2010 Super Bowl XLIV Preview

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Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

I'd like to start by saying that I've been very unintrigued by this game even though I think it is a close matchup of teams and think the game will be relatively close. I think the reasoning stems from both teams being offensively based. I like games with good defense, where 3 and outs aren't always a bad thing, and the distances of punts make a difference. Instead it's become a human vs. human game of Madden where games are decided by Red Zone efficiency and who's lucky enough to force fumbles. This isn't the fault of the two teams playing, it's just the latest example of how the game has changed. Hate the game, not the player. Rule changes have all been made in the offense's favor which has depreciated my interest in what I once saw as the perfect professional sports league. I don't believe this opinion is shared with the vast majority of fans (who are more interested in higher fantasy numbers), so it is tough for me to put any blame on the NFL, but I'd like to believe there are some purists out there that went to see an even balance in the rules of the game. Oh well, I guess I still have Big Ten Football. On to the game...

Legacy Games:


Peyton Manning- With a victory, he can enter the discussion of the greatest quarterback of all time. There is no G.O.A.T. right now, only a discussion (Elway, Montana, Marino, Favre, Manning, Brady, Unitas, and Seneca Wallace). Peyton has the chance to become the GOAT if he wins three Super Bowls. He has the chance to become the greatest of his generation (over Brady) if he wins this game. His two Super Bowls would eclipse Brady's three for three reasons: 1. His numbers are way better. 2. Brady had the benefit of playing with possibly the greatest coach of all time, Bill Belichick, and was thus equipped with a top of the line defense throughout his career. 3. At any point during their careers, if you took away both Manning and Brady from their teams, the Colts would suffer more because of it. For the record, I have Manning over Brady already.

Drew Brees- With a victory, he can enter the discussion of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation, and perhaps become the best current quarterback. The only thing he is lacking from the top ones as of now is years of stats to pile up and postseason success. He's well on his way as far as stats go, and this game could answer the playoff questions. He seems destined for Hall of Fame borderline status and this game may become the decider.

Teams:

New Orleans Saints- I can't find one reason to pick the Saints in this game (not always a bad thing, especially in the NFL). I don't think they'll be able to challenge the Peytons on offense. They thrive off of turnovers- interceptions that Peyton won't throw and fumbles that it's hard to imagine repeating itself from the NFC Championship. Let's be honest, the Vikings dominated that game and would've won if not for fumbling 18 times- and they could've still easily won. Brees did not look very good the entire second half and they penaltied their way to the game winning field goal. Their best chance is to find a way to capitalize on the injury of Marlo Freeney (HUGE) with some slow developing, deep crossing routes, and to create some big plays after the play has broken down. Bring your Michael Scott improv skills, Drew.

Indianapolis Colts- Peyton is in the zone. Pocket passing quarterbacks hit their prime at about 33-35 as long as they stay injury free in their career. It appears that Peyton has come around from his playoff failures in the past, as he is no longer afraid of any game or deficit facing him. Seemingly. The only way the Saints win this game is if Peyton starts to feel the weight of all the legacy talk going around this week. If he reaches a comfort zone its game over. The injury of Freeney is huge for their defense. He was probably the third best player in the game (Manning, Brees). Bring your steroid shots, Dwight.

Prediction:

Low scoring in the first half as they feel each other out and everyone is surprised at the "defensive battle". Scoring picks up in the second half as Peyton starts to dissect the Saints defense. Brees in turn presses and makes some mistakes. Colts cruise in a game with little second half intrigue that is decided in the third quarter.

Colts 27, Saints 16
MVP: Dallas Clark

2010 College Basketball Rankings

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His Dirkness' Top 10 (AND 1!):

1. Kansas- Sherron Collins will be the most feared guard in the country come tournament time- Don't want to be the favorite going into tournament given past history but they are right now
2. Syracuse- Developed a case of the first half struggles lately but really developing a knack for winning- Wes Johnson is a stud
3. Kentucky- DeMarcus Cousins might be the most feared big man come tournament time- Can Calipari handle an upset John Wall?
4. Villanova- Top 4 teams have really separated themselves- Love Lil' Scottie Reynolds' game- Do they have the necessary bigs to win come March?
5. West Virginia- The Big East is good- One of the two best rebounding teams in the country (both intimately touched by Bobby Huggins-look at those threads)- It would be awfully fun if they were to play each other
6. Kansas State- The other of those two teams- Proof that you can be mediocre in all areas yet superior in rebounding and be a top 6 team- Denny Clemente is the most overrated player in the country
7. Ohio State- Should only be judged on games that Evan Turner (who is my Player of the Year right now) has played in
8. Michigan State- In BIG trouble if Kalin Lucas' ankle injury was as serious as it appeared to be- Top 5 team with him at full health
9. Georgetown- Put the beatdown on Duke that I thought they would- Greg Monroe and his beard could continue the tradition of G-Town big men
10. Baylor- Maybe a bit too high for them but it's time for my annual smitten time with Baylor basketball- The most underrated team in the country
11. Connecticut- What? They're on the bubble? Nah, I'm talking about the women's team here- Could beat Duke any day of the week- Take that Duke!

Dirkness

State of the Union Address: Kansas Jayhawks

I'd like to start by accepting the shout out from ol' Billy Boy Self for reading the blog and yanking Tyshawn from the starting lineup, even though he had to go and one up me by choosing Brady Morningstar over Tyrel Reed- eh, the Tighty Whiteys are interchangeable. This move has resulted in, or at least contributed to, the best two-game stretch of the season (@Iowa St, Missouri) from the team, with only the Temple game being comparable. This should come as no surprise, as this is the time of year that KU always gets it in gear, right at the start of conference season. And since some of the players are confused about what's expected of them, and the fact that Self loves to read my blog so much, I will now lay out the roles for each player (ranked in importance to the team's success):


Sherron Nasty- The man. Has the balls necessary to lead a team to a National Championship. Doing a great job of figuring out when to take over games, and when to defer to teammates. Think of his legacy if he can lead Kansas to a National Championship this year.

'Cus Morris- Turning on beast mode. Averaging 19 and 8 in conference games so far. I rated him as more important than Cole because he has a better chance of becoming the go to low-post scorer. To win it all, you need a man you dump the ball down to and expect a basket. Shadyyyyyy.

Colehelm Aldrich- The Funnelcake. I've given up on Cole at the offensive end, and Herm Edwards tells me that's okayyyyy. It's okkkkk. Just focus on the defensive end. The rest of the defense funnels the offense into Cole sitting right under the basket for some sweet swat action. Funnelcakez.

Brady 'Cornbread' Morningstar- Dude does it all. Every KU fan would understand why he is this high on the list. Every non-KU fan would be confused why he's this high. Defense, passing, and court awareness are the reasons why. A mere 9 points as a season-high causes the confusion. There's more to basketball than scoring.

Xavier Henry- X-Man. The Phader. The Snipah. Has been in a shooting slump for a while now, but I prescribe for him to just shoot his way out of it. Needs his confidence to be high come tournament time.

Tyshawn Taylor- The Pine Cone. Should thrive coming off the bench. Seems to be playing with more passion since his inoffensive demotion, especially on the defensive end. At the beginning of the season, I wanted him to be the steady hand of Russ Rob from '07. Didn't work. Now he needs to become Sherron's spark off the bench from '07.

'Kief Morris- Rebound da ball like a man.

Tyrel Reed- Shoot 3's.

Jeff 'Kill' Whitey- I like him off the bench before Thomas Robinson. Needs to be ready in every first half in case two bigs pickup two fouls.

C.J. Henry- Kid X. Kid Snipah. I'm convinced he might be the best shooter on the team. I'm also convinced that he is definitely the worst defender on the team.

Thomas Robinson- Still makes too many dumb plays. Will be the man next year along with...

Elijah Johnson- Study Sherron's every move (except for elevator behavior).

Conner Teahan- Look pretty. And change your name if you ever want to play.

Chase Buford- Keep rockin that 'stache.

Jordan Juenemann- Work on those cankles Ju Wanna Man.


Prediction for tonight: Kansas @ Kansas St~~I feel like all the pressure is on Kansas State in this game. College Gameday. Just beat Texas. Kansas has the rematch at home to fall back on. I think the fans will be ready, I don't think the team will be. KU does not fear K-State in anyway. This is a game Kansas wins.

Kansas 71, Kansas State 64