Are the Spartans Getting Shafted?

Photo Credit: zimbo.com

With the new BCS standings out, we have learned that Michigan State is behind Wisconsin and Ohio State in the rankings. Which means Wisconsin will be going to the Rose Bowl, and if there's a Big Ten at largre taken, which there will be, it will most likely, but not for sure, be Ohio State.

Bummer right? I know the feeling up here in Sparty Land is "Oh we're getting screwed! Hating on the new team on the block! We beat Wisconsin, how can they be higher than us?"

But let me give the Bearded take on this folks. I may be a Sparty, but by being raised a Wolverine, I feel like I now have an unbiased perspective on both squads. Michigan sucks right now... see, unbiased. But anyways, I'm here to tell you why Michigan State is not being screwed over.

First of all, on why Wisconsin is going to the Rose Bowl. They beat Iowa, beat Ohio State, and there one loss was a ten point loss to a good team on the road. They won in convincing fashion against Northwestern, Indiana, and Michigan. Yes, bad teams, but they won impressively. They didn't need to rally against a bad team (see MSU vs Purdue.) Wisconsin is the clear easy choice for the Big Ten representative for the Rose Bowl.

But now the question is Ohio State over Michigan State. The teams didn't play each other, Ohio State loss to Wisconsin, who we beat, why pick Ohio State over Michigan State? Is it purely reputation based?

Well let's get all the factors out there. FIrst, when did OSU lose compared to MSU losing? Yes folks, part of college football isn't how you lose, but when you lose. Michigan State was the last of these three teams to lose, Wisconsin the first. Wisconsin is first in the standings and we are last. Funny how that works... It's no secret, if you lose late in the season you're screwed out of so many things, including a chance at a BCS bowl. It's better to lose sooner rather than later.

But let's also look at the two losses. Ohio State lost 31-18 on the road against Wisconsin. Not pretty, but not as bad as MSU's 37-6 loss on the road against Iowa, never impressive. But Ohio State kinda sorta showed up and it was interesting for awhile. Michigan State never showed up. It was there one big game on the schedule, and they did not show up. On the road against a very good Iowa team, and they were exposed. If MSU would have lost a closer game, maybe they go over Ohio State, but MSU got their ass kicked.

But is that enough to put OSU over MSU? For a computer, probably, but the human vote still... kinda sorta?... matters. Why would the coaches and the writers put OSU over MSU? It's hard to say who's better in this kind of situation when the teams don't play each other... Thank God Nebraska is going to prevent that from ever happening again. But I digress...

If Michigan State were to play the Buckeyes, The Bearded One would have to take Ohio State, and here's the key, no matter where they play. If it's in Columbus, I would expect a double-digit defeat for the Spartans. If it's in East Lansing, it would be a close affair, but my edge would still go to Ohio State. If the Buckeyes have a big game, I will take them nine times out of ten, no matter the opponent. Jim Tressel is a fantastic coach, and wouldn't allow his boys not to be ready. Nothing against Dantonio, he's done an excellent job turning the program around, but MSU escaped vs Notre Dame, escaped vs Northwestern, escaped against Purdue, and lost in their one big road game, by a lot.

So considering that only two Big Ten teams can go to a BCS bowl, would I like it to be the Spartans? Yes. Should it be? Considering all the factors, no. If there could be more than two Big Ten teams in BCS games, then yes they do deserve it, but they don't deserve a bid over Wisconsin, who of the three has the most impressive wins, nor do they deserve a bid over Ohio State, who frankly is the better team if you stopped, and unbiasedly looked at the two teams.

You can say 11-1 and no BCS bowl is a crime, especially when a Big East team has to get a bid. I get it, and I agree with you. But they have a contract agreement that makes them a BCS conference, so nothing we can do about it. And the BCS has the rule of no more than two representatives per conference is in place to keep some parity.

My one question is why is there a rule for the bowl games to take one non-BCS conference team every four years? The BCS bowl game itself, like the Rose Bowl, is required to have at least one non-BCS conference team in it every four years. Isn't apart of them being non-BCS mean they don't get an automatic bid? This is pretty much an automatic bid. What if a bowl needs to fill the requirement and they take, oh let's say a Boise, over a team that's more deserving just to meet the requirement. If they're good take em, if not, then don't force the bowls to take one. That doesn't make sense... But that's another story for another time.

Spartan fans, don't be angry at the system, or at the circumstances. This was an amazing, unexpected season. No one saw 11-1 and a share of the Big Ten title going into this year. Yes, we'd love some Rose Bowl action, but it wasn't meant to be. But we've had one magically season, and Spartan fans should enjoy whatever bowl we go to and whichever opponent is sent our way.

And who knows... maybe the Spartans will get taken over Ohio State... you never know...

My latest out of class story, enjoy

The Izzone is the rowdy student section that makes its presence known at every Michigan State Spartan basketball game.

The Izzone is the student section at Spartan basketball games. They fill the most of the lower bowl and the upper decks with a sea of rowdy students wearing their white Izzone shirts.
The Spartan student section has been called the Izzone for about 15 years now, when Tom Izzo took the reigns as head coach of the Spartans, according to Justin Wojtkowiak, associate direct of the Izzone.

The Izzone creates an atmosphere like no other. Whether it’s putting your arms around the people next to you during starting lineups and move side to side as the team does in their huddle, or it’s jumping up and down and yelling when the opposing teams is on offense, the Izzone makes it’s presence felt at every Michigan State home game, according to Ben Himelhoch, associate director of the Izzone.

But what does it take to be an Izzone member?

For starters, you must attend the Izzone Campout to be lower bowl eligible, according to Himelhoch.
Also, fans of the opposing team can’t sneak their way into the Izzone. Shirts of the opposing team are banned from the Izzone, according to Himelhoch.

Izzone members with lower bowl tickets line up hours before game time to ensure they get the best seat possible in the lower bowl.

“Getting rowdy and belligerent is what makes the Izzone great,” according to senior fourth year Izzone member Matthew Smith.

Crowds have huge effects on college basketball games. Home court advantage can be the difference in a close game. Whether the crowd rallies the team, or distracts the opposition, a strong crowd can be the difference in any basketball game.

“A strong student section is essential in college basketball. The passion, energy, and enthusiasm can be a great aid in helping the home team win,” said Himelhoch, “Coach Izzo has said countless times that we are responsible for at least 4 to 6 points per game and more than likely about two wins per season. This is pretty significant in a brutal Big Ten conference where every game is important”

A strong student section pumps up the home team and energizes both the players and coaches, according to Wojtkowiak.
“I know for a fact that Coach Izzo and the players would like the Izzone to be as loud as possible,” said Wojtkowiak, “The louder we are the more amplified the players are for the games.”

However, the reputation of the Izzone is known by more than just those who are in it at every Michigan State basketball game, it garners the attention of collegehoops.net.

Writer Dan Daitchman, a Marquette alum and Marquette basketball blogger, “Stuck in 1977,” made a top ten list of the best student sections in the country.

Where did Daitchman rank the Izzone? Daitchman and the writers at colelgehoops.net put them third behind Kentucky and Duke, according to an article written by Daitchman
.
“The Izzone is right up there with the best of the student sections. I don’t think anybody will second-guess you if you say that The Izzone is the best student section in the Big Ten,” said Daitchman.

The Izzone is one of the most intimidating student sections in college basketball. The fans are always into the game, and MSU has one of the largest student sections in the country.

“I not only watch college basketball on TV any chance I get, but I also study student section videos on ‘YouTube,’” said Himelhoch, “I think the Izzone is as good, if not better, than any other student section in the country.”

Home court advantage is crucial in any basketball game. The Izzone gives MSU an edge at home that other teams don’t have.
The Izzone may not be the loudest; that belongs to New Mexico, according to Daitchman. Their arena, “The Pit,” is built underground, aiding the acoustics of their wild crowd.

They may not be the most creative, that belongs to Gonzaga, who researches everything about opposing schools and players, from player grade point averages to team academic standards, they use any dirt they can find to make their insults as creative as possible, according to Daitchman.

However, the Izzone is right up they’re with these other schools, according to Daitchman.
“They may not be the clear-cut leader in any of these three categories, but they’re top-5 in all of them, which makes them a top-tier student section,” said Daitchman.

The Izzone makes it’s presence felt. They make opponent miss free throws and cause careless mistakes by rattled opponents. They have the qualities of a great student section, according to Daitchman.

“What makes a strong student section have an impact on a game is that they will directly affect the outcome of the game,” said Daitchman, “Causing a player to miss the first free throw of a one-and-one down the stretch can easily translate to a W for the home team.”

Here's the video I shot with the story.

Just Another Weekend in College Football

photocredit: Rivals.yahoo.com

College Football... Any given Saturday... or sometimes Friday... But those are just minor details.

Big slate of important games this weekend, Auburn took on Alabama, Oregon played Arizona, and Boise had it's last challenge of the season verse Nevada; all in one Friday night, and what a crazy Friday it would be.

Let's start with Auburn Bama, and what a game that was. I missed the first half because I was getting my Tim Tebow on... and by that I mean I was getting hit many times while completing passes. But what I missed was Bama jump out to a 24-0 lead that was a Mark Ingram fumble away from being 31-0. It looked like Auburn was going down...

But see folks, they play four quarters in this crazy game of football, and what ensued was pretty miraculous. Auburn rallied to take a 28-27 lead on the Crimson Tide and injured quarterback Greg McElroy, who had been tearing up the Auburn secondary. So when Bama needed a game winning drive, they couldn't turn to the senior quarterback. They had to turn to the back up A.J. McCarron, a redshirt freshman. Well the young kid couldn't lead the rally for Bama and Auburn was let off the hook on the road against an Alabama team that should have won.

Then the next game on this slate of Friday was Oregon Arizona... it was a good game til my friend and I went to go get pizza at about the end of the third quarter. We get back and it's three minutes into the fourth... and it's a blow out. Shocker, Oregon wins again.

But the game of the week took place in Reno, Nevada. Boise State with a win would jump TCU for sure. Boise looked to continue it's miraculous run, looking for it's 25th straight win.

Boise jumped out to a 17-0 lead and looked to be cruising to victory, but the Wolfpack rallied and tied the game at 24. Boise took the lead on a big touchdown run to go up by 7 with little time left. But senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick had other plans.

Kaepernick led Nevada down the field for the game tying touchdown with only seconds left in the game. Certainly this game would be going to over time...

But aahh Kellen Moore did not want to let that happen. Boise got that ball back with 9 seconds left. Enough time for a chuck and pray, or maybe a post over the middle of the field to get them into field goal range.

It was a spectacular play, surely Boise would win... But kicker Kyle Brotzman had other plans...

It was the most heartbreaking thing in sports I've ever seen... the Boise sideline thought he made it, I'm sure Brotzman did too. And a point to bring up is... did he make it? Watch it again, full screen it, pause it multiple times. All things I did. Sometimes I go "Oh that's no good," but other times I go "Hmmm perhaps if those posts were longer, you could tell it was actually in." Even the guy working the ESPN scoreboard thought he made it... hmmm perhaps they shoulda taken some looks at it?

I'm not going to play conspiracy theory, but that is soem food for thought. Also notice, that Titus Young catch, the ball shoulda been spotted closer to the left hash, which means, in theory, he makes the field goal.

Either way my heart goes out to that kid, only God knows how hard it must be for him missing not one, but two chip shots that cost Boise the game.

Happy Thanksgiving

Photo Credit Getty Images

Ah yes, Thanksgiving. Family, Food, Friends, and Football. The important F's of life. It's one of my favorite holidays of the year. The Lions play, the family's over, and I get to eat as much as I want without being judged. It's a great day.

Since I'm the Bearded Fellow on Sports, I guess that means I have to talk about the Lions game today... Despite the fact I don't want to...

Well the Lions "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory" in typical Lions fashion today. They gave up 28 unanswered points in the second half. That's not what good teams do. Let's face it, we all knew the Lions were gonna lose, but did they have to toy with our emotions like that?

The team just flat out fell apart in the second half. It all started when Deon Branch my Alphonso Smith look foolish on that big touchdown play. After that, the team just fell apart. They weren't picking up penalties, and then all changed in the 4th quarter as players were clearly frustrated. Trying to get in a fight after the extra point was pretty awesome. At least they showed some fight...

Well the Lions are a year and some new additions away from being contenders. This year is over, but next year folks... We'll contend.

So let's talk Thanksgiving. I love this holiday. So many memories of watching football with my family. Going down to Tennessee (we didn't this year) to see my mom's side of the family. Eatin turkey and watchin football. Can't think of many better things.

But it's also important on this day to think of the things you are thankful for. I am thankful for a lot of things. Friends, family, all that jazz. I'm also thankful for the series of events that led to this blog, which started with me getting rejected by Michigan and being dumped. Yes, being dumped made me wanna get away from everything so I chose MSU. But had those events not happened, there'd be no Bearded Fellow on Sports, so for that I am thankful.

I am also thankful for all my loyal readers and fans. I appreciate it guys, couldn't do it without you.

Home Court is Everything

Photo Credit: http://brianbarrons.typepad.com/

Home court advantage is crucial in the game of college basketball. The roar of a crowd can intimidate even the best of basketball players. Fans yell, scream, hoop 'n holler, all for the sake of pulling their team to victory.

Some schools have great home court advantages, but you wouldn't expect them because they are small schools, or just not in the national spotlight.

But where does the Izzone ranke amongst the best? According to collegehoops.net they are third. Not too shabby for the Green and White.

MSU has one of the best home court advantages, and the best student section in the Big Ten. That's not just me, that's a consensus by the folks at collegehoops.net, according to Dan Daitchman of collegehoops.net

The student section of a college basketball game is crucial to any team that wants to make a run at championships. If you can't win at home, then you're going to struggle putting together winning seasons.

Michigan State has put together winning season after winning season. Back to Back trips to Final Fours, a national championship in 2000, a 366–146 record under head coach Tom Izzo

Crowds are important factors in games. Why do you think Duke, North Carolina, and MSU are good every year? Because they win at home. Why do they win at home? Home Court Advantage. Without the Izzone, there's no home court advantage. Without home court, MSU isn't nearly as good a team as it is at home.

Don't let anyone tell you differently, home court advantage matters.

Webcast

Bearded Weekend Recap

Photo Credit: Mlive.com

It's been too long since I posted, so I'm going to give you guys a brief recap of what happened this weekend...

Michigan Wins
Lions Suck
Vick won me fantasy
Wings are dominating

But let's elaborate a tad...

Michigan won in one of the sloppiest games I have ever had the displeasure to watch. I was, admittedly, actively rooting against Denard, and even Michigan a little bit... Tate's a better QUARTERBACK, key word, hence the caps, than Denard. I can't stand Richard Rodriguez Rodriguez Rodriguez he's a snake, and he's "Tricky Dicky the Second" The defense is the worst the program has ever seen, and I don't want you RR slappies to preach to me about that dynamic offense that he has here and at West Virginia. I will blog later, perhaps tonight, as why I don't think his job should be saved despite at least a 7-5 season... (Remember, Lloyd goes 7-5, he was him fired, why isn't Rich held to the same standards?)
Anyways, Purdue and Michigan both played terrible football games. They both just were terrible. Here's the numbers to support my statement, pay attention to the category "turnovers"

The Lions managed to lose to the winless Bills... Need I say more? I will... Shaun Hill sucked, and it's scary that Stanton couldn't have been better than that... Just cut him,,,,

Vick dropped 51 fantasy points in my league, I was down 47. Michael Vick looks better this year than he ever has at any point in his entire career. He is patient in the pocket, accurate with his passing, and his elusiveness is back. Watch out for the Eagles... and The Bearded Ones, championship here I come!

Wings beat the Avalanche on Saturday 3-1, I didn't get to watch most of it, but what I saw I loved. Wings are my cup favorite.
Here's some numbers for ya.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, I am planning on doing the second weekly Bearded Cast. So please tune in, first one was a success, let's make the second one even better

Michigan Wins Triple OT Thriller

Credit: thebleacherreport.com

Michigan beat Illinois on Saturday to get themselves bowl eligible for the first time under Rich Rodriguez. It took three overtimes, but Michigan actually pulled it off. Despite giving up 45 points, (not counting the overtime points, I don't count those because the other team always starts at the 25, so it's too easy to score.) Despite turning over the ball five times, despite giving up a ton of yards and big plays, Michigan managed to pull out the win.

This game was a fun game to watch, for those that hate defense. Although, even though it wouldn't seem like it, there were a few kew stops in this game. Michigan held Illinois to field goals, which ended up being key. Michigan's offense as dynamic, as always, gaining 419 yards through the air and 257 on the ground.

Michigan put up 45 points in regulation, and 67 points overal. The 67-65 game was the highest scoring game in Michigan history. The atmosphere in the stadium was not quite like any other stadium in the country. 111,000 plus fans on the edge of their seats, all knowing how much was riding on this game; Rich Rod's job, bowl-eligible season, what could be a four game losing streak. Michigan.

Roy Roundtree set the Michigan record for receiving yards in a game 246 yards on nine receptions and two touchdowns. Roundtree had a fantastic day and no one in the Illinois secondary could cover him.

The Wolverines got their win to make themselves bowl eligible. I expected Illinois to win, but they proved me, and a lot of other people wrong. They hung tough, faced much adversity, and still managed to win in triple overtime. Denard left with a possible concussion. Tate came in and fumbled on his first play, but Michigan still managed to bear down and get the win.

This is a good win going forward, especially since there's only one game left they have a legitimate chance at winning.

Michigan vs Illinois Preview

Credit: dailylife.com

I wrote this for my JRN 200 class, but it works for this too

The Michigan Wolverines are taking on the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday at the Big House in Ann Arbor. A must win game for the struggling Wolverines. All they need is one win and they're bowl eligible, and looking at the remaining schedule... this might have to be the game.

Michigan is coming off a road loss in which they fell down big but came back to make it interesting, but still lost by double digits. The amazing Michigan defense was torn apart by stud quarterback Matt McGloin, 5 star recruit, everyone wanted him... For those of you that don't know, he's a redshirt sophomore, walk-on quarterback from Scranton, Pennsylvania, yes that Scranton.

The Illini are a good defensive team, and they have a good offense. Nathan Scheelhaase is a quarterback, so therefore he will have a big game. The Michigan defense is horrendous, 88th in the country in points against. I expect Illinois to be able to move the ball up and down the field against that "defense" and I use that term lightly.

The good news for the Wolverines is Mike Martin should be good to play, but unfortunately for Michigan Fitzgerald Toussaint and J.T Floyd will be out. Floyd is done for the season with his ankle injury. A defense that's already bad in secondary is losing the one decent corner. Which spells disaster for the defense.

SO who's going to win this one? Illinois. Michigan just does not have the talent on defense to stop anyone. Michigan will score, but Illinois will score more. They are solid on defense and offense, and Michigan is just so bad defensively.

Unfortunately for Rich Rod, this game could decide his job. If he loses this game, he is done, finito. If he loses, he will be fired at the end of the year. Done, count it, chalk.

This is a must win game for the Wolverines.

Top 10 goalies in the NHL.

credit nhl.com

And now, the post you all have been waiting for, the top 10 starting goaltenders NHL.

Tommy and I have debated, discussed, and if we weren't separated by these computers, I probably would have punched him in the mouth... But we have put aside our differences, to bring to you our top 10. The fans are already disagreeing with us, but they aren't the ones with the blog, no that's me...

So here it is, the Top Ten Starting goalies in the NHL.

10. Vancouver Canucks: Roberto Luongo
Luongo is a popular choice and often in people's top 5, but Tommy and I agree he's overrated. A few years ago my tone was different, but he's not the same dominant goalie anymore. Having said that, he is still very good. He is big and positions himself very well. A bit slow on the lateral movement, but Luongo is still a very good goaltender.

9. New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist
King Henry has had many good years in New York, won championships in finland (frolunda indians before going NHL) and at a young age led Sweden to a gold medal, but he is not the goalie we are used to seeing. Still incredible but he is not the elite goalie anymore.

8. Phoenix Coyotes: Ilya Bryzgalov
Ilya had an amazing season last year, he had the Bearded Fellow's vote for the Vezna Trophy, but the reason he finds himself here is that he's not an elite goalie yet. He is very good, but I couldn't honestly put him with the upper echelon of goalies. He is another good season away from being a top five goalie in my book, but right now he's number eight. But top ten ain't too shabby.

7. Carolina Hurricanes: Cam Ward
Cam Ward is the glue that hold Carolina together. And at 26, he's going to be a great goalie for years to come in Carolina. His rookie year he won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smyth, and he hasnt looked back by continueing to be stellar every season. The sky's the limit on Cam Ward, and if he can avoid injuries, then he's going to be a Vezna trophy contender and probably win at least one Vezna. I'll hop on his bandwagon everyday.

6. New Jersey Devils: Martin Brodeur
What can you say about Marty? He's the best goalie of all time, made famous by that lightning quick glove. All time wins and shutout leader, 4-time Vezna Trophy winner, Calder Trophy winner, 2-time Gold Medalists, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion, 10-time all-star, Marty has accomplished so much in his career. He's here at six because this isn't about his accomplishments. He's still a very good goalie, one of the best, but he's not the same Marty of a few seasons ago. Age has slowed his reactions and injuries may be a concern, but we still love you Marty, keep doin work.

5. Minnesota Wild: Niklas Backstrom
Niklas Backstrom has never had a losing season with a team that has no offensive talents whatsoever (especially with departed Gaborik) and with the exception of an average season last year, his GAA and SV% have never been worse than 2.33 and 92%. this is incredible on minnesota who is a struggling team. minnesotas defense first style makes him better, but he is still a crafty veteran who (along with tuukka) could give Kipper a run for the starting job next olympics. Backstrom is consistant game in and game out, and he gets the job done.

4. Calgary Flames: Mikka Kiprusoff
I love the Kipper. I think he is the most underrated goalie in the NHL. Calgary's defense has not been very good lately, and yet Kipper still plays at an elite level. Kiprusoff has always been a guy I feared to run into in the playoffs, because he's a goalie that can take control of a series. Sadly, the team around him hasn't been good enough to make a run and this year is clearly no different. Kipper needs a new home, or Calgary needs to do a lot of fixing. But all the turmoil with the Flames right now, Kiprusoff has been the one consistent through the years and continues to play at an elite level.

3. St. Louis Blues: Jaroslav Halak
Halak first broke out with his stellar play in the Olympics for the Slovaks. Then he was the net-minder of that Montreal team that shocked the Capitals and the Halak has been outstanding ever since coming to the Blues. He has been one of the most dominant goaltenders in the NHL this season and is a big part as to way the Blues find themselves where they are. I absolutely love him, and I thought it was a mistake for Montreal to trade him, and he's proving me right (see number 23 on our list...) At 25 years old, Halak has nothing but great things in his future.

2. Florida Panthers: Tomas Vokoun
Vokoun is the goalie GM's dream of having. he is big, fast, great reactions, perfect positioning and has the ability to get a shutout every time he steps on the ice. if you dont get odd man rushes, powerplays, or people in front of the net then forget about scoring on the man. he was a beast in the olympics for te Czechs, dominant in nashville (except for when dasyuk shoots on him), and is the mold in which florida is building their team. his attitude in Wanting to rebuild the horrible team that is florida shows he veteran leadership and a desire to make himself better than he already is.

And the moment you've been waiting for... The Bearded Fellow and Tommy's number one starting goalie in the NHL...

1. Buffalo Sabers: Ryan Miller
Hands down easy choice for both of us, Ryan Miller is the shining spot on a very bad Buffalo team, alla Dominick Hasek. And Miller is about as dominant as the Dominator. SIngle-handedly won the US the silver medal, single handedly got Buffalo to third place, won the Vezna last year, Ryan Miller is the best goalie in the NHL, it's a damn shame he's on such a bad offensive team. But if the Sabers can get any scoring then they will turn their season around, because they are terrible right now. But Ryan Miller is for sure, the best goalie in the NHL

Goalie Rankings. 20-11

credit Real Clear Sports

You've seen the bottom ten, now it's time for the middle ten. These guys range from iffy, to serviceable, to solid. They're not the worst, but not the best. These guys make careers... on being completely average. Oh yeaaahhh....

Tommy and the BEarded One tackle 20-11 starting riiiiiiight NOW

20. Edmonton Oilers: Nikolai Khabibulin and Devan Dubnyk
The Bulin Wall is one of my favorite goaltenders of all time and I love how he's still a very solid goaltender at age 37, but frankly how long can he hold up? He's been fragile as of late, and like I said, he's 37. And Devan Dubnyk is not a reliable back up. If the Bulin wall goes down, then so does the Oil. The Oil better keep Bulin off the juice or else there season might go as the Bulin Wall goes behind the wheel... whoops... Don't drink and drive kids.

19. San Jose Sharks: Antti Niemi and Antero Nittymaki
These two are okay... sometimes Niemi is even good, sometimes... He wonwa cup... somehow. Anyways, these guys don't even come close to comparing to Evgeni Nabokov. Sharks with Nabby were a contender every year, sept Nabby plus playoffs equals questionable... The sharks with these two in net, has been less than stellar. They can recover, but these two aren't that spectacular.

18. Dallas Stars; Kari Lehtonen
A solig goaltender in Dallas, the former Thrasher has been plagued by injuries, Dipietro junior as Tommy called him. Dallas is one unfortunate injury away from a bad situation. But when he's healthy, Kari is average, solid, but average. His injuries and pure averageness put him at 18.

17. Pittsburgh Penguins: Marc-Andre Fleury
Tommy had him much lower, but I didn't feel he was that bad because he has shown that he can be a dominant goaltender, but look at his 2010 numbers, horrifying yes. Marc-Andre has shown he's can be amazing, and he was the number one pick in what turns out to be an amazing draft. But Fleury quite frankly is not that good. He was amazing in the 08 09 playoffs but ever since he has been less than stellar, and this year, flat out awful.

16. Toronto Maple Leafs: Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson
Giggy is my boy and I think he's a good fit on the Leaf. Gustavsson has potential and is huuuuge. These two are a solid pair and a good fit in Toronto, but they're not great. They're solid, but not great. They're 16 on the power rankings that matter...

15. Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask
The best goalie in the NHL right now is Tim Thomas, his numbers are absurd right now. And Tuukka is going to be a great goalie in the future. But right now... Tim is hot but won't stay that way, and Tuukka isn't ready. That's why Da B's Dude are at number 15.

14. Detroit Red Wings: Jimmy Howard
We're at the point in our polls where these guys can go up or down interchangeably, but here at 14 we find our hometown favorite, Jimmethy Howard. Howard is a solid goaltender, and I think a future Olympian for team USA, is solid in net. SOmetimes he's great, sometimes he's iffy, but overall he's a good goalie. Not great, and not top 10 yet...

13. Los Angelas Kings. Jonathan Quick
I like how Quick made the olympics, was a 39 game winner last year. and this year has pressure of the #1 goalie prospect Jonnathon Bernier as his backup and he EMPHATICALLY made himself the starter. He came out flying and looks better than his great season a year ago

12. Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne
Seems like Nashville always brings up good young goalies, the scouting department is doing something right in Nashville. Pekka Rinne is nothing but solid. He gets the job done night in and night out and is solid all around. But he better watch his back, Andres Lindback is the next guy Nashville has seem to find, and is waiting for his chance. But for now, RInne is the man and a solid goaltender anywhere.

11. Colorado Avalanche: Craig Anderson and Peter Budaj
Craig Anderson is a solid goalie and Budaj a good back up. I'll be honest, I had these guys around 13 on my list, but like i said with Jimmy, these guys can shuffle either way. But Anderson is a good goalie and underrated. He carried the Avalanche to the playoffs last year. But with him out, for now, pressure is on Budaj to pick up the slack while he's gone.

NHL Goalie Power Rankings 30-21.

credit CBC for the picture

So, when talking with a friend of mine, Tommy Lorenz, we were chattin up sports late at night, we tend to do this from time to time. Good talks... Last night we got talkin about NHL goalies, and how we would rank them. We disagreed on some guys, but that's all good...

But it got me thinking... WHy not write my own blog about the NHL goalie rankings... but then I even got to more thinking... Why not collaborate with a friend for the first time on a blog? ANd that is what we're doing...

We've factored in guys who split time

Tommy Lorenz and Dave Cobb "The Bearded Fellow" Bring you... NHL Goalies, from Worst to First.


30. Ottawa Senators: Brian Elliot and Pascal Leclaire.
Both Tommy and I agree, that these two are just terrible goaltenders. At best they are backups, and they are the starting tandem. It's part of why the Senators are just an abismal hockey team. Congrats you two, you are the WORST starters in the NHL

29. Tampa Bay Lightning: Dan Ellis and Mike Smith
Shocking, pun intended, but these two are sadly not as good as the rest of the team. I love Tampa, don't get me wrong, they are way up there in my power rankings, but the goaltending just lags waaaaay behind. Remember when Dan Ellis was good? Yeah he's not there anymore. He'll need to turn it around for the Lightning to keep up this pace. Smith... he's just garbage.

28. New York Islanders: Rick Dipietro and Dwayne Roloson
What can you say about these two? Well first off Roloson is ancient, he's 40. Clearly a waste of money by the Isle. Dipietro is mind-boggling. He was a golden boy, starting in the Olympics, getting a 15 year deal. Going to turn around the franchise... 8 years and a boat-load of injuries later you have one of the worst starting goalies in the NHL. Too bad for the Isle...

27. Anaheim Ducks: Jonas Hiller.
"But Dave, he almost beat Team Canada!!!!!!!" That was the Olympics, get over it. Look at his numbers, they're not good! Tommy is adamant I put him here, I had him 25, but this is a middle ground, he had him 29. He fits the duck system terribly. He's not good. He's a flash in the pan type. Had his moment in the sun against the Sharks and in the Olympics, but other than that, he's no good.

26. Philadelphia Flyers: Sergei Bobrovsky, Michael Leighton, and Brain "Bobby" Boucher
First of all, why Boucher is still on an NHL roster, I have no idea. Second of all Leighton is hurt, but frankly is not good. Bobrovsky, okay you hockey elitists "LOOK AT THE NUMBERS!!!!" He has promise, I will give you that. But I'm not buying into it... yet. So right now, the Flyers goalie situation is a mess.

25. Atlanta Thrashers: Chris Mason and Ondrej Pavelec
This spot was literally a coin toss between 25 and 24. Like I literally flipped a coin, it was heads. But Chris Mason is not very good. He plays full time with the Pavelec injury, which is hurting his numbers, but isn't a starting supposed to get the bulk of the starts? Chris Mason is not good... which brings us to the winner of the coin flip... Pavelec is back... so Pavelec, don't collapse anymore

24. Columbus Blue Jackets: Steve Mason and Mathieu Garon
I love Steve Mason, not because he's great, but because 10 rook shutouts is something special. But what since? Nothing. Does he have potential. Oh you better believe it, but sorry Mason, you need to figure out your issues and get back to that rookie season. Otherwise, there are more spots for you to fall on this list...

23. Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price
If you're wondering in Hab country if you kept the right goalie... you didn't. Young, full of potential, but disappointing every year. Starter to start, back up to finish, at least he's consistent. He needs a change of scenery, both Tommy and I agree. But his numbers are unimpressive, and he's been a let down. Halack is the better goalie, should have traded Price.

22. Washington Capitals: Semyon Varlamov
They guy that ran former MVP Jose Theordoe out of town, Varlamov is a bad goaltender. He has been the Caps Achilles heel in the post season and is the Caps weakness this season. Get them a goalie, and you have a Stanley Cup champion. Get them Varlamov, and you have more pissed off Capital fans wondering why Ovi can't do it all. Varlamov is trash, bottom line.

21. Chicago Blackhawks: Marty Turko and Corey Crawford.
Defending Stanley Cup champs tore up by the cap, so they weren't going to have a good goalie situation regardless of what happened. But Turko? He's my boy, but Marty Turko? Really? He's past his prime and past his veteran decency. He's just too old and doesn't have it any more. Crawford is not a viable solution if Turko fails, which he will. Chicago will ride on Turko... Be worried Blackhawk fans...

This is installment one, next we take on 20-11, get to the "Middle of the pack guys." But congrats to you guys above, you are not good at your job...

Without Billups, the Pistons Have No Leader

Look I'll be honest... I don't like the NBA and don't care about the Pistons. I want them to succeed, hometown pride, but I don't actively root and show my Piston fandom. Winter comes around and I'm all about hockey. I don't watch the NBA often, and I haven't done so yet...

But I don't need to watch the Pistons to know that they SUCK. And I can also tell you what they're missing: A leader. This team has no voice on the court. They have no unifying leader running that team. It's a mess. And who's gonna be that leader? Prince is too quite, Rip isn't the leader type, T-Mac is well past those days. Stuckey should be, but he isn't.

The team misses Chauncey BIllups. Chauncey was the glue that kept that team together. He's a leader on and off the court, and a damn good point guard. It's no coincidence that the team fell apart as soon as they traded Billups. I agree teams needed to be shaken up, but Billups? He was the wrong guy to move.

Chauncey was perfect in Detroit. He fit the team style perfectly, he was great for the city, he was a leader on the court, and one of the best point guards in the East. It was mistake to trade away Chauncey Billups. The Pistons won't be good until they finda point guard that can lead the team the way Billups did.

I don't really care about the NBA, but to see the Pistons in such a poor state is just shameful... They need something to change.

It's That Time of the Year Again in East Lansing

Michigan State basketball has officially returned. The biggest sport around this campus is officially here, and the Izzone is ready to let the nation know who's fans are best. And for the #2 team in the country, expectations are high.

The Spartans took on the powerhouse known as the Saginaw Valley State Cardinal in the first game of the season, well exibition, but it's the first game of men's basketball played, even though it doesn't count for anything, but they lost to Grand Valley State a few years back in one of these, so you never know...

But this game was, as expected, a blowout and a chance for everyone to get minutes. MSU destroyed poor little SVSU 88-44. It was close at one point, when it was 0-0.

Who looked good? Well besides the usual suspects of Kalin Summers, I was impressed by Draymond Greeen's shooting; he hit a couple threes, and the fact he hit one was impressive to me. I thought Keibler looked very comfortable with the ball in his hands, which will is a very good thing with Chris Allen off the team. For those of you that don't know, it's cuz he didn't go to class, well as it says, he "didn't meet obligations set by the team."

Most impressive part of the game was in the second half. A guy from near our section, you can tell from my picture were we (I and a friend, Molly if you're curious to the name cuz I know who would ask.) Anyways, the shot came from our left. It was a paper airplane. We were watching it glide down. We knew this plane was destined for glory. It looked court bound, but then we got sad because it looked like it was going to overshoot the court. But the plane banked off the backboard. As I looked for it to fall to the ground, I noticed it wasn't falling. It was in the net. The guy made a shot across the court from left to right on the picture, with a paper airplane. Believe it folks, it happened

But how much can you take from a Saginaw Valley game? (Freep article) Not too much, but if they looked bad, then everyone would be up in arms. But they looked good, as they should. They looked ready to start the season and a run at the National Championship.

But how will they fair this season? Will they get all the way to the National Championship? They are the number two in the nation to start the season, and that's fair. Personally, I think they are the best team in the country, and then Duke. Which then brings me to the matchup of the year, MSU plays Duke at Duke for the ACC-Big Ten challenge, that game is going to be crazy. I give the edge to Duke in it, only because they are at Cameron Indoor.

MSU has one of the toughest schedule in the country, and that's the way Izzo likes it. MSU will not run the table, they will lose, but that's the nature of college basketball. MSU will be a number one seed in the tournament, they will win the Big Ten, they will be in the final four, and I'm gonna say it right now, they will win the national title. They are my preseason pick to win the national championship.

Players to watch for the Spartans... Well there's the usual suspects of Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers. Draymond Green is going to have an increasing role with Raymar graduating and his mid-range game has improved. Delvon Roe will be a big part of this team, and I expect the freshman of Adrian Payne and Keith Appling to get some good playing time and I expect to make an impact.

But my Spartan to watch is a sleeper... Austin Thornton. With Chris Allen gone, Thronton's role is going to be much greater than last year and than what was expected going into this season before Allen left. Thornton started against SVSU, and, in my opinion, is likely to start in Allen's spot. Can't start Appling, not ready. You could run Korie Lucious but he would be better playing behind Kalin, rather than next to. Expect Austin Thornton to have a big impact this year.

Sparty On ladies and gentlemen, Sparty On.

Michigan State Exposed Against Iowa

Well the Spartans had a big game last Saturday, but it looked like they missed the memo. They did not show up to play in Kinnick. Am I surprised they lost? No. Am I surprised at 37-6? Absolutely. This is the biggest football game in the last 50 years for the Spartans, but you couldn't tell by the way they came out and played.

Iowa dominated every aspect of this game. There is no positive nugget here for Sparty to hang his hat on. Michigan State was exposed as a good team having a magical season, instead of a real national championship contender. The effort put out in this game was absolutely pathetic.

Kirk Cousins's interceptions were mind boggling. Going into the game, Kirk had four interceptions all year. He threw three and they all were bad passes. On the first two, I couldn't figure out what he was trying to do. The first one, which was this ridiculous touchdown. It was double coverage, the route wasn't open, and he never took his eyes off the receiver. Uncharacteristic mistakes by Cousins hurt any chance the Spartans had at winning.

As inept as Kirk and the offense was that game, the defense was just as bad. I felt like I was watching Michigan. Terrible run gap coverage, no pass rush, and terrible coverage, all the qualities of the defense in Ann Arbor. Greg Jones, Who? Exactly. He was no where to be found that game. Ricky Stanzi made him miss on a tackle while on the run... that's embarrassing. Another play he just stood there hesitating til he got blocked, and then how bout his coverage on that wheel route by the running back? Yeah that was quality coverage... but not really.

MSU was in the spotlight, number five ranked team in the country, undefeated, last real test of the season, cinderella story, here at a Augusta... But it struck midnight as the cliche goes. What makes me angry and should make Spartan nation angry is that they didn't even show up. They didn't play their hearts out and lose a close one, they took Saturday, October 30th off. They were unprepared and it showed. It was just pathetic.

Good news is Rose Bowl dreams are in reach. If Wisconsin, Iowa, and MSU win out, Sparty's in the Rose Bowl. If Wisconsin, MSU and OSU win out... I have no idea who's in it. The tie breaker used to be longest Rose Bowl drought, which would be us, but I don't know if it's still done that way... Regardless, if Sparty wins out, they should be Rose Bowl bound.