ACC-Big 10 Challenge Thread

[swlpack]

Let the games begin...

Here's the schedule:

Monday, Nov. 28
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Virginia Tech at Ohio State VT

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest Wiscy
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State FSU
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State Clemson
9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina Illinois
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan Miami

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State MSU
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland UMD
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia NW
9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana Duke
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa Iowa

I don't know much about the Big 10 for basketball this year, but right now I'd have to guess that it will go something like that, ACC wins it close 6-5.

[LikeWhoa20]

My picks:
OSU over VT
Wake over Wisconsin
Florida St over Purdue
Clemson over Penn St
Illinois over UNC
Miami over Michigan
MSU over Georgia Tech
Maryland over Minnesota
Virginia over Northwestern
Indiana over Duke (I'll be at this game, the #1 game in this year's Challenge)
Iowa over NC State

So that comes out to 6-5, ACC.

[Wufpack]

VT-OSU VT
Wisc-WFU WFU
Purd-FSU Purd
Clem-PSU PSU
Ill-UNC UNC
Miami-Mich Miami
MSU-GT MSU
MD-Minn Minn
UVA-NW UVA
Ind-Duke Ind (im crazy)
NCSU-Iowa NCSU

6-5 ACC. I know, my predictions are probably very shittily accurate.

[Echoes]

The Big Ten has a good chance to finally win this thing this year, but the ACC will probably win again, 6-5.

Virginia Tech at Ohio State
Wisconsin at Wake Forest
Purdue at Florida State
Clemson at Penn State
Illinois at North Carolina
Miami at Michigan
Georgia Tech at Michigan State
Minnesota at Maryland
Northwestern at Virginia
Duke at Indiana
N.C. State at Iowa

[Echoes]

Buckeyes by 21 at the half. They're playing pretty well, but I don't like their new uniforms at all.

[BigShan05]

Buckeyes by 21 at the half. They're playing pretty well, but I don't like their new uniforms at all.
me either. But lucky for us, nike picked grey for the shoulders, which matches our colors just fine, unlike Duke and other schools nike is putting this shit on.

[TexasAggie2323]

Monday, Nov. 28
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Virginia Tech at Ohio State VT (missed since the game is almost over so I wont pick)

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State
9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia
9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa

[jtothero]

Virginia Tech at Ohio State (A little late, but I would've picked OSU anyways)

Wisconsin at Wake Forest TOSS UP
Purdue at Florida State TOSS UP
Clemson at Penn State
Illinois at North Carolina
Miami at Michigan TOSS UP

Georgia Tech at Michigan State
Minnesota at Maryland
Northwestern at Virginia
Duke at Indiana
N.C. State at Iowa TOSS UP

[FieldingBLUE]

Monday, Nov. 28
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Virginia Tech at Ohio State VT (NO PICK - OVER)

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State
9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia
9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa

Hey, mine are the same as TexasAggie2323. :)

Lots of Miami over Michigan, huh? I think the real UM takes it.

[shinsational]

Monday, Nov. 28
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Virginia Tech at Ohio State VT (NO PICK - OVER)

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest

Alando Tucker. Nuff said.

7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State

FSU is pretty athletic, I pick them to win at home mostly because Purdue was painful to watch last year.

8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State

Clemson. I have nothing to say about this game.

9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina

The team that actually returned a starter wins this one.

9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan

Hite and Diaz go for about 40.

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State

Obviously.

7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland

I think the Terps have a chance to be scary good this year.

8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia

I know Sean Singletary can hoop a bit, I can't say I'm that intimate with the Wildcats, so I pick UVA at the hall.

9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana

If the Hoosiers had DJ White, Id be tempted to pick them.

9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa

Imagine how good this game could be if its for the whole challenge. I think this will be the best of the lot with State losing a close one to make it 6-5 ACC.

[CJ_24]

Wolverine fans, exactly how good is Michigan (i am interested to see what we're up against)

[toy_machine]

Monday, Nov. 28
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Virginia Tech at Ohio State over...i probally woulda picked VT

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest Wisconsin
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State FSU
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State Clemson
9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina Illinois
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan Michigan

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State Michigan State
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland Maryland
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia Northwestern
9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana Duke
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa Iowa

with Ohio State already winning, 7-4 to the big 10.

also, will boston college be in this next year?

[SalSincere]

Monday, Nov. 28
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Virginia Tech at Ohio State over

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest Wisconsin
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State FSU
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State Clemson
9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina Illinois
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan Michigan

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State Michigan State
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland Maryland
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia UVA
9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana Indiana
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa Iowa

I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the Big 10's year. I hope im wrong. 7-4 Big 10

[Mandibal]

Go Bucks! Way to represent with the first win for the Big 10. :)

[LoveyPSU]

How good is Illinois? They're getting 2 points from UNC tonight and I'm half tempted to put all $250 I'm up after the weekend's football on the Illini tonight.

[LikeWhoa20]

This line worries me; it looks like a sucker bet. Anyone will look at that line and jump on Illinois. The Illini have major edges at PG and C with Brown and Augustine, but no one really knows how the young UNC players will step up in this marquee, nationally televised game.

[penn_state_xc]

Tuesday, Nov. 29
7:00 p.m. ESPN Wisconsin at Wake Forest Wisconsin
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Purdue at Florida State FSU
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Clemson at Penn State PSU (somebody's gotta be a homer on this board :D )
9:00 p.m. ESPN Illinois at North Carolina Illinois
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Miami at Michigan Michigan

Wednesday, Nov. 30
7:00 p.m. ESPN Georgia Tech at Michigan State Michigan State
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Minnesota at Maryland Maryland
8:00 p.m. ESPNU Northwestern at Virginia UVA
9:00 p.m. ESPN Duke at Indiana Indiana
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 N.C. State at Iowa Iowa

I too, envision the Big10 finally taking home the trophy in this one. I will also be at the PSU-Clemson game tonight making noise in the student section, y'all should watch if you get ESPNU.

[#1michiganfan]

Wolverine fans, exactly how good is Michigan (i am interested to see what we're up against)
Michigan has a very talented team but they are inconsistent. If Horton and Abram play well I think they should win.

[swlpack]

The ACC is looking good so far, with Wake on top of Wisconsin 43-36 a few minutes into the 2nd half and FSU dominating Purdue 44-18 closing in on halftime.

[carolinalax23]

I'm headed over to the UNC-Illinois game in 5 minutes. I have a night class that is Tuesday nights from 6-9 and they actually let us out an hour early just because of the game.

[Wufpack]

FSU is KICKING ASS!!! It's crazy. Maybe Purdue just sux bawls.

All games in progress currently have the ACC team winning. Clemson, FSU, and Wake. I want the ACC to win every game except Ill-UNC, I'll give the Big Ten that one.

[I OU a Beatn]

Wiconsin and Wake have a dandy going on right now.

[Fluff E Bunny]

FSU is KICKING ASS!!! It's crazy. Maybe Purdue just sux bawls.

All games in progress currently have the ACC team winning. Clemson, FSU, and Wake. I want the ACC to win every game except Ill-UNC, I'll give the Big Ten that one.

Just got back form the FSU-Purdue game. Purdue is terrible. If anyone loses to them in the Big 10 they should be kicked out of the conference.

FSU is a decent, 2-3 loss under .500 in ACC play kind of team (at best), but goddamn Purdue is terrible. Terrible defense, terrible passing, terrible ball handling, terrible shooting, just terrible.

Leonard Hamilton called off the dogs about 2 minutes into the second half. I think they said 8 different Noles had three pointers in the game. Ouch.

[I OU a Beatn]

Just got back form the FSU-Purdue game. Purdue is terrible. If anyone loses to them in the Big 10 they should be kicked out of the conference.

FSU is a decent, 2-3 loss under .500 in ACC play kind of team (at best), but goddamn Purdue is terrible. Terrible defense, terrible passing, terrible ball handling, terrible shooting, just terrible.

Leonard Hamilton called off the dogs about 2 minutes into the second half. I think they said 8 different Noles had three pointers in the game. Ouch.

Giving up 58 points in the opening half is absolutely inexcusable for a Big 10 team.

[jtothero]

Well Illinois just won 68-64

Michigan is separating from Miami, 50-33

ACC-3
Big Ten-2

[NDstud21]

Dammit! [evil]

Very close game. Illinois 68- UNC 64

I was very impressed with Hansbrough and Ginyard. Hansbrough took on a senior All-Big Ten center in Augustine and had better numbers with 17 points. Ginyard, a usual defensive stopper, had an impressive offensive game with 14 points. Frasor also had a good defensive game against perhaps the fastest guy in the game.

Kind of worried about our 3-point shooting though at 15% (2-13)

Expect this young team to surprise some quality teams this year.

[FieldingBLUE]

Wolverine fans, exactly how good is Michigan (i am interested to see what we're up against)Looking pretty good right now. Natch.

In 2003-04, Michigan won the NIT and things looked bright for 04-05, since the nucleus was returning. Despite that, the Wolverines were plagued by injuries (Lester Abram missed almost the whole season & Horton missed 6 games) and suspensions (Horton missed 12 games for a domestic abuse charge that was later dropped by his gf). The team fell apart. Amaker looked confused and people starting calling for TA's head.

Then this year, M started out slowly against lesser competition. As #1 said, they are talented, but haven't been able to put it together as a team. If they jell, it might be a 20 to 22 win season, imho. If not, they'll be scrambling for .500 and an NIT berth.

[LikeWhoa20]

Purdue, with the exception of Carl Landry, is absolutely terrible. Potential newcomer of the year Tarrance Crump, a JUCO All-American PG, was suspended for the season. Then David Teague goes out for the year with a knee injury. So pretty much they have zero PGs and are using 4 freshmen at their two guard spots. It's going to be a rough year for the Boilers, and I'm loving it! haha.

[FieldingBLUE]

Purdue, with the exception of Carl Landry, is absolutely terrible.Throw in football and it's an AWFUL year in West Lafayette. Wow!

[swlpack]

ACC: 3
Big 10: 3

Tomorrow will be interesting....

[penn_state_xc]

Purdue, with the exception of Carl Landry, is absolutely terrible. Potential newcomer of the year Tarrance Crump, a JUCO All-American PG, was suspended for the season. Then David Teague goes out for the year with a knee injury. So pretty much they have zero PGs and are using 4 freshmen at their two guard spots. It's going to be a rough year for the Boilers, and I'm loving it! haha.

Translation: Purdue will pose a serious threat to PSU's 4-year streak of dead last Big10 finishes.

[Wufpack]

I was pretty impressed with Carolina. Definitely showed they could challenge a ranked team. The NCSU-UNC series should be interesting, and I'm looking forward to it.

[Longhorn3788]

I was pretty impressed with Carolina. Definitely showed they could challenge a ranked team. The NCSU-UNC series should be interesting, and I'm looking forward to it.

I loved it when Noel got those steals and Roy picked him up off of the ground and was smilin. If UNC can establish a perimeter game, we will definately be a small force to recon with. Hansbrough is so much fun to watch. He's all over the place. But Dee Brown...he's so freakin' quick.

[LikeWhoa20]

UNC definitely is capable of knocking off some good teams because everyone already understands their role, which is very unusual for such a young team this early in the season.

[Durant_4_Prez]

I know it's a little early, but I think I already love this squad. They just need to find some balance on the offensive side of the ball.

[LikeWhoa20]

Less than 3 hours til Duke-IU! This is the first regular season meeting between the two storied programs. If Indiana can win this one, it puts the Hoosiers back in the national picture.

[RollBama1237]

I seriously wanted to destroy my TV last night listening to Dookie V. He could not go 30 seconds without mentioning Duke-IU.

They were going to a goddamn commercial at one point, showing a replay of Ginyard or somebody for UNC, and out of nowhere over the music he goes, "MAN I CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW BABY!!!"

What a fucking fuckup. I hope you choke on Coach K's cum and die, Dookie V.

[swlpack]

So ESPN2 is screwing up, that's nice. Early on, things aren't looking terrible for the ACC. GT is staying in the game with Michigan STate, down 46-43 early in the 2nd half. Maryland got down early to Minnesota, but is closing in with 4 minutes left in the 1st, only down 32-27. UVA-NW are tied early 6-6.

[TexasAggie2323]

Less than 3 hours til Duke-IU! This is the first regular season meeting between the two storied programs. If Indiana can win this one, it puts the Hoosiers back in the national picture.

Yea, it should be a good one. I ended up picking Duke but with Indiana playing at home I could see them giving Duke all they can handle.

[Wufpack]

GT - 86
Mich St - 88

Minn - 66
Mary - 83

NW - 57
UVA - 72

ACC is up 5-4 and with the way Duke is going it looks like the ACC can clinch it.

At the half, 25-22 Iowa on top of NCSU. Meh. Both teams are playing like dog shit. To be honest, I was pretty much expecting NCSU to lose this one. If we win I think I'll be very happy.

[Spurs&Feathers]

is anyone watching this awesome indiana/duke game on espn? the billingsworth kid, the transfer from auburn, is killing duke right now. [wow]

[Durant_4_Prez]

is anyone watching this awesome indiana/duke game on espn? the billingsworth kid, the transfer from auburn, is killing duke right now. [wow]

Killingsworth, yeah he's the shit.

[Chase56]

great atmosphere, IU is smooth.

[Wufpack]

trying to watch both games, Killingsworth is indeed the shit.

[TexasAggie2323]

That huge run in the first 5 minutes of the game is going to end up killing Indiana it looks like.

[Spurs&Feathers]

Killingsworth, yeah he's the shit.
oops, yeah killingsworth... i don't know where the hell i got billingsworth from.

looks like duke is going to win anyway. i fucking hate duke so much... for no reason really but i don't feel like i need one. they just get under my skin.

[Durant_4_Prez]

If only Killingsworth could hit a damn free-throw.

[Durant_4_Prez]

oops, yeah killingsworth... i don't know where the hell i got billingsworth from.

looks like duke is going to win anyway. i fucking hate duke so much... for no reason really but i don't feel like i need one. they just get under my skin.

I can give you one...walmart fans, they're so prevalent around here it makes me wish I lived somewhere else.

[Spurs&Feathers]

I can give you one...walmart fans, they're so prevalent around here it makes me wish I lived somewhere else.
yeah, there are a ton of those around here as well...as if any of that trash could ever actually get into duke. half of them probably couldn't find duke with a map.

[Wufpack]

ACC wins 6-5 in the challenge. Iowa beats NCSU 45-42. Tomorrow I'll rant about NCSU's last possession.

[swlpack]

Blah. Typical Sendek-era road game for the Pack. Sloppy play for both teams, nobody could hit the broadside of a barn for the most part. This is the kind of game where a loss doesn't really hurt, but a win would have really been nice. Oh well, come back home and get two more easy wins over App. State and UNC-Asheville before ACC play starts v. Miami.

[swlpack]

PackPride message board has gone insane. One loss to a top-15 team on the road and there are already people calling for Herb to be fired. I swear to God, I cheer for a team with the most dysfunctional fan base in America. They love Chuckles the Clown who can't beat UNC and Wake on a consistant basis, but hate Herb for winning 20+ games for four (soon to be five) straight years.

[LikeWhoa20]

WOW, that was one hell of a game. Without doubt that has to be the best atmosphere I've ever been in for a game. Every seat was filled 30 minutes before tipoff. One of my friends sold his ticket in the 12th row for $900! Even Coach K said that was the loudest atmosphere he'd ever experienced when Marco had that dunk to put them up for the first time with 8 minutes to go. Now onto my thoughts on the actual game:

1. Everyone: Meet Marco Killingsworth. The guy is amazing; he's averaging over a point per minute (had 34 points in 34 minutes tonight alone) on the season. He singlehandedly got Williams and McRoberts in foul trouble, and he was also our best penetrator and outside shooter tonight. My only question is how he handles losing some of his offensive touches when D.J. White returns. That shouldn't be an issue, but you never know. In total, he's an All-American caliber player and without question better than Shelden Williams imo (since Shelden lacks the same offensive skill).

2. This game serves as proof to all the doubters that think J.J. Redick is only a shooter. The guy scored in every way possible and never lost his cool down the stretch.

3. Duke's freshmen (Paulus and McRoberts) are for real. I picked IU because I was counting on them to have some trouble in their first true road game, especially in that kind of hostile environment. With the exception of a 4 minute stretch (12 to 8 minutes left in the 2nd half) where they lost their composure, they played extremely solid the rest of the game.

4. And finally, the biggest issue for me: Indiana's biggest weaknesses (guard play and team defense) got exposed tonight. Give credit to Duke's staff for taking advantage of those weak spots. First, they said, "We'll let Killingsworth get whatever he wants. Instead, we'll keep pressure and a hand in the face of every guy out on the perimeter since we know they can't hit outside shots in pressure situations with a hand in their face." And it worked. Everyone up til tonight tried the opposite, which never worked. Marco still got his points because he's unstoppable, and the guards were hitting over 50% from 3 point range because they were getting wide open looks as a result of the double-teams down low. In fact, Monroe and Calloway never look for their shot. Wilmont doesn't play defense so he wasn't even in the game at the end. Vaden isn't confident enough to hit an outside jumper in a crucial situation. Strickland wants to be that guy, but he gets too excited (whereas J.J. is always calm and collected) and can't come through. Someone is going to have to step up from that group though.
On the other end, Duke stayed composed and kept making the extra pass, knowing that IU's defense would eventually crack and leave a wide open trey or an open space to slash into the lane (which is how J.J. took over). This is definitely IU's biggest problem and should be Mike Davis's #1 priority. The guys give up easy buckets far too often to be a top 10 or top 15 team.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I'm sure you all also saw Killingsworth's biggest weakness: free throw shooting. He's under 50% on the season. Could come back to haunt them when the stakes are higher late in the year.

[LikeWhoa20]

PackPride message board has gone insane. One loss to a top-15 team on the road and there are already people calling for Herb to be fired. I swear to God, I cheer for a team with the most dysfunctional fan base in America. They love Chuckles the Clown who can't beat UNC and Wake on a consistant basis, but hate Herb for winning 20+ games for four (soon to be five) straight years.
I can't really disagree with you, but I can say that I'm not cut out to be a fan. This was the first time tonight that I've been at a basketball game with that kind of atmosphere and not been one of the guys on the court. And all of the jackasses around me had me wanting to beat the shit out of everybody in my whole section lol. Apparently every foul called is a jump ball, every pivot is a travel, and every shot made by Duke was a fluke. And from the other side, when I'd get pissed off (like when a set play was run incorrectly in a key situation or if someone failed to cover help side on a drive by Redick), I'd be the only guy upset. Maybe this is only news to me, but I just didn't expect THAT many people to be complete retards when it comes to knowing the game of basketball.

[SalSincere]

I can't really disagree with you, but I can say that I'm not cut out to be a fan. This was the first time tonight that I've been at a basketball game with that kind of atmosphere and not been one of the guys on the court. And all of the jackasses around me had me wanting to beat the shit out of everybody in my whole section lol. Apparently every foul called is a jump ball, every pivot is a travel, and every shot made by Duke was a fluke. And from the other side, when I'd get pissed off (like when a set play was run incorrectly in a key situation or if someone failed to cover help side on a drive by Redick), I'd be the only guy upset. Maybe this is only news to me, but I just didn't expect THAT many people to be complete retards when it comes to knowing the game of basketball.

Man, i said the same thing when i went to my first football game not playing. It was crazy how many jackasses they are in the stands. Its frustrating as all hell to hear people yell about something they have no clue about.

[Wufpack]

Jesus christ swl, you're right. Of course I wasn't gonna go that overboard..

Obviously, both teams couldn't shoot or anything and they gave up many turnovers, many unforced. The thing that ticked me was the ending. We have 14 seconds to operate, let's stand around try to run our offense in a defense that has shut us down. NO. We had one timeout left guys, USE IT. Design some type of play. Obviously we wanted Evtimov to shoot the ball, GET HIM OPEN. I love Herb as a tournament coach, he prepares well for the ACC and NCAA tournaments, but he's a very shitty last-possession coach. In those situations we could've used Julius Hodge, but someone has to step up, Evtimov shouldn't make his own shot.

That being said, it's no big deal. NCSU fans are fucking stupid. Whenever we get ranked they feel like we should go 37-0. Iowa was the better team, hell, they were ranked higher than us.

[swlpack]

^ Well, it's like what I was saying on PackPride, did those people honestly think we were going to not lose a game? This was a game that I was anticipating State losing, so that is why I am not too upset. They played close on the road with a good basketball team. Both State and Iowa will be in it at the end of the year heading to the NCAA Tourney, no matter how ugly this game was. Just gotta move on from the loss and beat the shit out of App. State in Reynolds on the 10th. Thank God my exams are over on Thursday.

[shinsational]

^ Well, it's like what I was saying on PackPride, did those people honestly think we were going to not lose a game? This was a game that I was anticipating State losing, so that is why I am not too upset. They played close on the road with a good basketball team. Both State and Iowa will be in it at the end of the year heading to the NCAA Tourney, no matter how ugly this game was. Just gotta move on from the loss and beat the out of App. State in Reynolds on the 10th. Thank God my exams are over on Thursday.


I agree with all of that. We had too many TO's as well, but its not like Iowa played a dandy of a basketball game either. All those open looks we missed in the second half really upset me, but its not like any of Iowa's players were on fire. I'll take the middle of the road stance. Herb wins 20+, we get a 6 seed, that was a horrible last play, reminicant of atsur's fadeaway three at the end of one game last year. But the way we were on fire, it wouldnt have mattered much if he would have called the annexation of puerto rico, the shot wouldn't have dropped.

[LoveyPSU]

I think I'm going to hell...took Dook, layin' 4.5, for $100 (didn't want to put all my weekend's winnings on the game...I mean, I do hate them). [down]

[Corn Hawk]

I can't really disagree with you, but I can say that I'm not cut out to be a fan. This was the first time tonight that I've been at a basketball game with that kind of atmosphere and not been one of the guys on the court. And all of the jackasses around me had me wanting to beat the shit out of everybody in my whole section lol. Apparently every foul called is a jump ball, every pivot is a travel, and every shot made by Duke was a fluke. And from the other side, when I'd get pissed off (like when a set play was run incorrectly in a key situation or if someone failed to cover help side on a drive by Redick), I'd be the only guy upset. Maybe this is only news to me, but I just didn't expect THAT many people to be complete retards when it comes to knowing the game of basketball.
Well said. That explains a lot of my frustrations with going to KU basketball games. I always felt that I knew a lot more than the loudmouth idiots around me. It also made me mad when people would boo every foul on KU, even with a minute to go and a 40 point lead on some D2 school. I grew tired of going to the games, to the point that I would only want to go to games against Mizzou, top 10 teams (like Arizona and Texas a few years ago), and to see my Huskers get slaughtered (although Nebraska almost beat them last year).

[Corn Hawk]

PackPride message board has gone insane. One loss to a top-15 team on the road and there are already people calling for Herb to be fired. I swear to God, I cheer for a team with the most dysfunctional fan base in America. They love Chuckles the Clown who can't beat UNC and Wake on a consistant basis, but hate Herb for winning 20+ games for four (soon to be five) straight years.
It always frustrates me when NC State fans get on Herb Sendek. If they were to fire him, I would gladly take him in a heartbeat at Nebraska.

[LikeWhoa20]

Well said. That explains a lot of my frustrations with going to KU basketball games. I always felt that I knew a lot more than the loudmouth idiots around me. It also made me mad when people would boo every foul on KU, even with a minute to go and a 40 point lead on some D2 school. I grew tired of going to the games, to the point that I would only want to go to games against Mizzou, top 10 teams (like Arizona and Texas a few years ago), and to see my Huskers get slaughtered (although Nebraska almost beat them last year).
I may be the opposite of what you just said. Sure, an atmosphere like the one last night cannot be duplicated and I would never trade that up, but at the same time I found myself thinking, "Wow, I can't wait til this Saturday for the game against Eastern Michigan. There will be some empty seats, nobody will give a shit since they know we're gonna win, and I can just kick back and watch the game in peace." So I think there are definite positives to both types. The worst game here will be when Purdue comes to town. Everyone will be just as dramatic as last night because it's our rival, but we'll still win handily. Not looking forward to that one lol.

[SalSincere]

It always frustrates me when NC State fans get on Herb Sendek. If they were to fire him, I would gladly take him in a heartbeat at Nebraska.

You wouldnt believe how much shit he gets down there. He is one of the nicest men ive ever met & a pretty good coach. We (& im including myself in this soley because this is my team) have the biggest inferiority complex when it comes to basketball & football to a certain extent. I dont think any other school can claim that they have 2 of the top 5 basketball programs half an hour away from their school, so we feel like we need to be as good as them. We run around yelling about how we should be a top flight program & that we won 2 national championships, but the honest reality is that we arent a top tier program. Now, there are plenty of players out there that can come to State & contribute, especially in the state of North Carolina. Bottom line is State fans need to chill the fuck out & stop blaming their kid's lisp on Herb. I think he will eventually bring the program back to being a consistant top 25 program.

[swlpack]

^ Well, despite last year's minor resurrection of the Fire Herb faction of the fan base, I think most people are content with him, in fact probably close to 75%-80% of the fan base is. Look at it like this, Herb started getting bashed when he went 13-16 in 2001, while at the same time Amato had come in and gone to two straight bowl games. People wanted Herb to turn into Valvano and be upbeat like Amato. I think since fortunes have changed and people see Amato as a snake oil salesman character, they are starting to appreciate Herb's tough, no-BS style over Amato's flash and no results.

Rest assured Corn Hawk, I am confident that Sendek will be at State for many years and he will win championships while he is here. The guy is only 40 years old, so we have another 20-30 years to get out out of him. He has shown a commitment to the program even when over half the fanbase wanted him gone, and I think that speaks wonders about what he thinks he can do at NC State. The easy thing for Herb to do would have been to openly seek another job after the 2002 or 2003 season, but he didn't. That's why I'm sticking behind him, as long as he keeps winning.

[Wufpack]

Well said swl. Herb gets my support too. He runs his program as clean as it gets, and that counts for a lot in my book.

[Corn Hawk]

I may be the opposite of what you just said. Sure, an atmosphere like the one last night cannot be duplicated and I would never trade that up, but at the same time I found myself thinking, "Wow, I can't wait til this Saturday for the game against Eastern Michigan. There will be some empty seats, nobody will give a shit since they know we're gonna win, and I can just kick back and watch the game in peace." So I think there are definite positives to both types. The worst game here will be when Purdue comes to town. Everyone will be just as dramatic as last night because it's our rival, but we'll still win handily. Not looking forward to that one lol.
Well the problem I have with those blowout games is that the fans at KU still want blood when they're up by 40. They don't ease up when they play, say, Emporia State or Washburn. They are still all over the refs and hate the opponent with all their hearts.

I like going to the Mizzou games and the other big games because they're usually very competitive. I'm still annoyed by the crowd at times of course, but the atmosphere is just phenomenal. The way you described the atmosphere against Duke, that's how I felt about the games against Texas (when Collison had like a 20-20 game or something like that) and Arizona (for the first half at least) a couple years ago. The loudest fans are usually the least knowledgeable, but seeing two great teams battle it out in front of a pumped up crowd more than makes up for it IMO.

[Corn Hawk]

^ Well, despite last year's minor resurrection of the Fire Herb faction of the fan base, I think most people are content with him, in fact probably close to 75%-80% of the fan base is.
That's good to hear. I commented because I am somewhat of an NC State fan. I don't follow them at all, but when they're on I cheer for them. My roommate all four years of college lived in Raleigh and is a huge NC State fan. He would get frustrated when the fans would call for Sendek's head. As someone mentioned, the fact that UNC and Duke are right there doesn't help matters. That is a near impossible standard to live up to. I think that Sendek has done a very good job there and it would be a huge mistake to get rid of him, not that I think they will though.

[SalSincere]

^ Well, despite last year's minor resurrection of the Fire Herb faction of the fan base, I think most people are content with him, in fact probably close to 75%-80% of the fan base is. Look at it like this, Herb started getting bashed when he went 13-16 in 2001, while at the same time Amato had come in and gone to two straight bowl games. People wanted Herb to turn into Valvano and be upbeat like Amato. I think since fortunes have changed and people see Amato as a snake oil salesman character, they are starting to appreciate Herb's tough, no-BS style over Amato's flash and no results.

Rest assured Corn Hawk, I am confident that Sendek will be at State for many years and he will win championships while he is here. The guy is only 40 years old, so we have another 20-30 years to get out out of him. He has shown a commitment to the program even when over half the fanbase wanted him gone, and I think that speaks wonders about what he thinks he can do at NC State. The easy thing for Herb to do would have been to openly seek another job after the 2002 or 2003 season, but he didn't. That's why I'm sticking behind him, as long as he keeps winning.

Its rational thought like this that gives me hope that not all State fans are senile lunatics. I like herb & i still like Amato. I stay away from Statefans as much as possible.

[swlpack]

That's good to hear. I commented because I am somewhat of an NC State fan. I don't follow them at all, but when they're on I cheer for them. My roommate all four years of college lived in Raleigh and is a huge NC State fan. He would get frustrated when the fans would call for Sendek's head. As someone mentioned, the fact that UNC and Duke are right there doesn't help matters. That is a near impossible standard to live up to. I think that Sendek has done a very good job there and it would be a huge mistake to get rid of him, not that I think they will though.

And here you have stated a huge misconception. NC State should compete be right there with UNC and Duke every year. It is funny to think that from the 1950's through the early 1990's, NC State was better than or on par with the Blue Devils and the Heels. Everyone acts like State can't be good enough because well, look who is down I-40 from us. That attitude has come about since the end of the Valvano era (ie probation, Les Robinson, and Todd Turner), and it sickens me. I honestly hope that Herb can get State back to where we were then, beating UNC and Duke more than a few times a decade, consistantly being ranked in the top 15, and winning championships. That is NC State basketball, not playing little brother to the teams in blue. That is Wake Forest's role by right :D .

[swlpack]

Its rational thought like this that gives me hope that not all State fans are senile lunatics. I like herb & i still like Amato. I stay away from Statefans as much as possible.

I guess I'm still young and idealistic, I didn't have the opportunity to turn into a cynic, not that I blame State fans (such as my dad) that are. To see what has happened to our athletics program since Jimmy V was booted and probation, it is very disheartening. The trend at the whole university right now is very positive, academically and athletically. The Achieve! Campaign is close to raising $1 billion for academic programs, endowments, campus improvement, the whole shebang, the largest private fundraising endeavor in the university's history. Every athletic facility on campus will be up to or better than standard by 2007-2008. I think a basketball or football title of some sort would kind of cement that positivity on the athletic side, but we need something to hang up in order to show that State really has regained what we lost between the late '80s and now.