LeBitch Move: The Impact of "The Decision" on the NBA

Like most people who follow the NBA, I tuned into ESPN Thursday night to watch LeBron James announce what team he was going to play for in the coming season. Four teams were in the running for his services at this point and I think Bill Simmons of ESPN.com made a great comparison with the four teams. Each team represented a card that would reflect on Bron's personality. You had Loyalty(Cleveland), Fame(New York), Winning(Chicago), and Help(Miami). Most people figured that LeBron would stay in Cleveland or bolt to the fame of New York. As a Bulls fan, I had pretty much given up hope of LeBron coming to Chicago, and the last place I wanted him to play was Miami to join up with Dywane Wade and his newly acquired lapdog Chris Bosh.

These three had already turned free agency into a joke with rumors about their futures running rampant for a solid week. Wade and Bosh certainly did not come out of this situation looking saints as it seemed they led much of the NBA when those two wanted to be in Miami all along. Most figured Bron would want to compete against those two for the right to challenge Kobe Bryant for NBA supremacy but in a move shocking a lot of people, LeBron joined the party on South Beach and opened himself upon to a floodgate of criticism over the last 48 hours.

The Shot. The Fumble. The Drive. The Decision

All four of those things destroyed the emotions of Cleveland sports fans at some point, but I believe the Decision will go down as the worst as their hometown hero plunged a knife into the back of the Cavs and their fans. It came out after the announcement that LeBron was always going to play in Miami, no matter what he said to Jim Gray, who isn't exactly the best interviewer if you want to hear someone ask tough questions. Gray lobbed softball after softball to allow LeBron to defend his reasoning. When Mike Wilbon took over the questioning, however, the game had changed. Wilbon wasn't exactly throwing 95 mph heat at LeBron but he was trying to make ESPN's golden child think a little bit. The question that got to Bron the most was when Wilbon asked LeBron what he thought of Cleveland burning his jersey. For a split second, you could see the pain in LeBron's face and it seemed he was really affected. However, his actions deserved to be met with something like that.

His actions during the NBA free agency period were self-promoting, arrogant and narcissistic. The process of getting a ESPN prime-time special to announce where he was going to play was awful. Ripping the hearts of Cavs fans and Ohioans alike on national TV without saying goodbye was inexcusable. LeBron can be slightly absolved for some of that as the lack of a father figure in his life and his strange need to be liked instead of being successful, a la Wilt Chamberlain, would make him more susceptible to bad decisions. His advisor, Maverick Carter, should be ashamed at what he and his friends turned this process into.

Many say LeBron didn't owe Cleveland anything but he did owe them more than people think. The Cavs ADORED him. LeBron probably could've killed 15 people in a drunk driving accident and the fans would've forgiven him. He was a god in that city and he abandoned them without saying goodbye. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was quick to come out with a scathing letter attacking LeBron and basically calling him a spoiled child. However, that is a double edged sword as Gilbert enabled LeBron to take whatever he wanted as Gilbert believed that by allowing him to run rampant, he would stay with the Cavs.

Of course, there will be many people who accuse me of being upset that LeBron didnt come to my Chicago Bulls. After hearing his demands, I'm glad he's not in Chi-town. Jerry Reinsdorf, long underrated as an owner, would not give LeBron the special privilages that he was used to with the Cavs and that soured LeBron's "posse" on the Bulls. Reinsdorf did not do such things for Michael Jordan, a player who LeBron can never be compared to again, so why would he do it for a player who hasn't really accomplished anything? The Bulls will be a contender without LeBron and maybe if the Magic dont match the qualifying offer on JJ Redick, the Bulls can hang with the Heat. Of course, this all depends on how much Derrick Rose improves this year, as he is the driving force behind that team.

There are three scenarios that I would want to see play out in the playoffs this year. First off, I would love to see the Bulls take down the Heat for my own sake, but that is least important one. Im sure most NBA fans (outside of Seattle and Miami of course) sympathize with the Cavs and would love to see them make the playoffs this year. I would be thrilled if they would make it as the 8 seed in the East and somehow, someway would knock off the Super Best Friends (or the Menage a Twats as I like to call them).

The final scenario I would want to see of course is Lakers-Heat in the Finals. Pat Riley (you know Spolestra wont last past Christmas) vs. Phil Jackson in Phil's last dance. Kobe vs. the Super Best Friends. Old NBA vs. New NBA (I'll get to that next post). I would love to see it go to a Game 7 where Kobe Bryant makes a shot to put LA up with a couple of seconds left, only for the game to end with a LeBron James errant jumper, which would settle the Kobe vs. LeBron debate and cement Kobe's legacy as the 3rd best player in NBA history.

Next post I'll cover playoff predictions, thoughts on the upcoming CBA, and how the NBA has changed since the 2000's started.

Orange Bowl Breakdown/Preview

Well, it's finally gameday and it is time for a breakdown of the Iowa-Georgia Tech matchup. I will break down numerous positions and draw a conclusion based off of the statistical breakdown.

QUARTERBACK

IA - Ricky Stanzi: 56.0% CP, 2186 yds, 15 TD's, 14 INT's

GT - Josh Nesbitt: 47.7% CP, 1689 yds, 10 TD's, 4 INT's

If you just look at the passing stats, it would look as if Iowa has the clear advantage. However, that does not tell the story. Nesbitt is not required to pass as much in triple option, which has lowered his numbers. He also has almost 1000 yards rushing to accompany his passing stats. If you ask any Iowa fan, most people will say Stanzi certainly makes the game interesting. He has probably taken an average of about 6 years off the lives of every Iowa fan this year. 3 Stanzi's can show up in any given game, and possibly back to back plays. Good Stanzi, OK Stanzi, and "Oh my god, are we sure he's not playing for the other team?" Stanzi. Iowa needs the last mentioned Stanzi to stay home. A good or ok Stanzi is incredibly effective and helps the Hawkeye offense achieve the balance that they want. This category is hard to compare as both quarterbacks are good for the offense that each team likes to run.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

RUNNING BACKS

IA - Adam Robinson: 167 for 775, 4,6 ypc, 5 TD's

IA - Brandon Wegher: 146 for 528, 3.6 ypc, 7 TD's

GT - Jonathan Dwyer: 221 for 1346, 6.1 ypc, 14 TD's

GT - Anthony Allen: 61 for 597, 9.8 ypc, 5 TD's

This is one part of the offense where Georgia Tech has a clear advantage on Iowa. Even though GT is more of a running team and teams know that, their yard per carry averages are borderline ridiculous. They use the triple option extremely well and it is reflected in their stats. Iowa's running backs have been solid this year. Nothing too great, but they haven't been bad either. Starter Jewel Hampton did not take a snap this year so Iowa turned to a RS Freshmen and a true Freshmen, and the results have been fine. However, this one goes to Georgia Tech.

ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech

WIDE RECIEVERS

IA - DJK: 41 for 687, 16.8 ypr, 2 TD's

IA - Marvin McNutt: 30 for 653, 21.8 ypr, 7 TD's

GT - Demaryius Thomas: 46 for 1154, 25.1 ypr, 8 TD's

GT - Embry Peeples: 8 for 244, 30.5 ypr, 1 TD's.

This is the part of the offense where the Hawkeyes have a clear advantage on the Yellow Jackets. Iowa possesses 2 good wideouts who can do it all. Georgia Tech's top wideout runs two patterns: fade and fly. The key to negating GT's vertical passing game is to not overcommit to the run, which gives the 6'3 Thomas single coverage on the outside. When he gets that, he's typically at the advantage. Iowa's best receiver is in the form of a converted quarterback. McNutt is the big play receiver for Iowa and has had some key, key plays for Iowa this year. Last play against Michigan State, anybody? This part of the offense goes to Iowa.

ADVANTAGE: Iowa

OFFENSIVE LINE

This part of the offense is hard to do a breakdown for, but this matchup plays out like the quarterback matchup. Both teams have extremely different styles, and it is reflected in the line play. Iowa loves to mash up front with lots of big guys that enjoy taking defenders head on. Georgia Tech linemen are smaller and quicker who thrive on using cut blocks to put defenders on the ground. Both of these styles are effective for each team which gives our stats breakdown its 2nd tie.

ADVANTAGE: Tie

FRONT SEVEN

I have not been able to find the stats that I want for this section, as ESPN seems to be lacking in yards allowed and turnovers forced. But we will carry on anyways. This is the group that best captures the Big 10 vs. ACC/SEC perceptions. Iowa's defense is extremely disciplined and knows their roles. Georgia Tech is super quick and rely on their athleticism to make up for any shortcomings that they may have. For this, I have to rely on games that I have personally seen this year. Iowa's defense has been extremely stingy against the run, and limiting opponents to below their average for points. Georgia Tech has been involved in a shootout every time I watched them. For that reason, advantage Hawkeyes.

ADVANTAGE: Iowa

SECONDARY

Once again, no stats to help me on this breakdown. Back to reviewing game tape. Iowa's secondary is up and down. There has been times when their Cover Two defense has been shredded by a spread offense. However, they are also extremely opportunistic, hauling in key interceptions when it matters. Georgia Tech's secondary is not as strong as the Yellow Jackets would like. Their run defense is weak, which takes away from the secondary as they typically have to move a safety up into the box. For this reason, we give this category to the Hawks.

ADVANTAGE: Iowa

KICKING GAME

IA - Daniel Murray: 18 for 25, 72%

IA - Ryan Donahue: 57 for 2352, 41.3 avg.

GT - Scott Blair: 14 for 19, 74%

GT - N/A

This section is the one that scares Iowa fans the most. Outside of Penn State last year, has Murray nailed a kick that had a lot of pressure? This year, he has missed some very routine kicks that kept games a lot closer than they should have been. Blair has equally been up and down for Georgia Tech. He has made some big kicks, but he has also missed some key ones as well. The punting game is the X-Factor. Donahue has came up big time and time again for the Hawkeyes. However, this advantage goes to the Yellow Jackets.

ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech

WINNER: Iowa (3-2-2)

There you have it. In this statistical breakdown, Iowa wins....barely. Hopefully you all tune into watch what promises to be a very good game.

Week One Recap

Well, the first week of Big 10 play is over so I believe it is time for a recap. I'll try to get one of these up every Monday to recap the past week and provide a short preview for the next week of games.

OBSERVATIONS

- How long can Ohio State hold on without Evan Turner? The Buckeyes are quickly 0-2 in Big 10 play and it does not promise to get any easier. A possible Big 10 championship season has turned into a year in which we might see OSU fighting for a NCAA Tournament berth.

- How much will Northwestern's lack of depth hurt them? Losing to Michigan State is nothing to get upset about, but when it is by 21 points on your home floor, it is a little alarming. Northwestern has been hot as of late, but without star Kevin Coble, can the Wildcats make their first ever NCAA appearance?

- Blake Hoffarber of Minnesota could be the key to the Golden Gophers season. He is shooting lights out from downtown this year, coming in at better than 50% so far. If Hoffarber can keep that up, look for Minnesota to pull a couple of upsets and get a solid NCAA seed. They'll have a chance for a BIG upset on Tuesday, as they travel to Mackey Arena to play #4 Purdue (6 CT, ESPN).

- Can Purdue finally get the respect they deserve? It's starting to finally seem that way. After being dismissed by most "experts" as a national title contender, Purdue showed that they are here to stay on Saturday. They absolutely embarrassed #6 West Virginia in West Lafayette, as the game was never in doubt in the 2nd half. The pressure defense of Purdue forced West Virginia into many turnovers, Devin Ebanks and DeSean Butler could never get into a rhythm.

GAME OF THE WEEK

- Illinois def. Northwestern, 89-83 (OT)

UPSET OF THE WEEK

- Wisconsin def. #15 Ohio State, 65-43

GAMES TO WATCH IN WEEK 2

- #20 Wisconsin @ #11 Michigan State (Wednesday, 530 CT ESPN)

- Michigan @ Penn State (Thursday, 6 CT ESPN2)

- #4 Purdue @ #20 Wisconsin (Saturday, 12:30 CT, CBS)

Look for an Orange Bowl preview tomorrow morning and a running diary of the Orange Bowl tomorrow night, written by yours truly.

Bowl Preview Blog. (Addition of 2nd writer)

I've been joined by another writer at this blog, which is probably weird for a blog this new. Pat McAreavy has joined me and he now has a preview for some upcoming blogs.

December 31, 2009 Bowl Games
New Year’s Eve is a time for lots of partying, heavy drinking, and of course an array of average to above average teams playing in bowl games. Here is a rundown of all of the bowl games you can catch before that clock strikes twelve and 2010 begins.(Although if you enjoy good football you might want to avoid a few of these games.)

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl @12 pm EST on ESPN
Houston vs. Air Force
To start off the day you get a mid-major battle between Houston and Air Force, a rematch from last year’s Armed Forces Bowl, in which Houston won a thriller 34-28. Houston is coming off a big season where they were ranked in the top 15, a big win over Oklahoma St. in Stillwater, and finishing 2nd in Conference USA and a solid 10-3 record. Air Force has a 7-5 record, but plays in the MWC which is proving itself a tougher conference than many had thought; BYU and Utah have both defeated PAC 10 opponents this bowl season. Regardless if you know anything about either team, this should be an exciting matchup. Houston features gunslinger Case Keenum who has 5,449 yards passing and 43 touchdowns with only 9 interceptions. This makes Houston’s passing attack the most potent in college football. However Keenum and Houston face the nation’s best at stop the pass. Air Force only allows 148.7 yards passing a game and last year held Keenum to 252 yards passing. Air Forces offense is quite the opposite of Houston. They run the ball more than 70 percent of the time, and they attack using the triple option. In my mind, this game will come down to Case Keenum’s efficiency and turnovers. Air Force is very discipline, and rarely turns the ball over. With that in mind I have to give the edge to Air Force because of their pass defense, their tough conference schedule, and lack of turnovers.

Air Force: 31
Houston: 27

Brut Sun Bowl @2 pm EST on CBS
Stanford vs. Oklahoma
This game is two big name schools playing in a small name bowl. If someone told me at the beginning of the year that Oklahoma would be playing in the Sun Bowl I’s have thought they were on drugs, and not good drugs, but here they are boasting a 7-5 record and coming into El Paso off a blowout win over in-state rival Oklahoma St. Stanford, on the other hand comes in on a little bit of a down note. About a month ago they were sitting in position to win the PAC 10 conference, and now they find themselves in the Sun Bowl. If it is any consolation prize for the Cardinal it is that they get to play traditional powerhouse Oklahoma which will lead to a large TV audience and possible exposure to potential recruits. The Sooners who are still without Sam Bradford will start freshman Landry Jones who has had trouble against proven defenses. Stanford will feature RB Toby Gerhardt, the Heisman runner-up, who has been running over defenses all season long. I think this is a down year for the Big 12, but Oklahoma showed signs of brilliance in their final game against Oklahoma St. The Cardinal have a lot to prove for themselves and the PAC 10. They think that they deserve a better bowl game, and I think that I would agree. I think Landry Jones has a tough game, but does some things right, but doesn’t do enough to knock off Gerhardt and Stanford.

Stanford: 20
Oklahoma: 17

Texas Bowl @3:30 pm EST on ESPN
Navy vs. Missouri
If the Big 12 gets a bowl win New Year’s Eve I believe this is where they have the best chance. Missouri’s passing offense has started to shine with emerging receiving threat Danario Alexander. Even though the Tigers are scoring in droves, their defense is allowing a lot of points, for example they gave up a whopping 40 points to a below average Baylor team. With Navy having a potent running attack that is all about the triple option Missouri could be giving up a lot of points, but again they will put up a lot of points because Navy’s pass defense is horrible ranking 119th in the nation. When Navy played Army the Midshipmen had trouble establishing the triple option because of some oversized athletic lineman. Missouri has a solid defensive front and a core of linebackers that are fairly disciplined. I think this game will come down to whose defense messes up the least, and big plays. Because of Missouri’s passing scheme I think that they have the best chance of scoring big plays. I think this will be one of the two or three games the Big 12 will win in a down year for the conference.

Missouri: 45
Navy: 27

Insight Bowl @6 pm EST on NFL Network
Iowa St. vs. Minnesota
This will be the third game of the day for the Big 12 featuring two 6-6 teams. To most of us this game will be about as exciting as a marathon of Dr. Quinn and Medicine Woman, but to a few people in Ames this is the Superbowl. Minnesota probably isn’t too excited to be here considering they have been to the Insight Bowl 3 of the last 4 years, but this game does hold something. The winner will finish the season above .500, and the loser finishes with a losing season. ISU and Minnesota’s offenses are pretty bad, Minnesota’s has especially declined since losing leading receiver Eric Decker to a season ending injury. The only common defense these two teams have played is Iowa, and it didn’t go well for either offense. ISU put up three points against them and Minnesota was shut out. So in my opinion this comes down to the defenses of the teams. ISU has a dreadful defense, while Minnesota has held up decently against Big 10 competition. I think this game has potential to be the least exciting of all the bowl games. The key players will be quarterback Austen Arnaud for ISU and quarterback Adam Weber for Minnesota. In this matchup the obvious winner would be Adam Weber, and I think that is how this game will play out. After three hours of stark boredom I think Minnesota will walk out of Tempe with the Insight Bowl trophy, and no one will care. Sorry ISU fans another losing season under the belt, but the future looks bright with energetic new coach Paul Rhoads.

Minnesota: 24
Iowa St: 13

Chick-Fil-a Bowl @7:30 pm EST on ESPN
Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Finally! What we have been waiting for. A matchup between two big name schools on New Year’s Eve, now that’s not too much to ask for is it? The formerly known Peach Bowl will be the reward we get for sitting through Navy vs. Missouri and ISU vs. Minnesota. Even though Tennessee doesn’t boast a very good record (7-5) they are still one of the most exciting teams in the land. They have a flamboyant coach in Lane Kiffin, and they always seem to play the good teams close. Examples include the 12-10 loss to Alabama which had to block a last second field goal to win, and a 23-13 loss to Florida at The Swamp. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is also very talented, but has seemed to underachieve this season. They played against Alabama and Nebraska in non-conference games, and they looked very good for the first half of the season. Then they tripped up in two ACC games and two of their three losses are from BCS Bowl participants, and now find themselves in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. This game should have a subtitle by it: Tyrod Taylor vs. Jonathan Crompton. These two quarterbacks refuted all doubters with quality seasons, and Tyrod Taylor looking a lot like Michael Vick when he was at Va Tech. Crompton is slowly becoming one of the better passers in the SEC. This game will come down to defense and special teams. Frank Beamer, coach for the Hokies, has coined the name “Beamer Ball” for special teams, because he and his coaching staff work very hard on special teams. I think that we will see a score on special teams from the Hokies, and I think in an exciting, but not very close game, the Hokies will come out on top. The future looks very bright for both of these teams, and if they meet up in the post season again in the next few years, it very well could be a BCS Bowl.

Virginia Tech: 34
Tennessee: 21

Mike Leach Fired: My Take

Hey all, since I decided to attend the Purdue-Iowa game last night, I was unable to put together a Big 10 Bowl Preview post before the Big 10 started playing. Nice to see Wisconsin pick up a big W for the conference, even though it did have to be against the U.

However, overshadowing the bowl season is today's firing of Texas Tech Mike Leach. For an outsider looking in, it’s no big deal, coaches get fired all the time at the end of the year. But how many coaches get fired in the first year of a 3 year contract extension and with the team's bowl game two days away? The short story behind the firing is that Leach mistreated Adam James, a wideout who also happens to be the son of ESPN analyst Craig James, by putting him in an electrical closet and a training room with no food or water for an extended period of time after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. However, I believe this story runs much deeper than that simple analysis.

Let's take a trip back to the 1990's. Texas Tech is a team struggling to find an identity in the Big 12, a conference dominated by Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas State. After struggling for a couple of years, the Red Raiders turn to a coach who is known for his love of Blackbeard, flintlock pistols and the gun and shoot offense. He spent years as an offensive coordinator, turning Tim Couch into a number 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and Josh Heupel into a Heisman Trophy runner-up. As soon as Leach took over at Tech in 2000, they began a streak of 10 straight bowl appearances, which is still running today. Their team morphed into one dominated by the spread offense which was capable of ridiculous numbers and a defense that was simply told to not give up more points than the offense scored, no matter what it took.

During his tenure at Texas Tech, he produced quarterbacks that put up insane passing numbers such as Kliff Kingsbury, B.J Symons, Cody Hodges and most recently Graham Harrell. Last year, Texas Tech knocked off number 1 Texas in Lubbock on an exciting last pass from Harrell to budding NFL superstar wideout Michael Crabtree. Tech finished the year at number 12 with an 11-2 record, and was ranked as high as #2 in the country.

However, the offseason was interesting to say the least. Leach was not sure if TT would extend his contract and he interviewed for the vacant jobs at Washington and at Auburn. Many people, including Harrell, believed that Leach would leave for a new challenge with a higher payday, as Tech seemed uninterested in paying Leach for the success he had. However, Texas Tech relented and extended his contract through 2013.

I believe that the contract extension is the main reason for Leach's firing. On Friday, he was due an 800,000 dollar bonus which he can no longer collect. Texas Tech also claims to have fired Leach with cause, which means he is not eligible to receive the 400,000 dollars per year that he is owed for being fired, per the contract terms. This is a HUGE loss for Texas Tech, as Leach invigorated the community and was able to get enough good recruits into Lubbock to field a competitive team. This story is far from over, as a large legal battle is about to unfold over Leach's contract, but as Joe Schadd of ESPN reported, Texas Tech was looking for a reason to fire Leach to avoid paying him all of his money, and the bizarre James story has provided a reason. As of now, it seems to be a he said, she said story with James and the coaching staff having different accounts of the same situation.

No matter the result, Texas Tech has lost a coach who led them from the cellar of the Big 12 South to a contender for good bowls year in and year out, and I believe that they will struggle mightily to find a coach like Leach to lead them to the same success he had. Leach should hook onto another team next season and college football fans will be able to enjoy his electrifying offense at a new locale.

Big 10 Non-Conference Wrap

Sorry for the delay in postings but I just have not gotten around to doing NFL picks or recaps lately. Later today I will post my Big 10 Bowl Preview, but for now it's time to recap my favorite sport. The Big 10's non-conference portion of the basketball schedule is wrapping up and I believe its a good time for a recap.

First, lets look back to my projected standings at the beginning of the year:

1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Ohio State
4. Illinois
5. Minnesota
6. Wisconsin
7. Northwestern
8. Michigan
9. Penn State
10. Indiana
11. Iowa

Now lets look at the standings as of Sunday:

1. Purdue
2. Northwestern
3. Ohio State
4. Wisconsin
5. Michigan State
6. Minnesota
7. Illinois
8. Penn State
9. Michigan
10. Indiana
11. Iowa

The top end and bottom end seem to be about right, but the middle of the pack has been turned upside down. Even without Evan Turner, Ohio State is still playing well, Northwestern is playing out of their minds and Michigan State has had some uncharactristic losses for this time of the year.

And now, let us sum up the first part of the year with an awards section!!:

Biggest Surprise: Northwestern
- Even without star player Kevin Coble, the Wildcats have only lost once and look to be in good shape to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in history.
Nominees: Wisconsin, Brandon Paul, Brennan Cougill

Biggest Disappointment: Michigan
- Fresh off of a NCAA berth, Michigan was ranked highly coming into this year. However, they have fallen flat on their faces and need to do a LOT of work to make it back to the Dance.
Nominees: Michigan State, Minnesota, Delvon Roe

Player of the (first third) Year: Robbie Hummel, Purdue
- Hummel is averaging almost a double double as he lead Purdue to an undefeated record so far and a number 4 ranking in both polls.
Nominees: Talor Battle, PSU; Kalin Lucas, MSU; Jon Shurna, Northwestern

Best Game: Illinois @ Clemson
- Facing a 20 point defecit in the second half, Illinois charges back to win the game and help clinch the ACC-Big 10 title for the Big 10.
Nominees: Duke @ Wisconsin, Tennesee @ Purdue, Butler @ Minnesota

Worst Loss: UTSA @ Iowa
- In the first game of the year, the Hawkeyes lose to the University of Texas-San Antonio by 12. AT HOME!
Nominees: Wisconsin @ UW-GB, Boston University @ Indiana, Tulane @ Penn State

Questions for Big 10 conference play?

- How will Ohio State handle the loss of Evan Turner?

- Can Northwestern keep rollling even without Coble?

- Can Michigan State turn their season around?

- Who will be last in the Big 10: Iowa or Indiana?

- How many teams will make the Dance?

All of these questions will be answered during the upcoming Big 10 season and hopefully we will have some great basketball to watch. Later tonight, I'll post my Big 10 Bowl Preview guide, giving you all the information you will need for the games.

RIP Chris Henry

With finals week, I have not had time to recap Week 14 and I will not be able to. I will post Week 15 picks later today after I am done.

Very quick post here. RIP Chris Henry. The 26 year old wide out died of head injuries sustained in a car wreck yesterday. My condolences go out to the Henry family, his fiancee and 3 children and the Cincinnati Bengals organization. Although he had a stretch where he was arrested 5 times in 28 months and later cut, Henry had turned his life around and he has been taken too soon.

Chris Henry (1983-2009)