There are dozens of things that make me happy. King crab legs, kisses on the cheek and Kansas basketball are just a few. That’s why when the latter occurred on Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas, I was rapturous. The Jayhawks defeated USC 70-68 to preserve their consecutive home game winning streak. Third –ranked Kansas has 65 straight wins at Phog Allen Fieldhouse. Yesterday, Bill Self’s squad upended Southern California with the help of freshman guard, Josh Selby. Selby made his KU debut, finishing with a game high 21 points in 27 minutes. The Baltimore native went 5-for-11 from the field and hit the go-ahead bucket with 24 seconds on the clock. Not bad for your first college game.
The 10-0 Jayhawks steadily built a 39-25 lead against the Trojans in the first half. Selby sunk five of eight three pointers, including his first two attempts. The visitors trailed by double digits most of the game but the Jayhawks struggled to generate offense after halftime. The well-schooled, scrappy USC shooters took the lead in the game’s final minutes. Donte Smith led USC on an 11-0 run and Jio Fontan hit a pair of free throws to put the Trojans up by two points with two minutes to play. USC’s quick guards found their way into the lane and pounded away at KU’s poor post-defense. Donte Smith led the Trojans with 20 points, including five baskets from downtown. USC outscored Kansas 48-39 in the second half.
The Jayhawks held the rebounding edge throughout the game against one of the best rebounding teams in college basketball. KU fought back with their gritty freshman leading the way. Marcus Morris threw the ball to Selby with the game on the line. The clutch Kansas guard unfurled another three-point attempt in the final minute to give Kansas the lead for good. The Trojans called time out, trailing 69-68. USC blew its chance to win the game in the last five seconds when Fontan turned the ball over on an inbounds pass. Kansas’ Tyrel Reed made a free throw for the final margin. The starting senior guard had a game high five assists in the Jayhawk’s victory.
Parting Points: The second-ranked Buckeyes remain poised—79-57 winners over South Carolina.
Gilbert Arenas to the Orlando Magic---good move?
Showing posts with label USC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USC. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Supercharged Southern Showdown at the 'Shoe
True freshman quarterback, Matt Barkley, and the USC Trojans invade the Horseshoe in Columbus tonight. Frustrated Ohio State fans consider this the game of the year. National title implications are on the line for both teams. The winner still has a chance to play for a championship; the loser is guaranteed a tough road to a top BCS bowl. Sophomore spiral-throwing signal caller, Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes would like nothing more than to send the Trojans away with a roar. Jim Tressel’s scarlet and gray look to eclipse Pete Carroll’s prestigious powerhouse pack from Southern California.
Barkley handled his first test with a 15 for 19, 233 yard opening statement against San Jose State. The 19 year old threw for one touchdown and looked comfortable in USC’s 56-3 rout. The Ohio Stadium lights, a national television audience and a Buckeyes team still smarting from last year’s passing are a bit different setting for week two. Last season, the Trojans bruised the Buckeyes and their reputation by besting them 35-3. Carroll’s squad has defeated Ohio State six straight times, including three Rose Bowl wins. USC still brings a talented crop of offensive standouts, and a dizzying array of quality running backs. The knights of Columbus will have to stop those USC explosive gains and limit the production of running back, Joe McKnight and big-play receiver, Damian Williams. If Barkley has time to choose his receivers, the Trojans will quickly gobble up yards in the same manner they did last year. The Trojans rushed for 342 yards against the San Jose Spartans a week ago. The six touchdowns scored forced the Spartans to bring an extra defender for run support. Ohio State’s defense must press Barkley to make difficult throws and stop the run without exposing its secondary. It is also critical the Buckeyes do not fall behind early. If Pryor has to throw the ball often to catch up, he is inclined to make more mistakes from the pressure of the USC defense.
The Buckeyes nearly dropped their home opener against non-BCS opponent, Navy. Despite the Midshipmen reputation as a respectable football team, no academy school should outmuscle the class of the Big 10. Communication could be a problem for the OSU lineman. Pryor has the acknowledged ability to be a mobile quarterback when necessary, but it will only work when the line is on the same page. The sophomore’s knack for escaping the pocket should keep the Trojans honest and limit blitzes. The 6’6” Pryor has tantalizing speed for his size and the USC defense lost most of its big names from a year ago. Three of those defenders were taken in the first 38 NFL draft picks. Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga are gone.
The friendly confines of the Coliseum will obviously not be there to comfort Barkley in his first road game. Ohio State must vigorously take advantage of their home crowd and unseasoned opponent. The collegian Pryor has taken on an expanded role since his last meeting with the Trojans. In 2008, he backed up Todd Boeckman and saw little playing time in Southern California. Pryor hopes to assert himself as the best quarterback tonight. Last week, the Midshipmen presented a different defensive style that limited the deep balls thrown from number 2. OSU’s vertical passing game should get a boost this week with Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVair Posey and Jake Ballard, the main offensive targets. Ohio State seems armed and ready for this Saturday scuffle. Buckeye faithful want to see a tight Trojans team on display this evening. OSU’s demoralizing defeat last year is enough motivation for a Trojan toppling. The work on the field will tell the tale as onlookers in the Horseshoe prepare.
Parting Points: Congratulations to the Yankee captain, Derek Jeter. What else more is there to say?
Song of the day- “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys
“Aren’t you going to show a little irony and pity?”- The Sun Also Rises
Barkley handled his first test with a 15 for 19, 233 yard opening statement against San Jose State. The 19 year old threw for one touchdown and looked comfortable in USC’s 56-3 rout. The Ohio Stadium lights, a national television audience and a Buckeyes team still smarting from last year’s passing are a bit different setting for week two. Last season, the Trojans bruised the Buckeyes and their reputation by besting them 35-3. Carroll’s squad has defeated Ohio State six straight times, including three Rose Bowl wins. USC still brings a talented crop of offensive standouts, and a dizzying array of quality running backs. The knights of Columbus will have to stop those USC explosive gains and limit the production of running back, Joe McKnight and big-play receiver, Damian Williams. If Barkley has time to choose his receivers, the Trojans will quickly gobble up yards in the same manner they did last year. The Trojans rushed for 342 yards against the San Jose Spartans a week ago. The six touchdowns scored forced the Spartans to bring an extra defender for run support. Ohio State’s defense must press Barkley to make difficult throws and stop the run without exposing its secondary. It is also critical the Buckeyes do not fall behind early. If Pryor has to throw the ball often to catch up, he is inclined to make more mistakes from the pressure of the USC defense.
The Buckeyes nearly dropped their home opener against non-BCS opponent, Navy. Despite the Midshipmen reputation as a respectable football team, no academy school should outmuscle the class of the Big 10. Communication could be a problem for the OSU lineman. Pryor has the acknowledged ability to be a mobile quarterback when necessary, but it will only work when the line is on the same page. The sophomore’s knack for escaping the pocket should keep the Trojans honest and limit blitzes. The 6’6” Pryor has tantalizing speed for his size and the USC defense lost most of its big names from a year ago. Three of those defenders were taken in the first 38 NFL draft picks. Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga are gone.
The friendly confines of the Coliseum will obviously not be there to comfort Barkley in his first road game. Ohio State must vigorously take advantage of their home crowd and unseasoned opponent. The collegian Pryor has taken on an expanded role since his last meeting with the Trojans. In 2008, he backed up Todd Boeckman and saw little playing time in Southern California. Pryor hopes to assert himself as the best quarterback tonight. Last week, the Midshipmen presented a different defensive style that limited the deep balls thrown from number 2. OSU’s vertical passing game should get a boost this week with Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVair Posey and Jake Ballard, the main offensive targets. Ohio State seems armed and ready for this Saturday scuffle. Buckeye faithful want to see a tight Trojans team on display this evening. OSU’s demoralizing defeat last year is enough motivation for a Trojan toppling. The work on the field will tell the tale as onlookers in the Horseshoe prepare.
Parting Points: Congratulations to the Yankee captain, Derek Jeter. What else more is there to say?
Song of the day- “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys
“Aren’t you going to show a little irony and pity?”- The Sun Also Rises
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday Time Travel
1974 was an interesting, controversial and wacky year for national sports. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl 42-21 versus Southern Cal after an undefeated 1973 season. The Bucks finished 10-0-1. The out-of-sync and colorful mix of Oakland A’s beat the business-like LA Dodgers in 5 games for the World Series title. I wish I was there to see both sporting events.
The lively Ohio State head coach, Woody Hayes, was full of character and quite the character if you ask me. I am learning a great deal about what his players endured with Hayes as their father figure. The sideline showoff Woody had multiple encounters with cameramen and players during his tenure at Ohio State. It is quite hysterical and humorous to read about all the crazy behavior he displayed. In 1973, a controversial Big 10 vote sent Ohio State to the 1974 Rose Bowl instead of rival, Michigan. Hayes got his way, so to say. But it wasn’t always the case for the antsy coach. He tore up sideline markers, barked and cursed out referees and received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Hayes was even put on probation by the Big 10 conference and ejected from two Rose Bowl games.
In 1974, Hayes’ hot temper seemed to only motivate and inspire his promising, talented football team, landing them in the bowl game in California. Hayes was stubborn, but his players responded with grit and great effort on the field. The two-time Heismann trophy winning running back, Archie Griffin, was undoubtedly the best player on Hayes’ 1974 squad. Hayes recruited the homegrown back, who ran for 149 yards on 22 carries that New Years’ Day. The 60th Rose Bowl pitted two legendary coaches against each other in USC’s John McKay and Woody Hayes. Ohio State dominated the game. Hayes never liked to pass the ball because he figured it resulted in careless plays and turnovers. He usually opted to let Archie carry the load and use his legs to create points. But this game, Hayes allowed his QB Cornelius Greene to unleash an aerial attack against the mighty Trojans. Greene won the MVP and passed for 129 yards. Pete Johnson scores three touchdowns and Fred Pagtack factored into the pass plays to break the game open. Neal Colzie contributed runs, along with Archie’s 47-yard score. I think I would have been amused and gotten a kick out of Woody’s revenge on USC. The year before, USC demolished the Buckeyes 42-17 in the 1973 Rose Bowl. Without a doubt, it would have been nifty to see Griffin plow his way through top college defense all year.
The 1974 Oakland Athletics were laughable for their theatrics in the locker room and dramatic meltdowns throughout the season. The roster was filled with wacky ballplayers who acted like a dysfunctional family. Owner, Charles O. Finley, was a character himself and his team was a microcosm of his odd style.
Alvin Dark managed the team somehow in light of all the wackiness on display. Rollie Fingers earned series MVP honors and Jim “Catfish” Hunter was awarded AL Cy Young that season. The A’s fielded six all-stars in Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, Fingers, Hunter, Joe Rudi and Bert Campaneris. Interestingly, a “designated runner” named Herb Washington was also a 1974 Oakland Athletic. Finley coined the phrase, in what probably would be considered simply a pinch runner today. Bando lead the ‘74 A’s in RBIs with 103 and Jackson clubbed 29 shots for homeruns. The 90-72 team saw Ray Fosse behind the plate, Manny Trillo in the infield and Blue Moon Odom on the mound.
For Los Angeles, pitcher Andy Messersmith won 20 games and Don Sutton 19. AL Downing, Jim Brewer and Mike Marshall were other arms on this loaded LA team. The rich pitching couldn’t provide enough for the Dodgers to prevail in the World Series however strange their meeting with Oakland was. Walt Alston’s team boasted the best NL ERA an had enough power in hitters Steve Garvey, Bill Buckner, and Jimmy Wynn. Speedster, Davey Lopes stole 59 bases during the 1974 season and Bill Russell and Ron Cey represented part of the team’s infield core. LA seemed to have it all, with speed, defense and quality pitching. They also had the famous announcer, Vin Scully. Scully’s voice is one of baseball’s most recognizable. I would have liked hearing him call the first all-California clash.
Ken Holtzman hit a solo shot in Game 4. That was his first base hit all season. The 1974 A’s were the first team in 20 years to win three straight World Series.
Parting points: I really think the Dodgers and A’s have a chance to meet in the World Series this year. That is my early prediction. And, it would be so great to see a OSU-USC matchup for the next Rose Bowl.
The lively Ohio State head coach, Woody Hayes, was full of character and quite the character if you ask me. I am learning a great deal about what his players endured with Hayes as their father figure. The sideline showoff Woody had multiple encounters with cameramen and players during his tenure at Ohio State. It is quite hysterical and humorous to read about all the crazy behavior he displayed. In 1973, a controversial Big 10 vote sent Ohio State to the 1974 Rose Bowl instead of rival, Michigan. Hayes got his way, so to say. But it wasn’t always the case for the antsy coach. He tore up sideline markers, barked and cursed out referees and received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Hayes was even put on probation by the Big 10 conference and ejected from two Rose Bowl games.
In 1974, Hayes’ hot temper seemed to only motivate and inspire his promising, talented football team, landing them in the bowl game in California. Hayes was stubborn, but his players responded with grit and great effort on the field. The two-time Heismann trophy winning running back, Archie Griffin, was undoubtedly the best player on Hayes’ 1974 squad. Hayes recruited the homegrown back, who ran for 149 yards on 22 carries that New Years’ Day. The 60th Rose Bowl pitted two legendary coaches against each other in USC’s John McKay and Woody Hayes. Ohio State dominated the game. Hayes never liked to pass the ball because he figured it resulted in careless plays and turnovers. He usually opted to let Archie carry the load and use his legs to create points. But this game, Hayes allowed his QB Cornelius Greene to unleash an aerial attack against the mighty Trojans. Greene won the MVP and passed for 129 yards. Pete Johnson scores three touchdowns and Fred Pagtack factored into the pass plays to break the game open. Neal Colzie contributed runs, along with Archie’s 47-yard score. I think I would have been amused and gotten a kick out of Woody’s revenge on USC. The year before, USC demolished the Buckeyes 42-17 in the 1973 Rose Bowl. Without a doubt, it would have been nifty to see Griffin plow his way through top college defense all year.
The 1974 Oakland Athletics were laughable for their theatrics in the locker room and dramatic meltdowns throughout the season. The roster was filled with wacky ballplayers who acted like a dysfunctional family. Owner, Charles O. Finley, was a character himself and his team was a microcosm of his odd style.
Alvin Dark managed the team somehow in light of all the wackiness on display. Rollie Fingers earned series MVP honors and Jim “Catfish” Hunter was awarded AL Cy Young that season. The A’s fielded six all-stars in Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, Fingers, Hunter, Joe Rudi and Bert Campaneris. Interestingly, a “designated runner” named Herb Washington was also a 1974 Oakland Athletic. Finley coined the phrase, in what probably would be considered simply a pinch runner today. Bando lead the ‘74 A’s in RBIs with 103 and Jackson clubbed 29 shots for homeruns. The 90-72 team saw Ray Fosse behind the plate, Manny Trillo in the infield and Blue Moon Odom on the mound.
For Los Angeles, pitcher Andy Messersmith won 20 games and Don Sutton 19. AL Downing, Jim Brewer and Mike Marshall were other arms on this loaded LA team. The rich pitching couldn’t provide enough for the Dodgers to prevail in the World Series however strange their meeting with Oakland was. Walt Alston’s team boasted the best NL ERA an had enough power in hitters Steve Garvey, Bill Buckner, and Jimmy Wynn. Speedster, Davey Lopes stole 59 bases during the 1974 season and Bill Russell and Ron Cey represented part of the team’s infield core. LA seemed to have it all, with speed, defense and quality pitching. They also had the famous announcer, Vin Scully. Scully’s voice is one of baseball’s most recognizable. I would have liked hearing him call the first all-California clash.
Ken Holtzman hit a solo shot in Game 4. That was his first base hit all season. The 1974 A’s were the first team in 20 years to win three straight World Series.
Parting points: I really think the Dodgers and A’s have a chance to meet in the World Series this year. That is my early prediction. And, it would be so great to see a OSU-USC matchup for the next Rose Bowl.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tressel's troubled team tackles Troy today
Buckeyes bummed by Beanie’s benching
The college football world was centered around the Coliseum as USC hosted Ohio State last weekend. The outcome for the Buckeyes was nothing to write home about. (35-3 loss) The Trojans teased and taunted Todd and Terrelle throughout the four quarters of the game. Ohio State head coach, Jim Tressel, used an interesting attack early in the game and OSU actually looked impressive on their second drive of the first quarter. However, the resulting field goal was anything but stellar. The Buckeyes should have come away with no less than seven points during that drive. It was a humbling game for Ohio State to say the least.
This week, our humble heroes host at home in the Horseshoe. The visitors will be from Troy (what is with all these Greek teams?) On one hand, it seems like this could be another let-down game. If the Buckeyes show up playing like they did prior to USC when they barely outlasted Ohio University, they probably pitifully pummel. I happen to think Ohio State will bounce back by beating and battering this Troy team. I admit knowing next to noting about Troy except that they shut out Acorn State last Saturday, 65-0! The demoralizing defeat definitely does damage to the national title hopes of the Buckeyes. But, I think last week’s wreck will only inspire the team to step it up. I would not be surprised to see the Buckeyes win the Big Ten again or go undefeated the rest of the season. Tressel has taken too much heat for the big losses the Bucks have suffered during his reign. I know this team has failed to flourish in the final games of the season. Somehow though, I believe with the addition of Terrelle Pryor and the exemplary leadership of James Laurinaitus, Brian Robiskie, Malcom Jenkins, Marcus Freeman, Brian Hartline and the rest of the veteran players, Ohio State will come out near the top of the BCS polls by season’s end. Chris “Beanie” Wells was injured in week one and that is a huge loss. Down a running back and Heisman hopeful, OSU needs to adjust, adapt and alternate an action plan. Tressel is the man to assemble a formidable alternative. By all indications, it does seem as if Beanie will be back soon anyway. Next week, the division games stars, as OSU takes on Minnesota. It would be a perfect time for a Wells’ return.
In the Big East, could things be any worse? Syracuse stinks. (At least they have The Express movie coming in October) West Virginia is underwelming. (Pat White for Heisman? Not) Pitt is puny. Rutgers can’t run without Rice, and Cincy is corruptible. Only South Florida looks somewhat strong. And how about UConn? 4-0? Are you kidding me?
Parting Points: Are the NY Mets going to collapse again? Despite what the naysayers think, I predict the Mets win the NL East. The bullpen is definitely scary but for some reason, this team has been in the race. Either way, it will be an interesting two weeks in baseball as the pennant races conclude. This thing is going down to the last day.
Oh, and I heard the new Fallout Boy single on the radio. I never liked them too much but the song “I don’t care” hits the spot.
The college football world was centered around the Coliseum as USC hosted Ohio State last weekend. The outcome for the Buckeyes was nothing to write home about. (35-3 loss) The Trojans teased and taunted Todd and Terrelle throughout the four quarters of the game. Ohio State head coach, Jim Tressel, used an interesting attack early in the game and OSU actually looked impressive on their second drive of the first quarter. However, the resulting field goal was anything but stellar. The Buckeyes should have come away with no less than seven points during that drive. It was a humbling game for Ohio State to say the least.
This week, our humble heroes host at home in the Horseshoe. The visitors will be from Troy (what is with all these Greek teams?) On one hand, it seems like this could be another let-down game. If the Buckeyes show up playing like they did prior to USC when they barely outlasted Ohio University, they probably pitifully pummel. I happen to think Ohio State will bounce back by beating and battering this Troy team. I admit knowing next to noting about Troy except that they shut out Acorn State last Saturday, 65-0! The demoralizing defeat definitely does damage to the national title hopes of the Buckeyes. But, I think last week’s wreck will only inspire the team to step it up. I would not be surprised to see the Buckeyes win the Big Ten again or go undefeated the rest of the season. Tressel has taken too much heat for the big losses the Bucks have suffered during his reign. I know this team has failed to flourish in the final games of the season. Somehow though, I believe with the addition of Terrelle Pryor and the exemplary leadership of James Laurinaitus, Brian Robiskie, Malcom Jenkins, Marcus Freeman, Brian Hartline and the rest of the veteran players, Ohio State will come out near the top of the BCS polls by season’s end. Chris “Beanie” Wells was injured in week one and that is a huge loss. Down a running back and Heisman hopeful, OSU needs to adjust, adapt and alternate an action plan. Tressel is the man to assemble a formidable alternative. By all indications, it does seem as if Beanie will be back soon anyway. Next week, the division games stars, as OSU takes on Minnesota. It would be a perfect time for a Wells’ return.
In the Big East, could things be any worse? Syracuse stinks. (At least they have The Express movie coming in October) West Virginia is underwelming. (Pat White for Heisman? Not) Pitt is puny. Rutgers can’t run without Rice, and Cincy is corruptible. Only South Florida looks somewhat strong. And how about UConn? 4-0? Are you kidding me?
Parting Points: Are the NY Mets going to collapse again? Despite what the naysayers think, I predict the Mets win the NL East. The bullpen is definitely scary but for some reason, this team has been in the race. Either way, it will be an interesting two weeks in baseball as the pennant races conclude. This thing is going down to the last day.
Oh, and I heard the new Fallout Boy single on the radio. I never liked them too much but the song “I don’t care” hits the spot.
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