Well, it's a day after a tough loss to Xavier before I can write about it. The young Boiler ballclub took it on the chin from a bigger, more veteran team yesterday in D.C., losing 75-68. But the potential of this squad in the future is unlimited. I'm just sad Terrence Crump won't be around to be a part of it. The lone Senior on the team had a fine tournament and was instrumental in getting the young players ready for battle throughout the year.
The biggest off-season issues for Purdue will be:
1) Get a physical, active and assertive big man presence in the middle. I don't think Calasan fits that bill unless he learns to square up before he shoots an offensive rebound instead of just tipping at it. AND, he's not a three-point shooter. Use that thinking when we're up by a large margin and the defense isn't expecting it. My hunch is that the last 10 3 point shots he took this year were key misses that helped the other team's rally.
But hitting the weights for the guys in the paint will be critical, and the same can be said for the others as well. I would imagine they all took note of Xavier and their strenght and physicality.
JaJuan will no doubt bulk up to get bigger and stronger. That is an absolute must. He showed what he could be like offensively, but we need him to be able to shut down the play inside the paint defensively with more than an occassional block. But I like the fact he was rockin' it at times in the 1st round win vs Baylor.
2) Stop slapping at the ball when your on defense. Not sure how many times the Boilers did it, but I know it was TOO MUCH! Everytime someone was beaten off the dribble, they'd slap at the ball as it was about to be shot. Not only did it help send key players to the bench with foul trouble, it uncannily led to multiple 3-point plays for Xavier that would nullify pretty good defensive play until then.
Part of that is the maturation of this young team, so it probably is to be expected early on. But I would have thought for as well as they had progressed (and as much experience in AAU ball ) throughout their career thus far, that it would have become steadily improved. Not so.
But this team has our hearts and enthusiasm. They've brought back optimism and enthusiasm back to the area during the dull days of winter. Four freshman, some sophomores and a junior will be back next season with a year more of experience and knowledge under their belts. It should be an exciting three seasons coming up.
Mackey Magic is back, but even more, dreams of that ellusive National Championship is once again alive for perhaps the first time in nearly a decade.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Colts Draft Picks in 2008?
With the 2008 NFL Draft just six weeks or so away, time is winding down on evaluations on team Big Boards and strategies that will potential make or break the future of an organization.
The Indianapolis Colts, in the Bill Polian era, have done dramatically well. This year, however, there is a certain angst among fans due to the uncertainy of key players. Specifically, the long-term health and ability of defensive end Dwight Freeney, and future hall of fame receiver Marvin Harrison.
Add to that the departure of a top offensive lineman (Jake Scott) who signed with a division foe (Tennessee) this past week, the uncertainty in free agents like safety Matt Giordano, and the murky waters of the off-season do not seem to be getting any clearer.
Then the Colts watched TE Ben Utecht get an offer from the NY Jets, which depletes the reserve TE position to just one subsitute for starter Dallas Clark. With depth an issue there, at running back, defensive end and the offensive line, the problem of just six overall draft selections becomes more apparent. Not to mention critical.
Drafting late in the second round, the Colts could have plenty of solid prospects to choose from, but unlike years past, the money situation is bleak and the need for multiple, good picks is significant because of the aforementioned lack of depth dangers.
Potentially on the board at the Colts first pick in the late second round will be a top running back, top tight end and exceptionally good linebackers, a couple of solid wideouts,defensive ends and offensive linemen. Which do you go with if, for example, all were of "equal" value.
Bill Polian has shown he is up to the challenge in years past. Freeney, Bob Sanders and Dwight Clark are prime examples. Perhaps his least obvious, but highly successful picks, have been along the offensive line. Take the Tony Ugoh last year, or wideout Anthony Gonzales too. Antoine Bethea was a huge find in the latter rounds of that draft class. So you can always expect the unexpected with Mr. Polian during the draft.
It would not surprise me to see him trade down (assuming he could find a willing trade partner to do so) in order to save money on front end contracts, acquire more players and fill needs with attendant value.
One thing is for certain. It should be a heckuva show.
The Indianapolis Colts, in the Bill Polian era, have done dramatically well. This year, however, there is a certain angst among fans due to the uncertainy of key players. Specifically, the long-term health and ability of defensive end Dwight Freeney, and future hall of fame receiver Marvin Harrison.
Add to that the departure of a top offensive lineman (Jake Scott) who signed with a division foe (Tennessee) this past week, the uncertainty in free agents like safety Matt Giordano, and the murky waters of the off-season do not seem to be getting any clearer.
Then the Colts watched TE Ben Utecht get an offer from the NY Jets, which depletes the reserve TE position to just one subsitute for starter Dallas Clark. With depth an issue there, at running back, defensive end and the offensive line, the problem of just six overall draft selections becomes more apparent. Not to mention critical.
Drafting late in the second round, the Colts could have plenty of solid prospects to choose from, but unlike years past, the money situation is bleak and the need for multiple, good picks is significant because of the aforementioned lack of depth dangers.
Potentially on the board at the Colts first pick in the late second round will be a top running back, top tight end and exceptionally good linebackers, a couple of solid wideouts,defensive ends and offensive linemen. Which do you go with if, for example, all were of "equal" value.
Bill Polian has shown he is up to the challenge in years past. Freeney, Bob Sanders and Dwight Clark are prime examples. Perhaps his least obvious, but highly successful picks, have been along the offensive line. Take the Tony Ugoh last year, or wideout Anthony Gonzales too. Antoine Bethea was a huge find in the latter rounds of that draft class. So you can always expect the unexpected with Mr. Polian during the draft.
It would not surprise me to see him trade down (assuming he could find a willing trade partner to do so) in order to save money on front end contracts, acquire more players and fill needs with attendant value.
One thing is for certain. It should be a heckuva show.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
BoilerMacR's 2008 NFL Mock Draft v7
FIRST ROUND PROJECTIONS
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2. St. Louis Rams -Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
6. New York Jets - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. N.E. Patriots (from SF) - Derrick Harvery, DE, Florida
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
11. Buffalo Bills - Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
14. Chicago Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit Lions - DRC, CB, Tenn. St.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
17. Minnesota Vikings - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
21. Washington Redskins - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas Cowboys (Cleve.) - Brandon Albert, OG, Tennessee
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
24. Tennessee Titans - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (RB/KR/WR-BPA)
25. Seattle Seahawks - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
26. J'ville Jaguars - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (Want top DE or CB)
27. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
28. S.F. 49ers (from Indy) - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
29. San Diego Chargers - Mike Jenkins, CB, So Florida
30. Green Bay Packers - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
New England Forfeits Pick #31 due to illegal spying
32. New York Giants - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
ROUND TWO PROJECTIONS:
33. Miami - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
34. St. Louis - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
35. Atlanta - Brain Brohm, QB, Louisville
36. Kansas City - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
37. NY Jets - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
38. Atlanta - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
39. Baltimore - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn
40. San Francisco - Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
41. New Orleans - Mike Pollack, C, Arizona
42. Buffalo - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
43. Denver - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
44. Carolina -Sam Baker, OT, USC
45. Chicago - Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
46. Detroit - Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
47. Cincinnati - Fred Davis, TE, USC
48. Minnesota - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
49. Atlanta* - Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
50. Philadelphia - DaJuan Morgan, S, NC St.
51. Arizona - Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
52. Washington - Lawrence Jackson, DE, Florida
53. Tampa Bay - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
54. Pittsburgh - Justin King, CB, Penn St.
55. Tennessee - Roy Scheuning, OG, Oregon St. (need center also)
56. Seattle - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
57. Green Bay (from Cleveland) - Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
58. Miami (from SD) - Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
59. Jacksonville - Duane Brown, OT, Va. Tech (OL or DE or DT)
60. Indianapolis - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
61. Green Bay -Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
62. Dallas - Thomas Terrell, CB, USC
63. New England - Marcus Howard, LB, Georgia
64. New York Giants - Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona
ROUND THREE PROJECTIONS:
65. Miami - Tavares Gooden, ILB, Miami
66. St. Louis - Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
67. Kansas City - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
68. Carolina (From NYJets) - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
69. Atlanta - Phillip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
70. New England* - Duane Brown, OT, Va Tech
71. San Francisco - Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
72. Jacksonville (from Buffalo) - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.
73. Buffalo - John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
74. Minnesota (from Denver) - Johnny Dingle, DE, W. Virginia
75. Carolina- Quintin Demps, FS, UTEP
76. Chicago - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
77. Detroit - Kevin Smith, RB, UCF
78. Cincinnati - Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
79. New Orleans - Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
80. Houston - Jamar Adams,SS, Michigan
81. Philadelphia - John Greco, OT, Toledo
82. Arizona - Oneil Cousins , OT, UTEP
83. Minnesota - Craig Steltz, S, LSU
84. Tampa Bay - Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
85. Washington - Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
86. Tennessee - Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
87. Seattle - Eddie Royal, WR, Va Tech
88. Detroit (from Cleveland) Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
89. Pittsburgh - Mike McGlynn, OG, Pitt (kendall langford/de someone who plays 3-4 end)
90. Jacksonville - Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech
91. Chicago (from SD) - Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
92. Green Bay - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
93. Dallas - Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
94. Indianapolis - Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
95. New England - Tyvon Branch, CB, UConn
96. NY Giants- Antwaun Molden, CB, 6-1
ROUND FOUR PROJECTIONS
97. Miami
98. St. Louis
99. NY Jets
100. Atlanta
101. Oakland
102. Kansas City
103. Baltimore
104. San Francisco
105. Denver
106. Carolina
107. Chicago
108. Detroit
109. Cincinnati
110. NY Jets(from NO)
111. Buffalo
112. Philadelphia
113. Arizona
114. Minnesota
115. Houston
116. Denver (from Washington)
117. Tampa Bay
118. Seattle
119. Cleveland
120. Pittsburgh
121. Tennessee
122. Jacksonville
123. San Diego ( pick forfeited)
124. Dallas
125. Indianapolis
126. Green Bay
127. New England
128. NY Giants
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2. St. Louis Rams -Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
6. New York Jets - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. N.E. Patriots (from SF) - Derrick Harvery, DE, Florida
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
11. Buffalo Bills - Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
14. Chicago Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit Lions - DRC, CB, Tenn. St.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
17. Minnesota Vikings - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
21. Washington Redskins - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
22. Dallas Cowboys (Cleve.) - Brandon Albert, OG, Tennessee
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
24. Tennessee Titans - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina (RB/KR/WR-BPA)
25. Seattle Seahawks - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
26. J'ville Jaguars - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (Want top DE or CB)
27. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
28. S.F. 49ers (from Indy) - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
29. San Diego Chargers - Mike Jenkins, CB, So Florida
30. Green Bay Packers - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
New England Forfeits Pick #31 due to illegal spying
32. New York Giants - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
ROUND TWO PROJECTIONS:
33. Miami - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
34. St. Louis - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
35. Atlanta - Brain Brohm, QB, Louisville
36. Kansas City - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
37. NY Jets - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
38. Atlanta - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
39. Baltimore - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn
40. San Francisco - Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
41. New Orleans - Mike Pollack, C, Arizona
42. Buffalo - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
43. Denver - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
44. Carolina -Sam Baker, OT, USC
45. Chicago - Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
46. Detroit - Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
47. Cincinnati - Fred Davis, TE, USC
48. Minnesota - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
49. Atlanta* - Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
50. Philadelphia - DaJuan Morgan, S, NC St.
51. Arizona - Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
52. Washington - Lawrence Jackson, DE, Florida
53. Tampa Bay - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
54. Pittsburgh - Justin King, CB, Penn St.
55. Tennessee - Roy Scheuning, OG, Oregon St. (need center also)
56. Seattle - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
57. Green Bay (from Cleveland) - Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
58. Miami (from SD) - Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
59. Jacksonville - Duane Brown, OT, Va. Tech (OL or DE or DT)
60. Indianapolis - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
61. Green Bay -Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
62. Dallas - Thomas Terrell, CB, USC
63. New England - Marcus Howard, LB, Georgia
64. New York Giants - Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona
ROUND THREE PROJECTIONS:
65. Miami - Tavares Gooden, ILB, Miami
66. St. Louis - Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
67. Kansas City - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
68. Carolina (From NYJets) - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
69. Atlanta - Phillip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
70. New England* - Duane Brown, OT, Va Tech
71. San Francisco - Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
72. Jacksonville (from Buffalo) - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.
73. Buffalo - John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
74. Minnesota (from Denver) - Johnny Dingle, DE, W. Virginia
75. Carolina- Quintin Demps, FS, UTEP
76. Chicago - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
77. Detroit - Kevin Smith, RB, UCF
78. Cincinnati - Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
79. New Orleans - Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
80. Houston - Jamar Adams,SS, Michigan
81. Philadelphia - John Greco, OT, Toledo
82. Arizona - Oneil Cousins , OT, UTEP
83. Minnesota - Craig Steltz, S, LSU
84. Tampa Bay - Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
85. Washington - Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
86. Tennessee - Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
87. Seattle - Eddie Royal, WR, Va Tech
88. Detroit (from Cleveland) Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
89. Pittsburgh - Mike McGlynn, OG, Pitt (kendall langford/de someone who plays 3-4 end)
90. Jacksonville - Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech
91. Chicago (from SD) - Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
92. Green Bay - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
93. Dallas - Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
94. Indianapolis - Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
95. New England - Tyvon Branch, CB, UConn
96. NY Giants- Antwaun Molden, CB, 6-1
ROUND FOUR PROJECTIONS
97. Miami
98. St. Louis
99. NY Jets
100. Atlanta
101. Oakland
102. Kansas City
103. Baltimore
104. San Francisco
105. Denver
106. Carolina
107. Chicago
108. Detroit
109. Cincinnati
110. NY Jets(from NO)
111. Buffalo
112. Philadelphia
113. Arizona
114. Minnesota
115. Houston
116. Denver (from Washington)
117. Tampa Bay
118. Seattle
119. Cleveland
120. Pittsburgh
121. Tennessee
122. Jacksonville
123. San Diego ( pick forfeited)
124. Dallas
125. Indianapolis
126. Green Bay
127. New England
128. NY Giants
Sunday, March 9, 2008
"Baby Boilers" Settle for 2nd Place finish.
Purdue's young guns knocked off the university with the original Fab Four. This contemporary version features freshman with names like Hummle, Moore, Martin and Johnson sparking Purdue to a stunning season. This afternoon the Boilermakers win their final game of the regular season 72-58 in Ann Arbor and clinch sole possession of 2nd place in the Big Ten.
Only a stumble this past Tuesday night in Columbus kept the Baby Boilers from collecting the Big Ten title, losing by 3 in overtime. Had they won that game and then the one today, Purdue would have won the title outright by virtue of beating Wisconsin twice this season. However, the loss to Ohio State cost Purdue that championship banner and the young squad end in 2nd place, one full game behind the Badgers.
Now the Boilermakers (24-7, 15-3) are seeded #2 into the Big Ten post-season tournament and face the winner of Penn State-Illinois for a Friday night game. Purdue has never won the post-season tournament. In fact, the Boilers are usually out in the first round. This year might be different. Especially considering that one of the four frosh, Scott Martin, seems to finally be getting his groove going.
Martin has battled back from an ankle injury earlier in the year, and was key in the win over Michigan St. He also played exceptionally well against Ohio St., as well as today against Michigan. That means the Boilers are chugging on all cylinders now, enabling the Boilers to get potential double-figure scoring from any of their five starters, while be able to go to a deep bench. Their only possible weakness (and it's a glaring one) is not having a big man in the paint.
One thing that is certain is that the Boilers have earned a trip back to the NCAA tournament. That will be the second trip in three years for young Matt Painter, who has turned the program back into a winner just three years after succeeding long-time coach Gene Keady. In his first year, Matt Painter had to endure ending up at the bottom of the league. What a turnaround.
The achilles heel for Purdue in losses this season has been poor shooting and breakdowns defensively allowing dribble penetration. Teams with larger front-lint players are also starting to take advantage of the inside game, and pushing the perimeter out further on Purdue when the Boilers set up offensively. The Baby Boilers will have to adjust to that in both tournaments if they hope to go deep in tourney play.
But for the youngest team in the nation, in their first year of play at this level, it is a huge achievement. With the addition of a big, dominating inside player, the Boilers are Final Four material in the coming years.
BONUS PURDUE SPORTS NEWS: The Lady Boilers knocked off Illinois 58-56 to win the Big Ten Women's Championship at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis tonight. Lakisha Freeman hit a follow-up rebound of her own miss at the buzzer to capture an improbable tournament title for a Boiler squad who has struggled through injury and adversity this season. Had Purdue's lady Boilers not won the Big Ten tourney, it's hard to imagine they would be going to the NCAA tournament.
This is the 7th B10 tournament title for the Purdue women's team overall. That's HALF of them, as the tournament is 14 years old. The last tournament championship loss for Illinois was back in 1999, to Purdue. In that year, Purdue went on to win the NCAA Women's title.
Deja vu? Doubtful...but exciting nonetheless for a team that really wasn't expected to do this.
Only a stumble this past Tuesday night in Columbus kept the Baby Boilers from collecting the Big Ten title, losing by 3 in overtime. Had they won that game and then the one today, Purdue would have won the title outright by virtue of beating Wisconsin twice this season. However, the loss to Ohio State cost Purdue that championship banner and the young squad end in 2nd place, one full game behind the Badgers.
Now the Boilermakers (24-7, 15-3) are seeded #2 into the Big Ten post-season tournament and face the winner of Penn State-Illinois for a Friday night game. Purdue has never won the post-season tournament. In fact, the Boilers are usually out in the first round. This year might be different. Especially considering that one of the four frosh, Scott Martin, seems to finally be getting his groove going.
Martin has battled back from an ankle injury earlier in the year, and was key in the win over Michigan St. He also played exceptionally well against Ohio St., as well as today against Michigan. That means the Boilers are chugging on all cylinders now, enabling the Boilers to get potential double-figure scoring from any of their five starters, while be able to go to a deep bench. Their only possible weakness (and it's a glaring one) is not having a big man in the paint.
One thing that is certain is that the Boilers have earned a trip back to the NCAA tournament. That will be the second trip in three years for young Matt Painter, who has turned the program back into a winner just three years after succeeding long-time coach Gene Keady. In his first year, Matt Painter had to endure ending up at the bottom of the league. What a turnaround.
The achilles heel for Purdue in losses this season has been poor shooting and breakdowns defensively allowing dribble penetration. Teams with larger front-lint players are also starting to take advantage of the inside game, and pushing the perimeter out further on Purdue when the Boilers set up offensively. The Baby Boilers will have to adjust to that in both tournaments if they hope to go deep in tourney play.
But for the youngest team in the nation, in their first year of play at this level, it is a huge achievement. With the addition of a big, dominating inside player, the Boilers are Final Four material in the coming years.
BONUS PURDUE SPORTS NEWS: The Lady Boilers knocked off Illinois 58-56 to win the Big Ten Women's Championship at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis tonight. Lakisha Freeman hit a follow-up rebound of her own miss at the buzzer to capture an improbable tournament title for a Boiler squad who has struggled through injury and adversity this season. Had Purdue's lady Boilers not won the Big Ten tourney, it's hard to imagine they would be going to the NCAA tournament.
This is the 7th B10 tournament title for the Purdue women's team overall. That's HALF of them, as the tournament is 14 years old. The last tournament championship loss for Illinois was back in 1999, to Purdue. In that year, Purdue went on to win the NCAA Women's title.
Deja vu? Doubtful...but exciting nonetheless for a team that really wasn't expected to do this.
Monday, March 3, 2008
BoilerMacR's Mock Draft v6
FIRST ROUND
1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis Rams - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
4. Oakland Raiders - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (betcha Jets trade later with Dallas)
7. N.E. Patriots (from SF) - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
11. Buffalo Bills - Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
14. Chicago Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit Lions - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
16. Arizona Cardinals - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
17. Minnesota Vikings - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
21. Washington Redskins - Brandon Albert, OG, Virginia
22. Dallas Cowboys (Cleve.) - D.R-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. St.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
24. Tennessee Titans - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
25. Seattle Seahawks - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
26. J'ville Jaguars - Dan Connor, ILB, Penn St.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
28. S.F. 49ers (from Indy) - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
29. San Diego Chargers - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
30. Green Bay Packers - Mike Jenkins, CB, So. Florida
New England Forfeits Pick #31 due to illegal spying
32. New York Giants - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
ROUND TWO PROJECTIONS:
33. Miami - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
34. St. Louis - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
35. Atlanta - Brain Brohm, QB, Louisville
36. Oakland - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
37. Kansas City - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
38. N.Y. Jets - Xavier Adibi, OLB, Va Tech
39. Baltimore - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn
40. San Francisco - Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
41. New Orleans - Mike Pollack, C, Arizona
42. Buffalo - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
43. Denver - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
44. Carolina -Chris Johnson, RB, ECU
45. Chicago - Sam Baker, OT, USC
46. Detroit - Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
47. Cincinnati - Fred Davis, TE, USC
48. Minnesota - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
49. Atlanta* - Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
50. Philadelphia - DaJuan Morgan, S, NC St.
51. Arizona - Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
52. Washington - Lawrence Jackson, DE, Florida
53. Tampa Bay - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
54. Cleveland - Tracy Porter, CB, IU
55. Pittsburgh - Roy Scheuning, OG, Oregon St.
56. Tennessee - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
57. Seattle - Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
58. Jacksonville - Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
59. Miami* - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
60. Green Bay -Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
61. Dallas - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
62. Indianapolis - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
63. New York Giants - Thomas Terrell, CB, USC
64. New England - Marcus Howard, LB, Georgia
ROUND THREE PROJECTIONS:
65. Miami - Tavares Gooden, ILB, Miami
66. St. Louis - Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
67. Kansas City - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
68. N.Y. Jets - Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
69. New England* - Duane Brown, OT, Va Tech
70. Atlanta - Philip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
71. San Francisco - Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
72. Buffalo* - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.
73. Buffalo - John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
74. Minnesota* - Johnny Dingle, DE, W. Virginia
75. Carolina- Quintin Demps, FS, UTEP
76. Chicago - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
77. Detroit - Kevin Smith, RB, UCF
78. Cincinnati - Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
79. New Orleans - Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
80. Houston - Jamar Adams,SS, Michigan
81. Philadelphia - John Greco, OT, Toledo
82. Arizona - Oneil Cousins , OT, UTEP
83. Minnesota - Craig Steltz, S, LSU
84. Tampa Bay - Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
85. Washington - Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
86. Cleveland - Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
87. Tennessee - Eddie Royal, WR, Va Tech
88. Seattle - Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
89. Pittsburgh - Mike McGlynn, OG, Pitt
90. Jacksonville - Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech
91. Chicago* - Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
92. Green Bay - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
93. Dallas - Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
94. Indianapolis - Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa St.
95. NY Giants - Justin King, CB, Penn St.
96. New England - Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis Rams - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
4. Oakland Raiders - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (betcha Jets trade later with Dallas)
7. N.E. Patriots (from SF) - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
11. Buffalo Bills - Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
14. Chicago Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit Lions - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
16. Arizona Cardinals - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
17. Minnesota Vikings - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
21. Washington Redskins - Brandon Albert, OG, Virginia
22. Dallas Cowboys (Cleve.) - D.R-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. St.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
24. Tennessee Titans - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
25. Seattle Seahawks - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
26. J'ville Jaguars - Dan Connor, ILB, Penn St.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
28. S.F. 49ers (from Indy) - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
29. San Diego Chargers - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
30. Green Bay Packers - Mike Jenkins, CB, So. Florida
New England Forfeits Pick #31 due to illegal spying
32. New York Giants - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
ROUND TWO PROJECTIONS:
33. Miami - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
34. St. Louis - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
35. Atlanta - Brain Brohm, QB, Louisville
36. Oakland - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
37. Kansas City - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
38. N.Y. Jets - Xavier Adibi, OLB, Va Tech
39. Baltimore - Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn
40. San Francisco - Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland
41. New Orleans - Mike Pollack, C, Arizona
42. Buffalo - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
43. Denver - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
44. Carolina -Chris Johnson, RB, ECU
45. Chicago - Sam Baker, OT, USC
46. Detroit - Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
47. Cincinnati - Fred Davis, TE, USC
48. Minnesota - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
49. Atlanta* - Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
50. Philadelphia - DaJuan Morgan, S, NC St.
51. Arizona - Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
52. Washington - Lawrence Jackson, DE, Florida
53. Tampa Bay - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
54. Cleveland - Tracy Porter, CB, IU
55. Pittsburgh - Roy Scheuning, OG, Oregon St.
56. Tennessee - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
57. Seattle - Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
58. Jacksonville - Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
59. Miami* - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
60. Green Bay -Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
61. Dallas - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
62. Indianapolis - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
63. New York Giants - Thomas Terrell, CB, USC
64. New England - Marcus Howard, LB, Georgia
ROUND THREE PROJECTIONS:
65. Miami - Tavares Gooden, ILB, Miami
66. St. Louis - Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
67. Kansas City - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
68. N.Y. Jets - Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
69. New England* - Duane Brown, OT, Va Tech
70. Atlanta - Philip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
71. San Francisco - Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
72. Buffalo* - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose St.
73. Buffalo - John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
74. Minnesota* - Johnny Dingle, DE, W. Virginia
75. Carolina- Quintin Demps, FS, UTEP
76. Chicago - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
77. Detroit - Kevin Smith, RB, UCF
78. Cincinnati - Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
79. New Orleans - Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
80. Houston - Jamar Adams,SS, Michigan
81. Philadelphia - John Greco, OT, Toledo
82. Arizona - Oneil Cousins , OT, UTEP
83. Minnesota - Craig Steltz, S, LSU
84. Tampa Bay - Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
85. Washington - Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
86. Cleveland - Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech
87. Tennessee - Eddie Royal, WR, Va Tech
88. Seattle - Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
89. Pittsburgh - Mike McGlynn, OG, Pitt
90. Jacksonville - Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech
91. Chicago* - Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
92. Green Bay - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
93. Dallas - Marcus Griffin, S, Texas
94. Indianapolis - Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa St.
95. NY Giants - Justin King, CB, Penn St.
96. New England - Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
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