College Hockey Teams Playing Musical Chairs

The shape of college hockey will be changing in 2013. Right now, there are four power conferences: The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), ECAC, and Hockey East. But that's all changing this summer. Two new conferences have emerged out west and they've raided the top teams from the WCHA and CCHA.

The Big Ten is coming to college hockey. Five Big Ten members already field Division 1 programs, with Penn State joining them in 2012. And in 2013, the Big Ten will appropriate (take) two teams from WCHA: Minnesota and Wisconsin. They'll absorb three teams from CCHA: Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. These teams are some of the best from the WCHA and CCHA.

Not only has the Big Ten plundered those two conferences, six teams (5 from the WCHA and 1 from the CCHA) have decided to form a new power conference: The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 2011 National Champs Minnesota-Duluth will join perennial powerhouse North Dakota, along with Denver, Colorado College, and Nebraska-Omaha. CCHA will "donate" Miami (OH) to the new conference. These were the best 6 teams remaining in the WCHA and CCHA after the Big Ten defections.

Notre Dame's fate still remains up in the air. The NCHC has been courting them, and it would make sense geographically for them to join. And considering that the CCHA is now a shell of what it once was, Notre Dame almost must move in order to maintain its program's prominence.

Another possibility for the Irish is to join Hockey East. The ECAC and Hockey East have remained untouched by this drama. But Hockey East would probably love to add a national program on Notre Dame's level. Geography is a bit of a problem, but the idea of Notre Dame vs. BC bringing their rivalry to the ice is very appealing.

Notre Dame has a national fanbase. Their hockey program is on the rise. Wherever they wind up, whether it's the NCHC or Hockey East, they're going to welcomed with open arms.

What I like about all this shuffling and maneuvering is that the power conferences have gotten smaller, but more powerful. Big Ten Hockey's members have combined to win 23 NCAA titles. The NCHC's members have won 17. Compare that to Hockey East's 11, the ECAC's 5, the WCHA's 4, and the CCHA's 4.

I wouldn't be shocked if, within a few years, some realignment occurs here in the northeast. As the struggle for TV money increases, especially with these two new conferences in play, power programs like BU and BC might seek to separate themselves from the UMass-Lowell's of the world, and perhaps align with other power programs from the ECAC like Cornell.

This is just speculation, but one day Hockey East might look like this: BC, BU, Northeastern, Notre Dame, Maine, UNH, Cornell, and Yale.

And I think while this is bad news for about half of the programs in college hockey, it's also beneficial for the game as a whole. Schools with national fanbases like Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State can help bring new fans to the game. But they're going to do that by playing other top tier programs and rivals, not by playing Lake Superior State.

College hockey also needs large schools to put money into their programs. UConn, for instance, has a D-1 program, but they don't reward the full number of scholarships that they could. Syracuse only has a club level program, which is odd considering there are 10 Division 1 programs in New York. If Colgate, Clarkson, Union and RPI can field D-1 teams, why not Syracuse? Colorado, Northwestern, and Pittsburgh are all in regions where hockey is widely played. Yet Colorado is in D-3 and Northwestern and Pitt field only club teams.

College hockey is always going to be a regional thing, but like all other college sports, the powerhouses are what draw fans to the game, they're the ones that draw TV money and media attention. And unlike other sports, these conferences only exist in just one sport: hockey. It's not like the ACC, which has its football powers and its basketball powers, and they're all able to support each other. I want to see conferences that are ridiculously good from top to bottom. That makes the regular season interesting, as opposed to the 22 week warm-up to the NCAA Tournament that it currently is.

-The Commodore

Frozen Four Preview

For the first time since 2005, not a single New England team made the Frozen Four. While that reduces my interest, at least the final will probably be more entertaining than the basketball final. I wouldn't be shocked if teams shot for higher percentages than Butler did.

Before reading further, bear in mind that I was wrong on all four of my Frozen Four picks.

The semifinals will be broadcast on ESPN2 this evening starting at 5, with the Championship game on ESPN Saturday night.

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH vs. MINNESOTA-DULUTH BULLDOGS
Playing in St. Paul gives UMD the home ice edge. The Bulldogs also have a pretty good defense and penalty kill. Notre Dame only has a few big scoring threats, and the Bulldogs should be able to shut those down. I also like UMD goalie Kenny Reiter, who acquitted himself well against Union and Yale. I'm picking the Bulldogs to win 3-2.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES vs. NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING SIOUX
The Sioux are certainly the most talented team left. St. Paul is home away from home for North Dakota, as they won the WCHA tournament there a few weeks back. They haven't lost since January, and they have arguably the best player in college hockey: Matt Frattin (36 goals, 24 assists in 43 games). Michigan will struggle to keep up with the scoring, and their goaltending isn't a big strength. North Dakota triumphs 5-2.

North Dakota is also my pick to win it all.

-The Commodore

NCAA Hockey Tournament Preview

When will college football forsake their coveted bowls and realize that college playoffs are some of the most exciting, riveting drama in sports? Anyway, 16 teams will vie for the 2011 NCAA Hockey Championship. Divided into four regions, all these games will take place this weekend, with the Frozen Four played two weeks later in St. Paul, Minnesota. Here's the tournament field:

EAST REGION - BRIDGEPORT, CT
#1 Yale Bulldogs vs. #4 Air Force Falcons
Yale only lost 6 times all season. But one of those came against Air Force back in November. But it was also in Colorado. This will be in Yale's backyard, and the Bulldogs only lost once at home all season. Yale are the #1 overall seeds in the tournament, and even though I think they won't win it all, they'll be able to cruise past Air Force 5-1.

#2 Union Dutchmen vs. #3 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
It's been an historic year for Union hockey, and now they make their first ever tournament appearance. They'll face UMD, one of 5 teams representing the mighty WCHA. Union were solid all year, and won the ECAC regular season title. They even beat Yale. They might have some jitters, though. Both these teams were knocked out by inferior opponents in their conference tournaments. But looking at UMD, they took care of business in the WCHA when facing teams that weren't ridiculously good. I think they beat Union 4-3.

That would set up a Yale vs. UMD meeting. I'd pick Yale in that one, because UMD frequently lost to the super talented WCHA teams they faced.

NORTHEAST REGION - MANCHESTER, NH
#1 Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. #4 New Hampshire Wildcats
One thing I don't like about this tournament is that "hosts" like Yale and UNH were going to wind up in Bridgeport and Manchester, respectively, no matter what. It's an effort to ensure a packed house. But it unfairly punishes a good team like Miami. It also sends a team like BC to Missouri.

However, Miami is good enough to overcome the disadvantage. The RedHawks have won more NCAA tournament games (5) in the past two seasons than either BU or BC, the winners of those tourneys. They're experienced, hungry, and very good. UNH and Miami actually split a 2 game series in October. However, it's now March, and UNH sucks in March. They're 4-5-2 in their last 11. Miami will make that 4-6-2. RedHawks win 4-1.

#2 Merrimack Warriors vs. #3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Merrimack get to play this game only an hour's drive from Andover. So count on lots of yellow and blue in the stands. The Warriors were nearly unbeatable at home. And their valiant effort in the Hockey East finals against BC was quite impressive. Notre Dame held their own in the difficult CCHA, but never won the big games. Merrimack has done well against good teams, so long as they're close to home. Merrimack wins 3-2.

That would pit Miami against Merrimack. I think Miami is simply too good to not emerge from this region. RedHawks advance.

WEST REGION - ST. LOUIS, MO
#1 Boston College Eagles vs. #4 Colorado College Tigers
East vs. West in St. Louis. How appropriate. Since Thanksgiving, BC has lost a total of 2 games. Colorado College lost that many games in the WCHA tournament. BC hasn't lost an NCAA game since the 2007 Finals. And even though that game was played in the same building as this, that winning streak will continue. BC 3, CC 1.

#2 Michigan Wolverines vs. #3 Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks
Michigan just announced that they'll be joining the new Big Ten hockey conference in the 2013-14 season. These teams split a series in Ann Arbor back in October. Both struggled against the elite teams in their conferences, but both occasionally beat them. I'm going to go with Michigan because they have a tradition of excelling in the NCAA tournament (9 titles). Wolverines win 4-2.

BC against Michigan would be a fun game to watch. And I think the Eagles would win 6-4.

MIDWEST REGION - GREEN BAY, WI
#1 North Dakota Fighting Sioux vs. #4 RPI Red Hawks
North Dakota might be the best team in the country, and after grinding out a double OT 3-2 win over Denver to win the WCHA title, it'd be hard to disagree. RPI limped down the stretch. They have some solid wins on their resume, but 20 wins with a soft ECAC schedule doesn't impress me much. North Dakota will destroy RPI 5-0.

#2 Denver Pioneers vs. #3 Western Michigan Broncos
WMU's 19 wins is the lowest total in the NCAA field. Denver beat NCAA tournament teams 6 times this year. They also lost their fair share of games against such teams, but being able to beat the likes of North Dakota in Grand Forks is pretty impressive. They've got a good goalie that keeps them in every game, and they should dispense of WMU with ease. Denver wins 3-0.

I think Denver will upset North Dakota 4-3 in OT, and move on to the Frozen Four.

FROZEN FOUR
Yale vs. Miami - Yale hasn't played teams like this in the ECAC. Miami extends their 7 game NCAA win streak against teams that aren't from Boston.

BC vs. Denver - Great offense vs. great goaltending. But BC's offense is too great to be fully stopped. Eagles win and advance to the finals.

Miami vs. BC - I think Miami will exorcise a lot of demons and win this one.

-The Commodore

BCS Busters Preview

Last year saw a BCS Bowl between two undefeated non-BCS teams. It was a convenient way for the good ole boys in the BCS to avoid embarrassment, while simultaneously pretending that the likes of Boise State and TCU don't scare them to death. Here's a preview of some non-BCS and independent teams that might make some noise this college football season.

BOISE STATE BRONCOS

BSU will wisely transfer to the Mountain West in 2011, which will make the non-BCS MWC a top 5 conference in my books. The Broncos have won 14 straight, and 26 of 27. Junior QB Kellen Moore returns after a 39 TD, 3 INT season. They're loaded at every skill position, including TE, and return 9 offensive starters. They need to figure out the alignment of their O-line, but that's the only real issue on offense. Defensively, they return 9 as well. Remember, this team held Oregon and TCU to 18 total points. Imagine, a 14-0 team returns 18 starters in an unbelievably weak conference. What do you get?

Prediction: 12-0

Key Games:
9/6 vs. Virginia Tech (Landover, MD)
9/25 vs. Oregon State
11/26 @ Nevada

TCU HORNED FROGS

Even though TCU lost to Boise State, they were also the last team to beat Boise State, in the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl. QB Andy Dalton already has 29 wins under his belt going into his senior campaign. They return 9 offensive starters, including 4/5 of their O-line. They have quality and abundance at WR and RB. Defensively, they were 6th in the country last year in scoring, and 1st in total defense. They return 7 starters, but their 4 losses were huge. Cornerback could be a very susceptible position.

Prediction: 11-1

Key Games:
9/4 vs. Oregon State (in Arlington, TX)
10/16 vs. BYU
11/6 @ Utah

BYU COUGARS

Even though TCU's lost some key defensive players, their rivals in the Mountain West have taken more significant hits. BYU welcomes a new QB, and RB Harvey Unga left the school for an "honor code violation." But they do bring back 4/5 offensive linemen, and some solid WRs. Unfortunately, only two of their defensive front 7 will be back. They also have to play TCU and Utah on the road.

Prediction: 8-4

Key Games:
9/18 @ Florida State
10/16 @ TCU
11/27 @ Utah

UTAH UTES

QB Jordan Wynn will start the season as a starter. He entered the fray midseason last year and struggled against TCU and BYU. But he excelled in the Poinsettia Bowl. 4/5 of the O-line returns, and they'll pave the way for a tandem of good backs. But the Utes have little experience at WR. The defense will need to rebuild quickly, as only 3 starters return. But they do have TCU and BYU at home this season. And TCU has never won in Salt Lake City in Mountain West play.

Prediction: 9-3

Key Games:
9/2 vs. Pittsburgh
11/6 vs. TCU
11/13 @ Notre Dame
11/27 vs. BYU

HOUSTON COUGARS

UH will once again trot out QB Case Keenum, who threw for 5,671 yards and 44 TDs. However, he threw 15 TDs, 9 in the last two games. He'll have a trio of 1,000+ yard receivers to throw to. But the Cougars will need to improve their 83rd ranked rushing offense. More importantly, they'll need to bolster what was the 95th scoring defense, and 111th total defense in 2009. The Cougars only play 3 games outside Texas, and should roll through C-USA.

Prediction: 11-2

Key Games:
9/18 @ UCLA
11/5 vs. Central Florida
11/20 @ Southern Miss
11/27 @ Texas Tech

NAVY MIDSHIPMEN

Navy were 10-4 in '09, earning their 8th straight winning season, and 8th straight Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. QB Ricky Dobbs rushed for 1,203 yards and threw for 1,031 more last year. His 27 rushing TDs set a new NCAA record for QBs. The Midshipmen averaged 280.5 rush yards a game and will look to do similarly in 2010. Their defense last year allowed the 10th fewest points in the country. But only 5 starters return, and none of the LBs have much experience. This could prove volatile in a 3-4 system. But a nice schedule, a tried and true gameplan, and some athletic players will propel Navy far in 2010.

Prediction: 10-2

Key Games:
10/2 @ Air Force
10/9 @ Wake Forest
10/23 vs. Notre Dame (in East Rutherford, NJ)
12/11 vs. Army (in Philadelphia)

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

The Irish start the season ranked 34th in the preseason poll. That's still overrating them. They return 5 starters from their offense, and only 1 on the line. And their offense was their strength in '09. They were 63rd in scoring defense, 86th in total last year. They'll return 7 starters, including a strong D-line, some depth at OLB, and solid safeties. But they're still wholly overrated. The ND people gloss over some glaring flaws, and overly emphasize the Irish's few strengths.

Prediction: 6-6

Key Games:
9/25 vs. Stanford
10/9 vs. Pittsburgh
10/23 vs. Navy (in East Rutherford, NJ)
11/13 vs. Utah
11/27 @ USC

Boise State will definitely crack into the BCS. TCU has an outside chance, and needs to really dominate the Mountain West. Houston has a shot too, but would need to run the table. I'll give credit to Virginia Tech, Florida State, Pittsburgh, Texas Tech, and UCLA for scheduling these teams. Extra credit to Oregon State who'll play BSU in Boise and TCU in Texas.

-The Commodore

The Downfall Of Notre Dame Explained With Pictures

And then there is this...

(Thanks to Erin for this)

Notre Dame Gets Brian Kelly

"Notre Dame has settled on Brian Kelly as the man who can restore its faded glory, just as he turned Cincinnati into a national title contender. He's leaving behind an undefeated and upset Cincinnati team that didn't seem prepared to lose him despite rampant speculation that the job was his.

"He went for the money," receiver Mardy Gilyard told the Associated Press after Kelly told players of his decision, nearly three hours after the news broke. "I'm fairly disgusted with the situation, that they let it last this long (CBSSports)."

I am really torn about this. On one hand I think Kelly had to take this job. Coaching Notre Dame is way better then coaching Cincy. He'll get paid a shit load more, and if he somehow makes them good again he could be a legend. On the other hand, I don't believe Notre Dame can ever reach fans expectations again. They actually care about kids attending class and being smart, which is something Kelly is going to have to get used to now that he is not in Cincy. Kelly is going to have a tough time getting this school going again after losing their QB and best WR, but fans need to give this guy 4-5 years to build the program that he wants...

Brian Kelly To Notre Dame?

It looks like the Notre Dame coaching search is aimed mainly at Brian Kelly. ESPN's Joe Schad first reported today that Notre Dame will interview the Cincinnati coach today, probably in New York City. ESPN

Of all the head coaches that have been interviewed for the Notre Dame job, this one makes the most sense for me. Brian Kelly can afford to leave Cincinnati, because lets face it, coaching Notre Dame is a better gig than coaching the Bearcats. I know Kelly has had some controversial moments in his past, but Notre Dame needs to forget all that and get their man. I mean he was able to get Cincy from nowhere to a major bowl this year, I think he could do a somewhat better job with that at Notre Dame.

Jimmy Clausen Decides To Go Pro

"Jimmy Clausen enrolled at Notre Dame to learn about the NFL. Looks like he's learned enough. Following the advice of deposed Irish coach Charlie Weis, Clausen has decided to forgo his senior season and enter this April's draft. Rated as perhaps the top quarterback in this year's class, he is believed to be coveted by St. Louis, Cleveland and Washington -- three teams that will conceivably pick in the top 5.

"After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I just feel it's the right time,'' Clausen told ESPN.com on Monday before a scheduled 2 p.m. ET news conference in South Bend. "Coach Weis told me whether he was going to be here or not be here, it was time for me to go. He thought I've improved so much since I came to Notre Dame. So, I'm taking his advice, and I'm going to head out (ESPN).''

Even with all of Notre Dame's struggles this year Clausen actually had a very good year. I'll admit I am a believer in this kid (even though I don't like him all that much). He is accurate, can throw the deep ball, and has good experience in a "pro-style offense). I will be interesting to see where he goes in the draft, but like I said I think this kid could be a franchise QB.

If I had to guess I would say Washington.

Breaking News: Charlie Weis Fired

Good this guy has been nothing but a terrible coach a Notre Dame. The only way he won is with Ty Willingham's players, his arrogance was ridiculous, he proved nothing while being there and is more cut out to be an offensive coordinator in the NFL, then a head coach of any team. The next coach the Irish decide to hire, they need to stick with for at least 5 years. Even though Jimmy Claussen had one foot out the door, this most definitely means he is going pro.

Jimmy Clausen's Face Beat Up Fans Hand

Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was punched in the face by an irate fan outside a South Bend restaurant early Sunday morning and has a swollen eye, a person briefed on the incident said on Monday.

That person said Clausen was "sucker-punched" by a fan as he left an establishment after having dinner with his parents. ESPN

I couldn't be happier that Jimmy Clausen got sucker punched, because as soon as he joined Notre Dame, I've wanted to punch him. He is a completely mediocre qb, leading a mediocre program, run by a lame duck coach. Sure he puts up good numbers, but good qb's can overcome shortcomings of a team. If I were that Notre Dame fan the next punch would be headed for Charlie Weis.

Meyer Will Not Go To Notre Dame

"Florida coach Urban Meyer says he plans to coach the Gators "as long as they'll have me." With rumors swirling about Charlie Weis' future at Notre Dame, Meyer squashed any potential speculation about leaving Gainesville for South Bend. Meyer's news conference Monday was his most emotional in five seasons at Florida, with the coach having to pause and compose himself several times while talking about quarterback Tim Tebow and other seniors' final home game Saturday against rival Florida State. Meyer also said he believes Tebow could coach Florida down the road (CBSsports)."

Meyer would be an idiot to go to Notre Dame. Florida has a chance to be in the National Championship every year, while Notre Dame has been a disappointment for as long as I can remember. I really just don't see why a high profile coach would leave a good program for the shit that goes on at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame 20, BC 16

The Eagles were looking for their 7th straight win over the Fighting Irish, bowl eligibility, and their first road win of the season. But they turned the ball over 5 times in a closely fought contest in South Bend.

The BC defense was excellent, holding Notre Dame to 5 for 15 on 3rd downs, and coming up with some big stops. Combined with punter Ryan Quigley, the Eagles dominated the field possession battle, but didn't do much with that advantage.

BC wasn't supposed to win this game, but the 5 turnovers cost them what would have been a season-making win. Not only would they have secured bowl eligibility, they could have cracked the Top 25, or at least gotten themselves to the precipice of doing so.

BC comes home and plays Central Michigan on Halloween. But CMU is no pushover. The Chippewas are 7-1 (4-0 on the road, including @ Michigan State), so BC will have their work cut out for them.

-The Commodore

DC College Football Picks

We have a couple of good College football games this weekend, so here our are picks.
(3) USC vs (8) Ohio State

Ohio State again is going to choke again as true freshman Matt Barkley and Joe McKnight will be too much for Ohio State who could barely hang with Navy. Terrell Pryor is good, but still makes some dumb mistakes, and those dumb mistakes are going to kill any chance of Ohio State to win.

USC 35-21

(18) Notre Dame vs Michigan


Both teams have had an extremely impressive opening weeks. Notre Dame dismantled my Nevada Wolfpack, while Michigan beat some team bad. This game is going to push Michigan back on the map with this upset. Tate Forcier should get the bulk of the work under center again and is a shifty open-field runner who can pick up yards with his feet when nothing is available downfield, but he is more of a passer than a scrambler. He has a strong arm, keeps his eyes downfield and throws well on the run. And I like him over Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. Call me crazy but this is what is going to happen.

Michigan: 21-17

1 and 1 on the season

College Football Picks

(5) Alabama Over (7) Virginia Tech

Two players: Julio Jones, Mark Ingram. Both of these players are impact players and even though V-Tech's D is impressive, there is no stopping those two players. Plus Bama's defense is going to rearing to go after that terrible Utah loss in the Sugar Bowl.

Bama: 35-17

Nevada over (23) Notre Dame


Not only will Colin Kaepernick be a Heisman finalist, but he will lead the Nevada Wolfpack over the highly overrated Notre Dame. This game will be close, but that's Kaepernick's style.

Nevada 28-21

Lou Holtz Will Not Run For Congress

Just to update the story from yesterday....

"Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz tells an Indiana television station he doesn't plan to run for Congress. Holtz told WNDU-TV of South Bend that he's focusing on working for ESPN, saying: "I don't want to run for Congress (Sportsline)."

Too bad. I want to hear Loud Holtz talk as much as possible. I find him funny (lisp/age) and inspirational (pump up speeches), which is a very rare combo...

Lou Holtz For Congress

Finally some politics I can get behind....

"Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz is mulling a run for Congress in Florida as a Republican, a GOP strategist said Tuesday. Holtz could decide in the next several weeks whether to seek the central Florida congressional seat held by Democrat U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, said the strategist who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to talk about the matter (Sportsline)."

Sure he is 72 years old. Sure he has a lisp, but if he was running for Massachusetts I would vote for him. Why? Because the man gives the best pump up speeches. Honestly when he is on ESPN and does the speeches he would say for different teams each week it would get me so pumped up I was ready to play. Yea, I stayed on my couch, but man I was pumped.

So....Go for it Lou!!!!!!!!!!!

Notre Dame To Play Army At Yankee Stadium

"A source close to the situation confirmed to ESPN.com Friday that Army and Notre Dame will play the first football game at the new Yankee Stadium in 2010. Army issued a release Friday afternoon touting a "major college football announcement" Monday at the stadium. The announcement will be a game against the Fighting Irish, said the source, renewing a once-vibrant New York City tradition (ESPN)."

It is a good idea for these ballparks to find a way to use the offseason to make some money. The Winter Classic, and now football games is a good way to increase revenue, especially in these tough economic times.

Still, I wonder when the QB drops back to pass if he will over throw his receiver by 40 yards, since everything at that stadium seems to carry...

Weis Talks About Leaving Notre Dame

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis confirms he talked with his family about whether they thought he should quit after last season, though he said he never wanted to leave.
"Like anyone who has a situation that is uncertain, as any husband and father would do, you address it with your wife and you address it with your kids. And you talk about the what if," Weis said Wednesday after practice. "But does that mean that at any time that I thought that I wasn't going to be here? I mean you just have to deal with ... When you're around a long time in this business, what you learn is you have to deal with the negatives. You just have to have a plan just in case they end up happening (Sportsline)."

I am in no way a Notre Dame fan, but there is a part of me that would really like to see Weis and Romeo Crennel come back to the Patriots. The Pats have lost so many coaches, and I think eventually it has to come back and haunt them. These guys have basically shit the bed since they left, so why not come back. For Weis he has the excuse of money, but other then that I think it would be awesome to see the team reunite. Weis, in my eyes, made the right choice by not quitting, because it seems like Notre Dame is slowly improving. The problem is that the Irish fans have way too high expectations that he will just never be able to live up to.

Oh No, They Didn't!!

Not only is it lame to have a Jeer Card (card that says what all the fans are going to say to heckle opposing players) in general, but it is super lame when all of the jeers are terrible. Here is what Notre Dame had for USF last weekend:
Eladio Espinosa: "Frosh started 10 games but only averages 2 points. LAME."

Mike Mercer: "Blew out his ACL two years ago while playing for Georgia. Ask how that knee feels."

Chris Howard: "This junior has already been a father for five years! Sophomore year of high school."

Gaby Belardo: "6-2, 180 pounds"

B.J. Daniels: "School of heckling lesson 1: kids named B.J. are the easiest targets ever. Also, he plays quarterback for the Bulls football team. Played in two games, rushed three times for two yards total."

Justin Leemow: "Plays a pretty weak game. Shoots 23% from the field and 44% from the stripe. Yucka."

Alex Rivas: "Transfer from Pratt Community College brings an intimidating 2 pts. and 4 boards to each game."

Ryan Kardok: "Now walk it out. Walk it out. East side walk it out, west side walk it out (sorry, he's a walk on)."

Dominique Jones: "Soph is team's best player. Give him as warm of a welcome as the other Dominique J. (hatred)"

Mitch Emory: "My man mitch has only played one minute this year. Maybe if he had a sweet slogan like our governor he might be able to lobby for more minutes."

Jesus Verdejo: "Don't mock this kid's name or his father might smite you."

Augustus Gilchrist: "When he scores Augustus is known to thump his chest and say, "Strength and Honor."

Aris Williams: "This kid shoots an embarrassing 31% from the free-throw line! 10-32! That's horrendous!"

Ajayi Mobolaji: "This is Ajayi's third college. Hope he finally fits in here. 44% FT."

I don't know who's worse BC or Notre Dame. Either way I think the students suck.

Now that I am on the topic of BC, don't you think it was funny that the Conte Forum was empty against Clemson, but was packed when Duke played? And then they have the gall to rush the court and act like they have been true fans the whole year? Another reason why BC sucks.

Exciting Night In College BBall

#8 Marquette 71 -- #22 Notre Dame 64

Jerel McNeal put the Golden Eagles on his shoulders and willed them to this impressive road victory. He dropped 27 points whule fellow senior Dominic James chipped in with a juicy stat line of his own: 15 pts, 9 rebs, and 5 asts. Luke Harangody played his usual solid game for the Irish (29 pts and 17 rebs) and once again received an embarrassing lack of help from his teammates. Kyle McAlarney shot just 3-12 FGs (1-6 3pt FG) and basically embodied the lackluster performance of his team in a nutshell. In a broader perspective, this game showed 2 teams going in different directions. ND has lost 4 games in a row, including 2 in a row at home after having won their previous 45. They are 2-5 this year against ranked opponents. Marquette on the other hand has won 10 in a row, and is undefeated in Big East play. A lot of the naysayers claim that MU hasn't beaten any quality opponents yet, but all I have to say to that is you play the games on your schedule. They have a tough upcoming month against the likes of Pitt, Louisville and Syracuse, so to be peaking now is a good sign for this veteran-led team. Personally, I think this game exposed ND as the sham they really are. To be 12-6 (now 12-7) heading into this game and still ranked in the Top 25 is inexcusable. Once again the media's infatuation with all things ND has spilled over from football into the basketball polls. Their schedule doesn't get much easier either, so look for them to fall back into mediocrity where they belong. Which is really a shame only because Harangody is the real deal, and a very fun player to watch. He has a future for sure.

#5 Oklahoma 89 -- Oklahoma St. 81

Don't fuck with Blake Griffin. Seriously. After being held to only 6 first-half points on 4 shot attempts (thanks to some harrassing defense by the Cowboys), B Griff blew up in the 2nd half. He finished with 26 pts and 19 rebs (1 more reb than the entire OSU team!), but his presence goes beyond the stats. He is very demoralizing to play against because he is so dominating down low. Excellent footwork, quickness, great hands and soft touch -- aka impossible to guard. Not to mention that his impressive strength forces inferior big men to eat up fouls as they try to prevent him from scoring easy baskets. This game was great to watch because about 3 minutes into the 2nd half both teams made some mutual agreement to not play defense anymore. OSU reminded me alot of the Phoenix Suns of a few years ago. They literally like to run the "7 seconds or less" offense, and if they haven't launched a 3-pointer within that timeframe, their offense goes into shambles. That being said, I gotta give them credit because they were making some rediculous shots to keep this game close, twice bringing it to within 2 points. But OU showed the grit of a championship caliber team by never surrendering the lead they held all game. Every time OSU got it close, the Sooners would slow it down and dump it back into B Griff. Sure OU is ranked 5th in the nation, but I still feel as though they are being overlooked by the "experts," most likely because they don't play in the Gay-C-C. The Sooners are a team to keep your eye on come tournament time, as they have the best big man in college basketball surrounded by veteran guards. And just to add to Blake Griffin's badass-ness, his older brother Taylor is the other starting F on the team. So fucking cool.

Note: Keep an eye on OSU freshman guard Keiton Page. He averages 10 pts a game coming off the bench, and he had 15 tonight. He is minuscule 5'10'' white guy but he is quick as shit and plays pretty good perimeter defense despite his height. And he hit some ballsy 3-pt bombs to keep the game interesting. Plus, his name is Keiton...I don't know how to even pronounce it.