Brad Diamond

Opening College Football Bowl Schedule 2009-2010

2009-10 Bowl Schedule

Below is a list of the 2009-10 bowl schedule. The NCAA approved 34 bowl games for this season, same as last season. No new bowls were licensed for the upcoming season. The top two teams in the BCS rankings will meet in the BCS National Title in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 7. Date Bowl Location TV Time Matchup Jan. 7 BCS Title Pasadena, Calif. FOX 8 p.m. BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2 Jan. 6 GMAC Mobile, Ala. ESPN 7 p.m. MAC vs. ACC No. 9 Jan. 5 Orange Miami FOX 8 p.m. BCS vs. BCS Jan. 4 Fiesta Glendale, Ariz. FOX 8 p.m. BCS vs. BCS Jan. 2 Alamo San Antonio ESPN 9 p.m. Big Ten No. 4/5 vs. Big 12 No. 5 Jan. 2 Liberty Memphis, Tenn. ESPN 5:30 p.m. C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC Jan. 2 Cotton Dallas FOX 2 p.m. Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC Jan. 2 Papajohns.com Birmingham, Ala. ESPN 2 p.m. Big East vs. SEC Jan. 2 International Toronto ESPN2 Noon Big East vs. MAC Jan. 1 Sugar New Orleans, La. FOX 8:30 p.m. BCS vs. BCS Jan. 1 Rose Pasadena, Calif. ABC 5 p.m. BCS vs. BCS Jan. 1 Gator Jacksonville, Fla. CBS 1 p.m. ACC No. 3 vs. Big East or Big 12 Jan. 1 Capital One Orlando, Fla. ABC 1 p.m. Big Ten No. 2 vs. SEC No. 2 Jan. 1 Outback Tampa, Fla. ESPN 11 a.m. Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC Dec. 31 Chick-fil-A Atlanta ESPN 7:30 p.m. SEC vs. ACC No. 2 Dec. 31 Insight Tempe, Ariz. NFL Net. 5:30 p.m. Big Ten No. 6 vs. Big 12 No. 6 Dec. 31 Sun El Paso, Tex. CBS Noon Pac-10 No. 3 vs. Big 12 or Big East Dec. 31 Armed Forces Fort Worth, Tex. ESPN TBA MWC vs. C-USA Dec. 30 Holiday San Diego, Calif. ESPN 8 p.m. Pac-10 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3 Dec. 30 Texas Houston NFL Net. 8 p.m. Big 12 No. 8 vs. Navy* Dec. 30 Humanitarian Boise, Idaho ESPN 4:30 p.m. WAC vs. MWC Dec. 29 Champs Sports Orlando, Fla. ESPN 8 p.m. ACC No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4/5 Dec. 29 EagleBank Washington D.C. ESPN 4:30 p.m. Army* vs. ACC No. 8 Dec. 28 Independence Shreveport, La. ESPN 5 p.m. Big 12 vs. SEC Dec. 27 Music City Nashville, Tenn. ESPN 8:15 p.m. SEC vs. ACC No. 5/6/7 Dec. 26 Emerald San Francisco ESPN 8:30 p.m. ACC No. 5/6/7 vs. Pac-10 Dec. 26 Meineke Car Care Charlotte, N.C. ESPN 4 p.m. ACC No. 5/6/7 vs. Big East No. 3 Dec. 26 Motor City Detroit, Mich. ESPN 5 p.m. MAC vs. Big Ten No. 7 Dec. 24 Hawaii Honolulu ESPN 8 p.m. WAC vs. C-USA Dec. 23 Poinsettia San Diego, Calif. ESPN 8 p.m. MWC vs. Pac-10 No. 6 Dec. 22 Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nev. ESPN 8 p.m. Pac-10 vs. MWC No. 1 Dec. 20 New Orleans New Orleans ESPN 8 p.m. Sun Belt No. 1 vs. C-USA Dec. 19 St. Petersburg St. Petersburg, Fla. ESPN 8 p.m. Big East vs. C-USA Dec. 19 New Mexico Albuquerque, N.M. ESPN 4:30 p.m. MWC vs. WAC Note: Notre Dame is considered a Big East school in the bowl selection process. * - If Army is bowl-eligible, it will play in the EagleBank Bowl. If not, a C-USA, MAC or Big Ten school can replace it. Navy is slated to play in the Texas Bowl if it is bowl-eligible.

Phillies Costing Backers Big Time

Another loss on Saturday down at the Bank has the Philadelphia baseball franchise reeling.  Injuries, ineffectiveness up and down the pitching staff, and a major slump by former MVP Jimmy Rollins has the books in Las Vegas cashing big time. The Phillies 5-3 loss last night was a disgrace of major proportions. Losing relief ace Brad Lidge to the DL has started to take apart the confidence of this baseball team. Again, hurler Ryan Madson blew a save and eventually, the whole game versus the struggling Orioles from down I-95.  Madson allowed a solo shot to the talent less, but game, Greg Zaun, and then a two-run shot by Brian Roberts to cover the deal, 5-3 Baltimore. For the record, Ryan Howard did not start the game last night, but did plub a three-run homer to help Philly take the lead in the 7th.  Matt Stairs started in left field, Paul Bako a washed up 37-year old catcher was behind the plate, while Rollins OBA has struck under .260 for the season. Add in Brett Myers on the DL and Jamie Moyer having no arm strength left, and future does not look good for the World Champions. The depleted, but hard charging Mets sit just 2 games behind the Phillies in the NL East, but show with the NL top batting average at .279. Their pitching staff carries a decent 4.18 ERA, while Philadelphia is next to last league wide with a 4.81 numeric. Philadelphia is going through a very difficult part of their schedule, no doubt, but trade talk will heat up this week with the club on an 0-5 run. You can bet on it!

Cubs Need Big Win After The Twins Rocked Wrigley On Friday 7-4

The Chicago Cubs have been a huge letdown this season going just 29-29 to-date. After losing to Minnesota on Friday they now have accrued an 84-89 record against the American League during the Inter-League format. However, Saturday could change their luck, somewhat, as they get back hurler Rick Harden from the DL. The former A's farmhand is 9-3 with a 2.90 ERA since coming to Chicago franchise. With the Cubs 14-6 in his starts, the Windy City Group just might turn it around today. Overall, the pitching staff has carried the Cubs this season and that shows on the stat sheet where they are #4 in the National League with a 3.88 ERA. Remember, the Cubbies are 16-11 at home this season and this spot does look good from my perspective.

Manu Ginobili Injury Tap City For The Spurs Championship Hopes

One of my key players, when handicapping the Spurs, is G-F Ginobili.  He, along with Duncan and Parker are the matadors for San Antonio. We know the Spurs are getting older by the day and their hopes for an NBA Championship are all, but over. Ginobili had been missing for 19 games since the break, but he returned to early and now has a fracture (distal fibula). With that injury you can't push off without incredible pain. How Ginobili competed after the initial injury is a miracle in itself. SA continues hurt with leader Tim Duncan consistently being hampered by his knees. Down the stretch, it seems, Tony Parker will be asked to take over the game in most key situations. At this writing, the Spurs (50-27) are trying to catch the Nuggets for the second spot in the Western Conference playoffs. Their job will be hampered greatly with the injury bug still haunting this franchise. Look to go against this team at home when laying double-digits during the last two weeks of the regular. In the playoffs, they will play with great heart, but they don't have the healthy talent to cash a winning ticket.

Penn State Wins The NIT Championship

It's been too long for a Penn State win in any championship game, but in hoops?  Yes, on Thursday night up in the Big Apple the Lions defeated the Baylor Bears (Big-12) 69-63. Jo Pa (Joe Paterno) was in the stands, while 37 buses filled with PSU kids filtered into the Garden giving the Blue and White an unofficial home court advantage. It had been a long, hard for the Lions this hoop season, but all their backers hope when they defeated Michigan State in the regular season up in Lansing. Yes, they defeated the little general and his outstanding on the floor blend of defense, shooting and unselfish play. Those same attributes came two-fold last night as the less disciplined Bears settled for numerous off-balanced 3-Balls. Hats go off to the coaching staff and kids up on Mount Nittany you really deserved the recognition for all your hard work. Finally, this morning I received an email from Jeff G. (Temple, Texas) one of our oldest clients going back to the 1980's. His question centered around Baylor being the chalk. Yes, Jeff it was a huge error by the line makers.

VILLANOVA'S MARCH MADNESS SHOULD CONTINUE

After 32-years of handicapping college basketball, I can honestly say Nova has a real shot at the upset when they face Duke in Boston on Thursday evening. Critical will be the defensive approach used by stellar HC Jay Wright of the Wildcats. Normally, he utilizes the 1-2-2 press to speed up the game, but he can't expect the well coached Blue Devils to fold.   In fact, I see Wright using this famed press to slow the game forcing Duke to play in a half-court set which should have the encounter resembling a slow, physical Big East battle.  Villanova can win the whole game, if they stay strong on the boards and insider Cunningham stays out of foul trouble. Nova has a nice blend of youth and experience to test the talented group from the ACC, but in the end the Cats defense is the call in a major win, VILLANOVA 77 DUKE 72

PHILLY SIXERS MUST CHANGE OLD WAYS

Yesterday was about Elton Brand. It was about dealing with the news of his season-ending surgery. It was about getting onto the Wachovia Center floor, finding a way to beat Indiana, and moving on. Luckily, that's what the 76ers did. It seems apt that, starting today, the Sixers are 24-24. They have 34 games to redefine this season.

 

I'm of the opinion that the Sixers will be a playoff team. Obviously, they're in the seventh spot right now so I'm not suggesting anything crazy. But, if we're going to be honest, right now they also look like a one-and-done playoff team. And maybe that's fine for this season. Maybe, given everything that's happened -- Cheeks, DiLeo, Brand, no Brand -- that would be considered successful.

 

Maybe ... I just don't buy it. If I'm part of the Sixers, if I'm DiLeo, I have 34 games to mold this team, to give them a chance -- come April -- to surprise a few people. There are two issues, in my opinion: 1.) Consistent outside shooting; 2.) Legitimate, nightly, post presence.

 

There are 13 days until the trade deadline, and I believe it's likely the Sixers will make a deal. Obviously a new player(s) impact(s) these two areas (one would hope, anyway, that Stefanski wouldn't deal for a swingman). But given the current pieces, let's look at these two areas.

 

Oh, and I welcome Statman to chime in with some pertinent stats. I know the Sixers have had a rollecoaster of a season beyond the arc. At one point a few games ago I crunched a number that the Sixers shot something like 42 percent from the three-point line in victories and something like 27 percent in losses.

 

1.) Consistent outside shooting: When the Sixers hit that DiLeo-instated number -- 5 -- they seem unstoppable. With their array of talent, adding that final weapon sends them soaring. But, lately, they've been bad. And I don't know if it has anything to do with Brand's return or not. Nothing I've seen on the court makes me believe it was Brand. But, lately, their rhythm on offense has been non-existent. Many of the outside shots they've taken have been wrong. With one exception: Royal Ivey's big three-pointer from the left corner in the second half against the Celtics. That one, absolutely, was going to be a make.

 

Quickly, in case you're doubting the inconsistency, here's the Sixers three-point shooting by month: October: 28.0 percent; November: 34.2 percent; December: 23.5 percent; January: 39.0 percent; February: 30.0 percent.

Look at December to January. It's not surprising the Sixers were 10-5 in January.

 

We've talked before about why they were shooting so well. It was because DiLeo had them green-lighted, but not just for any three-pointer. He had them green-lighted for the three pointer that came off penetration, kick, swing to the open man, shot. Perfect. Percentage soars. What happened?

 

It feels, almost, like when you cut a turn too close, nail your tire on a curb, and your car's alignment is slightly off. Something has been slightly off in the last seven to eight games. They're driving mostly straight, but each offensive possession feels derailed a touch. And while those high-percentage shots the Sixers often get (Speights alley-oop, Iguodala dunk, Dalembert dunk, Young lefty floater ...) aren't going to be affected, the outside shooting will be.

 

How do they get that rhythm back? Run the heck out of the ball. All shooters know that when the outside shot seems off, you get yourself a layup in transition first, get that nice quick bucket to put yourself back in the game. Perhaps that seems a little too simple, but basketball is basketball. And the Sixers know they need to run first. The outside shot, for this team, should complement their myriad of slashers -- not the other way around.

 

2.) Legitimate, nightly, post presence: Brand was supposed to be the answer here. Brand was supposed to be the half-court scorer in the playoffs (at least that's what we believed, at least I did). Now look at the roster, does that player exist? Not really. But I propose the following: Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights. I dig Reggie Evans energy, but I don't want to see him catching the ball on the block, charged with getting the Sixers a crucial bucket. But Young? And Speights? Young has sometimes struggled when he faces up to the basket. He'd be 100 percent effective if he didn't have to bring the ball with him, but he often bobbles it when trying to get from the three-point line to the rim. He leaves it just a second behind him and then the whole drive suffers. But on the block? He's so slippery down there. He has good footwork, he can finish with that floater, he shields his defender and can finish on the opposite side. If worked properly, he could draw a double-team. Not sure how his passing is out of a double-team, though.

 

And Speights, I don't know what happened last night against Indiana. He only played seven minutes. I didn't see the minutes he played, so I can't comment if he deserved more. All I know is that when he is on the floor, his defender can't worry about Andre Iguodala or Andre Miller, his defender must focus on him. Can't say the same for Reggie Evans or Samuel Dalembert. (Although, very quickly, Samuel has been playing great basketball lately. Fantastic basketball. No complaints, here. My only point is that his defender doesn't have to honor the 15-footer like you'd honor Speights from out there).

 

I've heard some talk about Speights' left knee. He has tendonitis in it. But I asked him before the Houston Rockets game (remember he played only 3 minutes the game before in New Orleans) if his knee had limited his minutes. He looked at me, kind of scowled, and said, "No ..." -- that's to say, the clear implication is his minutes were NOT limited by his knee, and perhaps he was a little miffed at the lack of minutes. As were some Sixers fans.

 

Now, final thing.  Last night, Ed Stefanski said what we've said on here from Day 1: "This is Andre Iguodala's team." We said on here that Iguodala was the conductor of this team -- that was back in October. And I remember folks were saying that was ludicrous. (Yes, I'm aware I'm blatantly self-promoting here, as well as taking a risk since Iguodala is still a young kid that will go through plenty more growing pains.)

 

In my opinion, those are the two issues that the Sixers must address to go from good to better, to go from first round to second round. Let me know if you're seeing something that also needs addressing.

 

FLORIDA EARNS BCS TITLE

There were almost 80,000 fans last night snuggled into Dolphin Stadium to see one great football game on the national stage. The 2009 BCS Championship game was a classic, unlike the recent blowouts by LSU and Florida.  The Sooners hurry up offense almost stole the show, but in the end Tebow, Harvin and the Gators red zone defense picked up a huge chunk of glass (24-14), and rightfully so. For a look at last night, and an early 2010 BCS selection, go inside.

As we write, Florida mentor Urban Meyer is the first coach to have two BCS titles. LSU and Florida are the only schools with two BCS championships. The 12-2 Sooners came to Florida with an incredible offensive run, 60 points or more in 5 straight games, while scoring an unheard of 702 points. Yes, the Florida offensive unit did compete last night with the heart (Tebow) and soul (Harvin) of the Gators attack. Tebow did throw two interceptions, but the OC realized the “run option” was there in the third quarter, Florida took over “Uncle Mo” and crossed the finish line easily. The loss for
Oklahoma should lay at the hands of HC Bob Stoops who ignored six points (2 possible FGS) inside the five go for zero, because of the highly talented stop troops from Florida University. My gosh, Stoops should have nightmares recounting the points and opportunities he left behind in a very winnable game for Oklahoma, especially in the first-half. In my book, both coaches did outstanding job, except for the aforementioned. But, in the end, and in big games the talent rises to the top. With the outstanding recruiting classes for Florida (year after year), there is no reason to doubt another BCS title is possible in 2010, if Tebow withdraws the NFL interest.

College Basketball Report (St. Joseph's)

As a kid the St. Joseph's Hawks stole my heart, coach Dr. Jack Ramsey, with 
guards Billy Hoy and Jimmy Lynam carried out effective fundamental basketball on 
Hawk Hill and at the Palestra (University Pennsylvania). That brand of 
basketball, at times, has been outstanding on 54th Street, especially recently 
with stellar coach Phil Martelli (received another contract extension)leading 
the charge. But, something has changed recently and it's starting to be 
illustrated on the court. In fact, it will have a direct impact on the future of 
this small Jesuit school, considering the economy and the cost of education.

One of the key elements for students looking at schools in the Philadelphia area 
is social activities. At SJU, the basketball team brings the kids and fans 
together binding the "Hawk will never die" mindset. In fact, I guarantee the 
success of the basketball program has had a direct impact on the school's 
admissions office. This factor maybe be starting to wrinkle, somewhat, as the 
recruiting process has not been so favorable for Martelli (26-152-1) on the floor. 
As we all know, recruiting is the most important element in big time college 
athletics. Just check the rosters of the football programs down in Oklahoma, 
Texas, Alabama, Florida, LSU and Southern California as that group brings four 
and five star recruits into their schools consistently. 

The St. Joe Hawks this season were ticketed by a number of local and national 
experts as a possible NCAA tourney qualifier and top three A-10 unit. Overall, 
the Hawks lost two quality starters from last season, but brought in a good 
recruiting class (for a small school), including Bryant Irwin, a forward, Mr. 
Basketball from West Virginia. No doubt the Hawks have effective lead guards to 
run the offense, but in the Maui Invitational (this past week), it was evident, 
long range shooting will be an issue. The transfer of Philly product D. J. 
Rivera did not help. In the Jameer Nelson years the Hawks killed you from the 
long stripe and NBA guard Delionte West was a major attacker from that angle. SJU has no answers, much like 
the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers, who lack the deep shooters to contend in games 
they start slowly, the Hawks will need to develop their offense for successes in 
conference.

If you're a Hawk fan, how can you complain? A winning SU mark of 22.4 games per 
annum over the last five campaigns is quite an accomplishment for such a small 
urban school, not in a BCS conference. Still when you have Mr. Basketball types 
from Connecticut and West Virginia, one might question the current record 2-3 
SU, and the direction Martelli is taking. But, before you bury this club, 
remember 2 of the last 3 opponents were highly rated Texas and Alabama. Oh, I 
should mention, for next season the Hawks have garnered three quality verbal 
commitments for the basketball squad. The "Hawk is not dead" just taking a 
little time to map out a new direction. 

In sports-betting, we know that patterns are a key element in any winning 
season, so one should be aware of programs that fly under the radar and look, not too friendly to the 
pocketbook in the early season. SJU should be a major force on Las Vegas 
Boulevard come A-10 play as some of the young depth will accure more playing 
time. SJU faces Creigthon on December 6th and 'Nova on December 11th, those 
encounters should tell us how much more about the Maui trip, and if it helped 
develop a new winning chemistry on Hawk Hill.

MLB LETS THE BASEBALL PUBLIC DOWN BIG TIME

Monday night was a major set back for the baseball world when the officials of MLB where sitting in the stands at Citizens Bank Park and did not cancel early on the contest between the Phillies and Rays. The abbreviated game did not do justice to the sport or to lefty Cole Hamels.  In a bunt situation, Hamels was hit on the hand (fingers of his throwing hand) and could have cost the Phillies the World Series in retrospect. This incident never happens if do diligence was used in fathering the sport. But, again money takes the grip of human consciousness and brings down western civilization, let alone the kindred spirit of the baseball faithful of Philadelphia. Tuesday night the guardianship will try and recreate the time, space and setting, but the only same base mindset will be the 2-2 score, since the weather is expected to be wet, windy and cold. Sounds like the expense reports for all those fat cats from major league baseball will be getting a little juice spending extra time in the City of the Brotherly Love.