Must See Sports – Fifth Weekend of March 2014

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record, excluding series: 4-4
2014 Advantage/Disadvantage Record, excluding series: 23-20
2014 Advantage/Disadvantage Record (series only): 0-0

Baseball is back. The Final Four will be decided. It’s a great weekend to be a sports fan!

Thursday, March 27

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

South Regional Semifinals

(11) Dayton Flyers vs (10) Stanford Cardinal

Stanford has demonstrated the potential to get hot and it is happening. Dayton has no consistent scorers and nobody to step up and stop Stanford’s post game. The Flyers’ 15 minutes are up.

Advantage: Stanford

(4) UCLA Bruins vs (1) Florida Gators

UCLA 6’9” point guard Kyle Anderson(15 PPG, 7 APG, 9 RPG)  has been a BALLER. He has helped lead this year’s surge at UCLA. Kyle Anderson, meet Scottie Wilbekin (13 PPG, 4 APG, 2 StlPG) and Coach Billy Donovan’s Florida Gators and their lockdown defense.

Advantage: Florida

West Regional Semifinal

(6) Baylor Bears vs (2) Wisconsin Badgers

I never know which Wisconsin (and which Sam Dekker – 13 PPG, 6 RPG) is going to show up. Too often, this season, when the Badgers have been riding high, they unexpectedly nosedive. The Bears, after a rough start to the season, have been on fire, winners of 12 of their last 14 going back to mid-February. Equally important, I can expect the physical, aggressive Cory Jefferson (14 PPG, 8 RPG) to show up for Baylor. Wisconsin’s only chance is if they can bottle Jefferson up.

Advantage: Baylor

(4) San Diego State Aztecs vs (1) Arizona Wildcats

Don’t expect a lot of scoring in this game. San Diego State employs a ball attacking defense. The problem for them is that teams at the level of the Arizona Wildcats tend to be prepared for their brand of attack and protect the ball better. In addition, I think Arizona’s game in the paint trumps that of the Aztecs. In a low scoring game, I think that is where the difference lies.

Advantage: Arizona

The Sweet 16 round is when things get real. 1

Friday, March 28

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Midwest Regional Semifinals

(11) Tennessee Volunteers vs (2) Michigan Wolverines

The Vol stops here.

Advantage: Michigan

(8) Kentucky Wildcats vs (4) Louisville Cardinals

This is the biggest game of the coming weekend, including the regional finals. It is also in the toughest region. I think the winner of this game eventually advances to the Final Four. The John Calipari vs Rick Pitino storyline gets people’s attention. But I think the difference is the experience of the defending champion Cardinals over the much younger, cross-state rival Wildcats.

Advantage: Louisville

East Regional Semifinals

(7) Connecticut Huskies vs (3) Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State is outstanding on paper and if this game were played on paper, I would expect them to win big. However, big players make big plays to advance their teams in March. UConn point guard Shabazz Napier (18 PPG, 5 APG, 6 RPG) has been playing out of his mind of late. I like Connecticut’s momentum over Iowa State’s consistency in a minor upset in this game.

Advantage: Connecticut

(4) Michigan State Spartans vs (1) Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia has been one of the best teams in the country all year. Michigan State seniors Keith Appling (12 PPG, 5 APG) and Adreian Payne (17 PPG, 7 RPG) have sniffed and almost tasted a championship in the past two seasons, coming up short. Sophomore Gary Harris (17 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 StlPG) is the catalyst who could get MSU and Coach Tom Izzo over the hump.

Minimally I expect it to get them to the Final Four. Virginia is a low scoring team without a strong offensive post presence. This feeds right into the Spartans’ strengths.

Advantage: Michigan State

Gary Harris may be the missing piece in Michigan State's championship puzzle. 2

Saturday, March 29

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Regional Finals

To be decided by the winners of the Regional Semifinals….

Sunday, March 30

Major League Baseball

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres

Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-0, 0.00 ERA) – Dodgers vs Andrew Cashner – Padres

Although the regular season started last weekend in Australia for the Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday will kick off the MLB season, stateside.  The Dodgers dominates the Padres and the National League West last year and that domination will continue into Sunday.

Advantages:  Game – Dodgers, Series – Dodgers  

Ryu and the Dodgers are out to finish what they started last season. 3

Tuesday, April 1

NBA

Houston Rockets at Brooklyn Nets

The Nets went from a catastrophic start to the season to chasing down the Toronto Raptors for the Atlantic Division title. Still, with Kevin Garnett (7 PPG, 7 RPG) out of the lineup and Dwight Howard (19 PPG, 12 RPG, 2 BlkPG) coming to town, these scales tip toward the Rockets.

Advantage: Rockets   

If Garnett can get back to the Nets' lineup healthy before the playoffs, there could be some interesting second round games in the Eastern Conference. 4

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls! 

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1) Image from www.rhodyrampage.com

2) Image from http://bigstory.ap.org

3) Image from www.rantsports.com

4) Image from http://sports.yahoo.com

Must See Sports – Fourth Weekend of November 2013

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record, excluding series: 4-3

2013 Advantage/Disadvantage Record, excluding series: 86-71

2013 Advantage/Disadvantage FINAL Record (series only): 22-13-4

Friday, November 22

NBA

San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are seeking a measure of retribution after being swept by the Spurs in the 2013 Western Conference Finals. The Spurs, to the surprise of nobody, are off to a blazing hot, 10-1, start, including their last eight in a row.

Also, to nobody’s surprise, Spurs point guard Tony Parker (19 PPG, 6 APG) is off to a fast start to the season. Also, to no surprise, the Grizzlies, under the veteran leadership of forward Zach Randolph (17 PPG, 9 RPG) are off to a good start by playing a physical brand of basketball, punishing opponents under the boards.

Memphis is not going to beat San Antonio in a one-game series (barring lineup scratches or injuries), let alone a four game series, until their shooters collectively develop a deeper shooting range. Guard Mike Conley’s improved scoring contribution (19 PPG, 6 APG) has been a welcome addition to the Memphis arsenal and the Grizzlies are at home. But it won’t be enough to thwart the defending conference champions on national television.

Advantage: Spurs

Duncan gets older; the Spurs get better. 1

Saturday, November 23

NCAA Football

#12 Texas A&M Aggies at #22 LSU Tigers

This SEC West rivalry will decide third place in the division. It’s a far cry from the lofty expectations of both programs coming into this season. Still, A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (3,313 yds., 31 TD, 11 INT, 73% comp.) had some trouble solving LSU’s defense last year at home. Now he has to come to Death Valley.

LSU’s last stand was against Alabama two weeks ago. Johnny Football is competing for a second consecutive Heisman Trophy award. In addition, the Tigers’ defense has had trouble with one or more critical facets of its game at the worst times in all three of their losses. If the Aggies get off to a fast start, expect the crown to mellow out and the Tigers to check out.

Advantage: Texas A&M

#4 Baylor Bears at #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Baylor made a statement by spanking Oklahoma, 41-12, proving it can run up the score against a good defense and smother a team with a strong running game. While they surrendered 34 points to pass-happy Texas Tech, they still won by 29 points. Their trio of quarterback Bryce Petty (2,992 yds., 24 TD, 1 INT, 65% comp.), running back Lache Seastrunk (888 yds., 11 TD, 8.7 avg.), and wide receiver Antwan Goodley (48 rec., 1,075 yds., 11 TD) is beginning to look unstoppable.

Oklahoma State has quietly ripped off six consecutive wins and a spot in the top ten. Their recipe? Defense, defense, defense! In the defense-optional Big 12, the Cowboys have only given up 30 or more points in two games this season and held opponents to less than 14 points five times. Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (6 INT) and linebacker Caleb Lavey (2.5 sacks, 4 INT) have been been dismantling opposing offenses and creating short fields for their offense to put points on the board.

All of that said, Baylor has too much octane in its fuel to be corralled by the Cowboys. And Oklahoma State lacks the explosiveness to keep up in a shootout with Baylor.

Advantage: Baylor

#8 Missouri Tigers at #24 Ole Miss Rebels

Missouri quarterback James Franklin (1,577 yds., 14 TD, 3 INT, 68% comp.) returns to the lineup after missing the last four games with a shoulder injury. He’s replacing backup Maty Mauk, who was very efficient in relief. Franklin’s mobility out of the pocket is a welcome tool returned to the Tigers’ offense. I’m not sure if swapping signal callers in the midst of a hot streak is good for the chemistry of the offense, but time will tell.

Ole Miss’ QB Bo Wallace (2,664 yds., 17 TD, 5 INT) has guided the Rebels to four straight wins after a 3-3 start. Senior running back Jeff Scott (488 yds., 2 TD, 7.6 avg.) is also back in the lineup after missing three games due to injury. Ole Miss is at home. I like the Rebels in a minor upset.

Advantage: Ole Miss

Johnny Football is a scoring machine. 2

Sunday, November 24

Indianapolis Colts (7-3) at Arizona Cardinals (6-4)

Arizona is hot while Indy is not. The Colts’ offense does not look the same following the loss of wide receiver Reggie Wayne for the season with a knee injury. The Colts can’t stop the run and are going to have trouble running against a Cardinals team with a ferocious front seven on a defense that has not allowed more than 24 points in any game this season.

Veteran Cardinals linebacker John Abraham (7 sacks, 3 FF, 3 TFL) has been the catalyst on a defense that gets to the quarterback quickly and gives up nothing on the ground. Finally, Carson Palmer (419 yds., 2 TD, 0 INT, 71% comp. last week) appears to be in a comfort zone in the Cards’ offense. The game is in Arizona.   

Advantage: Cardinals

Denver Broncos (9-1) at New England Patriots (7-3)

It’s Manning vs Brady Part 14…! In spite of the Broncos coming off of a huge win over the previously unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs and the Patriots coming off of a stunning loss at Carolina, Peyton Manning (3,572 yds., 34 TD, 6 INT, 65% comp.) is visibly dealing with a nagging ankle injury.

The Patriots’ Tom Brady (2,552 yds., 14 TD, 7 INT, 59 % comp.) is likely seeing red after the questionable ending to the Carolina game and will likely be as focused as ever for a regular season game. Pats RB Shane Vereen (108 yds., 7.2 avg.) returned to the lineup last week and will help against a potent Broncos run defense. Finally, this Sunday Night Football Game is being played at Foxboro.

Advantage: Patriots

The rivalry continues. 3

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls! 

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3) Image from www.sportsinvasion.net

RG3...living like it's 1953?

Robert Griffin, III made a huge splash in his rookie debut, thrashing the New Orleans Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for over 300 yards and an efficiency rating of close to 140.

Of course, when an athlete becomes famous, his significant other becomes famous by extension. I had seen several pictures of Griffin's fiancee, Rebecca Liddicoat, going around the Internet lately. Griffin went to Baylor University, which is in Waco, Texas. If you have never been to Waco, there are fewer towns in the United States that present themselves as if the year were still 1955 and men came home to their pipe and slippers with a slice of hot apple pie after work.

While some of you may think I am exaggerating and some of you may be nodding your heads in agreement, I could not help but think of a star who captured that Pollyanna essence that so many people yearn for but no longer exists (and probably never did, except in prime time). Take a look at the next few photos. Maybe I am alone on an island in making this comparison, but no man lives in a vacuum.

As wholesome as apple pie. 2

RG3 and the sweater vest. 3

Bares a strong resemblance in my mind.

Just sayin'.... Seems like a 21st century Donna Reed to me. 1

1) Image spliced from www.wokay.com and www.blacksportsonline.com
2, 3) Images from www.blacksportsonline.com

Must See Sports - Fourth Weekend of March 2012, Part 2

Now that the Elite Eight participants are in, here is the rest of Must See Sports!

Satruday, March 24

NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Regional Finals

West Region - (4) Louisville Cardinals vs (7) Florida Gators

I don't know what to say about this one. The Florida Gators have consistently failed to rise to the occasion when facing a better ranked or seeded opponent. Thursday's game against third seeded Marquette was the first time my gut told me Florida was going to break through but my brain told me to look at their track record. I picked Marquette. I was wrong.

I have no idea who is going to win this game. Both teams have talent. Both teams look really good when they are good. Both teams can be inconsistent at the most inconvenient times. Both teams have risen to the test during March Madness. And the coaches of both teams, legendary Rick Pitino of Louisville and his protege Billy Donovan of Florida.

I think Louisville wins if they can penetrate Florida's defense can bottle up Florida guard Erving Walker (12 PPG, 5 APG). Florida wins if they can neutralize Louisville guard Peyton Siva (9 PPG, 6 APG, 2 StlPG) and keep the ball out of Kyle Kuric's (13 PPG, 4 RPG) hands inside the wing areas.

I would call this game a "push" were it not for the importance of the outcome. Therefore, I'm going to defer to the chalk.

Advantage: Louisville

Pitino (left) and Donovan (right): teacher and pupil 1

East Region - (1) Syracuse Orange vs (2) Ohio State Buckeyes

Four words: Game of the Week. This is the first of two #1 seed vs #2 seed matchups in the Elite Eight round. Syracuse has persevered in spite of losing Big East Defensive Players of the Year, Fab Melo (8 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 BlkPG), due to a university imposed academic-related suspension. In spite of some close calls, the consistent, clutch leadership of senior point guard Scoop Jardine (9 PPG, 5 APG) has helped pull the Orange through to this point.

Ohio State appeared to be on track to a #1 seed, if not the #1 seed in the entire tournament. However, late regular season hiccups derailed those prospects. Today is the day for senior guard Will Buford (15 PPG, 5 RPG), sophomore forward Jared Sullinger (18 PPG, 9 RPG) and the Buckeyes to prove that, in fact, they are among college basketball's elite.

The keys to victory are very simple in my opinion. This is about what Ohio State can or cannot do. Syracuse wins if they can neutralize Sullinger, a tough task without Melo anchoring the zone, and keep Buford from getting hot. The Orange have gotten by on talent differences thus far. But Ohio State is in the same class and Syracuse and I think that the consequences of Melo's absence will become evident tonight.

Advantage: Ohio State

Can OSU Coach Thad Motta break through to the Final Four and cut down the nets this year? 2

Sunday, March 25

NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Regional Finals

South Region - (1) Kentucky Wildcats vs (3) Baylor Bears

This has been a very exciting 12 months for Baylor University athletics. Between Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin, III, also known as "RG3", in football and the rise to the ranks of the elite in basketball, anchored by "PJ3", Perry Jones, III (14 PPG, 7 RPG), the Bears have had plenty to cheer about.

It ends today. Not to sounds like a broken record, but Kentucky looks invincible. The only hope to take the Wildcats out in the Big Dance vanished with the suspension of Syracuse's Fab Melo. Kentucky wins to day if it makes either few, as many, or slightly more minor mistakes than Baylor. Yes, I am suggesting that Kentucky is so much more talented that they can makes a few more mistakes than Baylor and win.

Baylor wins if they can get hot with their outside shooting, AND draw Kentucky's Anthony Davis (14 PPG, 10 APG, 5 BlkPG) into early foul trouble, AND force Kentucky into making critical turnovers...MAYBE Baylor will be withing striking distance in the final minutes. Ponder this: Indiana is the only school to beat Kentucky during the regular season. Indiana, in last night's regional semifinal, was the first team to put up 90 points against Kentucky all year. Indiana wasn't even close, losing by 12.

Advantage: Kentucky

Good luck, Baylor. 3

Midwest Region - (1) North Carolina Tar Heels vs (2) Kansas Jayhawks

Injuries can be the downfall of any great team. The Jayhawks had a legitimate claim at a #1 seed, but it went to Carolina instead. Since the left (non shooting) wrist injury to Tar Heels 6'4" point guard Kendall Marshall (8 PPG, 10 APG) and the narrow escape against 13th seeded Ohio University in last night's regional semifinal, the claim for superiority (at least on paper) has shifted to the Jayhawks.

Simply put, 6'0" freshman Stilman White (2 Pts., 6 Asst. vs Ohio) is an adequate plug-in for an "easy win" opponent like Ohio (in spite of Ohio's last second heave hitting the iron before the Tar Heels pulled ahead for good in overtime). He is no match for Kansas senior Tyshawn Taylor (17 PPG, 5 APG).

Kansas wins if Marshall does not play. Even if Marshall does play, I question how effective he can be with a surgically repaired left wrist, just a week after the break of that wrist. North Carolina wins if Marshall plays, is adequate in his execution, and senior forward Tyler Zeller (17 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BlkPG) of UNC can body up and limit the post play of Naismith Award finalist Thomas Robinson (18 PPG, 12 RPG) of Kansas.

Advantage: Kansas

6'0", 160 lbs. Stilman White (1 PPG, 1 APG), left and 6'4", 195 lbs. Kendall Marshall, right. Yep...it's over Tar Heels fans! 4

Next week: The Final Four from New Orleans, Louisiana!

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image spliced from www.usatoday.com and http://topics.floridatoday.com.
2) Image from www.annarbor.com
3) Image from www.usatoday.com
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Must See Sports - Second Weekend of February 2012

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 6-1

Must See Sports 2012 record: 20-11

Well, I was an Austin Rivers overtime buzzer-beat away from being a perfect 7-0 last week. If at first you don't succeed....


Thursday, February 9


NBA

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics

Similar teams…similar histories…similar records…same conference standing. If the NBA regular season ended today, both the Lakers and Celtics would be the seventh seeds in the Western and Eastern conferences, respectively. Both teams are six games back of the top seed. Both teams need the win.

The Lakers are in the more precarious situation as they are only one game away from being out of the top eight in the West (and hence out of the playoffs altogether). Boston has the best defense in the NBA and the Lakers are ranked 4th. So I would not expect a whole lot of fast breaks and scoring.

Momentum is often the difference maker in games between similar teams and the Celtics have it. They have won nine of their last 10 games and are playing at home. The Lakers only have one win against a team with a winning record since beating the Clippers on January 25th. I like the Celtics in this matchup.

Advantage: Celtics

Paul Pierce: #2 Celtics all time leading scorer. 1

Friday, February 10

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz

The Thunder still have the NBAs best record, winning eight of their last ten. The Jazz have begun to skid, losing four of their last five. Fortunately for Utah, they are far better at home (11-4) than on the road (2-7).

The Thunder are really good everywhere. In addition, Kevin Durant (27 PPG, 8 RPG) is on a roll, scoring 33 or more points in three of his last five games and inching back into the race for the scoring title. I think the Thunder rolls on.

Advantage: Thunder


Saturday, February 11

NBA

Denver Nuggets at Indiana Pacers

It’s been a while since the Pacers were of interest to the NBA’s playoff race, other than as an easy win. At 17-8, however, the Pacers have the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference and are 3.5 games back of the Chicago Bulls in the Central Division.

Indiana has been succeeding with power and defense, particularly from forward Danny Granger (18 PPG, 5 RPG) and center Roy Hibbert (14 PPG, 10 RPG, 2 BlkPG). Hibbert has, somewhat quietly, risen to the higher tiers of NBA centers. It has helped bring some pace back to Pacers’ basketball.

The Nuggets, as usual, are in the Western Conference playoff hunt. Life post-Carmelo Anthony has not been as harsh as some expected. Head Coach George Karl has sold the disciplined, team basketball concept to his troops and his players are buying it. The Nuggets score more points per game than any other team in the NBA, get their leading scorer, Danilo Gallinari (17 PPG, 5 RPG) averages less than 20 points per night. With six players averaging double figure scoring (Gallinari, Ty Lawson, Andre Miller, Nenê, and Aaron Affalo), the Nuggets can spread the ball around and get anyone to step up. It’s resulting in wins.

Advantage: Nuggets


NCAA Men's Basketball

#6 Baylor Bears at #4 Missouri Tigers

BIG game in the Big XII. The winner is in the driver’s seat in the Big XII regular season race. After last weekend’s huge, last minute win over Kansas, the Tigers can ill-afford a letdown. Senior guard Marcus Denmon (18 PPG, 5 RPG) has carried the team and will need to continue to do so if Mizzou is to make a serious run at the Final Four. Denmon has scored 25 or more in his last two games. He’s on fire.

Baylor had its four game winning streak snapped last night by Kansas. Leading scorer Perry Jones, III (14 PPG, 8 RPG) was bottled up and held to five points in that game. Scoring will be key against Missouri, ranked #7 in the nation with 81 points per game and second in field goal percentage at 50%. Missouri is prone to being hammered under the boards, an area in which the Bears have excelled. Still, as well as Baylor is playing, the they appear to hit a wall in the “big games”, with a 1-3 record against in-conference, ranked opponents.

Advantage: Missouri


#10 Michigan State Spartans at #3 Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State appears to be all but invincible at home. They weathered a storm from Purdue on Tuesday night in a thriller. Senior guard Will Buford (16 PPG, 5 RPG) scored 29 points, putting on a clinic in the final minutes, to keep Ohio State’s home winning streak, now at 39 games, alive.

Michigan State is going to bring more heat to Columbus. Coming off of the heels of a big win over Michigan last Sunday and an obliteration of Penn State last night, the Spartans hope to be the first to strike down the Buckeyes at home this season. Leading scorer Draymond Green (15 PPG, 11 RPG, 4 APG) cannot continue his recent “hit or miss” performances. He has scored less than 10 points in three of his last six games, but put up 23 last night against Penn State and 22 against Minnesota two weeks ago.

Michigan State is very good, but OSU is on a tear and still building steam.

Advantage: Ohio State

Buford was a man among boys on Tuesday. 2

Sunday, February 12

Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks

Your team stinks? Blame LeBron. The Hawks will have that chance on Sunday. The Hawks continue to give the Heat chase in the Southeast division, only two games back. The Hawks continue to employ a balanced approach, embodied by the play of Josh Smith (16 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BlkPG). Smith is coming off of a big 28 point, 12 rebound, 5 steal performance against the Pacers last night. He and Joe Johnson (19 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG) need to continue to step it up to fill the void left by Al Horford’s (12 PPG, 7 RPG) injury. Horford is likely out for the rest of the regular season.

The Heat are hot, pun intended, winning eight of their last 10, in spite of a 102-89 thumping by the Orlando Magic last night. LeBron James (29 PPG, 8RPG, 7 APG) has been in beast mode, with three double-doubles (including last night) in his last seven games and 20 or more points scored in 17 of his last 20 games played. Dwyane Wade’s (22 PPG, 5 APG) return to the lineup hasn’t hurt either. Wade is on a scoring tear, scoring 22 or more points in seven of his eight games following his six game absence due to injury, including 33 last night against Orlando.

The Hawks have a chance to pull off a big win at home. I just don’t see it happening against this Heat team.

Advantage: Heat

The Heat are thrilled to have D-Wade back in the lineup. The Hawks...not so much. 4

Monday, February 13

NCAA Men's Basketball

#2 Syracuse Orange at #23 Louisville Cardinals

Syracuse is one of the five teams most likely to cut down the nets in March (along with Kentucky, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Duke). The Orange pulled off a huge Big East win over #11 Georgetown in overtime. Kris Joseph (14 PPG, 5 RPG) buried the Hoyas with a 29 point performance. He continues to show up in big games, averaging 20 points against ranked opponents.

Louisville was ranked as high as #4 this season, then hit the skids. The Cardinals lost five of seven after starting the season 12-0. While the Cards have been bitten by the injury bug, inconsistent play from key players has been equally to blame. Sophomore guard Russ Smith (12 PPG) needs to be on “reappear” if his recent “disappear and reappear” act is to continue. In Louisville’s five losses, Smith has shot 39% from the field, including a paltry three point performance against Notre Dame and a two point game in a blowout loss to Providence.

Louisville is back on track with a five game winning streak. Best of luck with that in the Carrier Dome….

Advantage: Syracuse

Kris Joseph 3

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The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from www.hiphopstan.com
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Must See Sports - Third Weekend of January 2012

Last week's advantage/disdvantage record: 4-2
Must See Sports 2012 record: 7-7

The NFL playoffs are building to a crescendo. The NBA season is getting into full gear. College basketball is in high gear with conference play. There's some good eatin' on the Must See Sports buffet!


Thursday, January 19

NBA

Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat

I have no doubt that NBA Commissioner David Stern goes to bed at night, hoping that this is a preview of the 2012 NBA Finals. In spite of the predictions of the Lakers demise due to age and attrition and in spite of the hype (albeit justified) surrounding Lob City and the L.A. Clippers, the Lakers are in first place in the Pacific Division and, as of Wednesday morning, were tied for the third best record in the Western Conference. Kobe Bryant (31 PPG, 6 RPG, 6 APG) appears to have drunk from the Fountain on Youth during the offseason, mounting an early season challenge for the scoring title.

The Heatles are...the Heatles. LeBron James (30 PPG, 8 RPG, 8 APG) may be the most underrated star in the game. In between all of the hype and talk, good or bad, surrounding James and the Heat, it can be easy to focus on LeBron James the celebrity and forget just how dominant King James the basketball player is. LeBron was actually booed earlier this week, at home, after missing three straight free throws. His line for the night?  LeBron had 35 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds in a 22 point blowout of the Southwest Division leading San Antonio Spurs, coming back from 17 points down, at one point.

The game is in Miami and the Heat, with each passing day, are looking more and more like a team ready to meet the stratospheric expectations that were heaped upon the in the 2010 offseason. However, Dwyane Wade will not play and LeBron James left the morning shootaround early with an apparent illness.

Advantage: Heat (if LeBron plays), Lakers (if LeBron does not play)

It can be easy to lose sight of the fact that LeBron does everything...everything! 1

Saturday, January 21

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#5 Missouri Tigers at #3 Baylor Bears

Not long ago, I commented that the Baylor Bears were quietly flying under the radar. After a 17-0 start, the radar was beeping wildly. Alas, all good things come to an end and Big XII rival Kansas handed Baylor its first loss of the season. Quincy Acy (12 PPG, 7 RPG), Perry Jones, III (14 PPG, 8 RPG) and the sharp shooting, ball-moving Bears will have an opportunity to redeem themselves against another elite Big XII opponent.

Missouri may have flown more quietly under the radar than Baylor. The Tigers have blown the doors off of their opponents, shooting over 50% from the field and scoring over 80 points per game. Like Baylor, an in conference opponent from Kansas (Kansas State) handed Missouri its only loss this season. Senior guard Marcus Denmon (18 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG) is back to finish what he started last year, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists per game. After being unceremoniously bounced in their first game of the 2011 NCAA Tournament by Cincinnati, the Tigers have begun the 2012 season new and improved.

The winner of this game will keep pace with Big XII leading Kansas (5-0 in conference play). These teams are very similar in that they both shoot well and can play up tempo basketball. I think, however, that Baylor has a more balanced approach, fares better under the boards, and has more different players on the team capable of providing a spark, especially Acy.

Advantage: Baylor

Acy: "Not in my house!" 2

Sunday, January 22

NFL Playoffs – Conference Championship Games


There are some Conference Championship Sundays in which there is not much to anticipate. The matchup tips heavily to a favorite, often the home team, and the game is one sided. Typically, the games have a favorite, but a capable underdog that makes the game interesting and, every now and then pulls off an upset.

This weekend provides something we may get every five or more years: two sets of teams that are similarly capable – a coin toss at a neutral site. The AFC gives us a clash of the titans. One of the greatest defenses of all time in the Ray Lewis/Ed Reed/Terrell Suggs led Baltimore Ravens will face one of the greatest coaching/quarterback tandems of all time in Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

The NFC offers us a matchup of teams who weren’t expected to make it this far. The 49ers were 6-10 last year and are under a rookie Head Coach in Jim Harbuagh, all but certain to win Coach of the Year. The Giants are always competitive, but went on a skid after a fast start and were 7-7 after Week 15.


2011 AFC Championship Game

Baltimore Ravens (13-4) at New England Patriots (14-3)


When the playoffs started, I said that I thought the Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers were the teams most likely to represent the AFC. I am sticking with that. The Patriots are eight point favorites at home, which is mind blowing to me. I do not gamble; I do not encourage people to gamble, but I know people do it.

Even if you are the world’s biggest Patriots fan, with a Minuteman earring, a Minuteman tattoo, and you named your first son, “Brady”, put your gambling money on the Ravens! They are NOT going to lose to the Patriots by more than a touchdown. That’s ridiculous!

During the last four years, the Ravens have only lost six regular season games by more than eight points, and have only lost four by more than 10 points. Once per year, the Ravens lose by more than 10 points. Tennessee already filled that quota, back in September, winning 26-13.

Even this guy should bet on the Ravens plus eight points! 7

Breaking down the key elements of the game:

Passing offense – Advantage: Patriots

Monumental advantage. Tom Brady vs Joe Flacco is a no brainer.


Rushing offense – Advantage: Ravens

Strong advantage. Ray Rice is simply a beast and Ricky Williams, off of the bench, averages over four yards per carry. Benjarvis Green-Ellis can provide adequate rushing to keep the Ravens defense honest, but after “The Law Firm” the Patriots have little more than an occasional short yardage threat in rookie Stevan Ridley.


Pass defense – Advantage: Ravens

Strong advantage. The Ravens have two future Hall of Famers on their roster in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and a third on track in Terrell Suggs. The pass rush is fierce, the pass coverage is tight and the collective football IQ is off the charts. The Patriots had the worst pass defense in the AFC in the regular season, but did force 23 interceptions during the regular season, tied for second in the NFL.


Run defense – Advantage: Ravens

Strong advantage. The Ravens barley allow over 90 rushing yards per game. The Patriots, statistically, were in the middle of the pack against the run, but because they built up big leads and have such a soft defense against the pass, opponents did not run as much. The Patriots coughed up 4.6 yards per carry against them, 25th in the NFL, approaching the bottom of the league.


Intangibles – Advantage: Patriots

Moderate advantage. The Patriots have only lost two playoff games in Foxboro since 1978. Both games in the last two seasons, though. One came at the hands of (most of) these very same Ravens. The Ravens are one of the best road playoff teams in NFL history, and Joe Flacco, only in his fourth season, is near the top of the list for road playoff wins by a starting QB in NFL history. The Patriots, however, have Tom Brady and all of the leadership, clutch play, and championship experience that come along with him.


Overall advantage: Ravens


2011 NFC Championship Game

New York Giants (11-7) at San Francisco 49ers (14-3)

Date: January 20, 1991
Location: Candlestick Park – San Francisco, California
Game: 1990 NFC Championship Game
Teams: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

After beating the Giants in a Monday Night Football thriller, 7-3, at Candlestick in the regular season, the 49ers sought their third straight Super Bowl championship. Leading 13-9 with less than six minutes remaining in the 4th quarter and having forced the Giants into a punting situation on 4th down, the 49ers appeared to be in the driver’s seat of a close defensive battle, in which only one touchdown was scored during the entire game.

Giants Coach Bill Parcells elected to run a fake punt, instead shifting the ball to linebacker Gary Reasons, who was lined up behind the center in the punt formation. Reasons took off for a 30 yard gain, setting up a fourth Matt Bahr field goal to cut the lead to one point. On the ensuing possession, 49ers running back Roger Craig lost a critical fumble in the final three minutes. The Giants would capitalize on the miscue to set up a winning field goal by Bahr as time expired. The Giants would advance to and win Super Bowl XXV, their second Super Bowl championship in five years.

This game was significant. It ended the 49ers two year run as reigning champs. Craig and Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, iconic members of the 49ers dynasty in the 1980s, would never play another game for the 49ers, both acquired by the Raiders in the following offseason. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, who was injured in the game, would never start another game for the 49ers, missing the 1991 season with an elbow injury and a backup to fellow Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young in 1992 before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993.

The 1990 NFC Championship Game is considered by many to be one of the greatest games of all time and is part of the “NFL’s Greatest Games” series on NFL Network.

The end of an era. 3

Date: January 22, 2012
Location: Candlestick Park – San Francisco, California
Game: 2011 NFC Championship Game
Teams: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

The date has changed and the players are different, but just as much is at stake. Like in 1990, the 49ers nipped the Giants at Candlestick in the regular season. Like in 1990, the Giants are seeking a second Super Bowl championship within the last five years.

There are a number of differences. The 49ers were the kings of the hill in the NFL as two time defending champs in 1990. The Giants were the #2 seed in the playoffs while the 49ers were #1. It was an eagerly anticipated rematch of a clash of the titans. In 2011, when these teams played in November, there was no “smart money” on these two teams meeting for the NFC Championship.

The Giants got hot late in the season, smoothing out their issues with inconsistent defensive play and anemic running in the final two weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs. The 49ers benefited from playing in a weaker NFC West division while they adjusted to their rookie Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh. Their defense was already high achieving.

What few outside of San Francisco expected was the rise of Alex Smith. The first pick in the 2005 NFL Draft had been dogged throughout his career with inconsistent play, constantly changing offensive coordinators, and an apparent shortage of confidence. Smith is now efficient, much more consistent, and his confidence, already improved, shot through the roof after leading an 85 yard drive in the final two minutes to beat the favored New Orleans Saints, who were the hottest team in the NFL coming into the game.

Alex Smith coming of age. 4

Let’s break this one down:

Passing offense – Advantage: Giants

Strong advantage. Alex Smith did have a breakout year, but the 49ers were still fourth from last in total passing offense. Eli Manning came up just short of 5,000 passing yards and is having one of the best years of his career.


Rushing offense – Advantage: 49ers

Strong advantage. Frank Gore of the 49ers is a man among boys. The Giants struggled badly in the running game until December. When Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs (and the offensive line) are in sync, the Giants can be tough to stop on the ground. The 49ers, specifically Gore, use the run to set up the pass and Gore cannot be stopped, only contained.


Pass defense – Advantage: 49ers

Slight advantage. The 49ers have a very talented, block-shedding defensive line that frees up the linebackers to help in pass coverage. This is a big part of why the 49ers were 2nd in the NFL with 23 interceptions during the regular season. The Giants were fourth from last in the regular season in stopping the pass, but did force 20 interceptions.

The Niners have to contend with Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham. The Giants do not. The only wide receiving threat the 49ers have is Michael Crabtree. Last week, King Crab's claws were dipped in butter with three drops. That cannot happen this week if the 49ers are to compete with their passing game.


Run defense – Advantage: 49ers

Strong advantage. The 49ers allowed fewer than 80 yards per game and only allowed 3.5 yards per carry during the regular season. The Giants can pretty much chuck the running game, except, perhaps for short yardage situations, from their game plan. The Giants have had trouble stopping good running teams, which is what the 49ers are.


Intangibles – Advantage: Giants

Moderate advantage. The 49ers are at home. The 49ers have the better record. The 49ers have a lock down defense and a pounding running attack.

That’s nice. The Giants have Eli Manning. Manning took his game to a higher level this year. Prior to this year, when discussing the best quarterbacks in the game, the phrase, “Manning, Brady, and Brees” rolled off of the tongue easily. Aaron Rodgers is now in that exclusive club. After this season, “Manning, Brady, Bress…” may be the words that roll off of the tongue, but the “Manning” referred to may be a different one than in the past.

Manning is playing at a transcendent level and has carried his team when it needs to be picked up. In addition, the NFL Playoffs are always about momentum and the Giants have it right now. Since Week 16 against the New York Jets, the Giants have looked focused, disciplined, and made few mistakes, relative to earlier in the season. Finally, today’s NFL games are won by passing with playmakers and the Giants have far more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

Overall Advantage: Giants

The fortunes of the Giants will depend heavily upon Brandon Jacobs, left, and Eli Manning, right. 5

Wednesday, January 25


NBA

Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers

Showtime at Lob City! There has been a lot of talk about which team is #1 in Los Angeles and this matchup will take one step toward settling that debate. Both teams are playing well, but Clippers point guard Chris Paul has been nursing a nagging leg injury and has missed games. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant, in spite of nagging hand and wrist injuries, seems to have taken his game up a notch, as if that were possible, in the early part of this season.

It takes a thousand Justin Biebers before you find a Frank Sinatra.

Advantage: Lakers

The Black Mamba = The Black Sinatra? 6

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1) Image from http://birdunderrocks.blogspot.com
2) Image from http://articles.boston.com
3) Image from www.nydailynews.com
4) Image from http://articles.latimes.com
5) Image from www.urbanchristiannews.com
6) Image from http://telegraph.co.uk
7) Image from www.dumbtattooclub.com