What to Make of a Stumble Before the Tournament?

March Madness has already come before Selection Sunday. Many top teams have lost earlier than expected in their conference tournaments. I breakdown each team and tell you what I think the loss means come tournament time.

Syracuse - Lost to Cincinnati 71-68 in the Big East semifinals

Syracuse come into the Big East tournament with the #1 seed, but had never won it with the top seed before. That continued this year as they ran into a hot-shooting Cincinnati team. Syracuse would probably beat Cincinnati 8 or 9 times out of 10, but not last night. Syracuse will still get a #1 seed in the tournament, but the loss cost them any chance of getting the #1 overall seed. What the loss did show is that this team is more vulnerable then their record shows. The Orange have been in a lot of close games this season, but they have come out the victors in most of them. Syracuse has the record they have because they play consistently great basketball, but I would be the first to tell you that if the Orange run into another hot team in the tournament, they could get upset.

Kansas - Lost to Baylor 81-72 in the Big 12 semifinals

Kansas came in the Big 12 tournament as the #1 seed and had a matchup with Baylor, who they had beaten handily both times during the regular season. Baylor got revenge in this one, playing tough basketball from start to finish. Kansas head coach Bill Self was the first to acknowledge how good Baylor was. After the game, he said, "Make no mistake about it. They beat us tonight. They were better than us, no question. That's a good basketball team. They're very talented." Those were nice words coach, but what does that mean about your basketball team. I still think Kansas is the most complete team in that conference. A conference that I think is the best in college basketball this year by a considerable margin. Kansas may have lost their chance at a #1 seed, but this is still a team I wouldn't want to face in the tournament.

Duke - Lost to Florida State 62-59 in the ACC semifinals

Duke came into the matchup with Florida State having split the regular season matchups. So everyone expected this one to be another thriller. Duke is the traditional ACC power, but it was Florida State that built the double-digit second half lead. The Blue Devils rallied, but the Seminoles stayed calm and held on for the win. After the game, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski stated that he thought that Florida State's Michael Snaer was the best competitor in the conference. What does that mean for his Dukies? Well I think still a very good team, but they have their flaws. They don't play great defense and rely on the three a lot. For Duke, it is all about who they get in the tournament. Given the right matchup, they could make a run, but given the wrong one, they could be out earlier than expected.

Washington Redskins Trade Up to #2 in the NFL Draft

The two most dynamic players in the NFL Draft this year are commonly considered to be Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. They are both quarterbacks and coveted commodities to have. This comes as know surprise as football has been transformed today into a sport that hinges on the quarterback position. Having a great quarterback puts you at least on the radar for the playoffs. The Indianapolis Colts made a big ripple effect on the draft when they released veteran quarterback Peyton Manning (You can read my take on where Manning should play next year here: http://fireawayblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/where-should-peyton-manning-play-next.html).

This meant that Peyton along with Luck and Griffin are the best available quarterback options. With many teams having a need in that department, phones began to ring quickly. Many of those calls were heading to St. Louis Rams. The Rams were the owners of the #2 overall pick in the draft. Everyone expects the Colts to pick Luck, but Griffin would still be available at this pick. The Rams, however, don't need another quarterback as they are already committed to Sam Bradford. This meant they could afford to trade down, but still ask a high price because so many teams wanted Griffin.

Much of the trade talk hinged on where Manning would decide to play next season. Reports are out that he quickly told the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns that he was not interested (I wasn't surprised at all). This meant they were the teams pushing hardest to get a trade agreed upon with the Rams. The Redskins apparently won the bidding war, but paid the heavy price for the #2 overall pick. In return, the Rams received the #7 overall pick in this year's draft, the Redskins' 2nd round pick in this draft, and the Redskins' 1st round picks for 2013 and 2014. So that is three 1st round picks and a second round pick. That will certainly help the Rams in their rebuilding process. You can read more about that in my blog post I wrote after they hired Jeff Fisher as head coach: http://fireawayblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/st-louis-looks-to-ram-their-way-into.html.

Now, let's consider what this means for the Redskins. They gave up a lot. There is no way around that. But they got a quarterback they believed could be a franchise quarterback in Robert Griffin III. No one can question his athleticism, but how good can he really be? I am not really sure. For that we will just have to see. But what you can expect now is the Redskins to be big players in the upcoming free agent market. They have about $40 million in cap space to use. They should look to bolster their offensive line, bring a running back (possibly resign Tim Hightower if he is healthy), and add a receiver or two for Griffin. They should also be looking to pay linebacker London Fletcher the money he wants to remain the captain of their defense. Washington may have overpaid for Griffin, but what do you expect, after all it is the Redskins. They just better hope he turns out to be the answer at quarterback.

Western Kentucky Topping Out at the Right Time

On January 16, Western Kentucky's men's basketball team looked about as downtrodden and forlorn as a basketball team gets. They were 5-14. Their head coach had been fired a week or so before. They were 0-3 under their interim coach. And they didn't have an answer. Newly named interim coach Ray Harper just wanted his players to believe in him and show some toughness on the court. January 21st is when they finally did. The Hilltoppers beat the Sun Belt west division champion University of Arkansas Little Rock (UALR) Trojans. Including that win, they finished the regular season 6-4 the rest of the way.

Everyone on campus and around the conference thought it was a nice story. Almost everyone in the country was oblivious to what was taking place at Western Kentucky. But Harper and his boys knew. They had found their toughness and their confidence with it. They were ready to show the conference what they were made of in the conference tournament. The Hilltoppers' late run earned them the #7 seed, so they opened against the #10 seed Florida International. An unexpected hero stepped up for WKU. That guy was Kahlil McDonald, the team's only senior. McDonald came off the bench and hit five three-pointers and scored a career-high 19 points in the win.

The win was just the start for the Hilltoppers. The win earned them a rematch the #2 seed UALR Trojans. The Trojans looked in control from the get go and were up by 13 with less than nine minutes to go. That is when WKU did it again. They scored 17 points unanswered to take their first lead of the game. The Hilltoppers didn't look back from there as they pulled off the huge upset. WKU was into the semifinals against the #3 seed Denver. The Hilltoppers had the lead late when freshman Derrick Gordon came up with a big block to help seal another upset win.

Some how the #7 seed Western Kentucky had made it to the conference championship against #5 North Texas. The Hilltoppers fell behind again in this one and had to rally from behind again. But do you think that stopped them? This team had rallied all season to get to this point, and they did it once more. Western Kentucky won the game and earned the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. They had accomplished the unbelievable. I mean they were 5-14, had a coach change mid-season, had a freshman-laden roster, and used 14 different starting lineups during the season. The Hilltoppers managed to top all of that. That is why they are most definitely worthy of dancing.

UEFA Champions League: Half of the Quarterfinalists Set

For those of you who are unaware, the UEFA Champions League games consist of two legs. Each club gets two host a game. The team with the most goals combined from the two games advance. The scores I will list will be the aggregate scores (the total from both games).

Benfica 4 Zenit St Petersburg 3

Zenit got to host the first leg in brutal Russian conditions. They won that game 3-2. Therefore, everyone expected Benfica to come out and attack from the get go. That is exactly what they did. Zenit did a good job of resisting, but in stoppage time of the first half, Alex Witsel took a shot that was saved by Zenit goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev. But Malafeev gave up a rebound to Witsel who nicely passed it to Maxi Pereira for the easy goal. That put the aggregate at 3-3, but the first tiebreaker is away goals, so Benefica had the edge. Zenit knew they needed to score a goal in the second half to advance. Zenit really posed little threat though, as they only got two shots on goal. In stoppage time, Nelson Miguel Castro Oliveira sealed the victory for Benfica with a goal. The Portuguese side is through to the quarterfinals.

AC Milan 4 Arsenal 3

In the first leg, AC Milan dominated Arsenal in every aspect of the game, winning the game 4-0. Everyone expected Arsenal to respond, but no one knew how. No one had ever comeback from such a large deficit in the history of the competition. But for the first two-thirds of the second leg, it certainly looked like Arsenal could be the first. Laurent Koscielny started the scoring in the 7th minute and Tomas Rosicky added another in the 26th. In the 43 minute, Robin Van Persie buried a penalty kick to trim the Milan aggregate lead to one. The Gunners came out strong in the second half as well, but couldn't find the goal they needed. Then, it seemed as if Milan flipped a switch and turned on the defensive prowess. They managed to hold on until the final whistle. Despite a disappointing second leg, the Italian side will be in the quarterfinals.

Apoel Nicosia 1 Lyon 1 (Apoel advances 4-3 in penalty kicks)

No one expected Apoel to make it this far, so they figured they didn't have anything to lose. They had already advanced the farthest any Cypriot side had ever advanced. So a 1-0 deficit coming into the second leg seemed manageable. They quickly dismissed that margin when they scored just nine minutes in. Constantinos Charalambides sent a low cross in that found the foot of his teammate Gustavo Manduca for the equalizer. Manduca foolishly took off his shirt in celebration, which earned him the customary yellow card. A decision that almost proved costly later in the match. Both sides had their fair share of opportunities, but neither was able to score the rest of regulation, meaning this game was headed to extra time. In the extra time, Lyon kept the home crowd plenty nervous with an array of chances that went begging. Manduca made things even hairier for Apoel when he picked up his second yellow card, leaving the home side with only ten players on the pitch. However, Lyon was unable to take advantage, which meant the game was headed to penalty kicks. With the penalties level at 3-3, one player stepped up and made the difference, Apoel goalkeeper Dionissis Chiotis. Chiotis saved both of Lyon's last two shots by Alexandre Lacazette and Michel Batos to secure the victory for Apoel. The Cypriot side's historic run isn't over yet, as they are on to the quarterfinals.

Barcelona 10 Bayer Leverkusen 2

Barcelona left Germany up 3-1 following the first leg. All the home fans at Camp Nou felt confident of their side advancing, but I don't think any of them could have expected what took place. Lionel Messi and the home side put up video game numbers in what quickly turned into a humiliating affair. In a stretch of 59 minutes, Barca poured in seven goals, including five from Messi, a Champions League record. Bayer Leverkusen and goalkeeper Bernd Leno had no answer. Obviously, the Spanish conquistadors are into the quarterfinals.

Where Should Peyton Manning Play Next Season?

I have avoided blogging about the drama surrounding Peyton Manning from the beginning. I wanted to wait until Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made their final decisions. Reports have come out this evening that the two have decided to split ways with the official announcement coming at a press conference tomorrow. I do think that Irsay handled the process poorly and ultimately made the wrong decision, but it is his money to spend not mine. That being the case, I finally feel safe giving my opinion on the best three places for Peyton Manning to play next season, with number one being the best choice.

3. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are the media favorite. After all, it is South Beach, hot weather, and most likely the biggest contract offer. The Dolphins do need a quarterback and have some talent on offense. The problem is that the talent has yet to prove itself. Also, the Dolphins brought in a coaching staff that runs a west coast offense, something Manning has no familiarity with. Miami could be attractive, but I think Manning will be smart enough to know he can do better.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are an intriguing option. They are only one season removed from making the playoffs and play in a weak division. The Chiefs have a solid defense and plenty of young-talented offensive targets for Manning, including wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and running back Jamaal Charles. They are really only two knocks on the Chiefs. First, Manning is leery about playing in a cold weather city. Kansas City isn't the coldest, but it will be something he will consider. Second, the offensive line has been a weakness. That would need to be fixed, as the last thing you want is Manning taking shots. Overall, the Chiefs are a great option. Does this remind anyone of Joe Montana?

1. Arizona Cardinals

Does anyone remember veteran quarterback Kurt Warner nearly leading the Cardinals to a Super Bowl win over the Pittsburgh Steelers a few seasons ago. Well the team has improved in some areas since then, but the one gaping hole is at the quarterback position. If a healthy Manning was able to step in and fill that void, I believe this team would immediately become a Super Bowl contender. Sure the defense isn't the best, but neither was the Colts when Manning was playing. He would have some great offensive weapons to work with, especially Larry Fitzgerald. Just like Kansas City, the Cardinals' offensive line would need some upgrades to protect Manning. The Cardinals do have some other options at quarterback, but a chance to return to the Super Bowl should be too good to pass up.

Who's Marching Into March, and Who's Not?

Marching Forward

1. Pittsburgh Penguins - 83 points, 4th place in the Eastern Conference

The Pittsburgh Penguins won their sixth in a row tonight and are 8-2-0 in their last ten. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been a rock in the net. The win tonight gave him four straight seasons with 35 or more wins. He is one of only four goaltenders in NHL history to accomplish the feat. The winning streak has pushed the Penguins past the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

2. St. Louis Blues - 89 points, 2nd place in the Western Conference

The St. Louis Blues are marching to the tune of 5-1-0 in the last six. The streak has the Blues tied with the Red Wings for the Central Division lead. Center T.J. Oshie, who leads the team in points, has seven points in his last five games. The Blues begin a three game homestand tomorrow, before heading on a big seven game road trip. That road trip could have a lot to say about who will win the Central Division.

3. Chicago Blackhawks - 79 points, 6th place in the Western Conference

The Chicago Blackhawks are 7-3 in their last ten, including a nice 2-1 win at the Detroit Red Wings. The streak has pushed them ahead of the pack trying to get the last couple playoff spots in the Western Conference. Backup goaltender Ray Emery is a main reason why. He was named the NHL's third star of the week, due to his efforts last week. Emery was 3-0-0 with a 1.12 goals against average and a .959 save percentage. The Blackhawks travel to St. Louis tomorrow and host the New York Rangers on Friday night.

Marching Backward

1. Boston Bruins - 79 points, 2nd place in the Eastern Conference

The Boston Bruins are mired in mediocrity right now. They've slipped to 2-3-1 in their past six. The top spot in the Eastern Conference seems to be out of the question right now, as they are far more concerned with the Ottawa Senators who are now only three points back for the Northeast Division lead. Goaltender Tim Thomas has struggled lately, letting 13 goals in past five games. However, Thomas is unlikely to see a break with backup Tuukka Rask out the next four-to-six weeks. The Bruins did sign veteran netminder Marty Turco, but his conditioning is in question.

2. San Jose Sharks - 73 points, 8th place in the Western Conference

The San Jose Sharks have gone from being in comfortable control of the Pacific Division to barely hanging on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The reason why? The Sharks have just four wins in their past fifteen games. They now sit third in the Pacific Division are in danger of falling out of the playoffs altogether. If the Sharks are going to win the division or at least make the playoffs, they better start turning things around soon, before it it too late.

3. Washington Capitals - 69 points, 9th place in the Eastern Conference

The Washington Capitals seemed to be heading in the right direction when they won three games in a row, but they've now been shutout both of their last two games. Everyone thought this team was going to make a charge into the playoffs, but this team looks less and less like it everyday. The Capitals might go from playoff flop to missing them all together. This has been a disappointing season to say the least.

Kobe, Rondo, Rose, & D-Will Shine in Sunday Wins

Kobe Bryant - 33 points, 1 assist, and 3 rebounds

This was a statement game for Kobe Bryant. All the Hollywood Hoopla will turn this into revenge against Dwayne Wade for breaking his nose. But Kobe was far more concerned with getting the win. All Kobe has done since the injury is lead his team to victory. In three games, Kobe has scored 30+ points, and the Lakers have won all three games. A broken nose won't stop Kobe from putting on a show and helping lead his team to victories.

Rajon Rondo - 18 points, 20 assists, and 17 rebounds

The game was aired on national television. Everyone was talking about Jeremy Lin's return to Boston. But it was the Boston Celtics who showed up in a big way. Paul Pierce had a game-tying three to send the game to overtime. Pierce had 34 in the game. However, the star of the game was Rondo. He did everything on the court, earning his second triple-double in three games. The 17 rebounds were a career-high.

Derrick Rose - 35 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds

When the game was on the line at the end, both the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls turned to their stars. Andre Iguodala air balled a shot and bricked one off the backboard. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose sealed up the Bulls win with his impressive performance. Rose tied a season-high with 35 points, including 20 in the second half and a pair of quarter-ending buzzer-beaters. The win gave the Bulls their sixth straight win and league-best 31st overall.

Deron Williams - 57 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds

Deron Williams loves to come off pick-and-rolls, but everyone knows that, so they always double team him. But tonight, D-Will noticed that the Charlotte Bobcats weren't doing that. Williams took full advantage as he scored a franchise-record 57 points in the Nets' win. D-Will outscored the rest of the Nets combined by ten points. He was a perfect 21 for 21 from the charity stripe. Williams all-around effort was impressive to say the least.