By Aaron M Smith

This weekend, 10 members of the Pickin’ Splinters Top 15 College Football Poll take to the road for what could be pivotal games in their march towards a BCS appearance or a chance at the National Championship. Let’s take a look:

LSU (#1 PSCFP) vs. Tennessee:

On paper this has all the makings of a blowout. A tough Tigers defense against a Volunteers offense that struggles to generate a running game and has a quarterback making his first start of the season – Matt Simms. Never fear, Simms almost led the Vols to a stunning upset over LSU last year, but a too-many-men on-the-field penalty cost them a stop on a 4th and goal; and eventually the game. Can Simms do it again? Without a running game this time, I think the Vols are in for a long day. LSU wins 34-7.

Oklahoma (#2 PSCFP) vs. Kansas:

One might worry that the Sooners fresh off an impressive beat down of Red River rival Texas, would be prime for a letdown. Looking for the best remedy possible? Try the worst defense in college football, fresh off a 70 point pasting at the hands of Oklahoma St.. Let’s not waste anymore of this article on this game. Sooners win 52-3.

Alabama (#3 PSCFP) vs. Ole Miss:

The Crimson Tide visit Oxford this weekend and bring a defense that has thrown up 2 shutouts so far this season. The Crimson Tide’s offense depends on Trent Richardson and expect Saturday to be no different. Ole Miss’ chances of producing a shutout on Saturday took at major hit with the suspensions of 4 players, including starting running back, Brandon Bolden. Something tells me it wasn’t going to matter. Crimson Tide roll, 31-10.

Boise State (#4 PSCFP) vs. Colorado State:

Boise State starts its inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference by visiting Colorado State. Kellen Moore (23 for 31 for 254 yards and 3 TDs)  was impressive in the Broncos’ win over the Fresno St. Doug Martin provided the running game with 94 yards on 16 carries. The Rams fresh off a 38-31 loss to Fresno State, gave up 313 yards in the air and needs to improve in order to stay in this game. Boise State marches on, 42-21.

Oklahoma State (#6 PSCFP) vs. Texas:

Texas is fresh off a thrashing by the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners, and are home to recover. Oh wait, they were home last week and in comes another high-powered offense. The Cowboys’ offense is led by Pickin’ Splinters’ favorite, Brandon Weeden, who threw for 409 yards in last week’s win over Kansas. Expect more of the same, as OSU will see if the Longhorns have anyone to cover Justin Blackmon. Texas’ misery continues, Oklahoma State wins 38-17.

Arizona State vs. Oregon (#9 PSCFP):

The Sun Devils travel to Autzen Stadium to face in the Ducks in what might be the best game of the weekend. Will anyone see it? The Ducks may be without Heisman hopeful, LaMichael James who suffered a nasty elbow injury in last week’s win over Cal. Dennis Erickson’s Sun Devils will rest their hopes on QB, Brock Osweiler. Osweiler threw for over 300 yards in last week’s win over Utah.  The Devils will need a repeat performance as they are going up against a Ducks offense that averages 42.3 in the last 6 games of this series. This should be a high scoring game, but I think the Ducks win, 41-38.

Michigan (#10 PSCFP) vs. Michigan State:

The state of Michigan takes center stage this weekend, as state rivals collide in what should be a great game. Michigan State rides a 3 game win streak in the rivalry and a win Saturday would make their longest win streak in the rivalry in over 50 years. Denard Robinson leads the Wolverine offense against a stingy Spartans defense. Robinson threw for 337 yards and two TDs, to go along with 117 yards on the ground and 2 more TDs in last week’s win over Northwestern. Michigan State comes off a bye week and an extra week to prepare for this one. Kirk Cousins who threw 2 INTs for the Spartans in their last game, has to play better in order for the Spartans to win. Something says he will. Spartans win 17-14.

Buffalo vs. Temple:

The Bulls travel to Lincoln Field to take on the Temple Owls. Expect a heavy dosage of Bernard Pierce, another Pickin Splinters favorite, who has run for 692 yards and 15 TDs this season. The Owls are coming off a 42-0 thrashing of Ball State, while Buffalo is riding high after a 38-37 win over Ohio. A strong dose of Pierce will be just what the doctor ordered. Temple wins 35-17.

Have a prediction? Let’s hear it on the Pine.

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

By Paul Gotham

Setting: Brad Stevens and his No. 5 seed Butler Bulldogs (32-4) will travel a few traffic lights to Lucas Oil Stadium for a Final Four showdown with Tom Izzo and his No. 5 Michigan State Spartans (28-8).

Plot: Horizon League meets Big Ten for a date in the national championship.

Sub-plot: Butler has not lost since December – a streak that includes 24 games. The Bulldogs are familiar with their surroundings playing within 10 miles of their Indianapolis campus. Izzo and and the Spartans are familiar with the event making their sixth Final Four appearance in the past 12 years.

Flashback: MSU leads 13-10 in a series that dates back to 1927. The Spartans won the last meeting on December 20, 1971, 77-71.

In their 24th Dance trip the Spartans are playing their eighth Final Four. Butler is making its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance and first trip to the national semi-final.

Foreshadowing: Thirty-seven Spartans have earned roster spots in the National Basketball Association, including current players Charlie Bell, Shannon Brown, Paul Davis, Morris Peterson, Zach Randolph, and Jason Richardson. Butler is waiting on its first NBA guy.

Conflict: Butler scores fewer points per game, but the Bulldogs hold a greater scoring margin. Butler scores 69.4 and keeps opponents to 59.6. MSU averages 72.4 while limiting opposing teams to 64.1.

Which team will dictate the pace?

If the game is decided in the paint, the Spartans grab 8.9 more boards than their opponents. The Spartans understand the importance of shot selection and how it creates rebounding opportunities.

When Kalin Lucas went down with a season-ending injury, the Spartans needed someone to replace their leading scorer. Korie Lucious has been the man scoring double figures in two of three games since then, including a game-winning three pointer against Maryland.

Raymar Morgan and Durrell Summers combine for 22 points and almost 12 rebounds.

Draymond Green scores almost 10 and grabs eight boards.

Gordon Hayward leads four Bulldogs in double digits. The silky smooth swing man provides versatility to the lineup. At 6′9″, Hayward can go inside and get work done. He averages almost nine boards a game and can finish in the paint. Hayward has also hit 42 trifectas on the season.  Stevens has called on Hayward to run the offense from time to time.

Matt Howard adds 12 points and five rebounds. He is text-book type of player in the paint whose work could be a how-to video used at summer camp.

Shelvin Mack leads the Bulldogs with 65 three pointers. Mack hits 40 percent from long range.

The only senior in the lineup, Willie Veasley, chips in 10 points and four rebounds.

Ronald Nored runs the point at just a touch under 2 : 1 assist to turnovers.

Zach Hahn comes off the becnh and hits 42.3 percent from long range.

Resolution: Seeing is believing. Any doubt that Butler is good has been dismissed over the past two weeks. Many looked at their numbers and thought the Bulldogs’ success was the product of playing in the Horizon League.

Maybe, the Horizon League is better than popular opinion thinks.

Izzo and the Spartans have the experience. Butler has talent. The Bulldogs have not flinched despite losing leads late in recent games. The Spartans have the experience that will matter on the floor. MSU wins a close one.

Got any comments on the game? Post them here.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

By Paul Gotham

With four teams alive and kicking in the quest to cut down the nets in Indianapolis, it is time to look at how each of them got to this point.

Michigan State Spartans

Previous tournament appearances

1957 (Final Four), 1959 (Elite 8), 1978 (Elite 8), 1979 (National Champion), 1985, 1986 (Sweet 16), 1990 (Sweet 16), 1991 (second round), 1992 (second round), 1994 (second round), 1995, 1998 (Sweet 16), 1999 (Final Four), 2000 (National Champion), 2001 (Final Four), 2002, 2003 (Elite 8), 2004, 2005 (Final Four), 2006, 2007 (second round), 2008 (Sweet 16), 2009 (Finalist).

Tournament games

New Mexico St. 70-67

Maryland 85-83

N. Iowa 59-52

Tennessee 70-69

Ranked teams played during the regular season and results

12/1 #11 North Carolina L 82-89

12/22 #2 Texas L 68-79

1/6 #20 Wisconsin W 54-47

2/2 #16 Wisconsin L 49-67

2/9 #6 Purdue L 64-76

2/21 # 12 Ohio State L 67-74

2/28 #3 Purdue W 53-44

Un-ranked NCAA Tournament teams played against

11/17 Gonzaga W 75-71

2/27 Florida L 74-77

12/10 Oakland W 88-57

1/13 Minnesota W 60-53

1/23 @Minnesota W 65-64

3/12 Minnesota L 67-72

Stats of identity

8.7 Rebound margin – number one on the country. Two better than any team remaining (West Virginia – 6.6).

16.5 Assists – number ten in the country. Tops of the four left standing. This is despite the fact that their scoring offense is ranked 93rd in the nation. The Spartans move the ball.

47.2 Field goal percentage – better than the other three teams.

3.25 – Michigan State’s average margin of victory in the tournament.

Kalin Lucas is on the bench with his team-leading 14.8 ppg and 4 apg. Fans of the Green need not worry. There are plenty of guns ready to take the reins.

Raymar Morgan averages 11.5, but Durrell Summers is getting 20 a game in the Tournament. Summers has connected on 16 3-pointers in the Dance.

Draymond Green gets almost ten rebounds a game.

Chris Allen’s 53 3-balls lead the way along with the junior’s 39.8 percent accuracy from long range.

Summers hits 80 percent from the free throw line. Morgan’s 94-138 from the charity stripe leads both categories.

Korie Lucious hands out 3.3 assists per game.

With Izzo on the sidelines, the Spartans are always dangerous. Saturday’s game with Butler will be an interesting study in pace and flow. Michigan State can switch speeds. Can Butler?

By Paul Gotham

Coaching through adversity

To get to the Elite Eight or Final Four a team has to confront its fair share of hurdles. Some teams have more than others. Tom Izzo, Bruce Pearl, and Bob Huggins deserve a tip of the hat. Each of these guys guided their squads through some trying times.

New Years was not a time of celebration for Pearl. Four of his guys were in a car when it was pulled over by police. Guns, dope, and open container were the news du jour in Knoxville.

Instead of panicking, Pearl circled the wagons.  He suspended Tyler Smith, Brian Williams, Melvin Goins, and Cameron Tatum while the legal process took place. In the mean time, the Vols knocked off then No. 1 Kansas. Eventually, Williams, Tatum, and Goins were reinstated. Smith, the Vols’ leading scorer, was removed from the team.  Tennessee’s run ended this past weekend. What could have been a disaster turned into the Vols reaching the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.

Huggins could have fallen back on excuses. Reasons were there for the taking. He was preparing for arguably the best team in the country, with the most explosive offense, and the most explosive combination of players. To make matters worse, the Mountaineers losing “Truck” Bryant seemed the end of the season for West Virginia. Instead, Huggins got a great performance out of his squad for the win.

What can be said about Tom Izzo, that has not already been stated? While others recruit, Izzo coaches. Add to that, the guy does not air his dirty laundry in public. Everyone knew there were problems in the Spartan program this year. A few benchings and suspensions indicated motivation was an issue for the Green. Rest assured, Izzo confronted each and every one of those problems. If MSU is going to win, they are going to do it the right way. Add to all of that the untimely injury to Kalin Lucas, and it looked like the Spartans would return to East Lansing after advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. To no real surprise, Izzo figured out how to get it done, and the Spartans moved on to Indianapolis. Six Final Fours since 1999 – the guy can coach.

Was it a charge?

No! Brian Zoubek did not have his feet set. Quincy Acy should not have been called for a charge. Zoubek should have fouled out. That’s the extent of that one play. Baylor was whistled for 21 fouls yesterday. In the Bears’ other losses this year they were called for 24, 23, 21, 20, 22, 21, and 25. The zebras did NOT cost Baylor the game. Baylor lost because of the 23 offensive rebounds Duke pulled down. 23?!?

And, had Scheyer knocked down those three WIDE open looks, that game might have been a blowout.

As for Baylor – Wow! What a team. Tweety Carter and Josh Lomers are the only seniors. Here’s hoping Coach Drew can keep LaceDarius and Epke Udoh around for another year. They could be fun to watch.

Has there been a shift in the Big 12?

Could the top of the Big 12 take on a new look next year? Sherrod Collins is a senior. Cole Aldrich is foregoing his senior season. Xavier Henry is not far behind. The Jayhawks should lose a step. The Texas Longhorns don’t seem to be able to get out of their own way.

The Bears have just the two seniors previously mentioned. Kansas State loses one starter – Denis Clemente.  Next year, Baylor and Kansas State might be battling for the top of the conference.

The cautionary tale of Todd Lickliter

Three years ago, Todd Lickliter led Butler to the Sweet 16. It was the team’s and coach’s second trip to the regional semi-finals in four years. The time seemed right for Lickliter to make a career advancement. He took the head position at Iowa State.

Fast forward. Butler is the talk of American basketball community. Lickliter is looking for a job.

Now, is the time for the coaching merry-go-round to pick up speed. Fran McCaffery left Siena for Iowa. Kevin Willard moved from Iona to Seton Hall. Financially, these jobs make sense. Just as Lickliter’s advancement made sense.

If allowed, ambition can shackle the unsuspecting.

Another coaching vacancy

In 1985, three Big East teams made the Final Four. Can you name them? I’ll give you a minute.

If you guessed Villanova, you are right. That was the year the Wildcats surprised everyone. Rollie Massimino and his squad tripped the heavily-favored Georgetown Hoyas. The third Big East team? The long forgotten St. John’s (at the time) Redmen. That was one of 15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 years for the Johnnies. Hoops fans knew well the sweaters of Lou Carnesecca.

Currently, St. John’s hasn’t won a tournament game since 2000. Who is going to bring back the pride to St. John’s?

No love for Cinderella?

A few radio personalities commented about the onset of schools from outside the “power” conferences advancing in the tournament. The suggestion was that these teams cheapen the importance of the tournament. References were made to those unlikely teams getting badly beaten in later rounds.

Baylor HAMMERING St. Mary’s reinforced this idea.

Just in case people think this makes sense, a few reminders: Louisville 103 Arizona 64 (Sweet 16 2009), Villanova 77 Duke 54 (Sweet 16 2009), Kansas 94 Marquette 61 (Final Four 2003). Teams from “power” conferences can get whacked too.

Just desserts

When you roll the dice, you take what you get. How is John Calipari feeling about his recruiting efforts over the last year or so? Especially, when you consider the actions of DeMarcus Cousins in the latter part of  Saturday night’s game.  At least twice the camera caught Cousins snapping at his coach. Why would any NBA GM want Cousins in his locker room? What does that say for Calipari? Cousins can be thankful he is not a football player. Mike Singletary might have some fun with Cousins on his roster.

Ranking the tournament

This might be a fruitless exercise, but here goes anyway. I am trying to remember a more competitive all-around NCAA Men’s Division I basketball tournament. There have been so many games that have gone down to the last minute. Is this the best tournament ever?

With that in mind, why would the NCAA consider expanding the field to 96? Instead of making drastic changes, how about getting better coverage for the conference tournaments. That’s when the NCAA Tournament actually begins.

NIT anyone?

Two Atlantic 10 teams have made it to the little final four: Dayton and Rhode Island. Don’t laugh. Baylor played in last year’s NIT title game.

Coming this week

Capsules for the final four coming at you over the next few days.

1st Team All-Casey

PG Jon Scheyer – Duke

SG Jordan Crawford – Xavier

SF Gordon Hayward – Butler

PF Da’Sean Butler – West Virginia

C Epke Udoh – Baylor

2nd Team All-Casey

PG Denis Clemente – Kansas State

SG LaceDarius Dunn – Baylor

SF Wes Johnson – Syracuse

PF Chris Wright – Dayton

C JaJuan Johnson – Purdue

Got any college hoops splinters? Share them here.

By Paul Gotham

When it comes to winning a national championship, Bill Self knows there is very little margin for error. In an interview earlier this week, the Kansas coach talked about the difference between winning and losing in March. His conclusion is that it comes down to one possession.

That is as small a margin as it can be.

The Midwest Region makes the margin even smaller.

If nothing else, the region boasts the best coaching resume of all four regions. Eight teams have coaches with Final Four experience: Self, Tom Izzo, Lon Kruger, Gary Williams, Steve Fischer, John Thompson III, Paul Hewitt, and Thad Matta.

Compare that resume to the East with three – John Calipari, Rick Barnes, and Bob Huggins; the South with four – Mike Krzyzewski, Rick Pitino, Mike Montgomery, and Jay Wright, and the West with three – Jim Boeheim, Tubby Smith, and Billy Donovan.

Indeed, the margin for error is tiny.

Add to that the fact that both of the teams who beat Kansas during the regular season (Tennessee and Oklahoma State) are in the Midwest. Granted, the Volunteers and Cowboys are on the other side of the bracket.

All that being said, it is Kansas’s region to lose. Oh sure, the Jayhawks could stumble.

UNLV or Northern Iowa could throw a scare into the Jayhawks. UNLV gets pressure on the ball, and, at the same time, they value possession. The Rebels rank in the top 15 of the country in assists, assists to turnover, and turnover margin. That all looks good on paper until a team has to play at the speed Kansas will dictate.

Remember this, Kansas is fifth in the country scoring 82 a game. Their field goal percentage defense is third in the nation. At the same time, the Jayhawks’ three-point percentage is fifth. Kansas can beat a team in many ways.

Northern Iowa could put up a fight. This is the Panthers second consecutive trip to the Dance and third in the last five years. Jordan Eglseder could bang with Cole Aldrich and get the Jayhawk center in foul trouble. But can the rest of Northern Iowa compete?

The only way to beat Kansas is to forfeit the offensive glass to get back on defense. Playing a zone is probably necessary, but a team has to be prepared to defend the three-point arc.

An undermanned Tennessee team played zone and caught the Jayhawks on an off day. Oklahoma State played a soft man to man. They denied dribble penetration. Oh yeah, they also shot the lights out – 60 percent from the field and 52 percent from the three point arc. Kansas is not unbeatable, but a team must have their best performance of the year to win.

Which takes us to the third round. Kansas could have a date with either Maryland or Michigan State. Both of these teams have the ability to slow down Kansas. They also have players unafraid to step up in the clutch – Greivis Vasquez and Kalin Lucas to start with.

While the Jayhawks are busy fending off all comers on their side, the Ohio State Buckeyes might skate through the bottom of the region. Of their possible match-ups in the first four rounds, only Georgetown could handle the physical play of the Buckeyes. Problem is, Georgetown gets very little, if any, production from their bench.

Match ups to die for: Maryland versus Michigan State. Vasquez and Lucas. Izzo and Williams. Whoa nellie!

Ohio State against Georgetown – Greg Monroe and Evan Turner on the floor at the same time would be special. Don’t forget it was a Georgetown team that reduced North Carolina to an average team a couple of years ago. Thompson III gets his kids to commit to the cause. They don’t have much of a bench, but they can play defense. Well, at least if it comes down to the final seconds and Georgetown has a lead, the Hoyas probably won’t let Turner get a running start at a buzzer beater. Georgetown will probably do the smart thing and at least make him change hands with the dribble or something. Not that I am criticizing Michigan or anything.

Kansas and the winner of the Maryland / Michigan State game. Izzo and Williams both have plenty of tricks in the bag.

Kansas and Ohio State – suddenly the Jayhawks don’t look so invincible.

Players to watch:

Evan Turner (Ohio State) – what else can be said.

Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State) – The freshman had 20 rebounds in the MWC final. The Aztecs may onlyy be around for a game, so catch him while you can.

Derrick Favors (G Tech) 6’10″ freshman moves like he is 6’6″ and rebounds like a seven footer. An early pick for 2010 pre-season All Casey.

What to look for: Two Big Ten teams in one region spells trouble for the Jayhawks. If the first one doesn’t get them, the second one will. Izzo has been playing possum with his kids all year long. It’s March. This is Spartan time. MSU will get the upset, but Ohio State will advance.

By Paul Gotham

Saturday goes upside down

Last Saturday gave basketball fans 21 division one games to enjoy. When it was over, seven ranked teams lost to either lower-ranked or un-ranked squads. In each case, the home team won.

Georgetown 103  Villanova 90

Austin Freeman and Jason Clark combined for eight trifectas as No. 8 Georgetown took down No. 2 Villanova. Freeman and Clark scored 25 and 24 points respectively. Greg Monroe was the real story though. The Georgetown center scored 19 to go with six assists and nine rebounds. Monroe does so many things on the floor that contribute to the team. There is not a big man in the college who sees the floor better than the Hoya center.

Illinois 78 Michigan State 73

Demetri McCarney went six of nine from long range, scoring 22 points and adding 11 assists for the Illini. The Spartans were without Kalin Lucas.  Assembly Hall was rocking and Michigan State needed its leader on the floor. Instead, Lucas was on the bench nursing an injured ankle.

MSU went into the game ranked fifth in the nation. Illinois is un-ranked.

Oklahoma 80 Texas 71

Troubled times in Austin – Tommy Mason-Griffin led the way with 24, Cade Davis added as the un-ranked Sooners added to Longhorns’ misery. Texas went on to get crushed by Kansas Monday night. Rick Barnes crew is almost in free fall mode. They have lost five of seven and look terrible doing it (Not that there is any good way to lose five of seven). Monday night, Kansas hooked 22 straight on the Horns. The score of Saturday’ game was deceiving. Oklahoma led by 20 at half. Texas trimmed the lead to eight with 10:00 remaining, but that is as close as the Horns would get.

UNLV 88 No. 12 BYU 74

Just when the Cougars had designs on the top ten, the Runnin’ Rebels knocked them down a notch or two. Tre’Von Willis hit four threes and scored 33 points as UNLV took a 22-point lead at half over their conference rival.  The Rebels dished out 24 assists to nine turnovers. BYU’s Jimmer Fredette scored 21, but was limited to 4-15 shooting from the field.

Richmond 71 No.17 Temple 54

The Spiders turned the tables on the Owls. It is usually Temple that gets opponents out of rhythm. This time it was Richmond breaking the flow. Temple took more shots (53-45) and grabbed more rebounds (32-24), but Richmond did a better job of tickling the twine. The Spiders held the Owls to one three pointer on ten attempts for the game. Temple usually shoots 33 percent from long range and makes six a game. But not on Saturday. The Owls are tenth in the nation holding opponents to 28.5 percent from behind the arc.

Many are touting the A-10 as a conference that could get four teams in the tournament. Last year, Temple, Xavier, and Dayton all went to The Dance. The A-10 finished 3-3 in last year’s tournament. They proved themselves worthy. Richmond with a record of 18-6 might get consideration from the committee.

Georgia 72 No. 20 Vanderbilt 58

Conference road games can be a hazard, and Vanderbilt fell into a hole. Georgia held Vandy to 32.8 percent from the field while shooting 53.2 percent themselves. Georgia is 10-11, but the Bulldogs have now beaten three ranked teams: Vandy, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech along with wins over Illinois, Virginia Tech, and St. John’s.

New York Times features Jim Baron

Jim Baron is accustomed to hard work. The Rhode Island coach is on his third rebuilding project. Baron took St. Francis of Pennsylvania to the tournament in the early 90s. That landed him a job back at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. Baron delivered the Bonnies in 2000. Now, Baron is working his magic again in Rhode Island. Click here for Pete Thamel’s piece on Baron.

I had a chance to work one of Baron’s camps in the 90s. He is everything the article says and more. While some head coaches coast through camps and let the underlings do the grunt work, Baron was out there teaching the kids every day.

Another credit to Baron is what is missing from the article. He could have chosen the platform to criticize St. Bonaventure for the way they handled his contract. Baron brought Bonaventure to The Dance. Two years later, when it was time for a new contract, the school gave him the wait and see attitude – let’s see how you do this year and we will figure out how much you are worth. Since Baron left Bonaventure, they got slapped with recruiting violations for what his successor did. The program is still trying to rebound. How valuable is Baron now?

Siena taking aim

When Kenny Hasbrouck graduated after last season, many wondered what impact that would have on the Siena program. Hasbrouck averaged 14 points and three rebounds per game. Beyond the numbers, Hasbrouck was the ship’s rudder steering the Saints through rough waters.

Fran McCaffery and Siena have made the transition. The Saints own the nation’s longest winning streak – 15. Alex Franklin leads four Saints in double figures. Ryan Rossiter averages a double-double (14 ppg, 10 rpg).  Senior, Ronald Moore drives the Siena bus. Click here for Kevin Armstrong’s New York Times article on the Siena point guard. Moore leads the nation in assists per game (8.1).

Siena has earned consecutive berths to the tournament and won a game each year. Last year, Siena held a four-point advantage on Louisville with seven minutes remaining before bowing 79-72.

It’s about that time of year

Time to dig through the W-2s and whatever other forms are needed to fill out the taxes. It’s also time for Clemson to collapse.

On December 29th, the Tigers improved to 12-2 with a 70-67 victory over South Carolina Carolina State. Clemson has four wins and five losses since that date.

This should come as no surprise.

Last year, Clemson opened the season winning 16 consecutive. The Tigers finished 23-9.  Two years ago, Oliver Purnell’s club started 10-0 before crashing and burning at 24-10. ’06-’07, the Tigers ran off 17 in a row from the starting line. They finished in the NIT,  going 25-10.

Here’s a suggestion – stop relying on the full court press. Clemson gives teams a steady diet of 94 feet of pressure. That can only work so long. Bad teams succumb to the press. Good teams lick their chops and turn the press into a dunk contest at the other end.

NCAA Tournament

Talk of expanding the tournament is not going away. We have already discussed it. If there is one positive for these talks, it is that the NCAA published this piece outlining the history of The Dance.

I had completely forgotten the tournament grew from 32 to 40 then to 48 before expanding to 64.

I did not know the Final Four used to be played on Thursday and Saturday. I wish they would return to that alignment.

1st Team All Casey

PG Scottie Reynolds – Villanova

SG Jordan Crawford – Xavier

SF Wesley Johnson – Syracuse

PF Al-Farouq Aminu – Wake Forest

C Greg Monroe – Georgetown

2nd Team All Casey

PG – Sherron Collins – Kansas

SG  Matt Bouldin – Gonzaga

SF  Kyle Singler – Duke

PF  Chris Wright – Dayton

C Cole Aldrich – Kansas

Got any college basketball splinters? Share them here.

By Paul Gotham

Setting: It’s a Big Ten showdown as Tom Izzo brings his No. 5 Michigan State Spartans (19-3, 9-0)  to Madison for a tilt with Bo Ryan’s No. 16 Wisconsin Badgers (16-5, 6-3).

Plot: Michigan State could gain a four-game edge on Wisconsin in the Big Ten standings. The Badgers are currently tied for second with Purdue, Ohio State, and Illinois.

Sub-plot: Michigan State is riding an eight-game winning streak including two of the last three on the road. Wisconsin has lost two of  four but won their previous two home games. Wisconsin will be without their second-leading scorer, Jon Leuer, who has an injured wrist.

Flashback: The Spartans beat the Badgers last month, 54-47. Chris Allen scored 16, and Draymond Green contributed 11 off the bench. Michigan State out-rebounded Wisconsin, 38-23. MSU leads the series, 68-58. Wisconsin has won 17 in a row at  the Kohl Center.

The Spartans have made 23 NCAA Tournament appearances including last year’s loss in the National Championship game. Izzo led the Spartans to the title in 2000. Under Izzo the Spartans have advanced to five Final Fours.

Wisconsin has earned 15 NCAA Tournament berths. Last year, the Badgers lost in the second round. Ryan has led Wisconsin to the Sweet Sixteen twice (’03 and ’08) and once to the Elite Eight (’05).

Foreshadowing: Thirty-seven Spartans have earned roster spots in the National Basketball Association, including current players Charlie Bell, Shannon Brown, Paul Davis, Morris Peterson, Zach Randolph, and Jason Richardson.

Twenty Badgers have stepped on the court in the Association. Michael Finley, Devin Harris, Marcus Landry, and Alando Tucker all have current spots on NBA rosters.

Conflict: Michigan State turns the ball over 14 times a game. Wisconsin gets almost six steals per contest. The Spartans have a rebound margin of 9.8 while Wisconsin is limited to a margin of 2.6.

Wisconsin is sixth in the nation limiting opponents to just 57.1 points. With patience, the Badgers can create Spartan mistakes. Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, and Chris Allen are athletic and experienced. Sometimes, the trio of guards hurry when trying to play fast. Wisconsin’s transition defense will need to make the initial stop of the Spartan rush. Then the Badgers will need to play defense inside the arc to limit Lucas and Allen off the dribble.

Trevon Hughes, Jason Bohannon, and and Jordan Taylor will be responsible for slowing down the Spartan back court. The three combine for nearly 36 points and nine assists per game.

Keaton Nankivil will try to make up for the loss of Leuer. Nankivil averages eight points and just under five rebounds.

Lucas, Summers, and Allen combine for 36 points a game. Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe grab almost twelve rebounds. The front court duo hits over 56 percent of their shots from the field.

Resolution: Earlier this year, Wisconsin created 11 turnovers while committing just four in a defeat of Duke. They will need a similar performance tonight. The Badgers need to execute long possessions that will force Michigan State to work on the defensive end. Bo Ryan needs someone to step up in the absence of Leuer. Look for Rob Wilson or Ryan Evans to fill the void. This is the third of four on the road for the Spartans. They are ripe for an upset. Wisconsin hits 74 percent from the line while MSU finishes 68 percent of the time from the stripe. Wisconsin needs a victory, and the Badgers will win a single-digit affair tonight.

Got any thoughts on the game? Post them here.

Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

’08 – ’09 Results: 31 -7 (15 -3 Big Ten) Lost to UNC in the National Title game, 89 -72.

Coach: Tom Izzo 336 – 137 (14 years at MSU)

Key Returners:

Kalin Lucas – 14.7ppg, 2.1rpg

Chris Allen – 8.4ppg, 2.2rpg

Durrell Summers – 8.6ppg, 3.4rpg

Raymar Morgan – 10.2ppg, 5.3rpg

Delvon Roe – 5.6ppg, 5.2rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/17 vs. Gonzaga, 11/27 vs. Florida, 12/1 at North Carolina, 12/22 at Texas

Stat of Identity: 9.3 rebound margin #1 in the nation

By Paul Gotham

Not much has changed in Lansing, and not much needs to change for the Spartans to be successful.

Few lineup changes will take place, and there is no need for the style of play to change for the Michigan State Spartans.

Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Raymar Morgan, Delvon Roe, and more were all on hand as the Spartans went down in flames against the North Carolina Tar Heels. They are none much worse for the wear.

Rebound, play defense, and take care of the ball are all staples of the Spartan diet. Last year was as good of an example as there is of this. A Michigan State lineup that lacked star-studded glitter led the nation in rebound margin and had two players with a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. Four starters return from that team; opponents beware.

Lucas is a junior who played with senior savvy a season ago. This year should be only better. He will be joined in the back court by Allen and Summers.  Both hit over 30% from the behind the three-point arc.

Morgan and Roe will benefit from more repetitions of the famous Spartan rebounding exercise called the ‘war drill.’ The two forwards combined for over 10 per boards per game last year.

Whew!!!    As I’m sitting here sipping my victory brew, an Alaskan IPA if you’re wondering, I feel the need to offer thanks.   Thanks to the “Football Gods”!   Thanks to whomever had a hand in seeing to it that, this time, it was the Irish who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat instead of the other way around!   Thank God Notre Dame pulled out this win!!!     I really don’t think I could’ve taken a defeat today … not another gut wrenching close loss … not ANOTHER home defeat to the Michigan State Spartans of all unlikely teams … not ANOTHER extremely disappointing loss to yet ANOTHER team we clearly outrecruit every year.  As uncomfortable as it was, the Irish REALLY needed a win today and the ball finally bounced their way at the end of the game when it really mattered.   Irish 33  Spartans 30.

In some ways, many observers will claim the Irish got lucky.   MSU gained more net yards (458 to 438) and were clearly able to move the ball almost effortlessly at times against the Irish D throughout the game, and especially in the second half.     (Last week, the Irish clearly out-statted Michigan … and lost).   And in other ways, some will claim that ND finally got THE break it deserved after suffering through yet several more bad/unlucky breaks in this game.    (Floyd’s first half touchdown that somehow wasn’t, Tate dropping yet another clear TD pass, Sam Young continuing to haunt this team with untimely penalties, etc).    Either way you look at it, the Irish are 2-1 after challenging themselves to open the season with 3 quality opponents.

This was really a “character win” by the offense as Jimmy Clausen played most of the game with an injured toe or ankle, Armando Allen was banged up and of course Michael Floyd left the game in the 2nd quarter with the broken collarbone after his apparent TD catch that was overruled.   Clausen had another excellent and gritty game as he again hit 300 yards in passing with two TDs (really three) and no INTs.    Allen had 115 yards and a TD on 23 carries.   And when Tate wasn’t dropping a sure TD pass, he managed a TD and 127 yards on 7 grabs, including two or three extremely clutch plays to get 1st downs in the 4th quarter.    Kyle Rudolph also contributed with 95 yards on 6 grabs.

The Irish started quite hot on offense, but again let their coaching staff get in the way.   With a 13-3 lead early in the 2nd quarter and the ball at about MSU’s 45 yard line … and after having moved the ball effortlessly with a ”conventional offense” … ol’ Charlie decided to get cute on a 1st down play and called for a halfback pass from Golden Tate on a fake reverse.   Problem was, Tate is a left-handed thrower and Charlie had him rolling to the right.   Duh!!!    WHY DID WE EVEN NEED TO GET CUTE LIKE THAT?!?!?!?    All of our conventional plays were working and MSU was back on it’s heels … until Charlie gave them life.    This was one major turning point in the game.   After that, Clausen got sacked on what became an obvious passing down and that”s when he got hurt.   ND started going backwards and the Spartans gained confidence and started moving the ball and scoring on ND’s porous defense.    Does anyone else feel that CW gets way too cute with play calling when he doesn’t need to … and it ends up back-firing????    He did it last week and again today.

Okay, can somebody explain to me how Floyd’s 2nd quarter grab in the endzone was not a TD?!?!?!?!?     He clearly had possession of the ball and was able to get BOTH feet down … and ya only need one.   Okay, I’ll move on.

Let’s talk defense now.    Clearly the Irish defense … if that’s what they’re calling it … is subpar.   I’ve seen enough to know that anyone expecting this team to run the table or go 8-1 in the remaining 9 games is simply kidding themselves.    This defense is simply not good enough for the Irish to be in the BCS conversation, so forget about it.   Right now, this team closely resembles the team that Charlie inherited with Brady Quinn and a very good offense, but a defense that was clearly “bend and break sometimes”.   We MIGHT be lucky enough to go 9-3 this season, but a top 10 squad will easily lay 35-40 points on us … and that’s no way to crack the top 10 yourself.   I suppose ND can improve, but in-season improvement has not been Charlie’s track record.    Having said that … I’m worried about Purdue laying 40 on us … even after their stunning home defeat to Northern Illinois!!!

The Irish will be without Michael Floyd for at least 4 weeks, which makes him doubtful for the USC tilt on Oct 17.    In the meantime, ND goes to Purdue next week and then hosts a rejuvenated Washington squad who did the unthinkable this week … they upset SoCal in Seattle … something the Irish would clearly love to do, but have only come close once over the past 8 seasons or so.   Losing Floyd really challenges the offense, but now we have an opportunity to develop Shaq Evans and some others.

Well … a win is a win and this team showed some character again.    They won with some banged up players, while commiting several penalties and again getting a TD taken away.   The very porous defense came through with the last minute INT to seal the win.    There’s certainly a lot to be worried about (namely the defense and the health of key players), but I want to re-emphasize that the Irish should undoubtedly be 4-1 when the USC Trojans visit in October.   Instead of a gimmee, the Washington game is looking like a challenge, but we’ve got them at home and we absolutely stomped them in Seattle last year.  True, they’ve got a new coach and their starting QB back, but we should beat ‘em and be 4-1.

I’m on the road next weekend and won’t be able to send in the recap after the Purdue game, so you’re on your own.   Hopefully, the Irish will meet expectations and handle the Boilers easily.   Maybe it will be a non-event.   Unless our defense continues to underperform ….

In the meantime … have a great week and enjoy the termination of ND’s home losing streak to MSU!!  

Jonathon Daniel / Getty Images

As we approach the 2009 National Championship game for NCAA men’s basketball, I feel as if we’re watching two totally different programs face off.

I can’t help but think of the lopsided 35 point game earlier in this season between North Carolina and Michigan State. Surely this topsy-turvy year in college basketball won’t leave us with an anticlimactic championship game?

To believe such a game will ensue is to once again to doubt the preparedness and teaching of Tom Izzo. This isn’t the same Spartan team from early December. And this isn’t just any other program.

Izzo has led his Spartan clubs to five Final Fours in the past ten years, cutting down the nets in 2000. Two of those years since 1999 his squad narrowly missed (Elite Eight in 2003, Sweet Sixteen in 2008).

Yet, I think many of us don’t rank Michigan State nor Tom Izzo in as nearly high regard as they deserve.

Many coaches look to get the best recruits. The best recruits are often All-Americans. What being an All-American does not measure is a young man’s heart, character and will to win. Not saying that All-Americans are entitled individuals and void of passion for the game, but deeming them “the best of the best” doesn’t always translate into team success.

Consider this: Izzo has been finding success since 2005 without a single high school All-American. His counterpart in Monday night’s championship, Roy Williams, consistently heads the list of signing the most highly touted All-American high school players in the country.

In 2005, Williams brought in All-Americans Danny Green, Bobby Frasor and Tyler Hansbrough. Danny Green has certainly panned out as one of the more important players for UNC. Hansbrough, as we all know, has lived up to all expectations; his personal accolades speak volumes.

Michigan State did not sign any high school players who played in the McDonald’s All-American game that year; however, 2005 brought another Final Four trip.

Roy Williams then landed one-and-done Brandan Wright, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson in 2006. Michigan State? No high school All-American signees.

2007 brought a little change for Williams and Carolina. Both the Heels and Spartans did not sign any All-Americans. This is probably because much of Williams’ scholarship money was on hold as, to his current pleasure, Ellington, Green, Lawson and Hansbrough all returned.

The next year in 2008 saw a return to normality as recruiting goes. Roy Williams signed three All-Americans: Ed Davis, Tyler Zeller and Larry Drew. Michigan State? Well, you get the point by now surely.

As I perused this year’s All-American game, UNC is putting scholarship money to good use and signed four of its future players participating in the 2009 McDonald’s High School All-American game. Williams hit the jackpot by getting a two for one deal: a pair of 6’10″ twins from California.

Tom Izzo apparently isn’t that savvy a salesman as he made it five years in a row without a McDonald’s All-American.

If you look for yourself at the high school All-Americans now playing college basketball, you’ll notice a trend of teams consistently showing up other than Carolina.

I noticed Louisville with at least one or two each year. Their current status? Sent home convincingly by Izzo and company.

Kansas and Bill Self work hard to sign some of the best each year, having five over a two year span between 2005 and 2006. The Jayhawk’s current status? Resting comfortably in Lawrence courtesy of Izzo and MSU. Wait a minute: Self is probably frequenting some obscure AAU tournament to find the next big thing.

We’ve all heard the allegations surrounding Jim Calhoun and the Uconn Huskies. His school’s name never fails to show up on the All-American list. His vacation was started early thanks to – you already know it – Michigan State and Tom Izzo.

So what makes a great coach? Kentucky lured John Calipari away from Memphis for a record salary because he can “recruit the best.” Very true. He’s brought in the two most coveted point guards the past two years in Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans (and most have him snatching up John Wall this year).

He had a heck of a class coming in once again for next year, most of which analysts say will follow him to Kentucky. But how’s his coaching?

As others tirelessly recruit and flash alluring eyes towards the nation’s best high school players, Tom Izzo continues to do the one thing he was hired to do year after year: coach.