Get Gamm...
Back from sunny, warm Hawaii... tough to come back to the winter wonderland that is West Michigan. Some of the inevitable happened when I was gone... IU "lost" Kelvin Sampson in hopes of avoiding major reprecussions from the NCAA. Wisconsin stepped closer to an unlikely Big Ten title - while Purdue and Indiana continue to nip at the Badgers' heels. Four teams are tourney time locks, with two - OSU and Minnesota - hoping to play their way in. It's the best time of the year - March is upon us!
2/26 - Ohio State at Indiana
2/26 - Northwestern at Michigan
2/27 - Iowa at Penn State
2/27 - Minnesota at Purdue
2/28 - Michigan State at Wisconsin* Tiebreaker
3/1 - Northwestern at Purdue
3/1 - Ohio State at Minnesota
3/1 - Michigan at Penn State
3/2 - Indiana at Michigan State
3/2 - Illinois at Iowa
Phats' picks for this week...
Ohio State at Indiana- OSU is really faltering down the stretch here lately, this would go a LONG way in securing a NCAA birth that once looked like a lock. The big question for the Hoosier who will be coaching? IU at home too much. INDIANA 71 ohio state 63
MICHIGAN 66 northwestern 57
PENN STATE 64 iowa 63
Minnesota at Purdue- Purdue the surprise of the big ten this year, even to us diehard Boiler fans can't let their guard down against a very dangerous Gopher team. Having a week off between games you'll see the rust earlier, but the 6th man, the Paint Crew will help keep the energy up and the Boilers will pull away late. PURDUE 73 minnesota 65
Michigan State at Wisconsin- The Spartans are a great team when the game is played in East Lansing, this one is in the Kohl Center and that means, Badgers win. WISCONSIN 73 michigan state 65 (although I am pulling for MSU!)
PURDUE 81 northwestern 57(Boilers won't lose on Senior Day! even starting freshmen!)
MINNESOTA 65 ohio state 61
MICHIGAN 64 penn state 58
Indiana at Michigan State- Payback time for the Spartans. After getting embarrassed on ESPN with College Gameday there, you know Izzo will have his guys ready for this one. IU has done well on the road and has gotten some luck as well, that all runs out in East Lansing. MSU will get a big game from Neitzel, and the MSU Defense will hold Webster, I mean Eric Gordon in check, and roll from there MICHIGAN STATE 71 indiana 59
Illinois at Iowa- Iowa was starting to play better until that loss to Michigan at home. Illini have too much talent for the record they have, Illinois will pull out a rare big ten road win. ILLINOIS 68 iowa 62
Gamm's picks for the week...
Not a ton of time between work and some sun time here in Maui... but here are my picks for the week: 2
/26 - Ohio State at Indiana - IU almost tanked at NU but found a way to win. The comfort of the home crowd will carry the Hoosiers to a win over an OSU team that is a little stuck right now. Indiana 74 - Ohio State 62.
2/26 - Northwestern at Michigan - Northwestern has been close so often this season, only to fail. These teams are very similar. The Wildcats are bound to win eventually... NU 60 - Michigan 58
2/27 - Iowa at Penn State - A great chance for Penn State to step closer to the NIT. PSU 65 - Iowa 61.
2/27 - Minnesota at Purdue - The Gophers can be a handful, but this is Purdue's year. Purdue 70 - Minnesota 59.
2/28 - Michigan State at Wisconsin* Tiebreaker - MSU hasn't beaten Bo Ryan's Badgers in the Kohl Center. The Spartans seem to be back on track. Can they hand the Badgers a rare loss at home? I think they can and will. MSU 65 - Wisconsin 63.
3/1 - Northwestern at Purdue - Might be a trap game if on the road. But Purdue rolls. PU 78 - NU 62.
3/1 - Ohio State at Minnesota - OSU is in dire need of wins to secure an NCAA berth. Not gonna happen in the barn. Minnesota 67 - Ohio State 62.
3/1 - Michigan at Penn State - A real chance for Penn State to serve more notice in the Big Ten. Michigan is even more short handed and Penn State has a lot of fight in them. PSU 66 - Michigan 59.
3/2 - Indiana at Michigan State - Payback time. MSU stays unbeaten at home. State 73 - Indiana 67.
3/2 - Illinois at Iowa - Illinois has really fallen on hard times this season. Iowa is tough at home. Recipe for an Illini defeat. Iowa 62 - Illinois 58
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Get Gamm - Week Eight & Nine
Well, I think it is officially a three team race for the league crown. Michigan State lost twice in the state of Indiana last week, but it was losses at Iowa and Penn State that have the Spartans on the outside looking in - again.
This week is critical in the race. Purdue goes to Indiana where it can put two games between itself and the Hoosiers. Wisconsin hits the road twice to play wounded teams (Illinois and Ohio State). By week's end, the race may be completely in Purdue's hands.
As for Get Gamm, Phats is starting to make it a run-away. He won last week again, despite only going 6-4. Here's the deal. Since I am heading to Hawaii (for work) mid-week, I am going to post this AND next week's slates all at once. Mayo170 - who won two weeks ago, will pick this week's games with me. Phats, who won last week will pick the week two slate.
Schedule:
2/19 - Purdue at Indiana* Tiebreaker
2/19 - Northwestern at Iowa
2/20 - Penn State at Michigan State
2/20 - Wisconsin at Illinois
2/21 - Michigan at Minnesota
2/23 - Indiana at Northwestern
2/23 - Iowa at Michigan State
2/23 - Illinois at Michigan
2/23 or 24 - Wisconsin at Ohio State
2/24 - Penn State at Minnesota
mayo170's picks for the week...
What a crazy week for the state of Michigan… The Spartans lose twice and the Wolverines have now won three in a row.
What a game this should be, the kids at Purdue are steamrolling through the Big Ten and show no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, IU is trying to figure out a way to get through the Kelvin Sampson debacle. As we post this week, I’m sure his career is winding down at IU. So who’s it going to be, the young startups, or the team trying to win one more for the coach? Indiana is tough at home and the crowd loves the team, but it’s apparent they hate the coach. The Boilers get by in a tight one: 79-74.
Northwestern 58 at Iowa 65
Penn State 62 at Michigan State 68
Wisconsin is going on the road in a game that they need to win to keep their title hopes alive. Illinois is looking pretty dismal this year after wreaking havoc for most of this decade in the Big Ten. Wisconsin will roll through Champaign-Urbana to stay within reach of Purdue: 69-56
Michigan is starting to look like they understand what their offense is supposed to look like. After a solid win against OSU, they now head to one of the tougher venues in the Big Ten in a faceoff of freshman Big Ten coaches. Minnesota, a solid middle of the pack team in the league is looking to right the ship this week against one of the bottom-feeders of the year. A tough call to make, but home court will be the advantage here: Wolverines 61 – Golden Gophers 66
Indiana 78 at Northwestern 60
A must-win for the Spartans…or at least score 40 this time around. Izzo was steaming while watching IU shred the Spartans last week, and he knows that his team needs to wake up or another embarrassment at the hands of the lowly Hawkeyes will leave him bald. The Spartans will eventually put it together in the second half: 79-71
Illinois 63 at Michigan 68
Wisconsin makes a trip to Columbus to play a team that is coming off an inexplicable loss to its arch-rival. Ohio State wants a win over a tip-tier team to get back on a roll heading into the home stretch and it doesn’t get much more difficult than Bo Ryan’s squad. This has the makings for a game of the week and should be a great one, with Ohio State eeking out a win 63-60.
Penn State 59 at Minnesota 66
Gamm's picks for the week...
2/19 - Purdue at Indiana - Indiana needs DJ White long term - starting tonight. Purdue regains any inside advantage they lost. The Boilers are young, confident and ready to smack around the Hoosiers. Saturday's momentum doesn't carry over... Purdue 71 - Indiana 64.
2/19 - Northwestern at Iowa - sleeper game of the week. But not as in don't sleep on it because it'll be a good game. Might challenge Iowa-MSU for lowest total score in league play this year. Iowa 50 - Northwestern 42.
2/20 - Penn State at Michigan State - Payback. Revenge. Magic came to town, laid down the law and now the Spartans respond. MSU 80 - Penn State 61.
2/20 - Wisconsin at Illinois - Every game is critical for the Badgers if they want to win the title. Every game is critical for Illinois if they want to make the NIT. Illinois is due. Illini 64 - Wisconsin 62.
2/21 - Michigan at Minnesota - Don't look now but for the first time in years, Michigan looks like a - gasp - basketball team! Minnesota is reeling a bit and needs wins to save postseason hopes. Michigan slips but barely. Minnesota 68 - Michigan 65.
2/23 - Indiana at Northwestern - is this the first game PK (Post Kelvin)? Northwestern is bound to upset someone. If White doesn't go, maybe this is the game? Then again, maybe not. Indiana 64 - Northwestern 54.
2/23 - Iowa at Michigan State - Payback part 2. Revenge part 2. Michigan State does what they did last year after a damaging early conference season loss to Iowa - they crush 'em. Michigan State 74 - Iowa 53.
2/23 - Illinois at Michigan - Another critical game for Illinois but Michigan has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I like how Michigan is playing right now. Wolverines 74 - Illini 70.
2/24 - Wisconsin at Ohio State - OSU needs a signature win in conference play to stay off the bubble. Wisconsin doesn't turn it over and turns you over. A bad mix for the Buckeyes. Bucky 70 - Buckeyes 64.
2/24 - Penn State at Minnesota - Penn State is scrapping to be NIT eligible. Minnesota needs to pile up more wins too. Coin toss as these teams match-up quite well. I'll go with the home team. Gophers 73 - Nittany Lions 62.
- - - - - -
2/26 - Ohio State at Indiana
2/26 - Northwestern at Michigan
2/27 - Iowa at Penn State
2/27 - Minnesota at Purdue
2/28 - Michigan State at Wisconsin* Tiebreaker
3/1 - Northwestern at Purdue
3/1 - Ohio State at Minnesota
3/1 - Michigan at Penn State
3/2 - Indiana at Michigan State
3/2 - Illinois at Iowa
Phats' picks for this week...
Ohio State at Indiana- OSU is really faltering down the stretch here lately, this would go a LONG way in securing a NCAA birth that once looked like a lock. The big question for the Hoosier who will be coaching? IU at home too much. INDIANA 71 ohio state 63
MICHIGAN 66 northwestern 57
PENN STATE 64 iowa 63
Minnesota at Purdue- Purdue the surprise of the big ten this year, even to us diehard Boiler fans can't let their guard down against a very dangerous Gopher team. Having a week off between games you'll see the rust earlier, but the 6th man, the Paint Crew will help keep the energy up and the Boilers will pull away late. PURDUE 73 minnesota 65
Michigan State at Wisconsin- The Spartans are a great team when the game is played in East Lansing, this one is in the Kohl Center and that means, Badgers win. WISCONSIN 73 michigan state 65 (although I am pulling for MSU!)
PURDUE 81 northwestern 57(Boilers won't lose on Senior Day! even starting freshmen!)
MINNESOTA 65 ohio state 61
MICHIGAN 64 penn state 58
Indiana at Michigan State- Payback time for the Spartans. After getting embarrassed on ESPN with College Gameday there, you know Izzo will have his guys ready for this one. IU has done well on the road and has gotten some luck as well, that all runs out in East Lansing. MSU will get a big game from Neitzel, and the MSU Defense will hold Webster, I mean Eric Gordon in check, and roll from there MICHIGAN STATE 71 indiana 59
Illinois at Iowa- Iowa was starting to play better until that loss to Michigan at home. Illini have too much talent for the record they have, Illinois will pull out a rare big ten road win. ILLINOIS 68 iowa 62
Gamm's picks for the week...
Not a ton of time between work and some sun time here in Maui... but here are my picks for the week:
2/26 - Ohio State at Indiana - IU almost tanked at NU but found a way to win. The comfort of the home crowd will carry the Hoosiers to a win over an OSU team that is a little stuck right now. Indiana 74 - Ohio State 62.
2/26 - Northwestern at Michigan - Northwestern has been close so often this season, only to fail. These teams are very similar. The Wildcats are bound to win eventually... NU 60 - Michigan 58
2/27 - Iowa at Penn State - A great chance for Penn State to step closer to the NIT. PSU 65 - Iowa 61.
2/27 - Minnesota at Purdue - The Gophers can be a handful, but this is Purdue's year. Purdue 70 - Minnesota 59.
2/28 - Michigan State at Wisconsin* Tiebreaker - MSU hasn't beaten Bo Ryan's Badgers in the Kohl Center. The Spartans seem to be back on track. Can they hand the Badgers a rare loss at home? I think they can and will. MSU 65 - Wisconsin 63.
3/1 - Northwestern at Purdue - Might be a trap game if on the road. But Purdue rolls. PU 78 - NU 62.
3/1 - Ohio State at Minnesota - OSU is in dire need of wins to secure an NCAA berth. Not gonna happen in the barn. Minnesota 67 - Ohio State 62.
3/1 - Michigan at Penn State - A real chance for Penn State to serve more notice in the Big Ten. Michigan is even more short handed and Penn State has a lot of fight in them. PSU 66 - Michigan 59.
3/2 - Indiana at Michigan State - Payback time. MSU stays unbeaten at home. State 73 - Indiana 67.
3/2 - Illinois at Iowa - Illinois has really fallen on hard times this season. Iowa is tough at home. Recipe for an Illini defeat. Iowa 62 - Illinois 58
Well, I think it is officially a three team race for the league crown. Michigan State lost twice in the state of Indiana last week, but it was losses at Iowa and Penn State that have the Spartans on the outside looking in - again.
This week is critical in the race. Purdue goes to Indiana where it can put two games between itself and the Hoosiers. Wisconsin hits the road twice to play wounded teams (Illinois and Ohio State). By week's end, the race may be completely in Purdue's hands.
As for Get Gamm, Phats is starting to make it a run-away. He won last week again, despite only going 6-4. Here's the deal. Since I am heading to Hawaii (for work) mid-week, I am going to post this AND next week's slates all at once. Mayo170 - who won two weeks ago, will pick this week's games with me. Phats, who won last week will pick the week two slate.
Schedule:
2/19 - Purdue at Indiana* Tiebreaker
2/19 - Northwestern at Iowa
2/20 - Penn State at Michigan State
2/20 - Wisconsin at Illinois
2/21 - Michigan at Minnesota
2/23 - Indiana at Northwestern
2/23 - Iowa at Michigan State
2/23 - Illinois at Michigan
2/23 or 24 - Wisconsin at Ohio State
2/24 - Penn State at Minnesota
mayo170's picks for the week...
What a crazy week for the state of Michigan… The Spartans lose twice and the Wolverines have now won three in a row.
What a game this should be, the kids at Purdue are steamrolling through the Big Ten and show no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, IU is trying to figure out a way to get through the Kelvin Sampson debacle. As we post this week, I’m sure his career is winding down at IU. So who’s it going to be, the young startups, or the team trying to win one more for the coach? Indiana is tough at home and the crowd loves the team, but it’s apparent they hate the coach. The Boilers get by in a tight one: 79-74.
Northwestern 58 at Iowa 65
Penn State 62 at Michigan State 68
Wisconsin is going on the road in a game that they need to win to keep their title hopes alive. Illinois is looking pretty dismal this year after wreaking havoc for most of this decade in the Big Ten. Wisconsin will roll through Champaign-Urbana to stay within reach of Purdue: 69-56
Michigan is starting to look like they understand what their offense is supposed to look like. After a solid win against OSU, they now head to one of the tougher venues in the Big Ten in a faceoff of freshman Big Ten coaches. Minnesota, a solid middle of the pack team in the league is looking to right the ship this week against one of the bottom-feeders of the year. A tough call to make, but home court will be the advantage here: Wolverines 61 – Golden Gophers 66
Indiana 78 at Northwestern 60
A must-win for the Spartans…or at least score 40 this time around. Izzo was steaming while watching IU shred the Spartans last week, and he knows that his team needs to wake up or another embarrassment at the hands of the lowly Hawkeyes will leave him bald. The Spartans will eventually put it together in the second half: 79-71
Illinois 63 at Michigan 68
Wisconsin makes a trip to Columbus to play a team that is coming off an inexplicable loss to its arch-rival. Ohio State wants a win over a tip-tier team to get back on a roll heading into the home stretch and it doesn’t get much more difficult than Bo Ryan’s squad. This has the makings for a game of the week and should be a great one, with Ohio State eeking out a win 63-60.
Penn State 59 at Minnesota 66
Gamm's picks for the week...
2/19 - Purdue at Indiana - Indiana needs DJ White long term - starting tonight. Purdue regains any inside advantage they lost. The Boilers are young, confident and ready to smack around the Hoosiers. Saturday's momentum doesn't carry over... Purdue 71 - Indiana 64.
2/19 - Northwestern at Iowa - sleeper game of the week. But not as in don't sleep on it because it'll be a good game. Might challenge Iowa-MSU for lowest total score in league play this year. Iowa 50 - Northwestern 42.
2/20 - Penn State at Michigan State - Payback. Revenge. Magic came to town, laid down the law and now the Spartans respond. MSU 80 - Penn State 61.
2/20 - Wisconsin at Illinois - Every game is critical for the Badgers if they want to win the title. Every game is critical for Illinois if they want to make the NIT. Illinois is due. Illini 64 - Wisconsin 62.
2/21 - Michigan at Minnesota - Don't look now but for the first time in years, Michigan looks like a - gasp - basketball team! Minnesota is reeling a bit and needs wins to save postseason hopes. Michigan slips but barely. Minnesota 68 - Michigan 65.
2/23 - Indiana at Northwestern - is this the first game PK (Post Kelvin)? Northwestern is bound to upset someone. If White doesn't go, maybe this is the game? Then again, maybe not. Indiana 64 - Northwestern 54.
2/23 - Iowa at Michigan State - Payback part 2. Revenge part 2. Michigan State does what they did last year after a damaging early conference season loss to Iowa - they crush 'em. Michigan State 74 - Iowa 53.
2/23 - Illinois at Michigan - Another critical game for Illinois but Michigan has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I like how Michigan is playing right now. Wolverines 74 - Illini 70.
2/24 - Wisconsin at Ohio State - OSU needs a signature win in conference play to stay off the bubble. Wisconsin doesn't turn it over and turns you over. A bad mix for the Buckeyes. Bucky 70 - Buckeyes 64.
2/24 - Penn State at Minnesota - Penn State is scrapping to be NIT eligible. Minnesota needs to pile up more wins too. Coin toss as these teams match-up quite well. I'll go with the home team. Gophers 73 - Nittany Lions 62.
- - - - - -
2/26 - Ohio State at Indiana
2/26 - Northwestern at Michigan
2/27 - Iowa at Penn State
2/27 - Minnesota at Purdue
2/28 - Michigan State at Wisconsin* Tiebreaker
3/1 - Northwestern at Purdue
3/1 - Ohio State at Minnesota
3/1 - Michigan at Penn State
3/2 - Indiana at Michigan State
3/2 - Illinois at Iowa
Phats' picks for this week...
Ohio State at Indiana- OSU is really faltering down the stretch here lately, this would go a LONG way in securing a NCAA birth that once looked like a lock. The big question for the Hoosier who will be coaching? IU at home too much. INDIANA 71 ohio state 63
MICHIGAN 66 northwestern 57
PENN STATE 64 iowa 63
Minnesota at Purdue- Purdue the surprise of the big ten this year, even to us diehard Boiler fans can't let their guard down against a very dangerous Gopher team. Having a week off between games you'll see the rust earlier, but the 6th man, the Paint Crew will help keep the energy up and the Boilers will pull away late. PURDUE 73 minnesota 65
Michigan State at Wisconsin- The Spartans are a great team when the game is played in East Lansing, this one is in the Kohl Center and that means, Badgers win. WISCONSIN 73 michigan state 65 (although I am pulling for MSU!)
PURDUE 81 northwestern 57(Boilers won't lose on Senior Day! even starting freshmen!)
MINNESOTA 65 ohio state 61
MICHIGAN 64 penn state 58
Indiana at Michigan State- Payback time for the Spartans. After getting embarrassed on ESPN with College Gameday there, you know Izzo will have his guys ready for this one. IU has done well on the road and has gotten some luck as well, that all runs out in East Lansing. MSU will get a big game from Neitzel, and the MSU Defense will hold Webster, I mean Eric Gordon in check, and roll from there MICHIGAN STATE 71 indiana 59
Illinois at Iowa- Iowa was starting to play better until that loss to Michigan at home. Illini have too much talent for the record they have, Illinois will pull out a rare big ten road win. ILLINOIS 68 iowa 62
Gamm's picks for the week...
Not a ton of time between work and some sun time here in Maui... but here are my picks for the week:
2/26 - Ohio State at Indiana - IU almost tanked at NU but found a way to win. The comfort of the home crowd will carry the Hoosiers to a win over an OSU team that is a little stuck right now. Indiana 74 - Ohio State 62.
2/26 - Northwestern at Michigan - Northwestern has been close so often this season, only to fail. These teams are very similar. The Wildcats are bound to win eventually... NU 60 - Michigan 58
2/27 - Iowa at Penn State - A great chance for Penn State to step closer to the NIT. PSU 65 - Iowa 61.
2/27 - Minnesota at Purdue - The Gophers can be a handful, but this is Purdue's year. Purdue 70 - Minnesota 59.
2/28 - Michigan State at Wisconsin* Tiebreaker - MSU hasn't beaten Bo Ryan's Badgers in the Kohl Center. The Spartans seem to be back on track. Can they hand the Badgers a rare loss at home? I think they can and will. MSU 65 - Wisconsin 63.
3/1 - Northwestern at Purdue - Might be a trap game if on the road. But Purdue rolls. PU 78 - NU 62.
3/1 - Ohio State at Minnesota - OSU is in dire need of wins to secure an NCAA berth. Not gonna happen in the barn. Minnesota 67 - Ohio State 62.
3/1 - Michigan at Penn State - A real chance for Penn State to serve more notice in the Big Ten. Michigan is even more short handed and Penn State has a lot of fight in them. PSU 66 - Michigan 59.
3/2 - Indiana at Michigan State - Payback time. MSU stays unbeaten at home. State 73 - Indiana 67.
3/2 - Illinois at Iowa - Illinois has really fallen on hard times this season. Iowa is tough at home. Recipe for an Illini defeat. Iowa 62 - Illinois 58
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Thrice in one week?
I have to continue to weigh in on the looming debcale at Indiana. If not for all this Congressional waste of time with Roger Clemens, this story would be much, MUCH bigger.
IU is in a predicament. Do they fire Sampson now? Is that fair, you know, due process and all? Do nothing and look foolish? Suspend him?
In the wake of the upsetting loss - on a bank shot triple by a seven-footer no less - the Hoosiers are bleeding in more ways than one. How do they stop the bleeding?
To catch up on the story... follow it at ESPN.
My own conspiracy theory...
Okay, I am surely not the only or the first to think this, but something hit me as soon as this story broke the other night. Bob Knight knew something was up, resigned to let Pat take his own long awaited top gig, avoided saying he was "retiring" all for one simple reason - he's heading back to Indiana.
Myles Brand is no longer around. Knight is still adored by ardant Indiana supporters. He's got a good five years left in him. Bobby Knight is Indiana basketball. I truly think there is a great opportunity for The General to come back in, right the ship and ride off into the sunset... having paved the way for Steve Alford to "come home" and be his replacement.
Call me crazy, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
I have to continue to weigh in on the looming debcale at Indiana. If not for all this Congressional waste of time with Roger Clemens, this story would be much, MUCH bigger.
IU is in a predicament. Do they fire Sampson now? Is that fair, you know, due process and all? Do nothing and look foolish? Suspend him?
In the wake of the upsetting loss - on a bank shot triple by a seven-footer no less - the Hoosiers are bleeding in more ways than one. How do they stop the bleeding?
To catch up on the story... follow it at ESPN.
My own conspiracy theory...
Okay, I am surely not the only or the first to think this, but something hit me as soon as this story broke the other night. Bob Knight knew something was up, resigned to let Pat take his own long awaited top gig, avoided saying he was "retiring" all for one simple reason - he's heading back to Indiana.
Myles Brand is no longer around. Knight is still adored by ardant Indiana supporters. He's got a good five years left in him. Bobby Knight is Indiana basketball. I truly think there is a great opportunity for The General to come back in, right the ship and ride off into the sunset... having paved the way for Steve Alford to "come home" and be his replacement.
Call me crazy, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Rare, midweek ramblings...
Wow, two minutes to share some thoughts on what's going on around the Big Ten. Amazing!
First of all, Holy Hoosiers Batman. Lose a key role player yesterday, face MAJOR sanctions today. What in the h-e-double hockey sticks is goin' on in Bloomington (aside from three straight critical games over the next six nights)?
Second, hat's off to Purdue. Baby Boilers aren't babies anymore. This is a tough team that reminds me so very much of the first few MSU (Big Ten) title teams in the late 90s. In your jock defense. Solid guard play. Timely shooting. Hustle galore. If State can't win it (they can't if they play like they did in the first half, but CAN if they play like they did in the second) then I'll throw my support the way of the old gold and black.
Last - I am sick and tired of the slams the Big Ten takes from the Pat Forde's of the world. The Big Ten has four teams that are deep tourney run capable. How many other leagues are really that strong? ACC has two. SEC - do they have anyone outside of Tennessee? I'll give you the Big East and Pac 10 but damnit, respect us people. Mark it down, ONE Big Ten team will be in San Antonio in April...
Wow, two minutes to share some thoughts on what's going on around the Big Ten. Amazing!
First of all, Holy Hoosiers Batman. Lose a key role player yesterday, face MAJOR sanctions today. What in the h-e-double hockey sticks is goin' on in Bloomington (aside from three straight critical games over the next six nights)?
Second, hat's off to Purdue. Baby Boilers aren't babies anymore. This is a tough team that reminds me so very much of the first few MSU (Big Ten) title teams in the late 90s. In your jock defense. Solid guard play. Timely shooting. Hustle galore. If State can't win it (they can't if they play like they did in the first half, but CAN if they play like they did in the second) then I'll throw my support the way of the old gold and black.
Last - I am sick and tired of the slams the Big Ten takes from the Pat Forde's of the world. The Big Ten has four teams that are deep tourney run capable. How many other leagues are really that strong? ACC has two. SEC - do they have anyone outside of Tennessee? I'll give you the Big East and Pac 10 but damnit, respect us people. Mark it down, ONE Big Ten team will be in San Antonio in April...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Get Gamm - Week Seven...
Been crazy here... no time to think basketball despite a HUGE week coming up!
Mayo170 went 8-3 and won last week but there is little to no time to get me picks, so mayo, you're on deck for next week with this week's winner.
Getting right to it...
2/12 - Michigan State at Purdue: This is the first of two enormous games for the Spartans. Purdue is looking a lot like the 1997-98 Spartans. A win here for either team is critical. Going with the heart... Michigan State 68 - Purdue 66
2/12 - Illinois at Minnesota: Minnesota gets well at home. Gophers 73 - Illinois 68
2/13 - Wisconsin at Indiana: Payback time? The Badgers more or less dominated IU not too far back, but Wisconsin is a tad off after a tough week that saw a squeaker win at Iowa and a rare home loss vs. Purdue. Indiana 74 - Wisconsin 65
2/13 - Ohio State at Northwestern: NU has to win sometime - right? Ohio State 67 - NU 63
2/14 - Michigan at Iowa: Iowa has been one of the toughest venues of the season for road teams. Iowa 65 - Michigan 61.
2/16 - Minnesota at Wisconsin: Badgers get right. UW 74 - Minny 63
2/16 - Purdue at Northwestern: The 'cats have to win sometime, right?! Purdue 74 - NU 60
2/16 - Illinois at Penn State: Two teams with records not indicative of their ability. Toss up. Penn State 68 - Illinois 67
2/16 - Michigan State at Indiana: The way the schedule looks, an IU win makes them the odds on favorite. Indiana 71 - MSU 64
2/17 - Ohio State at Michigan: OSU 65 - Michigan 62
Been crazy here... no time to think basketball despite a HUGE week coming up!
Mayo170 went 8-3 and won last week but there is little to no time to get me picks, so mayo, you're on deck for next week with this week's winner.
Getting right to it...
2/12 - Michigan State at Purdue: This is the first of two enormous games for the Spartans. Purdue is looking a lot like the 1997-98 Spartans. A win here for either team is critical. Going with the heart... Michigan State 68 - Purdue 66
2/12 - Illinois at Minnesota: Minnesota gets well at home. Gophers 73 - Illinois 68
2/13 - Wisconsin at Indiana: Payback time? The Badgers more or less dominated IU not too far back, but Wisconsin is a tad off after a tough week that saw a squeaker win at Iowa and a rare home loss vs. Purdue. Indiana 74 - Wisconsin 65
2/13 - Ohio State at Northwestern: NU has to win sometime - right? Ohio State 67 - NU 63
2/14 - Michigan at Iowa: Iowa has been one of the toughest venues of the season for road teams. Iowa 65 - Michigan 61.
2/16 - Minnesota at Wisconsin: Badgers get right. UW 74 - Minny 63
2/16 - Purdue at Northwestern: The 'cats have to win sometime, right?! Purdue 74 - NU 60
2/16 - Illinois at Penn State: Two teams with records not indicative of their ability. Toss up. Penn State 68 - Illinois 67
2/16 - Michigan State at Indiana: The way the schedule looks, an IU win makes them the odds on favorite. Indiana 71 - MSU 64
2/17 - Ohio State at Michigan: OSU 65 - Michigan 62
Monday, February 04, 2008
Get Gamm - Week Six...
We're officially (mostly) to the halfway point of the conference season. There are five teams clearly better than the rest and it should be a great race to the finish. The home teams continue the recent upward trend, bouyed by the likes of Iowa and Penn State who pulled off progressively shocking upsets at home on Saturday evening. Home teams now stand 31-18. Look for that home court to be huge as February wears on and turns to March.
There was a shake up at the top last week as first Wisconsin pulled Indiana back to the pack, then Purdue surged slightly ahead and MSU fell - quite surprisingly - at Penn State to fall one off the pace. Bottom line, while MSU has dug itself a hole with two losses to bottom of the pack squads, it is more or less a four team race at the top with the Buckeyes vying to stay in consideration for March. Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride!
As for Get Gamm, Phats rules the roost - again! He beat all comers and is on a roll Get Gamm hasn't see in a while... Phats, you know the drill. Games in bold below are the ones to give me commentary on...
Schedule:
2/5 - Michigan at Ohio State
2/5 - Penn State at Purdue
2/6 - Minnesota at Northwestern
2/6 - Wisconsin at Iowa
2/7 - Indiana at Illinois
2/9 - Iowa at Minnesota
2/9 - Penn State at Michigan
2/9 - Northwestern at Michigan State
2/9 - Purdue at Wisconsin* (Tiebreaker)
2/10 - Indiana at Ohio State
The picks...
2/5 - Michigan at Ohio State
Gamm says - Ohio State 80 - Michigan 58
Phats says - Ohio State 68 - Michigan 56
2/5 - Penn State at Purdue
Gamm says - Did MSU help Penn State find itself last Saturday night? Or was that a once every two years performance by a young and talented but raw Nittany Lion team? Purdue is rolling, won twice on the road last week and keeps it up... Purdue 73 - Penn State 65.
Phats says - I think Michigan State did us a favor by losing to PSU, now our young team won't be overlooking the Lions. With this game being at Mackey, my Boilers keep the train rolling.. PURDUE 70 penn state 57
2/6 - Minnesota at Northwestern
Gamm says - Northwestern 58 - Minnesota 56
Phats says - Minnesota 77 - Northwestern 60
2/6 - Wisconsin at Iowa
Gamm says - Hmm, a tough one. Wisconsin is playing the second best basketball in the conference right now (to Purdue). The Badgers like the down and dirty style that Iowa forces. Iowa will get one more huge win at home, but I am not sure this is going to be that win. Wisconsin 62 - Iowa 56.
Phats says - Can Iowa take down yet another contender on their home floor? Coach Lick has the Hawks playing some decent ball, however the Badgers looked really tough handling the Gophers in the Barn. Wisconsin struggles but they get it done in the end WISCONSIN 68 iowa 65
2/7 - Indiana at Illinois
Gamm says - the one to watch this week, if only to see how the Orange Krush handle what should be Eric Gordon's only visit to Champaign. Illinois is due for a big win. Indiana is struggling right now. Upset special. Illinois 59 - Indiana 57.
Phats says - Upset Special. The Hoosiers' weak schedule has really exposed them lately, and the Illini are playing better than their record would indicate. This bad blood rivalry takes a fever pitch with Gordon probably making his one and only appearance at Illinois. Illini will rally around a hostile crowd and get the win. ILLINOIS 69 indiana 67
2/9 - Iowa at Minnesota
Gamm says - Minnesota 65 - Iowa 54
Phats says - Minnesota 67 - Iowa 65
2/9 - Penn State at Michigan
Gamm says - Penn State 81 - Michigan 76
Phats says - Michigan 67 - Penn State 61
2/9 - Northwestern at Michigan State
Gamm says - Michigan State 75 - Northwestern 50
Phats says - Michigan State 78 - Northwestern 49
2/9 - Purdue at Wisconsin* (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says - Payback time. Wisconsin bullied Indiana at home last week and gets a quick shot at payback. The Badgers are a brutal out at home and finally put an end to an impressive run by a Purdue squad that may have already stated its case for being the title favorite - next year. Wisconsin 70 - Purdue 62.
Phats says - My heart says Boilers win, my head says Wisconsin wins. What a HUGE win this would be for the "Baby Boilers" doing what so far no other purdue mens team has done won at the Kohl Center. Badgers will want to repay Purdue for their first conference loss. It's hopefully going to be a good game Badgers too much in the end I am afraid head wins out over heart. WISCONSIN 64 purdue 61(I hope I am wrong! I would gladly take a miss)
2/10 - Indiana at Ohio State
Gamm says - The road stays tough for the Hoosiers. Might this be loss four in five games? IU is bound to get it together for one marquee road win and OSU is just young enough to help them along. I'm torn because I like the home teams... Indiana 72 - Ohio State 70 - OT
Phats says - Stunning loss to Iowa makes this a must win for the Buckeyes to stay in the Big Ten race. It's nice to see IU finally playing some tough games, because right now their signature win is still Illinois State. After this game, it will stay that way. Buckeyes control DJ and Gordon, and get a hard fought win over the Hoosiers. OHIO STATE 64 indiana 60
We're officially (mostly) to the halfway point of the conference season. There are five teams clearly better than the rest and it should be a great race to the finish. The home teams continue the recent upward trend, bouyed by the likes of Iowa and Penn State who pulled off progressively shocking upsets at home on Saturday evening. Home teams now stand 31-18. Look for that home court to be huge as February wears on and turns to March.
There was a shake up at the top last week as first Wisconsin pulled Indiana back to the pack, then Purdue surged slightly ahead and MSU fell - quite surprisingly - at Penn State to fall one off the pace. Bottom line, while MSU has dug itself a hole with two losses to bottom of the pack squads, it is more or less a four team race at the top with the Buckeyes vying to stay in consideration for March. Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride!
As for Get Gamm, Phats rules the roost - again! He beat all comers and is on a roll Get Gamm hasn't see in a while... Phats, you know the drill. Games in bold below are the ones to give me commentary on...
Schedule:
2/5 - Michigan at Ohio State
2/5 - Penn State at Purdue
2/6 - Minnesota at Northwestern
2/6 - Wisconsin at Iowa
2/7 - Indiana at Illinois
2/9 - Iowa at Minnesota
2/9 - Penn State at Michigan
2/9 - Northwestern at Michigan State
2/9 - Purdue at Wisconsin* (Tiebreaker)
2/10 - Indiana at Ohio State
The picks...
2/5 - Michigan at Ohio State
Gamm says - Ohio State 80 - Michigan 58
Phats says - Ohio State 68 - Michigan 56
2/5 - Penn State at Purdue
Gamm says - Did MSU help Penn State find itself last Saturday night? Or was that a once every two years performance by a young and talented but raw Nittany Lion team? Purdue is rolling, won twice on the road last week and keeps it up... Purdue 73 - Penn State 65.
Phats says - I think Michigan State did us a favor by losing to PSU, now our young team won't be overlooking the Lions. With this game being at Mackey, my Boilers keep the train rolling.. PURDUE 70 penn state 57
2/6 - Minnesota at Northwestern
Gamm says - Northwestern 58 - Minnesota 56
Phats says - Minnesota 77 - Northwestern 60
2/6 - Wisconsin at Iowa
Gamm says - Hmm, a tough one. Wisconsin is playing the second best basketball in the conference right now (to Purdue). The Badgers like the down and dirty style that Iowa forces. Iowa will get one more huge win at home, but I am not sure this is going to be that win. Wisconsin 62 - Iowa 56.
Phats says - Can Iowa take down yet another contender on their home floor? Coach Lick has the Hawks playing some decent ball, however the Badgers looked really tough handling the Gophers in the Barn. Wisconsin struggles but they get it done in the end WISCONSIN 68 iowa 65
2/7 - Indiana at Illinois
Gamm says - the one to watch this week, if only to see how the Orange Krush handle what should be Eric Gordon's only visit to Champaign. Illinois is due for a big win. Indiana is struggling right now. Upset special. Illinois 59 - Indiana 57.
Phats says - Upset Special. The Hoosiers' weak schedule has really exposed them lately, and the Illini are playing better than their record would indicate. This bad blood rivalry takes a fever pitch with Gordon probably making his one and only appearance at Illinois. Illini will rally around a hostile crowd and get the win. ILLINOIS 69 indiana 67
2/9 - Iowa at Minnesota
Gamm says - Minnesota 65 - Iowa 54
Phats says - Minnesota 67 - Iowa 65
2/9 - Penn State at Michigan
Gamm says - Penn State 81 - Michigan 76
Phats says - Michigan 67 - Penn State 61
2/9 - Northwestern at Michigan State
Gamm says - Michigan State 75 - Northwestern 50
Phats says - Michigan State 78 - Northwestern 49
2/9 - Purdue at Wisconsin* (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says - Payback time. Wisconsin bullied Indiana at home last week and gets a quick shot at payback. The Badgers are a brutal out at home and finally put an end to an impressive run by a Purdue squad that may have already stated its case for being the title favorite - next year. Wisconsin 70 - Purdue 62.
Phats says - My heart says Boilers win, my head says Wisconsin wins. What a HUGE win this would be for the "Baby Boilers" doing what so far no other purdue mens team has done won at the Kohl Center. Badgers will want to repay Purdue for their first conference loss. It's hopefully going to be a good game Badgers too much in the end I am afraid head wins out over heart. WISCONSIN 64 purdue 61(I hope I am wrong! I would gladly take a miss)
2/10 - Indiana at Ohio State
Gamm says - The road stays tough for the Hoosiers. Might this be loss four in five games? IU is bound to get it together for one marquee road win and OSU is just young enough to help them along. I'm torn because I like the home teams... Indiana 72 - Ohio State 70 - OT
Phats says - Stunning loss to Iowa makes this a must win for the Buckeyes to stay in the Big Ten race. It's nice to see IU finally playing some tough games, because right now their signature win is still Illinois State. After this game, it will stay that way. Buckeyes control DJ and Gordon, and get a hard fought win over the Hoosiers. OHIO STATE 64 indiana 60
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