Wisconsin should hire Petersen or from within

After annihilating Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship game this past weekend 70-31, things were looking up for the Wisconsin Badgers football program after a disappointing five loss season. The Badgers were headed for their third consecutive trip to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl and the coach that made it all happen? There was no way would leave and the program would be in great hands for years to come.

Fast forward to today and it’s a much different story in Madison. Bret Bielema has left for Arkansas and the UW is in need of a new head football coach. Now, I don’t know about you, but this departure has left me wondering why a coach who just won his third consecutive conference title would leave a place where he, quite frankly, had it made.

Although Bielema endured some criticism for the five loss season, as Barry Alvarez’s hand-picked successor he had an unbelievable amount of job security, and most of his recruiting ties were in the Midwest. Now he goes to Arkansas where he has no recruiting ties (I think he’ll soon find that SEC recruiting is a different animal from BIG recruiting as well), and less job security—What happens if he struggles to right the ship at Arkansas within a few years?  

So what made him leave? Judging from his comments at his press conference where he was announced as Arkansas’ new head coach, it might not have been just for a pay raise.

“When I began to have more and more success at Wisconsin, I stayed, but a lot of my coaches left. I just wasn't able to compensate them in a way that other coaches were.” said Bielema. He continued on saying; “I had three coaches come to me the day after the game and they had been contacted by other schools, offering them money that I can't bring them at Wisconsin. Wisconsin isn't wired to do that at this point.”

Clearly, Bielema didn’t feel as if he could put together the staff he wanted based on the resources available at Wisconsin. Nationally, Wisconsin ranks 11th in terms of athletic department revenue (Arkansas is 14^th), so why can’t the University afford to pay more for their assistants? I understand a lot of the money goes towards academics but if a six million buyout is not an issue to bring former offensive coordinator and current Pittsburgh head coach, Paul Chryst back to Wisconsin, then why can’t that money be used for assistant coaches? This whole problem could have potentially been avoided.

As for the new coach, I would like to see Wisconsin hire someone who has ties to the program, preferably one of the current assistants such as co-defensive coordinators Charlie Partridge or Chris Ash. Wisconsin has been putting together one of their best classes ever in 2013, and even better in 2014. Promoting someone from within would help retain a good number of those recruits and would be the way to go if Barry Alvarez would like to keep the staff intact—something that didn’t happen at all last year.

Alvarez stated in his press conference that he wants to hire somebody with head coaching experience, which rules out any of the current assistants. If Alvarez is set on finding someone with those qualifications, Chris Petersen from Boise State is mine (and probably most Badger fans) top choice. Much like Bielema, he recruits high character guys that fit his system and generally outperform their recruiting rankings. Peteresen has a very impressive resume at Boise State that includes two BCS wins and would be a dynamic name for the university to hire. Other names have of course been brought up, such as Miami’s Al Golden and North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren—who is almost certainly staying there after accepting the head coaching job roughly one week ago.

I’m sure Alvarez will look at all the options and make the decision he feels is best for the program, but I really hope it’s Petersen or an in-house promotion.

The Wisconsin student section needs changes

It’s nearly kickoff time in Madison. Wisconsin’s marching band has just finished their pregame show and are lining up to welcome the Badgers onto the field. U2’s ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’ begins to play along with a video highlighting all of the Badgers greatest moments. The crowd is fired up and the team runs out of the tunnel to a full house at Camp Randall – or so I wish.

Way too often I find myself looking at the Wisconsin student section at kickoff and wondering why it’s only half-full. It looks bad to opposing fans, potential recruits, TV viewers across the country, and it brings the overall atmosphere in the stadium down. This is not a new occurrence, either. It’s been happening for years and will continue to happen unless the athletic department decides to do something about it.

The student section as the team runs onto the field to face MSU in October

I’m fully aware of the party culture in Madison and how it almost surely has a lot to do with this problem, but is it really that difficult to be in the stadium for kickoff? Unfortunately, that answer for most is “yes” so it’s time for some changes. The Athletic Department’s laissez-faire approach to this problem isn’t working so here are a few suggestions for next year.

Oversell the student section. The student section consists of approximately 15,000 seats, so sell 16,000 seats. The first 15,000 get into the game, and the rest get turned away. It creates a need to get to the game on time before the seats run out and could potentially be a solution. Some might ask; “But what about the 1,000 students that don’t get in?” Just bring the unused voucher to the athletic department a few days later and receive a full refund – no harm done.

Other solutions include selling the tickets on game day instead of before the season. A separate UW Athletics account could be added to student IDs. Show up at the gate, get your ID scanned like a debit transaction, and you’re good to go. If enough workers are scanning IDs it wouldn’t take very long at all to get into the stadium.  It gives incentives for students to show up before the tickets are sold out, but the athletic department might have issues with not being able to sell the tickets prior to gameday.

At the very least, offering incentives like better chances at future tickets or reduced prices on tickets to students who show up prior to kickoff is another possible alternative. I just hope the athletic department does something, anything, to fix this problem; but if their efforts to fix the eat s***, f*** you chants are any indication, don’t expect a resolution to this problem.

While I’m on the subject of that chant, can we all agree how idiotic it is? There’s a time a place for vulgarity, but it’s not in a stadium filled with 80,000 people, some of them children. Opposing fans have even criticized our fan base for chants like that and it’s got to stop. It even broke out, very loudly I might add, during a key 3^rd down play last week when the Badgers were on offense. I really hope this chant dies down, and soon.

The Badgers welcome 6^th ranked and undefeated Ohio State to town at 2:30 on Saturday for the last home game of the season. Many highly regarded recruits will be in attendance for the game and the senior day presentations take place before kickoff. I’m sure those seniors would love to see a full student section as they run onto the field for the last time. It’s time we start changing the culture at football games; be loud every play (not just 3^rd downs) when OSU has the ball and be on time. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss Montee Ball tie the NCAA’s all-time touchdown record on the first play from scrimmage, would you?

2012-2013 Big Ten Basketball Preview pt. 3/3

 We've looked at the the non-contenders in the Big Ten, now let's take a look at the contenders.

Wisconsin Badgers

Last year: 24-9 overall, 12-6 (4^th)

Prediction: 13-5

Coach: Bo Ryan (11 years, 269-101)

Losses: PG Jordan Taylor (14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.1 apg); SG Rob Wilson (4.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg); F Jared Uthoff (redshirt)

Newcomers: PG George Marshall; G Zach Bohannon; SF Sam Dekker; G Zak Showalter

Starting 5: PG George Marshall, Fr.; SG Ben Brust, Jr. (7.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg); C Frank Kaminsky , Soph. (1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg); C Jared Berggren, Sr. (10.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.7 bpg); F Ryan Evans, Sr. (11.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.6 apg)

I hear it all the time; “Wisconsin was good last year, but how will they replace (insert player name here)?” Year after year Bo Ryan manages to find players to fill the gaps and contend for a Big Ten title. This year will be no different. The Badgers lose their starting point guard and leading scorer from last year in Jordan Taylor, but RS Freshman George Marshall drew rave reviews from the coaching staff over the summer. He wasn’t named the starter, but due to Josh Gasser’s ACL tear a few weeks back, Marshall will have to step up if the Badgers have dreams of a Big Ten title. The bigger question now is the SG spot (Gasser was thought to split time between the two positions). Junior guard Ben Brust should fill that role nicely but is nowhere close to the defensive presence of arguably the 2^nd best defender in the conference in Gasser. The good news is that, of all the contributors outside of Brust and Dekker, the Badgers are a solid to phenomenal defensive team. Should the Badgers need someone to step up and score as the shot clock is winding down, look to freshman forward Sam Dekker, who is widely considered to be one of, if not the top, incoming recruits in the entire conference. The Defense will carry this team to it’s 15^th consecutive NCAA tournament.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Last Year:  27-7 overall, 13-5 (t-1^st)

Prediction: 13-5

Coach: Thad Matta (8 years, 221-65)

Losses: C Jared Sullinger (17.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.2 apg); G William Buford (14.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.7 apg); G Jordan Siebert (3.0 ppg); F J.D. Weatherspoon (2.9 ppg)

Newcomers: SG Amedeo Della Valle

Starting 5: G: Lenzelle Smith G, Jr. (6.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.0 apg); Aaron Craft, Jr. (8.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.0 apg); F Sam Thompson, Soph. (2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg); F: Deshaun Thomas, Jr. (15.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.7 apg); C: Amir Williams, Soph (1.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg)

The Buckeyes lose two of their top three scorers from a team that went to the Final Four last season, but it’s what they return that will keep them near the top of the league.  Junior guard Aaron Craft is by far the best defender in the Big Ten, and Deshaun Thomas is one of the best returning players in the conference. But questions still remain; will the Buckeyes have a post presence this year? If they can get any type of solid production Amir Williams, look out, as that will draw the defense in and give more space for Deshaun Thomas to operate. If Williams doesn’t work out, Ohio State can turn to Evan Ravenel who scored 3.4 ppg last year as a junior. The Buckeyes aren’t very deep, but they are talented—talented enough to challenge for a Big Ten title.

Michigan Wolverines

Last Year: 24-9 overall, 13-5 (t-1^st)

Prediction: 13-5

Coach: John Beilein (5 years, 91-77)

Losses: G Zack Novak (9.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Stu Douglass (7.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg); F Evan Smotrycz (7.7 ppg, 4.9 ppg); G Carlton Brundidge (0.4 ppg); F Colton Christian (0.4 ppg)

Newcomers: SF Glen Robinson III; C Mitch McGary; SF Nick Stauskas; SG Caris LaVert; F Max Bielfeldt

Starting 5: G Trey Burke, Soph. (14.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.6 apg); G Tim Hardaway Jr., Jr. (14.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg); G Matt Vogrich, Sr. (2.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg); F Glenn Robinson III, Fr.; C Jordan Morgan, Jr. (7.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

When looking at the Wolverines, one thing stands out; the duo of guards Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. Both scored over 14 ppg last season and are primed to be the go-to guys for Michigan this year. The Wolverines might be the most talented team in the Big Ten but their depth is a glaring problem. Outside of the starting 5 (which already includes a freshman), only one player has gotten meaningful minutes—Jon Horford averaged 2.7 ppg in 10.8 minutes last year through 9 games before being shut down with a foot injury. Michigan has a great incoming class that should see a lot of playing time this year. Robin, McGary, and Stauskas are all top 100 recruits. They’re young and talented, but can they play defense? Michigan was in the middle of the pack in that regards last year, so it will be interesting to see if they can improve on that.  If they can, Michigan will have a fantastic season.

Indiana Hoosiers

Last Year: 25-8 overall, 11-7 (5^th)

Prediction:  14-4

Coach: Tom Crean (4 years, 55-75)

Losses: G Verdell Jones III (7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.2 apg); F Tom Pritchard (1.3 ppg); F Kory Barnett (0.4 ppg); G Matt Roth (4.3 ppg); G Daniel Moore (0.1 ppg)

Newcomers: PG Yogi Ferrell; SF Jeremy Hollowell; PF Hanner Mosquera-Perea; Ron Patterson; C Peter Jurkin

Starting 5: PG Yogi Ferrell, Fr.; G Jordan Hulls, Sr. (11.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg); G Victor Oladipo, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.0 apg); F Christian Watford, Sr. (12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.3 apg); C Cody Zeller, Soph. (15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 apg)

When talking about Indiana, it starts with sophomore center Cody Zeller. Not only will he be in the running for BIG player of the year, but he could also be in the running for National POY. Zeller is a force in the paint and a big reason why so many are high on Indiana this season, but their best attribute is depth and experience—the Hoosiers return their top five leading scorers from last season. Added to the mix is highly touted PG, Yogi Ferrell. Ferrell is quick and has a strong defensive game, which certainly will be welcomed by the Hoosier faithful. If Indiana wants to compete for more than just a Big Ten title, their defense has got to improve. Since Pomeroy began keeping stats in 2003, the average defensive efficiency of the national champion was ranked around 9^th in the country. The Hoosiers were 64^th last year. They already have a great offense—probably the Big Ten’s best—but if they have aspirations of a championship, that has got to improve. I think it will, but not by that much and that’s why I have a hard time seeing Indiana as the nation’s top team. They will, however, be top-10 good and that’s why they will tie for the Big Ten title.

Michigan State Spartans

Last Year: 27-7 overall, 13-5 (t-1^st)

Prediction: 14-4

Coach: Tom Izzo (17 years, 412-169)

Losses: SF Draymond Green (16.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.8 apg); G Brandon Wood (8.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.9 apg); G Austin Thornton (5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G Joe Sweeny (0.2 ppg); C Anthony Ianni (0.1 ppg); G Dan Chapman (0.0 ppg)

Newcomers: SG Gary Harris; C Matt Costello; PF Kenny Kaminski; SF Denzel Valentine

Starting 5: G Keith Appling, Jr. (11.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg); G Gary Harris, Fr.; C Adreian Payne, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg); F Branden Dawson, Soph. (8.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg); F Derrick Nix, Sr. (8.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg)

Michigan State lost Big Ten POY, Draymond Green, but that won’t stop them from competing for yet another Big Ten title, Tom Izzo always finds a way. Even with the departure of Green and Wood, the Spartans are still loaded with depth and experience. The only questions I have revolve around how the Spartans will operate without a dominant post player.  If Appling and incoming freshman Harris can still have space on the outside it could be a huge year for the Spartans. Defense will once again be what carries the Spartans so the offensive post play will be the x-factor. I think the combo of Nix, Payne, and Dawson are primed for huge years and that is a big reason why I have them atop the conference once again.

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Once again here are my predictions for this year:

Projected standings

Michigan State            14-4

Indiana                        14-4

Michigan                     13-5

Ohio State                   13-5

Wisconsin                   13-5

Minnesota                     9-9

Iowa                            8-10

Purdue                         6-12

Penn State                   6-12

Illinois                         6-12

Northwestern              4-14

Nebraska                     2-16

BIG POY: Cody Zeller (Indiana)

BIG DPOY: Aaron Craft (Ohio State)

BIG COY: Tom Izzo (Michigan State)

Obviously I think the race for the Big Ten title will be a close one all season and some of you might be surprised that I think teams such as Indiana, Michigan and Ohio State will all pick up a fair amount of losses this season. All three will be good to great, yes. However, the BIG is an incredibly strong conference top to bottom and those losses are more or less a representation of how good the middle and bottom half of the conference will be. One thing is for sure, this will be a fun year to watch to Big Ten basketball.

2012-2013 Big Ten Basketball Preview pt. 2/3

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 Yesterday I covered the bottom third of the Big Ten, now it's time to take a look at the middle of the conference.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Last season: 12-20 overall, 4-14 (t-11^th)

Prediction: 6-12

Coach: Patrick Chambers (one year, 12-20)

Losses: G Cammeron Woodyard (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), F Billy Oliver (6.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg), G Trey Lewis (5.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg) G Matt Glover (2.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg), F Peter Alexis

Newcomers: G D.J. Newbill, PF Donovan Jack, PF Brandon Taylor, SF Akosa Maduegbunam

Starting 5: G Tim Frazier, Sr. (18.8 ppg, 6.2 apg, 4.2 rpg); G D.J. Newbill, Soph. (9.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg); SF Jermaine Marshall, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg); F Ross Travis, Soph. (4.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg); F Jon Graham, Soph. (3.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg)

Penn State will be improved from last season; book it. They return their top two scorers from last year in Tim Frazier and Jermaine Marshall. I have no trouble saying Frazier will be one of the top 5-10 players in the Big Ten this year. He scores points in bunches, passes pretty well and forces steals. He can do it all. PSU will also be helped by incoming guard D.J. Newbill, the transfer from Southern Misssippi, who averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg in his freshman season—he transferred last year and sat out all season. But questions remain, Travis and Graham are first year starters and the Nittany Lions lack quality depth. They need to work on being more consistent offensively as they ranked last in FG percentage last year (39.3 percent) in the Big Ten. I think they will improve on that and they could have an outside shot at an NIT bid.

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Iowa Hawkeyes

Last Year: 18-17, 8-10 (t-7^th)

Prediction: 8-10

Coach: Fran McCaffery (2 years, 29-37)

Losses: G Matt Gatens (15.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), G Bryce Cartwright (6.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.8 apg), F Andrew Brommer (1.4 ppg), F Devon Archie (1.3 ppg), G Branden Stubbs (1.2 ppg)

Newcomers: PG Anthony Clemmons, PG Mike Gesell, SG Patrick Ingram, C Adam Woodbury, C Kyle Meyer

Starting 5: G Mike Gesell, Fr.; G Roy Devyn Marble, Jr. (11.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.6 apg); F Aaron White, Soph. (11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg); F Zach McCabe, Jr. (7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg); C Melsahn Basabe, Soph. (8.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg)

Fran McCaffery has the program going up in Iowa. Even though The Hawkeyes will lose it’s top scorer from last season in Matt Gatens, Iowa will be improved this season. Down low the Hawkeyes will feature a rotation of sophomore Center Melsahn Basabe, one of the top freshmen in the conference last season, and highly regarded Center Adam Woodbury. Both look to have solid seasons but if Iowa truly wants to contend in the Big Ten this year, they really need to improve their defense—they were ranked 180^th in defensive efficiency last year by Pomeroy. That’s not very good but it can only improve, right? Unfortunately the two freshman that will get lots of playing time (Gesell and Woodbury) need work on the defensive side of the ball (the rest of the team should be improved there). The Hawkeyes are relatively inexperienced but talented. The only reason they won’t surpass their win total from last season is the overall strength of the Big Ten.  Don’t be surprised to see the Hawkeyes on the bubble come March.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Last year: 23-15 overall, 6-12 (t-9^th)

Prediction: 9-9

Coach: Tubby Smith (5 years, 103-64)

Losses: G Ralph Sampson III (7.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.9 apg), G Chlip Armelin (5.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg)

Newcomers: F Maurice Walker, SG Wally Ellenson, PF Charles Buggs

Starting 5: G Julian Welch, Sr. (9.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg), G Andre Hollins (8.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.8 apg), G Austin Hollins, Soph. (9.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), F Rodney Williams, Sr. (12.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.7 apg), F Trevor Mbakwe, Sr. (14.0 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.4 apg)

Minnesota should be a lock for the NCAA tournament barring injuries of course. Trevor Mbakwe is returning this year after tearing his ACL early last season. If Mbakwe is able to play like he is capable of it could be a good year for Tubby Smith and the Gophers. Rodney Willams stepped up in Mbakwe’s absence, leading the team in scoring after Mbakwe’s injury. The Gophers also have a strong trio of guards and will employ a three guard rotation this season. If they run it to trouble, it could be due to a lock of size and lack of a true center. I think the Gophers will do fine regardless and will be dancing in March.

Check back for the title contenders tomorrow!

 

2012-2013 Big Ten Basketball Preview pt. 1/3

The calendar has turned to November and that means it’s time for yet another exciting season of college basketball. By most accounts the Big Ten was the best conference last season and looks to be even better this year. Three teams were ranked in the top five of both the AP and coaches preseason polls. Michigan holds the no. 5 spot, Ohio State comes in at no. 4 and Indiana is the top dog in both the polls. Outside of those three, Michigan State comes in at no. 14 in both polls, while Wisconsin stands at no. 23 in the AP poll and no. 21 in the coaches poll. Minnesota is unranked but garnered some votes in both polls. Needless to say, the Big Ten will be a very tough and competitive conference this year and figures to be yet another force in the college basketball world; but how will the conference shape up this year? Which team will walk away with a Big Ten title at the end of the season? Every team is a little bit different than last year so let’s take a brief look at all of them. We'll start with the bottom four...

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Last season: 4-14 (t-11^th)

Prediction: 2-16

Coach: Tim Miles (first year)

Losses: G Bo Spencer (15.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.3 apg); G Toney McCray (9.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.3 apg); C Jorge Brian Diaz (8.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg); G Brandon Richardson (7.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.3 apg); G Caleb Walker (6.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.2 apg); G Josiah Moore (1.9 ppg)

Newcomers: PG Deverell Biggs, SG Shavon Shields, C Serej Vucetic, PG Benny Parker

Starting 5: G Dylan Talley, Sr. (8.9 ppg; 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Ray Gallegos, Jr. (2.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg); F David Rivers, Soph. (1.1 ppg, 0.8 rpg); C Andre Almeda, Sr. (5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg); F Brandon Ubel, Sr. (6.7 ppg; 5.3 rpg; 1.3 apg).

Nebraska is easily the worst team in the Big Ten and it isn’t close. The Cornhuskers lost over 81% of their scoring from a team that finished tied for last in the conference last year. Need I say more? I gave them 2 wins this year in conference play and even that might be generous. Fortunately they have an incoming guard named Deverell Biggs who is transferring from junior college—He was an All-American last year averaging 14.1 ppg, 3.1 apg, and 3.3 steals per game.

Tim Miles led Colorado State to an NCAA tournament birth last season, but he has a lot of work to do in Lincoln. There’s no place to go but up, but it won’t happen this season.

Northwestern Wildcats

Last season: 19-14 overall, 8-10 (t-7^th)

Prediction: 4-14

Coach: Bill Carmody (12 years, 179-191)

Losses: SF John Shurna (20.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg); C Luka Mirkovic (5.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.7 apg); F Davide Curletti (3.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Nick Fruendt (1.0 ppg)

Newcomers: F Jared Swopshire, C Chier Ajou, SF Kale Abrahamson, C Alex Olah, SG Sanjay Lumpkin

Starting 5: G Dave Sobolewski, Soph. (8.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.7 apg); G Reggie Hearn, Sr. (7.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg); G Sanjay Lumpkin Fr; F Nikola Cerina (5.4 ppg, 4.1rpg); F Drew Crawford, Sr. (16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg).

Northwestern failed to make the NCAA tournament yet again last year and this year should be no different. They lose the top scorer in Northwestern history in John Shurna, but senior G Drew Crawford returns—he averaged 16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 3.7 apg. They also add two transfers to the mix. F Jared Swopshire is a graduate student who’s transferring from Louisville. He didn’t get a ton of playing time there but averaged 3.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg. F Nikola Cerina is cleared to play this year after sitting out last year because of his transfer from TCU. The Wildcats have good depth in the frontcourt especially with 7-foot newcomers Olah and Ajou, however, guard depth might be an issue. Junior guard JerShon Cobb was suspended for the entire season by the Northwestern in September for violating team rules. Cobb averaged 7.1 ppg in 20 minutes per game last season.

The bottom line is until Northwestern changes their awful 1-3-1 defense, things won’t change in Evanston. NIT? Unlikely.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Last Season: 17-15 overall, 6-12 (t-10^th)

Prediction: 6-12

Coach John Groce (first year)

Losses: C Meyers Leonard (13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.3 apg); G Sam Maniscalco (6.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.3 apg); G Jean Selus (1 minute per game)

Newcomers: F Sam McLaurin, G Mike LaTulip

Starting 5: G Brandon Paul, Sr. (14.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.9 apg); G D.J. Richardson, Sr. (11.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg); F/C Nnanna Egwu, Soph. (1.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg); SF Joseph Bertrand, Jr. (6.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg); F Tyler Griffey, Sr. (4.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg).

They finally got rid of Bruce Webber. Rejoice Illini fans! John Groce will take over after leading Ohio to a Sweet Sixteen last season. He inherits a team that loses arguably it’s best player in Meyers Leonard to the NBA, but what they lost at center, they will gain back (somewhat) at forward. Sam McLurin is a 6-8 grad student who transferred to Illinois from Costal Carolina over the summer. He averaged 10 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 1.2 blocks during his junior year at CC. McLurin is eligible to play because he graduated in May. And of course, they still have guard Brandon Paul who could challenge for First Team All-Big Ten. Outside of Paul, Richardson, and McLaurin, the Illini don’t have a whole lot of depth. Without a true post presence, The Illini need to improve their outside shooting—Illinois only made a Big Ten worst 30.4% from beyond the arc last season. I have trouble seeing Illinois shooting well, though they will be better, and as a result, I think they will struggle in the Big Ten this year and will have a difficult time getting into the NIT.

Purdue Boilermakers

Last season:22-13, 10-8 (6^th)

Prediction: 6-12

Coach: Matt Painter (6 years, 160-77)

Losses: SF Robbie Hummel (16.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.9 apg); G Lewis Jackson (10.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg,4.2 apg); G Kelsey Barlow (8.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 apg); G Ryne Smith (9.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.1 apg); G John Hart (1.6 ppg)

Newcomers: F Donnie Hale, C A.J. Hammons; SG Rapheal Davis; PG Ronnie Johnson; PF Jay Simpson; G Stephen Toyra

Starting 5: G Terone Johnson Jr. (9.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.0 apg); F D.J. Byrd, Sr. (8.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg); G Ronnie Johnson, Fr.; C A.J. Hammons, Fr.; F Travis Carroll, Jr. (2.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg)

It’s a rebuilding year in West Lafayette. Purdue loses 63.6% of their scoring from a team that made it to the second round in the NCAA tournament last season. No loss is bigger than Robbie Hummel. Hummel led the team in scoring and rebounding last year and his experience will be missed. Coming in to replace all that was lost will be three top recruits in C A.J. Hammons, SG Raphael Davis, and PG Ronnie Johnson. Hammonds might be the best of the bunch and his size certainly helps—he’s 7’0” and 275. Problem is, Purdue will be very young and inexperienced this season. There’s talent there, but I don’t see the freshmen making a big enough impact for Purdue to compete.  There’s always next year…

Check back for my mid-conference predictions tomorrow!

2013 Milwukee Brewers: an early look

With the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers’ season in the books, it’s time to take a very early look at the roster for 2013. Who’s all coming back? Where are the holes and who could be potential options to fill these holes? Let’s start with the projected roster:

1B Corey Hart (10 M)

2B Rickie Weeks (10 M)

SS Jean Segura (500 k)

3B Aramis Ramirez (10 M)

C Jonathan Lucroy (750 k)

LF Ryan Braun (8.5 M)

CF Carlos Gomez (3.4 M)*

RF Norickika Aoki (2.0875 M)

BEN C Martin Maldonato (500 k)

BEN 1B Mat Gamel (500 k)

BEN OF Logan Schafer (500 k)

BEN ?

BEN ?

SP Yovani Gallardo (7.75 M)

SP FA

SP Wily Peralta (500 k)

SP Johnny Estrada (1.6 M)*

SP Mike Fiers (500 k)

RP Chris Narveson (800 k)*

RP Mark Rogers (500 k)

RP Jim Henderson (500 k)

RP John Axford (5.1 M)*

RP Brandon Kintzler (500 k)

RP ?

RP ?

*Arbitration estimates found here

As of this moment, the Brewers payroll stands at 64.4875 million. On opening day last year, the Brewers payroll reached the 100 million mark for the first time in franchise history but it’s unlikely that the payroll will remain the same and I’d actually expect it to drop to somewhere around 90 million. With this budget in mind, the Brewers would have roughly 25 million to spend on 2 bullpen slots, a free agent starting pitcher and 2 more bench spots.

The arbitration estimates could turn out to be different as they are, after all, estimates. As it stands, nine Brewers from this year’s team will be arbitration eligible this winter. I only see 4 of those players returning: Axford, Narveson, Estrada and Gomez. Travis Ishikawa will be non-tendered for sure as the Brewers will already have a lefty 1B off the bench in Mat Gamel. As for the other four, I’d be disappointed if any of them returned to the Brewers. Nyjer Morgan (2.6 M), Jose Veras (2.6 M), Manny Parra (1.6 M), and Kammeron Loe (2.6 M) all had less than stellar performances this past season to say the least and Nyjer certainly isn’t worth it given his antics on the field over the course of his career.

Because I expect Morgan to be non-tendered, the Brewers might look to find a 5^th outfielder for next season to fill one of the vacant bench spots. Milwaukee could look to AAA outfielder Caleb Gindl to fill the spot but I think the more likely option would be through Free Agency or a trade. Personally, I would like to see Scott Hairston in a Brewers’ uniform. He made 1.1 million last season with the Mets and posted a line of .263/.299/.504/.803 with 20 home runs in 377 at bats. His defense has slipped a little as he ages – he’ll turn 33 next May – but he is still serviceable in that regard and can play 2B as well. He also carried a .286/.317/.550/.867 line against left handed pitchers last season whereas  4^th outfielder Logan Schafer is effective against left handed pitchers. He’d be a solid pickup.

As for the final bench spot, expect that to be filled by an infielder, most likely a shortstop. Looking at the free agent market, there aren’t a lot of options here (Yuniesky Betancourt is available…just kidding; I’d rather sign a statue), so the Brewers would almost be better off orchestrating a trade to fill this spot as I would like to see someone who can play SS and 3B. Current Brewer Jeff Bianchi can play both positions but he struggled offensively in limited playing time posting a .188/.230/.348/.578 line. Ultimately I think he ends up in Nashville next season.

I feel like the Brewers could really use another starting pitcher for 2013. Yes, the Brewers have a plethora of young arms at their disposal such as Fiers, Rogers, and Peralta, but one more proven starter could do wonders for this team. I’d much rather see the Brewers spend money on another pitcher than spend money improving the offense. Josh Hamilton inMilwaukee? No thanks. There’s no reason to tamper with the offense after it led the NL in runs, home runs, and stolen bases last year. Not to mention Hamilton isn’t the greatest fielder. Save the money for a starting pitcher.

There are only a few starting pitchers I’d like to see the Brewers go after and it starts with the number one pitcher on the free agent market this winter, Zack Greinke. If the Brewers could somehow sign Greinke to a somewhat reasonable deal, they should go for it. Greinke reportedly turned down a contract extension of over 100 million this summer so I’m not exactly sure how much money he is looking to get, but I would be okay with a 5 year, 110 Million deal along the lines of what Matt Cain got (5 yr, 122.5 M). This would give the Brewers a very good 1-2 punch with Gallardo for years to come.

This is of course a risky deal for a small market team such as the Brewers and with Braun’s new contract set to kick in in a few years, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Brewers decided to go cheaper. Brandon McCarthy, Hiroki Kuroda, Anibal Sanchez, even Shaun Marcum could all be potential options that wouldn’t command nearly the same amount of money as Greinke on the open market.

What will be even more interesting this offseason is how Melvin decides to approach the bullpen. As I said previously, I don’t expect Loe, Veras, or Parra to return next season. If Parra is in fact non-tendered the Brewers will have to search for another left handed reliever as well as one more righty. There are so many options here it’s way too difficult to predict who Melvin will go after. Last winter he traded for a bullpen arm (Veras for McGehee), and I wouldn’t be shocked if he tried to do that again.

A complete list of 2013 MLB free agents, look here

Brewers have a lot to be proud of

On August 20^th, the Milwaukee Brewers were coming off a 2 game losing streak following an 8-0 loss at home to the Phillies.  They were set to play the Cubs that evening, and little did they (or us, for that matter) know that would be the start of a 24-6 run that would bring the Brewers from 12.5 back of the 2^nd Wild Card spot to within 1.5 games. The Brewers were doing it all; pitching, defense, and offense. It was a great run, and for a while had the fan base invigorated with playoff fever. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be and the Brewers were finally eliminated from playoff contention after Sunday’s 7-0 defeat at the hands of the lowly Astros. A disappointing end to the season, no doubt.

I could look back, play the “what-if” game, and wonder where the Brewers would be had the bullpen not blown so many games, but I’m not going to do that. I’m going take the glass half full approach and look at a team that never quit and will have a lot of promise moving forward.

After taking so many blows to the gut from the bullpen all season, I’m mightily impressed that this team was able to put together a great run and finish over .500 for the 2^nd consecutive season. Just how impressive is that? Well, the bullpen lost an MLB-leading 32 games this season. The fact that the Brewers still managed an above .500 record with this bullpen speaks volumes to how the offense, defense, and starting pitching performed all year long.

The offense this year was incredibly fun to watch. The Brewers led the NL in runs, home runs, and stolen bases. The speed/power combo is something rarely seen these days; the Colorado Rockies were the last team to lead the league in home runs and stolen bases back in 1996. This offensive outburst this season looks even more remarkable considering the fact that Milwaukee lost their starting shortstop, Alex Gonzalez, and starting first baseman, Mat Gamel, to season-ending injuries the first week of May. In all honesty though, the Gamel injury might have actually helped. It allowed the Brewers to move Corey Hart to first where he looks like a natural (his defense has been top-notch) and it cemented Norichika Aoki as the every day right fielder. Even Jonathan Lucroy was lost for a couple months after breaking his hand.

Of course, those weren’t the only losses this season as Chris Narveson was lost for the season in April, Shaun Marcum was on the DL for a majority of the season, and Zack Greinke was traded in July when the Brewers fell out of the race. How were the Brewers able to overcome this? Look no further than young arms (and Marco Estrada). Mike Fiers, Wily Peralta, Tyler Thornburg and Estrada performed unbelievably well this season considering all, except Estrada, were rookies. If any of these players can pitch remotely like they did this year, then the Brewers will have a lot to smile about in the coming years.

After all the injuries and poor performances from the pen, it’s remarkable what this team was able to accomplish. The Brewers might have fallen short of the postseason, but this was not a bad team by any stretch of the imagination. With an owner who is willing to spend money, there is no reason to think that the Brewers can’t find a few pieces here and there to improve the team heading into next year. I fully expect the Brewers to compete next year and I can’t wait until opening day.

NFL continues to embarrass themselves

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We’re only three weeks into this NFL season and we’ve already reached a tipping point with the NFL replacement referees. I’ve seen some pretty bad officiating this year, not only on botched penalty calls but NFL rules as well, and I thought it couldn’t get any worse. Well, it turns out I was wrong. None were worse than what I witnessed last night as the Packers traveled to Seattle for Monday Night Football.

As time expired, the Seahawks’ Golden Tate came away with a touchdown on a Hail Mary from Russell Wilson to win the game 14-12 and send the Seahawks’ fans home happy.  Upon further review of the play, not only did Tate commit a blatant offensive pass interference when he pushed the Packers’ Sam Shields to the ground from behind, but there is no way he came down with that football. Packers safety MD Jennings had both hands on the football and came down with the ball inbounds for what should have been an interception. Why wasn’t the play ruled an interception on the field? A misinterpretation of NFL rules is the most likely culprit.

The simultaneous possession rule is pretty clear cut; Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5 states:

“Simultaneous Catch. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball”.

Simultaneous possession? Get real.

If we go back and look at the play, it’s quite clear that Jennings had the football in his possession before Tate got any hands on the ball, meaning that this play was not a simultaneous catch. Even when both players came back down to the ground, Tate still didn't have possession of the football as this picture clearly shows. However, in a statement released by the NFL, they threw this out there:

“When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the offensive player. The result of the play was a touchdown”.

What? How in the world did the officials deem that a simultaneous catch? It’s quite clear there was a mistake made on the field, but that’s why we have instant replay right? The NFL went on to say:

“Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone, a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in the field of play, only in the end zone.

Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review.”

What’s the point of having instant replay if the referees can’t get it right even after a second look?

The NFL should be ashamed and embarrassed at the events on Monday night, and I’m not just talking about the Hail Mary. An offensive pass interference penalty should have been called on the Seahawks’ Sidney Rice with about 6 minutes left in the game. The Seahawks were facing a 1^st and 25 before being bailed out by the referees when they called pass interference on Green Bay’s Sam Shields. Seattle gained 32 yards on the play when they should have lost 10. Earlier that drive, a phantom roughing the passer penalty on Green Bay’s Erik Walden negated a would-be interception. Seattle also got hosed on some pass interference penalties earlier in the game.

In his post game press conference, Aaron Rodgers talked about how he was given a kicking ball for the 2 point conversion instead of a regular ball. Mistakes like this cannot be allowed to continue and the NFL and Rodger Goodell need to start having serious talks with the real referees and end this madness. Is the NFL ready to step up and fix this problem? Who knows, but we as fans have a right to let our voices be heard, and the easiest way to do that is not by calling Goodell’s office, or writing letters to the NFL, but to stop watching the games.

The easiest way to make the NFL budge is to hit them where it hurts--their wallets. I won’t be watching another NFL game until the real referees are back on the field. That’s a promise, and judging from social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, I'm not the only one who's talking about boycotting the NFL. Hopefully enough fans will boycott to the point where the NFL’s ratings plummet next week. Maybe then they will understand that this is a huge problem and it needs to be fixed.

Don't Give up on the Badgers

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It hasn’t been the start to the season that most Badger fans were hoping to see. After three lackluster performances, including a 7-10 loss in a road game vs. the Oregon State Beavers, the Badgers still have a chance to turn their season around. Wisconsin will welcome the UTEP Miners into Camp Randall tomorrow in their final test before conference play begins.

The good news is; If Wisconsin still wants to play in the Rose Bowl, it’s well within their reach. With Penn State and Ohio State ineligible to win the Leaders division, odds are the Badgers have a strong shot at making it to Indianapolis for the BIG Championship game. Someone has to make it there right? And if they do, they’d only be 60 minutes away from a third consecutive Rose Bowl appearance. So how do the Badgers turn it around? Brett Bielema hopes a quarterback change is the answer.

Earlier this week, Bielema named redshirt freshman Joel Stave the team’s starting quarterback. Stave, or Sunshine as his teammates call him, will get his first start after Danny O’Brien, the transfer from Maryland, failed to produce. 

'Sunshine' as depicted in the movie

Joel Stave

Where did the nickname Sunshine come from? Stave bears a striking resemblance to Sunshine from the Movie ‘Remember The Titans.’ Now, I don’t know If Stave will be able to lead the Badgers to the Rose Bowl like Sunshine led the titans to the state championship game, but if he is going to have a chance of doing that; the blocking up front has to improve.

The o-line play so far has been abysmal to say the least. A multitude of missed assignments and failures to pick up blitzes have been the cause of most of the misfortunes, and that’s also why I believe the o-line can turn it around. Lack of communication is something that can be fixed unlike a lack of talent. I feel pretty confident in saying that a lack of talent is not the problem here.

It’s not just the o-line either, the fullbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers have all struggled in the blocking game. Could this be attributed to inexperience? FB Derek Watt and WR Jordan Frederick are first time starters (WR Kenzel Doe is also new to the playing field), but I feel like they’ve already improved throughout the course of the first three games. Bielema has called Watt, the younger brother of Texans DE and former Badger, JJ Watt, a “natural” at the fullback position and I wouldn’t be shocked to see some progress in the coming weeks.

Improvement is possible, and so is a Rose Bowl birth, though it may seem unlikely. The sky is not falling in Madison, and there’s plenty of season left. It’s not time to give up on the team quite yet.

Ryan Braun is the 2012 NL MVP

 After watching Ryan Braun smack two home runs today at Miller Park in the Brewers’ 3-0 win over the Mets, something occurred to me; there’s an ongoing debate about who should win the 2012 NL MVP, and there really shouldn’t be.

Ryan Braun is putting up yet another fantastic season. As of today, he has 103 runs batted in, a .312 batting average, an OPS of .989, and he has belted a career high 40 home runs. Those are MVP numbers, maybe even better than the numbers he put up last year en route to winning the 2011 NL MVP award. With All due respect to guys like Andrew McCutchen, Matt Holiday, Buster Posey etc., nobody else even comes close to the numbers Braun has been producing this season.

Many have labeled Buster Posey the favorite for the MVP award and I just can’t understand why. Posey has 93 RBI, a batting average of .333, an OBP of .407 and an OPS of .952. Solid numbers for sure, but Posey only has 22 home runs and just 1 stolen base as opposed to Braun’s 24. Braun even leads Posey in some of the more advanced stats such as wOBA (.411 vs. .403 coming into the day) and ISO (.281 vs. .214). I’m also well aware that Posey plays catcher, which is a much more difficult position to play, but that doesn’t come close to closing the gap on Ryan Braun and his stats. If anything, McCutchen should be considered over Posey, but with the Pirates struggling (10-24 since August 8^th) and falling out of contention fast, I just can’t see him winning the award. 

While I’m on the subject of being in contention, the Brewers’ recent surge; winning 20 of 26 and pulling from 12.5 back to 2.5 back of the 2^nd wild card spot, will certainly help Ryan Braun’s case. Only 7 players have won the NL or AL MVP while playing for a losing team since the BBWAA (Baseball Writers’ Association of America) started voting back in 1931. If the Brewers can at least finish over .500 the award should be Braun’s to lose. Why is Braun seemingly not getting the respect he deserves? It might have something to do with his tumultuous offseason.

It’s remarkable what Ryan Braun has been able to accomplish this season given the events of this past winter. In early December, it was revealed that Braun had failed a drug test and would be suspended by Major League Baseball for 50 games. That suspension was, of course, overturned in February on what some deemed to be a technicality. The only question that remains now is how the BBWAA will react in light of these events. Will they punish him for the link to steroids, or will they take a look at the stats that show no drop in performance this year? By all accounts, Ryan Braun should be the 2012 NL MVP and it’s not close. Will the BBWAA see it that way? I sure hope so.

About Me

Welcome to my Wisconsin Sports blog! For anyone curious, here's a little backstory about me. I guess I'll start with the most important thing of all; my name is Alex Miller. I am currently a senior at UW Madison majoring in Life Sciences Communication. My true passion however, is following sports. I could talk Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and Bucks all day everyday, and that would be okay with me.

A few other interests include running, skiing, watching TV shows and living life. If you enjoy reading my content, you might enjoy following me on Twitter as well at @milleralex774.