Russell Wilson Proves Anew He is a Winner

I must admit it was pretty hard seeing Russell Wilson in the motion “W” helmet last night representing the Wisconsin football team.

I followed the guy for three years at North Carolina State. But as they stay, “Life goes on.”

Wilson is an impact player and I knew he would perform extremely well at Wisconsin. He gave Badger fans a taste last night. Wilson threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another (46 yards) in Wisconsin’s destruction of UNLV. Wilson went 10-for-13 passing and totaled 62 yards on two carries. It was a typical Wilson performance really.

The laughable part was reading Internet message boards later. Some people think Wilson needs to prove his ability against a proven team. They weren’t impressed with Wilson against an outmanned opponent.

Believe me folks Wilson will perform against the big boys. He’s a former All-ACC quarterback and won’t become fazed facing the likes of Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan State or Penn State.

Badger fans were giddy over the summer when they learned Wilson was coming to their team. Last night, the rest of the teams on Wisconsin’s schedule realized why they weren’t so giddy.

The Slipper Falls Off

Northern Iowa's fun run through the NCAA tourney is over. And it feels like someone punched me in the gut.

When the reality of 59-52 Michigan State set in last night, it was sad.

The dream was over for the Panthers. There will be no Final Four appearance or national championship in 2010. The UNLV and Kansas victories were really longtime memories now.

Things looked promising in the first half as the Panthers took a 29-22 halftime lead.
But in the second half, the sky came down. Northern Iowa couldn't connect on shots including the three ball. Northern Iowa scored just 23 second-half points.

The Panthers finished the game 17-for-44 from the field for just 38.6 per cent. Usual sharp-shooter Ali Farokhmanesh was a mirror of Northern Iowa's problems. He went 2-9 and just 1-6 from the three-point ark. The Panthers normal excellent free throw shooting also left them. They were only 14-21 from the free area.

The Spartans put it into high gear in the second half. They were able to score points from the inside and outside. Plus, they connected on the free throw line. They also benefited from Northern Iowa's turnovers. The Spartan do possess great athletes and it showed in the second half.

So Michigan State goes on to its familiar push for the Final Four. Northern Iowa has memories of what it accomplished in this historic season.

What do you think of the Panther's year?

Northern Iowa Faces Stern Test in Kansas

The good news is the University of Northern Iowa survived its first round NCAA game against UNLV. The bad news is that the Panther's reward is a Saturday date with No. 1ranked Kansas.

Well as they say, you must take the bad with the good.

But I see this as a great opportunity for the 13,000-student university from Cedar Falls. Maybe it's because I am drinking too much purple and gold liquid (Northern Iowa's school colors) lately, but I think the Panthers have an chance for the upset.

Kansas basically had a practice session with its win over Lehigh in the first round. Almost every huge NCAA favorite struggles in one game during the tournament. Why not today against Northern Iowa?

The Panther's strategy is simply. Hang around until the end of the game with an opportunity for the victory.

Northern Iowa must control tempo. Kansas wants a track meet, the Panthers want a turtle race.

Northern must limit its turnovers. That was a big problem against UNLV. Giving Kansas more possessions today is not an option if the Panthers want a win.

The Panther normally play outstanding defense. This is another must.

And Northern Iowa must make lots of shots. Offense is sometimes lacking with this group, but today the Panthers need to make an exception to that rule.

Consistent success from three-point range would be nice. Northern Iowa radio play-by-play guy Gary Rima shouts "Kaboom" whenever the Panthers score a three-point basket. Rima needs to utter many Kabooms during this game.

The Panthers need another business-like, blue-collar effort. Forget about Kansas. Play your game. Have fun.

And truly believe.

NCAA Mania in Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa lived to play another day in the NCAA Tournament. The game was wild and filled with excitement. The Panthers prevailed over UNLV 69-66 Thursday night.

In a previous post, I confessed that this tournament would cause me little uneasiness because none of my teams were in the field. Okay, I confess. I was wrong.

The Northern Iowa game was a little nerve racking because I wanted to see my home state team perform well and win. So I must admit, I moved around a bit in my chair during the tightly contested contest.

I was pretty calm when the Panther's Ali Farokhmanesh hit the game-winning three point shot in the waning seconds. I am just happy I don't need to type Ali's last name on a frequent basis. Now, that would create some anxiety, ha.

Northern Iowa (better known as UNI here in Iowa) captured its first NCAA tourney win in 20 years. No wonder the state is celebrating.

It's not difficult enjoying this team. Ben Jacobson's squad is a bunch of hard working, no ego types. They practice the meaning of the word team. There are no stars, but parts that work into a whole component. And it's a joy to watch a team that actually makes free throws. I haven't seen much good free throw shooting this season in the college game.

So UNI opposes mighty Kansas Saturday in the next round. Here's hoping the Panthers forget about their opening victory and give a huge effort against the No. 1 ranked Jayhawks.

And before anyone discounts UNI, remember hope is a beautiful word in the NCAA Tournament. Just ask Murray State and Ohio about hope.

Winning Will Take Care of Northern Iowa's Seed

Many in the University of Northern Iowa basketball camp are upset over the Panthers ninth seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Northern Iowa draws eighth seeded UNLV in the opening round with the winner probably playing mighty Kansas in round two.

Northern Iowa backers believe the Panthers were slighted despite winning the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and the conference tournament title. They also wonder how the selection committee can treat a team this way with a 28-4 overall record.

Panther coach Ben Jacobson took the high road on the matter in public and I appreciated that. However, he might use that as motivation behind close doors and use the 'us against them' cry.

The bottom line is Northern Iowa must win one game at a time and it really doesn't matter about the opponent or the seed. In the NCAA tourney, the game is called survival. You can plan for tomorrow, but if you don't take care of today, the season is over.

Heading into the selection show, many in the Panther camp thought the team could make it to the Sweet 16.

Well, Northern Iowa can still do it. It appears much more challenging, but look at the bright side. Wins over UNLV AND Kansas would shock the basketball world. And isn't that what March Madness is all about?

What do you think of Northern Iowa's NCAA tournament chances?