculation that won't matter unless one of the Favorites lose.

Next Games: 11/14 Utah, 11/21 @ Wyoming, 11/28 New Mexico

2. Cincinnati (9-0; BCS 5): You thought Colt McCoy had a good day, how about Zach Collaros (29/37 for 480 yds and a td)? Not bad for a backup. The Bearcats did give up 35 second half points but they remain unblemished. Their next two contests are at home and should put Cincy at 11-0. Only the season ending trip to Pittsburgh looks scary. If ‘Bama dropps at game but then beats Florida in Atlanta, who would you send to Pasadena, 12-0 Cincy or 12-1 Alabama?

Next Games: 11/13 West Virginia, 11/21 Bye, 11/27 Illinois

Need Help:

1. Boise State (9-0; BCS 6): A lot of the chaos that Boise needed to happen occurred on Saturday. However, it still isn't enough and PR firm isn't going to help. First, the Broncos need to keep winning. Next, a Utah upset win in Fort Worth would put the Broncos back in the driver's seat for a BCS bowl. Last, Boise fans should also be rooting against USC, Arizona, Miami, and Oklahoma State.

Next Games: 11/14 Idaho, 11/20 @ Utah State, 11/27 Nevada

2. Georgia Tech (9-1; BCS 8): Paul Johnson's club just keeps on winning. Their resume now includes a three point win over Clemson, a five point win at Florida State, and an overtime win against Wake Forest. Their only misstep came in September against Miami. The Yellow Jackets have just two games left and are poised to cruise into the ACC title game at 11-1.

Next Games: 11/14 @ Duke, 11/21 Bye, 11/28 Georgia