The Front Pages: Selection Sunday

The bids have been handed out and some teams are happy while others are not. Here is how some newspapers around the country covered Selection Sunday.

OTWT: Bracketology

The Committee has made their choices and the games will start later this week. For the last week, the OTWT Bracketology Department has been breaking down the teams and the numbers. So here we go:

• Early estimates on Nike Basketball teams by Region: South: 10, Midwest: 12, West: 16, East: 13. 51 of 65, according to Nike Basketball's twitter. They should just rename this the Nike Invitational.
• I have this feeling that this more double digits seeds will win first rounds ground then any other years. Look at some of the double digits seeds: San Diego State, Florida, Georgia Tech, Cornell, Siena. All have good match ups.
• For the last team in the tournament UTEP has a really good match up in Butler. Has the makings of a 5-12 upset.
• What must Kentucky be thinking. Sure a number one seed in the East but a possible second round match up with a team that might be as talented as them in Texas, not what Coach Cal wanted to see.
• The bottom half of the South Regional sets up perfectly for Villanova and Baylor. There are not that many good teams in that half of the bracket.
• I have to agree with Jay Bilas on this one, this might be the weakest year for at large teams in the last decade. People can not bitch about Illinois and Mississippi State they have to get more quality wins and they will be in. It's that simple.
• I was a big fan of them at the start of the season and I will stick with them during the tournament. The biggest upset of the tournament will come when Texas beats Kentucky in the second round in New Orleans.

I get it the World Cup is coming

So I have been doing what every good college basketball fans has been doing for the last week, watching Championship Week on ESPN. Sure the basketball has been good, but one thing has stood out. At every break, the self proclaimed world wide leader in sports has decided to drill it into our heads that the World Cup is coming the networks this summer.

I get that ESPN is trying to get as many people as they can to watch the event, I know that I will but I'm a fan of the beautiful game. Everytime I turn around, even during college basketball games, the commercial is running. It starting to get annoying and if you continue to show it all of the time its just going to drive people away from the event. Maybe ESPN can drop it down a bit and show the spot once a half or something like that. But please ESPN make it stop.

Money can't buy you.....

A ton of money can not buy you happiness or win you the Champions League title. Real Madrid learned that yesterday as they were dumped up of the Big Ears Cup by Lyon and the Spanish newspapers are not happy.

Sending them off

The World Cup is almost here and OTWT will be sending the national team in style. The tailgating gang has gotten ticket to see the United States Men National Team vs Turkey May 29 in Philly, it will be their final game before they head to South Africa.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

27 Pitches of Hope

So 27 pitches and I'm off my rocker all ready. Stephen Strasburg made his much awaited debut in spring training yesterday and I could not be happier. Two scoreless innings in spring training is not the stuff of stars but for Nationals this might have been the two must important innings in the history of the franchise. Strasburg threw 15 of his 27 pitches for strikes and allowed two hits, successive two-out singles by Don Kelly and Alex Avila in the second. But the right-hander finished off Brent Dlugach with a bending, 81 mph breaking ball for an inning-ending strikeout.

Strasburg gives us hope and with a team that has had back to back 100 loss season. He makes watching a spring training game on a nice March day appointment TV. He does one thing that Nick Johnson could never do give National fans a sense of excitement.

The thing that was weird was about the game yesterday was the guy pitching for the Tigers, Rick Porcello. Porcello is what I want Strasburg to be and what he could be. If Strasburg turned out to be as good as the former Seton Hall Prep star, I would be through the moon.

Champions League Playoff = 39th game?

A bunch of months back the Premier League floated the idea of adding an extra fixture and then playing the game outside of England. That idea was met with anger from many throughout England. Fast forward a couple of months and another idea has come out, this time the Premier League would have a playoff for its final Champions League spot. The plan would call for clubs finishing fourth to seventh playing a mini-knockout competition in order to the get the leagues final spot in the Champions League. This too was met with the same anger and voted down. Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore admitted there was 'not enough support' for the proposal.'The main topic of discussion was the Champions League play-off for that fourth qualifying place,'' he told Sky Sports News. "We gave a lot of discussion, a lot of detail, a lot of data. But there was not enough support to take the idea forward, so we won't be discussing that proposal any further,'' according to the Daily Mail.

Maybe two failed ideas can make a good one. How about having a mini tournament for the final Champions League spot in a foreign country. This would require the four teams traveling to lets just say New York and then take a week and play the first round of games on Saturday and Sunday and then play the final on Sunday. This could be a gold mind for the Premier League, imagine a event that meant something coming to United States or Asian. The money raised from the event would be incredible, some of the supporters of the club would make the trip to for the tournament.

This almost makes too much sense for it to happen and that is why it would never happen.

Its really been 20 years

20 years ago, I was a young kid watching sportscenter and remember them breaking in to tell us that LMU star Hank Gathers had died during a WCC semifinal. The news shocked the college basketball work. Gathers and his childhood friend Bo Kimble lite the college basketball world on fire. I just can not believe that it has been that long. Rest in Peace Hank..

An ode to the alma mater

I know its not national sports news but to me its a big deal and since its my site I will continue. My alma mater is heading to the big dance, the Division 3 big dance that is.

William Paterson defeated Stockton to win the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship today and the automatic bid for the tournament. Pioneer Pride. Not since the days of Horace Jenkins has the men's program been at these heights.

The Bible has arrived

Its been a busy couple of weeks at the OTWT home office. The scouting department welcome a new member to its staff and the Baseball America prospects book has arrived. I have gotten the book for the last decade and its part of the baseball season starting.

I like him, but he can be annoying

While the men's hockey tournament has been fantastic, something about the coverage is starting to bother me. Its funny cause I really like Pierre McGuire and the work that he does during different events, but something about his roll with NBC during the tournament has driven me crazy and a ton of other people.

"McGuire might know what he's talking about. He might be a fantastic authority on the game of hockey,'' according to a post on the Bleacher Report. "But if you can't be a professional about it, you can't be handed a microphone and expect the listening audience to take you seriously."

While providing great analysis about some of the different players in the tournament, McGuire, who was born in New Jersey, also gives you a little bit of information about something that you could care less about. Like the fifth defense men on the Belarus team played a great game in the 2003 WJC against Switzerland or that the Swiss defense man played with someones father in the ECHL. Its great to show that you know this, but it also makes you look like a arrogant douche bag and that rubs people the wrong way.

McGuire does a great job with the NHL draft and the World Junior Championship and always knows who the next great player is going to be, but sometimes he can get really annoying like he has during the last 10 days.

The End of Route 36

Five years ago the thought of an Eagles team without Jon Runyan, Tre Thomas, Brain Dawkins, and Brain Westbrook seemed like a nightmare, but now its a reality. Last year the management got rid of Runyan, Thomas and Dawkins and now this year the Birds say good bye to one of everyones all time favs Route 36.

Sure this one stings, during the last decade the Birds offense has been built around Mc5 and Route 36. Now there is only one of them left. Westbrook was always the professional, no matter the game he always made the biggest plays.

In 2006,Westbrook set a career-high in rushing yards with 1,217, topping 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. He also lead the team with 77 receptions for 699 receiving yards. His eleven total touchdowns (seven rushing and four receiving) were also tops on the Eagles. On January 7, 2007 Westbrook set a career-postseason rushing record, rushing for 141 yards on twenty carries against the New York Giants, including a 49 yard touchdown. The following week against the New Orleans Saints, Westbrook nearly willed the team to another playoff victory, scoring two touchdowns in the game.

After his strong playoff performance, Westbrook picked up right where he left in 2007 and cemented himself as one of the top backs in the league. He had over 100 yards rushing and receiving combined in twelve of the fifteen games that he played. His 1,333 rushing yards were a new career high and his 2,104 yards from scrimmage led the NFL. Westbrook was named to his second Pro Bowl and first All-Pro team, after setting a new franchise record with 90 receptions.

After the concussion issues this year, I kept hoping that Westbrook would say goodbye to the game and allow us to remember him as one of the all time greats that has ever worn the eagles green. Sure it will be weird seeing him in an another uniform next season, but as a birds fan, I will always remember being on Route 36 and traveling it a high rate of speed.

The Cover Story: Team USA shows a ton of heart

They might not be the most talented team in the men's hockey tournament, but Team USA showed they had the heart last night in beating Canada in 5-3. The loss was huge news in Canada and even made the front page of one United States newspaper.

Detroit Free Press

The Province (Canada)

The Chronicle Herald (Canada)

Nanaimo Daily News (Canada)

The Calgary Sun (Canada)

Maybe I was wrong

A couple of years ago, a friend, who was new to the game of soccer, was going on about how Landon Donovan was the greatest thing since sliced bread. At the time I said that he would not be able to make it Championship and he would never be able to play in the top flight in England.

Well today I'm here to say maybe I was wrong. Donovan, who has spent the last couple of weeks at Everton on loan, has been a success story and maybe he can play at the highest club level in the world. Donovan went to Germany early in his career and did not have that great a time, some media type thought he put in one of the worst Champions League performances ever. After not finding success he decided to return home and be the best player in the MLS. After a loan spell in Germany last year, which he was ok in, he returned to MLS. At the end of last season Donovan decided to join Everton on a 10 week loan and so far it has been a success. He made his debut for the Toffees against Arsenal on January 9 in a 2–2 draw and set up Everton's first goal with a corner. Donovan went on to start his next game with the club on January 16 in a 2-0 win over Manchester City F.C. Landon contributed a full 90 plus minutes to the game until his substitution in the 91st minute. He exited the field to a standing ovation from the Everton fans at Goodison Park. Donovan scored his first Everton goal against Sunderland on January 27 in a 2–0 home win. He also played a full 90 minutes in Everton's back-to-back victories over Chelsea and Manchester United, at that time first and second in the table respectively.

A couple of year ago, I questioned Donovan's heart and commitment to being the best player that he could be because he was staying in MLS and not looking at heading at playing in Europe. Those questions have now been answered and now count me on the Landon Donovan band wagon. The biggest winner in Donovan's trip to the Premier League is US Soccer come the World Cup, the national team will be able to pull from Donovan's experiences in the toughest league in the world and be able to lead the teams. So I will say this again, I was wrong Landon and you have really changed my opinion of you.

John Wall Dance is everywhere

Everything that John Wall does is news is in for the Big Blue Nation, now something is becoming national news, The John Wall Dance. Wall broke the dance out at the Midnight Madness and it seems to sweeping the nation. Kids, hunters, and old people are doing the dance. Here are some of the best of the best from around the web. He you can even become a fan of it on facebook, so it must be big.

The Hunter doing the John Wall Dance

John Wall Dance through History

John Wall Dance on the Great Wall of China

OTWT has the Olympic Spirit

The men's ice hockey tournament has kicked off and so far things could not better. OTWT is really in the mood even ordering a Patrick Kane Team USA shirt (above). It should be a great tournament and can not wait to watch it.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

OTWT:Olympic Hockey Thoughts

A couple of months ago, the United States shocked the world and went into Canada and beat the Canadians to win the World Junior Championships. Now the Canadians might have their shot at revenge as they get ready to host the Olympics. The Olympic hockey tournament is one of my favorites events, the tournament is played at such a high level its amazing. After breaking down the teams and the watching countless games this year, here are OTWT predication for the best hockey tournament in the world

Gold: Russia: Geno and Ovie can you name more dynamic players in the world. The thing about the duo is that they do not care about the crowd, they love playing in tough places.

Silver: Canada: They might have the best team on paper, but what is going to happen when something goes wrong will the crowd turn on them or will they be supportive. The Canadians were heavy favorites to win the WJC and fell in the final. I have a feeling that this might be more of the same.

Bronze: Sweden: The Sedin twins and Backstrom what more could you ask for. People forget that they are the defending champs and the champs until someone knocks them out.

Cover Story: Super Saints

The Saints beat the Colts in a good Super Bowl. Here is how the newspapers in Indianapolis and New Orleans covered the game.

The Times Picayune

The Advocate

Kokomo Tribune

Indianapolis Star

The NFL should follow UEFA

A couple of year ago UEFA made a brilliant decision, yes I said that they made a good decision. The governing body of European soccer decided to move its flagship event the Champions League final from Wednesday to Saturday. The move would allow more people to enjoy the event and not have to worry about going to work the next day. This years finals will be the first held on the weekend.

Maybe the NFL should do the same with its flagship event the Super Bowl. Sure tradition has it that the NFL plays its biggest event on Sunday. Moving the event back a day would allow for lot more people to enjoy the game and not have to worry about heading to school or work the next the day. Its one thing to start the game at 4 p.m. on a Sunday, but to start it at almost 6:30 p.m. means the game is not ending to after 10 p.m., if you are lucky.

"It is clear that great sports traditions can clearly be altered if there is value in doing so. And in a survey by the American Mustache Institute of its 2,000-plus members, nearly 80 percent said they would support moving the Super Bowl to Saturday,'' wrote Dr. Abraham Froman at the Huffington Post.

Moving the event would also allow mean more production at work on the Monday after the Super Bowl. Most Monday's after the Super Bowl are a waste, some of the people in the office are tired from the watching the game and maybe even hungover after enjoying one to many adult beverages. There would be none of those excuses if the game was moved to Saturday.

I know the NFL thinks that they are biggest league in the world but maybe they should follow someone lead.

WJC guys like the outdoors

In January the United States World Junior team shocked the world and beat Canada for the title, but since then they have all gone their separate ways. Cam Fowler head back to Windsor, AJ Jenks headed Plymouth, and the college kids headed back to campus to finish their season.

But one thing strange has happened over the month since the players have been back at their teams. Five of the players that were on the team have played in a variety of outdoor games. Boston College's Chris Kreider and Boston University's David Warsofsky played in the Frozen Fenway Classic (pictured above) at Fenway Park, while the University of Wisconsin trio of Jake Gardiner, John Ramage, and Derek Stephan played in the Camp Randall Classic game against Michigan.

The NHL Winter Classic has been a huge success and many colleges with big football stadiums are doing similar games now. Next year Michigan State will play Michigan at the Big House on my birthday Dec. 11.

Cover Story: Later Mr. Terry

It did not take long for Don Fabio to let John Terry know what his future was as England Captain, 12 minutes to be exact. Here is how newspapers across the pond covered the big news.

The Times of London

The Guardian

The Cover Story: National Signing Day

National Signing Day is a big day around the country, but in some areas of the country its the only story in town. Here are some of the ways newspapers covered the annual celebration of college football recruiting.

The Tennessean

The Oklahoman
The Lincoln Journal Star (Nebraska)
The Advocate (Louisiana)
The Honolulu Advertiser
Athens Banner Herald
The Sun (Florida)

Raw vs. Smackdown Soccer Style

The two Manchester games between United and City have been epic wars. The Guardian asked people to come up with a photos for the games so far this year and this one for a take off of the WWE was the best.

The Fun of National Signing Day on Twitter

National Signing Day has always been a fun day for college football fans, but with twitter coming along it has added to the fun of the day.

Here are some of the best tweets from around the country about National Signing Day:

• Bogeythepup Was going to sign today, since it is National signing day, but all I have is email! Fax machines is so last century!
• EmilyBranch National signing day....it might as well be a holiday in Alabama! War Eagle!
• birdonthestreet I thought National Signing Day had to do with Sign Language, not sports.
• stadiumdrives RT @CaptainAnnoying: I wonder if deaf people get excited over National Signing Day, only to find out it's not what they thought it was.
• ScottASpecht Two most overrated days of the year: Groundhog Dog, and National Signing day. Their proximity isn't a coincidence.
• csstieber DON'T HATE, JUST EMBRACE THE CREEPINESS RT @cjane87: national signing day is the day i realize i am really, really pathetic.
• JandDShow National Signing Day > Valentines Day! CASE CLOSED
• SportsCentaur National Signing Day, only day where Dateline's Chris Hansen can't arrest men for talking about teenage boys on the web.
• slmandel Question: is signing day the last thing left keeping the fax machine relevant? They can't figure out a way to do this via internet?

I hope that everyone got the players that they wanted, but the real star on this National Signing Day was Twitter and some of the classic lines that came out, especially the one about Chris Hanson.

Happy National Signing Day

To all of the recruiting geeks out there Happy National Signing Day. Its like our Christmas. Do well today and national championship are sure to follow just look at Florida and Alabama.

So that was really boring

So that was really boring. The transfer window in the England close with little in the way of action except for Robbie Keane heading up north to play for Celtic. Above the Daily Mail breaks it down.

The State of Rutgers

For the last five years, the Rutgers football program has grown by leaps and bounds, but one thing is still missing from the program. During the last couple Rutgers has not done the best of jobs keeping the best instate players in the Garden State.

Since 2005, the Scarlet Knights have 11 total players out of the Rivals.com New Jersey top 10 recruits, approximately 40 percent of the those players came in the 2007 class.

The 2005 class did not feature a top 10 kid in the state signing with the Knights. The only kid in the Top 30 in the state to sign with Rutgers was Jabu Lovelace. Lovelance was the 26 ranked prospects in the state that year.

The break down on the classes is as follows:

• In the 2010 class: Chris Fonti, OL, Wayne Hills
• In the 2009 class: Isaac Holmes, DT, Hoboken; Logan Ryan, DB, Voorhees.
• In the 2008 class: Art Frost, OT, Manasquan; Rashad White, RB, Teaneck
• In the 2007 class: Anthony Davis, OT, Piscataway; Manny Abreu, LB, Union City; Mason Robinson, ATH, Somerville; Keith Newell, DE, Trenton Central.
• In the 2006 class: Kenny Britt, WR, Bayonne; Kordell Young, RB, West Deptford

During the same time period programs such as Notre Dame, Florida, Boston College, and Penn State have continued to take some of the best players in the state to far away locations. I know I'm being picky but the one thing that I would love to see Rutgers and Schiano do more is get more of the top kids to stay in state and play. The program has improved its talent base by a 1,000 percent since Schiano took over but in order to be that national power that everyone wants to see keeping five out of the top 10 players in state at home is a most.

Going Ole School: 1990 NHL Draft

YouTube is an amazing thing. While searching for something I came across this video of the 1990 NHL Draft. The names from this draft are pretty good from Brodeur to Tkachuk to Jagr. Another interesting thing to look at is the fashion and the almost mullet that some of the players have.