College Hoops-Better Late than Never

Well, not really late, because they've been playing for two and a half months. Late as in my interest in the sport.

I used to love college hoops. I still love the NCAA tournament. The first two days of the tournament are my favorite two days of the year. I've just had the hardest time getting into college basketball this year. I watch games and barely know what is going on.

I know Memphis and Kansas are both undefeated. I know the Pac 10 has a lot of good teams. I know the Atlantic 10 is vastly improved this year. And, I know Drake, of all teams, has only lost one game all year going into today.

I can't explain my lack of interest in hoops. Maybe it's my age. Maybe it's because there are games every night. Maybe I like the once-a-week high that football gives me. I don't know.

But, better late than never. I'll have some hoops stuff later on. Coming later will be tournament field projections.

Oh, yeah, in the Alphabet Soup Game of the Week, IUPUI beat IPFW today, 77-59. There is not a school called EIEIO, and they do not have a basketball team. These weren't labor unions, either. Seriously, it was the battle of Indiana-Purdue joint campuses, and Indianapolis got the best of Fort Wayne. At least IPFW doesn't call itself IUPUFW.

In the meantime, there are just two football games left: the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl. How sad.

Ugly Uniform Of The Day

UUOTD returns!

Last Thursday night, the Marquette Golden Eagles (they're no longer the Warriors) broke out these baby blue uniforms in a nationally televised loss to Louisville. They are similar to what Marquette wore in the 1970's when Al McGuire had them on top of the college basketball world. This design is making a comeback.

Needless to say, they're ugly as sin. They look like pajamas my kids would wear to bed.

Disgusting. Blech.

NFL Highway: Championship Sunday

Who would have thought on December 29, in Giants Stadium, that there was a preview of the Super Bowl. In hindsight, that's what happened.

The New England Patriots sputtered a bit, but handled the San Diego Chargers, 21-12. Tom Brady threw an uncharacteristic three interceptions, and Randy Moss only had one reception. However, the Pats, as always, found a way to win. They are 18-0 and headed to Glendale for Super Bowl XLII.

The classic was played in the frozen cold of Green Bay. The New York Football Giants won their league record tenth road game in a 23-20 overtime thriller over the Green Bay Packers. Lawrence Tynes missed two crucial field goals in regulation, but more than redeemed himself with a 47 yard game winner in overtime.

There is a lot to be said for how the Giants approached the season-ending game with the Patriots. The Giants had absolutely nothing to play for, as their playoff position was already determined. The Patriots were playing for a perfect season. The Giants went out and played hard, even whipping the Patriots for three quarters. They lost the game, but finished the season in a good groove, unlike their first two playoff opponents, who stumbled toward the end of the season. There is something to be said for trying to play hard and finish well, even when there is nothing to gain.

The Patriots will have a world of pressure on them as they try to become the first team to ever go 19-0. Also, the Pats will be going for their fourth Super Bowl win in seven years. The Pats have been installed as early 14 point favorites.

Get ready for the hype!