Football just won't leave me alone. I just wanted a few weeks of merciful silence to enjoy the start of basketball season, but no.
Today in the bag I'm talking Embree, the basketball win over Air Force, some heavies in the Pac-12 taking lumps over the weekend, and the strong start of the women's team.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, November 26, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Air Force Teaser
If you have any doubt that early season rankings are useless, check out CBSSports.com's current RPI standings. The Buffs currently boast the #1 RPI in the country, ahead of teams like Duke and Indiana which, I'm obligated to say, are much better than the Buffs are. We all know that the RPI is generally a joke, and a poor indicator of how good a team really is, but that's a little absurd.
Included on that list is tomorrow's opponent Air Force, quietly tucked in at #3, and benefiting from wins over three bottom-feeding D-1 opponents. That lofty standing certainly won't last, as not only will Air Force eventually struggle against higher-level opponents, but the three teams they beat will eventually begin to rack up some pretty horrifying losses. For the record, all-mighty Kenpom has them at #139.
Still, this is the type of game I love to see pop up on the schedule. A regional opponent from a decent conference means a positive addition to the resume. Air Force won't blow the barn doors off this season, but they have enough talent to challenge for a top 150 RPI finish, making for good November value.
Tip-off is set for 6pm tomorrow evening, with television coverage set for Pac-12 Networks, and radio coverage on AM 760. If you're planning on going, you'd better get some tickets fast, because they're going to be very scarce at the door, if available at all.
--
The Buffs, of course, are coming in off a week of rest following their spectacular run to the title in Charleston. Just because games weren't being played, however, doesn't mean the Buffs were deep in hibernation the last seven days. Sophomore sensation, and Charleston MVP, Askia Booker crushed the gym mere hours after returning home, and the coaching staff were quick to remind all the Buffs that four quick wins are not a guarantee of future success. As Ski noted, "we're going to get everybody's best shot now."
The Falcons will certainly bring theirs Sunday evening, looking for only the second 6-0 start in program history. The Zoomies are coming in off of a 14-point win against Montana State, and are looking for a big non-conference skin to boost their post-season resume. The Buffs now provide just that opportunity.
--
In the middle of a tough 2011-12 campaign, Air Force fired five-year head man Jeff Reynolds. AF Athletic Director Hans Mueh was particularly blunt when discussing the reasons behind the move:
His interim replacement, career assistant Dave Pilipovich, had his interim tag ripped off at the end of last season. Good feelings quickly returned, and the team managed an upset over then-#15 San Diego State last February.
He hasn't changed much, in terms of on-court style, settling rather on "simplifying things," and "pushing the ball up the floor a little more." (emphasis mine) Still the Falcons, as is tradition, favor a measured offense (the program has been ranked in the high-300's in possessions per game since even before Jeff Bzdelik's tenure), preferring low-possession games, while eschewing any hopes of an offensive board in favor of getting back on defense. Your basic Princeton-style ethos.
--
The Falcon bench features a dizzying 21 kids, most having matriculated through the USAF's prep school as a pseudo "redshirt" year. The blessing and the curse of recruiting for military academy athletics - scholarships are nebulous since everyone's receiving free tuition anyway, but the military commitment limits the inherent recruiting advantage.
Of the 21, Michael Lyons is by far the biggest Falcon threat. The 6-5 senior guard out of Virginia torched the Buffs last season with a 31/7 night, and he's more than capable of duplicating that feat tomorrow evening. Despite an ankle sprain last season which both cost him six games, and continued to plague him during conference play, he's shown consistent quality when healthy. Through the team's first five games this season he's been averaging over 22 points per.
Other players to watch for are senior forward Taylor Broekhuis and senior point guard Todd Fletcher.
--
A veteran team like the Falcons, favoring a slow-measured pace, should pose an interesting challenge for the Buffs. Generally, it would behoove the Buffs to crack 70 points. Over the past four-plus seasons the Falcons have lost 32 of 37 games where their opponents scored 70 or more. The Buffs should look to get out in transition, squeeze some extra possessions out of the notoriously slow Falcons, and see if they can be the first to 70 on the evening.
Nothing less than total domination on the defensive glass will be acceptable. With the Falcons rarely going after second-looks (worst offensive rebounding percentage in the country last year), the Buffs can't afford to gift them any. To that end, last season the Buffs grabbed 32 defensive rebounds on 37 Falcon misses. That level of production needs to, and should, continue tomorrow.
On a side note, it'll be interesting to see how freshman Josh Scott, the son of two former Falcon athletes, plays against his home-town team. The matchups certainly lend themselves to a big game from the Springs native. He's going to be pumped up for this one, and the Buffs should focus on getting him the ball early to settle him down, and get him into the game.
I think all of the above happen. The Buffs crack 70 before Air Force, they dominate the defensive glass, and receive a big game from Jelly. Michael Lyons will go off for near 30 again, but his teammates won't be able to equal his efforts. Add it all up, and they should defend the #23 ranking by shaking off the pesky Falcons for a solid win.
CU 74 - AF 65
GO BUFFS! BEAT AIR FORCE!
Included on that list is tomorrow's opponent Air Force, quietly tucked in at #3, and benefiting from wins over three bottom-feeding D-1 opponents. That lofty standing certainly won't last, as not only will Air Force eventually struggle against higher-level opponents, but the three teams they beat will eventually begin to rack up some pretty horrifying losses. For the record, all-mighty Kenpom has them at #139.
Still, this is the type of game I love to see pop up on the schedule. A regional opponent from a decent conference means a positive addition to the resume. Air Force won't blow the barn doors off this season, but they have enough talent to challenge for a top 150 RPI finish, making for good November value.
Tip-off is set for 6pm tomorrow evening, with television coverage set for Pac-12 Networks, and radio coverage on AM 760. If you're planning on going, you'd better get some tickets fast, because they're going to be very scarce at the door, if available at all.
--
The Buffs, of course, are coming in off a week of rest following their spectacular run to the title in Charleston. Just because games weren't being played, however, doesn't mean the Buffs were deep in hibernation the last seven days. Sophomore sensation, and Charleston MVP, Askia Booker crushed the gym mere hours after returning home, and the coaching staff were quick to remind all the Buffs that four quick wins are not a guarantee of future success. As Ski noted, "we're going to get everybody's best shot now."
 |
| Success breeds challengers, and a tournament title and an early-season ranking will certainly do that. From: the Daily |
--
In the middle of a tough 2011-12 campaign, Air Force fired five-year head man Jeff Reynolds. AF Athletic Director Hans Mueh was particularly blunt when discussing the reasons behind the move:
"I could care less if they don't win another game. I care a lot about their atmosphere and attitude out on the floor. I want them to jump up and high-five each other. I want them to smile when they're playing. I can't continue to allow the athletes on the court to just go through the motions and not have fun playing the game." - linkYeesh, sounds like Reynolds had worn out his welcome, big time.
His interim replacement, career assistant Dave Pilipovich, had his interim tag ripped off at the end of last season. Good feelings quickly returned, and the team managed an upset over then-#15 San Diego State last February.
 |
| Coach Pilipovich has the Falcons soaring high in the RPI to start the season. |
--
The Falcon bench features a dizzying 21 kids, most having matriculated through the USAF's prep school as a pseudo "redshirt" year. The blessing and the curse of recruiting for military academy athletics - scholarships are nebulous since everyone's receiving free tuition anyway, but the military commitment limits the inherent recruiting advantage.
Of the 21, Michael Lyons is by far the biggest Falcon threat. The 6-5 senior guard out of Virginia torched the Buffs last season with a 31/7 night, and he's more than capable of duplicating that feat tomorrow evening. Despite an ankle sprain last season which both cost him six games, and continued to plague him during conference play, he's shown consistent quality when healthy. Through the team's first five games this season he's been averaging over 22 points per.
 |
| Michael Lyons is a legit scoring threat. He's the kind of guard who can play on almost any team in the country. |
--
A veteran team like the Falcons, favoring a slow-measured pace, should pose an interesting challenge for the Buffs. Generally, it would behoove the Buffs to crack 70 points. Over the past four-plus seasons the Falcons have lost 32 of 37 games where their opponents scored 70 or more. The Buffs should look to get out in transition, squeeze some extra possessions out of the notoriously slow Falcons, and see if they can be the first to 70 on the evening.
Nothing less than total domination on the defensive glass will be acceptable. With the Falcons rarely going after second-looks (worst offensive rebounding percentage in the country last year), the Buffs can't afford to gift them any. To that end, last season the Buffs grabbed 32 defensive rebounds on 37 Falcon misses. That level of production needs to, and should, continue tomorrow.
On a side note, it'll be interesting to see how freshman Josh Scott, the son of two former Falcon athletes, plays against his home-town team. The matchups certainly lend themselves to a big game from the Springs native. He's going to be pumped up for this one, and the Buffs should focus on getting him the ball early to settle him down, and get him into the game.
I think all of the above happen. The Buffs crack 70 before Air Force, they dominate the defensive glass, and receive a big game from Jelly. Michael Lyons will go off for near 30 again, but his teammates won't be able to equal his efforts. Add it all up, and they should defend the #23 ranking by shaking off the pesky Falcons for a solid win.
CU 74 - AF 65
GO BUFFS! BEAT AIR FORCE!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Friday Beer Post: 2012 Gameday Beer-o-the-week - Utah Edition
Each week throughout the football
season I'm going to suggest a good beer for the ubiquitous pre-game
tailgate. Let's be honest, with tailgates it's not always top quality
that you're looking for. To steal a phrase from the heinous beer
terrorists at Budweiser, you want "drinkability." (or what a real beer
connoisseur calls "a session beer") So, be warned, these may not be "the
best" beers around. But, in the words of Dave Chappelle as Samuel L.
Jackson, "IT'LL GET YOU DRUNK!"
It's Utah week. In theory, this should be hate week, but a combination of the team sucking large amounts of ass, and the program doing everything it can to downplay any potential rivalry with our neighbors to the west, has gutted any potential for hate. I still don't understand why so many people are against buying into the CU/Utah rivalry, but I'm tired of spitting into the wind. Fine, go chase USC's tail for three decades, see where that gets you.
Me? I'll always be down with hating a bright red horde, regardless of whether it comes from the east or the west. Nothing will change that.
As for the beer pick, Utah week will always carry the honorary selection of Wasatch Brewery's Polygamy Porter. As I mentioned last year, I think the name alone deserves the selection. Indeed, why have just one?
However, since I try to avoid repeat selections at all cost, the real gameday beer-o-the-week is Stone's Ruination IPA.
A serious double-IPA from a brewery who understands what hops should be used for, Ruination has long been one of my favorite beers. It's fantastically hoppy from start to finish, and is a celebration of both the floral/sweet and resinous/bitter sides of hop flavor and aroma. There's been many a time when, stunted by the abundance of choice when cruising my local beer aisles, I just say "fuck it, I'm getting a Ruination." If you consider yourself a hop-head, you need to try this beer.
Great as it is, I'm not picking Ruination for it's quality. It's being tabbed in honor of the ruinous 2012 football season, in all of it's train-wreck glory. There may or may not be better days ahead, but at least we can all be thankful that this steaming pile of shit for a season has now run it's course. Fuck you 2012, and good riddance.
Happy Thanksgiving! Go Buffs, beat Air Force!
It's Utah week. In theory, this should be hate week, but a combination of the team sucking large amounts of ass, and the program doing everything it can to downplay any potential rivalry with our neighbors to the west, has gutted any potential for hate. I still don't understand why so many people are against buying into the CU/Utah rivalry, but I'm tired of spitting into the wind. Fine, go chase USC's tail for three decades, see where that gets you.
Me? I'll always be down with hating a bright red horde, regardless of whether it comes from the east or the west. Nothing will change that.
As for the beer pick, Utah week will always carry the honorary selection of Wasatch Brewery's Polygamy Porter. As I mentioned last year, I think the name alone deserves the selection. Indeed, why have just one?
However, since I try to avoid repeat selections at all cost, the real gameday beer-o-the-week is Stone's Ruination IPA.
Great as it is, I'm not picking Ruination for it's quality. It's being tabbed in honor of the ruinous 2012 football season, in all of it's train-wreck glory. There may or may not be better days ahead, but at least we can all be thankful that this steaming pile of shit for a season has now run it's course. Fuck you 2012, and good riddance.
Happy Thanksgiving! Go Buffs, beat Air Force!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
2012 Utah Football Preview: Cheer up! The season's over!
It's almost over! I can't believe it's almost over! This is the happiest I've been when thinking about football in months.
Just think, after Friday we won't have to pretend to care about the program for at least 8-9 months. Sure, next season will be another bout with football-as-ebola, but we can all cross that bridge together when we get there. For now, let's just celebrate the end of football season! HAPPY DAYS!
--
The season concludes Friday afternoon at 1pm. TV coverage is set for FX (man, those guys are getting screwed), with radio coverage set for 850 KOA. Conversely, it's the Friday after Thanksgiving, so you could go shopping instead. Or sleep in, and do something else.
Hey, would someone remember to turn out the lights in Folsom before they lock-up the stadium for the year?
Click below for the preview...
Just think, after Friday we won't have to pretend to care about the program for at least 8-9 months. Sure, next season will be another bout with football-as-ebola, but we can all cross that bridge together when we get there. For now, let's just celebrate the end of football season! HAPPY DAYS!
--
The season concludes Friday afternoon at 1pm. TV coverage is set for FX (man, those guys are getting screwed), with radio coverage set for 850 KOA. Conversely, it's the Friday after Thanksgiving, so you could go shopping instead. Or sleep in, and do something else.
Hey, would someone remember to turn out the lights in Folsom before they lock-up the stadium for the year?
Click below for the preview...
Monday, November 19, 2012
Quick Post: Confirming what we already knew
Numerous outlets, from CBS to the AP, are letting the world know that the Buffs are one of the 25 best teams in the land. It's the first time since 2006 that the team has been ranked in any poll, and the earliest in-season ranking since 1970.
I appreciate their honesty, but I already knew this. Watching the team in Charleston made that point self-evident.
It's just a shame that the coaches can't be as open and honest about the Buffs continued success, as they left the Buffs off the board at #27. Who exactly are the coaches voting in these rankings, anyway? Hrmmm... well, there's Jim Boeheim, Steve Fisher, Shaka Smart, Tommy Amaker, Randy Bennett, and... WAIT A SECOND! SCOTT DREW HAS A VOTE ON THIS! That cheating Baylor bastard! He probably saw the writing on the wall, with the Buffs being ranked higher than his Bears in most places, and left the Buffs off on purpose. DAMN HIM!
Regardless, I guess the team will just have to keep throwing down 'W's' before Drew and his fellow coaches eventually come around to reality.
THEY WILL RECOGNIZE!
I appreciate their honesty, but I already knew this. Watching the team in Charleston made that point self-evident.
It's just a shame that the coaches can't be as open and honest about the Buffs continued success, as they left the Buffs off the board at #27. Who exactly are the coaches voting in these rankings, anyway? Hrmmm... well, there's Jim Boeheim, Steve Fisher, Shaka Smart, Tommy Amaker, Randy Bennett, and... WAIT A SECOND! SCOTT DREW HAS A VOTE ON THIS! That cheating Baylor bastard! He probably saw the writing on the wall, with the Buffs being ranked higher than his Bears in most places, and left the Buffs off on purpose. DAMN HIM!
Regardless, I guess the team will just have to keep throwing down 'W's' before Drew and his fellow coaches eventually come around to reality.
THEY WILL RECOGNIZE!
Monday Grab Bag: Sweeping though Charleston
What a way to start the season, huh? BuffNation, feel free to puff out your chest. Football may be a thing
of the past, but this basketball program is something you can be proud
of. These guys are for real!
Today in the bag I'm talking the tournament capping win over Murray St., the schadenfreude-tastic win over Baylor, and the banana stand's run at nationals.
Click below for the bag...
Today in the bag I'm talking the tournament capping win over Murray St., the schadenfreude-tastic win over Baylor, and the banana stand's run at nationals.
Click below for the bag...
Friday, November 16, 2012
It's gameday. ROLL. DAMN. TAD.
"Do you know what 'nemesis' means? A righteous infliction of retribution manifested by an appropriate agent. Personified in this case by a horrible cunt... me."
No quarter. Get revenge.
Fuck Baylor.
No quarter. Get revenge.
Fuck Baylor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)