Tomorrow's game could be a Big Ten tournament preview for the Hoosiers.
In the first round, the sixth seed plays the 11th seed.
Penn State is tied with Wisconsin for sixth place in the Big Ten standings. IU is in last place, three games behind Iowa and the Hoosiers' recent play, as well as it's remaining schedule, doesn't inspire too much hope for moving out of the basement.
The Hoosiers played a marginally good game against Penn State in Bloomington, losing by 10. The tournament will be played in Indianapolis, which should be a home game.
The 11 seed is 3-11 all-time in the tournament, but it has advanced to the tournament final before. In 1999, Illinois finished last and made it to the final, where the team lost to Michigan State. Last year, as the 10 seed, Illinois reached the final again, losing to Wisconsin.
If the Hoosiers advance, they would play the No. 3 seed, which today is Purdue. It would be a rivalry game and after the embarrassing loss in the regular season, the Hoosiers may be due for a change.
In the semi-finals, the No. 2, 7 or 10 seeds would be waiting. In order, they are Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. The Hoosiers already beat Iowa this year and played well against Illinois and Minnesota. That's potentially three wins in three days.
In the final, No. 1 seed Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan or Northwestern. This game presents much more of a challenge. The favorite, Michigan State, will not take the Hoosiers lightly and plays all facets of the game better than IU.
This is really an unlikely scenario. IU has won only one game since Dec. 10. And in many of them they appeared over-matched. But suppose it could happen. Can you imagine the scene at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 15 if IU, a team that couldn't win 10 games in the regular season, was playing for a berth in the NCAA tournament?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A 41-year drought ends
In what must be a season of several dubious firsts, the Hoosiers lost to Northwestern for the first time ever at Assembly Hall. Yes I said ever.
The Hoosiers lost by 22 points, 75-53, on their home floor to a team that had not won in Bloomington since 1968.
Whenever the Hoosiers gained a little momentum, it was quickly snuffed out by a Northwestern three-pointer or conventional basket, followed by an IU turnover or missed shot. It's a problem they haven't solved all year.
A 20-4 run in the second half was the knock-out blow.
This game was probably the last best chance for a win before the Big Ten tournament. The Hoosiers are at Penn State Saturday and then host Michigan State March 3. The regular season ends at Wisconsin March 8.
The Hoosiers lost by 22 points, 75-53, on their home floor to a team that had not won in Bloomington since 1968.
Whenever the Hoosiers gained a little momentum, it was quickly snuffed out by a Northwestern three-pointer or conventional basket, followed by an IU turnover or missed shot. It's a problem they haven't solved all year.
A 20-4 run in the second half was the knock-out blow.
This game was probably the last best chance for a win before the Big Ten tournament. The Hoosiers are at Penn State Saturday and then host Michigan State March 3. The regular season ends at Wisconsin March 8.
Monday, February 23, 2009
More Mt. Rushmore
I made my picks for the IU football Mt. Rushmore last week. Today the ESPN.com blogger made his.
They were similar: Anthony Thompson, Antwaan Randle El, Bill Mallory, but instead of Trent Green, ESPN picked George Taliaferro, who starred for the Hoosiers in the mid-40s. Taliaferro also became the first black player drafted into the NFL in 1948.
It's a valid pick. I suppose he may be a better pick than Green. Both were great players.
My friend T.J. agreed with Thompson, Taliafero and Mallory, but suggested John Pont, Terry Hoeppner, Lou Saban, Bo McMillin, and Lee Corso.
I don't think Hoeppner coached long enough. He also never really proved he could win. Corso is more known for his TV work than his tenure coaching IU, even if he did win a bowl game in 1979.
When I asked the question on facebook, my friend Drew said Thompson, Harry Gonso, Randle El and Pete Stoyanovich. Another friend said Ogunleye, Green, Thompson and Randle El.
It was an interesting debate, even though the choices were less than stellar.
They were similar: Anthony Thompson, Antwaan Randle El, Bill Mallory, but instead of Trent Green, ESPN picked George Taliaferro, who starred for the Hoosiers in the mid-40s. Taliaferro also became the first black player drafted into the NFL in 1948.
It's a valid pick. I suppose he may be a better pick than Green. Both were great players.
My friend T.J. agreed with Thompson, Taliafero and Mallory, but suggested John Pont, Terry Hoeppner, Lou Saban, Bo McMillin, and Lee Corso.
I don't think Hoeppner coached long enough. He also never really proved he could win. Corso is more known for his TV work than his tenure coaching IU, even if he did win a bowl game in 1979.
When I asked the question on facebook, my friend Drew said Thompson, Harry Gonso, Randle El and Pete Stoyanovich. Another friend said Ogunleye, Green, Thompson and Randle El.
It was an interesting debate, even though the choices were less than stellar.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The IU Football Mt. Rushmore
ESPN.com has an interesting series going asking fans to name the four best sports figures from each state -- their Mt. Rushmore.
One of my favorite blogs, the ESPN.com Big Ten football blog, is asking for the Mt. Rushmore of every school. At the time of this post, an IU football Mt. Rushmore hasn't been named. It got me thinking who are the four more important IU football players or coaches. My picks:
Anthony Thompson: The best running back in Hoosier history, he graduated with the NCAA Division I record for career touchdowns. Was runner-up in the Heisman voting in 1989. Now a member of the college football hall of fame.
Antwaan Randle El: One of the greatest running-throwing quarterbacks in NCAA history with more than 11,000 career yards in total offense. He threw for nearly 7,500 career passing yards and ran for 3,895 yards in his career. He now is a wide receiver in the NFL.
Trent Green: Probably IU's best-ever pocket passer. He is in the top five in career and single-season passing yards and completions. Also played several years in the NFL.
Bill Mallory: He had a losing record during his 12 years as head football coach, but Mallory still has the school record for career wins. He led the team to six bowl games, winning two. Top to bottom, his tenure may have been the best-ever stretch of consistent excellence.
Others I considered: James Hardy, one of the best wide receivers in IU history, holds the school record for career receiving yards and touchdowns; and Adewale Ogunleye, among the best defensive linemen in IU history and career sack leader. He now plays for the Chicago Bears.
One of my favorite blogs, the ESPN.com Big Ten football blog, is asking for the Mt. Rushmore of every school. At the time of this post, an IU football Mt. Rushmore hasn't been named. It got me thinking who are the four more important IU football players or coaches. My picks:
Anthony Thompson: The best running back in Hoosier history, he graduated with the NCAA Division I record for career touchdowns. Was runner-up in the Heisman voting in 1989. Now a member of the college football hall of fame.
Antwaan Randle El: One of the greatest running-throwing quarterbacks in NCAA history with more than 11,000 career yards in total offense. He threw for nearly 7,500 career passing yards and ran for 3,895 yards in his career. He now is a wide receiver in the NFL.
Trent Green: Probably IU's best-ever pocket passer. He is in the top five in career and single-season passing yards and completions. Also played several years in the NFL.
Bill Mallory: He had a losing record during his 12 years as head football coach, but Mallory still has the school record for career wins. He led the team to six bowl games, winning two. Top to bottom, his tenure may have been the best-ever stretch of consistent excellence.
Others I considered: James Hardy, one of the best wide receivers in IU history, holds the school record for career receiving yards and touchdowns; and Adewale Ogunleye, among the best defensive linemen in IU history and career sack leader. He now plays for the Chicago Bears.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Horizon
Big Ten basketball teams have to feel lucky.
I saw some flashes of how good this Indiana team could be today in their loss to Illinois.
Yes. I said this Indiana team. The team that averages more than 18 turnovers a game. The team that only six field goals in the first half today.
There was a 4-minute stretch in the second half where it seemed to click. The Hoosiers closed to within six points in what was a brilliant display. It didn't come from a barrage of three-pointers. It came from good play. They made good passes, took good shots and played tough defense. Their play matched the effort.
Illinois was stunned by the punch and looked out of sync. I saw the Hoosier players playing confidently, like they felt like they could win ... until Chester Frazier drilled a three-pointer to put the Illini up by nine, ending the threat. The Hoosiers reverted back to their old selves and stumbled to a 13-point loss.
While the team looked like it was intimidated, out-played and out-talented in the first half, the Hoosiers played like they belonged on the floor a good portion of the second.
Coach Tom Crean is building a team from scratch this season. But I wonder how good they could be, or could have been, if the Hoosiers could put together an entire game similar to those 4 minutes.
Maybe some of those close losses (Michigan, at Iowa, Minnesota) would have gone the other way. Confidence feeds on itself. Maybe the Hoosiers begin to believe a little more. Maybe they manage 10, 12 or 15 wins. Maybe they get a home win over an elite Big Ten team like Michigan State, Wisconsin or Purdue.
I don't want to be the coach that runs into the buzz saw if the Hoosiers figure it out this season.
I saw some flashes of how good this Indiana team could be today in their loss to Illinois.
Yes. I said this Indiana team. The team that averages more than 18 turnovers a game. The team that only six field goals in the first half today.
There was a 4-minute stretch in the second half where it seemed to click. The Hoosiers closed to within six points in what was a brilliant display. It didn't come from a barrage of three-pointers. It came from good play. They made good passes, took good shots and played tough defense. Their play matched the effort.
Illinois was stunned by the punch and looked out of sync. I saw the Hoosier players playing confidently, like they felt like they could win ... until Chester Frazier drilled a three-pointer to put the Illini up by nine, ending the threat. The Hoosiers reverted back to their old selves and stumbled to a 13-point loss.
While the team looked like it was intimidated, out-played and out-talented in the first half, the Hoosiers played like they belonged on the floor a good portion of the second.
Coach Tom Crean is building a team from scratch this season. But I wonder how good they could be, or could have been, if the Hoosiers could put together an entire game similar to those 4 minutes.
Maybe some of those close losses (Michigan, at Iowa, Minnesota) would have gone the other way. Confidence feeds on itself. Maybe the Hoosiers begin to believe a little more. Maybe they manage 10, 12 or 15 wins. Maybe they get a home win over an elite Big Ten team like Michigan State, Wisconsin or Purdue.
I don't want to be the coach that runs into the buzz saw if the Hoosiers figure it out this season.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The rites of spring
Baseball season is upon us, almost. The White Sox report for spring training Sunday and the World Baseball Classic will take away the boredom of exhibition games, beginning March 5.
While I am excited for the defending AL Central champs to begin another campaign, I found this story in today's Chicago Tribune about a statistical prediction for the upcoming season. Using a complicated formula taking into account players' potential performance, the author estimated the White Sox's 2009 record to be 74-88, third worst in the American League.
Math formulas and predictions, along with $2, will buy me a venti regular coffee at Starbucks, so I guess all it's really good for is to stir debate. I prefer to think about the post-season run the Sox went on last year. Including scenes like this -- the final out of the AL Central tie-breaker game. It was a 1-0 win over the Twins. Jim Thome accounted for the only run. Another view is here.
Are the Sox the best team in the AL this year, probably not. But they will not finish with the third-worst record as the Baseball Prospectus expects. I think this team has the potential to be very good, but they are going to be slugging it out with the Twins, Indians and Tigers. It's also hard to stomach the Royals having a better record than the Sox as the book suggests.
Incidentally, my wife's beloved Red Sox are picked to win 98 games. I find that hard to believe as well, because their starting pitching is aging and has an injury history, as this ESPN.com article suggests.
As I said, we're just trying to stir some debate.
While I am excited for the defending AL Central champs to begin another campaign, I found this story in today's Chicago Tribune about a statistical prediction for the upcoming season. Using a complicated formula taking into account players' potential performance, the author estimated the White Sox's 2009 record to be 74-88, third worst in the American League.
Math formulas and predictions, along with $2, will buy me a venti regular coffee at Starbucks, so I guess all it's really good for is to stir debate. I prefer to think about the post-season run the Sox went on last year. Including scenes like this -- the final out of the AL Central tie-breaker game. It was a 1-0 win over the Twins. Jim Thome accounted for the only run. Another view is here.
Are the Sox the best team in the AL this year, probably not. But they will not finish with the third-worst record as the Baseball Prospectus expects. I think this team has the potential to be very good, but they are going to be slugging it out with the Twins, Indians and Tigers. It's also hard to stomach the Royals having a better record than the Sox as the book suggests.
Incidentally, my wife's beloved Red Sox are picked to win 98 games. I find that hard to believe as well, because their starting pitching is aging and has an injury history, as this ESPN.com article suggests.
As I said, we're just trying to stir some debate.
Hoosier country among best college towns
Bloomington was rated the No. 10 best college sports town by Forbes.com.
I have to say the reputation is deserved. B-town has a great bar scene, i.e. Kirkwood Avenue, as well as top-quality sports. The town also is beautiful, especially in the fall during football season.
The IU music school, rated among the best in the nation, also lends itself to a cool music scene. I can remember sitting in Bear's Place for the weekly Jazz Fables show, listening to the music school's jazz masters students. They were a group that would cost $50 to see in New York, but my friends and I paid $5. The musicians didn't like to advertise the show because the small pizza place couldn't handle the mass of people who would attend.
The room was so crowded the host asked patrons to let strangers sit with them in their boothes. We had to arrive an hour before show time to get seats. We felt like we were in on a little Bloomington secret.
Hat tip: ESPN.com's Big Ten blog
I have to say the reputation is deserved. B-town has a great bar scene, i.e. Kirkwood Avenue, as well as top-quality sports. The town also is beautiful, especially in the fall during football season.
The IU music school, rated among the best in the nation, also lends itself to a cool music scene. I can remember sitting in Bear's Place for the weekly Jazz Fables show, listening to the music school's jazz masters students. They were a group that would cost $50 to see in New York, but my friends and I paid $5. The musicians didn't like to advertise the show because the small pizza place couldn't handle the mass of people who would attend.
The room was so crowded the host asked patrons to let strangers sit with them in their boothes. We had to arrive an hour before show time to get seats. We felt like we were in on a little Bloomington secret.
Hat tip: ESPN.com's Big Ten blog
Friday, February 6, 2009
Signing day grades
Signing Day came and went this week. The Hoosiers signed 18 players for the 2009 season. They are expected to fill holes left on the squad, but were not highly rated.
In fact the class was rated 11th in the Big Ten by ESPN.com. The team signed 10 offensive players, five defensive players, one special teams player and two "athletes." None of the commitments were in the ESPN list of top 150 players. Northwestern and Purdue also managed to sign no top 150 players, but Ohio State and Michigan signed seven each.
These ratings are not a definitive indication of greatness in college, but why is it you hear more about good players who flew under the radar than those who were high recruited?
The Big Ten had the third most commitments, 22, in the top 150 of all the major conferences and independents. The SEC had the most, by far, with 52. The ACC had 23.
The Chicago Tribune also rated the Hoosier class last in the conference.
The best player in the Hoosier class is the kicker, according to one rating I saw. That should seem worrisome for the future. But the recruits also include a couple quarterback/wide-receiver prospects that could provide some offensive firepower. I maintain the secret to winning is on defense. Is it a concern that some of the new recruits could compete for starting spots?
In fact the class was rated 11th in the Big Ten by ESPN.com. The team signed 10 offensive players, five defensive players, one special teams player and two "athletes." None of the commitments were in the ESPN list of top 150 players. Northwestern and Purdue also managed to sign no top 150 players, but Ohio State and Michigan signed seven each.
These ratings are not a definitive indication of greatness in college, but why is it you hear more about good players who flew under the radar than those who were high recruited?
The Big Ten had the third most commitments, 22, in the top 150 of all the major conferences and independents. The SEC had the most, by far, with 52. The ACC had 23.
The Chicago Tribune also rated the Hoosier class last in the conference.
The best player in the Hoosier class is the kicker, according to one rating I saw. That should seem worrisome for the future. But the recruits also include a couple quarterback/wide-receiver prospects that could provide some offensive firepower. I maintain the secret to winning is on defense. Is it a concern that some of the new recruits could compete for starting spots?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The longest day
I continue celebrating the Steelers' Super Bowl victory, but I am also reminded that today is the longest period before the NFL returns.
Now talk turns to expectations and the future as the latest crop of college players is graded and soon drafted.
Amid all that is IU football, coming off a dismal season and equally dismal prospects. Another sign that the past season was sub-par -- the number of IU players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine later this month in Indianapolis.
The Big Ten had 46 players invited to the combine. Indiana is sending one. Just one. Wide-receiver Andrew Means was the only player considered NFL material.
Michigan had one of its worst seasons ever and still is sending four players. Ohio State and Penn State are sending eight each. Wisconsin is sending seven players.
Surprising, the Hoosiers' poor showing in the upcoming combine is not the lowest in the conference. Minnesota isn't sending anyone.
Now talk turns to expectations and the future as the latest crop of college players is graded and soon drafted.
Amid all that is IU football, coming off a dismal season and equally dismal prospects. Another sign that the past season was sub-par -- the number of IU players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine later this month in Indianapolis.
The Big Ten had 46 players invited to the combine. Indiana is sending one. Just one. Wide-receiver Andrew Means was the only player considered NFL material.
Michigan had one of its worst seasons ever and still is sending four players. Ohio State and Penn State are sending eight each. Wisconsin is sending seven players.
Surprising, the Hoosiers' poor showing in the upcoming combine is not the lowest in the conference. Minnesota isn't sending anyone.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Greatest Super Bowl Ever Played
The Steelers won their sixth Super Bowl, 27-23, in what arguably was the greatest Super Bowl ever played.
Ben Roethlisberger cemented his place as the best big-game quarterback in the NFL, leading the team on the game winning drive with about 2 minutes to go. It came after the Cardinals went on their own touchdown drive to take the lead.
The Cardinals offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns and a safety to go ahead 23-20. But Big Ben hit Santonio Holmes four times on the final drive, including a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone for the gaming-winning touchdown. After forcing a Kurt Warner fumble, the game was secured.
I was ready to drop over when the Cardinals took the lead. I couldn't believe a game the Steelers dominated for three and a half quarters was slipping away. Even when the winning drive began I wasn't optimistic. I was getting consoling text messages. But Big Ben gave me hope once again.
The Steelers have six championships now, the most of any NFL franchise. Congrats the Holmes, the MVP, Coach Mike Tomlin, Big Ben and the rest of the team. They deserve it.
I'm still flying high. I don't know how I'm going to be able to watch an hour-long episode of The Office.
Note: The Coke commercial with Troy Polamalu was pretty good. Surprisingly, the Cash4Gold ad also was kind of funny, which included an appearance by Hammer. I still liked the Doritos snow globe commercial the best.
Ben Roethlisberger cemented his place as the best big-game quarterback in the NFL, leading the team on the game winning drive with about 2 minutes to go. It came after the Cardinals went on their own touchdown drive to take the lead.
The Cardinals offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns and a safety to go ahead 23-20. But Big Ben hit Santonio Holmes four times on the final drive, including a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone for the gaming-winning touchdown. After forcing a Kurt Warner fumble, the game was secured.
I was ready to drop over when the Cardinals took the lead. I couldn't believe a game the Steelers dominated for three and a half quarters was slipping away. Even when the winning drive began I wasn't optimistic. I was getting consoling text messages. But Big Ben gave me hope once again.
The Steelers have six championships now, the most of any NFL franchise. Congrats the Holmes, the MVP, Coach Mike Tomlin, Big Ben and the rest of the team. They deserve it.
I'm still flying high. I don't know how I'm going to be able to watch an hour-long episode of The Office.
Note: The Coke commercial with Troy Polamalu was pretty good. Surprisingly, the Cash4Gold ad also was kind of funny, which included an appearance by Hammer. I still liked the Doritos snow globe commercial the best.
Steelers increase lead after third quarter to 20-7
Not much going on in the third quarter, but the Steelers managed a field goal to increase their lead to 20-7.
Three huge personal foul penalties helped keep the key drive alive, which lasted 16 plays and went 79 yards. The only downer was that it stalled inside the five yard line after three shots at a touchdown. The Cardinals offense was not able to get much done again, despite finding some holes running the ball and hitting short passes.
Stats are here. Fourth quarter coming up.
Three huge personal foul penalties helped keep the key drive alive, which lasted 16 plays and went 79 yards. The only downer was that it stalled inside the five yard line after three shots at a touchdown. The Cardinals offense was not able to get much done again, despite finding some holes running the ball and hitting short passes.
Stats are here. Fourth quarter coming up.
Steelers lead at halftime 17-7
Just when I thought the Steelers were going to be trailing at halftime, defensive player of the year James Harrison made the play of the game. A 100-yard interception return for a touchdown not only stopped what was the Cardinals go-ahead score, it put the Steelers up 10 points at halftime.
An unbelievable turn-around to retake control of the game.
The Steelers defense has to figure out how to stop the passes into the flat to Edgerrin James. That seemed to be the only play that was working for the Cardinals. When the defenders began covering James, the field opened for Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
Halftime stats are here.
So far my favorite commercial still is the Doritos snow globe ad. The 3-D ad at the end of the first half was very cool, but I don't think it used the 3-D technology enough. I liked the image of the characters flying out of the screen and that only happened a few times during the couple-minute ad.
I'm going to step away from the computer now and listen to The Boss.
An unbelievable turn-around to retake control of the game.
The Steelers defense has to figure out how to stop the passes into the flat to Edgerrin James. That seemed to be the only play that was working for the Cardinals. When the defenders began covering James, the field opened for Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
Halftime stats are here.
So far my favorite commercial still is the Doritos snow globe ad. The 3-D ad at the end of the first half was very cool, but I don't think it used the 3-D technology enough. I liked the image of the characters flying out of the screen and that only happened a few times during the couple-minute ad.
I'm going to step away from the computer now and listen to The Boss.
Steelers lead 3-0 after first
Good first quarter for the Steelers. It was hard to tell how well the Cardinals offense was playing, because they only ran a few plays.
Big Ben and the Steelers offense are clicking.
My favorite ad so far is the Doritos ad with the snow globe.
Big Ben and the Steelers offense are clicking.
My favorite ad so far is the Doritos ad with the snow globe.
That extra phone call
Every Sunday I get a call from my father. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh and for a long-time was a Steelers season ticket-holder.
Usually we talk about sports and during football season, we talk about the Steelers and occasionally, the Bears. On special Sundays, I get two calls. Those are reserved for football championship games.
After Super Bowl XL, I made the call. The Steelers had just beaten the Seahawks 21-10.
"Hey, Derrick?" my father said.
"We did it!" I said excitedly into the cell phone.
That is the attitude in my family, and I suspect others, when it comes to the Steelers. They're our team. It's we win, not they win. That is why the Super Bowl is so special. We all take a piece of a victory ... and a loss.
Tonight I will be stuck to my coach for maybe five minutes before I start pacing. I will yell at the TV, because they're my players as much as they are Mike Tomlin's. I will hope for great plays just as hard as the players work for them.
I think the Steelers should win this game. My prediction is 27-17. Let's hope the late night phone call I will get tonight is a good one.
Usually we talk about sports and during football season, we talk about the Steelers and occasionally, the Bears. On special Sundays, I get two calls. Those are reserved for football championship games.
After Super Bowl XL, I made the call. The Steelers had just beaten the Seahawks 21-10.
"Hey, Derrick?" my father said.
"We did it!" I said excitedly into the cell phone.
That is the attitude in my family, and I suspect others, when it comes to the Steelers. They're our team. It's we win, not they win. That is why the Super Bowl is so special. We all take a piece of a victory ... and a loss.
Tonight I will be stuck to my coach for maybe five minutes before I start pacing. I will yell at the TV, because they're my players as much as they are Mike Tomlin's. I will hope for great plays just as hard as the players work for them.
I think the Steelers should win this game. My prediction is 27-17. Let's hope the late night phone call I will get tonight is a good one.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Effort is not enough
Once again, playing hard won't do it. The Hoosiers fall to Ohio State 93-81 in a game that was as frustrating as the entire season.
An 9-11 three-point performance by Matt Roth goes wasted because the Hoosiers could not sustain any momentum. Whether that is a testament to the Buckeyes' greatness is debatable.
It wasn't that the Hoosiers made mistakes. It was they made mistakes in bunches and at the worst times. Late in the second half with a chance to win, the Hoosiers turned the ball over several times, leading to Ohio State points. Two four-point plays allowed as well as a three-point shooter fouled -- he made all three free throws -- did not help either.
What is probably most frustrating is Ohio State played error-free for most of the game. They shot lights out in the second half, 63 percent for the game, when IU was trying to make a run and made almost all their free-throws. And the officials seemed to give them every major call in the game as well.
How much longer must IU wait for a break?
An 9-11 three-point performance by Matt Roth goes wasted because the Hoosiers could not sustain any momentum. Whether that is a testament to the Buckeyes' greatness is debatable.
It wasn't that the Hoosiers made mistakes. It was they made mistakes in bunches and at the worst times. Late in the second half with a chance to win, the Hoosiers turned the ball over several times, leading to Ohio State points. Two four-point plays allowed as well as a three-point shooter fouled -- he made all three free throws -- did not help either.
What is probably most frustrating is Ohio State played error-free for most of the game. They shot lights out in the second half, 63 percent for the game, when IU was trying to make a run and made almost all their free-throws. And the officials seemed to give them every major call in the game as well.
How much longer must IU wait for a break?
Another Steeler in the Hall of Fame
Fort Wayne native Rod Woodson, one of the best cornerbacks and safeties of all time, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the NFL announced today.
While Woodson ended his career with the primarily the Ravens and Raiders, he spent his first 10 seasons in the league with the Steelers. He played in Super Bowl XXX while with the Steelers and won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens.
Woodson was one of the few players that distinguished himself at two defensive positions, corner and safety. He also was a quality return man. He was named an All-Pro at all three spots.
A highlight video is here. Congrats to Mr. Woodson. Your Fort Wayne fans are proud of you.
While Woodson ended his career with the primarily the Ravens and Raiders, he spent his first 10 seasons in the league with the Steelers. He played in Super Bowl XXX while with the Steelers and won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens.
Woodson was one of the few players that distinguished himself at two defensive positions, corner and safety. He also was a quality return man. He was named an All-Pro at all three spots.
A highlight video is here. Congrats to Mr. Woodson. Your Fort Wayne fans are proud of you.
Friday, January 30, 2009
A milestone
I am proud to announce that this is post No. 300 since the creation of The Illinois Hoosier in July 22, 2007.
I also have surpassed 1,000 unique visitors since being registered with SiteMeter. The blog existed for several months before I began tracking visitors.
The stats are not impressive, but I'm slowing building a fan base. Thank you to the elite few who read my stuff. I appreciate it.
I also have surpassed 1,000 unique visitors since being registered with SiteMeter. The blog existed for several months before I began tracking visitors.
The stats are not impressive, but I'm slowing building a fan base. Thank you to the elite few who read my stuff. I appreciate it.
Super Bowl things to think about
The Super Bowl is a little more than two days away and the players are making their final adjustments.
It seems everyone has broken down every angle in this game over the last two weeks, but I'm going to offer something else to think about. My thought was about the regular season schedule, because it can predict how the team will respond to big, high-pressure games.
The Steelers were written-off at the beginning of the season because they had such a tough schedule. The team played six teams in this year's playoffs, winning 3 (Ravens twice and Chargers). The losses came against the Eagles, Titans and Giants.
There also were highly hyped games against the Cowboys (a Steelers win) and Patriots (win). That's eight games out of 16 regular season games that were covered like a playoff game.
The Cardinals played five of this year's playoff teams and won only one, against Miami in week two. The four losses came against the Eagles, Giants, Vikings and Panthers. Other "big" games came against the Cowboys (a win) and Patriots (a loss).
There is no game bigger than the Super Bowl, but experience playing in high-pressure situations is a big deal. The Cardinals did not perform well under those conditions in the regular season, 2-5, while the Steelers played much better, 5-3.
Something else to consider when thinking about the Cardinals. This year's playoff performance has been impressive, but Larry Fitzgerald has not always played well in big games.
During the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl, his last college game at the University of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald had five catches for 77 yards and no touchdowns. It broke his 18-game streak scoring a touchdown. Virginia beat Pitt by rushing the passer and limiting the number of throws at Fitzgerald. The game also was the first since he was runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
By the way, the same year was Ben Roethlisberger's last year at Miami (Ohio). He torched Louisville in his final game, the GMAC Bowl, for 376 yards and four touchdowns.
More recently, Fitzgerald scored all three of his touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship game. He had three catches in the second half, all on one drive in the fourth quarter. That happened to be the drive that led to the game-winning score. My point is receivers can disappear during a game. The Eagles figured it out in the second half of that game.
The Steelers also have stopped offenses headed into the game on a roll. Remember the San Diego Chargers? There were several pundits who picked the Chargers because their offense was on fire coming into the game. The Steelers gave up 308 yards and three TD passes to Philip Rivers, but two of those came in the fourth quarter when the game was over. And many of those passing yards came because the Chargers only could rush for 15 yards.
Be careful listening to all this talk about the Cardinals offense and how it will beat the Steelers. Remember, defense still wins championships.
It seems everyone has broken down every angle in this game over the last two weeks, but I'm going to offer something else to think about. My thought was about the regular season schedule, because it can predict how the team will respond to big, high-pressure games.
The Steelers were written-off at the beginning of the season because they had such a tough schedule. The team played six teams in this year's playoffs, winning 3 (Ravens twice and Chargers). The losses came against the Eagles, Titans and Giants.
There also were highly hyped games against the Cowboys (a Steelers win) and Patriots (win). That's eight games out of 16 regular season games that were covered like a playoff game.
The Cardinals played five of this year's playoff teams and won only one, against Miami in week two. The four losses came against the Eagles, Giants, Vikings and Panthers. Other "big" games came against the Cowboys (a win) and Patriots (a loss).
There is no game bigger than the Super Bowl, but experience playing in high-pressure situations is a big deal. The Cardinals did not perform well under those conditions in the regular season, 2-5, while the Steelers played much better, 5-3.
Something else to consider when thinking about the Cardinals. This year's playoff performance has been impressive, but Larry Fitzgerald has not always played well in big games.
During the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl, his last college game at the University of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald had five catches for 77 yards and no touchdowns. It broke his 18-game streak scoring a touchdown. Virginia beat Pitt by rushing the passer and limiting the number of throws at Fitzgerald. The game also was the first since he was runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
By the way, the same year was Ben Roethlisberger's last year at Miami (Ohio). He torched Louisville in his final game, the GMAC Bowl, for 376 yards and four touchdowns.
More recently, Fitzgerald scored all three of his touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship game. He had three catches in the second half, all on one drive in the fourth quarter. That happened to be the drive that led to the game-winning score. My point is receivers can disappear during a game. The Eagles figured it out in the second half of that game.
The Steelers also have stopped offenses headed into the game on a roll. Remember the San Diego Chargers? There were several pundits who picked the Chargers because their offense was on fire coming into the game. The Steelers gave up 308 yards and three TD passes to Philip Rivers, but two of those came in the fourth quarter when the game was over. And many of those passing yards came because the Chargers only could rush for 15 yards.
Be careful listening to all this talk about the Cardinals offense and how it will beat the Steelers. Remember, defense still wins championships.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Understand me a little better
If you read this blog, you know I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I became a fan in part because I was born into it and watched my father root for the team. But even though I also embraced the Chicago Bears during my years living in the Chicago suburbs, I remained a citizen of Steeler Nation.
With Super Bowl XLIII on the horizon, more focus is on the Steeler Nation. ESPN.com has stories on the "Steeler bars" around the world as well as the origin of the Terrible Towel. The video interview with towel creator Myron Cope is classic, by the way.
Full disclosure: Fort Wayne has four Steeler bars, including Wrigley Field Bar & Grill. And I do have a Terrible Towel, pictured here. It was a gift from my grandfather, who was as loyal a fan as they come.
Three more days ...
With Super Bowl XLIII on the horizon, more focus is on the Steeler Nation. ESPN.com has stories on the "Steeler bars" around the world as well as the origin of the Terrible Towel. The video interview with towel creator Myron Cope is classic, by the way.
Full disclosure: Fort Wayne has four Steeler bars, including Wrigley Field Bar & Grill. And I do have a Terrible Towel, pictured here. It was a gift from my grandfather, who was as loyal a fan as they come.
Three more days ...
In need of a break
I don't know what's worse, the fact that IU men's basketball team lost a game to Northwestern that it easily could have won or that the team lost despite its maximum effort.
At first I was angry when the losses began piling up. Now that I see the team improving and staying competitive, I feel for the players because all the work has not paid off. The last two games, Wednesday's game and a Jan. 25 loss to Minnesota, were miles ahead of where the team was in December, when it last won a game.
Alas, there was plenty of blame to go around for this loss. Devan Dumes committing a foul with 6 second left that allowed Northwestern to take the lead, Verdell Jones committing seven turnovers and the 25 points given up off the team's 22 turnovers. And of course the blown in-bounds play with 5 seconds left.
That game was probably the most complete game I have seen the team play in a long time. They refused to give up, even when down 11 points in the second half, even when Wildcats star Kevin Colbe made unbelievable shots. I just wish the Hoosiers could get a break.
Looking forward, a win could come as early as next week. Saturday's game against Ohio State is probably a loss. But the streak could end Feb. 4 when Iowa comes to Assembly Hall. The Hawkeyes are 2-5 in the conference and IU only lost by 5 in Iowa City. After that game, there may be only one more chance, Feb. 25 against Northwestern.
I just hope they can get a break. If they continue to play hard, they should be able to make a few breaks. I feel like this team has earned a couple wins already. I hope they get what they deserve.
At first I was angry when the losses began piling up. Now that I see the team improving and staying competitive, I feel for the players because all the work has not paid off. The last two games, Wednesday's game and a Jan. 25 loss to Minnesota, were miles ahead of where the team was in December, when it last won a game.
Alas, there was plenty of blame to go around for this loss. Devan Dumes committing a foul with 6 second left that allowed Northwestern to take the lead, Verdell Jones committing seven turnovers and the 25 points given up off the team's 22 turnovers. And of course the blown in-bounds play with 5 seconds left.
That game was probably the most complete game I have seen the team play in a long time. They refused to give up, even when down 11 points in the second half, even when Wildcats star Kevin Colbe made unbelievable shots. I just wish the Hoosiers could get a break.
Looking forward, a win could come as early as next week. Saturday's game against Ohio State is probably a loss. But the streak could end Feb. 4 when Iowa comes to Assembly Hall. The Hawkeyes are 2-5 in the conference and IU only lost by 5 in Iowa City. After that game, there may be only one more chance, Feb. 25 against Northwestern.
I just hope they can get a break. If they continue to play hard, they should be able to make a few breaks. I feel like this team has earned a couple wins already. I hope they get what they deserve.
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