One of those days

I will admit that I am a bit pissy today. Everybody seems ready to get out of here tomorrow. I know I'm ready for them to leave. Emotions have run all over the place for people this last week. Tired and drained and glad Spring Break is here to save the day. Got a party planned tonight for the Girl's Basketball team. That should be fun. Tonight is also the last night of the evangelistic series. The students have done a great job. Just can't wait until tomorrow afternoon when I can relax in my recliner and watch the Kansas game. Love the fact the Nebreska just upset Missouri in the Big 12 tournament. Hilarious. Let's hope KU doens't turn around and do the same thing. Texas Tech is a good team, and I'm worried about the early start time. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kansas come out a little sluggish. Shouldn't matter in the end though.

Resume Time

Started working on the resume today. Was nice to be able to put some actually experience on there instead of just saying "I worked at camp." Got to get that thing finalized and sent out as soon as possible.

LOTR, Lacrosse, and Cole Aldrich

It was decided last night that a Lord of the Rings marathon was in order. Kyle, Stephanie, Darcy, and I gave it out best shot, but only made it halfway through the second film. We are as I write this finishing the third one, extended version I might add. I'm only half paying attention. Seen Return of the King to many times. One of the greatest films of all time though.
I went to my first lacrosse match today. My good friend Brianne was playing at a tournament at Kansas University. She plays for Dana College who along with Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas made up the four teams of the tournament. Dana lost the first game to Kansas 8-3 but then bounced back with thumping of Nebraska 9-2. Brianne had a goal and it was pretty cool to watch. 4 hour round trip though. It was worth it. Took a stroll around downtown Lawrence afterwards and walked right past Cole Aldrich. Didn't want to bother him, or maybe I was too scared. Probably both, but I just walked right on by. I did want to say something to him about his put back dunk against Mizzou when he made Keith Ramsey eat his nuts. I did the next best thing... I went and purchased a Cole Aldrich jersey.

29-2

I predicted the Jayhawks to have 3 losses on the season. Very happy with a 29-2 record to end the regular season. But it means nothing if KU comes up empty handed in March. Big 12 tournament starts next Wednesday with Kansas getting a first round bye. They will play the winner of the Colorado/Texas Tech game on Thursday. Regardless of what happens in this conference tourny the Hawks should be a #1 seed. But a win in KC will be a top priority for the Jayhawks in preparation for the MADNESS.
Today Kansas played great in spurts. Just like the first match up against Mizzou, Kansas turned the ball way to much. And were often just plain careless. But KU's defense was down right smothering at times. MU missed some shots but KU was in their grill for most of it. Tyrel Reed continues to hit big shots and played some great D. Markieff again came off the bench to spark KU's inside dominance. Tyshawn Taylor made some questionable mistakes but there is no doubt he is playing better. His play could be the difference come tournament time. Cole's put back dunk tonight was just redunkuless, and should be on espn tonight. But Cole just has not been playing as well on offense and almost seems hesitant at times. Just go and dunk it big man. He defense though is game changing.

Where to go from here?

Good question.

Sherron Collins

In the era of one and done the story of a big time recruit staying at college for 4 years is rare. Yet Sherron Collins did just that and is set to be one of the greatest Kansas Jayhawks in its storied history. He already has the all time wins record. Each night he passes somebody on the points list. And each game he adds to his already glorious legacy. In his four years at KU, Kansas has won 4 Big 12 regular season titles. 2 conference tournament titles, with another possible. And 1 National Championship. With another one of those very possible as well. Collins came back to win it all this year, and there would be no better way to send out one of the greatest Jayhawks of all time. Thank you Sherron for all the great memories. I wish you the best, and hope some NBA team sees what a winner and competitor you are. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
And by the way, KU sent the little kitties home last night 82-65. Great play from Xavier Henry, Tyshawn Taylor, and Markieff Morris helped KU get past slow starts from both superstars (Collins, Cole Aldrich). Collins caught fire later in the second half to help put the game out of reach. If Kansas can beat a team like K-State with no help from its 2 biggest stars in the first half, then things are looking good. The game against Missouri this weekend will be another good test to see where the Jayhawks are at. If Kansas continues to play well there should be no reason they don't win the conference tournament starting next week. Rebounding and perimeter defense must improve if that is going to happen though. Great, great win last night for KU. 59 in row now at "The Phog". Sherron went out in style in his last home game as a Kansas Jayhawk.

What arm?

Has my closest friends can attest, in college I was rather cocky about my throwing arm. Seemed to think it was a rocket or something stupid like that. The older I've gotten the more I realize that its a very ordinary arm. To prove my point I was just out throwing the football around with some of my students and got this great idea. Let's try and throw the football over the tallest tree. In my limited defense the students tried it first. Well somehow I managed to get the dumb football stuck at the very top of the tree. The only thing at our immediate disposal was a tennis ball. The next 30 minutes was spent chucking a tennis ball at our stuck football. It only took me half of that 30 minutes to realize that even if the tennis manage to hit the football it probably wouldn't do anything. The second 15 minutes was spent deciding what else to throw. How about another football? First try the 2nd football seemed to get stuck for a few seconds and then fell down. On my second try both footballs feel successfully to the ground. Rocket arm my ass.

Not a fan of Wednesday

I understand that my dear counterpart, Drew, needs time off. The problem with that is it requires me getting up at 5:55 to allow one student to get to the cafe for work. Zombieing to the alarm to turn it off and trudging upstairs to make sure this one student is awake and on his way. I abhor getting up that early. My body is simply not designed for such abuse. But at least it only happens once a week. I usually spend the rest of day trying to find ways to catch some quick shut eye to survive. Sounds pathetic because it is. Enough whining for one day.
Tonight is the big game. If Kansas manages to lose this game, I'm not sure I want to be around myself. It won't be pretty. But if Kansas can't get it up for this game then the season is done anyways. Its freaking K-State and Senior night. Let's send this little kitties home with their tail between their legs.
Playing basketball last night was awesome. Playing against little high schoolers is always good for ones ego.
BTW, I have to come clean with something. And yes this will only prove in Caleb's mind that I am indeed batting for the other team, but whatever. I am listening to Colbie Caillat as I write this post. I have a huge crush on her and her music. I love it. Not sure why, but man, its good stuff. For all of those who don't like it, screw you. I do feel better.

WOW

Very first day of my new "a post everyday" and I forget. I will defend myself in that there is a lot going on around here at the moment, but still pretty pathetic. Anyways I did not forget today, I had my day off and had a lot of time to sit around and remember. Didn't do much except watch tv and vegetate, but tonight Kyle and I are gonna scrimmage against the boy's. Sounds lame, but in my current state its about all I can handle. So I'm looking forward to it. Also excited about the Mavericks eight game win streak. My man crush on Dirk is peaking. But the biggest event of the week will be tomorrow nights game Kansas vs. Kansas State. Senior night for Sherron Collins (all-time wins leader in KU history). KU is ranked #2 and K-State #5. Highest ranking for K-State ever. Gonna be a huge game. Still pissed that ESPN is not showing this game. Beyond lame. Anyways I need to go warm up for my big show down with little high school boys. Haha, oh how far I have fallen.

Is Dallas a contender now?

I think it maybe to earlier to say but I really think this trade makes the Mavs a better team. I have loved Josh Howard during his years with the Mavs, but his inability to stay healthy has really hurt the team. Constantly in and out of the line-up kept the Mavs from finding a consistent mesh as a team. Caron Butler brings a lot to the table the Howard could no longer provide. No question he is a very capable scorer and J-Kidd makes everyone around him better, even if he is 50 years old. Butler is also a better defender and has had some experience in clutch situations. Excited about what he brings to the team. Brendan Haywood is a little bit of a unknown. To me he looks like a younger version of Erik Dampier. Which can be a good thing and a bad thing. He does seem to be a little more mobile and maybe a little more offensively gifted. But what the Mavs need is another tough defender and rebounder to help against the likes of the Nuggets and Lakers. I truly believe he can do that. Deshawn Stevenson is a wild card for sure. I have never liked the guy. He seems to do more talking than actually playing. Very, very streaky shooter. And he is a hot head that could cost us a ticked off Kobe or Melo in the playoffs. If he accepts his role as a defender and spot duty guy then it might work. This trade has also allowed Jason Terry to return to coming off the bench. That is a lightning rod that greatly helps the Mavericks. But if the Mavs are going to go far in the playoffs the will need more than just Terry off the bench. The health of Dampier will be important to watch. J.J. Barea has been in a slump but can also be a big lift off the bench. Since this trade the Mavs have beaten the Lakers at home and came back from double digit deficeit at Atlanta. The pieces are there, lets just see if the Mavs can have them all fit.

Lack of Fanhood?

So when this blog started I assumed I post following every Jayhawk game. That has not gone so well. The last time I did a major post about KU they lost the next day to Tennessee. Well they had not lost since that game until yesterday when they were embarrassed by Oklahoma State. They were beat in every aspect of the game. Frustrating game would be putting it mildly. Although that is only two losses on the year, the Jayhawks have two very tough games to finish the season. Wednesday night they will have the 6th ranked K-state Wildcats coming to Phog Allen. Huge game, also Sherron Collins' senior night. Simply cannot lose that game. Then we will finish out the regular season visiting Missouri. After watching the debacle against OK-state one gets a little more nervous about both those games. If Kansas manages to lose both and K-state wins their last game, then they would be tied in the Big 12 standings. Not sure about anyone else but the only thing I want to share with K-state is our foot up there ass.
I do not think it is time to panic at all. Yes KU got exposed in some areas. Perimeter defense was dreadful. We did not capitalize on tournovers. We were out rebounded by a much smaller team. Our team leader (Collins) laid a big giant turd in the first half. But all are things we can improve on and learn from. Important to remember that in 08 KU lost at Ok-State then didn't lose again the whole year enroute to the national championship. Although pre-mature Kansas is capable of such a run. Bill Self is one of the best coaches in the country and he will get this team to learn from yesterday and be ready for the last home game of the season. Let's not entertain any ideas to the contrary.
And in case anyone cares I think Syracuse should be ranked #1. If Kentucky is #1 then there needs to be an investigation into why everyone is all over all their jock straps. Its been weird to be ranked #1 for most of the season and be considered the second best team.

It's been awhile

It has been to long since I have shared my glorious thoughts with.... nobody reads this anyways, so with myself I guess. Several times over the last couple of months I have had ideas and thoughts to share but never got around to it. Big surprise there. So I guess I am just writing this to let the poor neglected Force Field know I have not forgotten and I will try to be more consistent in my posting. I have plenty of time where I am in my office pretending to work. Golden blog time wasted. I am actually inspired to commit right here and right now, to post something everyday. I will most certainly regret this later, but whatever. Let's see how long this lasts.

Unbelievably Accurate?

0-2. Great start.

Careful what you post

I was afraid that as soon as I made a post about the Jayhawks they would lose. They tried but Sherron Collins decided he had enough. 33 points from the bowling ball of a guard is what saved the Jayhawks from an embarrassment at home where they had won 50 straight. Give Cornell all the credit, they played great and made it one heck of a game. The Jayhawks played poorly most the game and just survived late, taking their first lead with just under 4 minutes to go. It was good to see that defensive hustle can still win games when shots are not falling. KU stepped up the intensity and thats what made the difference. This test will be a great experience the Jayhawks can learn from heading into conference play. But in big games we need more than just Collins if we what to continue winning. Cole Aldrich still hasn't shown the offensive skills he demonstrated last year. The Morris twins were not a factor in this game. Xavier Henry was 3-13 from the field. Tyshawn Taylor didn't score a point. But the encouraging fact was that pretty much everyone hustled hard the second half. If the shots aren't falling, then bring it hard in all the other areas.
This Sunday the Jayhawks have another tough test playing at Tennessee. The Vols have lost 4 players due to suspension but they are not ranked 15th for nothing and they play great at home. It should be a game the Jayhawks can win, but not if they play as they did against Cornell.
The competition in the Big 12 is as good as its been in years. Some analysts would argue its the top conference in the country. Although that maybe a stretch there is not doubt its going to be tough every night. I had the Jayhawks losing two games in conference play. I still think that is a safe bet, but could be more if the Hawks don't bring it every night. The potential is there but besides the Temple game the Jayhawks have yet to play a complete game.
I think that the Jayhawks and Longhorns could go undeafeted going into their Febuaury match up, making it the game of the year. It would be a dandy.
Now please don't go suck it up tomorrow Kansas. Tennessee is undermanned, so take advantage. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!

The Dawn of a New Era

I'm supposedly done with school and yet I still procrastinate with everything. Terrible habit. I have waited long enough. So lets get on with it.
Wild Card Weekend:
Jets @ Bengals- With 3 separate games doing the back to back with the same team drill, I am not sure how to proceed with some predictions. I don't think the Jets are that good. They should not be in the playoffs. But when a team gets an old-fashioned beat down like the Bengals did last week, it does affect a team. I think the Jets have a very good chance in this game. But with that being said, the Bengals should have a lot to play for. The loss of Chris Henry, the loss of their coaches wife, and the fact they haven't won a playoff game since forever. And its at home. So I'm going with the Bengals 20-16.

Ravens @ Partriots- Patriots at home. They are 8-0 there this season. I don't see this changing. But if Ray Rice can get going it could be pretty close. Also keep an eye on how the loss of Wes Welker affects the Patriots ability to move the ball down field. Patriots 24-17

Eagles @ Cowboys- I don't think the Cowboys are that good. But both teams needed to win last week and the Eagles forgot to show up. Home team is the safest pick, but I don't think the Cowboys can cover Jackson, Maclin, and Celek. If Westbrook can bring even his B game I think the Eagles can pull this one out. I am however hoping the Cowboys win just so the Packers can play the Saints instead of the Vikings. Packers-Vikings in the NFC championship would be epic. But I think the Eagles get it done 27-20.

Packers @ Cardinals- There should no doubt in the mind of any of my friends about who I am rooting for in these playoffs. I am a true friend through and through. That being said, I think the Packers have an explosive pass offense that the Cardinals cannot stop. If Ryan Grant can balance it with a decent running it shouldn't be close. The Packers defense is for real. They need to get to Warner early and often. They key is not letting Warner ever get any sort of rhythm. Packers should and will do this. Rodgers will then kick the shit out of that damn monkey. 31-21

Divisional Round:
Bengals @ Colts- I have not idea how the Colts continue to win with a defense that just doesn't seem that good. But they have the Peyton Manning and a veteran offense that shouldn't have to much trouble putting up some points. Manning has been great this year, but has thrown more picks than one would think. The Bengals have to great cover corners in Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall. That match up could decide the game. I think the Colts will somehow win yet again. 23-16

Patriots @ Chargers- Everyone is always saying come into the playoffs on a streak and playing hot. If that is true, then there is no hotter team than the Chargers. Winners of 11 straight. I will be very surprised if the Chargers don't get it done at home against the Patriots, who do not have the defense to match up. 31-24 Chargers

Eagles @ Saints- I think the Saints and their fans will be supper hyped for this game. If the Saints just leave Darren Sharper deep to cover Jackson, then the Saints should be able to come out with a win. They have to many weapons for the Eagles to deal with. 34-24

Packers @ Vikings- It can be very hard to beat a team three times in one year. The Vikings are simply not playing very good football right now (beside their last game). The Packers defense is much better than when they played last. The Packers offensive line is much better as well. And the Viking have no answer for Jermichael Finley. Charles Woodson will score a defensive touchdown and Clay Matthews will force at least one Favre or Peterson fumble. Packers have to pressure Favre and then defend down field. They have the people to do it. Just wondering if the lost of Al Harris will be a factor. The Pack can do this. 27-24

Conference Championship:
Chargers @ Colts- Peyton Manning does not play well against the Chargers. And I feel the Colts sub par defense will be exposed in this game. I think it be a back and forth battle but the Chargers will pull it out and be heading to the Super Bowl. 31-27

Packers @ Saints- I think this could also be a track meet. Both teams have so many offensive weapons its hard to keep track of them all. I think both secondaries could struggle but I see the Saints having a harder time. The Packers pass rush will wreck havoc with Drew Brees and force him into some mistakes. Call me a dreamer, but the Green Bay Packers will be going to the Super Bowl. 28-24

Super Bowl:
Chargers v. Packers- At this point that damn monkey is in Siberia. Aaron Rodgers will be feeling better than he has at any point in his career. Philip Rivers is good, but he has not played against a defense such as the Packers bring. Charles Woodson will make enough big plays in the secondary to make up for Tremon Williams getting beat. Atari Bigby will nock the stuffing out of Vincent Jackson, who will be taken out of the game. LaDainian Tomlinson will see a run defense that will blot out the sun. The only negative will be that Darren Sproles will have two kick returns for touchdowns. Rodgers will throw for 320 and 3 tds. Ryan Grant will rush for 82 yards and a score. The Packers defense will score at least one touchdown, and the Packers will be your Super Bowl Champions 35-21. At this point, Caleb, Force, and Quicksand will streak through the town of Enterprise so overcome with emotion. Unfortunately all three will be arrested and put in jail. This will cost Force his job, but that's what he will do for his friends. His only saving grace may be that with his long hair, generous man boobs, and the cold weather he might be mistaken for a girl. So instead of arresting them, the cop just watches in admiration. Due to this unbelievably accurate prediction by Force and the wit of Caleb, the crew (Ryan as manager, Quicksand as cameraman, Force/Caleb as anchors) launch the most popular and successful sports talk show on the planet. Espn is force into bankruptcy in the aftermath. The sports world will never be the same.

And now the season really starts

The general feeling in the sports world is that Kansas is not deserving of their #1 ranking. Although Texas may be more deserving, I don't think people understand what Kansas is really capable of. They have not played to their potential yet this season until this last Saturday. They really had not been away from home or been tested. Two point win over Memphis was the only close call. Saturday against #19 Temple( probably ranked to high) Kansas dominated from start to finish. So awesome was the performance, Coach Self said it probably didn't matter who they had played. They finally put everything together. And they still have so much room to improve.
Elijah Johnson is a top 30 recruit and can't get minutes. Travis Releford was a top 50 recruit a year ago and had to red shirt. Mario Little was the JUCO player of the year a year ago and had to red shirt. Kansas is so deep it is crazy. The problem lies in the fact that besides Collins and Aldrich the Jayhawks are still pretty young. When Collins or Aldrich are out one can really see the difference on the floor. Aldrich so far has been one of the best defenders in the country and with him out of the game, teams look to attack. And the offense just does not flow as well with Collins out. So although Kansas is good and very deep, the will only go as far as Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich can take them.
Another key development has been the amazing improvement of the Morris twins. Marcus and Markief hit the weight room and gym this off season and it is paying huge dividends. Both are vastly better in almost every aspect. Freshman Thomas Robinson has also surprised with some great minutes of the bench. He wants every rebound and takes it personally if he doesn't get it. Also has showed some decent moves in the post. His defense has struggled at times and needs to improve if he wants to continue to get minutes.
Xavier Henry has rather quietly been one of the best freshman in the country. His shot selection has been superb and he has been very unselfish. And yet he is still leading the team in scoring. He has struggles a little of late, but has been huge for this team. Having a go to scorer outside of Collins and Aldrich is a assest.
Kansas is 13-0 and the heart of the schedule is just coming. Big win over Temple, but they have a long way to go.