Sunday's NCAA Crystal Ball

Two more tickets to Detroit will be punched today, as the last two Elite 8 games are played. Here are the picks:

MIDWEST REGION:

-#1 Louisville vs #2 Michigan State
It seems like MSU playing in Detroit for the Final Four would just be too perfect. Izzo and his boys would be playing with a home court advantage. But I said earlier that I will not pick against Louisville until after I see them lose. The Cardinals make it 3 Big East teams in the Final 4, 65-58.

SOUTH REGION:

- #1 UNC vs #2 Oklahoma
Grrr. I don't like the ACC. I don't like Oklahoma after what they did to my Orangemen. Usually I refer to these games as act-of-God games, because I hope for a natural disaster to come and wipe out both teams. UNC is the top seed, and they are deeper and more experienced. And I don't see the Sooners shooting 67% from the field like they did against Cuse. UNC takes it, 79-70, hopefully with Griffin, Lawson and Psycho T getting injured.

Enjoy the games.

Saturday's NCAA Crystal Ball

Well, I only went 2-2 on Friday, losing my beloved Orange, but life goes on. Now I have to look back into my crystal ball and make my Elite 8 picks for today's games. The best part is that, after today, the Big East will have at least one team in the Final 4, and possibly two. Here are the picks:

WEST REGION:

- #1 UCONN vs #3 Mizzou
The Mizzou Tigers did a great job of flustering a young Memphis team with their excellent defense. There is only one problem- They now face a very experienced UCONN team that is playing better than anyone in the tournament right now. Its not going to stop this afternoon. Thabeet and Price get the job done and the Huskies to Detroit, 75-65.

EAST REGION:

- #1 Pitt vs #3 Villanova
The game that promises at least one Big East team in the Final Four. Pitt has been playing terribly, but has been winning. Villanova has been playing amazing basketball, destroying UCLA and those overrated Dukies. Honestly, I have no idea what will happen, because it is just like another league game. However, the prospects of DeJuan Blair against Tyler Hansborough or Blake Griffin is a little too appetizing for me to pass up. Give me Pitt in another tight one, 61-59.

More tomorrow for the other two Elite 8 games.

Better Luck Next Year

Well, my bracket is officially done, as is the run of my Syracuse Orange. They lost to Oklahoma last night by 13. It is easy to see the reasons why. We didn't make a 3 in the first half, we turned the ball over, and Blake Griffin felt it was necessary to injure Jonny Flynn. But oh well. I am very proud of this team, who (honestly) got farther than I thought they would. Watch out for us next year, especially if everyone is coming back. The only real reason I am upset about the loss is that Coach Boeheim will now get win #800 against some joke school at the beginning of next season. Look out Le Moyne, you could help make history.

FACIAL HAIR FRIDAY

Time for another installment of Facial Hair Friday. Today, we are giving you an inseparable duo, and two of my personal idols. The co-hosts of the best show on television, Pardon the Interruption, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. These two are amazing journalists and entertainers, and PTI has become a staple of ESPN's everyday lineup. The interaction between these two good friends, who often disagree quite loudly, makes for amazing television. Since they are also both very knowledgeable, the arguing is also exceedingly smart and insightful. So JFLANland salutes these two great men, and their great facial hair. Congrats.

More next week!

Friday's NCAA Crystal Ball

The crystal ball brought me a perfect NCAA Thursday. Lets see if I can get it right on Friday, the second day of the Sweet 16:

MIDWEST REGION:

- #1 Louisville vs #12 Arizona
Lots of respect for the interim coach of Arizona. He knows he won't have the job next year, even if they win it all. That could really inspire his team. However, the Cardinals are the #1 overall seed, and are simply too deep and too talented. The run of Wildcats ends tomorrow, 68-55.

- #2 Michigan State vs #3 Kansas
I can't explain it, but Tom Izzo always seems to be in the Sweet 16. He is a great coach, a future hall of famer. Couple that with some inexperience from this young Kansas team, and I think it adds up to a win for the Spartans, 54-49.

SOUTH REGION:

- #1 UNC vs #4 Gonzaga
The Tarheels are a really good team. There is a reason why they were the early favorite to win it all this year. They are extremely talented, well-balanced, and have tons of experience. One would have to be crazy to pick against them. So call me insane. I just think that Lawson's toe injury might finally catch up with him. Gonzaga is constantly underachieving, but I picked them to make the Elite 8, so I can't bail on them now. Zags pull the upset, 77-75.

- #2 Oklahoma vs #3 Syracuse
Well here it is. Saving the best for last. Blake Griffin is the Oklahoma Sooners basketball team. We have no one that can stop him. However, we have people that can stop the other players the Sooners have. Call it fate, call it karma, but I think it is just too perfect that Coach Boeheim can get to the Elite 8 by getting his 800th win. Blake gets his 25 and 10, but Jonny, Eric and Andy control the key, and Rick and Arinze do just enough inside to give us the win. Cuse gets #800 for Boeheim, 65-60.

Let's hope I am right about the last one. Will probably be out tomorrow night, so I'll let you know how I did on Saturday. Enjoy the games, and GO CUSE!

A Perfect Day

Well how about that. They crystal ball worked, and I got all 4 games correct. A little off on the scores. Pitt was the one that squeaked out the win, while those amazing Nova Wildcats ended the Dukie's season with a 23-point whooping. That was beautiful. I will wait to write my definitive blog about the superiority of the Big East until after the Elite 8 is set. Mizzou's defense was too much early for Memphis, as the Tigers (the winning Tigers, that is) built a lead that was too much for the Tigers (the losing Tigers this time) to come back from. Note: Don't you love those games where the teams have the same nickname? Its like the Arizona/Kentucky championship game from the 1990s. Finally, there was UCONN, who was dominant again. They are starting to look scary, even amongst the recruiting controversy. My picks for tomorrow will be coming soon. Hopefully we can make it 8 for 8 (though it would be 7 for 8 in my bracket... stupid West Virginia...).

Thursday's NCAA Crystal Ball

The Sweet 16 begins tomorrow, and JFLAN is here to make his predictions. By looking into my crystal ball, I have seen the outcomes of Thursday's 4 games (Note: Had I these actual powers, I would be in first in my office, Facebook and ESPN pools).

WEST REGION

#1 UCONN vs #5 Purdue:
- UCONN simply has too many weapons. AJ Price and Hasheem Thabeet are first team all-world players, but I think the difference will be PF Jeff Adrien. He is a strong inside/outside presence that can take the pressure off of Thabeet. UCONN wins, 75-65.

#2 Memphis vs #3 Mizzou
- I am eternally grateful to Memphis for knocking Maryland and Gary Williams (aka the Lord of All Delusions) out of the tourney. Tyreke Evans is a great player, possibly the best freshman in the country. But Memphis is a young team, and I think the tenacious press of the Mizzou Tigers will prove to be too much for the Memphis Tigers to handle. Mizzou in a squeaker, 61-58.

EAST REGION

#1 Pitt vs #4 Xavier
- I don't know what is wrong with Pitt. They haven't played up to their ability. However, they have still shown toughness in being able to win while not at the top of their game. The Panthers haven't been able to get past this round under Coach Dixon. But I think this Sweet 16 game is where they finally click, and give the Musketeers a steady dose of the Big 3- Fields, Young and Blair. Pitt rolls, 70-55.

#2 Duke vs #3 Villanova
- This game is being billed as the battle of the guards. Big Men need not apply. But I think the most important player on the floor will be Villanova's PF Donte Cunningham. He can play down low, and has drained every 15-ft. jumper I have seen him attempt. He can also defend, and grab the rebounds that the smaller Duke players may not get. Villanova is playing with a whole lot of confidence after they man-handled UCLA, and have more tournament experience than this crop of Devils. Thats why I like the Wildcats to move on to Saturday, 79-71.


But then again... I could be wrong.

Make Me Wanna Makes Me Wanna... STAY!

Very very good news. According to the man himself, Jonny Flynn will be coming back to Syracuse for his junior season. The man that ESPN Analyst and former UCLA coach Steve Lavin compares to Pete Maravich, Isaiah Thomas and Magic Johnson will be at the helm of the Orange again. I am thrilled. Syracuse needs this man. And, if by some miracle, we happen to win the NCAA Championship this season, having Jonny back would help us defend the crown. So, for now, I am ecstatic.

What Should the Lions Do? Part 1

It is just over a month until the NFL Draft, and the Detroit Lions will get permission to begin contract negotiations with prospects tomorrow. At the same time, the NFL Owners Meetings start tomorrow as well. What could this mean for Detroit? It could mean, if they play their cards correctly, that they walk away keeping the #1 pick and with Pro-Bowl QB Jay Cutler. Hear me out on this.

The Lions have three of the top 33 picks in the draft (#'s 1, 20 and 33, respectively). Could the Broncos' brass really turn down the offer of #20 and #33, along with two picks next year (for example, a 2nd and conditional 4th)? Four picks for a disgruntled star who does not want to play for his new coach, yet still has a losing record and has yet to make the playoffs sounds like a bargain. With those picks, the Broncos could sure up their huge holes on defense with the likes of safety Vonte Davis, linebacker James Laurinaitis or LB/DE Aaron Maybin. Add this to their pick at #12, where they could take a D-lineman like BJ Raji, a solid RB like Beanie Wells, or the best available QB, possible Mark Sanchez. The possibilities to become an instant contender with these picks seems almost impossible to pass up. The question now is, can the Lions pull the trigger?

If this scenario were to occur (which is should), the Lions would have the luxury of paying their #1 pick less than franchise QB money. They could draft one of two top OT's, Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith. They could draft the best all-around player, LB Aaron Curry. The point is, they would have more optioned and would not be handcuffed into taking a QB. Do it Detroit. Its the bailout the Lions need.

The Beasts from the East

The Big East has lived up to the hype so far. Setting yet another NCAA Tournament record, the best conference in basketball has sent 5 teams into this year's Sweet 16- three #1 seeds, Pitt Louisville and UConn, and two #3 seeds, Villanova and Syracuse. Simply amazing. It has left the other conferences in the dust. While the ACC still has two very strong title contenders in Duke and UNC, the Big East now has proof that it has more depth. While I will hold out hope for an all-Big East Final 4 (as I have in my bracket), it may be too much to ask. But as it stands right now, the Big East has proven itself more than worthy of all of the praise.

My S.U.per Sweet Sixteen

The Syracuse Orange are in the Sweet 16! HUZZAH! I am very happy about the way we played against a game Arizona State team. Though we slipped a few times, and Paul Harris didn't play a lick of defense, we came out with a big win. Now we get Universal Player of the Year Blake Griffin and the Oklahoma Sooners. I think we match up well, but if you have to lose to a team, why not have it be the team with the best player in the country?

Here are some other thoughts on the NCAA weekend so far:

- Saturday was a fantastic day for me, as all but the two legit ACC teams got stomped out of the tournament. This came after the amazing upset of #4 Wake Forest at the hands of those pesky Cleveland State Vikings. Great games.

- Greivis Vasquez of Maryland got destroyed. Pure and simple. He opened his big mouth, and wrote a check that his game and his team couldn't cash. He lost the insult battle, then he lost the game. And I have a problem with the local media loving this kid. What is admirable about him? He is a punk who talks too much. He shushes the crowd, gets technical fouls when his team is down by 22. There is nothing to like about him. I hope he goes pro and rides the pine for his career, just so we never have to hear from or about him ever again.

- Just an update, the Big East now has 4 teams in the Sweet 16. That's a quarter of the teams, with two more to go. Hopefully more on that later.

- Shame to see WKU fall, but I did have the Zags winning that game. The bracket is happy, the heart is hurting.

- Dominique James is going to play today for Marquette on a broken foot. Seeing as how I did not have the Golden Eagles advancing past Utah St., they have already surprised me. Maybe James will give them enough of a boost to upset the Tigers of Mizzou.

Enjoy the Night Cap, more later.

FACIAL HAIR FRIDAY

Time for another edition of Facial Hair Friday. Until now, every selection has involved beards. But today, we chose a man with a fantastic moustache. Former Oakland Athletic pitcher Rollie Fingers. He brought back the waxed moustache look, and we will always be in his debt for it. So thank you Rollie, and congrats.

CUSE WINS!

Thank God Syracuse beat Stephen F Austin. The first tournament win since 2004, when we beat Maryland in the round of 32. Now we get Arizona State. Watch out Sun Devils.

NCAA Day One- To the Top of the Hill

Lots of fun stuff from day 1 of the NCAA tournament:

- Very impressed with UCONN and UNC. They did what they were supposed to.

- Very impressed with American, Villanova, VCU and UCLA. Provided excellent and entertaining games.

- Maryland won.... drat. Let's go Memphis.

- Thank you to Gonzaga for coming back in their game, and Texas for winning theirs.

- Glad to see Michigan back to their winning ways, knocking out an ACC team in Clemson too.

- And the most important image from this day in NCAA Basketball? Two Words- BIG RED





Enjoy Day 2. GO CUSE!

Blockbuster for Cutler?

Jay Cutler and the Broncos will be parting ways soon, so now the question is simply where will he end up, and for what? I have heard a few rumors, such as to the Titans for a #1 and Kerry Collins, the Jets for a #1 and Leon Washington, or pretty much any team for a #1 and their pick of a QB. However, none of these are the most intriguing offer I have come across. A blogger on ESPN suggested a superstar switch between the Broncos and Panthers, who would send disgruntled franchise DE Julius Peppers to Denver for the strong armed QB. I think this trade makes the most sense. Both players want to be somewhere else, and both would fill a need for their new squad. Panthers fans are still wondering what happened to Jake Delhomme in that playoff game, and would love having Cutler wing the ball 5o yards down field to a streaking Steve Smith. At the same time, the Denver D is abysmal, and an excellent pass rusher and all around defender like Peppers could go a long way in solving their D woes. I think that this trade makes the most sense. The fan bases would be happy, the players would be happy.

Problems with the Play-In Game

The NCAA Tournament Play-In game was last night, with Morehead St. beating Alabama St. I have problems with this being the Play-In game. Both Morehead St and Alabama St won their conferences, yet they are not given a guaranteed spot. ASU players didn't even consider it a real tournament game. Why does the NCAA selection committee do this to these small schools? I propose a different solution- Play-In games for the 12 seeds, the teams fighting for the last 4 spots in. So this year we would have Wisconsin, Arizona, but also conference champs Northern Iowa and Western Kentucky. These teams should be moved off the 12 line, possibly to the 11 or 10, and teams like Maryland and Dayton should be put into the running for the 12 seed. These 4 teams would be facing off against the last 4 out, or the top 4 seeds in the NIT. Those would be teams like San Diego State, Creighton, Penn State, Florida, Auburn and St. Mary's. Rank the last 8 teams, the 4 in, the 4 out, and seed them. For the argument's sake, lets say the seeds are as followed:

1. Maryland
2. Dayton
3. Wisconsin
4. Arizona
5. SDSU
6. Creighton
7. St. Mary's
8. Penn St

The Tuesday before the tournament, you could haveMaryland play Penn St, Dayton play St. Mary's, Wisconsin play Creighton, and Arizona play SDSU. This way, more teams get a shot to make the field of 64, and conference champions are not denied their automatic bid. Think it over, committee. It is the right thing to do.

Another Chalk NCAA?

After reviewing the bracket, here are a few of my thoughts:

- SYRACUSE IS A 3 SEED! YAHOOO!

- Having three Big East teams as #1 seeds was the correct call.

- The play-in game should be between the last two teams in the tournament, and for a 12 seed. So, Wisconsin and Arizona. No conference champion should have to play an extra game to prove it is worthy.

- This looks like a pretty easy road to the Final 4 for those three Big East #1s. In my bracket, I have Pitt, Louisville and UCONN all in Detroit. Then, I have either Syracuse (fan bracket) or UNC (realistic bracket) taking the other spot. Though I do have Cuse beating Oklahoma. We match up well against the sooners, who have a dominant big man, but weak guards.

- If it is UNC/Pitt in the Final 4, the game will be determined by the refs. If they are "Big East" refs who let them play, Pitt will win. If it is an "ACC" crew, who don't allow physical play, then look for DeJuan Blair to get in foul trouble early and UNC to move on.

- Dark horse teams to root for: Western Kentucky, Binghamton, VCU, Cleveland St.

- Maryland should not be in the tournament over St. Mary's or San Diego State. Hopefully the Terps lose in the first round and go home where they belong.

- Only 2 of the top 16 teams are in danger of getting knocked out in the first round- Washington (vs Mississippi State) and Syracuse (vs Stephen F Austin). And I know you are probably thinking I have no faith in my own school. Look, I didn't think we would lose to Vermont either. But it happened.

- This could either be the tournament with the most upsets ever, or none at all. How's that for predicting the outcome.

- Someone has to prove to me that they can beat Louisville before I pick against them. UL will cut down the nets in Detroit.

Final Words on the Big East Tourney

Congrats to Louisville for locking up a #1 seed in the NCAAs. But that isn't what this week will be remembered for. Instead, it will be remembered for Jonny Flynn and my Syracuse Orange playing essentially 5 games in 4 days. It will be remembered for one of (if not the) greatest basketball games of all time, the 6 OT epic against UCONN. I am so amazingly proud of the Orange. As ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi says, " What they've done: Provide the nation's most mesmerizing conference tournament run (again). What's next: A well-deserved few days off." Hopefully my boys can rest well, get a #4 seed and play on Friday. If they get put into a Thursday game, you will read about my anger and frustration. So enjoy the selection show tonight, get your brackets ready. I will have one of mine posted some point tonight or tomorrow.

FACIAL HAIR FRIDAY!

Still recovering emotionally from that amazing game last night. But I have the time to come in and present you all with another addition of Facial Hair Friday. This time, I turn to one of my life-long passions: Professional Wrestling. That's right, I have been a member of the WWE (WWF, WCW, ECW, TNA, etc) Universe since I was a little kid. I still watch wrestling when I can, like during the commercial breaks of 24. So we go to Monday Night Raw for this weeks FHF honoree, Mike Knox. Big guy, big mean streak, and an even bigger beard. He isn't the best wrestler or entertainer... in fact he is an awful wrestler and entertainer, but his beard is the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. So congrats Mike Knox. It may be the only thing you ever win.

Let's Play... 6?

I really don't know what to say about what I saw tonight. It may have been the single greatest game in college basketball history. My Syracuse Orange beat the #4 ranked UCONN Huskies 127-117... in 6 Overtimes. 6! I told my family and friends that I couldn't take it anymore after 3. Then there were 3 more. I am simply stunned by the heart the boys from my Alma Mater played with. They had nothing left in the tank. They didn't have a lead in any of the first 5 overtimes. But somehow we did it. Jonny Flynn, Andy Rautins and (some how) Paul Harris making free throws. They may have just spent all their energy and will have a letdown against West Virginia tomorrow. But it doesn't matter. This game was epic. I just don't know what to do with myself right now. Don't know what to say except wow. Go Orange!

Roll Tide... Roll Right Down the Draft Board

This may have never happened before. That's right. Never. Never has such a highly touted prospect fallen so far. After the SEC Championship game, it looked like Alabama OT Andre Smith could easily been taken #1 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. And if not the top pick, no worse than 3rd overall. Then came the Combine, when he didn't work out and left early without telling anyone. Rumors about his weight gathered strength, and he did nothing to stop them. And then came his Pro Day. According to Yahoo Sports, it may have been the worst Pro Day of all time. They say he could slip into the second day, or even out of the draft entirely. No top prospect has ever fallen this far. We thought it was bad when Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn fell from the top 10 to the mid 20s. That is nothing compared to Smith. His agent, and the people around him, need to whip him into shape quickly, cause he is rapidly losing millions of dollars. On top of that, by deciding to go pro after his junior year, the boy has no college degree. Get to work Andre, or else you may end up the biggest man ever to work the McD's drive-through.

Facial Hair... Wednesday

So I was having too much fun partying with Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom last week, and forgot to post a new pic for Facial Hair Friday. To make up for this, you are getting two this week. And let me tell you, the first one may be a FHF Hall of Famer. New England Patriot lineman Matt Light gets the first honor. A proud protector of the beard (and of Brady), Light can go with the well-trimmed, TV endorsement look or the full Grizzly Adams (as seen here on the right). So congrats Matt, and keep up the good work.

Next installment- Friday: Same Beard Time, Same Beard Channel

You Ain't Much if You Ain't Dutch

That's it Bud Selig, you got me. I love the World Baseball Classic. And it isn't just because the USA is fantastic (thanks in large part to new National Adam Dunn). And it isn't just because it gives me an excuse to watch Asian baseball at 5 am when I am not working. No, it is because of The Netherlands pulling off the two biggest upsets in international baseball history... within a week. Those fighting Dutch beat the All-Star roster of the Dominican Republic this past weekend, and tonight beat them 2-1 in 11 innings to eliminate the DR from the WBC. It was a great, exciting game. It was a team with only two recognizable players, Randall Simon and Sir Sidney Ponson. And when they pulled off their second upset to advance to Miami and the second round, they celebrated like they had just won the Series. They dog-piled on each others. They ran aroundthe field. Players were crying. It was beautiful. So there you are Commissioner Selig. Thanks to those plucky Dutch, I am hooked on the WBC.

About Those Hoyas...

Well, looks like I was wrong about Georgetown. What a disappointing team. They were too young and too selfish to succeed in the Princeton offense. Their star, Dajuan Summers, needs to stay another year, because he clearly isn't ready for the pros. Same goes for freshman center Greg Monroe. All he showed me is that is is a project. He only goes left, his defense needs work, has no jumper, and fouls out. The true heart and soul of this team was Jesse Sapp, and JT3 decided to bench him halfway through the season. What happened after that? They lost. Often. To everyone. They only beat 6 teams after new years. Still not sure who to blame for this season, but clearly the Hoyas under-achieved.

The Impossible Dream... Or is It?

The Big East Tournament is set, and I have to tell you, there is one team that really pops out at me. One squad that has a chance to make a run all the way to the semi-finals. And that team is the Hoyas of Georgetown. They may have lucked out with their draw. First, they get a St. Johns team that has no where near the talent they have. Then, they get the Dominique James-less Marquette Golden Eagles, losers of 4 straight. If the manage to get past Marquette, they have Villanova, whom the Hoyas have already beaten. The question then is, if they make it to the semi-finals and lose, would that be enough to get them in. Comparing the Hoya's computer numbers with other at large teams says they will have a strong chance. Its dreaming big, but it isn't impossible.

Hail Pitt

This one is for my good friends Todd and Waters. The Pitt Panthers are, in my opinion, the best basketball team in the country (as of today). They beat my previous pick, UCONN, for the second time yesterday, simply overpowering the #1 team in the nation. Hopefully, this Pitt team will actually follow through on its potential and go deep in the NCAA tournament. Recently, very talented Pitt teams have not played up to their ability (and ruined a few of my brackets...). So hope hard Pitt fans. Maybe this is your year. Unless you run into Cuse of course. Then please lose.

This is a curious post to write, naming Pitt as the #1 team, because they did not in fact win their conference. The Louisville Cardinals won the all-mighty Big East outright. If these three teams, Pitt, UCONN and Louisville all reach the semi-finals of the Big East tournament, and Louisville happens to make the finals, then they each should receive #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament. None of the other top teams (with the exception of UNC, the other #1) are as deserving. Oklahoma has been slipping recently and suffered a tough loss to Mizzou while Blake Griffin was in the lineup. Memphis in a very talented team, but they play in a one-bid conference. If either OU or Memphis fails to win its conference tourney, then Louisville should be allowed to take its place as a #1. UCONN, UNC, PITT and Louiville are my #1's, with the winner of the Big East being the #1 overall.

Another Reason to Love the Caps

Just when I thought my love of the Washington Capitals couldn't get any greater, I was proven wrong. My friends and I frequent The Front Page, an excellent bar in Clarendon (or Balston), that is also the official bar of the Washington Capitals. We went there this past Friday and thought it would just be another night. That was until Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom started taking our drink orders. We had the good pleasure of drinking and chatting with the two young stars (well, really just Mike, cause Nicklas doesn't speak English) for a sizable portion of the night. Mike bought us shots. This included a toast to the downfall of Sidney Crosby led by Mike, and his answer to the question "Who is your least favorite person to play against?" His answer: Alex Ovechkin in practice. Awesome night.

The Not-So-Perfect Storm

I have had a few occasions in my life to storm a court or field after a big win. The key words there are Big Win. What Penn State did tonight was not a big win. Sure, it helped their tournament resume. But, really, who did they beat? The #23 team in the country, Illinois. An arch rival? No. A legit threat for the National Championship? No. A legit threat for the Big Ten Championship? Not really. And yet, every student at the game rushed the court like their team had just won it all. Really, it was embarrassing. There are only a few times when rushing the court is an option. Winning your 21st game of the year (the most in school history, what a fantastic program) is not one of those times. Here are the only acceptable times:

A buzzer beater like they (sort of) had? Maybe, but only if it is in at least one overtime, and only if it is against your true rival or a team ranked in the top 10.

If you are unranked, and beat a top 10 team, by all means rush the court. Two years ago, while I was at Syracuse, we beat the #4 ranked Georgetown Hoyas on Senior Night by 14. We rushed the court. I hugged Demetrius Nichols. We had a ball, and we deserved to. We were unranked and were playing for a chance at the NCAAs (which we were screwed out of...). That is acceptable.

If you win a conference tournament or the NCAA Championship, rush the court. True, you probably won't get by security for this one, but it goes without saying that this is acceptable.

If you come back from being down at least 30, you can storm the court.

Favorite storming episode (high school)- Gonzaga beat Dematha 12-0 in the WCAC Football finals. We held the ball for the last 8 minutes. It was amazing.

Favorite storming episode (college)- Tie, between the aforementioned Georgetown incident and Senior Day during the 2004 football season. Syracuse beat Pitt in OT to keep our chance at a share of the Big East title alive. The next week we destroyed BC and shared it. Simply amazing considering the 4 seasons that have followed.

So, Penn State, I say shame on you for cheapening the floor-storm. Other than the instances I have provided, you would have to give me a really great explanation for why I shouldn't look down on you with shame.

What Was He Thinking?

So, there is one free agent move that I got completely wrong. I thought that WR Laveranues Coles would take advantage of his free agent tag and go to finish his career with best friend and former teammate Chad Pennington in Miami. Instead? The Bengals.... THE BENGALS! One of the most dysfunctional franchises in all of sports instead of the AFC East Champions? It must have been the money. The contract is OK. The money will help him warm his house in January, when he is watching the playoffs from his couch. Honestly, I can't wrap my head around this one.

Reunited and It Feels So Good

Two players that helped their teams reach great heights last season have both agreed to two year deals to bring them back. First, Kurt Warner will remain a Cardinal after they agreed to his two-year, $23 million contract. Second, bringing an end to a long and painful saga, Manny Ramirez agreed to a two-year, $45 million contract with the Dodgers. Congrats to both men, and to the teams which could not let the players end up elsewhere.

Jaric Update

THE STREAK IS OVER! Marco Jaric is 1 for 1, draining a 19 ft jumper with 9:18 left in the 2nd quarter against the Lakers. Adrianna must be so proud.

Marco Jaric Update

An update on JFLANland's favorite newlywed, Marco Jaric. He has missed his last 25 attempts. But again, what does he care? NBA money is guaranteed, and HE MARRIED ADRIANNA LIMA. I hope he doesn't make a shot the rest of the season, and he will still be better off than 3/4th of the professional athletes.

The Not-So-Hot 2006 NFL Draft QB Class

News out of Denver is that Bronco's QB and franchise player Jay Cutler is extremely upset with his head coach and manegment. Word of this comes after rumors of a trade to bring Matt Cassel in to replace Cutler and send the starter to Tampa Bay surfaced on Saturday, hours after Cassel was sent to the Kansas City Cheifs. While this opens a sizable can of worms for the Broncos, it also brings us a chance to look back at Jay Cutler's draft class: The NFL Draft class of 2006.

The #1 pick in the draft that year was not a big name. Mario Williams of the Texans was the best defensive prospect. But he was not Reggie Bush. Everyone thought Bush was the next Marshall Faulk, Bo Jackson and LaDainian Tomlinson all rolled into one. 3 seasons later, Williams is a Pro Bowl DE, and Bush is a constantly injured special teamer with occasional flashes of offensive brilliance. Advantage Houston.

But the battle for the #1 pick is not the most interesting question looking back at that draft. It is, instead, what happened to these amazing college quarterbacks? Matt Leinart won a Heisman and two (well, 1.5) National Championships. Vince Young was a Heisman finalist and single-handedly beat Leinart and Bush's undefeated Trojans for the National Championship. How did Cutler, the strong-armed signal caller from a losing Vanderbilt team, become the best QB of the bunch?

Leinart was given the reigns to a good team, full of excellent receivers with an underrated defense. He couldn't do anything with it, and lost the starting job to a two-time MVP and owner of a Super Bowl Ring, Mr. Kurt Warner. Young played well enough to get to the playoffs, but put up no numbers at all. He has an abysmal career passer rating of 68.8. After getting hurt, being booed by his fans and benched for vet Kerry Collins, Young showed he lacked the mental toughness to be a starting QB, much less an elite one.

There is also a sizable also-ran category in this draft class. Vikings QB Tavaris Jackson had his job taken from him by Gus Frerotte, came back and replace the injured veteran and play well in the final weeks to secure a playoff spot, and then laid an egg against the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round. He is now in a QB race with Sage Rosenfels. Jets QB Kellen Clemens was given the reigns to the team, then lost it back to Chad Pennington, then was replaced by Brett Farve, and now finds himself in a battle with other mediocre passers in the Jets QB race. We won't even get started with Brodie Croyle or Bruce Gradkowski.

And then there is Cutler. He went to the Pro Bowl this year. While he has been erratic at times, his passing game (with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal) has been the only bright spot in Denver. They have yet to give Cutler a reliable rushing game or provide him with any sort of defense. And now they want to trade their only good piece. If I were Cutler, I would want out too.

Is Warner in the Cards for Arizona?

Kurt Warner needs to be an Arizona Cardinal next season. For the good of everyone in that state, he needs to be. Warner to Fitzgerald is the only thing that franchise has got to hang its hat on. And Kurt seems willing to not only make that happen, but to help the team remain at its peak. Warner told his agent to present the Cards with a 2 year, $23 million contract. It is below Kurt's asking price of $14 million a year. Furthermore, Kurt would be willing go give back $1 million a season if the Cardinals successfully renegotiate the contract of Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin. The Cardinals have to take this deal. If they turn this down, and Warner ends up in San Francisco, than there is a good chance they will not win the NFC West. The 49ers were only two game behind the Cardinals at the end of the regular season. Warner is good enough to swing those two games in favor of Frisco. The ball is in the front office's court now. Are they the same old losing franchise? Or will Arizona continue its winning ways with Warner?

Brains in Buffalo

I promised a friend I would write a story on the Buffalo Bills.  I was looking for compelling story lines, or something to tell me that they could be the team to watch in the AFC East this year.  Sadly, that didn't happen.  Sorry Matt.  However, a Bills free agent signing did catch my attention.  Buffalo sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to back up starter Trent Edwards.  Why is this a big deal?  Simple.  Buffalo now has the two smartest QBs in the league on their team.  Edwards graduated from Stanford.  Fitzpatrick is a Harvard alum.  If the Bills needed to field an "It's Academic" team, take the QBs with Stanford alum OL Kirk Chambers,they would have a pretty good pair.  Lets just hope their brains can translate to the football field a little better than they have been.

Rick Reilly and Role Models

Rick Reilly is one of my favorite sports writers.  His latest column on ESPN.com doesn't disappoint.  It is an example of how a simple act of kindness by a celebrity can change a life.  Read and enjoy.

How Can you Rip Ovie in that Suit?

Don Cherry is full of hot air.  That air is kept in his body by his amazingly flashy and flamboyant suits.  Now, as if he weren't offensive enough to the eyes, he has decided to fill our ears with his madness.  Cherry, a Canadian hockey commentator, recently ripped hockey's best player (and JFLANland god) Alexander Ovechkin.  He said that Ovie's celebrations were out of hand, too flashy and too flamboyant...  First, anything coming from Cherry about being over the top and flashy is insane.  The man is most known for his suits, not his commentary or his playing/coaching career.  I recommend you all google Don Cherry, then click on images and enjoy.  

Second, this is another example of xenophobia in sports.  Cherry is Canadian, through and through, and he cannot stand the fact that the best player in hockey is Russian, not his golden boy Sidney Crosby.  Telling players to slice the NHL's top star in half is unacceptable.  The network he works for should fire him for endorsing such goon-ary.  No one outside of Cherry and Crosby complains about Ovechkin.  He is the best and most exciting player, and he celebrates just as much (if not more so) when his teammates score as when he does himself.  Also, I never heard Cherry talking about how Theo Fleury's celebrations were over the top.  Accept the fact that the Russian is the best player in hockey, Don.  Accept that he plays in Washington DC.  And accept that there isn't a thing you and your hideous suits can do about it.

March

Just realized it was March.  Almost spring (he says while being stuck in Boston due to a massive east coast snowstorm).  Also almost time for March Madness.  So many interesting story lines in college basketball this year.  There isn't a true dominating team.  UCONN, Pitt, UNC, Oklahoma are your probable #1's, but they have all shown weakness and an ability to be beaten.  Add in teams like Louisville, Duke, Wake Forest, Memphis, Michigan St., Marquette and really the entire Big East and you have the makings for an unpredictable and exciting tournament.  I will have my bracket two weeks from today, Selection Sunday.  Till then, enjoy the end of the regular season and Championship Week.

Stuck in Boston

So thanks to the snow my flight got cancelled.  JFLAN is stuck in Boston.  At least it gives me time to talk to you fine folks.