Full-Bearded Sports: "Clever Wrap-Up Title"

Happy Friday people!  A lot has happened this week so far, and some big things have gone down today.  So let me stop with the pleasantries and get right into the good stuff.

Let's start of with the big news of this Good Friday.  My fellow Tiger fans...
We can breathe again.  No need to fret, Justin Verlander is a Tiger for life.  Today, Verlander and the Detroit Tigers reached an agreement that keeps Verlander in Detroit through potentially 2020.  The deal is worth $180 million through 2019, with a $22 million vesting option that kicks in 2020 if he finishes in the top 5 Cy Young voting in 2019.

Bottom line, the Tigers did what they had to do.  They gave Verlander whatever his heart desired and now we have the best pitcher in baseball locked up.  Now bring on the World Series.

...

Other big news of the day, the Red Wings signed undrafted free agent defenseman Danny Dekeyser from Western Michigan.  Dekeyser is a local product from Warren De La Salle.  Along with the Wings, six other teams were interested in the 23 year-old defenseman.

This is key for the Wings.  Dekeyser has the skill to play right away and with the injuries the Red Wings have, he could see top four minutes right away.

...

Real quick cuz the Michigan game is on now,

The US drew against Mexico to get a key point on the road in World Cup Qualifying.  The defense, filled with inexperienced internationals, looked stellar once again. And Brad Guzan in two starts for the injured Tim Howard, picked up his second clean sheet.

...

Go Blue Beat Kansas!

Full-Beard of Sports: Busy Day in Sports World

This is the first edition of what I'm temporarily calling the "Full-Beard of Sports," which I intend to do once a week, as part of a weekly wrap-up.

But today was a BUSY day of sports, so the "weekly" wrap-up is pretty much one day.

The sports news story that had my eye tonight was the USA vs Costa Rica World Cup Qualifier match in Denver tonight.  After losing a game at Honduras, a game they should have managed at least a point, the US needed a victory in the worst way to keep WC hopes alive.

And the United States took care of business, beating Costa Rica 1-0 on a Clint Dempsey goal in the 16th minute.  The US survived the snow storm and a late push by Costa Rica to get those three crucial points.

The US were without keeper and leader Tim Howard, who's out with two broken bones in his back.  They were also missing a handful of players on the backline due to injury, such as Steve Cherundolo and Timmothy Chandler.  There were many questions going into the game as to who would be in net, who would be on that back line, and could a group of defenders who have such few caps together, stay organized and hold off Costa Rica.

Brad Guzan was stellar in net with only one mistake that did not yield a goal.  A clean sheet in heavy snow has got to be a huge confidence boost.  And Omar Gonzales, Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron, and Demarcus Beasley had a solid match on the back line.  There were no major break downs in communication like we're used to seeing.  Costa Rica did score, but it was waved off on the offside flag.  The back line was well positioned and no straggler kept the offender onside.

This win is huge for the morale of the squad.  Earlier this week, stories broke out of anonymous players, calling out teammates and manager Jurgen Klinsman.  And with so many question marks and harsh weather conditions, it took a head-down and grind-it-out approach to win this game.

This win should build momentum heading into Tuesday's match with Mexico.  Steal a draw there, and the US will be on the inside track to qualifying for the World Cup, and at the same time, put the pressure on Mexico who blew a 2-0 lead today and drew with Honduras and have only 2 points.

Then there's also this thing called March Madness.  three 12 seeds won, (although are Oregon, Cal, and Ole Miss really 12 seeds?)  Florida Gulf Coast beat Georgetown, a 15 over a 2, and a plethora of other upsets have left no perfect brackets left in the millions of submissions on ESPN.
What has impressed (but not shocked) me the most is how competitive this field is.  There are no dominant teams, and the lower seed teams are a lot closer in talent to the big boys.  Two 16 seeds took #1 seeds to the wire.  I foresee a 16 seed getting that first win against a #1 in the near future.

Just another opening round of March Madness.

The Red Wings got an important win against the red-hot Ducks.  The Red Wings scored five on the road to get the first win of back-to-back games against the Ducks in a 5-1 victory.  Also of note, Justin Abdelkader got his first career hat-trick.  This coming a game after I spent a good five minutes ranting to a friend of mine about how I couldn't wait for him to get off of Pavel's line.

My negativity continues to be the good-luck charm of any Detroit based team or athlete.  Your welcome, Abdelkader.

Goodnight everybody, more madness tomorrow as MSU and Michigan play at the Palace tomorrow.  Michigan plays VCU at 12:15 and MSU takes on Memphis after that.

SHOUT OUT TO ME!!!! 200 posts!  Woo!

Bearded Bracketology: Predictions

Well the brackets are in, and we are on the eve of the beginning of one the most exciting months in all of sports.  It's March Madness, BABY, BEST TIME OF THE YEAR, IT'S AWESOME!!!! (Dickie V voice)

What makes March Madness so great is the unpredictability of it all.  But why the hell should that stop us from trying to predict the out come???  SO without further delay, here are some of the predictions made in Bearded Bracketology!

Me:
Final Four: Indiana, Florida, Ohio State, Duke.
National Championship:  Indiana over Duke.

• Indiana was my preseason pick, and winning the regular season title in the tough Big Ten can only help prepare a team for a tournament run.  I think they are well-balanced and can beat any team in a variety of ways.  But the difference for me is their ability to run the court.  Any missed shot suddenly becomes a fast break opportunity for the Hoosiers.  They can run any team up and down the court.  

Ryan Theisen:

Final Four:  Duke, OSU, Michigan, Miami.

National Championship: Duke over Miami.

• Duke has unreal three-point shooting.  I believe Steph Curry is the best shooter in the country.  Ryan Kelly's versatility causes matchup nightmares for opponents, and Mason Plumlee on the block is hard to keep off the boards.  They have too many weapons to matchup with.

Sully:

Final Four:  Wisconsin, St. Louis, Miami, Georgetown

National Championship: Miami over Wisconsin.

• Miami is experienced and clicking right now.  They have an easy road to the finals, as long as they get past Indiana.  St. Louis is hot and underrated, they will make a run.  Georgetown is a rising team in a region of falling teams.  And Wisconsin's defense allows them to be in games, even if they're not shooting well
• Potential Upsets: Minnesota, Davidson, St. Mary's, Belmont, Colorado.

E.J: 

Final Four: Louisville, Ohio State, Indiana, Georgetown

National Championship:  Indiana over Louisville

• Indiana because of their quickness, experience, shooting, and their inside game. As an all-around team, I don't think anyone is on their level.  
• Don't be surprised to see Wisconsin make a run potentially to the Final Four.  Their D is lockdown.  I have them taking out Gonzaga in the Sweet 16
• Florida, Gonzaga, Miami, and Michigan are the most overrated going into the tournament.
• UPSET:  Butler will take out Miami in the Sweet 16

Bryan Berend:

Final Four: Michigan, Louisville, Indiana, Ohio State

National Champion: Michigan

• Michigan because I think they have all the elements of a championship team if they can work together and not have Burke do all the work

Mike "Stank" Hoban also wanted to note an upset he's calling.

• Pitt over the zags in the second round, kelly olyenik doesn't play many other seven footers and I think he will struggle

Thanks to those sharing their predictions, if you would like yours included, try to get a hold of me before tomorrow morning and I will try to accommodate you.  Or just leave it in the comment section... I read those... I will be enjoying four games of college basketball LIVE from the Palace of Auburn Hills.  It's about time some good basketball was played there.

But thank you all who joined the Bearded Bracketology, all 11 of you.  There's still one of you who hasn't identified yourself, CaptainSquirt10... I thought that name was fake til I saw you've been a member at ESPN since 2010 and actually filled out your favorite teams.  Identify yourself, or I may kick you out of the group cuz I am a giant tool...

(I probably won't, but I would like to know who you are, obviously you at least read my blog.)

Anywho, Goodnight, Good luck, and Enjoy the Madness people.

Bearded Bracketology: Let the Madness Begin

Selection Sunday.  It's that day that every team works for, whether it's the midmajor teams hoping for a chance or the top teams battle for the top seed and a beneficial regional placement.

It's like that first day of spring.  The grind of the season is over and college basketball starts a new.

This year should shape up to be a dandy of a tournament, with no real top team and a lot of good solid teams in the field.  Anything can happen. (Well, except maybe a 16 seed winning a game. Some day...)

Although most sports bloggers will probably tell you their final four, upsets and list off reasons why they're right.  Truth is, they don't know jack... and guess what? Neither do I.  The tournament is a crap shoot and that's what makes it great.

So in my expert opinion, here's some things to watch for in the 2013 rendition of the NCAA tournament:

• Watch the games.  They're gonna be good.  Even the low seeds will give the higher seeds trouble this year.  Minnesota an 11, Oregon's a 12, South Dakota State has one of the best players in college basketball, and you've probably never heard of him. (Nate Wolters)
• 1 seeds on upset alert.  The top seeds of this tournament aren't ever Final Four locks, this year especially.  Gonzaga hasn't been tested, Indiana went through the grind of B1G ball, Louisville struggled mightily for a stretch and Kansas could face matchups that will give them fits.
• The Big Ten.  The Big Ten has been hailed as the best conference in basketball this season, will it translate to their first national champion since Michigan State in 2000?

In terms of our two local schools, Michigan State got a draw that really could favor them.  They should handle Valpo no problem, but Memphis will be a challenge.  The 30 win team from Conference USA has no shortage of athleticism, but I don't expect this Izzo team to fall flat early.  The Spartans then could potentially face Duke, and Coach K will not want to see this Izzo team in March.  MSU would be a matchup nightmare for the Blue Devils and could definitely get to the Elite 8 over the 2 seeded Duke boys.  

Ultimately, I expect MSU to make to the Sweet 16.  I haven't decided who I am going to officially take in the Duke/MSU matchup, but just for S's and G's, I'm going Sparty.  But Elite 8 is as far as I'll take them.  But I'm usually wrong.

Now Michigan on the other hand, has themselves a tougher draw, but one that could work in their favor.  Should be a fun matchup against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.  Two of the best point guards in the country with Trey Burke and Nate Wolters.  Michigan has the better team so should win... SHOULD.  After that they'll probably have a date with VCU.  That will be a great game to watch; two teams that match up well with each other.  I will take Michigan in that one, but it could go either way.

Michigan to the Sweet 16.  With the high expectations going into the season and the high ranking maintained most of the year, if that's the round the run stopped many fans would see it as a failure.  And the angry, critical part of me wants to agree, but I think we saw how good this Michigan team really is as the season unfolded.  Talented, but not all there and missing that killer instinct.  Michigan has that potential to upset Kansas, but I'll take the Jayhwaks in that matchup and a Sweet 16 exit for the Wolverines.

But the thing that I care most about, is WHERE ARE MY HAWKEYES???? COME ON HAWKEYE NATION GOT JOBBED!!!! HAWKEYE UP HAWKEYE UP!

***** 

I'M NOT DONE YET!

I am hosting an online bracket through ESPN, so if you would like to join in the Bearded Bracketology, let me know and I will hook you up with an invite and the secret password.  It'd be greatly appreciated if you joined in, and plus it's free.  You know you're going to do at least ONE bracket, why not make it a Bearded one?

Also, I would like to do a post about my predictions and the others in this pool.  If you would like to do a quick, one-two paragraph blurb about your final four/winner and local school prediction and have it featured in my blog, let me know and send me a write up.  I think it'd be a cool feature, and you get to show off how much smarter you are than me.

MSU Poised for Tourney Run

It's March.  And as everyone knows, that's Izzo's month.  Last night the Spartans had their first tournament game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Tournament.  And despite all my Hawkeye Up! chants, MSU, after trailing all game, rallied and beat the Hawkeyes 59-56.

Before any of my Spartan fans yell at me, I was pulling for the Hawkeyes because I thought it was comical that they were flirting with a real possibility of making it to the big dance.  And as I told a couple of my friends weeks ago, (and have the texts to prove it) if Iowa were playing Michigan, I would have pulled equally as hard for Hawkeye Nation.  HAWKEYE UP HAWKEYE UP! (yes it'd making fun of Purdue's stupid cheer.  Toot Toot.)

I watched most of the game at a very loud diner, so I could hardly tell what was going on, but here's what I did see.  Iowa held the lead all game, then collapsed like Michigan with a lead; MSU built a pretty decent late lead (8 points I believe correct me if I'm wrong) and then they decided it was time to play like Michigan late in the game, and let Iowa storm back and cut it to one.  Then benefitted from what looked to me like a very questionable foul call, and in very unMichiganlike fashion, made both free throws and sealed the deal.

As sad as I am for Hawkeye Nation for once again not getting that prom invitation from their secret crush, I am not surprised at all, even with Iowa holding a double digit lead for a significant portion of the game.  Because it's March.  And Izzo does March.  I honestly don't know why I see so many Spartan freak outs after losses, wait til March.  Save those couches for March, imagine how big that fire would be.

Adrien Payne is finally playing like the game changer that he is with his size and athleticism.  And Gary Harris is the real deal.  Combine those two with Izzo's insane ability to win in March, and you have a team poised for a Final Four run.

But they aren't perfect, no team in college basketball is this season.  I mean we have Gonzaga as the #1 team... Gonzaga.  Just let that sink in for a moment people... The same school that produced Adam Morrison.

Although Derrick Nix has improved year after year, he still has about as much endurance as I do.  Plus it doesn't help that he's an easy target for cheap foul calls.  And then there's plenty of instances where he earns the foul.  He's also prone to frustration fouls/mistakes, like last night's technical.

And I'm sure I don't need to tell any Spartan fan about the question mark that is Keith Appling.  He's a stud point guard, then he's as dumb as a sack of potatoes, and as useful as one too.  He's the key to how far MSU will go.  The Spartans can't afford inconsistent and shaky play from their point guard, no team can.

Today against Ohio State will be an interesting matchup.  Payne will probably get the bulk of the duties on Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft is probably the most annoying player to ever play basketball.  Ultimately, this game is important for both teams.  Michigan's loss opens the door for these two teams to try to snag a two seed.  If MSU wins, I think they'll be a 2 seed and play at the Palace.  But since my bracketolgy knowledge is about as equivalent as my biology knowledge, I'm probably wrong.

But here's what I do know.  Michigan State has got a balanced team, and strong enough bigs to bang around with any team in the country.  And Tom Izzo is at the helm.  This team is poised for a deep tournament run this March.

The Tale of Two Halves; Michigan Falls to Badgers

How to beat Michigan:  Step one: Foul them.  They can't make free throws, ask Indiana and Wisconsin.

Step Two:  Pound it inside.  You will be met with little resistance. (Again, ask Indiana and Wisconsin.)

Michigan had a chance to silence some doubters and get a revenge game against Wisconsin after the Badgers beat them in the only regular season matchup in dramatic fashion.  I am not recapping it because I don't like being sad and angry.

But today, Michigan proved once again, that they are not tough and can be bullied.  Wisconsin shot an incredible 17% in the first half, and miraculously only trailed by 3.  Michigan went 0-4 from the stripe in the first half, and also failed to make a three point basket.

Then in the second half, Wisconsin had their way with Michigan and then some, pounding the ball inside at will, which opened up the arch for it's three point shooters.  Wisconsin scored 51 second half points.  And anyone who's seen Wisconsin play a game knows that 51 points in a game for them is an accomplishments, let alone 20 minutes.

But Michigan's bigs got worked and offered no resistance.  Not even little resistance, no resistance.  But Michigan rallied from an 11 point deficit to get it to two late in the game.  But they're 7 (10-17) missed free throws loomed too large and Wisconsin got momentum back by, you guessed it, out working the Wolverines inside and getting free throws.  

In any tight game, free throws are a deciding factor.  Michigan lost to Indiana because they failed to make free throws down the stretch.  Had Michigan made free throws in this one, the half time lead would have been bigger, and those 7 points would have loomed large late in this one.

And on the other end, Wisconsin made they're free throws, going 16-21 from the line, a +6 point differential to Michigan's 10-17.

There isn't much else to add.  Michigan shot poor from three, poor from the field, poor from the line.  The defense got worked in the second half, and Michigan had no consistency on offense.  This is not a good way to go into the tournament.  

Unless Michigan dials up the defense and makes some free throws, this run won't go past the Sweet 16.  Coach Beilein has got his work cut out for him.

SIDEBAR:

I saw something on Twitter that really irked me.  I saw "fans" attempting to trend #FireBelein.  Really? Fire Beilein?  Why? Because we didn't win a share of the Big Ten? Because we didn't win the Big Ten Tournament?  It's not like we've been a top ten team all year in the best conference in college basketball.

Why don't you all who hopped on this bandwagon drink a nice glass of calm down juice, get back to me in a week and see if you feel the same way.  Guarantee you won't.

Lions Win in March, But What About December?

Photo Credit: NBCSports.com

The Detroit Lions were big winners on day two of free agency, signing all three of their free agent targets and agreeing to terms to bring back starting cornerback Chris Houston.

The Lions haul Wednesday included running back Reggie Bush, safety Glover Quin, and defensive lineman Jason Jones.  Each player fills a major need for the team.

Reggie Bush signed four-year deal worth $16 million.  Bush fills the void left by the injured Jahvid Best, who's missed a season and a half with concussion complications.  The offense was dynamic with Best in, and the Lions hope Bush can bring that explosiveness in the run game that's been missing.

If I weren't a Lions fan I'd be all over this.  It's an absolute perfect fit.  Too perfect, in fact.  But since I am a Lions fan, I am 100% convinced something will go wrong with the deal.  But my pessimism aside, this is an absolute huge win for the Lions.

Jason Jones is a guy who is from Detroit, went to Eastern, and played under Schwartz his rookie season in Tennessee.  Jones brings much needed depth and versatility on the d-line.  He was primarily a backup in Seattle last year, so his stats aren't impressive, but Jones will likely start at end for Detroit.  With Fairely and Suh up the middle, Jones could have a breakout season.

The best signing in my opinion is the Glover Quin signing.  He may not carry the name power of Reggie Bush, but Quin is the biggest uprgrade made so far this young offseason.  Quin is a coverage safety who played corner most of his career in college and was drafted as a corner by the Houston Texans.  Quin is a safety that can cover, something the Lions have been missing in their revolving door of safeties.  But most importantly, he doesn't get hurt.  He started all 16 games last season.

Being able to bring back Chris Houston coupled with Quin automatically takes the secondary from awful to solid.  Houston and Quin usually don't get hurt, and they are both more than reliable in coverage.

The Lions still have plenty of holes to fill, and with the retirement of Jeff Backus, another hole on a questionable offensive line just opened up.  Reif was projected to move to right guard but will probably now stay at left tackle.  Meaning right guard is now open once again.

Lions also need another starting linebacker, but Justin Durant could be back in the mix with the Backus retirement freeing up more space and the lack of interest in suitors for Durant.

With the 5th pick in the draft and plenty of holes to fill, I don't think that even the Detroit Lions could screw up that pick... What am I saying? Of course they can.  By the way, I'm leaning towards wanting Jarvis Jones.  He's a freak and built like a tank.

Regroup and Retool: Everyone Loves a Comeback

Regroup and retool.  Used to be the adage of a very influential basketball coach I played under in my youth.  First practice after every loss, "Time to regroup and retool."  We would then run our rear-ends off for half the practice, then finally touch a basketball or two.

Regroup and retool. After a loss, after a bad stretch in a game, after any setback I would incur "back in the day," I would hear, "regroup and retool."  It led to many great successes for me on and off the court.  I lived my youth by that montra. (I say that like I'm actually old or something... I feel so pretentious)

Didn't have a good game out on the court? Regroup and retool.
Didn't do so hot on that math test?  Regroup and retool.
Got dumped? Regroup and retool.
Rinse, wash, repeat, regroup, retool.

Somewhere along the lines, I no longer heard that voice in the back of my head telling me to regroup in retool.  It got drowned out in the noise of high school bull crap and the wild times of the college life.  (I use the term "wild" very lightly.)

Through all that has happened to me the past two years, that montra should have been ringing louder than ever before.  But it wasn't.  It was gone, almost completely wiped from memory as I became absorbed in self-indulgent apathy and self-sacrificing decisions.

Regroup and retool.  I suddenly hear Coach repeating that over and over again in my head again, just like it were St. Mary basketball all over again.  I even hear the whistle and I sigh thinking that it's time to run another "tear it down."

I have vowed comebacks and sworn change before, but never stuck to it.  Will this one be any different?  Who knows?  I can tell you one thing, those other times I started back up, I couldn't hear the voice in my head commanding me to run and blowing a whistle constantly.

Regroup and retool.  It's bout time I regrouped and retooled myself and get back to my roots.  No matter what I else I try, no matter where I may stray, sports are my thing.  I lost the passion along the way, tried to fool myself that I was beyond them.  I forgot the montra.  It's not regroup and start a new.  It's regroup and retool.

And fans, all... 3 of you?  I am regrouping and retooling.  And here's what's going down.
Every... Sunday?  I haven't decided the day, Sunday probably, I am going to do a weekly post, probably weekly wrap ups, or some interesting crap I decide to spew.   You know how I do.
I'm also reviving the Twitter dedicated to sports journalism.  I am going to (try to) keep the tweets mostly professional.  News, new posts, instant 140 character analysis, all the good shhhtuff the people like.
Guest bloggers??  Why the heck not!  I anticipate this to be done zero times, but if you have something you want to say and share to all my readers, I will gladly hook you up with some free publicity, I have like... 100 twitter followers sooooo I'm kind of a big deal (in my head anyways)

Here's what I'm going to be covering in my head right now:  Local Michigan sports (duh) noteworthy national stories, random sports stories that I can't resist, and I'm adding Barclay's Premier League soccer to my docket, now that DirecTV lets me watch Fox Soccer.

On the docket for tomorrow, I will write up about the Michigan and Michigan State games, other fascinating stories from the conference tournaments, aaaaaaaaaannnnd that's it. Probably.  I don't know.

Well anyways, thank you all for reading this.  I am sorry to have deprived you for so long, as a thank you, I'll be posting a piece for my late night readers right after I spread this throughout Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other magically things on the internets.

(I need a cool sign off at the end of posts that are like this, not news, someone give me ideas, hit me up with comments or something)

Stay classy, intrawebs.