No Ifs, Ands or BUCKS About It

From the pretty garsh darn funny department, Ohio State basketball star (and by star, I mean extremely popular Columbus white guy at the end of the bench that is lucky to play) Mark Titus decided to enter the NBA Draft. Only problem, David Stern wasn't havin' it.

Stern didn't want Titus' entry to make the Draft look like a mockery. I'm assuming he doesn't want every college kid sitting at the end of a bench wanting to enter. Because having too many college kids enter the draft would be overwhelming! .. Back to that later....

After calling Ohio State once, then contacting Titus again to tell him he better remove his name...'or else,' Titus finally decided to close up shop. Rivals reports on Titus: "The NBA had called back and this time they demanded I pull my name out “or else.” I assume the “or else” meant they were going to make me do an NBA Catalog commercial like Larry Bird did in 1987. Despite the fact that I would have loved nothing more than to do a similar commercial, I realized that maybe the NBA isn’t an organization to be messed with and I pulled my name out."

And my favorite: "Because of this, I’m not really all that upset about them treating me differently. In fact, I’m somewhat excited. I could very well be the first person in the history of the NBA to basically be told to go away."

So what's funnier? Mark has his own blog, a very successful one I might add, fitly titled: Club Trillion: Life Views From The End Of The Bench.

Although he's a pesky Buckeye, needless to say, I like this kid. If you ever want to come play some pickup in Burbank let me know. We won't tell ya to 'go away.'

Oh, and Stern. Just let the kid join in on the fun. What is there to lose?... Oh sorry, more publicity I guess. That would be just horrible for the NBA.

Best March Madness Commercial Award

This commercial is great. By far the best commercial they've been showing during the NCAA tournament.

I don't want to talk about the Illinois loss versus Western Kentucky. If you read this blog you know I'm a big Illini fan. (And let's not even talk about my big upset pick that didn't quite pan out.) But like MOST Illini fans, I as well am still bitter about that *rigged* 2005 championship game against Roy Williams' North Carolina squad.

This commercial pretty much sums it alllll up for everyone in central Illinois!

The Upset To Watch For In This Year's NCAA Tournament

ATTENTION! UPSET ALERT!!

Want to win your bracket this year? It's tough. The more you know about the teams in the tournament, the worse you usually do. However if you want to win, you HAVE to be able to call the upsets. Well friends, i'm here to give you a big one. You can thank me later....

Every year there is at least one lower seeded team to make it all the way to at least the Sweet 16. We watched George Mason make a run, Davidson did it last year, 10 years ago it was Gonzaga. This year, that team will be Utah State. That's right Utah State. The Aggies.

It's a bold prediction. But the Aggies have the best record in the country at 30-4, only behind Memphis. They lead the entire country in field goal percentage at nearly 50%. And don't forget that they are playing a banged up Marquette in Boise, Idaho, not too far from the Aggies home in Logan, Utah. I will not be shocked if the Aggies get past Marquette. The second round game would be a much bigger upset over Mizzou, but I don't find Missouri that sexy like everyone else. I watched an Illinois team completely demolish them and make them look foolish earlier this season. Look out for a hot Aggie squad to take down the Tigers.

Plus look at these bad boys. They just scream "winners!"

Making out on the court after the big WAC Championship win? Hello! Can you say Stud Muffins?!..... Winners.

Gary Wilkinson's fierce face as he's getting ready for the gynormous dunk (Or he got a glimpse of a dude flashing him in the stands behind the basket). That nasty looking face approaching the rim?? Marquette and Mizzou aren't ready for that!.... Winners.

USU head coach Stew Morrill after the WAC Championship. That's right!....... His name is STEW. Any coach named STEW!!???. His team has GOT to be.... Winners.

And oh ya...STEW, went to Gonzaga!......... Winners.

I don't know about you, but I'm going to be rooting for a bunch of good ol' fashioned Mormon boys who have returned from their missions and are still playing college hoops at the age of 26.

It's All About Picking Butler!

In your NCAA tournament bracket next week, Butler may look like a sexy pick. But not as sexy as Butler picking themselves.This is from the game last night in which Cleveland State upset 16th ranked Butler 57-54 in the Horizon League championship game. I guess when your team is down by one point with 33.7 seconds left, all that's left to do is pick your nose!

Buzzer Beater Heats Up March Madness

Can you feel the Madness creeping up!? I sure can. March is the best sports month of the year, along with October, and this coming Sunday (selection Sunday) cannot come soon enough. On that note, let's talk about one of the greatest buzzer beaters I've seen in a while. I'm sure you've seen it all over Sportscenter.

I've only been out of school and away from Tuscaloosa for two years, and I didn't even know that Alabama had a player named Anthony Brock. (I'm guessing he's related to Evan Brock, who played for the Tide when I was there) But I can't get enough of this OUTSTANDING shot.

In a year where the Tide finally got rid of Mark Gottfried, (but it took Ronald Steele leaving for them to come to their senses) it's nice to finally see a positive smudge pop up within the program's massively disappointing year. It really stinks that Bama won't go dancin' this year, but highlights like this helps things a little.... a little......

Brock lost his grandmother and just had returned from her funeral, driving through the night to make it to Knoxville in time for the game... only to make this unbelievable game winning 3-pointer! It's always great to beat Tennessee! Roll Tide!

USC's Sanchez Going Pro

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez decided to go pro today, skipping his final year to enter the NFL draft. Mark was happy, but his head coach Pete Carroll had mixed feelings (to put it lightly!)

Tebow Heading For NFL Draft? Wait! Not So Fast!

Tim Tebow surprised a lot of us on Sunday when he announced that he is staying at Florida for his senior season. With one Heisman Trophy and two national titles under his belt, simply another good season at UF will ensure his status as one of the greatest, if not the greatest college football player of all-time.

They're saying that if he were to enter the NFL draft this spring, he wouldn't be taken until the 3rd of 4th round. Smart move Tim. Another, smart move. The last great player that I can remember that actually stayed for his senior year was ANOTHER guy named Tim, last name Duncan, you know the HOF forward who played at Wake Forest.

He did have us played though. You're sneaky Tim Tebow! If you get to see the raw footage, Tim just keeps repeating about how Florida has given him so many great "memories." As if he is not coming back. Then, as he is walking off stage, he pivots, comes back to the center of the stage, then finally announces that he is, IN FACT, coming back for another season. Well done Tim. Welllll done! And I'm not even a Florida fan.

Oh, and look for the girl in the Orange top. The last guy to make this many girls go nuts at one time was probably John Stamos during his Full House years, but only when he had the mullet.

Utah Utes: 2009 National Champions!

That's right. I said it. The UTAH UTES are National Champions. Not Florida or USC or Texas, but Utah.

It's ridiculous how we still have teams that are in Division-I, that go undefeated, and still have no shot to be called "national champs." If they are in D-I, and are IN our nation, then shouldn't they have a right to play for it like everyone else? If not, then don't put them in Division-I!

It's funny how calling for a playoff was taboo for years, until just recently when Barack Obama backed the option. Now everyone, from announcers to zebras on the sidelines are pushing for it. They say it's "fair." Well of course it's fair. It took us nearly one hundred years to figure that out!? Golly jeesh.

The only reason we have the BCS is because of greedy people (and universities) that are money hungry. Well I say they're full.

Utah was the only team to go 13-0, beat 4 top 25 teams, and totally destroyed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, a team that was ranked #1 for weeks during the regular season.In all words of fairness, Utah, just like the 2004 undefeated Auburn team, deserves a shot to play for a title like anyone else. And if you don't like it, then give us a playoff. It's as simple as that.

You have to read this article by Rick Reilly. Great writer. He feels exactly the same way I do...

"Some gifts people give are pointless: Styling mousse to Dick Vitale. An all-you-can-eat card to Kate Moss. The BCS Championship given to Oklahoma or Florida.

It means nothing because the BCS has no credibility. Florida? Oklahoma? Who cares? Utah is the national champion.

The End. Roll credits."

Read Rick's Article Here On ESPN.com.

Rick Reilly's National title trophy for Utah!

Who Else Is Happy To See UNC Lose?

I know I sure am!

In case you missed it, Boston College totally upset 1North Carolina at home today 85-78.

North Carolina really looked like another team that could go unbeaten. Earlier this year after they thrashed Michigan State, even I bought into how great of a team they are/could be. Today was a little of a relief though. I would really hate to see a team go perfect. It's simply no fun. (unless of course it's YOUR team that is doing it)

I'm from the country. A cornfield. Downstate Illinois. I lived my childhood breathing basketball and loving the Fighting Illini. So I'm really partial to the 2005 team that ALMOST went all the way. Which is also why I probably don't like the Tar Heels. I'm still pretty bitter about the 2005 national championship game in which many (not just me) felt Illinois didn't get a fair call.

So I know how you feel Memphis! The 2005 Fighting Illini will be one of the greatest teams to not win the national title. They won 37 games, now tied for second in NCAA history (behind Memphis' mark of 38 last year). The Tigers will be up there as well.

But enough of the history lesson (just in case you're wondering, the last team to go undefeated was the 76' Hoosiers), I guess I'm just really hoping that the 2009 Tar Heels will fall in that same category...or worse: One of the greatest teams to NOT win the national title.

Also please note! Just because UNC lost today, doesn't mean you should count them out in March. Unfortunately I can almost guarantee they will be the favorite to win the national title. They'll probably be my own personal pick. Again, unfortunately.

I don't like to hate. And I won't. But boy is North Carolina fun to root against. There are a ton of you UNC fans out there. Does anyone else like to see the Tar Heels lose!?

For your viewing pleasure, some pics from the 2005 National Runner-Up University of Illinois Fighting Illini.


First, there were a ton of bandwagon fans that year, including Bill Murray. People....uh er...crazy Illini fans, went nuts when he showed up in the stands.


D-Will. After the Arizona win.


One of the greatest comebacks of all-time. Illinois over Arizona in OT in the Regional Finals. Luther Head.

USC's Rose Bowl Monopoly

It really is ridiculous how good USC is year in and year out. If they didn't have their annual once a year "screw-up" (Oregon State in 2008, Stanford in 2007. etc.) then they would have a possible monopoly over the entire NCAA. But for now, it's the Rose Bowl. Which is still pretty amazing.

Thursday night they won their third straight, being in it 4 straight. I covered it last year, but this year I was able to get reaction on the field right after the game as they were celebrating. It was a good time. I even got some texts from friends saying they saw me on ESPN. Too funny.

Rose Bowl Atmosphere Is CRAZY!

I'm up in the press box right now for the Rose Bowl game, and based on the pregame atmosphere alone, this game is probably going to be one to remember.

Check out my pregame stories I shot this morning. I love these fans!

Rose Bowl Matchup Has Nat'l Title Feel

If you think the Rose Bowl is a one day event, you are definitely mistaken. The media days started on Saturday and run through tomorrow before they even kick off the glorious parade through Pasadena.

I've interviewed many of the players and coaches and so far, this seems to be the most complete preview of what everyone truly thinks. Overall this game seems to be a classic matchup between two really good programs. The media may seem to be hyping this game up for a reason, it's sure to be a good one! The players think so too.

Penn State vs. USC

USC Trojans Tell Us What THEY Want For Christmas

Last time I was at practice I had to find out what college football players want for Christmas, not to mention what they get for going to the Rose Bowl! Here's what they had to say.

Auburn Fans Acting Out Against New Head Coach Hire

Evidently I wasn't the only one that didn't understand Auburn's new hire, Gene Chizik. (The former Iowa State head coach went 5-19 over 2 seasons.)

Technically the hire isn't official yet, but the video below is a small taste of how Tiger nation is feeling right now. When Saban landed in Tuscaloosa 2 years ago, he was welcomed like the Second Coming! This video shows the UNwelcoming Chizik got in Auburn on Sunday. Pretty shocking.

Auburn Fires Tuberville For This Guy?

Auburn has hired a football coach that has only won 5 games in the past two years.

Gene Chizik will officially be announced as the new head coach at Auburn on Monday, and if you're like me you're probably wondering who in the heck that is?!

Chizik has a horrible 5-19 record at Iowa State over 2 seasons. I guess the only reason he's getting the job is because he was defensive coordinator at Auburn when they went undefeated in 2004. But guess what folks.....so was Tuberville!

I still don't get it. Fire a good football coach after one bad year, and hire a new coach that is 5-19 with only 2 years experience, and who learned under Tuberville???!!

Ohh, Auburn... oh how the tables have turned so quickly.

Go ahead and drink it in Bama fans. Things aren't lookin too hot in the plains right now.

You can read the full article below.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-auburn-chizik&prov=ap&type=lgns

Should There Be An NCAA Playoff?

8 teams may be too much to ask. The Bowls simply make too much money.

However if we did have an 8 team playoff, check out the possible playoff that would be sure to blow your mind!

1
8
4
5

3
6

2
7

I decided to put Boise State in the playoff instead of Texas Tech, because I believe in the purity of an undefeated season. Doing so should give you the right to go play for a national title.

With this format, I think it would still be a Florida/Oklahoma national title game, or Florida/Alabama, could even be a USC/Alabama or USC/Oklahoma if you want to take alternative picks.

The main point is, we will never know unless we play the games.

What do you think about a playoff? Who would you have winning?


ESPN.com has great coverage of the upcoming Bowl Season.

USC Content With Roses, But Wish For Playoff

The USC Trojans are headed to the Rose Bowl for the 4th year in a row. Check out my latest I talk with the men of Troy about playing in the BCS, and how they wish they could compete in a new NCAA playoff format.

NCAA Coaching

It really is a shame how quick boosters, administrators, athletic directors, and even fans and the media are to point the blame at an NCAA head coach and determine to make a cut.

Head coaches in the pros don't get very long, that is a given. Pete Carroll calls the NFL, "Not For Long," But in the NCAA when you are expected to be given time to recruit, it is only fair to be given 4 or 5 years to get your program running.

This week has been a little different in that instead of an inexperienced or new coach getting canned, another tenured head coach got fired. A really good head coach in my book that had an undefeated season a few years ago and more than 10 years under his belt at the same school. However, 1 mediocre season followed by one bad one...and BAM....he's done.

It blows my mind!




And I know if you're reading this you already know who these men are... but look at these stats and tell me which coach you would KEEP.


Coach A : 46-16 record past 5 years. (.741 winning %)

Win versus rival 6 years in a row. 6-1 past 7 years.

2008 Key Loss - @ Ole Miss 17-7


Coach B: 28-21 record past 4 years (.571 winning %)

4-4 record versus key rivals

2008 Key Loss - Vs. Syracuse 24-23



So coach A or B?





Tommy Tuberville is coach A from Auburn University. He got fired this week.








Charlie Weis is coach B from Notre Dame University. He still has a job.




Justice? Hardly.



Not that I am heartbroken, because I am a UofA fan. That's my alma mater (who is also playing for the SEC title tomorrow which I am totally STOKED about).

But it's just crazy how a really good coach can lose his job after only one bad year.


Auburn: Probably not a smart move. I guess we'll see.


Tennessee: Probably got rid of Phil Fulmer too late! haha.