Mayer: Indiana State-NCAA Tournament Bound?

I'll start this off by saying a whole lot of the college basketball season is remaining. There are only so many teams that have their names already sharpied into brackets. Indiana State is far from a guarantee, but the likelihood of an at large bid increased greatly with a phenomenal victory at Wichita State.

Courtesy ISU Athletics

The Shockers were the #15 team in the country, had recently taken over the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference, and had won 19 straight games at home. Coming in, it looked like a chance for ISU to claim a season altering victory. The Sycamores showed up big time and played their gritty brand of basketball to perfection (with the help of a 2-3 zone that stopped the Shockers from getting inside often).

Put it this way, if the season ended today I would fully expect the Sycamores to get in. They may be one of the last four teams in, but that will do. Indiana State is in third place in the MVC with a 14-7 (7-3) record. They're only a half game behind Creighton and one game behind Wichita State with games at the Hulman Center remaining against both teams.

I've said this before; Indiana State is two different squads depending on the intensity level they bring to games. That is a cliche often used in sports, but it could not be more true with this Sycamores team. Simply put, they are not talented or mature enough to win tough games without playing a relentless style. However, when they attack on defense, out hustle the other team, and play with physical tenacity, the opposition is often worn down.

Courtesy ISU Athletics

This can be seen from looking at some of the games ISU has won and lost. The Sycamores have impressive victories over Top 25 teams in Miami and Ole Miss (neutral court) and Wichita State (road). Indiana State is 39th in RPI. When deciding the tournament teams, wins against Top 25 teams are huge...away from home is even more important. The Sycamores strong RPI also greatly helps their cause. ISU stuck with Creighton and San Diego State in losses as well.

On the other hand, the Sycamores lost at Illinois State and SIU, two teams that are not as close to as good as Indiana State. Although, the Redbirds were picked high in the MVC pre-season, they have not panned out as expected.

Despite those losses, it is clear the Sycamores are for real. They have the ability to play with the top teams in the country and if they execute their brand of basketball, it's difficult to beat them. Eight games remain for Indiana State to prove themselves worthy of a shot in the big dance.

Courtesy ISU Atheltics

Pensky: TH North/South: The Rivalry

Jason Pensky looks at the rivalry between Terre Haute North and Terre Haute South days before the boys and girls basketball teams face off at The Hulman Center.

Pugh: Thank Goodness for Football

In a week full of liars and made-up girlfriends, Sunday can't get here soon enough. The 2 biggest sports stories of early 2013 involve Lance Armstrong admitting to cheating, and Manti Te'o's fake girlfriend. I'm not going to get into details about these, you can find all the information you want through other outlets. I'm here to talk about actual games...not "he said, she said," but the 2 Championship games taking place this Sunday.

Courtesy: USA Today

In the NFC, the #1 seed Atlanta Falcons welcome #2 seed San Francisco 49ers to the Georgia Dome for a 3pm kickoff. The 49ers are on a roll. They ran past Green Bay last weekend thanks to their second year quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Jim Harbaugh is one of the top 5 coaches in the league right now, and carries with him a ferocious defense. Harbaugh's move to replace Alex Smith with Kaepernick turned out to be the biggest personnel switch of the season, and it could pay "Super" dividends for the Bay Area.

The Atlanta Falcons have the monkey off their backs. After hearing for weeks that they can't win a playoff game, Matt Ryan and company got it done last week against Seattle. The Falcons are the top seed for a reason. Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez deliver one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL. Don't forget about Atlanta's defense, they were able to win a game this season in which Ryan threw 5 interceptions.

Courtesy: sbnation.com

The Matchup: the 49ers are in their second straight NFC Championship game and are the favorites. San Fran is 2-2 in domes this season with wins at Arizona and New Orleans and losses to Minnesota and St. Louis. Everyone seems to be picking the 49ers to knock off the birds, but when was the last time that a #1 seed has "flown" this much under the radar? It's amazing what getting that first playoff win can do for your confidence (see Aaron Rodgers in 2010), and I think Matty Ice lives up to his name with another last second comeback. Falcons 27, 49ers 24

Courtesy: SWR

In the AFC, Tom Brady is playing in his 7th AFC Championship game, tying him with Joe Montana for the most all-time. The #3 seed Patriots welcome the Ray Lews Farewell Tour and the #5 seed Ravens to Foxboro Sunday night at 6:30pm. Like them or not, the Patriots have set the bar for what a modern day franchise should be in sports. If someone goes down or leaves, another piece just steps up for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

Courtesy: ibtimes.com

We are one blown coverage away from having another Manning-Brady matchup, but credit the Ravens for knocking off the #1 seed Broncos last week in double OT. The Ravens are a totally different team with Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, and Bernard Pollard back. Add in the Ray Lews retirement factor and this team is playing with nothing to lose. If you remember, they were just one Lee Evans drop away from representing the AFC in the Super Bowl last year.

The Matchup: the Patriots are favored at home (as they should be). Tom Brady is looking to become the first quarterback ever to play in 6 Super Bowls. However, the loss of Rob Gronkowski allows the Ravens D to keep Hernandez in the middle of the field and spy on Wes Welker. Brady is 5-2 all-time against the Ravens, but only 1-1 against them in the postseason...remember that drop from last year? I think the Ravens will slay the giant and get Ray Lews back into the Promised Land.
Ravens 31, Patriots 30

In a week filled with foolishness off the field, here's hoping you can find some time to enjoy the actual games on Sunday. There's only 3 games left so you better soak all of them up while you can.

Happy Football!

Mayer: A Disappointing National Championship

One of my biggest pet peeves in sports are awful championship games, especially when that game has an incredible amount of hype. I'm not sure there could have been much more anticipation for Alabama vs Notre Dame. Arguably, the two most storied programs in college football going head to head for the right to call themselves the champions.

Most everyone could admit that Alabama was the superior team coming in despite their one loss and Notre Dame's undefeated record. Nick Saban has created an almost unstoppable machine in Tuscaloosa. Despite that, this was not a "Alabama is going to absolutely crush the Irish, Notre Dame has no chance" situation.

Personally, I thought Notre Dame would win the game by a point or two. I figured, Alabama is bigger, faster, and stronger; but Notre Dame plays just like them and has found a way to win all year. A low scoring defense oriented ball game could really go either way. Well, I was wrong. Very wrong.

This wasn't a beat down or a butt whooping. It was a thrashing, an embarrassment, a demolition derby. This game looked like the Patriots playing a high school all star team....it wasn't even close. Honestly, you could tell after the first couple of series (despite some questionable referee calls) that the Irish were going to have a very long night.

Courtesy nypost.com

Admittedly, I wanted Notre Dame to win. It was one of the few times I have ever rooted for the Irish, but I savored the thought of seeing the SEC and its most dominant team not win the National Championship...again.  More then anything though, I wanted a classic. I wanted to witness history, a gritty hard fought game that came down to the last second where one play won the game creating a moment everyone watching would never forget. Instead, I wasted about four hours of my life.

A couple of conclusions can be reached from this game.

1. Despite their other disappointing bowl losses the SEC is still far and away the best conference in college football. More then that, Alabama is a superpower. They may win another three titles in the next four years, it wouldn't surprise me. Nick Saban is quickly turning into a legend. As our own Grant Pugh said day after day, give Saban a month to game plan and he's going to win. I agree.

2. Notre Dame was not the first or second best team in the country, but it was still a great season. I think most of us knew this going into the game. The Irish probably should have lost to Pittsburgh and Stanford, but got lucky. Still, a program that was buried for over 20 years is most definitely back and Brian Kelly has them on the right track. 

3. Now more then ever college football needs a playoff. After that performance, I seriously doubt if Notre Dame gets past Oregon, Florida, or maybe Kansas State. Beyond the obvious stupidity of how the BCS works, the absurd length of time in between the season finale and championship game will finally be solved. (Also Nick Saban will no longer have a month to game plan and maybe that will give other teams a semblance of hope). I'm of the opinion that the playoff should be eight teams, but a playoff of any sort is progress.

Hopefully the divisional round of the NFL playoffs can make up for a college football championship game that was tough to watch.

Courtesy nbctv33.com

Mayer: My First Pizza Hut Classic Experience

It wasn't a week after I started working at NBC 2 that I heard about the Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic. Grant and Jason were obviously already looking forward to one of the Wabash Valley's marquee sporting events and I can now say, it lived up to expectations.

I've covered high school sports in different capacities before starting at WTWO and since including high school basketball this season. However, at no other point has the true love of high school bball in this state been displayed better. I guess this is why they say"In 49 states it's just basketball."

The atmosphere from day one through the title game could not have been better and at points was bordering on stunning. I mean this tournament was a marathon. 28 games over four days (27 after the Owen Valley forfeit due to snow). That's another thing, there were multiple days of some nasty winter weather, but fans would not be deterred. Game after game had great attendance.

The players were pumped up coming in and didn't disappoint in their performances although you could see certain squads clearly disappointed in the games following their elimination. That's pretty understandable, although there were some great match ups on the consolation side of the bracket. That's mostly due to the random draw. I think that is the one major improvement that should be implemented for The Classic. It would make much more sense to do a coaches/media poll and have the tournament seeded instead of a random draw. 

 Rockville was a deserving champion (I'll pat myself on the back for picking them in the beginning). They weren't the flashiest team, but constantly forced their tempo on the opposing squad. Lane Mahurin is a match up nightmare even for players his size. The Rox are a tough squad that aren't afraid to get physical, best exemplified  by Joel Wittenmyer who got elbowed very hard in the nose and was bleeding profusely. Keiontre Wilkey also was elbowed and had some bleeding, but both played and helped the Rox win. Here's a recap of title run.

I have to spotlight the quarter final game between Terre Haute North and Robinson. The Patriots and Maroons along with the Rox were the best teams at the Classic. The game between North and Robinson was in a word EPIC. Aaron Siler put Robinson on his back scoring 39 points, only one behind Indiana State Sycamores star R.J. Mahurin for most in a single game at the tournament. The Terre Haute South gym was packed to capacity with an atmosphere that reminded me of a small Assembly Hall. The game was a heavyweight fight with each team refusing to back down. Easily one of the best basketball games I've ever covered.

Overall, the Pizza hut Wabash Valley Classic was basketball at its finest. The tournament was well orchestrated and the passion from every player, coach, and fan could not have been better. I had an absolute blast covering the tournament.

Pugh: ISU Welcomes Mike Sanford

Two weeks after Trent Miles leaves for Georgia State, Indiana State lands a new leader. ISU Athletic Director, Ron Prettyman, announced the hiring of Utah State Assistant, Mike Sanford, Friday afternoon. A formal news conference welcoming Sanford to the Sycamores will happen on Monday.

Courtesy: MyLVSports.com

Mike Sanford has built a very impressive resume over the last few years. He's currently the Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs/Tight Ends Coach at #22 Utah State. The Aggies finished the season 10-2 and will play Toledo Saturday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Utah State currently ranks 37th in the nation with 191.7 yards per game.

2012 was Sanford's first and only season with Utah State. Previously, he spent two seasons at the University of Louisville as an Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach. Prior to being a Cardinal, Sanford was Head Coach at UNLV from 2005-2009, with a 16-43 record in Vegas. His coaching resume was one of the big reasons he was high on Indiana State's list.

Sanford will inherit a different Indiana State team than Trent Miles did back in 2008. The Sycamores are no longer one of the nation's worst programs. They are also coming off three straight winning seasons for the first time since the 60's. Indiana State will have some holes to fill next season, but there's still plenty of talent around Sycamore county. Pairing one of the best running backs in the nation with an offensive minded Sanford could mean big things for the ISU offense in 2013.

Mayer: Why Not Expand the Crossroad Classic?

The Crossroads Classic, being played this weekend, was a fantastic idea that went very well last year and looks to build on that success this weekend. We will have coverage from the Classic game between Indiana and Butler. Notre Dame will face off against Purdue as well. The four schools kicked off the first year of the double header held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse last year with Indiana defeating Notre Dame and Butler sneaking past Purdue.

Courtesy bankerslifefieldhouse.com

To think it took this long for someone to come up with a day where the major Indiana college basketball teams meet to play at the NBA arena in Indianapolis is surprising. After all, this is the "basketball state". Yes, most would say that Indiana is known for its high school hoops, but what fan of basketball would not want to see the Hoosiers, Boilermakers, Bulldogs, and Fighting Irish square off in a rotating double header at the home of the Pacers each year. (Although, it should be noted that the rotation is not complete because IU and Purdue avoid playing each other due to their mutual conference). It's as simple as it is brilliant, especially with all four teams making significant strides or having a national presence in recent years.

My questions is this: Why limit the Crossroads Classic to just four teams? There is tremendous basketball being played all across the Hoosier State and I would be extremely surprised if other schools wouldn't jump at the opportunity to get in on the fun at Bankers Life. Not only that, but there are some really good teams other than the "big four" that would give fans plenty of reason to make the Crossroads Classic a two day event.

Courtesy cbslocal.com

Now, I don't want to leave any schools out, but the writing is on the wall which squads would be a perfect fit to expand and enhance the college basketball derby in Indy. Those teams are: Indiana State Sycamores, Ball State Cardinals, IUPUI Jaguars, and Evansville Purple Aces. Think about it, a two day event would bring in fans from every corner of the state in a celebration of Indiana college basketball.

My first choice would be to make this a tournament which would just be too much fun. The seedings would be based on rank and/or record (with power of conference a factor). Unfortunately, this might not be a realistic option due to the high amount of scrutiny and detail placed on every team's scheduling in college basketball. It's fun to think about though.

I propose a two day event and two "brackets" within the Classic. The first bracket would be IU, Purdue, Butler, and Notre Dame while the newcomers Indiana State, Ball State, IUPUI, and Evansville would make up the second bracket (Since Indiana State and Evansville both reside in the Missouri Valley Conference, the second bracket would act similarity to the first with those two schools not matching up). Taking a realistic approach and understanding ticket sales and TV ratings drive sports, the two bracket system is the best option.

Courtesy bankerslifefieldhouse.com

In regard to scheduling, both brackets would play on Saturday and Sunday which would ensure that all teams are able to play in front of a sizable crowd. Let's pretend that the expansion took place this year (Scheduling would be altered before hand with knowledge of the Classic. ISU already played Ball State and actually plays IUPUI this weekend) So, let's keep Saturday's already scheduled game of IUPUI and Indiana State as the opener followed by IU vs. Butler. Sunday would start with Ball State vs. Evansville followed by Purdue vs. Notre Dame.

It's a pretty simple set up and would only make the Crossroads Classic more entertaining and inclusive for all of  Indiana. Of course, this really does pale in comparison to an eight team seeded tournament. When discussing the idea with Jeremiah Johnson, who you all know from his time at WTWO and current work at Fox59, he came up with the best proposal of all. The eight team tournament taking place to open the season at Lucas Oil Stadium using the half stadium configuration. That's something I'll be day dreaming about for a while.

Courtesy skyscraperpage.com