by Ryan Burnett

Let me start this off by saying I really don’t think this is going to be a good tourney for the conference. I think that top to bottom we were one of the better, more competitive leagues this season. I just absolutely hate our tournament match-ups. Of the five teams we managed a spot in the group of 64 , I think only two make it to the 2nd week. On the flip side I think the Big 12 was a solid but less than spectacular conference for much of the regular season, but I like their match-ups so much I’m predicting that three of them will make it to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Michigan State: I think MSU gets past New Mexico State pretty easily. NMS defense is terrible, they give up nearly 78 points a game. In fact their scoring margin of +.08 is the lowest of any team in the tourney. But beyond that I want them out because three teams nicknamed the Aggies (Utah State and Texas A&M) is two too many. I even think they manage to slow down Greivis Vasquez enough that they squeak by the Terps in round 2.  But They will run into a brick wall against Kansas. There just isn’t a hole in this team for the Spartans to exploit.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes were fantastic this year, and I am praying that my Detroit Pistons somehow manage to land Evan Turner. But I think this team is a lot weaker than its record would lead you to believe. Beyond that, I think that they will run into a TERRIBLE matchup in the second round against Georgia Tech. The Buckeyes only have one integral player over 6-7, and thats Dallas Lauderdale who, at 6′8, barely fits the bill. GT on the other hand features two NBA caliber big men in Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors who should be able to punish OSU down low. I think the only way OSU manages to get to the second round is for another OSU, Oklahoma State, to do them a solid and knock off the Yellow Jackets before the Buckeyes have to face them.

Minnesota: Most people are picking the Gophers to get knocked off by Xavier in the 1st round, but I’m not buying it. The closest thing the Musketeers have to a signature win is a 4 point win at Cincinnati, who’s playing in the NIT right now (I think).  Meanwhile, Minnesota managed to beat Ohio State, Wisconsin, and won at Illinois. I kinda want to pick the Gophers to go on and knock off Pitt too, but Pitt finished 2nd in the Big East, have a ton of impressive signature wins, and are a MUCH better team away from home than the Gophers. Hey one win isn’t bad for an 11 seed.

Wisconsin: The Badgers will get past Wofford no problem. I think they even manage to ruff Temple up in what will be a truly ugly slugfest of a game (seriously a five point win should be considered a blowout). But when it comes down to it I think that Kentucky is just too talented  for the Badgers to hold to less than 70. And the Badgers only won one game this year in which they allowed an opponent to score more than 70 points. Its a shame to, because it would be a nice story if this experienced, cohesive squad could manage to slay the Wildcats uber-talented, semi-dysfunctional group of youngsters.

Purdue: I know the Boilermakers are limping into the tourney after getting shellacked by Minnesota last week, but whatever, they had a bad game, and the Gophers were hungrier that night. I don’t think Purdue can make it past the first weekend without their best player (forward Robbie Hummel). But with everyone picking them to be the first high seed to get bounced, I think they manage to pull it together for one win. Beyond that Siena has yet to play a team of Purdue’s caliber all season, let alone beat one. The closest they came was a 13 point loss at Georgia Tech. Not impressed. Texas A&M though probably has the momentum, grit, and confidence to keep the Boilermakers from making it to the second weekend.

Ry’s Final Four: Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, and Kentucky.

By Ryan Burnett

Went 1-1  last night, not bad start, but not exactly sexy either. Then again who could have predicted that the Boilermakers would allow the Buckeyes to shoot 51% from the field. On the plus side, I predicted the PSU @ Illinois game played out exactly how I predicted. Illinois won the game, but a scrappy PSU team covered the spread. As for tonight:

Minnesota @ Michigan State: The Spartans are a modest 6.5 point favorite in this contest, and I am kinda surprised. The Spartans are lights out at home and have beaten every team they’ve faced this year by a margin wider than this, except for a relatively modest four point win over Gonzaga way back in the beginning of the season. I actually like both of these teams a lot, but I think MSU wins this one by double digits, if it were in the barn I would be taking Minnesota to win a close one. Pick: Michigan State -6.5.

Wisconsin @ Northwestern: Unless you follow the league closely the fact that the Wildcats are only 3 point dogs to the might Badgers has gotta shock you. But A) the Cats are good this year and B) the Badgers most important player broke his wrist this past weekend. Now its true that the Badgers went on to beat the Boilermakes with very little contribution from Jon Leuer, but the Badgers are a wholly different type of animal in Madison. I like NU to win, but take the Cats ATS just to be safe, they are still Northwestern afterall. Pick: NU +3.

Ryan’s Record: 1-1

Andrew’s Record: 1-0

Ryan Burnett

OSU @ Purdue: Purdue are -9 point favorites in this game, which seems a bit steep at first glance. But upon closer inspection Purdue has won every single home game they’ve played this year by double digits. Their last two wins (a 15 point win over West Virginia and a 19 point W over Minnesota) were particularly impressive. Add to that the fact that OSU has lost three road games in a row, all against conference opponents (Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin), all by 9 points or more, and all to teams worse than the Boilermakers. Bottom line? You are getting Purdue at a steal because they are just coming off of their first loss of the season. Take em’.

Penn State @ Illinois: Don’t have nearly as strong of an opinion about this matchup. The Nittany Lions are -8.5 dogs to Illinois. I like Illini to win this one cuz they’ve been solid at home (9-1), and the Nittany Lions aren’t great (8-7, 0-3). But I wouldn’t touch this spread, because the Lions might only be 1-2 on the road but they have yet to lose one by more than 3 points. I dont feel great about it, but the Nittany Lions at +8.5 is good value. Remember for the favorite to cover they generally have to play well and the dog has to struggle. If either one of those two things doesn’t happen the dog usually manages to cover. Take PSU ATS.

Ryan’s Record: 0-0

Football

Ryan Burnett

$100,000 cars? Everybody's got 'em. Vontae Davis is headed to Miami.

10. Marcus Freeman, OSU- This was a tough call. Travis Beckum arguably should have made this list. He was clearly the best TE in the B10 the last two years and the Giants are the perfect organization for him to join, plus ( if he has a solid spring training) he could be a fantasy sleeper. But he didn’t get this spot because I am in love with the Marcus Freeman-Bears marriage. He had a bad combine, and has been red by injuries the past few months, but when he gets healthy he will be an absolute stud in Chicago. Prediction: he will have a better pro career than his Buckeyes teammate Laurinitis, put it on the board.

9. Derrick Williams, PSU- I absolutely hated him at Penn State. The consumate under-performer. Its not that he was lazy, he just…well I honestly don’t know what the hell happened to Williams (who as a blue-chip recruit was the most heralded wide-receiver in the nation). But for some reason now that he’s playing for my Lions I like him. Seriously though, if Stafford is the real deal Williams can’t not be productive playing opposite Calvin Johnson. right?

8. Javon Ringer, MSU- This was a great pick for the Titans. My belief is that this signals the end of the road for Lendale White in a Titans uniform, and the Tennesse brass envision Ringer as the new compliment to Chris Henry on the outside. Ringer doesn’t have White’s power but his value is in his versatility. He can catch, take it outside, or pound it inside. Plus I think Ringer could actually one day be a feature back for another team (I seem to be the only one who thinks so). Either way,this is a great find in the fifth round.

7. Brian Robiskie, OSU- Robiskie got totally screwed his senior year. 2008 should have been the s chance to really shine, but then senior QB Todd Boeckman lost his job erelle Pryor and the Buckeyes passed the ball 6 times the reof the season. Pobiskie projects to be a solid slot receiver at the next level. But as the 4th player taken in round two I think the Browns definiately reached.

6. Shonn Greene, Iowa- Greene has tremendous upside, but the fact that he only had one outstanding collegiate season scared off a lot of teams. The Jets aggressively traded up to take him at the begining of the third round, and the move will pay off. Probably not in 2009-2010, but in 2011 we’ll be looking back and calling him the Clinton Portis of this year’s draft.

5. James Laurinaitis, OSU- Has the least Bust Potential of any B10 player taken in the 2009 draft. He’s coachable, instictive, and polished. He doesn’t have the freakish athleticism of the number 4 pick Aaron Curry, but he should be able to start immediately for the Rams, and as long as he’s in a 4-3 he should rack up a ton of tackles.

4. Aaron Maybin, PSU- I’m not a huge Aaron Maybin guy. His freakish athleticism made him a first round pick, not his level of talent. If he’s put into a system in which he doesn’t have to play disciplined football, and he’s just allowed to pin his ears back and rush the passer (i.e. Philadelphia), then he could have a very productive first few years in the league, otherwise Mabin’s a bit of a project.

3. Malcolm Jenkins, OSU- The only knock on Jenkins is his speed. Besides that he does absolutely everything else exceptionally well. Problem is with all of the blazing fast wide-receivers coming into the league these days I think Jenkins’ lack of foot speed is going to keep him from every being a perennial pro-bowler.

2. Chris Wells, OSU- After Davis I had Chris Wells as the highest rated B10 player in this years draft. he has the power, vision, and patience to be the chairman of a very productive running back committee. The Cardinals will be making a mistake though, if they use Beanie as an every down back. Despite his size, he’s way to injury prone to be a feature back in the NFL.

1. Vontae Davis, Illinois - For my money, Davis is the best B10 prospect in this draft, and definiately the best defensive back on the board. He’s more agressive, more athletic, and more of a playmaker than Malcom Jenkins Yes, he’s more mistake prone and generally less polished than the OSU CB who was taken 11 spots earlier, but I got $10 that says Davis makes more pro-bowl appearances than Malcolm Jenkins.

Ryan Burnett

In my struggle to understand why B10 revenue sports have taken a back seat to other conferences I’ve called a lot of people names, demanded that others be fired, and even on one occasion demanded that a head coach be castrated. But this morning it hit me, like a cup of ice cold water to the face I discovered the true roots of Big Ten ineptitude. It’s the schools. Not the universities, but elementary, middle, and high schools of the midwest. It’s bad enough the schools aren’t teaching kids to read as well as the Chinese, but it’s unforgivable that they aren’t teaching our kids to throw a ball as well as a Texan. 

Seriously, I owe a lot of coaches apologies. Last week I looked at the top 50 hoops recruits in the ‘09 class and mocked the Big Ten coaching as a whole for only being able to land 4 of them. I blamed it on their boring style of play and their inability to adapt to the modern game. But you know how many of those top 50 prospects lived in Big Ten Country? Four. B10 coaches defended their home-turf. Maybe it’s not their fault they’re stuck tilling a barren garden.

The lack of regional talent was just as pronounced in football where, again, only 4 of the consensus top 50 were from Big Ten Country. And you know what? The B10 landed all four of those players. You know how many of those players were from SEC states? Eighteen!  Twelve came from the Big 12, and eight came from Pac 10 states.  And just in case you’re thinking B10 coaches should go out like Rich-Rod did this year and snatch up some fleet-footed southern boys to bolster your slim pickings, remember that 72% of the top 50 players in 2009 committed to play for a university within their home state. So, poaching ain’t easy. What Rodriguez did was impressive, but it is NOT a long term solution.  When the state you’re in isn’t producing high-caliber athletes for you to pursue, its nearly impossible to go out and get them elsewhere.

I don’t have an answer for this problem, mind you, this is just my mea culpa. B10 coaches actually deserve a (small) pat on the back. I’m especially sorry to the coach (you know who you are) whose scrotum I said should be severed and shoved down his own neck-hole. That was somewhat out of line.

Men’s Basketball

Ryan Burnett

 

 

From 10 to 1, the Big Ten has some pretty impressive Final Four amo.

This year is the 30 year anniversary of arguably the greatest Big Ten Final Four team in the history of basketball. Of course I’m talking about the 1979 Spartans team. But the occasion got me to thinking, are they the greatest B10 team to make a final four in the modern era? And if not, who else has a claim to the throne? So with out further ado… your Top Ten Big Ten Final Teams of the last 30 years: 

 

10.  ’99 OSU

Claim: Now as far as OSU is concerned, this season never happened. It vacated the entire season due to boring NCAA violations (read: they didn’t involve violence, depraved sex acts, or large sums of money). But I don’t work for the NCAA or OSU, so I’m givin’ the Bucks their rightful spot on this list. Their trip to the Final Four was OSU’s first in over 30 years, which says a lot because the Buckeyes have been there more than anyone else in the league.

Key Players: Michael Redd is the only one most people remember, but backcourt mate Scoonie Penn was the other half of a truly dangerous guard combination. How can you forget someone named Scoonie?

 

9.    ’07 Buckeyes

Claim: The Buckeyes have been to more Final Fours than any other team in the Big Ten, but only have one title to show for it (1960). But in Thad Matta’s third season in Columbus he came within one game of adding a second (tear). They were just too young and inexperienced for a deep and determined Florida squad. Nevertheless, the ‘07 Buckeyes dominated the B10 regular season with a 15-1 record (35-4 overall).  

Key Players: Obviously Greg Oden and point guard Mike Conley were the headliners, but without Daequan Cook there’s no way the Buckeyes make it to the final game of the tourney, or even win a B10 title.

 

8.  & 7.      ’93 and ‘92 Michigan

Claim: These two Michigan teams, led by the infamous Fab Five, were the most influential college basketball teams in the last 25 years. The Wolverines’ five cocky freshman made playing basketball cool in a way it had never been before. Essentially, they did to college basketball what Allen Iverson did for the NBA. They went to two NCAA tournament final games and lost each one in memorable fashion. But so what if they never actually won anything, not even a conference title? I think they’re contribution towards helping rid the game of short shorts is definitely worthy of something.

Key Players: All five of the of these guys had somewhat disappointing pro careers, so outside of Chris Webber and Jalen Rose nobody seems to really remember who actually comprised the celebrated starting line-up. So here you go: Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. EVERYONE forgets poor Ray Ray.

 

6.     ‘81 Hoosiers 

Claim: The Isiah Thomas-led ‘81 Hoosiers went 26-9 overall, and 16-4 in conference play. They captured a B10 title outright, then went on to pick up the NCAA title to go with it. That’s about everything you need to know about this fairly boring team.

Key Players: Maybe its just because I grew up watching Zeke play for my hometown Pistons, but I always thought he had this legendary career at IU. But to look at his stats they’re really just ho-hum (as far as basketball icons go), 16 points and 5.8 assists. 

 

5.     ‘89 Michigan

Claim: This team being on this list gives me a chance to tell my favorite Bo Schembechler story. During the final week of the ‘89 season Michigan coach Bill Frieder announced that he was accepting the coaching job at ASU beginning in 1990. Although he intended to finish the season with the Wolverines and lead them in the post season, Schembechler ordered that Frieder leave his post immediately. The legendary football coach declared, “a Michigan Man will coach Michigan, not an Arizona State Man.” Ironically, Frieder was a Michigan alumnus, and his replacement was not, but whatever. His replacement, Steve Fisher, and he went on to lead Michigan to a surprising NCAA title. They’re the only team on this list that won an NCAA title without winning at least a share of the B10 title.

Key Players: Glen Rice won the NCAA Tournament’s MOP award that year, forward Terry Mills also made major contributions, but it was Rumeal Robinson’s two clutch free-throws that lifted the Wolverines over Seton Hall in the final game of the tournament (Rumeal only shot 65% from the line during the team’s regular season).

 

 4.     ‘87 Indiana

Claim: Indiana’s title game against Syracuse is arguably the best NCAA title game in the history of the tournament. Indiana won it on a last second shot by junior college transfer Keith Smart. Team collected a share of the B10 title that year, and finished the season with an overall record of 30-4. 

Key Players: Guard Steve Alford averaged 22 points a game that year and shot 53% from deep. Forward Darryl Thomas, Sr. was also a solid contributor.

 

3.     ‘05 Illinois

Claim: This team would have a legit shot at number 1 if only they had managed to edge out the Tarheels in the NCAA tourney final. But given the they tied the record for most wins in a season (37), won the B10 title, and the B10 tournament their place in history is secure. I should also mention that their comeback win against Arizona in the fourth round of the tourney, in which the Illini came back from 15 points deficit in the final 4 minuets, is one of the greatest tournament games of all time.

Key Players: Deron Williams, Luther Head, and Dee Brown. Ah, what the hell, James Augustine was nice too.  

 

2.    ’00 Spartans

Claim: Team went 17-3 in conference play en-rout to a share of the B10 title. Then went on to win every tournament game they played by double digits. Also the last B10 team to win a national title.

Key Players: Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, and Charlie Bell. All from Flint, Michigan, and collectively know as the “Flint-stones.” Mateen Cleaves was clearly the best of the bunch and the team’s heart and soul, but due to an ironic twist of fate he’s the only one to never really find his footing in the big leagues. He currently plays for the D-League Bakersfield Jam. No, I’m not exactly sure where Bakersfield is either.

 

1.     ‘79 Spartans

Claim: Magic Johnson’s legendary ‘79 Spartans team ran rough-shod through the entire tournament, beating every team they played by more than 20 points. That is up until they squared off against Larry Bird’s undefeated Indiana State team in which they managed to squeak by with a measly 11-point win. The matchup is still the highest rated NCAA championship game of all-time, and is re-airing on ESPN2 tonight at 6 EST.

Key Players: Magic, but most people seem to forget that forward Greg Kelser also had a tremendous season, chipping in about 25 points a night for the green and white.