The key to the Big Ten season for the Hoosiers will be to win the games they should win. There are probably four games that even the most optimistic fans would say would end up in losses.
Game 4 -- Michigan State
The Hoosiers' first conference home game should be a tough one. The Spartans are picked to be among the best in the conference this year and typically play well in the first two months of the season before dropping off. The Spartans will be coming off, potentially, a big win over Notre Dame the previous week and should be ready. I don't think the IU defense will have enough to keep the Spartans at bay.
The game should be close, but MSU pulls this one out. IU drops to 3-1.
Game 5 -- Minnesota
This game is on the road, but IU should have enough offense to hammer the Gophers. The team had one of the worst defenses in the conference last year and doesn't have much in the way of returning talent. The problem here is IU thinking they win in a romp. A few mistakes and Minnesota is in this game at the end. The Hoosiers remain focused and move to 4-1.
Game 6 -- Iowa
This is possibly an even match-up, but the game is in Bloomington, giving IU the edge. Iowa is well coached by Kirk Ferentz and will be ready for this game. But I think Kellen Lewis will take over and the Hawkeyes will fall. IU moves to 5-1.
Game 7 -- Illinois
The Illini are facing some of the same issues at the start of the season as the Hoosiers: validate an outstanding 2007, which included a berth in the Rose Bowl. This game will be in Champaign, where Illinois plays well. While both teams run the spread offense, I don't think the IU defense will be able to contain Juice Williams. In a high-scoring affair, the Hoosiers fall to 5-2.
Game 8 -- Northwestern
Homecoming in Bloomington is a wonderful time. And just like the leaves, the fortunes of the Hoosier football team are changing. The Wildcats likely don't have enough to hang with the Hoosiers. It's a happy homecoming and IU avenges last year's lost in Evanston, moving to 6-2. That ensures a second straight .500 season.
Game 9 -- Central Michigan
This doesn't seem like much of a game, but it is another trap. Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour is getting a lot of pub as one of the top QBs in the conference. He through for nearly 3,700 yards and 27 TDs last year. He also rushed for 1,100 yards and 19 TDs. He is as much of a force as Kellen Lewis.
While the Chippewas averaged 34 points a game, they gave up 36. This game may come down to who has the ball last. The Hoosiers are due for a head-scratching loss, and this may be it. IU losses and drops to 6-3.
Game 10 -- Wisconsin
The Badgers are expected to compete with Ohio State for the Big Ten title. Even though this game is at home, I don't think the Hoosiers can stop the Badgers power game. It's a two-game losing streak. IU is now 6-4.
Game 11 -- Penn State
A trip to Happy Valley can never end well. The Nittany Lions may not be a Big Ten title contender, but they will play well at home. IU may put up a fight, but they lose this game too. Now the Hoosiers are reeling at 6-5.
Game 12 -- Purdue
It's not looking good for the Hoosiers. They enter the Bucket Game in the same situation as last season, needing a win to secure a bowl bid. This time the game is in West Lafayette and it is Purdue Coach Joe Tiller's last game. Put aside the rivalry. The Boilers will be playing for Tiller. They win it. IU finishes on a four-game losing streak and ends at 6-6.
There should be a bowl spot available for a 6-6 team. The question will be should IU get it? They will be able to score points, which will impress bowl committee members. But they will have lost four in a row, which may turn them off. I think they squeak into the Motor City Bowl. Book your tickets for Detroit now.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Hoosier Season ... Pre-conference
We're less than a week from kick-off. Most fans know this season is important for the future of the program, maybe more important than last season's drive to play 13. This is the validation year, the chance to prove last year was no fluke. The full schedule is here, and here are my predictions, game by game:
Game 1 -- Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers are known more for basketball than football. But this team could surprise the Hoosiers, especially in week one. The team is coming off a 7-5 season and has 14 returning starters. ESPN thinks WKU will scare someone this year, but in their seven wins last season, the Hilltoppers beat no one of consequence. They lost to Ball State and Indiana State, teams IU took care of with relative ease. I think the Hoosiers will win this game.
Game 2 -- Murray State
The Racers play in Division I-AA and really shouldn't be in the Hoosiers league. They were 2-9 last year and have a new coach this year. The Hoosiers offense should overpower this team, taking them to 2-0.
Game 3 -- Ball State
This match-up has trap game written all over it. The Hoosiers had trouble with the Cardinals last year (I was at the game). The teams traded scores in the first half before IU pulled away. Ball St. QB Nate Davis was impressive running their spread offense. Davis passed for nearly 3,700 yards and accounted for 30 touchdowns.
IU Coach Bill Lynch should have the team ready, however, and barring injury, the IU defense should make the difference here. IU wins and goes to 3-0.
And now on to Big Ten season.
Game 1 -- Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers are known more for basketball than football. But this team could surprise the Hoosiers, especially in week one. The team is coming off a 7-5 season and has 14 returning starters. ESPN thinks WKU will scare someone this year, but in their seven wins last season, the Hilltoppers beat no one of consequence. They lost to Ball State and Indiana State, teams IU took care of with relative ease. I think the Hoosiers will win this game.
Game 2 -- Murray State
The Racers play in Division I-AA and really shouldn't be in the Hoosiers league. They were 2-9 last year and have a new coach this year. The Hoosiers offense should overpower this team, taking them to 2-0.
Game 3 -- Ball State
This match-up has trap game written all over it. The Hoosiers had trouble with the Cardinals last year (I was at the game). The teams traded scores in the first half before IU pulled away. Ball St. QB Nate Davis was impressive running their spread offense. Davis passed for nearly 3,700 yards and accounted for 30 touchdowns.
IU Coach Bill Lynch should have the team ready, however, and barring injury, the IU defense should make the difference here. IU wins and goes to 3-0.
And now on to Big Ten season.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thoughts on the upcoming football season
We're less than a week away from the start of the IU football season and I've been reading a lot Hoosier previews talking about the next step. Can the Hoosiers take the next step after the big step forward last year (winning seven games, appearing in a bowl for the first time since 1993) and become relevant in the Big Ten?
The schedule this year is filled with many games we should win. There are eight home games, an automatic advantage, and four non-conference games against teams that should be below Big Ten caliber. So the Hoosiers should win seven games again this year and should get to another bowl game.
What I'm looking for is the win we're not supposed to get. The upset no one thought would happen. Last year, (in conference play) it was Illinois beating Ohio State in Columbus. The Illini were talented and went to the Rose Bowl, but OSU was a national championship contender and ranked No. l at the time. It was a game where Illinois coach Ron Zook earned a lot of respect around the country, and the Illinois program was thought to have taken a major step up in the college football landscape.
It is a game where your team plays over its head and their team plays down just enough. A game where the students storm the field. Where the highlights make it to SportsCenter at the top of the show instead of on the ticker.
There are two games this season I would count as true upset, completely unexpected, wins: Wisconsin (at home) and at Penn State. Both are BCS contenders and should be favorites against IU.
In my mind, that is the one thing missing from this football program -- the ability to beat a team no one ever thought they could.
Any thoughts out there? Did I miss the "milestone" victory?
The schedule this year is filled with many games we should win. There are eight home games, an automatic advantage, and four non-conference games against teams that should be below Big Ten caliber. So the Hoosiers should win seven games again this year and should get to another bowl game.
What I'm looking for is the win we're not supposed to get. The upset no one thought would happen. Last year, (in conference play) it was Illinois beating Ohio State in Columbus. The Illini were talented and went to the Rose Bowl, but OSU was a national championship contender and ranked No. l at the time. It was a game where Illinois coach Ron Zook earned a lot of respect around the country, and the Illinois program was thought to have taken a major step up in the college football landscape.
It is a game where your team plays over its head and their team plays down just enough. A game where the students storm the field. Where the highlights make it to SportsCenter at the top of the show instead of on the ticker.
There are two games this season I would count as true upset, completely unexpected, wins: Wisconsin (at home) and at Penn State. Both are BCS contenders and should be favorites against IU.
In my mind, that is the one thing missing from this football program -- the ability to beat a team no one ever thought they could.
Any thoughts out there? Did I miss the "milestone" victory?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Favre to the Jets
So Brett Favre now is out-of-sight and out-of-mind.
The news broke late last night to the football-speaking world that the Green Bay Packers traded the future-Hall-of-Fame QB to the New York Jets late last night. It allows the Packers to move on with their new guy, Aaron Rodgers, and ends the media circus surrounding training camp.
The Packers even get a Favre break for the rest of the season. The Jets will not play the Packers this season. But is anyone wondering whether the NFL is penciling that match-up into next year's schedule maker?
The news broke late last night to the football-speaking world that the Green Bay Packers traded the future-Hall-of-Fame QB to the New York Jets late last night. It allows the Packers to move on with their new guy, Aaron Rodgers, and ends the media circus surrounding training camp.
The Packers even get a Favre break for the rest of the season. The Jets will not play the Packers this season. But is anyone wondering whether the NFL is penciling that match-up into next year's schedule maker?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sox acquire big bat Jr.?
The White Sox reportedly have made a deal to bring Ken Griffey Jr. to town, according to a report on FoxSports.com.
Griffey still must approve the deal, and the story also did not mention what the Sox would give up to get him.
Junior has been with the Reds for several years and fought numerous injuries during that time. But he has been more consistent the last couple years and this year hit his 600th career home run.
plays first base, but Swisher played there this season while I wonder where he is going to play. The story mentions center field, but that is where Nick Swisher and Brian Anderson play. Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye play left and right, respectively. He can't DH, because Jim Thome takes that spot. Manager Ozzie Guillen would have to sit someone and the Fox Sports story indicates that may be Paul Konerko. KonerkoKonerko was hurt.
Konerko could go to the bench (or see less time), Swisher to first and Griffey to center, according to the Fox story.
The deal is not done yet and the trade deadline is this afternoon, so maybe some more moves are coming. This could be an offensive upgrade, but I don't know about a defensive improvement.
Update (1:104 p.m.): Griffey accepted the trade, according to a new FoxSports.com story. The Sox will give up Nick Masset and Danny Richar, the story said, citing CBS Sportsline.
Griffey still must approve the deal, and the story also did not mention what the Sox would give up to get him.
Junior has been with the Reds for several years and fought numerous injuries during that time. But he has been more consistent the last couple years and this year hit his 600th career home run.
plays first base, but Swisher played there this season while I wonder where he is going to play. The story mentions center field, but that is where Nick Swisher and Brian Anderson play. Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye play left and right, respectively. He can't DH, because Jim Thome takes that spot. Manager Ozzie Guillen would have to sit someone and the Fox Sports story indicates that may be Paul Konerko. KonerkoKonerko was hurt.
Konerko could go to the bench (or see less time), Swisher to first and Griffey to center, according to the Fox story.
The deal is not done yet and the trade deadline is this afternoon, so maybe some more moves are coming. This could be an offensive upgrade, but I don't know about a defensive improvement.
Update (1:104 p.m.): Griffey accepted the trade, according to a new FoxSports.com story. The Sox will give up Nick Masset and Danny Richar, the story said, citing CBS Sportsline.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Jello Stapler
My wife and I are fans of The Office, and on occasion we like to imitate some of jokes from the show. That includes the now famous stapler-in-jello prank. Someone will be getting this one on July 30 ... but who?
There is even a Web site devoted to the stapler-in-jello prank. Here is a link to the recipe.
And here is the video of the very first stapler-in-jello prank, from the British version of The Office. The NBC show was adapted from it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hoosier football begins anew
Football season once again is upon us. Today is Big Ten media day in Chicago, where reporters will be asking all the tough questions of the top returning players and voting for their pre-season favorites. New coaches (aka Michigan's Rich Rodriguez) also will be on the hot seat. IU coach Bill Lynch also should face some scrutiny, at least from the Indiana media, about how he's going to follow up on last year's bowl berth, the new no-huddle offense and the Kellen Lewis suspension.
At the very least, someone will say something quotable that will make all the newspapers and TV shows tonight.
The media votes for pre-season conference champ (Ohio State) and offensive and defensive player of the year already were released. ESPN's Big Ten blog, which I really enjoy, should be updating throughout the day.
Game one for the Hoosiers is Aug. 30 against Western Kentucky, only five weeks away.
At the very least, someone will say something quotable that will make all the newspapers and TV shows tonight.
The media votes for pre-season conference champ (Ohio State) and offensive and defensive player of the year already were released. ESPN's Big Ten blog, which I really enjoy, should be updating throughout the day.
Game one for the Hoosiers is Aug. 30 against Western Kentucky, only five weeks away.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
From a Bears fan: Favre needs to stay retired
Picture this: Aaron Rodgers is about to run on the field after the Green Bay Packers recover a fumble. He is getting the final instructions from Coach Mike McCarthy. As the two huddle, another player is looking in, but not really part of the conversation. He is wearing No. 4 -- I remember him -- and his uniform is strikingly clean, considering it's a cold, muddy late October Sunday in Green Bay.
The sideline chat breaks and Rodgers heads to the huddle on the field, his huddle. The crowd noise still is higher than normal, hoping the Packers can capitalize on the turnover. Rodgers strides to the line of scrimmage, calls the signals and takes the snap. He drops back three steps, looks left, then right and spies receiver Donald Driver a step ahead on the post. He lets it go ... the pass sails perfectly on an arc about 40 yards, hits Driver in stride and he gallops the last 10 yards for the touchdown. Lambeau Field is in a frenzy, and Rodgers runs joyfully to the end zone to celebrate, then to the sidelines. No. 4 pats him on the shoulder pad, then returns to his clipboard and headset. That used to be him, he thinks.
Brett Favre made Packer fans forget about Don Majkowski and now Rodgers had made fans forget about him. Instead of doing what he loves -- playing football on Sundays -- he is watching others play football from the best seat in the house.
As a Chicago Bears fan, I would like to see Brett Favre come back, be released, and subsequently sign with the Bears for one more shot at the Super Bowl. But the Packers have said he is not going to be released. If the team is committed to Rodgers becoming the starter, does Favre really want to carry a clipboard this season and listen to the fans chant his name after every mistake Rodgers makes? Or worse, have Rodgers play well and everyone forget about him?
Brett, I feel your pain. You want to continue enjoying the career you had for so long. You should stay retired. Go out on top. Don't fade away on the sidelines clinging to the dream.
The sideline chat breaks and Rodgers heads to the huddle on the field, his huddle. The crowd noise still is higher than normal, hoping the Packers can capitalize on the turnover. Rodgers strides to the line of scrimmage, calls the signals and takes the snap. He drops back three steps, looks left, then right and spies receiver Donald Driver a step ahead on the post. He lets it go ... the pass sails perfectly on an arc about 40 yards, hits Driver in stride and he gallops the last 10 yards for the touchdown. Lambeau Field is in a frenzy, and Rodgers runs joyfully to the end zone to celebrate, then to the sidelines. No. 4 pats him on the shoulder pad, then returns to his clipboard and headset. That used to be him, he thinks.
Brett Favre made Packer fans forget about Don Majkowski and now Rodgers had made fans forget about him. Instead of doing what he loves -- playing football on Sundays -- he is watching others play football from the best seat in the house.
As a Chicago Bears fan, I would like to see Brett Favre come back, be released, and subsequently sign with the Bears for one more shot at the Super Bowl. But the Packers have said he is not going to be released. If the team is committed to Rodgers becoming the starter, does Favre really want to carry a clipboard this season and listen to the fans chant his name after every mistake Rodgers makes? Or worse, have Rodgers play well and everyone forget about him?
Brett, I feel your pain. You want to continue enjoying the career you had for so long. You should stay retired. Go out on top. Don't fade away on the sidelines clinging to the dream.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Steelers sale update
Here is another story published today in the Post-Gazette. Stanley Druckenmiller told the paper he would not move the team out of Pittsburgh if he was the owner. Like that would EVER happen. Moving the Steelers would be like the Cubs or Bears leaving Chicago or the Packers moving from Green Bay.
Another interesting note at the end of the story. There were concerns among the Rooney brothers that dividend payments had been decreasing over the years. According to the paper, shareholders have been getting less because of increasing player costs.
Here is the statement on the ownership transition from Pittsburghsteelers.com.
Training camp begins July 28. Anyone think this will be a distraction?
Another interesting note at the end of the story. There were concerns among the Rooney brothers that dividend payments had been decreasing over the years. According to the paper, shareholders have been getting less because of increasing player costs.
Here is the statement on the ownership transition from Pittsburghsteelers.com.
Training camp begins July 28. Anyone think this will be a distraction?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How could this happen?
The Rooneys are in danger of losing control of the Steelers, a team they have run since 1933.
This story from the Associated Press indicates the chairman of a Pittsburgh investment firm could get control by buying the shares of several Rooney family members. Dan Rooney and his son, Art Jr., had been trying to buy out their relatives to keep family control, according to the above mentioned story and another I read July 8.
Maybe I'm not thinking about this correctly, but I don't think the NFL would go for this. The Steelers are a model NFL franchise, and Dan Rooney is among the best and most-respected owners in all of pro sports. Aside from all of this is the Rooneys have owned the team for 75 years, which I don't think the other NFL owners would discount easily.
Family ownership has been cited by numerous people on numerous TV shows and in newspaper articles as one of the reasons for the Steelers' success (five Super Bowl wins, tied for the most all-time). The family also is revered in Pittsburgh and I suspect there are quite a few people angry at the potential change.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has its story up as well. It indicates Dan Rooney is apparently up against his brothers in this fight. Several of them went to the financier, who is a die-hard Steelers fan.
This story from the Associated Press indicates the chairman of a Pittsburgh investment firm could get control by buying the shares of several Rooney family members. Dan Rooney and his son, Art Jr., had been trying to buy out their relatives to keep family control, according to the above mentioned story and another I read July 8.
Maybe I'm not thinking about this correctly, but I don't think the NFL would go for this. The Steelers are a model NFL franchise, and Dan Rooney is among the best and most-respected owners in all of pro sports. Aside from all of this is the Rooneys have owned the team for 75 years, which I don't think the other NFL owners would discount easily.
Family ownership has been cited by numerous people on numerous TV shows and in newspaper articles as one of the reasons for the Steelers' success (five Super Bowl wins, tied for the most all-time). The family also is revered in Pittsburgh and I suspect there are quite a few people angry at the potential change.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has its story up as well. It indicates Dan Rooney is apparently up against his brothers in this fight. Several of them went to the financier, who is a die-hard Steelers fan.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
There goes the neighborhood...
The situation outlined in Rick Reilly's latest column for ESPN.com is just plain wrong and unacceptable, if it's true.
A Georgia high school baseball team, playing in the state championship, got so irritated with the umpire's call against him that they may have tried to do something about it. In the fourth inning, the pitcher threw a high fast ball and the catcher put his glove up to catch it. But, according to Reilly's column:
The catcher explained he was expecting a curveball and just dropped the ball. Reilly didn't believe him:
A Georgia high school baseball team, playing in the state championship, got so irritated with the umpire's call against him that they may have tried to do something about it. In the fourth inning, the pitcher threw a high fast ball and the catcher put his glove up to catch it. But, according to Reilly's column:
"... He drops to his knees before the ball gets to him. Doesn't even try to catch it. Just flops to his knees, with his head looking down at the plate. Never looks up or back. The ball, meanwhile, conks umpire Jeff Scott square in the face mask. Rocks him back. Then squirts up the third-base line."If this in fact was done intentionally, how low can people possibly get? We've all played in or watched games where the officiating was awful, but come on. Is this really how we fix problems now?
The catcher explained he was expecting a curveball and just dropped the ball. Reilly didn't believe him:
"Yeah, surrrre. I used to catch a little. Happens all the time. You're expecting a curveball and instead you get a fastball so you say, 'Boy, didn't see that coming. I'll just drop to my knees and wait for the next one.' "My friend TJ may be able to tell some umpiring stories. He was an umpire for Little League games at one time.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Today is the day
IU makes its case in front of the NCAA infractions committee. Former coach Kelvin Sampson, some of his assistants, IU officials and a bunch of lawyers will be present to defend their actions.
The hearing is closed to the public and media. The Indianapolis Star ran a great story today outlining the charges, process and potential outcomes.
Keep your fingers crossed...
The hearing is closed to the public and media. The Indianapolis Star ran a great story today outlining the charges, process and potential outcomes.
Keep your fingers crossed...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Hold open tryouts...
If you wouldn't admit it before, you have to now. Tom Crean is rebuilding the IU program, not reloading, literally from the ground up. Jordan Crawford announced yesterday he is leaving IU.
That leaves Kyle Taber as the only scholarship player returning from last year's team, according to media reports. He averaged 1.3 points per game last season. Crawford was expected to be the focus of Crean's first team, according to this report.
That's 12 players from the 2007-08 team that are now gone, if you include graduations and leaving early for the NBA draft, according to the Indy Star's count. Should IU fans start to wonder if the players know something the rest of us don't? IU is going in front of the NCAA this week to deal with the pending infractions from the Kelvin Sampson administration.
On the plus side, Crean may start the 08-09 season with his own version of the Fab 5. And who knows, I could enroll in graduate school there and use the four years of eligibility I have left...
That leaves Kyle Taber as the only scholarship player returning from last year's team, according to media reports. He averaged 1.3 points per game last season. Crawford was expected to be the focus of Crean's first team, according to this report.
That's 12 players from the 2007-08 team that are now gone, if you include graduations and leaving early for the NBA draft, according to the Indy Star's count. Should IU fans start to wonder if the players know something the rest of us don't? IU is going in front of the NCAA this week to deal with the pending infractions from the Kelvin Sampson administration.
On the plus side, Crean may start the 08-09 season with his own version of the Fab 5. And who knows, I could enroll in graduate school there and use the four years of eligibility I have left...
Friday, June 6, 2008
D-Day nears...
IU will go before the NCAA infractions committee next weekend, hoping the proverbial book will not be thrown at them for issues related to the basketball program.
A summary of the NCAA's case was released Thursday. Media accounts are available here and here (including a pdf of the summary).
According to reports, the summary includes transcripts of three-way phone calls as well as testimony from potential recruits about what subjects were discussed. Former basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has disputed some of the claims.
IU thinks its self-imposed sanctions are enough and its decades-long clean record should count for something. The fate of next season and beyond is in NCAA's hands. Hopefully, they don't make an example of us.
A summary of the NCAA's case was released Thursday. Media accounts are available here and here (including a pdf of the summary).
According to reports, the summary includes transcripts of three-way phone calls as well as testimony from potential recruits about what subjects were discussed. Former basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has disputed some of the claims.
IU thinks its self-imposed sanctions are enough and its decades-long clean record should count for something. The fate of next season and beyond is in NCAA's hands. Hopefully, they don't make an example of us.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The run ends
After a valiant effort, the IU baseball team fell in the Big Ten tourney semi-finals, losing 11-7 to Purdue.
I wasn't able to watch the game, because I was enjoying my Memorial Day weekend and I am not able to get Big Ten Network. But it didn't look like the Hoosiers were ever in the game. They were down 8-2 going into the seventh inning and 10-3 going into the eighth. IU scored four runs in the top of the eighth, but could not come up with any more in the ninth.
It was a good run. The Hoosiers finished the regular season 28-28, 15-17 in conference. A run to the semi-finals certainly was not expected.
Only three months until football season begins ... Game 1 is at noon Aug. 30 against Western Kentucky. It will not be on TV, not even BTN.
I wasn't able to watch the game, because I was enjoying my Memorial Day weekend and I am not able to get Big Ten Network. But it didn't look like the Hoosiers were ever in the game. They were down 8-2 going into the seventh inning and 10-3 going into the eighth. IU scored four runs in the top of the eighth, but could not come up with any more in the ninth.
It was a good run. The Hoosiers finished the regular season 28-28, 15-17 in conference. A run to the semi-finals certainly was not expected.
Only three months until football season begins ... Game 1 is at noon Aug. 30 against Western Kentucky. It will not be on TV, not even BTN.
Friday, May 23, 2008
On to the semis
Believe it or not ... a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Hoosiers the win over Penn State 11-8. Big Ten Network coverage is available here.
The Hoosiers move on to the semi-finals at 3:35 p.m. tomorrow, where they will face the loser of Michigan and Purdue, to be played later tonight.
IU was down 8-7 going into the bottom of the ninth after giving up four runs in the top half of the inning on four hits and an error.
The Hoosiers started the bottom half of the inning with two singles, and after a fielder's choice, had runners on first and second with one out. An infield single loaded the bases, bringing up the No. 9 hitter Tyler Cox. The grand slam won the game. Cox was 3-5 on the day.
The Hoosiers had 15 hits in the game. It wasn't a bad double-header. The Hoosiers scored a combined 25 runs on 31 hits. Chris Squires was the winning pitcher.
The Hoosiers move on to the semi-finals at 3:35 p.m. tomorrow, where they will face the loser of Michigan and Purdue, to be played later tonight.
IU was down 8-7 going into the bottom of the ninth after giving up four runs in the top half of the inning on four hits and an error.
The Hoosiers started the bottom half of the inning with two singles, and after a fielder's choice, had runners on first and second with one out. An infield single loaded the bases, bringing up the No. 9 hitter Tyler Cox. The grand slam won the game. Cox was 3-5 on the day.
The Hoosiers had 15 hits in the game. It wasn't a bad double-header. The Hoosiers scored a combined 25 runs on 31 hits. Chris Squires was the winning pitcher.
Boys of summer move on
The Hoosier baseball team took care of Illinois 14-7. They advance to play Penn State at 3:35 p.m. today. Another win would get them to Saturday's semi-finals where they would play the loser of the Michigan-Purdue game tonight.
IU catcher Josh Phegley went 4-4, including two homers, and drove in six runs in the win. IU had 16 hits in the game. Pitcher Tyler Tufts got the win, going nine innings and give up six earned runs.
IU catcher Josh Phegley went 4-4, including two homers, and drove in six runs in the win. IU had 16 hits in the game. Pitcher Tyler Tufts got the win, going nine innings and give up six earned runs.
Hold open tryouts Part II
More news comes out today as Tom Crean continues his house cleaning. The latest casualty is Brandon McGee, who would have been entering his sophomore season. He apparently didn't meet academic and team guidelines, according to the Indystar.com report.
That leaves us with two (yes, two) players remaining from last year's team: Jordan Crawford and Kyle Taber. Crean still has 11 scholarship players, a mix of freshmen and junior-college transfers, coming to Bloomington in the fall.
I must admit, I didn't think Crean would clean out the program as fast as he did. Maybe it's a good thing. Since Hoosier Nation expects him to win now, he has to get his ideal team put together as quick as possible.
That leaves us with two (yes, two) players remaining from last year's team: Jordan Crawford and Kyle Taber. Crean still has 11 scholarship players, a mix of freshmen and junior-college transfers, coming to Bloomington in the fall.
I must admit, I didn't think Crean would clean out the program as fast as he did. Maybe it's a good thing. Since Hoosier Nation expects him to win now, he has to get his ideal team put together as quick as possible.
The IU boys of summer
Those of us who are IU alumni likely don't have too many fond memories of Hoosier baseball. Not because the team isn't a national powerhouse ... OK because the team isn't a national powerhouse. But the Hoosiers are competitive and this year qualified for the Big Ten tournament. Only the top six teams are invited the the double-elimination event. The winner gets a bid to the NCAA tournament.
IU was the last team in. After getting clobbered by Penn State 6-1, IU beat Ohio State in 10 innings Thursday to stay alive. The team plays No. 4 seed Illinois at 12:05 p.m. today. A full bracket is here.
Michigan is hosting the tournament this year and is the top seed.
Update (1:11 p.m.): I almost forgot, my friend and fellow IU alum T.J., knows all too much about IU baseball. He covered the team one spring for the IDS.
The Hoosiers are leading Illinois 7-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning after a three-run homer by Josh Phegley.
IU was the last team in. After getting clobbered by Penn State 6-1, IU beat Ohio State in 10 innings Thursday to stay alive. The team plays No. 4 seed Illinois at 12:05 p.m. today. A full bracket is here.
Michigan is hosting the tournament this year and is the top seed.
Update (1:11 p.m.): I almost forgot, my friend and fellow IU alum T.J., knows all too much about IU baseball. He covered the team one spring for the IDS.
The Hoosiers are leading Illinois 7-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning after a three-run homer by Josh Phegley.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Schedule open tryouts
The Hoosiers are down to three returning scholarship players for next season, according to this report from ESPN.com. The program is supposed to announce today that Armon Bassett,
Jamarcus Ellis will not be reinstated and that DeAndre Thomas and Eli Holman also are leaving.
Holman's departure is no surprise after the issue yesterday where police had to be called when he lost it during a meeting with Head Coach Tom Crean.
According to the story, there are eight players returning, including the incoming JC players and freshmen. Maybe Crean should scout the IU intramural basketball games or hang out at the HPER and watch the pick-up games this summer. There probably is someone there worthy of wearing the Indiana uniform. Either way, IU may end up with only five or six players in its rotation next year.
Jamarcus Ellis will not be reinstated and that DeAndre Thomas and Eli Holman also are leaving.
Holman's departure is no surprise after the issue yesterday where police had to be called when he lost it during a meeting with Head Coach Tom Crean.
According to the story, there are eight players returning, including the incoming JC players and freshmen. Maybe Crean should scout the IU intramural basketball games or hang out at the HPER and watch the pick-up games this summer. There probably is someone there worthy of wearing the Indiana uniform. Either way, IU may end up with only five or six players in its rotation next year.
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