WASHINGTON — The NCAA gets a lot of grief. Justifiably so.
The unwieldy organization chooses to act like a powerless confederation when
schools jump leagues, yet brings the hammer if a 19-year-old gets a free
sandwich. It’s an organization that is ridiculously behind the times on
athlete compensation…but won’t let you take a non-sponsored cup to press row
at the NCAA Tournament. But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
For years, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has had what is in effect an
opening/play-in round. They’ve titled it the “First Four,” and the record
books treats those games in Dayton like “First Round” Games, causing confusion
when the round of 64 is now the second round, and so on. I feel uncomfortable
with the second/third round labeling of the first weekend games, and just
refer to them as “round of 64” or “round of 32”.
Somehow the NCAA finally woke up and announced they will call the round of 64
the First Round…starting in 2016 (hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day). Sanity
at long last! I’m not saying they’re going to get major issues right all of
the sudden. But that’s a start.
Maryland at Michigan
Welcome to THE BIG HOUSE. Michigan Stadium seats over 109,000 fans, but
unfortunately for the UM faithful, the team hasn’t given them much to cheer
about this fall. A 5-5 start with home losses to Utah and Minnesota. A coach
under fire…and an Athletic Director shown the door. The Wolverines have won
three of four thanks to improved defense (-9 rushing yards allowed against
Northwestern), but QB Devin Gardner is a shell of his 2013 performance (21
TD’s passing with 11 rushing last year — 8 and 3 this fall). Speaking of
seniors slipping, CJ Brown tries to turn around what’s been a disappointing
fall as well (5 TD’s and 6 INT in Big Ten play). If only Maryland had a ground
game…
Terps tumble, 26-14.
Virginia hosts Miami
Can the Cavaliers end a four game losing streak and keep its bowl hopes alive?
Will running back Kevin Parks shake off the November frost (56 yards on 20
carries this month)? Is Greyson Lambert’s play forcing Mike London to junk the
Magic Eight Ball once and for all? “Better not tell you now” is the reply. The
Eight Ball would have a field day with the Hurricanes — since joining the
ACC, they’ve represented fool’s gold more often than not. Nobody follows up a
“turning the corner win” better with a loss than this program over the last
decade. After their incredible effort that just came up short against #1
Florida State, this is just the type of game the U loses. And who doesn’t want
the Charlottesville faithful to have a faint hope of the postseason leading up
to their annual smackdown by Virginia Tech?
Cavaliers come up huge, 33-27.
Virginia Tech at Wake Forest
I certainly didn’t see the Hokies bouncing back to beat Coastal Division-
leading Duke. That win puts Frank Beamer’s team one victory away from becoming
bowl eligible, begging the question: do you want to see this team play a 13th
game? Michael Brewer makes too many mistakes, the running game remains
dormant, and special teams is a myth. Still, this team is only a pair of field
goals and a touchdown away from playing for an ACC championship. Wake Forest
is one field goal away from going winless against FBS competition.
Hokies destroy the Demon Deacons, 44-13.
Howard handles Hampton, Georgetown loses to Holy Cross, James
Madison rips Elon, Towson tops Rhode Island, William & Mary
edges Richmond, Morgan State beats Delaware State.
Last Week: 4-4. What can you say — Shelly took the leads…
Overall: 78-32.
