Happy Thanksgiving!

Bothered By the BCS

Another November is about to pass, so it is about that time where we get pissed about the way that college football ends there season. This past weekend on the college football gridiron really screwed things up. Let me today, in my free time, give you some scenarios that could happen to end the season. Which would ultimately put another chapter to why the BCS sucks. Here are some things that could indeed happen:

1) Alabama and Florida both lose to Auburn and Florida State this weekend then play each other in the following week for the SEC Championship. Does the winner of that game still deserve a shot at the BCS title?

2) Florida loses to Florida State, Alabama beats Auburn then loses to Florida in the SEC title game. Who goes to the title now?

3) Texas/Oklahoma/Texas Tech all win this weekend. Oklahoma ends up winning the south division because of a higher BCS score and plays Missouri in the Big 12 title game...and loses. What happens now? Texas or Texas Tech or Missouri goes?

4) Missouri wins the Big 12 title over Texas. Alabama wins the SEC title over Florida. If Oklahoma is ranked 4th in the BCS before championship week are they guaranteed a shot at the title now?

5) USC defeats Notre Dame and UCLA each by more than 24 points. Do they get a shot if Alabama wins the conference, and Missouri wins theirs?

6) How about if Florida defeats Alabama in the conference title match, and Missouri wins the Big 12 over Oklahoma and USC loses? Alabama, Texas, or Texas Tech?

7) Let's say by some miracle that Texas, Oklahoma, and USC all lose before championship week. Texas Tech loses to Missouri in the Big 12 final. Alabama beats Florida in the SEC final. Now all those teams I mentioned have two loses except Alabama. Now who goes?

8) Would Penn State still get a shot? Probably not, how about Utah? They are currently ranked 6th in the BCS.

9) Alabama has been ranked #1 for most of the season, if they end up losing to Florida in the SEC title game and the Big 12 winner has two losses. Are you going to put a different team in the Big 12 that has 1 loss in the BCS title game even though they didn't even make it to their own Conference Championship?

10) Finally, I ran out of thoughts that would screw the BCS. But, honestly this is absolutely stupid that college football still does something like this. Let's find out our champion on the field, not by some stupid computers. Eliminate two games on your regular season schedule, that is all you have to do. This system really sucks and it is bothering me so much that I have to stop.

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

After a record number of votes last week, case #1 Claudia is victorious with an 8-6 win over case #23 Aubrie. Aubrie still has a chance so long that her six votes gets her a bye, but it is not likely. We continue the second round with a match up between the shortest and cutiest models. Enjoy, and keep on voting!

URSULA - Holder of case #5, Ursula Mayes was born on August 9th on a military base in Seoul, South Korea. Her exotic looks come from a Korean mother and a German/Native American father. Mayes has landed many magazine covers within a short period of time, making her one of L.A.'s and the nation's top fresh faces on the rise. She has been featured in magazines such as Maxim, Stuff, Muscle & Fitness, OC Health, Karma, People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People issue and many more.

SARA - Holder of case #7, Sara Bronson was born in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly relocated to Calabasas, California at the young age of two. She knew early in life that she wanted to be an entertainer. Whether she was dancing, singing, or acting, she really just loved to perform. She is currently co-hosting “Life after Film School,” where she interviews some of the industry's top producers and directors. She recently helped Howie Mandel present at the 2006 Emmys and was also a presenter at the Asian Excellence Awards. You might also see Sara in one of her many national commercials or print ads.

American Music Awards

Here at The Nutz we don't take too much time with the music industry. I don't want to pretend that I know a ton, even though I have a enjoyment of all different types of music. The 2008 American Music Awards was Sunday night, and I have to say they had the best performances of all the artists that I was really took in by. From Ne-Yo's remixes of "Independent Woman" to "Closer" that brought the audience to their feet, to Beyonce's amazing dancing ability (God I love her) that showed off her unbelievable body, to the talented Alicia Keys, to Mariah Carey's extreme voice live (she is still amazing to look at), and Coldplay and Kanye's powerful songs on stage. It truly was an incredible night of performances all over the board. In case you missed it, here's a look at some of them:

Weekend Review

What a weekend!? It was cold everywhere...yes even here in Florida! But for me, for once everything worked out. I was sick all week and catching up on school work was not fun at all. Luckily for me I have an off week, so I can catch up on some needed blogging. And Thanksgiving Week couldn't start any better this past weekend. Here's a look at how I fared with my teams this past weekend.

PENN STATE - The Nittany Lions are in their first Rose Bowl since 1995. Is it because of the luck of their newly enrolled student? I think so! With 81-year-old coach Joe Paterno having successful hip surgery on Sunday, after the game Saturday he announced that he will return for another season. I got to tell you, I was thoroughly shocked of the score in the game! After leaving in the before the half to go see my uncle in the hospital, I was pretty sure that the score would be close when I get back. But it surely wasn't! Quarterback Daryll Clark threw for career highs with 4 scores and 341 yards passing. Their defense held star Spartan running back Javon Ringer to a season-low 42 yards. JoePa will return to his coaching duties on December 1st when students come back from Thanksgiving break. It looks like they will be facing Oregon State in the Rose Bowl, but this is college football anything can happen this time of year, of course if your not in the Big Ten.
WASHINGTON - It wasn't pretty in the least, but the Redskins pulled off a victory in Seattle by the narrow score of 20-17. Honestly if the Redskins keep winning and get to the playoffs, how can you not vote Clinton Portis NFL MVP? If it wasn't for this guy, the 'skins would surely find themselves in the bottom of the NFC East, and looking to rebuild for next season. Time after time this season he has played hurt and absolutely carried them to victories with his power running and desire to get that extra yard. Their was a time when I hated that the Redskins traded defensive back Champ Bailey to the Broncos for Portis, but that has truly changed now. He is the biggest piece to the Redskins offensive attack, he has been breaking rushing records along the way and putting himself as one of the best backs of our time. The Redskins will be honoring his friend, the late Sean Taylor on Sunday before the New York Giants game, marking a year since his tragic death. Taylor being inducted to the Redskins "Ring of Honor", is the ultimate honor a Redskin can have. I am sure that it will be very emotional when the Taylor family get announced before the game, hopefully his will spark a victory, but against the Giants they will definitely need all the help they can get.

DEEZ BOYZ - Fantasy football makes you turn into someone you don't like, just act The Toe. He can't stand me on Sundays! It's like I have a bipolar disorder, where I would be swearing at the television one minute, then cheering like an idiot one play later. This week my fantasy football team is in the final weeks of the regular season and these last weeks are against my division opponents, which means rivalry games and my division is like the NFC East with 4 teams combining for 26 wins. This week I played my arch rival The Rick, who I defeated week 1 because of a Tom Brady injury, so I was worried from the start when the games started at 1:00. My team sucked on Sunday! They were terrible, and I was not happy in the least. Even with 3 players going in the Monday Night game, I gave my team no shot at winning this week being down 78 points and was trying to figure out what to do for next year. Then in steps Drew Brees! Brees continued my magical fantasy season pouring out 96 points against a great defensive secondary in the Packers. The victory this week got me closer to the playoffs for the second consecutive season, somewhere I have never seen when I was living in Connecticut. I face my bitter rival and writer of Badchoicemilk who's Shorty's Squad will have a couple of studs going right off the back on Thanksgiving Day in Tony Romo and Anquan Boldin. A victory this week will be huge, but again it might drive me into the insane asylum.

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

The 2nd round is upon us now. Being terribly sick the last 3 days, I have found myself backed up with my homework now. Luckily for me, The Toe is back publishing blogs! Katie and Crystal move on in blow out fashion. So if you think that the 1st round was easy, wait til this round. With only 12 models left, in tournament format form, it is important that you vote wisely now, because during the 2nd round the two models that receives the highest vote total in any round will automatically advance to the semifinals. Safe voting and enjoy!

CLAUDIA #1 - Claudia Jordan defeated #26 case Lindsay in the first round by 4 votes. She was Miss Rhode Island for the Miss USA Pagaent. Besides competing in pageants, Jordan was an impressive sprinter and earned All-State honors in track and field. She competed in several Junior Olympics and in college became an All-American sprinter in the 400-meter relay. She holds a long jump record that still stands.

AUBRIE #23 - Aubrie Lemon defeated #3 case Lisa in the first round by 3 votes. She is a native of my county of Flagler in the Sunshine State. Aubrey would compete on the Junior Tennis Circuit and 5K races. She filled her spare time working as a Daytona Beach lifeguard, teaching piano lessons, and playing her harp at weddings and art festivals. She went to college on an academic, cross country, and music scholarship (for playing the harp). Hollywood continued to call her name and she soon made the transition to the West Coast where, overnight, modeling went from a fun hobby to a promising career.

Score One for the Small Guys

Congrats to you undersized players out there. Today, Dustin Pedroia standing at a listed 5"9 (probably with his cleats on) won the AL MVP. And deservedly so, he along with Kevin Youkilis helped carry the banged up Red Sox with a batting average of .326, 213 hits, 20 stolen bases, 54 doubles, 17 homeruns, and 83 RBIs. But most importantly, now all you youth and high school coaches out there can honestly look at your athletes and say, "Yes, with hard work you CAN be a professional athlete and you CAN be a MVP!" Drink up, Buddy!
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College Basketball Week

I hope that you all enjoyed my analysis of College Basketball for the 2008-09 season. Quickly I am going to give you my Final Four with a champion, as well as the All-American 1st and 2nd teamers with an All-Freshman team. I have to get ready to go and watch some boxing and UFC action tonight so this is going to be really quick. Enjoy the CBB season!


FINAL FOUR

NORTH CAROLINA
UCONN
NOTRE DAME
PURDUE

CHAMPIONSHIP
NORTH CAROLINA
NOTRE DAME

CHAMPS
NORTH CAROLINA

ALL AMERICAN 1ST TEAM
G - STEPHEN CURRY DAVIDSON
G - JAMES HARDEN ARIZONA STATE
F - BLAKE GRIFFIN OKLAHOMA
F - LUKE HARANGODY NOTRE DAME
F - TYLER HANSBROUGH NORTH CAROLINA

ALL AMERICAN 2ND TEAM
G - DARREN COLLISON UCLA
G - TYRESE RICE BOSTON COLLEGE
F - CHASE BUDINGER ARIZONA
F - TYLER SMITH TENNESSEE
C - HASHEEM THABEET GEORGETOWN

ALL FRESHMEN TEAM
G - JRUE HOLLIDAY UCLA
G - DEMAR DEROZAN USC
F - SAMARDO SAMUELS LOUISVILLE
C - BJ MULLENS OHIO STATE
C - GREG MONROE GEORGETOWN

Are you Smarter than .........?

I apoligize if the last question was a little difficult. Since my class is working on Systems of Equations, here goes a nice word problem for you to try.

STANDINGS

G. Uhlman (1)
Jolla (1)
MIF (1)

College Basketball Week

Continuing with college basketball this week, I am going with a little fantasy style today. I have heard enough hate on my College Basketball Team that I put together at BadChoiceMilk and I had enough. So today I am going to give you my reasons for the starting five and a few other players that you may not have ever heard from because they are from small schools. For tomorrow, I will be posting my Final Four teams with the NCAA Champ, as well as, my 1st and 2nd team All-Americans with an All-Freshman team. Enjoy!

1ST PICK (4TH OVERALL)

GUARD - LESTER HUDSON - This was really a no brainer after Stephen Curry, Luke Harangody, and Tyler Hansbrough were off the board. Hudson, out of the University of Tennessee-Martin decided last season not to hire an agent for the NBA Draft just in case, so to improve his draft stock he decided to come back and play an extra year for the Skyhawks. He became the first Division I player to record a quadruple-double back in mid-November. And what sold me to taking him first was him finishing in the top 10 nationally in scoring (25.7), steals (2.8), and threes (3.8) per game. Done deal, starting my team with a can't miss.

2ND PICK

FORWARD MARQUS BLAKELY - The America East Conference has never seen a player like this. Some of you snow birds in the Northeast must have heard of this guy. This was a tough call because Blakely, from Vermont, was injured for the most of December and through March. He is only a junior, and plays a lot bigger than his 6'5'' frame. You probably won't get a grasp of how good this kid is until the America East Championship game, but playing hurt last season and still leading the league in ppg (19.0), rbs (11.0), and blocks (2.72) leads me to believe that he is the complete package for a college bball fantasy team. If he stays healthy the trophy is mine.

3RD PICK

GUARD DEVAN DOWNEY - The junior guard from South Carolina is quite possibly the best point guard in the nation, unfortunately he plays for a not so good team. Maybe that's why his numbers are ridiculous. What bothered me about this pick was that I didn't want to have to take a guard at this pick because I had one in mind in the last round. But, I couldn't pass up on this guy who was the best player on my board. Downey, a transfer from Cincinnati has been nothing short of tremendous since coming to the Gamecocks. His quickness and scoring ability is very similar to a guy that plays for a bigger team in a different Carolina (Ty Lawson). Hopefully his assists per game go a little higher from a year ago (5.4), but I am happy with this selection.

4TH PICK

CENTER BJ MULLENS - My apologies to BJ for the awful picture. Looking at my centerless team, since the top tier ones were gone, I notice that Shorty (BADCHOICEMILK) was without a center as well. So instead of waiting for my final pick to grab one, I stole Mullens before the Ohio State fan had a chance to get him. Mullens, a freshman Buckeye will be a beast, the only question will be for how long. He is a local product and was atop the nationally recruiting list by Rivals.com. He's not your everyday big man either, the kid can score! So, if I am going to have a problem in my assist category, might as well take a 7-footer that can block and score. Thanks again Shorty!

5TH PICK

FORWARD JON RODRIGUEZ - I gotta admit, I found him on Draft Day, knew nothing about him, and honestly didn't want to take another kid from a Mid-Major program. The guy I really wanted is still out there so my options are still open. But, I will give this kid from Campbell University a shot. All I know about the kid is that he is the best player in the Atlantic Sun Conference and he plays the forward position very, very well. 21 pts and 10 boards a game last year convinced me. If it doesn't work than a change will be made.

Other stud players that put up serious numbers that you might not have heard of:

Lee Cummard -BYU

David Holston - Chicago State

Josh Akognon - Cal State Fullerton

Robert Vadon - UAB

Dior Lowhorn - San Francisco

Jermaine Taylor - Central Florida

Geoff Payne - Southern Utah

College Basketball Week

Many of my readers probably have a lot of questions about which teams I left in or left off the NCAA Tournament list and why. Well, with this being College Basketball Week here at The Nutz, I am game for any questions you want answered especially when it comes to the Mid-Major Conferences. Today I am going to give you my snub teams that won't get into the tournament. For tomorrow, I have heard enough hate on my College Basketball Team that was posted by BadChoiceMilk and I have had enough. So tomorrow if you haven't seen my team on my buddy's site, I will give you my reasoning behind every pick that I made. When I win the league at least you will know why. I will also give you other studs to keep an eye on this season, that should be picked up at some point during the season. Here's my teams that get snubbed on Selection Sunday, enjoy!

MICHIGAN

After a tough first season under head coach John Beilein, the Wolverines are amped for this new season. This season, the Wolverines will have extra guard help with the play of transferred Arizona Wildcat Laval Lucas-Perry. Super Soph Manny Harris is one of the premiere players in the Big Ten, and he has worked extra hard this off season with his outside game, something that was lacking. Unfortunately, Michigan plays in the Big Ten, which experts believe is 4th in conference power rankings. To me, that is a crock! What doesn't help Michigan's case will be their non-conference schedule. So, Michigan will have the biggest gripe on Selection Sunday but I had no choice to keep them off my list because to me they are one or two recruits away.

VANDERBILT

Coach Kevin Stallings has always done well at Vanderbilt with senior-laden teams, and this year he only has ummm....none! This team is still talented enough to contend in the overrated SEC, but committee members will see how overrated this conference is early in the season, so Vandy will get snubbed. A.J. Ogilvy, a sophomore, is a 1st team all-conference member, with great skills in the post and the ability to get to the line and knock down free throws. Unfortunately, that is the only assurance the Commodores have. This team is far too young to be in consideration on Selection Sunday, but they will be knocking on the door, I can promise you that.

WEST VIRGINIA

Coach Bob Huggins has a great recruiting class starting with Greg Monroe added to a solid nucleus for the Mountaineers this season. Villanova and the WV will be one of the final teams to get added to the field on Selection Sunday, I am going to give the upper hand to the Wildcats though. Villanova always plays better down the stretch, while West Virginia is missing that go to guy after the departure of Joe Alexander to the NBA. Many think that Devin Ebanks from St. Thomas More in Connecticut, is the answer. WV won't sneak up on anyone this season, and they will be the victims of a Mid Major school on selection day.

GEORGIA TECH

Their are many great pieces to the puzzle that coach Paul Hewitt is looking to put together. Some would think of this a bad situation, but for a coach there is nothing better than piecing together a squad that has tons of question marks. I love Paul Hewitt as a coach, so no matter who he plays this season, he is going to have to put an emphasis on the defensive side of the ball. They are not very athletic in the backcourt so they are going to need everyone to contribute. I think that by mid-season the Yellowjackets will start playing well together and make a few upsets but it won't be enough in the end, because the committee will give the edge to Va. Tech in the end.

WASHINGTON

Guard Scott Suggs heads a recruiting class that got 3 of the nations top 100 in the off season, which should help 3rd team All-American Jon Brockman. Lorenzo Romar has done his job by trying to piece together the right nucleus of players but it has backfired with the departure of 7-footer Spencer Hawes two years ago. Romar also got recruit, Isaiah Thomas (no relation) a Washington native that played at South Kent Prep in Connecticut last year. If Arizona falls this season, it will be because of Romar's Huskies. They will be under the radar until conference play and if they can get Brockman the ball, and find others that will score watch out. If Arizona does play well this year, the Huskies will be on the outside looking in.

PROVIDENCE

The Friars have a veteran squad, with a first year head coach in the deep Big East this season. Keno Davis, led Drake last season to a 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a 28-5 record. Providence has always provided us with very notable coaches, so will Davis be the next one? This talented squad that he has been dealt must learn his season and buy into it early, being in the Big East. They have brought back 4 players that averaged double figures last season so the talent is there. Davis is having the right approach by telling his team we will win now and that we are not about a 2 or 3, 4 year plan at Providence. If the Friars don't get to the top 8 teams in the loaded Big East, I really don't like their chances. Buying into the coach and the system early on is the key for their success...period!

DRAKE

Speaking of Keno Davis, what about his old team in the Missouri Valley? Mark Phillips, a former assistant under Herb Sendek at Arizona State and N.C. State takes over a team that many thought over achieved a year ago. Though, Drake is a small school, their academic standards are very high for the Missouri Valley so they had a tough season from recruiting. Jonathan Cox and Josh Young are back for the Bulldogs, but will they be enough to get them back to the tournament? I don't think so. Creighton, So. Illinois, and Illinois State are definitely getting in. I just don't know if Drake will show the committee that they have enough credentials. Pressing teams and chucking threes were part of their success a year ago, I really don't think that that will work again this year, and other schools will pass them by.

College Basketball Week

After posting the 31 Conference winners yesterday, I will be giving you my description on the 34 at-large teams that I think will get into the NCAA Tournament this season. This is College Basketball Week here at The Nutz so everyday I will be posting something about CBB that you might be interested in. I really believe that the Mid-Majors will play another important role in kicking out the Major Conference teams. Especially with how many come out of the Big East and SEC. Davidson really hurt the major conferences this season, because the selection committee will definitely keep that in mind this season. Even though, we want the big named teams, don't be surprised at all if the mid-majors make out well. Tomorrow I will be giving you my snubs that don't end up getting in. Here's the At Large Teams, enjoy!

ACC

Duke

The lack of having an inside game will haunt the Blue Devils all year. The their backcourt will still be good, but having a reminder that North Carolina is the class of the ACC all season will fuel the Blue Devils fire and should keep them wanting more out of this season than expecting. 5-4 since the 2004 Final Four still lingers this team.

Miami

Jack McClinton might be one of the best scorers in the league this season. Even with the three point line moving back, his three point accuracy should not be damaged. After getting their first tournament bid last season since 2002, I really believe the Hurricanes could be a team that could do some damage in March.

Wake Forest

Super Sophs, James Johnson and Jeff Teague look to bring the Demon Deacons to the upper third of the ACC again. Coach Dino Gaudio, hopes to return energy to a team that had great expectations since 2005.

Clemson

Before getting a tough match up in the first round of the tournament last season in Villanova, Clemson was getting mentioned by many (including myself) as a team that could possibly get to the Final Four. Even with losing 3 seniors they will still make the tourney, but maybe as a 7 or 10 seed.

Virginia Tech

I feel like the ACC will get 6 teams this season, so the only other team I could think of was the Hokies. After getting snubbed last year, expect this team with most of them back angry and ready to show the committee this season that they are worthy.

ATLANTIC 10

Temple

Dionte Christmas will bring presents to the NCAA field. The senior guard/forward had an average of 20 pts and 6 boards a game. The Owls have 3 other starters returning to a team that went 21-13 a year ago. They will get into the field but don't expect them to play a second game.

BIG 12

Oklahoma

Blake Griffin could quite possibly be the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft next season. His size, quickness, ability to find the hoop and get to the line are qualities that you can't teach. Coach Jeff Capel looks to improve a backcourt that really kept them from succeeding a year ago. So he went out and got guard Willie Warren, the top recruit in Texas (the kid is the truth).

Baylor

Has the nations deepest backcourt in Dugat, Dunn, Jerrells, and Carter. Coach Scott Drew put a Baylor program back on the map in a positive way which was much needed. The Bears led the Big 12 with and 81.3 scoring average in 32 games last season.

Kansas

With Bill Self at the helm, it would be hardly a surprise to see the 2008 National Champs back and winning another title sometime soon. But, it definitely won't be this season! No one is back that averaged double figures in points a year ago. You can expect a handful of sophomores to lead the defending champs back to the tourney though.

Texas A&M

The Big 12 is going to be very competitive this season so I believe that 5 will get into the field. This is going to be a "Bubble Bursting" team but I like the Aggies to get to their 5th straight 20 win season this year. Led by Josh Carter (12.2, 4) and coach Mark Turgeon, Texas A&M will have to persuade the committee come conference tourney time.

BIG EAST

UCONN

With the likes of returning starters A.J. Price, Hasheem Thabeet, and Jeff Adrian you have to think that the Huskies are nothing less than Final Four bound this year. Back to back consecutive seasons that ended badly for UCONN fans have them in an uproar. Much to my regret, the Huskies will be very good this season UCONN fans...very good!

Notre Dame

Pre-Season Conference Player of the Year Luke Harangody is a 20-10 beast in the post that will have teams flustered all year. After being held to just 41 points in the second round to Washington a year ago, head coach Mike Brey did nothing about recruits during the off season. This will be the last year for a while for the Irish having a good team.

Pittsburgh

The Panthers still have 3 of the most intriguing players on their roster in Sam Young, Levance Fields, and DeJuan Blair. Pitt is probably not a college basketball program like others but, their record over the last 7 years ranks as the fifth best nationally which is saying something for the job coach Jamie Dixon does.

Marquette

Tom Crean's departure from the Golden Eagles really stunned a lot of people at the university. In comes Buzz Williams, who was the assistant last year of this team that came within a shot short of the Sweet Sixteen. Four players that averaged double figures a year ago are back, so I like their chances to be a top tier team this season.

Georgetown

Even though they lost Roy Hibbert, Jon Wallace, and Patrick Ewing Jr. the Hoyas brought in a great recruiting class this season headed by Greg Monroe who very well could be the Freshman of the Year in the Big East. They still have DaJuan Summers who's 11 ppg are certainly to go up. Controling the boards will be key to their success this season.

Syracuse

Just like myself, many experts love the Orangemen's chances this season to finally make a push to the committee to get into the tournament. I honestly think that the departure of Donte Green to the NBA will benefit the Big O this season. He constantly stayed outside chucking threes instead of using his size in the paint. Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins are both healthy, and Jonny Flynn looks to improve on an amazing freshman year. Big things this season for the 'cuse.

Villanova

Many experts think that the Big East is going to get 9 even 10 teams this season. I think not! They are going to beat the crap out of each other all year and give the Mid Majors a more watchful eye. Nova will be the last team to get in from the Big East with the help of their perimeter play that got them into the Sweet Sixteen a year ago. Scottie Reynolds plays a lot bigger than what his 6'2'' frame shows.

BIG TEN

Michigan State

The Spartans will contend for a Big Ten title with Purdue this season with the excellent inside-outside game they have between Raymar Morgan and Kalin Lucas. They have a kid coming in this season from Ohio that stands at 6'9'' named Delvon Roe who should see much playing time and compete for the Freshman of the Year honors.

Wisconsin

Senior Marcus Landry is a stud that will keep coach Bo Ryan happy all season. Critics of the Badgers, have said that Ryan's have been the lack of production when entering the NCAA Tournament is something that should really get looked at. Well for those critics, how bout the Badgers never finishing below 4th place in the conference and a 84-30 record in conference over 7 seasons during Ryan tenure.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes own the one of the nation's best recruiting classes under coach Thad Matta. This team which consists of no senior scholarship players will look to improve on a season a year ago that ended in the NIT. 7 foot B.J. Mullens heads the freshmen class, he will be a beast! Might be a better threat scoring then that of Greg Oden.

CONFERENCE USA

Tulsa

The Golden Hurricane were 12-4 in a conference that was very top heavy, meaning that there was a couple good teams. Junior 7-footer Jerome Jordan should help them get into the Tournament. Also, Tulsa helped their own cause by scheduling what looks to me as the toughest non-conference schedule ever for a C-USA team : Oklahoma, Okla. State, BYU, Oral Roberts, and Texas A&M all of whom were in the tournament a year ago.

UTEP

Why you might ask do I think 3 teams are getting in this season? I have no idea. But, I really like Stefon Jackson bringing the Minors to the Dance this season. He ranked 7th nationally in scoring and the committee might think twice about keeping a guy like him out of the national stage.

MISSOURI VALLEY

Southern Illinois

The Salukis have reached the NCAA Tournament 6 of the last 7 years, but the one that they didn't get in still stings. That happened last year, and the committee knows that they screwed up. Coach Chris Lowery is very confident, even with playing 6 first-year players, that he team is ready to rally around senior guard Bryan Mullins (10.7 ppg, 154 as).

Illinois State

Junior Osiris Eldridge whos 15.8 ppg landed him an All-Conference selection leads the Red Birds that are going to be desparate with scoring after the departure of guards Boo Richardson and Dom Johnson. It would not surprise me the least if coach Tim Jankovich brings his team to a Missouri Valley title this season.

MOUNTAIN WEST

BYU

The MW Conference will get two teams this year. Will it be New Mexico, Utah, or BYU to get the second? My guess is that the Cougars will get in just for the fact that they Player of the Year candidate Lee Cummard and Jon Tavernari who's 29 ppg average for two returning players is tops in the conference.

PAC 10

Arizona State

One of my favorite coaches in college basketball's rebuilding process is official done. Herb Sendek's squad should be a top tier team all season and even getting a chance at a 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament is very possible. I love what he has done with this team. James Harden leads the team coming off a great 17.8 ppg average and will improve his NBA Draft stock by getting his team victories this year.

Arizona

Even though Lute Olson's departure will hurt the program the next couple of seasons, I fully expect the Wildcats still get into the field of 65 this season. Chase Budinger is one of the best all around players in the conference and his leadership will be a key sign if the Wildcats want to do well this year.

USC

The loss of O.J. Mayo will hurt Tim Floyd's coaching staff, but look for the rest of the team to step it up. He still has Taj Gibson who is a Conference Player of the Year candidate and bringing in a guy like Demar DeRozan is an incredible athletic freshman who will make the Trojan faithful forget about Mayo real quick.

SEC

Florida

The emergence of star Nick Calathes will lead the Gator back to the NCAA field and have Gator nation going crazy again. Billy Donovan also brought in the 4 of the top 65 recruits this season led by Kenny Kadji from Cameroon. After back to back titles then a trip to the NIT, the Gators are tasting another trip to the Final Four in the near future.

Alabama

They should have enough fire power to win the West this year with a healthy Ronald Steele. Also returning is senior guard Alonzo Gee who brings in a 14.5 ppg and 6.8 rb from last season. Steele was a 1st team all SEC back in the 2005-06 season so really how ftar the Tide roll this season is all on the play of Steele.

Kentucky

Patrick Patterson is an absolute beast, but the Wildcats young backcourt will really need to step it up. Billy Gillispie should be happy with the way his team played last year, especially after their tough start. This year's start hopefully will be smoother for them even though their non-conference schedule looks like this: Miami, UNC, and Louisville.

LSU

This was a tough call , because I only think that the SEC will get 5 this season. So instead of taking Vanderbilt I am going to go with the team that might have the best 1-2 punch in the conference in Tasmin Mitchell and Marcus Thornton. The two should compliment each other well and I absolutely love Chris Johnson in the middle.

WAC

Utah State

Another small school I have getting in. Many of you might think that I am crazy but if this team can stay with Nevada this season who am I not to give them the credit that they deserve. Gary Wilkinson is their go to guy who is a 6'9'' beast on the boards that averaged 13 ppg last season. This team will be the reason for a SEC, or a Big East team won't get in. Now if they had some help with their non conference schedule this really would be a no brainer.

WEST COAST

Saint Marys

There is no way in hell that they get snubbed this season, could they? I say no! If any team will beat the Zags this year why can't it be the Gaels. They return two 1st teamers in Soph Patrick Mills and senior Diamon Simpson. In addition to them, the Gaels get tranferred center from Indiana Ben Allen. I just really find it hard to believe that the committee will look the other way at this Mid Major school again.

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

Lisa pulled out a late vote late Tuesday night to earn the close victory over Leyla. As I posted last week, I am giving two matchups this week so that we can finish the first round once and for all. This week I will be giving you 4 ladies, I will allow you to vote as many times for the ones you want. The top two will advance to the second round. Sorry for the lack of posts and here are the ladies. Keep voting!

Katie - Holder of case # 11, Born and raised on the North Shore of Chicago, Katie Cleary is an only child who was raised by her mother. Ever since Cleary was a young girl, she dreamed of becoming an actress in Hollywood. After years of balancing high school and modeling in Chicago, she entered a liberal arts college in Wisconsin with a track scholarship. She finished college with a business and marketing degree while working as a model part time.

Patricia - Holder of case #9, Millions of viewers around the world have noticed Patricia Kara starring as NBC's "Deal or No Deal" Case Model #9 since the show debuted in 2005. Having been voted, along with her costars, one of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People, Kara (a.k.a. Trisha Kara) is looking forward to another life-changing season this year.

Brooke - Holder of case #15, Brooke Long was a professional model, actress, host, and cheerleader who cheered for the San Diego Chargers, the L.A. Avengers, the L.A. Lakers, and the Miami Heat, she was an adventurous Southern California girl growing up in Chino Hills.

Crystal - Holder of case #22, Crystal Monte is stacked in every great way so I personally am putting her with the favorites to win. Growing up, Monte was a high achiever in school, and she enjoyed participating in extracurricular activities such as dance, choir, and community service. She loves being in the spotlight, but she never imagined that her strong, outgoing personality would lead her to a career in the entertainment industry.

College Basketball Week

Just like my boy over at BadChoiceMilk we here at The Nutz, we also love College Basketball. There are three seasons in sports where I have no control over my emotions, and the start of the college basketball season is one of them. All this week I will be giving you much insight to the 2008-2009 CB season. Today and tomorrow I will be giving you my predictions on who will be the 65 teams playing in the NCAA Tournament in March. First today, here is the list of the Conference winners and why in each Division I conference. Tomorrow, I will announce the at-large teams. Hope that you enjoy!

ACC

North Carolina

The most obvious choice in all the country. The Tarheels return their entire team, a team that was a heavy favorite to win the NCAA title just a year ago. Tyler Hansbrough will be the AP Player of the Year, and the Tarheels should contest with having an undefeated season, yes they are that good.

AMERICAN EAST

Vermont

Marqus Blakely heads the Catamounts as the league's best player. 19 points, 11 boards, and 2.7 blocks, should lead Vermont to the NCAAs as a possible upset team.

ATLANTIC 10

Xavier

Xavier was a 30 win team last season, and Sean Miller's squad is is poised for another great season. Miller brought in 7 recruits this year and still have C.J. Anderson and Derrick Brown who both averaged 11 points a game last year.

ATLANTIC SUN

Belmont

The Bruins are one of only six teams nationally to have earned 3 straight automatic NCAA bids. Led by senior Shane Dansby, Belmont has a deep returning team trying to make a 4th trip!

BIG 12

Texas

Even after losing D.J. Augustin, A.J. Abrams is back with a great supporting cast that will contend for an Elite 8 appearance. Damion James is a great double-double man that should hold his own in the paint and lead the Longhorns to another Conference title.

BIG EAST

Louisville

In this deep and competitive conference, the Cardinals should have a Final Four team this year. This was a tough pick for me, even though I think UCONN will be a Final Four team, I think that Louisville will win the Big East at Madison Square Garden then get upset early in the tournament. As much as I hate to say it, this is the best conference in America, which could easily get 9 teams in the tournament.

BIG TEN

Purdue

The bulk of the Boilermakers are back, which will have many teams in the Big Ten worried. Even though they won't be under the radar like last season, I think that coach Matt Painter will keep his team motivated to go further in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State and Wisconsin should also push Purdue, but it will not be enough. Keep an eye on Robbie Hummel, a 6'8'' sharp shooter with the most well rounded game in the conference.

BIG SKY

Portland State

Lead by Conference MVP, Jeremiah Dominguez, Portland State looks to improve on a 14-2 conference record a year ago. If that is possible.

BIG SOUTH

Winthrop

The Big South as a conference is in a complete rebuilding process. And the only logically team to pick are the winners of the conference 8 of the last 10 seasons.

BIG WEST

Cal State Fullerton

Basically this Conference comes down to three teams, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, and UC Santa Barbara. I like Fullerton, just for the reason that they brought in the best recruiting class led by a 6'8'' 235 pound, Bernard Kamwa.

COLONIAL

VCU

The Rams are back at again with Eric Maynor leading the offense. Maynor averaged 15, 4, and 5 a year ago, and don't expect him putting up with them in the NIT like last season. They could very well be better than the team that beat Duke two years ago.

CONFERENCE USA

Memphis

Well, there will be no controversy about the talent in C-USA this season, because it really does stink. Expect only the Tigers and Tulsa to be heading the conference, other than that UAB and UTEP will try to make things interesting. Guard Stefon Jackson from UTEP will be the best player of the conference this season.

HORIZON

Cleveland State

The Vikings have two of the league's best players on their roster in seniors J'Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson.

IVY

Cornell

Could contest for another undefeated conference title this year with returning starters Louis Dale and Ryan Wittman.

MAAC

Siena

Led by senior Kenny Hansbrouck, the Saints return all 5 starters that will try to hold off the likes of Fairfield and Niagara this year and make the NCAA tournament second round for a second consecutive year.

MID-AMERICAN

Kent State

The Golden Flashes should be able to hold off Western Michigan despite losing coach Jim Christian who left for TCU. Al Fisher, is a name to remember come tournament time.

MEAC

Morgan State

This very competitive conference should be interesting come conference tourney time. But, I like what coach Todd Bozeman has done with turning this laughing stock team to contender in one season.

MISSOURI VALLEY

Creighton

With Drake and losing most of their squad to graduation. The Bluejays should be able to hold off the likes of Southern Illinois and Illinois State. Creighton has always played a team game of ball, so don't expect to hear much about an outstanding player on their roster. This young squad has 8 freshmen and sophomores on their roster which you might find in the Sweet Sixteen this year.

MOUNTAIN WEST

UNLV

The Running Rebels should be able to hold off BYU. Led by senior guard Wink Adams, UNLV will try and lift a team that stumbled badly late in the season a year ago and lost their chance at a tournament appearance.

NORTHEAST

Mount St. Marys

Without a doubt are the favorites to repeat as champs this year. The Mountaineers return 4 starters including stud junior, Jeremy Goode. CCSU and Robert Morris should be around to contend, but it doesn't look good.

OHIO VALLEY

U Tenn-Martin

Lester Hudson could have left for the NBA Draft a year ago but decided to stay another season. He looks to get to the tournament, and improve on his 25.7 ppg a year ago.

PAC 10

UCLA

Even with the loss of Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook the Bruins are poised to win another Pac-10 title. Senior Darren Collison will lead the team that signed 5 of the top 50 recruits during the off-season led by guard Jrue Holliday. They are really clear cut favorites and should win the regular season and conference tournament with much ease.

PATRIOT

American

With two first team seniors, Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer, the Eagles are the only team that is likely for a return trip in the NCAAs.

SEC

Tennessee

The Vols are still the most talented team in the conference this season despite looking alot different. Even with Tyler Smith back, I am not expecting big things come tournament time. Coach Bruce Pearl has to prove to me this season that he is a good coach, because there is no excuse for his early exit in the tournament a year ago, after having in my opinion the best team in the nation. This conference is deep again, but deep with teams that are over-rated. Trust me the SEC won't have a team in the Elite Eight!

SOUTHERN

Davidson

All the hype will continue with Stephen Curry, but what worries me is the loss that he and the Wildcats will be missing this season in point guard Jason Richards, gone to graduation. Coach Bob McKillop has done a great job getting the right players on his team, and this year they brought in two big men both over 6'9'' to help under the boards.

SOUTHLAND

Lamar

Returning 7 letterman should help with a team that finished 13-3 a year ago, but stumbled in the conference tournament.

SWAC

Alabama State

The Hornets were 15-3 in the conference a year ago, and return 3 first-team all conference members in seniors Brandon Brooks, Andrew Hayles, and junior Trant Simpson.

SUMMIT

Oral Roberts

Even with the loss of 4 seniors the Golden Eagles are at it again with senior guard Robert Jarvis, who was the nation's top scoring sixth man last season.

SUN BELT

South Alabama

The Jaguars return 3 starters to a team that won 16 games in the conference a year ago. Brandon Davis will be a name to keep an eye on.

WAC

Nevada

When you win and find yourselves in March in the NCAA tournament, even as a small school you can get players to come and play for you. 5 true freshman should find the hardcourt this season, and a tough schedule that includes UNC will get the Wolf Pack back to the tourney.

WEST COAST

Gonzaga

I said it before and I'll say it again, Mark Few is one of the best coaches in the nation, but he will continue to stay under the radar being on the west coast. Jeremy Pargo returning after declaring for the NBA Draft has the Zags loaded on offense again with a Final Four appearance on their minds. Saint Mary's will challenge again but no one should compete with Gonzaga again this season. They have another tough non-conference schedule which will help them be prepared in March.