Fitting End

I’m in a place where I can talk about it. There was some hard core denial, to be sure; by 11 pm Saturday I was still perched in front of the TV waiting for Lazar and Co. to come bounding onto some court . . . somewhere. But now I realize what a fitting end last Thursday evening’s loss was for the 2009-2010 Golden Eagles.

All year long the second half was a different story from the first for MU. The kinds of errors they made during the second half of many games this season are the kinds of mistakes you chalk up to youth. “Aw, they’re young, they’ll be more mature and composed next season.” Only problem is that this team was made up of seasoned vets; most of the rotation were upperclassmen and three of MU’s starting five were seniors. Still, the turnovers, missed free throws and surrendered leads happened time after time.

I hate to blame DJO for fumbling the ball out of bounds on Marquette’s second to last (and potentially game-winning) possession. Doing so would be like blaming Favre for Minny’s Championship Game loss – yes, he committed the final error, helped the opposition drive the last nail into the coffin – but too many other variables before that played into the team’s demise. DJO (who is young and can grow to be a better player next year) is as much at fault as every other Eagle who took the floor (including, unfortunately, Buzz).

Maybe if the team hadn’t spent so much time at the barbershop (did you see those crazy cuts?) and more time practicing free throws, the outcome would have been different. OK, I liked seeing the guys do something different for the tourney; it meant they knew how special it was. If only their play had reflected that, too. I digress. Simply put, MU let a 15-point lead disappear. Yes, it’s March Madness and that happens; but this team that prepared itself by pulling out close games all year should not have had to do the same last Thursday.

What’s worse is how badly MU could have potentially pummeled New Mexico. Sure, it’s all speculation, but one of my brackets had MU in the Elite Eight (one of many, may I note). My mouth watered at the prospect of knocking off Big East foe West Virginia, thus avenging an early season beating and making an underrated team one of the last 8 standing.

Again, that’s all a waste of time to consider now. It was a good ride. And, hey, Marquette has some young kids coming up and still on the roster. They’ll be better next year.

Jinx. . .Now Can MU Buy a Tourney Spot?

While reading through my last blog* prior to posting, I thought to myself, “Self, are you jinxing Marquette here? I mean, they still have one game left.” My confidence was so high in the Golden Eagles closing out the season with a win on Senior Day, I quickly dismissed my thought.

Three days later, as I sat transfixed by another dagger-to-the-heart shot at the end of regulation and watched MU sputter in OT, I couldn’t help but feel at least partially responsible. Turns out, I should have listened to myself when debating my last blog post; I’m actually quite smart.

Guess the buzz from the Louisville lashing hadn’t yet worn off. I mean, how could I have posted such a thing, when I witnessed every crest, dip and curve in MU’s roller coaster ride of a season? I had to know that shot would happen; in fact, with 16 seconds remaining following Lazar Hayward’s selfish 3-point attempt, I did. Of course Marquette would miss two opportunities at a rebound after a wild 3-point attempt by Notre Dame; and of course the last desperation shot before the buzzer would fall for the loathed Irish.

With the season in the history books, the question again presents itself: Is Marquette worthy of an at-large berth? Head-to-head play aside, Marquette deserves to dance more than Notre Dame.
In the wild Big East, isn’t an 11-win season (good for fifth in the conference) enough for an at-large berth? Looking at quality wins, Notre Dame just edges MU and finished the year on a four-game winning streak, include big victories over No. 16 Pitt and No. 13 Georgetown. The Irish finished sixth.

Marquette, however, beat Georgetown, as well, in addition to UConn and Louisville (which just knocked off No. 1 Syracuse). MU also came much closer to beating Villanova twice (72-74, 76-78) than ND did once (72-90). Almost, however, still doesn’t count.

Marquette versus Notre Dame is quite the conundrum for the selection committee. It seems to me, though, that Marquette put a better overall season together, overcoming a tough, tough start (1-3 against four ranked Big East teams) to finish tied for fifth overall in the conference (tied with Louisville, which they beat). Fifth overall in the toughest conference in the country.

If my last post taught me anything, I’m declaring Notre Dame a lock for an NCAA tourney berth. With only the Big East tournament left, no way they don’t make it. None.


* See: “Care to Dance?” Posted March 3, 2010.

Care to Dance?

In one evening, the speculation surrounding the Marquette Golden Eagles Men’s basketball squad transformed from whether or not the team will even make the NCAA Tournament, to where it will be seeded. Yes, the preseason pick to be 12th in the Big East showed up to play versus Louisville last night and may have locked up the bid that was theirs to earn.

So many times this season the Golden Eagles failed to take advantage of opportunities; other times, they seemed to try their darndest to give games away. The ‘Nova loses fall into the first category; missed free throws at the end cost MU those games. Pittsburgh sure looked tough two weeks ago at the Bradley Center, but Marquette was certainly in it. But silly turnovers and frequent missed free throws (both at critical stages of the game) made me think I was watching the Marquette high school team that competes just down the road from campus.

Those three OT victories in a row were no doubt impressive . . . but did they all have to come down to an extra period? Against Cincinnati, MU gave up a 13 point lead prior to halftime and fought to stay in the game for most of the second half. They built a 4-point lead – significant in this close a game – with about 6 minutes left, but later needed Lazar Hayward’s last-second tre to force OT. Versus St. John’s, the team shot a putrid 34.4%, and a few days later couldn’t buy a rebound from Seton Hall.

The bottom line? Marquette won each game, despite its struggles. It wasn’t pretty – they should have won at least two (if not all) of those contests in regulation – but you can’t say enough for the mettle the team showed in pulling each game out. Um, oh, yea, those games were all on the road, too.

In order to make the tournament, the Golden Eagles needed to start closing out games.

Check.

To make noise in the tournament, they need to follow the blue print they laid out during the last four games (in particular, Tuesday evening’s jaunt against Pitino’s crew). Marquette’s not big, but the intensity and skill with which they played last night could earn them an upset or two in the Big Dance.

Winter Olympics, Why Am I Already Sick of Thee?

Winter Olympics, Why Am I Already Sick of Thee?
Let Us Count the Ways

I was looking forward to the Winter Olympics. As mentioned in my previous post, the month of February is a sports chasm, so the Olympics were a welcome bridge from football season to March Madness. Frankly, I love watching athletes from all over the world compete in their unique areas of expertise, with the world watching. It’s similar to the excitement college sports bring – no money or endorsements on the line (for the most part). No, the Olympics are all about courage, pride, country and personal accomplishment. Pure sport (disclaimer: term “sport” used loosely; there is curling at the Olympics, after all).

We are only a week into the 2010 Winter Games, but my enthusiasm has already bottomed out. Here are the top reasons why:

1. NBC’s choppy coverage. I may appreciate the Games more if I were able to tune into USA, MSNBC or CNBC for a more diverse sample of events. However, I’m cable-less and therefore doomed to watch Bob Costas, Al Michaels and Mary Carillo mostly drone on about athlete’s life stories and show me medal presentation ceremonies. Hello, I’d like to see some competition – and more than just performances of the top three finishers, too. When NBC does appease me with live action, its duration is typically short, not allowing me to appreciate the flow of an event and the drama of competition. Seemingly, the only event NBC cares to show viewers more than 10 minutes of at a time is, sadly, figure skating. Which brings us to reason number two.
2. Dick Button. My apologies to skating enthusiasts, but really, how often do we need to hear Mr. Button weigh in? It feels like Costas begins each of his studio segments with, “Here with me again is Dick Button.” NBC finds it necessary to have the man comment on everything. “Dick, I had Cheerios® for breakfast today. What are your thoughts?”
3. Speaking of commenting on everything, Bob Costas seems to be more interested in his colleagues’ fashion sense than Olympic events or athletes’ performances. Honestly, I counted five comments Costas made to guests in studio about their clothing, just the first two nights of coverage. He first observed how preppy Chris Collinsworth looked in his layered sweater-sport coat combo. Again, I’m going to go back to, bring me some event action; I don’t care that you think Mary Carillo looks like she belongs at a quidditch match. (By the way, a Harry Potter reference, really? With how many sports-centric viewers did that even resonate?) Costas knows sports better than most broadcasters out there. I thought he also knew how to call a sporting event, as opposed to making it his own show, like so many commentators out there. Unfortunately, he’s not true to form during these Winter Olympics.
4. Stephen Colbert. Dennis Miller didn’t save Monday Night Football for ABC; Colbert ain’t gonna save the Winter Olympics for NBC.

Maybe I’ll catch a few more events here and there over the course of the week. For the most part, however, I’m ready to move on to Selection Sunday (which is apparently what Marquette is looking ahead to, ‘cuz they sure weren’t focused on Pitt. . .but don’t even get me started on that!).

The Least Wonderful Time of the Year

Ah, the offseason. Time for NFL fans to catch our breath, regroup and enjoy other sporting genres before another season is upon us. In years past, I’ve been sad when the Super Bowl ends, as it signals the end to yet another season. There is a void of football news and action – well, except for the now-annual “will he/won’t he” spiel – until April’s draft. The void is accompanied by feelings of emptiness and symptoms of withdrawal, without our weekly fix. Traditionally, we wait until the Madness of March to quench our sporting thirsts.

This year is different. Sure, the Winter Olympics can keep us sports fans occupied. But for the hard-core football fans out there, the NFL is still very much in the spotlight. It’s time for the players, the league and everyone in between can come to friendly and reasonable terms in time to preserve the future prosperity and popularity of the league. Namely, work out the collective bargaining agreement thingy. Who wants the NFL to have the problems of MLB when it comes to small markets versus big owners – the NFL would turn into JJFL, the Jerry Jones Football League.

It baffles me that in a league that’s become so successful and so popular, there is a risk of a lockout or uncapped seasons. Check that, I’m not baffled; rather, I fully understand that greed is preventing progress. My expertise about the negotiation details is lacking, but I know that March 3, 2010 is an important date; if an agreement isn’t reached by then, the NFL is in for an interesting season and far more significant 2011 offseason.

I think I speak for millions of passionate fans who hope the league we’ve grown to love makes the right decisions and continues to entertain and captivate us – not alienate us. Here’s hoping the Commish can earn his recent multi-million dollar contract extension. Otherwise, NFL arenas may resemble this:

Tell Us How You REALLY Feel, Vikes Fans

I love how the Minnesota Vikings are pretending as though retirement is not even an option for Brett Favre. This week they posted a video on vikings.com for "Best of Brett Favre as a Viking So Far." So far? That's a big leap there, purple people. After enduring this dance for more than 5 years, knowing the reasons Favre has given in the past for coming back or retiring, all signs point to third time's the charm.

On the other hand - as we've witness during the past 3 years - anything can happen. There sure are enough people who want Favre to give it another go . . . and they're letting Brett know it.

A group of fans (organized through the Facebook group 4 MILLION VIKINGS FANS WANT BRETT FAVRE BACK IN MINNESOTA FOR 2010) pooled their money for a billboard in Mississippi reading, "Hey #4, do Minnesota fans love you and want you back next year? You Brettcha!" Now they know how to appeal to this guy. Build his ego, make him feel wanted. They sure are playing all the right cards. (Check out the full story at: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100204/NEWS01/2040360/-You-Brettcha/---Billboard-shows-fans-love-Brett-Favre)

Packers fans made a similar plea in 2008, but it was too little, too late. . .that and, Ted Thompson surely wasn't listening (read that story at: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20080709/PKR01/807090680/Murphy--Harlan-try-to-quell-Favre-furor)

The Vikings movement's leader, Jay Tappe of Minneapolis, says he hopes to continue raising donations to keep the billboard up for another month. Donations can be made at a microsite you can link to from the Facebook group's page. Tappe reports that money not used for the billboard will go to Brett and Deanna's foundations.

What passion (desperation?) from Vikes fans. I, for one, think it's a tribute to the legend - the excitement he brings every weekend and potential he gives his team to win the big one.

One thing’s for sure – this is only the beginning of what promises to be an offseason of great consequence for the Vikings organization, in both the short- and long-term.

A Dirty Win is Still a Win. . .I Guess

After a week like last week, you'd think I'd keep my distance from anything pigskin-related. You'd think I would stay away from "Super Bowl Central" on ESPN. No, not me. I love yanking on that hang nail, picking at that scab, playing chicken with my sanity.

So this morning I found myself clicking here, clicking there, used to that miserable feeling enough by now to tolerate it, when. . .*snap* OK, that’s it, last straw.

Can someone please tell me when we time traveled back to the eras of Ray Nitschke or Mean Joe Greene and Jack Tatum, when all a defense wanted to do was knock an opponent unconscious? Heck with stopping a guy from gaining yards, let’s keep him from being able to feed himself ever again. That leads me to the question: What’s up with Greg Williams? Seriously. What’s this dude’s deal? His defense’s hit on Kurt Warner in the Divisional playoff was borderline legal – but it was legal nevertheless.

The hit on Favre? The NFL has gone on record saying it was illegal (hey Pete Morelli, get your eyes checked this offseason). Not only that, it was dirty. By nastily going after two graying, top-notch QBs with the intent of knocking them out of the game, aren’t you pretty much admitting that you can’t beat your opponent based on talent alone, Saints? “Alright fellas, we ain’t better than these guys, so we’ll try to break some legs and put a beat on the second stringers.”

I understand that football is . . . well, football (insert manly growl here). But, c’mon, folks. “We’re going to have to make sure [Manning] gets a couple ‘remember me’ shots when we get there,” Williams professed during a recent radio interview. Really? Because simply pressuring the quarterback, getting in his head and knocking him around a bit isn’t enough? Just playing all 60 minutes and shutting Peyton down is too hard, so hit him and “hope he doesn’t get back up and play again.” Classy, Greg, classy.

Let’s have some perspective here. Especially now when the league is trying to understand, prevent and treat concussions better to help a player enjoy the best life after football possible, we can’t have this filth on the field.

It’s not only cheap and dirty, but it’s cowardly, too. If you can’t bring it for 60 minutes and beat a team because you outplay it, you don’t deserve to win. Just line up and play, boys; no cheap shots, no b.s. That’s football.

Although. . .based on the way the Saints played last Sunday night – have 5 turnovers fall in your lap, face a 40-year old QB with one good leg and just barely luck out a win – I suppose I understand your thought, Mr. Williams. A win is a win. . .however you weasel into it, right?