As long as the SEC is the mack daddy of college football the SBC will always be fighting for any kind of attention. Those who pay attention know the SBC has some damn good football teams. How many times has Troy brought down a BCS team on their turf? Middle Tennessee State has slayed a big boy or two. The pucker factor should go up if an SBC team is on your schedule.
Troy Trojans
2010 Record: 8-5 – Defeated Ohio 48-21 In New Orleans Bowl
Things To Like About Troy:
Quarterback: Corey Robinson was impressive last season as a freshman. Robinson owned the Sun Belt in passing throwing for a conference best 3,707 yards, almost 800 yards more than any other quarterback in the conference. Robinson also tossed 28 touchdowns to lead the conference as well. Robinson capped off his fabulous freshman season putting on a show against Ohio in the New Orleans Bowl going 32-42 passing for 387 yards and four touchdowns. That earned Robinson bowl MVP honors. Robinson is a rising star.
Massaquoi The QB’s Worst Nightmare: Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi lived the opponent’s backfield last season. The numbers prove it leading the Sun Belt in quarterback sacks with 13 and tackles for loss with 21.5. Massaquoi showed a national TV audience watching the New Orleans Bowl the havoc he can create with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss totaling 8 against Ohio.
Things Not To Like About Troy:
No Defense Won A Championship: Last season Troy bucked the trend of offense wins games, defense wins championships. The Trojan defense was not that good ranked last against the pass and next to last in total defense in the Sun Belt Conference. The secondary was decimated by injuries and was torched much of the season. As great as Jonathan Massaquoi is he can’t do it all.
Who Will Be Corey Robinson’s Targets: Chip Reeves and Jamel Johnson were ruled ineligible after spring practice. That was a big blow to the receiving corps. Jerrel Jernigan, Tebiarus Gill and Jason Bruce, Troy’s top three pass catchers last season have graduated. Who will emerge as Robinson’s go-to guy?
OSG’s Take On Troy
Wilkie: It’s a good thing the Trojans have a talented quarterback because with the question marks on defense Troy may have to win a few shootouts in 2011. Defense was a point of emphasis during recruiting. Head coach Larry Blakeney and his staff combed the JUCO’s and picked up some players that should make an immediate impact especially Brynden Trawick in the secondary who began his college career at Michigan State with had 58 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 9 tackles for losses, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 recovered fumbles as a Spartan.
Overall, If Corey Robinson doesn’t experience a sophomore slump, the offensive line jells and the defense shows some improvement than another Sun Belt Championship is possible.
Phil: Always a shootout team, that won’t change here. They are still one of the class teams in this conference. Solid, not spectacular season. 8-4.
Jon: : I think the title gets determined on October 25th when Troy takes on FIU. Who ever thought I would say that…??? Having Corey Robinson as a talented freshman means Larry Blakeney gets him for THREE MORE YEARS!!! Replacing Jernigan will be tough, but the 6th SBC title in a row should come to south Alabama.
Florida International Golden Panthers
2010 Record: 7-6, Defeated Toledo 34-32 in the Little Caesars Bowl
Things To Like About FIU:
Hilton’s Rewards: Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has NFL talent and could have gone early but choose to stay at FIU. By staying put the Sun Belt’s best offensive weapon remains in the Golden Panthers arsenal. Hilton totaled 848 yards receiving yards averaging 14.4 yards per catch last season. Hilton accommodates FIU with his kick and punt returning skills, he lead the SBC in kick returns with 833 yards and two touchdowns. Hilton will have plenty of opportunity to get his hands on the ball.
Lock Down Defense: Last season FIU had the best defense in the Sun Belt Conference and even though they lost do it all linebacker Toronto Smith, 2010 team sack leader defensive end Jarvis Wilson, and super aggressive safety Anthony Gaitor, the Golden Panthers will be dominant again. Defensive end Tourek Williams and tackle Josh Forney return to anchor this talented squad. Williams had six sacks last year. Head coach Marco Crisobal recruited some big time talent on defense. Incoming freshman linebacker Lyndon Edwards has star potential. A pair of JUCO transfers linebacker Jordan Hunt and safety Tevin Blanchard will play right away.
Things Not To Like About FIU:
Poor Punting: Marco Cristobal might want to consider going for it on fourth down after FIU averaged a weak 31.0 yards per punt last season, next to last in the NCAA. Josh Brisk the job is still yours unless Cristobal has student tryouts, it just may come to that.
OGS’s Take
Wilkie: FIU looks to be the most complete team in the SBC. If quarterback Wesley Carroll, a Mississippi State transfer, can run the offense efficiently (in other words, get the ball in Hilton’s hands and let him go.) and the defense pressures opponents the Golden Panthers might raise the championship trophy at the end of the season. They are my pick to do that.
Phil: How can you go wrong with the fightin’ Cristobals? They’ve steadily improved each year and this should be the year it bubbles over. I agree with Wilkie, this is your conference champ...9-3 this season.
Jon: Winning more than 7 should be the quest for the Fighting Cristobals this year- and they’ll get there. Every rusher returns for FIU from last year’s top 7- including Hilton and QB Wesley Carroll. 15 starters return and the Goldens could make it to New Orleans instead of Detroit.
Arkansas State Red Wolves
2010 Record: 4-8
Things To Like About Arkansas State:
Best 7-on-7 Offense In The Sun Belt: Arkansas State’s skill players are, well skilled. Quarterback Ryan Aplin set school records for completions (252), passing yards (2,939), total offense (3,416), touchdowns (21) and led the SBC in total offense as a sophomore. As a junior and with a year of Hugh Freeze’s high octane offense under his belt Aplin will be lethal. Oh by the way he has a plethora of offensive weapons to choose from. Combined starting wide outs Dwayne Frampton, Allen Muse and Taylor Stockemer totaled 1,933 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010. The running backs are solid too. Chewing up yards and scoring points doesn’t appear to be an issue in Jonesboro this year unless……….
Things To Not Like About Arkansas State:
Offensive Line: Center Tom Castilaw is the only Red Wolf offensive lineman with any kind of playing experience to return and that’s because the NCAA granted Castilaw a sixth season of eligibility. There is hope in the O-line with five JUCO transfers ready to step in. They will have to jell quickly for this offense to soar.
Where’s The Defense? Bad doesn’t begin to describe the 2010 ASU defense. The Red Wolves couldn’t stop the run and could barely stop the pass becoming the worst defense in the Sun Belt Conference. New head coach Hugh Freeze has brought in coaching veteran Dave Wommack to fix that mess. Wommack has held the defensive coordinator titles at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Southern Miss, UNLV, Missouri State and Bemidji State. Wommack’s defenses have always been fundamentally sound and opportunistic. Just basic tackling might be a good start in Jonesboro.
OSG’s Take on Arkansas State:
Wilkie: Arkansas State might just put up offensive numbers that are off the charts but then again the Red Wolves may have to if they are going to win games. The defense has nowhere to go but up and any improvement there might be enough to be in the race but don’t expect much more than that.
Phil: They will be fun to watch. We don’t buy Wommack or his defense, but the offense here is good enough to outscore most SunBelt teams. 8-4 isn’t unrealistic, but highly unlikely.
Jon: One of the best names in the college ranks- Sirgregory Thornton is part of an offense that brings back 7 top rushers and 7 of the 8 top receivers from 2010. Hugh Freeze takes over as Head Coach and his offense will put up big numbers. The only thing keeping them from a bowl will be Troy and FIU.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
2010 Record: 5-7
Things To Like About ULM
Young And Experience: In his first year as head coach Todd Berry went on a youth movement for the 2010 season playing underclassman. The Warhawks were inconsistent but didn’t tank it either. With a year under their belt ULM’s youngin’s will be better and veterans of the Sun Belt wars.
Everyone Is Back On Offense: The entire starting 11 on ULM’s offense returns including sophomore quarterback Kolton Browning who bolted unto the SBC scene as a freshman last season and put up some eye popping numbers, 2,552 yards passing last season and 18 touchdowns, third best in the SBC. The running back position is as deep and talented as it gets in the SBC. Key contributors from last season Jyruss Edwards and Centarius Donald return and they will be joined by Arkansas transfer Mitchell Bailey. Luther Ambrose returns as the go-to guy from the receiving corps. Ambrose was third in the SBC last year in receptions and is one of the fastest players in college football, he is the two time SBC 100 meter champion.
Things To Not Like About ULM:
Offensive Line Must Protect The Quarterback: While the entire offensive line returns its pass protecting skills need to improve. The unit gave up 33 sacks in 2010, Warhawk fans must really like that Kolton Browning is mobile but running for your life doesn’t always bring out the best results.
OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: Louisiana-Monroe’s defense was the best in the SBC against the run and third best against the pass, that’s a solid group. If the offense has consistency there’s no reason why ULM won’t compete for the conference title. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Warhawks went to a bowl game either.
Phil: Sucks to start the season at Florida State. Having the entire offense coming back should help. They are a threat to win every conference team, but probably won’t. Look for them to have a good season by their standards: 7-5
Jon: Todd Berry’s idea of taking the names off the jerseys until they get a bowl bid was a nice touch for a squad that was one game south of .500 last year. They’ll still be off this year, but the team could finish at .500 after games at FSU, TCU, and Iowa.
Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
2010 Record: 6-7: Lost To Miami (Oh) 35-21 In The GoDaddy.com Bowl
Things To Like About MTSU:
Addition By Subtraction: Dwight Dasher is gone but that might be a good thing because during his suspension last season the offense found out its just fine without the all-world talent. Logan Kilgore and Jeff Murphy are competing for the starting quarterback job. Kilgore threw for 168 yards in the spring game, Murphy added 127 yards in the spring game. Kilgore has the arm that can stretch the field, something the Blue Raiders have lacked along with a dearth of big plays.
Things Not To Like About MTSU:
Too Much Subtraction On Defense: Last year MTSU’s defensive front was solid however that entire unit must be replaced. Only three starters return on defense for the Blue Raiders.
OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: MTSU gave up the ball way too much last year ending in year with 36 turnovers and a nation’s worst -19 in turnover margin, that’s got to improve. The expectations will be low at MTSU and 2011 might be mediocre at best for the Blue Raiders.
Phil: Uh...it may be a long season in Murfreesboro this year. They weren’t great last year and lost a lot of players. I am amazed they got Ga.Tech to come to the ‘Boro. Don’t look for anything special here: 4-8
Jon: Those 8 starters lost on defense will come up and bite Rick Stockstill in a huge manner. How quickly they get adjusted to life in the SBC will determine their on-the-field success- as will their game 3 at Troy. Maybe .500…???
Florida Atlantic Owls
2010 Record: 4-8
Things To Like About FAU:
I’m Searching: Sorry but there’s not much to like about the Owls except running back Alfred Morris. At 5-11, 222 pounds Morris has the size and speed you covet in a running back. Morris just can’t get it going because the offensive line was awful and there’s not much help from the passing game to keep defenses honest. The quarterbacks competing have thrown a total of 13 passes on the collegiate level and the receiving corps lost its two best receivers. And then there’s the defense. Can they stop the run?:
Things Not To Like About FAU:
(See above)
OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: FAU has my favorite name in all of college football right now, starting linebacker Yourhighness Morgan. Well your high ness, the Owls will be lucky to win a few games this season. At least FAU moves into a brand new stadium on campus this year.
Phil: This could get ugly...fast. They start with Florida, Michigan State and Auburn. Ouch! We still get a kick out of Howard Schnellenberger being the coach here...but for how much longer? 3-9 this season.
Jon: Jeff Van Camp and Rusty Smith are gone as are the top three receivers and 5 of the 6 top tacklers from a team that went 4-8. Another year below .500 Yourhighness…
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
2010 Record: 3-9
Things To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:
Clean Slate: New coaching staff, fresh approach. Always needed when you program stagnates then regresses.
No Cutting Corners: New Rajin’ Cagin head coach Mark Hudspeth called the defensive backs the strength of the defense. Cornerbacks Melvin White and Dwight Bentley are big pluses and can make plays should the front seven put the pressure on the passer.
Things Not To Like About Louisiana-Lafayette:
The Lines: Louisiana’s offensive line must replace three starters from last season. The defensive line was 111th in the country against the run. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if you can’t win the battle in the trenches winning football games becomes extremely difficult.
OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: The coaching change means jobs will be on the line so the effort will be there. A sub .500 year again.
Phil: I can’t be too mean since the Lovely Bride is a grad here. But they aren’t going to be good. At least they aren’t a sacrificial lamb for LSU this season.
Jon: This team might surprise with everyone returning on offense, but they won’t surprise too much. More than 3-9, but not much more…
North Texas Mean Green
2010 Record: 3-9
What To Like About North Texas:
No More B.S.: That’s because new North Texas head coach Dan McCarney is all about business and will tell it like it is. As far as McCarney is concerned, it’s put up or shut up in Denton, TX. This is the same head coach that took over as head coach at Iowa State in 1995 that was pathetic and led the Cyclones to five, yes that’s right, five bowl games. McCarney has his work cut out for him at North Texas.
Let Lance Run It: Lance Dunbar might be the best player in college football you have never heard of. Dunbar was fourth in the nation with 1,885 all-purpose yards last season including 1,553 rushing yards, second in the SBC. Dunbar carried the ball 275 times last season so he can take the workload. You can bet McCarney is going to give Dunbar the ball until he pukes.
What Not To Like About North Texas:
Mean Green Defense Not So Mean: McCarney made his reputation coaching defensive lines and though he admits North Texas’ front is one of the most undersized he’s seen for UNT to be better they have to develop a pass rush. McCarney and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen feel they have some good parts to work with especially with Brandon Akpunku, whose been UNT’s best pass rusher of late. The secondary has been the strength of the defense and would benefit greatly from an improved pass rush. McCarney and Bowen will be on top of it.
OSG’s Take
Wilkie: I can’t see any more than five wins from UNT this season but I like what is going on in Denton.
Phil: Dan McCarney will be a coaching god if he can resurrect this program. And he is on his way. There’s some potential here. And far worse teams in the conference. If they are lucky, 6-6, if not 4-8.
Jon: Agreed… like the McCarney hire, don’t like what McCarney has to work with… better than 3-9 for sure… but not much more…
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2010 Record: 2-10What To Like About Western Kentucky:
WKU Loves A “Rainey” Day: Though only 5-8 Bobby Rainey is the biggest part of the Hilltopper offense. Rainey carried the ball 340 times last season and averaged 137.4 yards per game, third in the nation. Needless to say Rainey must stay healthy.
What Not To Like About Western Kentucky:
More Offensive Weapons: WKU can’t go all Barney Fife and use their one bullet, Bobby Rainey, all year. The Hilltoppers need another offensive weapon to step up to take some pressure off Rainey.
OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: I love the passion of head coach Willie Taggart. He’s a WKU guy whose doing what he can do to improve the fortunes of the football program. Taggart has rolled up the sleeves and improved the talent. The fruits of that labor might be realized this year. At least five wins is possible and I wouldn’t be surprised if six wins is achieved.
Phil: Hey, last year was a success just because they won their first D-1 games ever. Don’t look for craziness, but they’ll win 4 this year. Wonder why they are playing Kentucky...in Nashville though...
Jon: win… maybe…??? Indiana State and that’s all I see…
Sun Belt Champion
Wilkie: Florida International
Phil: Agreed, FIU
Nelson: Troy
SBC’s Best Offensive Player:
Wilkie: Bobby Rainey – Western Kentucky
Phil: Corey Robinson, Troy
Nelson: Cory Robinson - Troy
SBC’s Best Defensive Player:
Wilkie: Jonathan Massaquoi – Troy
Phil: Massaquoi
Nelson: Massaquoi
Showing posts with label Florida International University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida International University. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
BREAKING: Rape Charges On FIU Star Dropped
According to WSVN-TV in Miami, the rape charges that were brought on Florida International University hitting star Garrett Wittels will have been dropped when Bahamian officials sign off on the idea no later than Monday...
Wittels and two friends were in the Bahamas last December celebrating the 21st birthday of David Shapiro at a casino. Wittels and his defense team have always maintained that the surveillance tape from the casino would exonerate him and portray two 17-year-old women from Texas as the aggressors in the case.
Prosecutors have not found sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
The Miami Herald's Siobhan Morrissey has a vital play-by-play of the evening hyah...
From the Herald article:
There is no dispute that sex occurred in the room. The teens say they were roughed up and sexually assaulted as they lapsed into and out of consciousness. The accused say the girls were willing sex partners.
They were there for about an hour, the girls say, before they were ordered to leave. “We got out of the room and someone threw out our items — my purse, my sweater, and [my girlfriend’s] clothing,’’ the girl in the black dress said in her police statement.
The next morning, around 10, the girl in the black dress told her father she had been raped. He called security. Security called police. They picked out Wittels and his four friends from a photo lineup, although just three of them were present in the room.
Those three that were charged will now have those charges dropped...
Here's video from FIU Media Day where it was announced Wittels was clear to play...
((HT: MiamiHerald))
Wittels and two friends were in the Bahamas last December celebrating the 21st birthday of David Shapiro at a casino. Wittels and his defense team have always maintained that the surveillance tape from the casino would exonerate him and portray two 17-year-old women from Texas as the aggressors in the case.
Prosecutors have not found sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
The Miami Herald's Siobhan Morrissey has a vital play-by-play of the evening hyah...
From the Herald article:
There is no dispute that sex occurred in the room. The teens say they were roughed up and sexually assaulted as they lapsed into and out of consciousness. The accused say the girls were willing sex partners.
They were there for about an hour, the girls say, before they were ordered to leave. “We got out of the room and someone threw out our items — my purse, my sweater, and [my girlfriend’s] clothing,’’ the girl in the black dress said in her police statement.
The next morning, around 10, the girl in the black dress told her father she had been raped. He called security. Security called police. They picked out Wittels and his four friends from a photo lineup, although just three of them were present in the room.
Those three that were charged will now have those charges dropped...
Here's video from FIU Media Day where it was announced Wittels was clear to play...
((HT: MiamiHerald))
Friday, February 18, 2011
BREAKING: So Much For That... Wittels Streak Ends At 56
The FIU shortstop went 0 for 4 against Southeastern Louisiana leaving him two games short of matching Robin Ventura's 58-game Division I record set back in 1987.
His streak goes down as the third-longest in collegiate baseball history. Damian Costantino of Division III Salve Regina had a 60-game streak from 2001-03- that is the the NCAA mark regardless of classification.
Southeastern Louisiana won the game 10-2 in the season opener for both.
Wittels' best chance for a hit came in the eighth inning, but his grounder to third was grabbed by Jonathan Pace.
Here's Wittels' presser before the SELa game where the school said he was cleared to play with the Bahamian charges hanging over his head...
((HT: MiamiHerald))
More when we know more...
His streak goes down as the third-longest in collegiate baseball history. Damian Costantino of Division III Salve Regina had a 60-game streak from 2001-03- that is the the NCAA mark regardless of classification.
Southeastern Louisiana won the game 10-2 in the season opener for both.
Wittels' best chance for a hit came in the eighth inning, but his grounder to third was grabbed by Jonathan Pace.
Here's Wittels' presser before the SELa game where the school said he was cleared to play with the Bahamian charges hanging over his head...
((HT: MiamiHerald))
More when we know more...
Monday, February 14, 2011
What to do with Garrett Wittels: A conundrum....
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| Garrett Wittels/Courtesy: baseballrumormill.com |
We've reported a few times last year about Florida International University baseball player Garrett Wittels. Wittles, gained notoriety last season with what is now a 56-game hitting streak, just short of the NCAA record held by Robin Ventura of 58.
Here's the problem. Wittels was charged with rape in a December incident that happened in the Bahamas. You can read our original report on the incident RIGHT HERE.
The case has yet to go to trial.
FIU kicks off the 2011 Baseball season on Friday. And our friends at ESPN will be there to cover it. To see if Wittels can break the record.
FIU, for their part, is making Wittels and others from the team available to the Media on Wednesday...with a caveat.
FIU is on record saying that anyone that asks about the Bahamas incident will end the presser and have their credentials revoked.
Read more from the Miami Herald RIGHT HERE
OK. We have a major problem with this on several levels. First off, if this were a football player with legal issues, he wouldn't be playing. FIU says they are following their "Student Code of Conduct". Quite honestly, we don't believe that....for a minute.
Second. FIU is threatening reporters that ask the question they don't want asked. No, that isn't how it works. You don't have to like or agree with or even answer the question if its asked, but threatening...no, FIU--you aren't big time enough to get away with that. However, we suspect the Sports writers/reporters there, won't ask.
It sure smells a lot like they are making every attempt to get publicity at the expense of Mr. Wittels. While he certainly hasn't been proven guilty of any crime here, the fact that he's been charged should be enough to keep him out. It wouldn't affect his chase of the record. No, we would be willing to bet that the sole and only reason that he'll play is the investment a certain network is making to broadcast the next three FIU games.
Check out this mini-doc the University commissioned on "The Streak":
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Broseph's Bits And The Thursday Gospel
National Signing Day came and passed by with schools across the country receiving orals from kids who are deciding about their future. Something about this irks me especially having watched ESPNU's coverage most of the day. I realize a lot of these kids are very good and will be good additions to the school's they choose. My problem is the way this is being done and the networks feeding into their egos. One of the players wore a hat that said "Nick Who." Really, these kids don't need the pomp and circumstance. Sign your LOI and fax it in without the rest of us watching. Make your impact on the field and then we'll cover you in the media. Until then, you are just another player going to just another school.
The festivities made me wonder about other things that I'd like to announce and how I could spice it up. What if I went to a bar, stood on a barstool there and pulled out the picture of a woman there that I'd like to go out with? When I'm done, the next guy can do so as well. It's National Dating Intention Day. On a smaller scale, the man or woman of the house can stand in front of the family and declare what's for dinner that evening. They pull out a steak or chicken from a paper bag and declares it's Steak Day! Another declaration that could be made is the official team of choice. When a child turns five, he is able to stand up at his birthday party and declare which sports team he will officially throw his allegiance to. He can put a bunch of memorabilia on a table to make us think he's going to go one way when he's really going another. Finally, we could have a guy stand up in his house and declare that he's not paying this bill anymore. The problem with this one is that there's consequences with it.
I'm trying to use some humor in my column because my picks have been in the dumps as of late. The problem is that I'm in no man's land. I've shown flashes of brilliance in handicapping, but currently I'm mired in a slump. It happens in the world of gambling. When someone gets cold, you can use their picks for fade material. Anyways, we're going to give a few totals including one for a game that could be real fun to watch....if it was on TV.
South Alabama/Western Kentucky Over 143.5 -- South Alabama hits the road after going thru a stretch of four home games in five. They'll take on Western Kentucky on Thursday night. The Jaguars started a stretch of 70 points or more with the Hilltoppers on January 20th losing 84-75 at home. South Alabama doesn't mind running with it's opponents doing so in their last four. They average 70.9 points per game while giving up 72.2. Martino Brock (14.8 ppg), Tim Williams (13.3 ppg) and Augustine Rubit (12.7 ppg) are the Jags main threats with two other players averaging at least eight points per game. Much like their opponent, Western Kentucky also allows 72.2 points per game. They score 70.3 and rely on Sergio Kerusch (15.9 ppg), Steffphon Pettigrew (13.6 ppg) and Juan Patillo (14.1 ppg). This team has played just seven home games where they average 73.1 points per game. That goes well against South Alabama who gives up 76.3 points per game on the road. This one should be a shootout. The Hilltoopers have shot 50% or better in two straight against South Alabama.
FIU/Troy Over 154.5 -- “I think it’s going to be one of the highest-scoring games in the league.” That's a quote from Troy's head coach referring to Thursday night's contest between FIU and Troy. The two schools are the 2nd and 3rd best scoring teams in the conference while inhabiting the bottom two spots in scoring defense. The Golden Panthers have scored 70 or more in every game since December 18th. They come at you in many ways with DeJuan Wright (14.7 ppg), Eric Frederick (13.9 ppg), Alex Legion (13 ppg), Marvin Roberts (11.4 ppg) and Phil Gary (10 ppg). Legion is questionable for the contest due to some disciplinary issues. Troy allows nearly 80 points per contest. They turn to Vernon Taylor (15.2 ppg), Will Weathers (13.1 ppg) and Bernard Toombs (10 ppg) along with three others averaging at least eight points for scoring. The Trojans have scored at least 70 in four straight and five of their last six home games. These two have combined to go over in 20 of 28 games. Last year Troy won at home 81-78 and at FIU 84-68 so we think this number may not be high enough.
Notre Dame/DePaul Over 142.5 -- It's been a real struggle for DePaul this season as they look for their first conference win of the season. The Blue Demons get another shot on Thursday when they host Notre Dame. The biggest issue for them is defense as they've given up at least 70 points to all but one Big East opponent. DePaul hasn't scored enough to be allowing 70-80 points per contest. They have the 140th ranked defense allowing nearly 75 per game. DePaul has a few scorers in Cleveland Melvin (14.5 ppg), Brandon Young (11.7 ppg) and Tony Freeland (10.7 ppg). They'll face a Fighting Irish team that loves to score. They are putting up almost 75 per contest. Ben Hansbrough (16.5 ppg), Tim Abromaitis (14.2 ppg) and Carleton Scott (11.7 ppg) lead the way. Notre Dame has won three straight contests after losing two in a row to Marquette and St. John's. ND is all over the map with regards to scoring. They have put up 76 and 73 against UConn and St. Johns, but have also been held to 54 and 56 by St. John's and Pittsburgh. We feel like the Irish should be able to score at will on DePaul. Last year, Notre Dame defeated DePaul 87-77. Eight of their last 12 meetings have gone over the total.
The festivities made me wonder about other things that I'd like to announce and how I could spice it up. What if I went to a bar, stood on a barstool there and pulled out the picture of a woman there that I'd like to go out with? When I'm done, the next guy can do so as well. It's National Dating Intention Day. On a smaller scale, the man or woman of the house can stand in front of the family and declare what's for dinner that evening. They pull out a steak or chicken from a paper bag and declares it's Steak Day! Another declaration that could be made is the official team of choice. When a child turns five, he is able to stand up at his birthday party and declare which sports team he will officially throw his allegiance to. He can put a bunch of memorabilia on a table to make us think he's going to go one way when he's really going another. Finally, we could have a guy stand up in his house and declare that he's not paying this bill anymore. The problem with this one is that there's consequences with it.
I'm trying to use some humor in my column because my picks have been in the dumps as of late. The problem is that I'm in no man's land. I've shown flashes of brilliance in handicapping, but currently I'm mired in a slump. It happens in the world of gambling. When someone gets cold, you can use their picks for fade material. Anyways, we're going to give a few totals including one for a game that could be real fun to watch....if it was on TV.
South Alabama/Western Kentucky Over 143.5 -- South Alabama hits the road after going thru a stretch of four home games in five. They'll take on Western Kentucky on Thursday night. The Jaguars started a stretch of 70 points or more with the Hilltoppers on January 20th losing 84-75 at home. South Alabama doesn't mind running with it's opponents doing so in their last four. They average 70.9 points per game while giving up 72.2. Martino Brock (14.8 ppg), Tim Williams (13.3 ppg) and Augustine Rubit (12.7 ppg) are the Jags main threats with two other players averaging at least eight points per game. Much like their opponent, Western Kentucky also allows 72.2 points per game. They score 70.3 and rely on Sergio Kerusch (15.9 ppg), Steffphon Pettigrew (13.6 ppg) and Juan Patillo (14.1 ppg). This team has played just seven home games where they average 73.1 points per game. That goes well against South Alabama who gives up 76.3 points per game on the road. This one should be a shootout. The Hilltoopers have shot 50% or better in two straight against South Alabama.
FIU/Troy Over 154.5 -- “I think it’s going to be one of the highest-scoring games in the league.” That's a quote from Troy's head coach referring to Thursday night's contest between FIU and Troy. The two schools are the 2nd and 3rd best scoring teams in the conference while inhabiting the bottom two spots in scoring defense. The Golden Panthers have scored 70 or more in every game since December 18th. They come at you in many ways with DeJuan Wright (14.7 ppg), Eric Frederick (13.9 ppg), Alex Legion (13 ppg), Marvin Roberts (11.4 ppg) and Phil Gary (10 ppg). Legion is questionable for the contest due to some disciplinary issues. Troy allows nearly 80 points per contest. They turn to Vernon Taylor (15.2 ppg), Will Weathers (13.1 ppg) and Bernard Toombs (10 ppg) along with three others averaging at least eight points for scoring. The Trojans have scored at least 70 in four straight and five of their last six home games. These two have combined to go over in 20 of 28 games. Last year Troy won at home 81-78 and at FIU 84-68 so we think this number may not be high enough.
Notre Dame/DePaul Over 142.5 -- It's been a real struggle for DePaul this season as they look for their first conference win of the season. The Blue Demons get another shot on Thursday when they host Notre Dame. The biggest issue for them is defense as they've given up at least 70 points to all but one Big East opponent. DePaul hasn't scored enough to be allowing 70-80 points per contest. They have the 140th ranked defense allowing nearly 75 per game. DePaul has a few scorers in Cleveland Melvin (14.5 ppg), Brandon Young (11.7 ppg) and Tony Freeland (10.7 ppg). They'll face a Fighting Irish team that loves to score. They are putting up almost 75 per contest. Ben Hansbrough (16.5 ppg), Tim Abromaitis (14.2 ppg) and Carleton Scott (11.7 ppg) lead the way. Notre Dame has won three straight contests after losing two in a row to Marquette and St. John's. ND is all over the map with regards to scoring. They have put up 76 and 73 against UConn and St. Johns, but have also been held to 54 and 56 by St. John's and Pittsburgh. We feel like the Irish should be able to score at will on DePaul. Last year, Notre Dame defeated DePaul 87-77. Eight of their last 12 meetings have gone over the total.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Broseph's Bits And The Thursday Gospel
It's early Friday morning and I'm still licking my wounds from an evening of recreational dodgeball. I'm sure we all have fond memories of dodgeball from gym class in elementary school. Some of us used the sport to flex our muscles while others used it to pick up the girl of their dreams. I couldn't have been the only person to peg the woman he most wanted to go out with. Surely someone else thought when they were little that it was the way to a woman's heart.
Dodgeball hasn't changed much despite the fact that our age has. One would think the older we got, the more mature and refined the game would be. Unfortunately, that's not the case. There's still rampant cheating and the same problems we had when we were little. The only difference was the throws were faster and harder and the taunts were more then "nanny nanny boo boo." Tonight, we played a team of guys who were trying to impress someone yet I don't know who. Patches O'Houlihan wasn't
there to sign us up for the Ocho ((pictured, thanks blogs.seattleweekly.com)).
One player on the other team was THAT guy who wanted to make sure you knew he got you out. The only problem with that is he became our personal target and was someone we all wanted to get out.
The rules for adult dodgeball are rough in certain places. There are out of bounds lines and places you can't get hit at all. There's also two referees who attempt to keep order. Only problem with that is that it's hard to do. No one is honest...even yours truly stayed in longer for a game or two then he should have. Why should I be truthful when the team we played wasn't? In the end, we lost more games then we won and now I'm home licking my wounds over a game that never seemed to hurt this much when I was little. Oh yeah, I still didn't get the girl even though I didn't try to hit her.
The Wednesday gospel went 3-1 for the readers. Let's hope I can continue the good vibes with these winners. Oh yeah, we'll return to basketball in the next blog post although Friday's usually aren't the best for gambling.
Florida International -2 -- It seems like Vegas cannot give the Golden Panthers much credit especially at home. They continue to give short lines for arguably the most talented team in the Sun Belt. FIU welcomes Arkansas-Little Rock to town on Thursday. Florida International is 7-2 at home this season with their losses coming to Sam Houston and Florida State. They are coming off a pair of tough road losses to North Texas and Denver, but they were in both contests. They average almost 73 points per contest while giving up 75. If this team played even a little bit of defense, they'd be a whole more deadly. Eric Frederick (15.2 ppg), DeJuan Wright (14.3 ppg), Alex Legion (12.1 ppg), Marvin Roberts (10.9 ppg) and Phil Gary (10.4 ppg) are deadly weapons right now. That doesn't even account for freshman Dominique Ferguson who has been a nice guy to bring off the bench. The Trojans are 11-9, 3-2 in the Sun Belt. They have a weaker offense scoring just 68.2 points per contest. UALR relies an awful lot on Solomon Bozeman who averages 15.7 points per contest. They have five other guys who average six points or more per game. The Trojans have lost seven straight road games with most of them coming by double digits. To me, I will continue to play FIU at home until they give me a reason not to.
Denver University -2.5 -- The Pioneers are 5-0 and atop the Sun Belt west conference. They host Arkansas State on Thursday. Denver isn't going to wow you on offense scoring just 61.8 points per game. They play good defense allowing 64.2 points. After a 2-9 start to the season, the Pioneers have won seven straight including five straight home games. Denver is led by Brian Stafford (13 ppg), Chase Hallam (12.9 ppg) and Travis Hallam (9.4 ppg). Arkansas State is 10-10, 4-2 in the Sun Belt. They score a little more putting up 71.4 points while giving up 66. The Red Wolves lean on Martavius Adams (13 ppg) and Donald Boone (10.6 ppg). Arkansas State is 1-9 on the road losing five straight away from home. They haven't been blown out in any of those games, but we don't need a victory by much. I'll take the Pioneers who are playing the better basketball at home.
USC -6.5 -- The Trojans return home after a rough trip thru Oregon against the Ducks and Beavers. They now welcome Stanford to LA for a late tip on Thursday. USC has been a tough team at home knocking off Texas and Washington State while losing to the Huskies by six points. USC lives and dies by their defense which gives up only 63.3 points per game. The team is deeper now that they've added Jio Fontan who has played eight games and averaged 13.1 points per contest. He complements Nikola Vucevic (16.4 ppg) and Maurice Jones (10.3 ppg). That doesn't even take into account Alex Stepheson (9.9 ppg) and Donte Smith (9.7 ppg) who also contribute heavily. Stanford is an inconsistent bunch. They have lost two of their last three in conference and have put up some real eggs on the road this season. They lost by 33 at Butler, 11 at Oklahoma State and 10 at Arizona. The Cardinal are another defense first team as they have given up just 59.8 points per contest this season. I think in this defensive struggle, the Trojans will come out on top.
Dodgeball hasn't changed much despite the fact that our age has. One would think the older we got, the more mature and refined the game would be. Unfortunately, that's not the case. There's still rampant cheating and the same problems we had when we were little. The only difference was the throws were faster and harder and the taunts were more then "nanny nanny boo boo." Tonight, we played a team of guys who were trying to impress someone yet I don't know who. Patches O'Houlihan wasn't
there to sign us up for the Ocho ((pictured, thanks blogs.seattleweekly.com)). One player on the other team was THAT guy who wanted to make sure you knew he got you out. The only problem with that is he became our personal target and was someone we all wanted to get out.
The rules for adult dodgeball are rough in certain places. There are out of bounds lines and places you can't get hit at all. There's also two referees who attempt to keep order. Only problem with that is that it's hard to do. No one is honest...even yours truly stayed in longer for a game or two then he should have. Why should I be truthful when the team we played wasn't? In the end, we lost more games then we won and now I'm home licking my wounds over a game that never seemed to hurt this much when I was little. Oh yeah, I still didn't get the girl even though I didn't try to hit her.
The Wednesday gospel went 3-1 for the readers. Let's hope I can continue the good vibes with these winners. Oh yeah, we'll return to basketball in the next blog post although Friday's usually aren't the best for gambling.
Florida International -2 -- It seems like Vegas cannot give the Golden Panthers much credit especially at home. They continue to give short lines for arguably the most talented team in the Sun Belt. FIU welcomes Arkansas-Little Rock to town on Thursday. Florida International is 7-2 at home this season with their losses coming to Sam Houston and Florida State. They are coming off a pair of tough road losses to North Texas and Denver, but they were in both contests. They average almost 73 points per contest while giving up 75. If this team played even a little bit of defense, they'd be a whole more deadly. Eric Frederick (15.2 ppg), DeJuan Wright (14.3 ppg), Alex Legion (12.1 ppg), Marvin Roberts (10.9 ppg) and Phil Gary (10.4 ppg) are deadly weapons right now. That doesn't even account for freshman Dominique Ferguson who has been a nice guy to bring off the bench. The Trojans are 11-9, 3-2 in the Sun Belt. They have a weaker offense scoring just 68.2 points per contest. UALR relies an awful lot on Solomon Bozeman who averages 15.7 points per contest. They have five other guys who average six points or more per game. The Trojans have lost seven straight road games with most of them coming by double digits. To me, I will continue to play FIU at home until they give me a reason not to.
Denver University -2.5 -- The Pioneers are 5-0 and atop the Sun Belt west conference. They host Arkansas State on Thursday. Denver isn't going to wow you on offense scoring just 61.8 points per game. They play good defense allowing 64.2 points. After a 2-9 start to the season, the Pioneers have won seven straight including five straight home games. Denver is led by Brian Stafford (13 ppg), Chase Hallam (12.9 ppg) and Travis Hallam (9.4 ppg). Arkansas State is 10-10, 4-2 in the Sun Belt. They score a little more putting up 71.4 points while giving up 66. The Red Wolves lean on Martavius Adams (13 ppg) and Donald Boone (10.6 ppg). Arkansas State is 1-9 on the road losing five straight away from home. They haven't been blown out in any of those games, but we don't need a victory by much. I'll take the Pioneers who are playing the better basketball at home.
USC -6.5 -- The Trojans return home after a rough trip thru Oregon against the Ducks and Beavers. They now welcome Stanford to LA for a late tip on Thursday. USC has been a tough team at home knocking off Texas and Washington State while losing to the Huskies by six points. USC lives and dies by their defense which gives up only 63.3 points per game. The team is deeper now that they've added Jio Fontan who has played eight games and averaged 13.1 points per contest. He complements Nikola Vucevic (16.4 ppg) and Maurice Jones (10.3 ppg). That doesn't even take into account Alex Stepheson (9.9 ppg) and Donte Smith (9.7 ppg) who also contribute heavily. Stanford is an inconsistent bunch. They have lost two of their last three in conference and have put up some real eggs on the road this season. They lost by 33 at Butler, 11 at Oklahoma State and 10 at Arizona. The Cardinal are another defense first team as they have given up just 59.8 points per contest this season. I think in this defensive struggle, the Trojans will come out on top.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Garrett Wittels Up On Rape Charges
Garrett Wittels, the FIU baseball player, with a record-setting 56-game hitting streak ((and, in theory, counting)) has been charged with rape in the Bahamas.
Wittels is accused of raping a 17-year-old teenage tourist on December 20th while two of Wittels' friends also face rape charges, officials said.
Robert Rothschild, 21, of New York, was accused of raping two 17-year-old girls. Jonathan Oberti, 21, also of New York, was charged with raping one.
Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez granted Wittels and the two others $10,000 bail at their Thursday arraignment in Nassau. The U.S. suspects were not required to enter pleas and returned to the country.
Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis will begin a preliminary inquiry on April 18th to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
Wittels' father, an orthopedist, told The Miami Herald that his son would be vindicated. He said his son was "devastated" by the allegations.
From the Herald:
"Anyone can accuse anyone of anything at any time," Michael Wittels told the Miami newspaper during a Monday morning phone interview. "He's not doing well, obviously. He's blown away. He's devastated that someone would accuse him of this."
In the Bahamas, the maximum penalty for a first-time rape offender is seven years.
Bahamian attorney Wayne Munroe, who is representing the U.S. suspects, did not immediately return calls Monday.
The Herald article also quotes "sources close to the investigation" ((read: probably the legal counsel)) that DNA samples were taken from all the suspects and that surveillance video from the Atlantis Hotel and Casino shows the women who brought the charges appearing to have consumed alcohol.
``The next morning, they found out who [Wittels] was, and that was the road they took,'' Michael Wittels said. ``He hasn't been found guilty of anything. I hope [the media] doesn't hang him for merely an allegation. That's all this is.''
We'll see...
Here's a little mini-doc FIU put together on Wittels and his streak...
((HT: FIU))
Wittels is accused of raping a 17-year-old teenage tourist on December 20th while two of Wittels' friends also face rape charges, officials said.
Robert Rothschild, 21, of New York, was accused of raping two 17-year-old girls. Jonathan Oberti, 21, also of New York, was charged with raping one.
Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez granted Wittels and the two others $10,000 bail at their Thursday arraignment in Nassau. The U.S. suspects were not required to enter pleas and returned to the country.
Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis will begin a preliminary inquiry on April 18th to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
Wittels' father, an orthopedist, told The Miami Herald that his son would be vindicated. He said his son was "devastated" by the allegations.
From the Herald:
"Anyone can accuse anyone of anything at any time," Michael Wittels told the Miami newspaper during a Monday morning phone interview. "He's not doing well, obviously. He's blown away. He's devastated that someone would accuse him of this."
In the Bahamas, the maximum penalty for a first-time rape offender is seven years.
Bahamian attorney Wayne Munroe, who is representing the U.S. suspects, did not immediately return calls Monday.
The Herald article also quotes "sources close to the investigation" ((read: probably the legal counsel)) that DNA samples were taken from all the suspects and that surveillance video from the Atlantis Hotel and Casino shows the women who brought the charges appearing to have consumed alcohol.
``The next morning, they found out who [Wittels] was, and that was the road they took,'' Michael Wittels said. ``He hasn't been found guilty of anything. I hope [the media] doesn't hang him for merely an allegation. That's all this is.''
We'll see...
Here's a little mini-doc FIU put together on Wittels and his streak...
((HT: FIU))
TWTW Bowling: FIU Gets First Bowl Win Over Toledo
((HT: ESPN/Youtube))
If you went to sleep, you missed a good ending...
FIU trailed Toledo 24-7 at one point in the game in Detroit, only to come back to lead 31-24, only to trail 32-31 with 75 seconds left.
Toledo's kickoff, and the return they gave up, gave the Golden Panthers decent field position. But FIU had to convert a 4th-and-17 with a hook-and-lateral to set up the following...
Here's your game winner...
"What these men have achieved is historical," said FIU coach Mario Cristobal. "They've set the bar high for the guys who will come later."
The HQ covered tailback Darriet Perry from his time at Lowndes ((GA)) High, and were quite pleased with his efforts last night...
Here's some postgame, thanks to our friends at FIU their ownselves...
If you went to sleep, you missed a good ending...
FIU trailed Toledo 24-7 at one point in the game in Detroit, only to come back to lead 31-24, only to trail 32-31 with 75 seconds left.
Toledo's kickoff, and the return they gave up, gave the Golden Panthers decent field position. But FIU had to convert a 4th-and-17 with a hook-and-lateral to set up the following...
Here's your game winner...
"What these men have achieved is historical," said FIU coach Mario Cristobal. "They've set the bar high for the guys who will come later."
The HQ covered tailback Darriet Perry from his time at Lowndes ((GA)) High, and were quite pleased with his efforts last night...
Here's some postgame, thanks to our friends at FIU their ownselves...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Isiah Thomas forced to end NBA/NCAA quest
 |
| Isiah Thomas/File |
Sure, we know it violated the NBA's bylaws and could potentially violate all kinds of tampering rules on three different levels, but the Knicks would have known that before they made it public...wouldn't they?
Read more from the New York Daily News RIGHT HERE
Nobody yet understands Knicks owner/saboteur James Dolan's reason for constantly pursuing Thomas to work for him. The 5-plus year tailspin they've been on started under Thomas' watch and is something they've yet to be able to dig out from.
Don't be surprised if the Thomas/Dolan marriage is consummated again in the very near future. We suspect that once this years NCAA season is over at Florida International, Thomas will probably resign to take a job with the Knicks. We could be wrong about that, but we don't think so.
In the meantime, enjoy the talented Ryan Parker singing about Mr. Thomas. Thanks ryanparkersongs.com and YouTube:
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Wittels = Dimaggio But Season's Over...
The streak still stays in place for next season, however...
FIU's Garrett Wittels ends his 2010 season with a 56-game hitting streak- two short of the NCAA Division I record held by Robin Ventura...
Here's the hit...
((HT: fiumaxx))
In the elimination game against Dartmouth, Wittels went 3-for-5
The Miami Herald's Adam Beasley caught up with Wittels after their season ended with a 15-9 loss: "I think my brain needs a little bit of relaxing. I've thought about [the streak] a lot, going out there and playing every single day. It will just make us hungrier next year, all throughout the summer and the fall and early on in the spring."
The 2011 season starts with a home series against UMass... get your tickets now...
FIU's Garrett Wittels ends his 2010 season with a 56-game hitting streak- two short of the NCAA Division I record held by Robin Ventura...
Here's the hit...
((HT: fiumaxx))
In the elimination game against Dartmouth, Wittels went 3-for-5
The Miami Herald's Adam Beasley caught up with Wittels after their season ended with a 15-9 loss: "I think my brain needs a little bit of relaxing. I've thought about [the streak] a lot, going out there and playing every single day. It will just make us hungrier next year, all throughout the summer and the fall and early on in the spring."
The 2011 season starts with a home series against UMass... get your tickets now...
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wittels Hit Streak Now 55
Garrett Wittels is three games away...
The FIU infielder extended his hitting streak to 55 games with a line-drive double to right-center in the sixth inning of the Golden Panthers' NCAA tournament game against Texas A&M.
Wittels was hitless in his first two at-bats, flying out to right in the first and grounding to third in the third. On his third AB, Wittels hit a 3-0 pitch from Aggies starter Barret Loux into the gap.
He's now three games short of the Division I record of 58 by Oklahoma State's
Robin Ventura in 1987.
Here's the game report from our friends at the AP
((HT: Associated Press))
The FIU infielder extended his hitting streak to 55 games with a line-drive double to right-center in the sixth inning of the Golden Panthers' NCAA tournament game against Texas A&M.
Wittels was hitless in his first two at-bats, flying out to right in the first and grounding to third in the third. On his third AB, Wittels hit a 3-0 pitch from Aggies starter Barret Loux into the gap.
He's now three games short of the Division I record of 58 by Oklahoma State's
Robin Ventura in 1987.
Here's the game report from our friends at the AP
((HT: Associated Press))
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wittels Hit Streak At 53
Garrett Wittels used a headfirst slide to keep his hitting streak alive.
Wittels pushed his hitting streak to 53 games, five away from Robin Ventura's NCAA Division I record, with an infield single Saturday in the eighth inning of FIU's game against Florida Atlantic in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.
FIU won their game 11-9 and clinched a spot in Sunday's title game.
"One of the hardest balls I ever hit," said Wittels, who finished 1 for 5. "And just out of the excitement, I decided to dive headfirst into the base. I didn't even know if their guy had a play. I don't even know if there was a throw."
The four-letter caught up with him...
((HT: ESPN))
Wittels pushed his hitting streak to 53 games, five away from Robin Ventura's NCAA Division I record, with an infield single Saturday in the eighth inning of FIU's game against Florida Atlantic in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.
FIU won their game 11-9 and clinched a spot in Sunday's title game.
"One of the hardest balls I ever hit," said Wittels, who finished 1 for 5. "And just out of the excitement, I decided to dive headfirst into the base. I didn't even know if their guy had a play. I don't even know if there was a throw."
The four-letter caught up with him...
((HT: ESPN))
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wittels Streak Hits 51
Florida International's Garrett Wittels hit streak is now at 51.
He singled in the first inning off South Alabama's Garrett Harris Friday, moving within seven games of matching Robin Ventura for the NCAA Division I record.
The four-letter's Michelle Bonner talked to the man at the top of the ladder, Robin Ventura...
((HT: ESPN/Sun Belt Conference/JumpTV))
He singled in the first inning off South Alabama's Garrett Harris Friday, moving within seven games of matching Robin Ventura for the NCAA Division I record.
The four-letter's Michelle Bonner talked to the man at the top of the ladder, Robin Ventura...
((HT: ESPN/Sun Belt Conference/JumpTV))
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wittels Hit Streak Now At 50
Florida International's Garrett Wittels hit streak is now at 50 games after a third-inning single against Western Kentucky in a Sun Belt Conference tournament elimination game.
Wittels moved within eight games Thursday of matching the NCAA Division I record of Robin Ventura's 58, set in 1987.
FIU beat Western Kentucky 7-3 in the double-elimination tournament, and FIU will play another elimination game Friday, needing to win that one to remain in the tournament.
Under NCAA rules, Wittels' streak would carry over into 2011 if his season ends.
Here's the single...
((HT: Sun Belt Conference/JumpTV))
Wittels moved within eight games Thursday of matching the NCAA Division I record of Robin Ventura's 58, set in 1987.
FIU beat Western Kentucky 7-3 in the double-elimination tournament, and FIU will play another elimination game Friday, needing to win that one to remain in the tournament.
Under NCAA rules, Wittels' streak would carry over into 2011 if his season ends.
Here's the single...
((HT: Sun Belt Conference/JumpTV))
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wittels Hit Streak At 47, And 48
Okay, he was tied for second...
FIU's Garrett Wittels now has the second-longest hitting streak in Division I history, getting a hit in his 47th and 48th straight games against FAU.
Wittels tied Wichita State's Phil Stephenson, who hit in 47 straight games back in 1981 Friday. Oklahoma State's Robin Ventura holds the NCAA record with a 58-game streak in 1987.
Wittels hit a single to left off FAU's Mike Gipson in the third inning after getting hit by a pitch in the first inning.
Here's interviews with Wittels and Head Coach Turtle Thomas explaining what the streak means to the program...
Thanks to FIU their own selves...
Just so you know, here's your list...
NCAA D1 Consecutive Games Hitting Streaks List
Robin Ventura, Oklahoma St. 1987 58
Garrett Wittels, FIU Feb. 17-Present 48
Phil Stephenson, Wichita St 1981 47
Roger Schmuck, Arizona St. 1971 45
Chuck Abbott, Austin Peay 1996 42
Michael Campo, Penn St. 2000 41
Todd Nace, Southern Miss 1989-90 41
Rusty Adkins, Clemson 1965-66 41
Shane Robinson, Florida St. 2004-05 40
Brandon Caraway, Houston 1998-99 40
((thanks, www.FIUSports))
UPDATE: Wittels hit an RBI double in the third inning Saturday against Florida Atlantic to extend his hitting streak to 48 games.
Wittels' hit helped FIU take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third in its regular-season finale at Florida Atlantic...
FIU's Garrett Wittels now has the second-longest hitting streak in Division I history, getting a hit in his 47th and 48th straight games against FAU.
Wittels tied Wichita State's Phil Stephenson, who hit in 47 straight games back in 1981 Friday. Oklahoma State's Robin Ventura holds the NCAA record with a 58-game streak in 1987.
Wittels hit a single to left off FAU's Mike Gipson in the third inning after getting hit by a pitch in the first inning.
Here's interviews with Wittels and Head Coach Turtle Thomas explaining what the streak means to the program...
Thanks to FIU their own selves...
Just so you know, here's your list...
NCAA D1 Consecutive Games Hitting Streaks List
Robin Ventura, Oklahoma St. 1987 58
Garrett Wittels, FIU Feb. 17-Present 48
Phil Stephenson, Wichita St 1981 47
Roger Schmuck, Arizona St. 1971 45
Chuck Abbott, Austin Peay 1996 42
Michael Campo, Penn St. 2000 41
Todd Nace, Southern Miss 1989-90 41
Rusty Adkins, Clemson 1965-66 41
Shane Robinson, Florida St. 2004-05 40
Brandon Caraway, Houston 1998-99 40
((thanks, www.FIUSports))
UPDATE: Wittels hit an RBI double in the third inning Saturday against Florida Atlantic to extend his hitting streak to 48 games.
Wittels' hit helped FIU take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third in its regular-season finale at Florida Atlantic...
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
FIU Wants Overhaul Of Internal Warning System After Berry Death
((HT: WFOR-TV Miami))
Florida International University released an internal review of the school's emergency alert system in its response to the stabbing death of former FIU football player Kendall Berry. According to the report, it took FIU almost an hour and a half to notify students of the stabbing death.
Berry, a running back on FIU's football team, was stabbed to death in April on the school's main campus. The man accused in Berry's death, 22-year-old Quentin Wyche, has been charged with second degree murder.
The review -- conducted by former U.S. attorney and current dean of the FIU College of Law R. Alexander Acosta -- found that the school's first report to its students didn't address the fact that it was a stabbing, a death, or that the suspect was still on the loose. The first message sent read:
WE HAD A FELONIOUS ASSAULT BY THE RECREATION CENTER SUSPECT AT LARGE TUNE INTO LOCAL MEDIA FOR MORE.
CBS4's Natalia Zea talked with FIU about their changes...
Here's a copy of their internal review...
Florida International University released an internal review of the school's emergency alert system in its response to the stabbing death of former FIU football player Kendall Berry. According to the report, it took FIU almost an hour and a half to notify students of the stabbing death.
Berry, a running back on FIU's football team, was stabbed to death in April on the school's main campus. The man accused in Berry's death, 22-year-old Quentin Wyche, has been charged with second degree murder.
The review -- conducted by former U.S. attorney and current dean of the FIU College of Law R. Alexander Acosta -- found that the school's first report to its students didn't address the fact that it was a stabbing, a death, or that the suspect was still on the loose. The first message sent read:
WE HAD A FELONIOUS ASSAULT BY THE RECREATION CENTER SUSPECT AT LARGE TUNE INTO LOCAL MEDIA FOR MORE.
CBS4's Natalia Zea talked with FIU about their changes...
Here's a copy of their internal review...
Friday, April 2, 2010
Now Isiah Thomas wants in on the DePaul gig...
Because he's incredibly loyal, Chicago native and current Florida International Head Coach Isiah Thomas has publicly expressed interest in the vacant DePaul job.
Thomas, who has completed his 1st season as the coach at FIU, leading them to a robust 7-25 record in his rookie campaign. He appeared to be getting them on track and has a very highly rated class of recruits heading to campus. However, the reports say that he'd brings some of those recruits with him to DePaul (hmmmm? Illegal...don't think so, unethical...absolutely).
Check out more from chicagobreakingsports.com RIGHT HERE
((Isiah Thomas coaches//Courtesy: Josh Ritchie/Chicago Tribune))
We wouldn't be surprised if this happens...at all. DePaul has bungled its search and is desperately searching for an identity in the current college landscape. We don't think Thomas is the answer however, he's a horrible coach and really doesn't have the track record that says otherwise. But again, don't be surprised to see this soon. Very soon.
As a credibility check, we remind you of the FIU presser from last summer, where the school's president....um....didn't quite remember his coaches name. Thanks You Tube:
Monday, March 29, 2010
FIU Holds Memorial Service For Kendall Berry
((HT: WSVN-TV))
The entire FIU family, it seems, attended the on-campus memorial service for slain Golden Panther running back Kendall Berry.
Roommates, teammates, coaches, and family spoke on the short life that was taken too soon from everyone close to him...
Andre Hepkins was on campus...
((HT: WSVN-TV))
Police charged 22-year-old Quentin Wyche, another FIU student, with second-degree murder for the death of Berry.
Reportedly, Wyche and Berry were involved in an altercation outside of FIU's recreational center when Wyche allegedly stabbed and killed Berry Thursday night.
According to eight witnesses, Wyche said, after he stabbed Berry, "That's what he gets. I told y'all."
Berry's mother said she and the rest of Berry's family will hold another memorial for him Friday in his native Polk County. The funeral will be take place on Saturday.
The entire FIU family, it seems, attended the on-campus memorial service for slain Golden Panther running back Kendall Berry.
Roommates, teammates, coaches, and family spoke on the short life that was taken too soon from everyone close to him...
Andre Hepkins was on campus...
((HT: WSVN-TV))
Police charged 22-year-old Quentin Wyche, another FIU student, with second-degree murder for the death of Berry.
Reportedly, Wyche and Berry were involved in an altercation outside of FIU's recreational center when Wyche allegedly stabbed and killed Berry Thursday night.
According to eight witnesses, Wyche said, after he stabbed Berry, "That's what he gets. I told y'all."
Berry's mother said she and the rest of Berry's family will hold another memorial for him Friday in his native Polk County. The funeral will be take place on Saturday.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Arrest Made in Berry Death
Just a day after Florida International University Running Back Kendall Berry was stabbed to death outside of the schools Rec Center, police have made an arrest.Quentin Wyche, a 22 year old former football player at the school turned himself in to Broward County police yesterday and was charged with 2nd degree murder.
More from Miamiherald.com RIGHT HERE
((Quentin Wyche Mug Shot//Courtesy: NBCMiami.com))
According to reports, Wyche and Berry had words after Wyche insulted Berry's girlfriend and threw cookies in her face at around 9pm on Thursday.
Here's team coverage from our friends at WSVN-TV.
Andre Hepkins was on site...
Friday, March 26, 2010
FIU Running Back Stabbed To Death
((HT: WSVN-TV Miami))
FIU running back Kendall Berry was stabbed to death on the school's main campus late Thursday night. Police are searching for multiple suspects.
Berry was stabbed around 9PM Thursday according to Miami-Dade police Detective Javier Baez.
Police were interviewing "several people that observed the incident," Baez said, although he could not confirm if a suspect was in custody.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kendall's family," FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said in a news release. "We are here to support them and our entire university community as all of us come to terms with this tragedy."
Shortly after the university confirmed Berry's death, FIU indefinitely postponed football coaching clinics scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The football team's annual spring game is scheduled for Wednesday. It is unknown if the game will go on as scheduled.
Baez said the stabbing took place just outside the front doors of the campus recreation center, where he said the football team and other FIU athletes train.
Berry, according to Baez was involved in an argument with one or more people. "One produced some type of a weapon and stabbed him," Baez said.
Berry had 164 all-purpose yards in limited use as a freshman in 2007, appearing in all 12 FIU games that season. He sat out the 2008 season with a knee injury and then had some breakout moments in 2009, rushing for three touchdowns in a span of 13 minutes against Middle Tennessee and followed that up with two more scores the next week in a win over North Texas.
Here are highlights from the North Texas game, thanks to FIU their ownselves... Berry is #19...
He finished last season with a team-high seven touchdowns.
WSVN's Richard Jordan was live on campus...
FIU running back Kendall Berry was stabbed to death on the school's main campus late Thursday night. Police are searching for multiple suspects.
Berry was stabbed around 9PM Thursday according to Miami-Dade police Detective Javier Baez.
Police were interviewing "several people that observed the incident," Baez said, although he could not confirm if a suspect was in custody.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kendall's family," FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said in a news release. "We are here to support them and our entire university community as all of us come to terms with this tragedy."
Shortly after the university confirmed Berry's death, FIU indefinitely postponed football coaching clinics scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The football team's annual spring game is scheduled for Wednesday. It is unknown if the game will go on as scheduled.
Baez said the stabbing took place just outside the front doors of the campus recreation center, where he said the football team and other FIU athletes train.
Berry, according to Baez was involved in an argument with one or more people. "One produced some type of a weapon and stabbed him," Baez said.
Berry had 164 all-purpose yards in limited use as a freshman in 2007, appearing in all 12 FIU games that season. He sat out the 2008 season with a knee injury and then had some breakout moments in 2009, rushing for three touchdowns in a span of 13 minutes against Middle Tennessee and followed that up with two more scores the next week in a win over North Texas.
Here are highlights from the North Texas game, thanks to FIU their ownselves... Berry is #19...
He finished last season with a team-high seven touchdowns.
WSVN's Richard Jordan was live on campus...
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