2010 SU basketball: 3-Ball not there?

On December 18, 2010 at the Dome in Syracuse, New York, a promising SU men's basketball team works on the Iona Gaels. With 7:10 left in the first quarter, the score is 24-18 Syracuse.

Jackson puts up a three..... No.

Brandon Triche tries one out, hmmm, not there. Undefeated SU has been spinning, winning, and pulverizing their opponents in the paint, however they can't seem to sink an outside shot.

Starting point guard Scoop Jardine cannot convert on the "conventional" three point play after a foul going up to the hoop with 6:40 left in the first, however, it is becoming clear that Jardine, Triche , may be the teams only two go-to guys who can convert on the "un" conventional three point play, the 3-ball.

The team moves on as we see Dion Waiters with the tasteful stuff in transition. SU still has the razzle dazzle, but will it be enough?

As the score progresses to 31-20 , SU starts to pull away with their largest lead of the night.

Airball from 15 feet out by Jackson. Humhph.

Then Iona answers with a three by Jenkins. The Iona Gaels continue to trail persistently by no more than 5 or 10 points behind the Orange and enjoy a better 3 point range shooting percentage than SU at close to 35% (http://statsheet.com/mcb/beyondthearc/teams/iona).

Collectively, SU's shooting from behind the arc is set at 29.0%, putting the Orange at 293rd in the nation in this category. What's more startling is that statistics show that teams who can go to the hoop but struggle from three point range, don't win NCAA championships, in fact, they don't even make it to the NCAA tournament (http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/tag/_/name/scoop-jardine).

This all can change. Jardine and Triche have no choice but to step it up.

By the half, SU is out-rebounded by Iona by one rebound, so Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim checks in freshman phenom Fab Melo to help grab some rebounds. However, Boeheim retracts this decision and pulls the ailing Melo out 30 seconds later, as the center is limping on his right leg, showing he is still not 100%, still bothered by a knee injury.

"The Big Three" then for SU, Scoop Jardine, Rick Jackson, and Brandon Triche are forced to turn the heat on Iona, and extend the SU lead to 10 early in the 2nd half.

Dion Waiters gives a helping hand to the trio by continuing to pound the paint.

However, Iona continues to exploit the Orange's signature zone defense's one weakness, the outside shot, and the three point shot. SU's lead wavers around 5 with about 15 minutes left in the game. Jackson does what he can to power SU to a 12 point lead. It begins to look a lot like Christmas as SU holds onto the lead.

Then, Mike Glover for Iona hits the rim one to many times from the baseline for Boeheim, and he calls a time-out to talk it over.

Southerland then comes in for SU and hits a big three from way downtown, a much needed spark for the Orange's outside shooting confidence.

Then "The Canadien" Kris Joseph ( #32 shown right) slams one down off of an assist by Triche to extend SU's lead to 15, their biggest lead of the night.

Iona will not go quietly though, as Kyle Smyth hits a few threes for the Gaels, in vain as the Orange continue to percolate in the paint. However, SU continues to look nervous and reluctant to shoot from even 15 feet out.

Almost a nail biter, undefeated SU comes up with the win over unranked Iona 83-77.

Big shoes to fill: Favre's temporary replacement Jackson has phenomenal first day

As Favre comes out early in the game on the third play in an unusual Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills on December 5, 2010 in Minnesota. Favre took a hit that left him wincing in pain and holding his shoulder. Favre lingered on the sidelines for a few moments, then went into the locker room for medical attention. His return to the game was questionable.

Tavaris Jackson, QB for the Minnesota Vikings stepped up to the plate an delivered a show stopping performance to propel the Vikings to a 38-14 win over the Bills.

Tavaris Jackson threw two touchdown passes to Sidney Rice of Minnesota, the first one culminating in a phenomenal tug of war in the end zone as Rice came down locked in a struggle for the ball with a Bills defender. After further review, the play was ruled a touchdown and was just an excellent play by Rice by not giving up on the play and wrestling the ball away form his defender in mid-air.

Then, Jackson to RB Adrian Peterson for a short 2 yard drive for the touchdown, the first of three rushing TD's scored by this powerful key player for the Vikings running game.

Replacement QB Jackson made a few turnovers including a "pick 6" ran back for a defensive touchdown for the Bills. However, Jackson make a few key plays including a 15 yard run for the first down with 11:40 left in the second half. That is a play that Favre himself may have been to bashful to attempt. While it could be argued that this was just another play that was indicative of Jackson's inexperience, it shows that Jackson is willing to do what it takes to advance the ball down the field, and several complete passes later, the second TD rush by Peterson.

Jackson is looking tough for the Vikings, and there is no question Jackson is in contention for Favre's replacement when the time comes for Favre to finally hang it up.

Another TD pass to Rice for the Vikings with 8:00 left in the 2nd brings the Vikings to a 28-7 lead.

At the half, 31 unanswered points by the Vikings have been scored. As the Bills start to look like they did in the beginning of the season, struggling all across the board, the Bills continue to play very poor defense as Adrian Peterson rushes for his third touchdown of the night, through a hole in the Bills defensive line the size of Texas.

Favre or no Favre, it was no surprise that this was going to be an impressive offensive display by the Vikings, but one almost has to feel sorry for the Bill's defense (or lack thereof) for their inability to contain Peterson.

The Buffalo Bills show they still have some fight left as they score a late touchdown with 4:00 left in the fourth, making the final score a not-so-embarrassing 38-14 Vikings.

-C.T. Minardi

Triple Overtime in Newark!

In one word, it was electric. On December 1, 2010 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the New Jersey Nets took on the Oklahoma City Thunder in what some are calling "one of the best NBA games, ever." Kevin Durant, the NBA's defending leading scorer, sat out of this epic game between Durant's team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the New Jersey Nets.

With Durant sitting helplessly on the sidelines, it was necessary for someone else on the Thunder to step up his game. That man's name is Russell Westbrook (0) of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who dazzled the crowd with a show-stopping performance of 38 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists in the game. In the third overtime, Westbrook scored all 13 of the Thunder's points, bringing his team to an Oklahoma City 123, New Jersey 120 win.

The win marked the first triple overtime win in the Thunder's franchise history.

The last time the Nets went into triple overtime was at Orlando, in 1995.
The Thunder came out at halftime trailing by five, and went on to an 11-2 run four minutes into the third quarter. Then Oklahoma City point guard Jeff Green scored 7 of his 10 third quarter points in the final 2:25 of the third to give the Thunder a 71-62 lead.
Then New Jersey came back with an 11-3 run as time ticked away in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City connected on four free throws to regain the lead, then a step-into three by Anthony Morrow of the Nets tied the score and sent this one into OT.

Without Durant, Green stepped up his game as well. Green scored a career high 37 points, and connecting on three free throws as the clock wound down during the second overtime, with the score Thunder 107, Nets 110 that made me bite my nails until they bled, sending the game into triple overtime.

Lopez and Morrow of the Nets fought valiantly to even the score as the multiple overtime game developed into a spectacular offensive display on both sides of the board.

Serge Ibaka for the Oklahoma City Thunder fouled out, leaving the spotlight to shift to Westbrook, who put on an amazing one-man display of 13 straight points in the third overtime, leaving the Net's heads spinning.

A game that could have easily went into four of five overtimes ended with a final score of 123-120, Oklahoma City.

-C.T. Minardi

Syracuse Orange football bowl bound for the first time since '04

It's time to turn the page in Syracuse football history.

It is officially the Doug Marrone Era.

With a 13-10 win over Rutgers, November 13, 2010 in Piscataway, NJ, the Syracuse Orange become bowl eligible for the first time since 2004, back when Syracuse Athletics first dropped the "Men" in "Orangemen" to be known simply as the Syracuse Orange.

With 1:07 on the clock, Syracuse freshman Ross Krautman nailed a 24 yard field goal to seal the win. It was the Orange's fourth Big East victory, also for the first time since '04, when the Orange team was run by a man by the name of Paul Pasqualoni. Second year head coach for the Orange Doug Marrone is the former offensive coordinator for last year's NFL Super Bowl champs the New Orleans Saints.

A straight shooter with no time for nonsense, Marrone was determined to bring back to Syracuse the winning football organization that was developed under Pasqualoni. And boy did he deliver! Proving that football is truly a "game of inches" and that it is of utmost importance to master the realm of "small ball" such as special teams and basic offensive and defensive football fundamentals, Marrone has lit a fire under this Syracuse Orange team that doesn't appear to be going out anytime soon. It has even been rumored that Marrone demanded the players show up early to practice, make it to every class on time when able, (excluding time taken off for games) and to be clean-cut and ready to play football each and every day.

And what a difference the coaching style of Doug Marrone has brought to this team! Not sure of what bowl they may be headed to, QB Ryan Nassib is quoted as saying, "We're very excited! We're not concerned about what bowl we go to, we're just happy to be able to make it to one."

Along with the 24 yard winning field goal, Syracuse kicker Krautman also booted a career-long 48 yard field goal in the game for the Orange, who go into bowl eligibility 7-3 on the season and 4-2 in Big East Conference standings. Nassib has been the face of the Orange's newly aggressive offense, but let's not forget it's the little things that win games and send teams to higher places, in this case a field goal clinched the win.

Ryan Nassib threw for 214 total yards including a short four yard touchdown pass to Antwon Bailey. RB Delone Carter as well as Bailey rushed for decent field position to set up Krautman for the winning field goal.

Head coach Doug Marrone has brought his team to 7-3 overall, with four wins on the road in the Big East Conference. Marrone has achieved five true road wins on the season for the Orange (one in Akron) last achieved in 1992 under Pasqualoni.

Marrone now has more wins with (11) in less than two seasons than previous Syracuse Orange coach Greg Robinson had in four years with (10) wins (ESPN Stats and Information).

Rutgers, with a touchdown and a field goal in the match up, tried to employ a wildcat offense towards the end of the game out of sheer desperation. Unfortunately for Rutgers, a 12 yard run by Mohamed Sanu and a six yard run by Jeremy Deering to put Rutgers within field goal range proved to be too little too late for this year's outstanding Syracuse Orange defense.

The Orange, Marrone, and Nassib wait with baited breath to assume their rightful bowl position in this exciting 2010 Syracuse football season.

-C.T. Minardi

The Terps are back!

It's official. The Maryland Terrapins are back in action this year. On Saturday 10/30/10, against Wake Forest in College Park, Maryland, the scene started out like any other college football game. What ensued was proof that the Terrapins (now 6-2, 3-1 ACC standings) are in great shape and in contention for the ACC Atlantic Division Title.

Right out of the gate, the Terps grabbed two interceptions and returned them for touchdowns.

The score more than tripled to 48-7 Terps by 9:15 left in the 3rd quarter. Where is Chris Berman from ESPN to say "WWWWhaaaatt!!"

This exponential increase in points happened in the blink of an eye after the score was 10-7 Maryland, as the Terrapins scored 38 points in 18:15 following the second pick returned for a touchdown. Not only did Maryland close the day with two defensive touchdowns, the mighty Terps also blocked two punts!

In a flash, it was........

Danny O'Brien (#5, QB for Maryland) to LaQuan Williams in the end zone for a touchdown.

Ralph Friedgen, head coach for Maryland, looked like he was watching a game of pong as the Terps bounced from end zone to end zone.

2nd string QB for the Terps, #11 Robinson, finishes out the game and continues to put the hurtin' on Wake Forest.

With Jamarr Robinson in control, RB Davin Meggett makes it 54-7 Maryland with a little less than 3:00 minutes in the 3rd!

At this point, every touchdown was scored by a different Terp.

After the extra point, making the score 55-7, Maryland, Wake Forest tries to muster up some steam with a 40+ yard punt return. Wake Forest's starting quarterback Taylor Price was given decent field position with a fighting chance to chip away at the Terps score. Wake Forest is winless on the road, with all of their away games shut-outs, however, none quite like this. Price is backed to pass and.. what's this!? Maryland defensive back Antwine Perez comes up with the Terp's 4th sack of the game!

It's 3rd and 19 with one minute left in the 3rd quarter. Taylor Price for Wake Forest is backed to pass.... however, cannot convert on this crucial 3rd down.

Wake Forest decides to go for it on 4th down.... and scores! Via a pass from Price to WR Terrence Davis to break a 45 point scoring streak by Maryland to make the score 55-14 Terps. This long overdue touchdown pass was Davis's first collegiate career touchdown.

However, the Terps turn around and score again with about 7:00 minutes remaining in the game, making the score an unbelievable 62-14, as D.J. Adams, a redshirt freshman from Florida, rushes for the touchdown. At this particular point, 8 different Terps had scored TD's without ANY of them repeating.

Wake Forest, who's name (believe it or not) is the "Demon Deacons" fall to 1-4 ACC and 2-6 overall, while Maryland sports almost the exact opposite at 3-1 ACC and 6-2 overall.

Wake Forest loses their 6th consecutive game, as the Terps match their highest score ever in an ACC game. Go Terps!

The Maryland Terrapins will play the Miami Hurricanes this Saturday at Miami.

-C.T. Minardi

Big East Opener! SU vs. USF

Saturday in Tampa Florida the Big East college football season kicks off with Syracuse University and the University of South Florida. Both teams go into the game 3-1 on the season. SU is looking for its first 4-1 start since 1999. This is also SU head Coach Doug Marrone's first Big East game coaching the Orange.

Q.B's for the University of South Florida and Syracuse University are B.J. Daniels and Ryan Nassib, respectively. This game was a defensive struggle as I predicted, punctuated with exciting offensive plays later in the game. New quarterback Nassib for the Orange showed his moxy in the SU driver's seat and SU rising stars Delone Carter and Marcus Sales showed thousands of screaming fans what SU football is all about.

And what a defensive struggle it turned out to be! Early in the game, SU safety Max Suter gets a sack with about 8:15 left in the first quarter. Unfortunately, as a turnover on downs progressed, SU was called for roughing the kicker, giving USF an automatic first down.

Then the boys in Orange come up with another sack! This time by Brandon Sharp # 91. He has two sacks on the season, and brought SU's total sacks to ten, at this early point in the game.

However, the penalty-plagued Orange began their offense sluggishly, but continued to play top-notch D, resulting in the tension filled battle this game would prove to be.

USF comes up with the first points on the board with a field goal early in the second quarter after a scoreless first quarter. In last year's match-up between the two teams at the Dome in Syracuse, USF came up with five interceptions. Not this time! SU began to find their offensive rhythm and continued to do a great job defensively, applying pressure to the pocket and forcing B.J. Daniels to make some hasty decisions, as Holmes comes up with another sack for SU towards the end of the third.

Both teams had trouble converting on 3rd and long, as well as converting in the red zone. Each team was also penalty-prone towards the end of the second half, but whats this!! A few SU penalties later, freshman Jeremy Wilkes # 28 reads B.J. Daniels' offensive rhythm and comes up with a pick for the Orange, giving them a chance to even up the score, now 9-6, USF.

In the fourth, Ryan Nassib to Marcus Sales for the touchdown.

The crowd goes........... silent?

Sales puts the Orange up 13-9 after a successful field goal, a lead the Syracuse Orange would hold on to for the remainder of the game.

Ryan Nassib went 5 for 5 on passes including the winning TD pass on his closing drive.


10/10/10 This day in history: Former Central New York Onondaga Central High School football star Mike Hart gets his first career touchdown for the Indianapolis Colts.

Thank Goodness it's Sunday!

This year's first NFL Sunday pitted the Washington Redskins against the Dallas Cowboys. From the beginning, it was all Redskins. Redskins Quarterback Donovan McNabb threw for 171 yards. It was a good win for the Redskins who were coming off of a pre-McNabb season of being 4-12, and going 0-6 in the NFC East. McNabb, who hails from Syracuse University, did well in the pocket with a 60% completion percentage on passes over 10 yards.

This is the third time in a row Donovan McNabb has played against the Dallas Cowboys! He is the first player to face the same team three times since the 1970 merger. His former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, lost 24-0 to the Cowboys at the end of the 2009 regular season, then 34-14 the following week in the playoffs! Bringing it around to the first NFL Sunday, you would think McNabb would have a feel for the Cowboys defense. It's amazing that this game wasn't a blowout. The Redskins and Cowboys have always had a rivalry, and Sunday McNabb and the 'Skins did not disappoint!

McNabb found receiver Santana Moss and Chris Cooley pretty well in the pocket against the Cowboys predictable single man coverage. McNabb was with the Eagles for 11 years. Lets hope he finds his niche with the Redskins and gives us more of his exciting, cliffhanger style football we've come to expect from him.

And what a cliffhanger this game was! Injured Cowboy DeMarcus Ware left the game with 4:31 left in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a mild concussion. Little did he know all the action was about to unfold!

The Redskins offense could be described as fluid, with a nice mix of completed passes and smart running plays. In fact, the only mistake the Redskins made was a botched field goal attempt early in the game. Though they didn't get an offensive touchdown, the Redskins clinched the game with another field goal from their 39 yard line for a score of 13-7 Redskins.

But what's this!? The Cowboys take possession and a 31 yard completion is made to # 19 Miles Austin, who gained 146 yards total in the game for the Cowboys. It is at this point the Cowboys employ a hurry-up offense to try and bridge the 66 yard gap between them and their end zone.

The scene is now 2nd and 10, Cowboys QB Tony Romo is backed to pass and throws, and it is caught at the 31 yard line by Bryant. Now 53 yards away, The score is 13-7 Redskins, so a field goal attempt is not worth it. The Cowboys continue to fight, however they are plagued by penalties late in the game and even a completed touchdown pass by Romo is voided after an offensive holding call. This was a tough break for the Cowboys, who fought till the very end but just didn't play smart football.

Next Sunday night is sure to top this one......

It's the Indianapolis Colts vs the New York Giants.....

Pitting brother against brother!

Manning vs Manning!

Move over Ken and Ryu. ...This is sure to be one for the ages!