Wow, I went to bed with Duke up by 6 at the half, was stunned to hear Arizona beat them last night-and beat them badly at that. I can't say I am disappointed, I do NOT like repeat champs and even though I am United Methodist Church member, I just don't care for Duke that much. I think it has more to do with Coach K than the school itself, I just don't care for that man. In the other games, UF had to go to OT to beat Jimmer and BYU, while UConn handled San Diego State and Butler outscored Wisconsin. For those of you scoring at home, I was 3-1 with my predictions yesterday. So, on Saturday you will have UF vs. Butler, and UConn vs. Arizona. Since I don't typically blog on weekends, I will go ahead and make my picks. I think UConn beats Zona and I think UF beats Butler although I have to admit, I would not be shocked at all if Zona and Butler both win-just more a gut pick than anything.
As for tonight, some very interesting matchups. First up is UNC-Marquette, Kansas-Richmond, the second games will be Ohio State-Kentucky and VCU-FSU. I think the first games of the night are pretty easy to predict. UNC should be able to handle Marquette, Kansas also should be able to take care of the Spiders. In the second games, I believe Ohio State will beat Kentucky just becasue of depth primarily. Simply put, Ohio State has every bit as good of starting five as UK, and they have a LOT more quality depth-not to mention a lot more experience. I just think that is too much for Kentucky to overcome even as well as they have played down the stretch. I believe FSU will easily handly VCU, just think FSU has way too many athletes for VCU to handle. So, if you go by my predictions tonight, on Sunday you have Ohio State-UNC, and Kansas-FSU. I think both games should be very entertaining but I can't see either of those #1 seeds going down. I think Ohio State has too much depth and talent for a very talented UNC team but one that I don't think is quite there yet, FSU will present KU a test because of the great D they play, they have enough size to cause some problems for the Jayhawks but I don't think FSU is consistent enough offensively to advance-not to mention they tend to have a lot of turnovers. Now, what might help UNC especially is that I think Ohio State is going to have to work HARD to eventually knock off the Wildcats but I still see the Buckeyes getting the job done.
There you have it, the Haney predicted final four is set, lets see how good/bad I do after this weekend. I see it this way, East-Ohio State, West-UConn, Southeast-Florida, Southwest-Kansas. You would have one Big10, one Big East, one SEC and one Big12. That would be very interesting and for all those that continue to say the ACC is still an elite conference, this would not help your case. Yes, I do think ACC basketball is a quality product BUT, they are no longer as dominant as they like to think of themselves. Now, if UNC and FSU crash the final 4, ACC folks will be going crazy-look, the ACC only got 4 teams in and 2 made the final 4. That is what they were saying when 3 of the 4 made the sweet 16. I will not say the ACC is an average conference because I don't think they are but I do think they are VERY top heavy.
Spring practice continues on, no real news out of camp that I have read, except Ealey is on the punt block team and is pretty good at it according to Richt. The starting OL for now appears to be Sturdivant, Gates, Jones, Anderson and Glenn-that is a LOT of beef up front. One interesting note from Richt, he has noticed a lot of the returning players intensity level is way up, they sense that spring is the last chance to show coaches what they got before the dream team shows up. Competition is always a good thing and I think that is what these new kids will bring, a lot of competition for starting spots. Speaking of that, I read an article about Richard Samuel, how the Ogletree move really impacts him. His attitude is outstanding, I would expect nothing less out of Richard. He realizes that again, he has more competition to see snaps but thinks there will be plenty of snaps for everyone at the ILB position. I am excited to see what this kid can do at LB-he is already up to 243. Another article about Michael "white lightning" Bennett, the redshirt WR. Seems he is being compared to Kris Durham already. If he can do what Kris did, I will be happy-run good routes, catch the ball, get some yards after catch. Last year, Durham was simply outstanding at taking some VERY hard hits but hanging on to the ball. He also ran great routes and had some very good speed, I think I read he ran a 4.36 40yard dash at pro day-course he has such a long stride, that really doesn't suprise me. Also good to hear some praise for Kwame Geathers at the nose. Everyone expects John Jenkins come in and start immediately at NG, and I think he will myself. But, we have to have quality depth and if Geathers can help us out there, that would be outstanding. The key to great teams, your backup player is able to come in and you don't miss a beat.
Baseball team hosts LSU for a weekend series, at 9-12 and 1-2 in the SEC, it sure would be nice to win this series. I believe the Bama game at Gwinnett does not count towards our SEC conference record. LSU comes in with a 16-5 record, 0-3 in conference play after being swept at home last weekend by the Florida Gators. LSU comes in having lost 4 in row, besides the sweep by the Gators, LSU lost on Tuesday to La-Lafayette. Of course UGA lost on Tuesday to GT. The weather is could be a factor this weekend, rain is expected most of Saturday and Sunday so I am not sure if they will actually get all 3 games in. Tonight should not be a problem.
Finally, Andy Landers and the Lady Dogs will be action this Sunday, against the #2 seed Texas A&M in Dallas, Texas. A&M will have the home crowd for sure but I think UGA has a legit shot to make the elite 8 where they will face Baylor more than likely for a shot to make the final 4. Game will start at 4:30.
Hope everyone that reads this blog will continue to stop by. I try to update most every day, M-F. I will be away starting a week from today and will not post again likely until April 11th or 12th. I will likely post M-TH of next week. As always, please post any comments you might have in the comments section. This blog is just my opinions of course but I do try to post some articles that maybe some here don't want to take the time to search out. I just like to write about my favorite hobby, besides watching my kids, that being UGA athletics. Have a great weekend and stay dry if you are in the Ga/Southeast area.
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