MSU game reaction

Wow that was brutal. If you can stomach it a link to the recap is here. We were out rebounded, out shot and just generally outplayed in the second half. This was a reality check that we aren't the cream of the Big 10's crop just yet. I also though don't think it is the end of the world. MSU was supposed to be a top 5 team and I still have them as a Big 10 favorite. I think we will have more of an issue if we show up like this for the Ohio State game which I view as a must-win.

While it has been nice that we have gotten scoring from everyone we need to find someone who against elite opponents we can lean on and it appears that our best shot is Nolen who did get 14 points and 7 assists. Westbrook forces his shot and is too small, Hoff can't create his own shot and the Twin Towers lack a low post move. The defense did still look good until they got desperate and played outside themselves at the end of the game except we need to improve the rebounding.

One final thought is that I get violently ill anytime I see Jonathon Williams or JAS handle the ball.

Other Thoughts

I watched the Michigan-Wisconsin game and Michigan looked more brutal than the Gophers. I think they had a couple good games but they don't play enough defense to do anything in the Big 10.

The biggest problem I have with the current BCS is they have ruined New Year's Day football. The only game I want to see is USC - Penn St. How exciting is the nightcap of Virginia Tech - Cincinnati. I'm most excited to watch hockey on New Year's at Wrigley Field.

That is all for now as I go settle down to see if the Gopher Football team can salvage the day with a healthy Decker and a power running game. Happy New Year's everyone.

Stats of the Day

• Jordan Schroeder in WJC 3g, 6a 9pts. Tied for 1st in tournament scoring
• Rebounds: MSU 41, Minnesota 22
• Dallas 67, Timberwolves 38 in the second half
  

Intro and Musings

Hello out there, can anyone hear me. This blog will consist of what I find interesting or amusing in the world of sports. It will talk of Gopher sports, Twins baseball and what else strikes (no pun intended and I mean that) my fancy. I will try to mix my love of statistics and love of sports in hopes to entertain.

First up is my take on the upcoming Gopher Basketball Big Ten Opener against Michigan St. New Years' Eve.

#21 Minnesota (12-0) Vs. #10 Michigan State (9-2)

This is not an easy first match-up to call. Minnesota has walked through a cupcake schedule full of South Dakota States and High Points to an undefeated record. They did soundly beat a Louisville team on a neutral court but there are questions as to Louisville's legitimacy also. Michigan State is supposed to challenge for the Big 10 title but has laid eggs against Maryland and North Carolina. On the flip side they did go to Houston and beat Texas.

I think Minnesota is probably along with Wisconsin the best defensive team in the conference and should cause problems for a Michigan State team that lacks a go-to scorer. Raymar Morgan does lead the team but he is the definition of inconsistent similar to a frustrating Dan Coleman. He will try to score on Damian Johnson (DJ Swat) who has caused issues for everyone from Earl Clark to Eric Gordon.

I think Minnesota at home in front of a rocking Barn will cause troubles especially if Delvon Roe does not play. The only problem is if the Twin Towers Colt 45 and RSIII can maintain Goran Suton like they did Samuels of Louisville. I think Nolen (Absolute Zero) and the Hoff will lead the Gophers to victory.

Prediction: Gophers 74, Spartans 65