Be Careful What You Wish For

I was feeling pretty good about the prospects of the BCS National Championship Game and then Saturday came.

Usually I don’t cheer for the favorites unless I have a definite interest in the outcome. But Saturday was different. I was routing for No. 1 Kansas State and No. 2 Oregon because I am sick of watching the Southeastern Conference in the national championship game. Alabama had slipped to No. 4 in the BCS and the only way the Tide had a chance was if two of the top three teams lost.

And surprise, surprise, that’s what happened Saturday.

Baylor destroyed Kansas State and Oregon forgot to bring its high-powered offense in an overtime loss to Stanford.

Unfortunately, Alabama is now No. 2 in the BCS (behind Notre Dame) and headed for the national title game unless there is another upset. Even if Alabama would loss this week against Auburn and lose the SEC championship game, Georgia (another SEC team) is waiting to sneak up into that No. 2 BCS slot.

So here’s this Midwest guy cheering for Alabama and Georgia to loss. We need some variety in college football folks and another SEC team in the championship game defeats that plan.

Will Alabama lose again this season?

Throwback Uniforms

I must be missing something here.

What are all these sport teams fascination with wearing throwback uniforms?

Iowa and Iowa State renew their big football rivalry tomorrow (Saturday) in Iowa City. And surprise, surprise, the Hawkeyes will wear uniforms from the past.

Normally, I am a guy who likes the past because it doesn’t require change. But get a gripe sports teams. The uniforms of the old days should stay in the old days. If you need an old uniform fix, fire up the ‘ole eight millimeters projector and enjoy the view.

America is a strange place in terms of old things. We celebrate old cars and other collector’s items, but we are quick to throw away old TVs and slightly used clothing. And yet, people buy these throwback jerseys like there are some special trinkets.

So, I guess these old uniforms must fits in the celebration old category. I say this with a gulp in the throat, “Where are the Oregon Duck’s uniforms when we need them.”

What are your thoughts on throwback uniforms?

The Worst Dressed Men's College Basketball Teams

I am interested in fashion just like the next sensitive American male. And believe me; some college men’s basketball teams have no fashion sense.

I must admit my polling sample is quite narrow because I watch almost exclusively Big 12 and Big Ten games. But I imagine if I was paying close attention, the Oregon Ducks would make my list. Doesn’t Oregon make everyone’s dress list thanks to Nike’s Phil Knight?

Let me say I am fine with these long, baggy pants. I think they are like cell phones—here to stay. The headbands—not so much. Those players should gather for a headband convention and talk about their problem. I do miss the wrist bands however. Apparently, they disappeared along with the 25-cent ice cream cone.

My list is quite short and I guess that is a good thing.

My No. 1 spot goes to Kansas State. The Wildcats wear ugly light, gray uniforms at home. The purple lettering does not save this outfit. These uniforms look better suited for prison. Whatever happened to the rule where the home teams wears white and the visiting teams wear dark?

My No. 2 slot goes to Ohio State. The Buckeyes also wear gray at home but their gray blends in a better than Kansas State. However, Ohio State should go back to the whites at home.

My No. 3 pick is Michigan. Those home yellow uniforms are too bright. Maybe the Wolverines could donate them to the Michigan Highway Department.

My No 4 spots goes to any team wearing those electric yellow Addidas shoes. Baylor was the first school I saw wearing those things. But the fashion statement soon left the Baylor team. Good thing. Those shoes should be worn only at night because I imagine they glow in the dark. Unfortunately, Wisconsin-Milwaukee was wearing that color last night on ESPN.

Who are some teams on your worst dressed list?
Men's basketball

Random Thoughts on BCS Championship Game

The NCAA should ban the Southeastern Conference (SEC) from the championship game for a long while. The SEC teams are too good. The conference wins the championship too often. Give some other conference a chance.

Despite the close final score, Auburn dominated Oregon. Oregon played tentative and out of sync. Again, the Ducks had trouble on the big stage.

I thought Oregon’s hot yellow shoes and socks were well, hot. The only problem was they looked too much like the officials’ penalty flags.

I wonder if Auburn’s Gene Chizik thought about his heading coaching days at Iowa State last night after the Tiger’s victory. After going 5-19 in two years at Iowa State, Chizik continues on his magical ride.

I loved Oregon coach Chip Kelly’s responses to sideline reporter Erin Andrews’ questions before the game. He basically said to Andrews without saying it: “These questions are really stupid ones and here are my bland answers.”

Kelly and Chizik are tough football guys. I guess that’s one reason their football teams played for the title.

If I was Auburn, I wouldn’t build a permanent case for the championship trophy. The Tigers may have to give it back some year. The Cam Newton situation is still fluid.

And some final general thoughts. The college season is officially over with the exception of a couple all-star games. Now recruiting is the center stage. Then spring football.

By the way, spring football is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Nike Versus Under Armour for the Championship

Oregon and Auburn battle for the BCS National Championship tonight. But another game within the game will occur. Apparel companies Nike (Oregon) and Under Armour (Auburn) will also fight for exposure.

Some call the University of Oregon Nike University after Nike founder, Phil Knight, an Oregon grad. Oregon has the hippest uniforms of any college football team out there. Maybe Oregon will reveal new uniforms tonight. Don’t underestimate Knight’s desire to make a splash. Remember Nike is Nike.

Auburn will sport uniforms from an up-and-coming apparel company. You see more college teams wearing Under Armour Stuff. Texas Tech and Maryland (where the founder went to school) come to mind. Under Armour wants to make a splash too and it wants part of Nike’s pie.

While Oregon has the advantage in the apparel race, the Ducks could be lacking in the game. Sure they have firepower, but can they handle the pressure of tonight’s big stage.
Then their opponent, Auburn, brings Cam Newton to the contest. The Tigers seem to handle pressure and distractions well.

Enjoy this championship game. And don’t forget to watch the apparel race. Remember, it’s the game within the game.

Pace Yourself for the College Bowl Season

By my count, there has already been five bowl games played heading into Wednesday. I have sat down and watched a total of zero. I have only seen a few plays in passing.

My suggestion to you is pace yourself for the bowl season. Like well-trained athletes, you need to get ready for this TV watching.

There are too many bowl games. So select your favorite team or teams, watch those and maybe a few others. But don’t burn yourself out.

Remember to walk around the house during commercials. Go outside during halftime. Do anything to keep active and your mind focused on your game. Drink plenty of water and do healthy snacks.

I noticed that there are four non-BCS games after January 1 this season. What’s up with that? In protest, don’t watch those games unless it’s your favorite team.

I plan on watching NC State-West Virginia and Iowa-Missouri. I’ll also probably watch Wisconsin-TCU and Oregon-Auburn.

Which game are you planning to watch?

Southern Cal in Unique Spoiler Role

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks must face the USC Trojans on the road today.

The Trojans are the underdog today and will try to tame the high-flying Ducks. My have the mighty fallen. Still many like USC’s chances.

All the pressure is on Oregon. An undefeated season and national title hopes are on the line today. All eyes are on the Ducks. Oregon has been on the national scene in recent years but still wear the tag of “Can’t Win the Big Game.” This is a big game. Can the Ducks pardon the pun, dodge the bullet today?

The Trojans must enjoy their position in this game. They are having an ordinary season (5-2 overall, 2-2 Pac-10). If they upset the Ducks, fine. It’s a signature win. If they don’t, thanks for trying and move to 5-3.

USC’s tall order is to limit the Ducks high-scoring offense. Oregon’s worst point total has been 42 points ouch. Second thought, USC better just try to outscore the Ducks.

Most of the nation will get this game on ABC. Better settle into. With all the expected offense, this one could take a long time. How about four hours?

Does USC really have a chance? Or is Oregon truly the favorite?

I Told You So

Ohio State proved Saturday night my observation that the Buckeyes are not the best team in the land with a thumping at Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes held the No. 1 ranking only one week. Now Oregon is No. 1 in most polls and will hold it for at least more than a week because the Ducks are idle this Saturday.

But back to Ohio State. The Buckeyes have played a soft schedule and it showed Saturday night. The Buckeyes gave Wisconsin a major punch in the second half, but the Badgers responded and it was over. As I stated in an earlier blog, Ohio State must still face Iowa and Michigan. Two-loss teams will not make a championship run.

But if somehow Ohio State could run the table with its remaining games and stay at one loss, the Buckeyes could still make noise. This could be the year where even one-loss teams could compete for the title.

Oregon and Oklahoma should be concerned. The upset bug is alive-and-well in college football this season.

Right now, the Sooners and Ducks are one and two in the BCS standings, but this race could get really crazy at the end.

Isn’t college football a grand game?

This Iowa-Penn State Matchup Looks Lopsided

While most TV sets will air either Oregon-Stanford or Florida-Alabama, most sets in Iowa and some in Pennsylvania will turn to the game in the corn state.

Iowa and Penn State have staged some close games over the years with Kirk Ferentz usually besting Joe Pa. By the way, Ferentz being a Pennsylvania native probably takes great delight in beat the Lions.

Most expects don’t give Penn State much of a chance in this one. The Hawkeyes have too many weapons on both offense and defense. And with a non-experienced quarterback, Penn State figures to lack in scoring production against that tough, tough Iowa defense.

But maybe Joe Pa likes his underdog status. He can sneak through the backdoor rather than go through the front. Some people question whether Joe Pa has the athletes anymore, so a surprise in Iowa City would be more notable.

Iowa already has an unexpected losing falling to Arizona a couple weeks ago. The Hawkeyes want to get back into the national picture and setup the game with Ohio State in the near future.

Ferentz will have Iowa ready.

Stanford-Oregon Game Should be a Dandy

One of the most interesting games this Saturday takes place in Eugene, Oregon, when Oregon hosts Stanford.

Let’s face it. This is a real road game for most folks in the country. It’s on the West Coast, but the TV folks have it scheduled for a decent time for the entire country.

You have to like the storylines for this Pac-10 contest.

Oregon is the higher ranked team and playing in front of loud, rowdy fans. The Ducks have gained a national following in recent years winning consistently. But they pardon the pun, duck out of a big game on occasion. This is a big game.

The Stanford Cardinal is a media darling this season. You will catch them via ESPN, Sports Illustrated and other outlets. Stanford’s coach, Jim Harbaugh, is a rising coach and many wonder how long he will reside at Stanford. Harbaugh played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan. Enough said. He is a tough guy with an ability to coach today’s athlete.

Stanford needs this victory to reinforce its “We’re a major player on the national stage now” chant. Oregon has the most to lose in this game for reasons stated already (home field, higher ranking). Therefore, they need the win to show folks they are more than Phil Knight’s boys and wild uniforms.

I’m not making a prediction in this one, but I think the Cardinal has a good shot of winning.

Izzo and Oregon

Media reports say that Oregon wants Tom Izzo to become its new coach. And the Ducks are apparently willing to pay a boat load of money (Insert Nike founder Phil Knight here)to lure the Michigan State coach.

Why would Izzo ever consider going to Oregon? Would it be the money? Even if he would become the highest paid coach, how long would that last? Would it be for the challenge? Is Izzo getting tired of competing for national championships at Michigan State? Is he tired of the Big Ten Conference? He is already leader of the pack among Big Ten coaches. It would be a step down to be at the top of the PAC-10 Conference coaches. His recruiting lines are well established. Doesn't he want retire at Michigan State?

I wouldn't think Oregon poses as an attractive job for a coaching giant such as Izzo. Oregon has a media relations problem and its not the Ducks' fault. They live on the west coast--bad for publicity. People in the Midwest, East and South rarely watch their games (because of the late start) or know anything about the team. Case-in-point, who was Oregon's center or point guard this past season? I sure cannot tell you those answers. How about fellow PAC-10 Oregon's State's overall record? You get the point.

Working essentially for Knight could become good and bad. The good is that resources are plentiful. The bad is there could be a problem with intervention.

And think about the important things such as school colors. Michigan State offers a dark green. Oregon offers electric green and yellow. Couldn't you just see it the conservative Izzo wearing an electric yellow sport coat on the sidelines?

I will be very surprised if this marriage happens. But again, stranger things have happened.

Do you think Izzo leaves Michigan State?