2012 SEC Football Preview

There is no doubt that the SEC is the nation’s best college football conference and are in a great position to extend their National Champ streak to 7 years with 5 teams in the AP Preseason Top 10.  The SEC is filled with fast physical defenses that can slow down some of the countries best offenses.  From the Sat. night Michigan/Alabama game to the Friday after Thanksgiving LSU/Arkansas closer, the SEC schedule is stacked with games that have National Title implications.

SEC
East	Conference W-L	Overall W-L
Georgia	7-1	11-1
South Carolina	5-3	9-3

Finalizing the 2012 Recruiting Class

Even though the NCAA tournament is over, there is still a lot going on in College Basketball. Underclassmen have until April 10th to inform their schools if they’re coming back (though they have until the 29th to declare for the Draft) and Coaches are on the recruiting trail trying to replace those graduating, transferring or leaving early for the NBA. Let’s take a quick look at a few big names who are still available out there and where they may end up.

Mid Day Link Dump

Slow day? There’s a lot going on in the world of sports, so let me help.

• The John Calipari to the New York Knicks stories are being cranked out. Adrian Wojanarowski writes a good piece as to why the timing might be right.
• Calipari says he’s not going anywhere.
• Deadspin looks at Calipari from a different angle and I like it.
• CBS Sports has their 2012-13 Top 25(and one) out.
• Nerlens Noel talks about his upcoming decision on his blog on ESPN.

The Morning Dump: 4/3/12

I just told Willie the game wasn't starting until after 9pm. Not happy.

9:25pm start time makes a late night for me and my bulldog Willie.  What is the deal with these start times?  It’s ridiculous.  Willie was pissed.

Congrats UK and Coach Calipari on your soon-to-be vacated National Championship.  That makes 8 National Titles for UK and their fans still don’t know how to celebrate. 

After watching The Fray butcher the anthem, Carl Lewis has decided to give it another try.

Championship Game: Kansas vs. Kentucky

Tonight at 9:23 the final college basketball game of the 2011-2012 season will tip off. Playing in the game are the two winningest programs in college history, Kentucky and Kansas. The Jayhawks are going for their fourth National Championship while the Wildcats are chasing number eight. The two teams actually played earlier this season in Madison Square Garden with Kentucky winning 75-65. That game seems like an eternity ago with both teams having made huge improvements since. Let’s preview tonight’s game and look at some of the best matchups on the floor.

How Louisville Can Beat Kentucky

Before anyone of you reads this, gets excited, goes out and bets good money on a Cardinals victory please calm down.  These Wildcats are the best team in the country.  They have been the best team in the country since day 1 of the season.  This is their National Championship.

But there is a team in the adjacent locker room that doesn’t see that.  The Louisville Cardinals are as confident and determined a team as Kentucky will face this season. Louisville is riding an 8 game winning streak that includes a Big East Championship and a win over #1 seed Michigan State.  Can they beat Kentucky?  They can if they can accomplish these 3 things tonight.

1. Defensive Pressure and Confusion

75 is the number.  Below it good and above it bad.  Patino is a mastermind at confusing offenses with his pressure D.  If this team can continue the defensive intensity they displayed against Florida and Michigan State they can frustrate Kentucky and give themselves a chance.  One thing is for sure.  I am predicting at least 1 broken nose courtside from a monster Anthony Davis or Gorgui Dieng block.

2. Hit the 3-point shot

Kyle Kuric, Chris and Russ Smith must hit from beyond the arc tonight.  They must hit consistently from 3 tonight and they must get hot early.  If they can hit threes early and get out front then this will put pressure on Kentucky to score and paired with Louisville’s defense will cause forced shots.

3. Have Fun and Stay Loose

Louisville has to play loose tonight.  When you play loose your shots drop and your legs stay fresh (a priority with UL’s short bench).  If they can come in knowing that all the pressure is on Kentucky then they can slay the giant.

They are coming into this game as the little brother who is supposed to lose to his big brother.  That doesn’t mean it has to happen. (Does anyone else picture the Rick Moranis speech from Little Giants?) Louisville loses this game they go home winners this season.  But if they win they go home legends.  I can’t wait for this game tonight.

I have also purchased a big bottle Makers Mark tonight and will be doing a shot every time CBS shows Ashley Judd.  2 shots if they show her crying.

2012 Final Four Preview

It’s finally here. If you’re like me, you remember counting down the days until Oct. 14, the day college basketball teams are allowed to begin practicing. On that day every college basketball fan dreamed of their team making a magical run through March that would end this weekend in New Orleans. For four teams that dream is still alive and they get their shot at ultimate glory, starting tomorrow. While there were plenty of surprises in this year’s tournament, the 2012 Final Four features some of the most elite teams in college basketball. These teams have a combined 49 Final Fours and 13 National Championships between them, so if you enjoyed watching schools like VCU, Butler and George Mason in previous years you’re out of luck. Let’s take a look at each school and Saturday’s matchups after the jump.

Sweet 16 Preview: Friday

Yesterday we saw our first #1 seed fall in Michigan State. Will we see another tonight? This evening’s game should be really good. There are some great story lines and intriguing match ups so let’s get right to it.

Jumbo’s Sweet 16 Rankings and Tournament Predictions

Last week 68 teams had visions of cutting down the nets in New Orleans.  Today only 16 are left.  I am going to take a look at those 16 teams and let you know who I think will make it to play next weekend.

Jumbo’s Sweet Sixteen Rankings

1. Kentucky:  The best team in the nation is loaded and primed to win it all.  An Elite 8 matchup with an athletic Baylor could be trouble for them but they should advance.
2. Michigan State:  Why did I pick against Izzo in March when I did my bracket last week?  I don’t know.  March is when Tom Izzo shows us all that he is one of the best college basketball coaches of all time.
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor:  Baylor may be the only team with the athletes to play with Kentucky but are they mature enough to play controlled ball against them?  That is the question.
5. Marquette:  The Marquette/Florida game should be the best game on Thursday.  This game will be the first to 85 points wins.

2012 NCAA Tournament Preview

Welcome girls and boys to my favorite time of the year! Tomorrow starts what should be a national holiday, the first day of the NCAA tournament. Yes, there were four games already, but we all know those don’t really count. The real madness starts tomorrow and it’s going to be just as crazy as always. After the jump we’ll take a look at the regions and get predictions from the Sports Dump writers.