Every team in every sports dreams of getting to the championship game. Duke and Wisconsin are the only teams in college basketball that are lucky enough to get to this point. I will break down how these teams matchup, and predict who the winner will be.
Defense
The Badgers have the edge defensively. Bo Ryan has been an excellent defensive basketball coach for years, and he has a group of guys who buy in to his system. His system has paid off, as the Badgers are 12th in the nation in scoring defense. Duke is not great defensively, as they rank 111th in scoring defense. So, the Badgers have a clear edge on the defensive side of the ball.
Edge: Wisconsin
Offense
Duke knows how to score. as 4 of their starters are averaging over 10 points a night(led by Jahlin Okafor's 17.5 PPG). The Blue Devils 4th in the country in Points Per Game, while the Badgers(led by Frank Kaminsky's 18.2 PPG) are 65th in that category. Duke also has a great offensive backcourt, with Tyus Jones, Quinn Cook, Matt Jones and Grayson Allen all being capable of scoring a good amount of points. The Devils have the edge offensively.
Edge: Duke
Coaching
With all do respect to Bo Ryan, who is a excellent general, Coach K is the winningest coach in major college basketball history, and that is not an accident. I think Coach K is the greatest coach in the history of the sport, and that could be discussed in a seprate post.
Edge: Duke
Prediction
This will be a very close, fun and compelling game. I think that the key will be Wisconsin's ability to play defense and keep the ball out of Duke's hands. Anybody who has watched Wisconsin play knows about their ability to make crisp passes and play good, smart basketball and turn the game into a type of chess match. Because of this, I think that Duke's offense will be held down just enough, and Wisconsin will score just enough for their to be a celebration in Madison tonight. Frank Kaminsky will also play at least well enough to earn Final Four MVP. Jump around Badger fans.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Saturday, December 6, 2014
NFL Week 14 Predictios
1:00
Steelers(7-5) at Bengals(8-3-1)
This is a battle in the AFC North. The Steelers have been very inconsistent this season, as they always seem to play up to the level of their opponent, as evidenced by their 35-32 loss to the Saints on Sunday. I think what gives the Steelers the edge in this one is Le'von Bell going up against a Bengals run defense that is one of the worst in the league. I said this last week, but I'm going Steelers again.
Winner: Steelers
Panthers(3-8-1) at Saints(5-7)
The Saints are coming off a major road win in Pittsburgh. Drew Brees is going against a fairy bad Panthers secondary, and him and Jimmy Graham will cause big problems for the Cats in this NFC South matchup.
Winner: Saints
Ravens(7-5) at Dolphins(7-5)
This will be a good one. I'm going to give Baltimore the edge because I believe that Justin Forsett will have a nice game going up against a Miami run defense that is one of the worst in the league.
Winner: Ravens
Colts(8-4) at Browns(7-5)
This game is critical for Cleveland if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. I think the difference in this game will be the combination of Andrew Luck to TY Hilton. Although Cleveland has a very good secondary, Luck has come into his own as an elite QB and he will pull this one out for the Colts, with the help of Hilton, who is one of the best receivers in the league.
Winner: Colts
4:05
Bills(7-5) at Broncos(9-3)
I believe that the Broncos defense will stop an underwhelming Bills offense. Payton Manning will play well enough against the tough Bills defense to pull it out for the Broncos.
Winner: Broncos
Chiefs(7-5) at Cardinals(9-3)
This is a hard one to predict because the matchup is so even, but I am going with the Cards because I believe their defense is superior to KC's.
Winner: Cards
4:25
Seahawks(8-4) at Eagles(9-3)
Mark Sanchez has not played against a secondary as good as the Legion of Boom. After watching the Seahawks performance last week in San Francisco, I've concluded that that defense is legit. I'm taking the Hawk's in this one.
Winner: Seahawks.
Sunday Night
Patriots(9-3) at Chargers(8-4)
I'm going to surprise some people here and take the Bolts. I think that the Patriots secondary is shaky and Phillip Rivers will take advantage of that
Winner: Chargers
Steelers(7-5) at Bengals(8-3-1)
This is a battle in the AFC North. The Steelers have been very inconsistent this season, as they always seem to play up to the level of their opponent, as evidenced by their 35-32 loss to the Saints on Sunday. I think what gives the Steelers the edge in this one is Le'von Bell going up against a Bengals run defense that is one of the worst in the league. I said this last week, but I'm going Steelers again.
Winner: Steelers
Panthers(3-8-1) at Saints(5-7)
The Saints are coming off a major road win in Pittsburgh. Drew Brees is going against a fairy bad Panthers secondary, and him and Jimmy Graham will cause big problems for the Cats in this NFC South matchup.
Winner: Saints
Ravens(7-5) at Dolphins(7-5)
This will be a good one. I'm going to give Baltimore the edge because I believe that Justin Forsett will have a nice game going up against a Miami run defense that is one of the worst in the league.
Colts(8-4) at Browns(7-5)
This game is critical for Cleveland if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. I think the difference in this game will be the combination of Andrew Luck to TY Hilton. Although Cleveland has a very good secondary, Luck has come into his own as an elite QB and he will pull this one out for the Colts, with the help of Hilton, who is one of the best receivers in the league.
Winner: Colts
4:05
Bills(7-5) at Broncos(9-3)
I believe that the Broncos defense will stop an underwhelming Bills offense. Payton Manning will play well enough against the tough Bills defense to pull it out for the Broncos.
Chiefs(7-5) at Cardinals(9-3)
This is a hard one to predict because the matchup is so even, but I am going with the Cards because I believe their defense is superior to KC's.
Winner: Cards
4:25
Seahawks(8-4) at Eagles(9-3)
Mark Sanchez has not played against a secondary as good as the Legion of Boom. After watching the Seahawks performance last week in San Francisco, I've concluded that that defense is legit. I'm taking the Hawk's in this one.
Winner: Seahawks.
Sunday Night
Patriots(9-3) at Chargers(8-4)
I'm going to surprise some people here and take the Bolts. I think that the Patriots secondary is shaky and Phillip Rivers will take advantage of that
Winner: Chargers
Saturday, November 29, 2014
NFL Week 13: Key Predictions for Sunday/Monday Night games
These are my predictions for Sunday/Monday of Week 13 of the NFL Season. Remember, I do not pick every game, only the ones that are compelling or have some kind of importance for either 1 or both teams involved. If it is significant for 1 team only and will be a blowout, I will not write about it unless it is the Monday Night game. In other words, if you are looking for stuff on the Raiders, and let's face it why the hell would you be, you have come to the wrong place.
1:00
Saints(4-7) at Steelers(7-4)
The Saints defense has struggled a great deal this season, and Ben Roethlisberger and company will take advantage of that. I think Drew Brees and the Saints offense will keep things close, but the Steelers will be too much in the end.
Enjoy this pic of Big Ben
Winner: Steelers
Browns(7-4) at Bills(6-5)
This is a hard game to pick, but I think the difference for the Browns will be recently reinstated WR Josh Gordon. Gordon is one of the best receivers in the game, and also one of the fastest, and hehe will blow past the Bills secondary to lead the Browns to victory.
Winner: Browns
Chargers(7-4) at Ravens(7-4)
Another tough one to pick. T
he Ravens play very well at home, and the combination of that and Justin Forsett running against a mediocre Charges run defense will lead the Birds to victory.
Winner: Ravens
Panthers(3-7-1) at Vikings(4-7)
While this is a matchup between 2 bad teams, the Panthers still have something to play for as they are alive in the NFC South race. I think that this motivation will get them past Minnesota in this one.
Winner: Panthers
4:05
Cardinals(9-2) at Falcons(4-7)
The Cardinals are on fire, as they have one of the best defenses in the league. The Falcons have one of the worst running games in the league and the Cards have one of the best run defenses in the league, and this does not bode well for Atlanta. The Redbirds should have no problem disposing of a weak Falcons team that is somehow in first place.
Winner: Cardinals
4:25
Patriots(9-2) at Packers(8-3)
I hate picking games like this, as both teams are so good. However, I think the difference will be Aaron Rodgers going up against a Pats secondary that ranks 17th in the league. I also think that the Packers play inspired football at home. Also, Bill Belichick stating that Aaron Rodgers is no Tom Brady was not a smart move from a man who is a so called genius.
Winner: Packers
Sunday Night
Broncos(8-3) at Chiefs(7-4)
The Chiefs are known to play great at Arrowhead Stadium. This combined with a strong defense, and the emotional loss to the lowly Raiders last Thursday, will push KC ahead of Payton Manning and company.
Winner: Chiefs
Monday Night
Dolphins(6-5) at Jets(2-9)
I believe that the Dolphins have a good football team, and they are very strong defensively, particularly in the secondary. This will set them up real nicely for the woeful Jet's offense.
Winner: Dolphins
More CFB Predictions
#10 Michigan State(9-2) at Penn State(6-5)
I love Penn State, but I do not see them winning this one. There defense will keep it close on Senior Day, but I think Sparty will be too much to handle in the end, as Penn State's offense will struggle mightily.
Winner: Michigan State
Pitt(5-6) at Miami(7-4)
Pitt needs a win to become bowl eligible, and I don't think they get it. RB Duke Johnsen and WR Phillip Dorsett will be too much for Pitt to handle.
Winner: Miami
#2 Oregon(10-1) at Oregon State(5-6)
I believe that the Beavers will play hard and keep this game close for a while, but Marcus Mariota and the Ducks will be too talented in the end.
Winner: Oregon
I love Penn State, but I do not see them winning this one. There defense will keep it close on Senior Day, but I think Sparty will be too much to handle in the end, as Penn State's offense will struggle mightily.
Winner: Michigan State
Pitt(5-6) at Miami(7-4)
Pitt needs a win to become bowl eligible, and I don't think they get it. RB Duke Johnsen and WR Phillip Dorsett will be too much for Pitt to handle.
Winner: Miami
#2 Oregon(10-1) at Oregon State(5-6)
I believe that the Beavers will play hard and keep this game close for a while, but Marcus Mariota and the Ducks will be too talented in the end.
Winner: Oregon
Friday, November 28, 2014
College Football: Rivalry Week Preview
It is rivalry week in College Football. Let's get into some of the matchups.
12:00
Michigan (5-6) at #6 Ohio State (10-1)
One of the most storied rivalries in all of sports is not what it used to be. The Buckeyes have won 11 of the past 13 matchups against ''The Team Up North'', and Saturday won't be much different. QB JT Barrett and the Buckeyes will roll, and it will most likely be Brady Hoke's last game on the sidelines for Michigan.
Winner: Ohio State
South Carolina(6-5) at #23 Clemson(8-3)
The Tigers have struggled with Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks in recent years, but that will change tomorrow. I expect Clemson to play inspired football and win quite handily, as this will be the end to a disappointing season for USC.
Winner: Clemson
#16 Georgia Tech(9-2) at #9 Georgia(9-2)
Georgia Tech's triple option offense could cause problems for the Georiga defense. However, I believe that Geroiga is better defensivly then Tech is, and runningback Nick Chubb will be the difference for the Dawgs.
Winner: Georgia
3:30
#4 Mississippi State(10-1) at #19 Ole Miss(8-3)
Once a team that looked like a playoff contender, Ole Miss has fallen on hard times, with tough losses to Auburn and Arkansas. Meanwhile, Mississippi State, led by QB Dak Prescott, will most likely need a win to get into the playoffs. I have a feeling that Ole Miss will pull off the upset tomorrow. I think the Rebels will play very hard since they have nothing to lose, and im still not sold on MSU as a top team.
Winner: Ole Miss
Florida(6-5) at #3 Florida State(11-0)
Florida is not what they used to be. Jameis Winston and the Noles will dish out a pounding in this one to add to Florida coach Will Muschamp's misery.
Winner: Florida State
#18 Minnesota (8-3) at #14 Wisconsin(9-2)
This will be a good one. I think that running back Melvin Gordon will be the difference for the Badgers, and they will take home the Paul Bunyan axe.
Winner: Wisconsion
7:45
#15 Auburn(8-3) at #1 Alabama(10-1)
The Iron Bowl. One of th
e most storied rivalries in all of sports. The Tigers have seen a once promising season turn to disappointment, as they have dropped game to Georiga and Texas A&M. I think that the Tide will simply be to much for the Tigers in this one.
Winner: Alabama
12:00
One of the most storied rivalries in all of sports is not what it used to be. The Buckeyes have won 11 of the past 13 matchups against ''The Team Up North'', and Saturday won't be much different. QB JT Barrett and the Buckeyes will roll, and it will most likely be Brady Hoke's last game on the sidelines for Michigan.
Winner: Ohio State
South Carolina(6-5) at #23 Clemson(8-3)
The Tigers have struggled with Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks in recent years, but that will change tomorrow. I expect Clemson to play inspired football and win quite handily, as this will be the end to a disappointing season for USC.
Winner: Clemson
#16 Georgia Tech(9-2) at #9 Georgia(9-2)
Georgia Tech's triple option offense could cause problems for the Georiga defense. However, I believe that Geroiga is better defensivly then Tech is, and runningback Nick Chubb will be the difference for the Dawgs.
3:30
#4 Mississippi State(10-1) at #19 Ole Miss(8-3)
Once a team that looked like a playoff contender, Ole Miss has fallen on hard times, with tough losses to Auburn and Arkansas. Meanwhile, Mississippi State, led by QB Dak Prescott, will most likely need a win to get into the playoffs. I have a feeling that Ole Miss will pull off the upset tomorrow. I think the Rebels will play very hard since they have nothing to lose, and im still not sold on MSU as a top team.
Florida(6-5) at #3 Florida State(11-0)
Florida is not what they used to be. Jameis Winston and the Noles will dish out a pounding in this one to add to Florida coach Will Muschamp's misery.
Winner: Florida State
This will be a good one. I think that running back Melvin Gordon will be the difference for the Badgers, and they will take home the Paul Bunyan axe.
Winner: Wisconsion
#15 Auburn(8-3) at #1 Alabama(10-1)
The Iron Bowl. One of th
e most storied rivalries in all of sports. The Tigers have seen a once promising season turn to disappointment, as they have dropped game to Georiga and Texas A&M. I think that the Tide will simply be to much for the Tigers in this one.
Winner: Alabama
Saturday, November 22, 2014
NFL Week 12 Predictions For Key Matchups
1:00
New England (8-2) vs. Detroit(7-3)
This is a good matchup. I think the fact that New England is 17th in the league in allowing passing yards will work in Matt Stafford's favor, and Detroit will pull this one out.
Winner: Lions
4:05
Seahawks(6-4) at Cardinals(9-1)
In this NFC West matchup, I am expecting a defensive battle. I believe that the strength of the Seahawks run defense, as well as the weakness of the Cardinals passing game, will be the key to a Seattle victory
Winner: Seahawks
4:25
Dolphins(6-4) at Broncos(7-3)
This will be very close. It will be interesting to see how Payton Manning matches up with the Miami secondary, which ranks 2nd in the league. However, I do not think the Dolphins have proven enough this season, and I will go with Payton and company in this one.
Winner: Broncos.
New England (8-2) vs. Detroit(7-3)
This is a good matchup. I think the fact that New England is 17th in the league in allowing passing yards will work in Matt Stafford's favor, and Detroit will pull this one out.
Winner: Lions
4:05
Seahawks(6-4) at Cardinals(9-1)
In this NFC West matchup, I am expecting a defensive battle. I believe that the strength of the Seahawks run defense, as well as the weakness of the Cardinals passing game, will be the key to a Seattle victory
Winner: Seahawks
4:25
Dolphins(6-4) at Broncos(7-3)
This will be very close. It will be interesting to see how Payton Manning matches up with the Miami secondary, which ranks 2nd in the league. However, I do not think the Dolphins have proven enough this season, and I will go with Payton and company in this one.
Winner: Broncos.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
College Football Preview
12:00
#8 Ohio State at #25 Minnesota
The Buckeyes(8-1) are coming off of a huge win at Michigan State. Led by Freshman QB JT Barrett and Sophomore DT Joey Bosa, the Bucks have defied expections after star QB Braxton Miller was lost for the season in August. The Gophers(7-2) are led by Senior RB David Cobb, who has over 1,000 yards rushing. I think that Ohio State will pull away late, and win this one by at least 2 touchdowns.
Winner: Ohio State
#19 Clemson at #22 Georgia Tech
The Tigers are led by Sophmore Reciever Mike Williams, while the Yellow Jackets and their Triple Option offense QB Justin Thomas. It will be close, but I think Thomas will be the difference for the Jackets in this one.
Winner: Georiga Tech
3:30
#16 Nebraska at #20 Wisconsin
2 of the best runningbacks in the country will square off in this one. Both Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Nebraska's Ameer Abdulla are in the hunt for the Heisman. This is an even game, but beating the Badgers in Madinson is not easy and I don't think the Huskers will be an exception.
Winner: Wisconsin
#1 Mississippi State at #5 Alabama
The biggest game of the day, this one is too close to call. The Bulldogs are led by QB Dak Prescott, who is in the Heisman race. #5 Alabama is coming off a big come from behind win at LSU, and is led by another Heisman candidate in WR Amari Cooper. It will be a tough game, but MSU has been shaky at times during the season which concerns me, and they do not fair well in Tuscaloosa, and I think Cooper will make a huge difference.
Winner: Amari Cooper
7:15
#9 Auburn at #15 Georgia
Auburn is coming off of a upset at the hands of Texas A&M, while Georgia is getting a huge boost with the return of stud RB Todd Gurley. QB Nick Marshall and the Tigers will have their hands full in Athens. I think that the return of Gurley, along with Auburn being, in my opinion, overrated, will doom the Tigers.
Winner: Auburn.
#8 Ohio State at #25 Minnesota
The Buckeyes(8-1) are coming off of a huge win at Michigan State. Led by Freshman QB JT Barrett and Sophomore DT Joey Bosa, the Bucks have defied expections after star QB Braxton Miller was lost for the season in August. The Gophers(7-2) are led by Senior RB David Cobb, who has over 1,000 yards rushing. I think that Ohio State will pull away late, and win this one by at least 2 touchdowns.
Winner: Ohio State
#19 Clemson at #22 Georgia Tech
The Tigers are led by Sophmore Reciever Mike Williams, while the Yellow Jackets and their Triple Option offense QB Justin Thomas. It will be close, but I think Thomas will be the difference for the Jackets in this one.
Winner: Georiga Tech
3:30
#16 Nebraska at #20 Wisconsin
2 of the best runningbacks in the country will square off in this one. Both Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Nebraska's Ameer Abdulla are in the hunt for the Heisman. This is an even game, but beating the Badgers in Madinson is not easy and I don't think the Huskers will be an exception.
Winner: Wisconsin
#1 Mississippi State at #5 Alabama
The biggest game of the day, this one is too close to call. The Bulldogs are led by QB Dak Prescott, who is in the Heisman race. #5 Alabama is coming off a big come from behind win at LSU, and is led by another Heisman candidate in WR Amari Cooper. It will be a tough game, but MSU has been shaky at times during the season which concerns me, and they do not fair well in Tuscaloosa, and I think Cooper will make a huge difference.
Winner: Amari Cooper
7:15
#9 Auburn at #15 Georgia
Auburn is coming off of a upset at the hands of Texas A&M, while Georgia is getting a huge boost with the return of stud RB Todd Gurley. QB Nick Marshall and the Tigers will have their hands full in Athens. I think that the return of Gurley, along with Auburn being, in my opinion, overrated, will doom the Tigers.
Winner: Auburn.
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