The March Through The Madness: Day Two Recap

Texas survives as Oakland's losing number ((four)) disturbed a lot of the prop bets on the board... here's Rick Barnes...
((HT: KVUE-TV Austin))


Michigan, probably, put Tennessee fans out of their misery with a 30-point blowout of the Vols. The HQ would only hope AD Mike Hamilton would be closely behind...
((HT: WBIR-TV Knoxville))


The HQ is fairly certain that VCU head coach Shaka Smart got Jay Bilas to watch the upset of Georgetown- especially, when you hit 12 3's in the game as a team...
Brandon Rozzell had half of them...
Here's some postgame...
((HT: FoxSports))


UGA missed a game-tying three at the buzzer and Washington moves on to Face North Carolina. The Tarheels took care of a pesky LIU-Brooklyn squad...
((HT: KING5- Seattle))


All the tournament Buzz goes to Marquette with their upset of Xavier...
Here's the Marquette head coach...
((HT: FoxSports))


And Memphis fans feel jobbed about the Arizona loss... they met the team at the airport...
((HT: MyFoxMemphis))

Tiger Fans Feel Shafted By Arizona Loss: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

The March Through The Madness: Arizona Survives And Advances

((HT: NCAA/CBS/youtube))

And they got Marv Albert to call it...

Memphis clawed their way back into the game with Arizona late with a steal, but a defensive play in a one-point game gave the Wildcats the chance to move on.

Josh Pastner was not happy at the end...

The Politics Of Dancing: San Diego State Over Jimmer, Northern Colorado Is In, As Are The Gauchos

Dana Greene of ABC4 in Salt Lake City has the run on Jimmer's 52 before the Aztecs got a holt of them in the MWC final...

The HQ just likes saying "Jimmer..."


KDVR's Jon Bowman has the Cinderella story of Northern Colorado out of the Big Sky Tournament. They've only been four years in Division I hoops...
 

Memphis' Joe Jackson looked sharp as the Tigers beat UTEP with seconds to go for the Conference USA automatic bid...
((HT: MyFoxMemphis))

Jackson's Free Throws Send Memphis to NCAA Tourney: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

Mike Klan of KEYT-TV in Santa Barbara has highlights of early Big West tourney action where UCSB beat Pacfic. They went on to upset northridge and Long Beach to get to the Plus-4 field...

Cheerleaders Dangerously Thrashing About...

((HT: thetedwilliamshead/ESPN))

This, really, defies description...
It's just another one of those instances where it's confirmed that cheerleaders are dangerous...

More dangerous than we've ever imagined...

Former Memphis Coach Dana Kirk passes

Dana Kirk, who coached the Memphis Tiger basketball team from 1979 through 1985 passed away on Monday after apparently suffering a heart attack.

The story from the Memphis Commercial Appeal RIGHT HERE

((Dana Kirk File Photo//Courtesy: David Smart-The Commercial Appeal))

Kirk, who was 74 when he passed away led the first successful run for the Tigers, bringing them to the Final Four in 1985. Those of you old enough to remember might recognize that this was the Keith Lee team that went 31-4 during the season.

Kirk was let go after that season when it revealed that he illegally paid Lee and eventually was indicted on 11 different Federal Counts. He also had allegedly scalped tickets and solicited kickbacks from tournament promoters.He was convicted of 5 of them and served time in prison. The program would be forced to forfeit the Final Four appearance and served a two year probation. That would affect the 1987 team who won their conference, but was unable to play in the Tournament.

He would eventually make his way back to Memphis (no, not walking), where he ended up hosting a radio show for several years and had been seen at events all through the mid-south region.

Here is the story from our friends at WREG-TV in Memphis:

Smelling Like A Rose? Memphis Can't Find Proof Of SAT Cheating

[HT/WREG.com]
A 500 page report was released today, outlining the University of Memphis' response to an NCAA investigation into the basketball and women's golf programs.

The NCAA report alleges a former Tiger player (believed to be Derrick Rose) had someone else take his SAT.

The University's report indicates there is not enough information or evidence to determine if there were any violations regarding Rose.

Here's one excerpt from the report:"The University does not have sufficient information to conclude that (redacted) engaged in unethical conduct in regard to a (redacted) taking of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Specifically, the University has no knowledge that (redacted) did not complete the SAT entrance examination. Accordingly, the University does not know whether the information included in the allegation is substantially correct and is unable to conclude whether a violation of the cited NCAA regulations has occurred."

University officials will go before an NCAA committee Saturday. Former coach John Calipari is expected to take part via telephone.

Click here to read the University of Memphis’ response.

Here's coverage from WREG's April Thompson and Sports Director Glenn Carver

Memphis Tigers Tailed By NCAA

Big time props to Dan Wolken of the Memphis Commercial Appeal for breaking the story of major allegations against the University of Memphis men's basketball program.

Back on January 16, 2009 the NCAA sent Memphis a notice of allegations charging the men's basketball program with major violations during the 2007-08 season. That team was coached by John Calipari and went to the NCAA title game losing to Kansas.

The NCAA is alleging that a prospective player became eligible after an "unknown individual" completed his SAT. That player played during the 1007-08 season and participated in the 2008 NCAA men's basketball tournament.

That players name was redacted in the NCAA report, You can read the NCAA notice of allegations here. According to the university spokesman that player has denied the charge.

The only Memphis player that fits that profile from the NCAA notice was Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls.

By the way, you won't see John Calipari's name on this report, he appears to be in the clear.

You can read Wolken's story in the Memphis Commercial Appeal right here.

Here's more from WHBQ-TV in Memphis.

And here are comments from Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson. (Thanks WHBQ-TV)

In Memphis Who's Next On The List

Let's see, the University of Memphis was promoting a "wow" hire after John Calipari took the money and headed to Lexington, Kentucky. Well it's become a "wow" situation for Memphis like "wow, no big name wants the job." Reality bites sometimes.

Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson is producing his own economic stimulus plan with college hoop coaches and it's not effecting his bottom line. Mention Bruce Pearl and he gets a raise, Mike Anderson, gets a raise. If you're a coach on Memphis' list, your getting a bump in pay.

Which leads me to the latest list of names that Memphis seems to be targeting. One is Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy. Kennedy is popular with the media and is doing a heck of a job at Ole Miss. At Memphis Kennedy would have the resources he doesn't enjoy at Oxford, Mississippi.

Kennedy's judgement day for his arrest in Cincinnati is coming up. Depending on the outcome of that, he might be looking for work.

The next name that's reportedly emerging is Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton. FSU had a breakout season in the ACC this year making it to the tournament title game. The timing might be right because the Seminoles lost their best player, Toney Douglas.

Those of us at the OSG HQ saw this coming. It's the case of another program talking big and finding out their not so big. By the way, we won't endorse anyone for this gig.

Photos Courtesy: Getty Images

Drew Withdraws From Memphis Consideration

((HT: Memphis CommercialAppeal/Dan Wolken))

Baylor's Scott Drew removed himself from consideration Saturday night to become the University of Memphis basketball coach.

A source close to the situation had said Drew only wanted to be considered if he was the No. 1 candidate. But when Memphis waffled on whether Drew was the top choice, he pulled out.

The Tigers' search became increasingly shrouded in secrecy as officials were hoping to avoid another embarrassing public rejection from one of its targets.

Scott Drew released this statement:

“Whenever your name is rumored for another job, it’s a positive reflection of your hard work and respect for the job you are doing. At the same time, our staff wanted to rebuild Baylor into an elite basketball program. We are on the right track, but there is still work left to be done. Our staff and players are excited about the future and look forward to more successful seasons to come. We have the academics, facilities and resources to make a Baylor a national power. I would like to thank the administration and the Board of Regents for their support. We look forward to seeing everyone in the Ferrell Center next season.”

At Memphis, A Pitch For Pearl

Let the speculating begin as to who will be the new head coach at the University of Memphis. Only those Tiger power brokers and the University administration known who's on the radar screen. Could they be looking east down I-40 toward Knoxville?

A pitch for Pearl has begun. Memphis Commercial-Appeal columnist Geoff Calkins (who has been very popular at the OSG HQ lately) believes Bruce Pearl would be a great fit for the Memphis Tigers. That Pearl would have the charisma and coaching skills to match the departed John Calipari.

Calkins writes: Pearl could drop by Gibson's Donuts in the mornings, just like John Calipari did.

The regulars would love the guy.

He could take over Cal's Championship Steaks. Call it the Pearl Oyster House.

What a way to make this community gloom disappear.

It would take a $2.5 million to buyout Pearl at Tennessee but the powers that be at Memphis have let it be known money is no object.

Calkins adds: He knows the area (Memphis). He recruits here all the time. He likes big piles of cash as much as the next guy.

And he would like much better in a royal blue blazer than that electric orange one.

UPDATE:

Foxsports.com is citing sources that the Memphis is making a move at Bruce Pearl. Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson is expected to ask the University of Tennessee for permission to talk to Pearl and is expected to offer in the neighborhood of $3 million per season.

Their sources also indicate that Pearl would listen.

The Knoxville (TN) News says Pearl and Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton were to meet Thursday afternoon to discuss his contract.

Stay tuned.

Day After Calipari Bolts, Memphis "Wowing" Coaching Candidates.

On this day 1 AC (After Calipari) the fans, boosters and administration of the Memphis Tigers are either in serious denial or just plain delusional. Whatever the case, the University and it's power brokers are ready to throw mad money for a new coach.

Not only do they want to throw mass quantities of cash for a new coach but seem to be obsessed with creating a"wow" factor in the hire.

The Memphis Commercial-Appeal is reporting that University of Memphis super donor Alan Graf, who is helping spearhead the search for a new basketball coach, said today the school is intent on making a “wow hire.” Graf is chief financial officer of FedEx and president of the Tigers Scholarship Fund.

“We’ve asked for a lot of permissions (to speak with coaches) and we’ve gotten them,” Graf said. “I think we certainly have a capability of making a wow hire."
“Some of the names (being considered), if people heard them, they’d say, ‘Wow.’”

The Commercial-Appeal says it is believed school representatives are contacting Louisville head coach Rick Pitino to gauge his interest. Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl is believed to also be very high on the list.

Louisville’s sports information director, Kenny Klein, said Memphis had not contacted Louisville about speaking with Pitino.

Those of us in the OSG HQ aren't saying "wow" but "are you kidding me!" Money talks though and we will see just how big of a check the University of Memphis is willing to write.

Photos Courtesy: Getty Images

Bowl Season Is Here

OK college football fans, get on your comfy clothes, park yourself in your easy chair and make sure you have the basics close by, chips, dip and your favorite beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). For the next 2 weeks you will be in heaven. It's time to go bowling.

Brother Phil has already covered the games, the match-ups and who he thinks will win and I'm taking his picks to Vegas, (just kidding, bad economy). Let me go a little more in depth if I may with the 1st batch of bowl games.

EagleBank Bowl - December 20th - RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
Wake Forest vs Navy (I like the Deacons in this one)

What Do They Get Don Pardo: Well the players from both schools will receive a Sony 8" portable DVD player with a carry case, a custom woven afghan with logo, an autographed football and a wool hat with logo.

The DVD player is cool and a wool hat is OK. Who has autographed the football? And a afghan for football players? A free Christmas gift for your girlfriend, mom, grandma, etc.

SWAG Meter: 3 (on a scale of 10)

Payout: $1 Million

Bowl Events: An evening at the ESPN Zone. (Guess who is televising this game?)

Final Analysis: Good match-up to start this bowl off. Wake Forest lost to Navy earlier this year so there is a revenge factor. Navy will bring the pomp and circumstance, Wake Forest will bring a few invited guests so there might be just a few empty seats at RFK Stadium but that's OK with the 4-letter word, it's just a TV show.

New Mexico Bowl - December 20 - University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Colorado State vs Fresno State (A Fresno State blowout)

What's Behind Door Number 1?: It's a backpack, an Oakley backpack for the players. Inside is an Oakley watch and an Oakley beanie. There's more, a RCA video recorder/camera, a New Mexico Bowl pen by Quill, a New Era cap and a year subscription to ESPN The Magazine.

Guess whose televising this bowl game too. The Oakley freebies sound good and who wouldn't want a camera. The rest re-gift.

SWAG Meter: 6

Payout: It's a secret

Bowl Events: Chili Cook-off at El Pinto. 6 players from each team are given 45 minutes to turn raw ingredients in chili. A panel of judges decided the winner. In the previous 2 chili cook-offs, the winner lost the bowl game. Now that's in depth information.

Final Analysis: Nobody east of the Rockies cares about this game. It's a reward in a way for the Rams and extra practices for the Bulldogs. It's a big event in Albuquerque so a big crowd will attend.

magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl - December 20- Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Memphis vs South Florida (Go with the Bulls)

What's In The Prize Box: Players from each team will get a Flip (digital video device), a Ogio bag, Sony headphones, a commemorative football, a beach towel and a bucket hat.

The Flip and Ogio bag sound cool, the rest is weak.

SWAG Meter: 3

Payout: No Comment

Bowl Events: A dinner cruise and a beach bash on St. Pete Beach.

Final Analysis: It's a home game for South Florida only in a different venue no doubt to inflate the gate. Memphis is just happy to be there and won't bring anyone. This isn't the Final Four. By the way, magicJack is a device you plug in to improve you cordless or cell phone reception. Operators are standing by.

Las Vegas Bowl - December 20 - Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
BYU vs Arizona (This is a great match up and should be a great game. I like BYU by a field goal)

Show Them What They Have Won: Players from both teams receive a Wii System, an Oakley Holeshot 3hd watch and a Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl hat.

Give away the hat, the rest sounds sweet.

SWAG Meter: 8

Payout: $1 million (to be picked up at the cash window)

Bowl Events: Planet Hollywood Resort to watch Stomp Out Loud. Hard to top Las Vegas for entertainment

Final Analysis: 2 west coast teams that people east of the big rocks will watch. The Mountain West Conference has owned the Pac-10 this year so their is plenty of intrigue.

College Basketball: Conference USA Predictions

First of all how can Conference USA be considered a mid-major when you have a Memphis team that has a high profile head coach, can recruit 5 star athletes and compete at the highest level. You have schools with solid basketball traditions that will spend money like UTEP & UAB. I put this league in the major category.

Go ahead, say this league is just Memphis and the rest, fine. But I can’t imagine the rest of the league not benefitting from the Tigers’ success. Remember, Memphis made some major coin going to the NCAA title game for the league. Memphis won’t run the table in C-USA this year but they are still the best team.

Best Team In Conference USA – Memphis Tigers:
Memphis may have lost Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey but the cupboard isn’t bare. Robert Dozier and Antonio Anderson return from last year’s NCAA runner up team. Memphis needs to find a point guard and a banger in the paint to get rebounds and do the dirty work on defense but the Tigers have the best talent and depth in the league and should win it. Though they won’t go undefeated.

Best Player In Conference USA: Robert Vaden – UAB:
Vaden followed Mike Davis from Indiana to UAB and made an impact averaging 21.1 PPG and leading the league in 3’s. He’s back after testing the NBA waters and should top those numbers this season.

Team That Could Surprise: UTEP Miners:
Stefon Jackson can score, he averaged 23.6 points per game last season but the big difference in El Paso is they have size this year. 7 footer Kareem Cooper comes in after transferring from Memphis. If Cooper produces it could propel UTEP up the C-USA ladder.

Who Goes Dancing: Memphis, UAB, Tulsa

Who Plays For Number 66: UTEP

Conference USA Notes: Did you know that Tulsa ended the 2007-08 season with a win. The Golden Hurricane won the College Basketball Invitational and I’m sure that banner raising ceremony will be special. SMU head coach Matt Doherty is feeling some heat under his britches to improve the Mustangs. The ‘Stangs are young this year with 1 senior and rest sophomores & juniors so improvement may have to wait a year. Memphis has won 42 straight C-USA games. Expect that to end this year.

Photo Courtesy: The Birmingham News

College Football: A Tough Week To Be A Tiger

If you went to the zoo this week and the tigers were lying on their back well that's the perfect metaphor for what happened to all the "Tigers" in college football.

You are well aware of the issues the Clemson Tigers and the Auburn Tigers are going through, no need to beat a dead horse (or tiger).

The Missouri Tigers had a chance to gain a #1 ranking in the college football polls. But the fighin' Gundy's of Oklahoma State marched into Columbia and denied Mizzou's moment on top of the college football world. The Pokes won a thriller 28-23.

"First of all I want to congratulate Oklahoma State they have a great football team." Mizzou head coach Gary Pinkel said. "I knew it from the video, so nothing surprised me. They are athletic and they run well. It was a game with a lot of mistakes on both sides. They certainly did the things necessary to win. I was proud of our football team, we battled, we got ourselves in the fourth quarter back in it and had an opportunity to possibly get a comeback win and we just fell short."

The LSU Tigers marched into Florida's Swamp and got swamped as Tim Tebow and the rest of the Gators put up half a hundred on the LSU defense with a 51-21 win.

"They executed extremely well. We spotted them 20 points in the first half. We never got out of that hole." LSU Head Coach Les Miles said. "I thought our effort was good, but we made too many mistakes in all three phases: offense, defense and special teams. Certainly when you play quality football teams you can’t afford to make those mistakes. When you make those mistakes, you give your opponent the short field. They’re very talented as it is, so they get the opportunity to score."

Even the Memphis Tigers couldn't come through for the ferocious felines losing to Louisville 35-28 Friday night.

The tiger torment didn't stop there. The Idaho State Bengals were pummelled by Northern Colorado 29-9.

More proof of a hex on the tigers, the Princeton Tigers lost to Colgate 27-24.

But you can't kill all the tigers, 2 tiger teams bucked the trend and both come from the SWAC.

The Jackson State Tigers defeated the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 21-10 and the Grambling State Tigers whipped Alabama A&M 27-9.

This week is wasn't so good to be an Auburn, Clemson, LSU, Mizzou, Memphis or a Princeton Tiger and it was a bummer to be a Idaho State Bengals.

Photo Courtesy: National Geographic